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Arsenal FC: Ricardo Alvarez Is the First Signing for Next Season

2011-05-23T13:42:00.001+08:00

With the fantastic and breathtaking Premier League coming to an end for the season, Arsenal stands at the fourth position in the table under the leadership of manager Arsene Wenger. After making an eye-catching start and going on with a style at the midseason, Arsenal finally succumbed to pressure and lost out in the silver race.

Wenger promises to splash cash for Arsenal squad next season in an exception to his trend of low-budget signings. With captain Cesc Fabregas already again in the centre of "he-stays-he-leaves" drama, it seems like Samir Nasri is also on the verge of leaving Emirates this summer.

Though the news comes up everyday with a twist that whether Wenger wants to make stay Fabregas of let him go for a tag of $50 million, nothing has been confirmed about the status. As for the "contract rebel" Nasri (yes, that is what they call him now for not signing a contract), Wenger is trying to sort out a deal soon so that Nasri cannot leave for free at least.

It is obvious that Wenger will buy some players if he sells out some of his teammates, and reports claim that he has already made his first move in signing an attacking midfielder for the Gunners.

As per reports, Wenger has agreed to move for a pre-contract signing for Ricardo Alvarez, a 23-year-old attacking midfielder who currently plays for Argnetinian club Velez Sarsfield. Ricardo's contract runs out in June with his club, so Wenger can land him for free.

Th Argentinian plays as a second striker as well as an attacking midfielder for Velez. However, stats show that he scored a mere two goals in 46 matches from that position.

The 6'2" Alvarez played only 46 matches during his spell of three years at Velez, which is due to the fact that he was injured. Reports fail to identify a solid reason as to why Wenger is going for this under-average player from an unusual recruiting location.

On the positive side, reports claim that Alvarez has plenty of pace to bust attacks into the box and can run across the midfield to play at different attacking positions. He is also know for his powerful shots from range which can (sometimes) score a goal or two.

Arsene Wenger surely looks to make his attacking options stronger with this signing, but will this gamble be a good one for the Gunners? Wenger should definitely look forward to spending good cash in summer now to add some amount of satisfaction to the Gunners.

Arsenal Ready to Make Record Breaking Move for £22.5m Real Madrid Striker Karim Benzema

2011-04-29T11:23:00.001+08:00

Arsenal are ready to make a significant bid for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema this summer as Arsene Wenger looks to improve his side’s striking options. The French international has long been a target of the North London club and the Gunners boss will hope that the lure of regular first team football may tempt the former Lyon striker.

The 23 year old Bernabeu star is very much a back up player and though he initially failed to make the most of his run in the first team, that came as a result of long term injury to Argentine Gonzalo Higuain, a run of good form has led to the Real Madrid man netting 22 goals this season.

However Jose Mourinho has made it abundantly clear that he will be looking to refresh his attacking options with a move to sign another striker which will in turn leave Benzema once again warming the bench and could lead to the powerful forward looking to leave the Spanish giants.

Arsenal have had to rely heavily on Robin Van Persie for firepower over the past couple of seasons and injury concerns plague the Dutch international who has missed more games than he has started during his seven years at the club. New signing Marouane Chamakh started the season brightly but has looked well off the pace since Christmas and back up alternatives Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela are tipped to leave the club at the end of the season.

Whilst Arsene Wenger is known for being something of a spendthrift after six seasons without tangible success or silverware, the Frenchman is ready to make big name moves to help appease the star players he has at the club who are looking for a statement of intent in the form of established star signings this summer.

Real Madrid be looking for at least €25m (£22.5m) for Benzema and whilst that would represent a trasnfer record fee for Arsenal it is still some way below the €41m paid to Lyon for the young striker just under two years ago and a seemingly fair fee for a player of his age and potential.

Arsenal set to sign bundesliga top striker

2011-04-21T01:47:00.002+08:00

Arsenal will need to part with at least £13million if they want to solve their goalscoring crisis with Papiss Demba Cisse.
Arsene Wenger’s side have scored just seven goals in their last seven games – a poor return for their usually prolific free-flowing football – and have all but surrendered the title to Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Freiburg’s 25-year-old striker has scored 20 goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances this season putting the Senegalese forward at the top of a number of Europe’s top sides’ shopping list.
But German newspaper TZ claims the club has told anyone interested in the striker not to waste their time with any bids below £13m.

SOURCE: talkSPORT

Whilst there is no denying that Papiss Demba Cisse is in a rich vein of formit is also true that the Senegal international striker is a player that most football supporters had not have heard of prior to his Bundesliga exploits this term.

Arsene Wenger is known for opting to cut costs by spending relatively small amounts on rough diamonds that he can then hone into the finished polished article and it’s a process that may help Arsenal to keep the club on a sound financial footing, however it does require these players longer to bed in than established stars, which has in some ways left the North London club to be in a continual state of transition.

25 year Cisse has done fantastically well this season but it is worth noting that prior to this term the Dakar born striker had scored a grand total of six top tier goals having previously played predominantly in France’s Ligue 2.

Wenger is also tracking £9m rated Lorient forward Kevin Gameiro who has been very consistent over the past three seasons and is currently the second top scorer in France’s top tier, again though, he is not a big name. Clearly Arsenal have bought Laurent Koscielny from the same club last summer, could that signing be considered a success? Perhaps a month ago it could’ve been but the Frenchman has been shaky of late.

There has been much speculation that the Gunners boss is keen to chop and change his front line and such action seems much needed. Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela may be offloaded and there is even talk of a return to France for Marouane Chamakh, the Moroccan started the season with a bang but has looked out of his depth since November.

Arsenal supporters would probably like to see the club chase relative big names, maybe an offer for the likes of Karim Benzema, but Wenger seems happy to continue his tried and tested pattern of expenditure and in the main that plan of action has been a huge success but after six seasons without silverware, as it may well turn out to be, perhaps it’s time for the Emirates Stadium side to look for immediate returns on their investments?

Ben Foster Could be on his way to North London

2011-04-20T04:29:00.002+08:00

Quite how Ben Foster has doubled in value since Sir Alex Ferguson shrewdly offloaded him to Birmingham City I have no idea. £12million for a goalkeeper in a side that is clutching the Carling Cup as it spins at pace into the vortex of the relegation zone? As sensational as a Pot Noodle made with water from a hot tap.

It is a no brainer that both North Loindon managers need a new recruit in the goalkeeper department. Arsenal went past a sign marked, ‘No Return’ some time ago. About the same time they brought Mad Jens out of his Cryogenic Freezing Unit.

Spurs undoubtedly need someone to boost Gomes, who really too often looks like a man alone. Actually what Tottenham really need is a settled back four. There isn’t a keeper in the world who plays confidently in front of four new face each week.

Taarabt hopes for Arsenal move

2011-04-04T18:59:00.001+08:00

QPR striker Adel Taarabt has expressed a desire to leave the club in the summer with Arsenal believed to be his preferred destination

The Championship's player of the season is believed to have his heart set on a move to one of the country's top sides, irrespective of whether Rangers make it to the Premier League.

The 21-year-old, who has 15 goals to his name this season, has always said he wants to play on the biggest stage possible and Arsenal are thought to be his preferred choice.

Earlier this season he told the Metro: "'I like the way Arsenal play. If Arsenal come, of course, I'll be very happy."

The former Tottenham youngster courted controversy earlier this season when he admitted signing at White Hart Lane four years ago and instead should have headed for the Emirates.

"I would have had a better chance at Arsenal. It was a mistake [joining Spurs]. I would progress with Arsene Wenger because he is one of the best managers in the world," he said.

Arsenal chase the ‘German Messi’, Marko Marin

2010-11-03T18:12:00.001+08:00

German international Marko Marin's future remains unclear but reports in both the German and Bosnian media suggest Arsenal are the leading contenders to secure the 21-year-old's signature. Currently with Werder Bremen, the Bosnian-born midfielder has been linked with a host of clubs in recent months but the Gunners are rumoured to have moved ahead of the field.

Dubbed the "German Messi" by some people - probably his agent - Marin cost Bremen £7m when they signed him from Borussia Monchengladbach last year, but German reports suggest that his evaluation has now increased to around £15m. Whether Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could ever bring himself to part with such an amount, given that he's as tight as Cesc Fabregas's hamstring, isn't known but if he doesn't make a bid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester United might make an approach for the player who's made 15 appearances for Germany since his debut in 2008.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear the Blues have no interest in signing Liverpool's ailing striker Fernando Torres. The Spaniard's goalscoring form has gone into recession this year and Ancelotti has no plans to initiate a rescue package for the 26-year-old. "I always said that Torres is not our aim for the future because we have trust in a lot of our young players," Ancelotti told reporters, adding: "We have fantastic strikers in Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, and we have Salomon Kalou, fantastic young players like Daniel Sturridge and Gael Kakuta... if everyone stays fit, we won't need anyone else. I think we have a fantastic squad."

According to German rag Express (not to be confused with its British namesake), Manchester City are looking to spend their way out of their current malaise, which has seen then suffer back-to-back Premier League defeats to Arsenal and Wolves. Apparently City intend to bring winger Renato Augusto to Eastlands to strengthen their existing overpaid and underperforming squad. The 22-year-old Brazilian is plying is trade with German outfit Bayer Leverkusen this season, though a gammy knee has sidelined him recently. Nonetheless it's alleged City are preparing a £17m offer for the player. The Express quotes Leverkusen's sporting director Rudi Voeller as saying: "This shows that we have a good team here in Leverkusen. However, we cannot compete financially with the big European clubs."

And the Daily Mirror claims that City are also pursuing Blackpool keeper Matty Gilks as they seek to find a long-term understudy for Joe Hart. That role is currently filled by Ireland shotstopper Shay Given but with him rumoured to be leaving in January's transfer window, City boss Roberto Mancini is already eyeing replacements. The Mirror says that Mancini has been to watch Gilks in action for Blackpool and with the keeper's contract set to expire next summer, the Tangerines are keen to cash in on him while they can.

Finally, Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has dismissed as ludicrous reports suggesting Manchester United are about to pounce for Marek Hamsik and Edinson Cavani. If the rumours are to be believed United boss Alex Ferguson is about to loosen the purse strings as he looks to strengthen his squad but not as far as de Laurentiis is concerned. In an interview with Italian radio station Radio Marte he said: "I've read that Ferguson would like to buy Hamsik and Cavani for €40m (£35m) and I started to laugh.

Read more: http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/70966,sport,football,transfer-talk-arsenal-chase-the-german-messi-marko-marin-chelsea-not-interested-in-fernando-torres#ixzz14DFOmdhr

Arsenal Chasing German Defenders Benedikt Hoewedes & Per Mertesacker - Reports

2010-10-26T21:35:00.001+08:00

Benedikt Hoewedes has joined the growing list of German defenders linked with a move to Arsenal. According to widespread sources in England, Germany, Italy and Spain, the Gunners are interested in signing the Schalke centre-half, and could soon table a bid on the order of €9.1 million.

Hoewedes' current contract runs until 2014, but with Schalke struggling in both footballing and financial terms, the Gelsenkirchen outfit might jump at the opportunity to make some much needed cash.

Other reports suggest that Arsenal have renewed their interest in Werder Bremen centre-half Per Mertesacker, and are mulling over an offer of €16m for the Germany international.

Whether Schalke or Bremen are open to releasing their star defenders during the January transfer window is still in question, as is the players' interest in a move abroad. In addition to Hoewedes and Mertesacker, Arsenal have previously been linked with Stuttgart centre-half Serdar Tasci.

'New Cesc Fabregas' Sergi Samper, 15, to spark Arsenal-Barcelona battle

2010-10-25T20:46:00.003+08:00

Barcelona are set to face another transfer scrap with Arsenal, but this time the boot is on the other foot as the Gunners aim to snatch top-rated Sergi Samper - dubbed the 'next Cesc Fabregas' - from under the Catalan club's noses.
According to reports in Spain, Samper is holding out over a contract offer from Barca with Arsene Wenger tracking the wonderkid midfielder as he approaches his 16th birthday.

The saga could come to a head in January, with Arsenal rumoured to be considering making their official offer when the transfer window reopens.

And it has echoes of the situation that saw Fabregas, who is now Arsenal captain, turn his back on Barcelona to pursue a career in London at a similar age in 2003.

Samper is considered to be one of the 'next big things' in Spanish football, and could be offered a tempting four-year contract by the Premier League club as well as assurances of regular first-team football from a relatively young age.

And, according to Spanish sources, he is tempted to follow in the footsteps of Fabregas, who, after developing his skills in the Arsenal set-up, is now one of the world's most sought-after midfielders.

If Samper does move, it would be a bitter irony for Barca, who thought they'd won an ill-tempered tug of war over Fabregas in the summer before the Catalan-born 23-year-old opted to stay at the Emirates Stadium instead of moving back to La Liga.

Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/845045-new-cesc-fabregas-sergi-samper-to-spark-arsenal-barca-battle#ixzz13NGVWZdb

Wenger: Eastlands Victory Just the Start for Arsenal

2010-10-25T20:41:00.002+08:00

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes that yesterday's impressive 3-0 win away to ten-man Manchester City will ignite a realistic title challenge for his side. Speaking afterwards, he was understandably delighted with the fighting nature of the performance at the City of Manchester Stadium.

"It was important to get a win in a big place to strengthen belief and continue our march forward," said the 61 year-old.

"I think that collectively, we completely dominated the game and I hope it will translate into confident performances in later fixtures."

The home side had Dedryck Boyata sent off five minutes in after his clumsy challenge clearly denied striker Marouane Chamakh a goal-scoring opportunity and from then on, Roberto Mancini's charges were always underdogs.

A crisp passing movement mid-way through the first period saw Andrey Arshavin put Samir Nasri clear on the right and the Frenchman beat Joe Hart at the near post to net his fourth league effort of the season.

In a feisty contest, there was still time before the interval for Mark Clattenburg to hand out five bookings and for Hart to save a penalty from Cesc Fabregas.

City started brightly in the second half, and the Gunners' goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was called upon to make some impressive saves, as the Pole looked to stake a claim for the starting berth even when Manuel Almunia returns from injury.

Having weathered the storm, two more typically well put together attacks saw Alex Song and substitute Nicklas Bendtner put some flattering gloss on the scoreline late on.

Following the win, that sees Arsenal move up to second in the Premier League table on goal difference, their boss continued to praise the concentration of his team.

"It looked to me from the bench that it was a sending off and the referee had no option," Wenger, who last week admitted to harbouring an interest in Bolton's Gary Cahill, went on. After the sending off it became electric and we got some yellow cards quite quickly. It was very important that we did not get a second yellow."

"I asked the players at half-time to focus on playing football and not just defending our advantage."

Ryo Miyaichi 'set for Arsenal transfer' as Wenger beats rivals to wonderkid

2010-09-03T02:02:00.001+08:00

The 17-year-old striker is to be offered a long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium after impressing on trial - as well as turning in some star performances for his country's Under-19s team recently.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is thought to have sent officials out to Japan to finalise the details of a deal with Miyaichi, which would be confirmed in January.

The teenager, who was also said to be on the radars of European giants AC Milan and Ajax, currently attends Chukyodai Chuyko High School.

But he would be eligible to move to England to continue his footballing education when he turns 18 in December.

Miyaichi, who played for Japan's Under-17s at the World Cup in Nigeria in 2009, is currently out injured with a broken leg but is expected to return to fitness before signing for the Gunners at the turn of the year.

Montpellier defender Spahic nears Arsenal move

2010-08-04T06:16:00.001+08:00

Montpellier defender Emir Spahic has claimed Arsenal are in negotiations for his signature.

Arsene Wenger has confirmed he is looking to bring in at least one more defender before the close of the transfer window and reports over the weekend suggested Spahic, 29, was a possible target.

"The most important thing is that so far the negotiations go as planned and that the transfer could be completed soon," Spahic told SportSport.ba.

"Arsenal is a great club, I'm an admirer of Arsene Wenger and I hope that Montpellier will cooperate."

Spahic, the Bosnia and Herzegovina captain, is under contract with Montpellier until 2014.

arsenal win Emirates Cup

2010-08-02T04:00:00.003+08:00

Carlos Vela, Bacary Sagna and Samir Nasri found the net before Celtic hit back with late goals as Arsenal won the Emirates Cup with a 3-2 win.

It took Theo Walcott, who looked fresh from a summer's rest, just three minutes to open up the Celtic defence as Vela swept the Gunners into the lead.

Arsenal doubled their advantage just before half-time when Celtic failed to clear a corner and full-back Sagna blasted an 18-yard angled drive inside the near post, before substitute Samir Nasri swept the Gunners into a 3-0 lead on 51 minutes following more good work by Walcott down the right.

Jack Wilshere, who produced an all-action display which was almost capped by a goal when his stunning first-half volley smashed against the crossbar, showed his inexperience by wrestling Celtic substitute Fortune to the floor in the penalty area on 69 minutes, but was let off when former Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras ballooned his spot-kick over the crossbar.

Manuel Almunia, who had not had much to do, pulled off a fine one-handed save to deny Efrain Juarez, but was beaten on 73 minutes when Daryl Murphy, a summer signing from Sunderland, knocked the ball in after it rebounded across the six-yard box.

The Arsenal goalkeeper denied Murphy when, with eight minutes left, the reshuffled home defence was opened up again, before Ki Sung-yueng eventually made it 3-2 with a close-range effort.

IGOR AKINFEEV WANTS TO JOIN ARSENAL

2010-07-25T17:43:00.003+08:00

RUSSIA goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev has told Arsene Wenger: I’d love to team up with Andrey Arshavin at Arsenal.

CSKA Moscow star Akinfeev, 24, is a target for the Gunners and Manchester United after impressive Champions League displays last season.

But Arsenal are the favourites to grab his signature after Emirates ace Arshavin gave the Gunners a glowing reference.

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And Akinfeev said: “Arsenal and Manchester United are two of the very best clubs in the world.

“If both of them are going to be looking for keepers this summer – or even the next summer – then of course I am interested.

“I have spoken with Arshavin about Arsenal and London life.

“He has only had good things to say about the club and the city.
“He said some very nice things about me going on to be the best goalkeeper in the world – and that he would like me to reach that goal at Arsenal with him.

“They are a great club with a great manager. Of course there is every chance this will be the last season for Edwin Van der Sar.

“To be the No.1 for Manchester United would be a great honour too.

“They are the biggest football club in the world and, to be their No.1 for a length of time, you know you will have success.

“Juventus have also expressed an interest in me – but Arshavin has sold England to me very well.

“My contract doesn’t expire until 2013 but I have a great relationship with my president.

“If the right offer, both for me and the club came in, I don’t think anybody would stand in my way.

“I have been in Russia for a lot of years now and feel ready for a new challenge.”

Football jersey Muslim should not wear

2010-07-22T01:01:00.000+08:00

KOSMO! carried a report about Muslims who wittingly or unwittingly wear football jerseys which display images of crosses, liquor brands and devils.

Johor Religious Council adviser Datuk Nooh Gadot said wearing such jerseys were forbidden in Islam.

“It is as if Muslims are worshipping and exalting the symbols of other religions. Islam does not compromise on this matter, regardless of whether it is worn for fun, fashion or sport,” he said.

Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria agreed with Nooh and said although Islam did not forbid its followers from participating in sports or dressing up, it has to be done within the boundaries of Islamic law.

Among the football teams whose crests carry images of the cross are Brazil, Portugal, Serbia, Barcelona and Norway, while Manchester United carries the “Red Devil” slogan on its team crest.

> Metro Ahad carried an expose on a “beautician” who performs botox injections and liposuction in a hotel room in the Klang Valley.

Two reporters went undercover as a couple and managed to set an appointment for a botox treatment with the “beautician”, named Lim.

The reporters described the room as cluttered with cases and bottles of botox and used needles strewn on the bed.

The price quoted for the services ranged between RM60 and RM800.

Lim, who claimed to be a doctor with five years’ experience, said the price is cheaper for a jab with shorter needle and more expensive for a jab with a long needle as the effect will last longer.

EXCLUSIVE: Wenger weighing up move for Honda

2010-07-20T23:33:00.001+08:00

Sport.co.uk understands that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is considering a possible offer for Japanese international Keisuke Honda. Liverpool, however, who were previously linked with the player are yet to make any contact with the attacker's representatives.

The 24-year-old CSKA Moscow striker has been subject of intense speculation since his successful World Cup campaign with Japan although thus far no formal bids have been launched.

The Japanese international started his career at Gamba Osaka, the same club as former Arsenal player Junichi Inamoto, before moving onto Nagoya Grampus Eight, the club from whom Arsene Wenger joined the Gunners in 1996.

Moving to Russia in January, the player's star has continued to rise with agent Kees Ploegsma revealing to Sport.co.uk:

“A few clubs have contacted me about the situation and asked me questions about Keisuke but no club has made a serious offer for him. No one has contacted the club to make a formal offer.

Responding to suggestions that Arsenal and LIverpool were leading the chase, Ploegsma stressed:

“Liverpool have not been in contact regarding him.”

Asked if Arsene Wenger's praise of the player at the World Cup would leed to any movement on the part of the Arsenal coaching hierarchy, the representative continued:

“I don’t know yet. There are several clubs interested but so far nothing has happened regarding a formal offer.

"I don’t know if CSKA Moscow will let him leave, or what sort of money they will be asking. Discussions will take place when a club makes a formal offer for the player.”

Arsenal - Sebastian Giovinco again linked with Emirates move

2010-07-20T04:24:00.001+08:00

Arsenal are once again being linked with a move for Serie ‘A’ star Sebastien Giovinco.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to the Emirates on several occasions over the past couple of years, and now Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to move on his interest for Juve’s forgotten man.

A product of the youth team at the bianconeri, Giovinco made his debut in 2006 before building on his reputation during a season on loan at Empoli the following season.

On return to the Stadio Olimpico, Giovinco began to feature more in the side, but the addition of Werder Bremen playmaker Diego last summer coupled with the arrival of a new manager has seen Giovinco struggle to make a major impact on the first team.

Having lost his place in the Italian national setup, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the player is keen to gain first team action somewhere, news that has put the Gunners on alert over a possible switch.

Wenger faces competition for the player's signature though, with Parma reportedly making a bid for the player early on Sunday morning.

Tuttosport reports that the Italian side have made a bid in the region of €3.5 million, news that will force Wenger's hand if he does wish to make a move.

Bari are also thought to be interested in 'La Formica Atomica', but the lure of Premier Leaue and Champions League football could be a deciding factor should the north London club attempt to sign the player in the coming months.

Vermaelen, Djourou, Koscielny and now...

2010-07-14T18:48:00.002+08:00

Arsene Wenger is thought to have identified Udinese centre-back Cristian Zapata as his next recruit after admitting that he was on the lookout for further defensive cover.

Despite recruiting French-Polish defender Laurent Koscielny from Lorient last week, and having Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djourou on the books, the Gunners are still short on options at the back. Philippe Senderos quit the Emirates to join Fulham earlier in the month while Mikael Silvestre and William Gallas are out-of-contract and Sol Campbell is shopping around for a lucrative final contract with the likes of Sunderland and Celtic interested parties.

Speaking last week in the aftermath of his second summer signing Arsene Wenger told Arsenal.com:

"We identified Koscielny as a very, very strong centre half.

"He can be an outstanding addition to our team. But it is not over, we are still open to buy.

"We are still on the market for another defensive player because we have the need for one more."

The Daily Mail now claims that Columbian international Zapata, who has been linked with a move to England in the past, is now one of Arsenal’s top transfer targets despite retaining a value around £15 million. At 6 ft 2 inches tall and still only 23-years-old, the highly experienced Zebrette star is also being monitored by the likes of AC Milan, Juventus and Fiorentina.

It is not the first time the Gunners have been linked with one of Udinese's stars. Swiss midfield enforcer Gokhan Inler was contacted by Arsene Wenger in the aftermath of Euro 2008 and has been consistently tipped for an Arsenal adventure in the future.

West Ham United's Matthew Upson, Bolton's Gary Cahill and Fulham's Brede Hangeland are further names linked with the Gunners although their respective Premier League owners appear unwilling to do business aith Arsenal.

Arsenal: Barca shirt stunt a 'joke' says Cesc Fabregas

2010-07-14T18:38:00.005+08:00

Cesc Fabregas insists nothing should be read into his donning a Barcelona shirt amid Spain's World Cup celebrations.

The Arsenal skipper has long been linked with a return to the Catalan giants, where he spent six years as a youth team player before moving to North London in 2003, and Barca have already had a 35million euro bid turned down this summer.

Barca defenders Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique - helped by Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina - fanned the flames over a possible move by forcing a Blaugrana jersey over their Spain team-mate's head as La Roja celebrated their triumphant return to Madrid on Monday night.

But Fabregas has laughed off the matter, saying nothing more should be read into what was simply a practical joke.

"These are things that happen at special moments, and I don't think it should be gone on about much more because it was just another anecdote of a great night, a great celebration," said the Arsenal midfielder.

"There are times we do not even know what we do, so everything can be forgiven,.

"Pepe took me there (to the front of the stage), the truth is that I didn't know anything like that was going to happen and so I was a bit surprised.

"At first I thought it was a flag or something, but it's nothing.

"You had to enjoy it and if it's a way to have fun, it's nothing."

Fabregas grew slightly more serious when questioned further about where he will be plying his trade next season.

"I think now the less said about the subject much the better, because these things are worse for everyone when they come to light and people talk more about the matter," added the 23-year-old.

"Right now we have to be very calm and what will be will be."

Fabregas has five more years on his contract with the Gunners but has made no secret of his desire to return to the Nou Camp.

£20M FRENCH STAR YOANN GOURCUFF IS NEW FABREGAS

2010-07-11T17:49:00.001+08:00

ARSENAL will go for Bordeaux’s Yoann Gourcuff as a £20 million replacement for Cesc Fabregas if their captain finally moves to Barcelona this summer.

And even if Fabregas remains at The Emirates for at least another season, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will continue his pursuit of Gourcuff, who is also on Manchester City’s list of targets.

Gourcuff is regarded in France as the new Zinedine Zidane but like the rest of the French squad, he had a nightmare World Cup.

But that hasn’t altered Wenger’s view that playmaker Gourcuff, 24 today, is a special talent.

Wenger has already made one signing from Bordeaux this summer – striker Marouane Chamakh, snapped up on a free transfer as he was out of contract.

And last week, he paid £8.5m for centre-back Laurent Koscielny, 24, from Lorient, who are managed by Christian Gourcuff – father of Wenger’s latest target.

Fabregas has made no secret of his desire to return to Spain to sign for Barcelona.

But even the Catalan giants have cash-flow problems, which could be a factor in delaying a deal.

Wenger certainly doesn’t want to lose Fabregas.

But he knows what he will try to do if he fails in his battle to keep him.

And despite big-spending City’s interest in Gourcuff, the French connection could help Wenger get his man.

Meanwhile, Spanish midfielder Fran Merida has revealed he was unhappy at Arsenal and did not think twice about signing for Atletico Madrid.

Merida, 20, who was once described by Wenger as “an absolutely amazing player”, made just six league appearances for the North Londoners.

And the midfield schemer, who came through the youth system at Barcelona, opted for a move back to Spain with Atletico, the club he had supported from a young age.

He said: “I’m an Atletico fan and I feel enormously proud to be here.

“Atletico is a big club as is Arsenal but there were some circumstances there, particularly on the sporting side, which I wasn’t happy with and I couldn’t fit in.

“I made Wenger aware of that and as soon as I knew that Atletico were interested, I didn’t think twice about switching.”

Jan Vertonghen 'set for Arsenal reunion with Thomas Vermaelen'

2010-06-14T23:04:00.001+08:00

Arsene Wenger is hoping to tie up a summer transfer move for Ajax centre-back Jan Vertonghen, as Arsenal hope to reunite him with former team-mate Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of the Gunners' defence

Vermaelen has been a revelation at the back for the north Londoners since his arrival from the Dutch league last summer - with many pundits picking him as the best Premier League signing last year.

And Wenger is hoping to enjoy similar success with the Dutchman's countryman Vertonghen, 22, who could be tempted to swap the Eredivisie for the English top-flight this summer.

The two enjoyed a solid partnership at the Amsterdam Arena before Vermaelen's move and Wenger is preparing to make a big-money move for the 22-year-old as well as highly-rated full-back Gregory van der Wiel.

The Dutch international, who is currently in South Africa at the World Cup with his national side, could be part of a £25million package deal to take both players to the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger is currently weighing up his options to rebuild his back-line with veterans William Gallas, Sol Campbell, and Mikael Silvestre all due to leave on free transfers this summer.

Arsenal ready to splash 30 million to end silverware drought

2010-06-14T15:02:00.006+08:00

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, criticised by fans after his young side failed to win a trophy since 2005, is to splash out £30million on building a squad to end the drought.

Wenger will make the club's biggest impact on the summer transfer market for more than a decade, with Everton defender Phil Jagielka the latest target, along with Chelsea's England midfielder Joe Cole, Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and Lorient defender Laurent Koscielny.

Wenger is finally ready to make major signings after almost 10 years of being constrained by the club's move to the Emirates Stadium.

And Everton centre-half Jagielka, controversially left out of Fabio Capello's 30-man preparation squad for the World Cup finals, is the latest player to be targeted by the Frenchman, although Everton manager David Moyes will fight to keep the 27-year-old defender at Goodison Park.

But Arsenal now appear to be confident of adding Cole and Schwarzer to the squad after the World Cup finals, even though negotiations with Cole's representatives have yet to reach a conclusion.

Fulham have rejected an initial inquiry for Schwarzer, but the Australian goalkeeper has only one year left on his contract at Craven Cottage and, at the age of 37, he will want to seize his last chance to play Champions League football.

Arsenal remain in talks for centre-half Koscielny but, with William Gallas out of contract and leaving the club, they are committed to signing another experienced Premier League defender.

Jagielka is their first choice and Wenger has been cleared to spend, with around £30m at his disposal plus any more he receives if Cesc Fabregas leaves for Barcelona.

Arsenal have rarely been major players in the summer transfer market since committing to building the Emirates Stadium 10 years ago, a project completed in 2006 at the cost of £380m.

But the club made £45.5m profit last year, making them one of the few in the Premier League to enjoy a substantial return.

Their financial outlook is much brighter than Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea, with more profits expected this year as stadium debts fall.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1286187/Arsene-Wenger-30m-spender-Arsenal-boss-splash-cash.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0qoCoFo5f

Arsenal Hope to Beat Manchester City to £20m Playmaker: Wenger Battles Mancini for Everton Ace Arteta

2010-06-14T14:50:00.002+08:00

Manchester City are looking to flex their spending muscles once again by offering £20million for Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta.

City’s interest in the 28-year-old former Barcelona trainee is in addition to their hopes of landing Aston Villa’s James Milner.

They will face competition for the Spanish midfielder from Arsenal, who regard him as a replacement for Cesc Fabregas, now looking certain to return to the Nou Camp.

Manchester United are also monitoring Arteta, who has developed into one of the Premier League’s hottest properties. (Mail on Sunday)

There is no doubting Mikel Arteta’s class, the Spaniard has spent the last five and half year seasons wowing the Goodison Park support and has been targeted by potential suitors for some time now, could there be any chance either Arsene Wenger or Roberto Mancini could persuade the former Rangers man to leave the Toffees?

The 28 year old amazingly is still without a full Spain cap and may feel his chances of getting a call up would improve if he was playing Champions League football and maybe a move to the Emirates would be tempting. Is Arteta the type of player the Gunners need though? In many ways the abilities and assets the attacking midfielder offers are much the same as Cesc Fabregas, hence many reports suggesting that the north London club could turn to the Everton man if they do indeed lose their skipper to Barcelona.

Manchester City will of course be able to offer obscene amount in wages but perhaps that won’t be enough to convince Arteta to leave, clearly he loves playing for the Toffees and he may feel he could fulfill his ambitions at the Merseyside outfit.

David Moyes will again be hoping not to lose any of his top notch talents this summer and as always the Scot will hope to be given sufficient funds to help the club push onwards towards the top four next term.

Arsenal line up £10m bid for Palermo defender Simon Kjaer - report

2010-05-03T20:37:00.001+08:00

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to attempt to reinforce his defence this summer by bidding for Palermo's Danish international centre-back Simon Kjaer, according to a report from The People.

Wenger has targeted the Dane after identifying him as the ideal partner for Thomas Vermaelen.

The 21-year-old has a fixed price clause in his contract of €10 million and is open to the prospect of a move to England, having almost joined Tottenham Hotspur in January.

That deal broke down as a result of Kjaer's wage demands, with his request for a salary of £100,000 a week proving to be a major snag for Arsenal's north London neighbours.

The report indicates that the Gunners may be willing to pay him that, but only if Kjaer commits to them before this summer's World Cup finals, when a good performance from the payer could increase competition for his signature.

Hazard: I will go to Real or Arsenal

2010-04-04T04:17:00.002+08:00

Lille teenager Eden Hazard has listed Real Madrid and Arsenal as possible future destinations should he ever leave the Stade Metropole.

Hazard, 19, is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Europe after emerging as the creative force behind Lille's Ligue 1 title challenge and their run to the round of 16 in the Europa League.

Former France playmaker Zinedine Zidane said of the young Belgian on Thursday: "He can become a great footballer. He is a star of the future."

And Hazard admits following in Zidane's footsteps and playing for Madrid is a possibility.

He said: "Such praise makes me very happy, especially from Zidane. If one day I leave Lille, I will go to Real or Arsenal."

Premier League Ratings: Arsenal 1-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers

2010-04-04T04:13:00.002+08:00

Gunners leave it late to keep title hopes alive...

ARSENAL

Manuel Almunia - 7 - Had to be on his toes on a handful of occasions to thwart the Wolves attack but all in all, a comfortable afternoon for the Spaniard.

Bacary Sagna - 7 - Was given freedom to attack thanks to a non-existent Wolves left midfield, and the Frenchman linked up well with Theo Walcott. Managed to deliver a couple of probing crosses and overlapped to limited success.

Sol Campbell - 6.5 - Had little to cope with, but looked calm and composed. Like the Campbell of old.

Thomas Vermaelen - 7 - Rarely tested by a limp Wolves attack, and enjoyed a decent partnership with Sol Campbell at the heart of the Arsenal defence.

Mickael Silvestre - 7 - Had to deal with the tricky Matt Jarvis - who was Wolves' most effective player - and was found wanting on a couple of occasions. Nearly got himself on the scoresheet but shot right at Hahnemann in the first half.

Emmanuel Eboue - 6 - A quiet game for the Ivorian, who cut a frustrated figure at times, much like his manager on the sidelines.

Alexandre Song - 6 - Failed to shine in a game with plenty of possession for the home side.

Denilson - 5.5 - Most fans will have hardly noticed the little Brasilian, as the game mostly passed him by without any sort of knowing impact.

Theo Walcott - 8 - Took it upon himself to try and win the game for the Gunners, with a series of marauding runs down the right. Often found Elokobi in resolute form, but managed to get in a handful of crosses.

Eduardo - 7 - Looked far from fit or sharp enough to be the match-winner he has been in the past.

Tomas Rosicky - 8 - Looked sharp and inventive as Arsenal looked for a goal and had a number of shots but found Hahnemann in fine form.
Substitutes

Nicklas Bendtner - 7.5 - Put himself about but did little before nodding in Sagna's cross to win the game for the Gunners. It was an excellent header and saved Wenger's blushes.

Samir Nasri - 7 - Was thrown on in an attacking move, and the little Frenchman looked neat and tidy, slicing Wolves open with a couple of neat flicks.

Carlos Vela - n/a

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

Marcus Hahnemann - 9 - Man of the Match by a mile, thwarting Arsenal on numerous occasions. The pick of the bunch was a left-handed claw of the ball from an Eduardo placed shot.

Ronald Zubar - 7 - Tried to press forward but mostly found himself camped in his own half dealing with the runs of Rosicky and Eduardo.

Jody Craddock - 7.5 - Dealt with most things Arsenal chucked his way, especially in the air, and marshalled his defence well.

Christophe Berra - 7 - Stood strong against the tricky Arsenal forwards and gave Eduardo little space to work with. A few last ditch tackles nearly earned his side a point.

George Elokobi - 7.5 - Given a tough task when Mick McCarthy asked him to deal with Theo Walcott's jinking runs, and the left-back was often found wanting, but managed to put in a few knowing challenges.

Karl Henry - 6.5 - Had little impact on the game, and his afternoon was rounded off with a silly red card for a rash challenge on Roscky.

Kevin Foley - 7 - Spent most of the match chasing the ball, but worked hard to thwart the Gunners midfielders and limit chances.

Michael Mancienne - 8 - Snapped at Rosicky's heals and protected his defence well with a hard-working display. Used the ball well when he did find it at his feet.

David Jones - 6 - Quiet game from Jones, who had little impact.

Matthew Jarvis - 7 - Tried his best to tie the Arsenal defence in knots, and often had joy against the sluggish Silvestre, but found clear chances hard to come by.

Kevin Doyle - 6.5 - A lonely figure up front, chances were very limited for Wolves' main goal threat. Was taken off midway through the second half.

Substitutes

David Edwards - 6 - Worked hard against the Arsenal midfield but was left behind by Rosicky and Nasri on a few occasions.

Andy Keogh - 6.5 - Put in a good shift up front on his own, but found chances very limited.

Champions League - Barcelona held after Arsenal fight back

2010-04-01T05:28:00.002+08:00

Arsenal fought back from two goals down to hold holders Barcelona to a barnstorming 2-2 draw in their Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's brace gave the visitors a deserved two-goal cushion before the hour mark, but the introduction of Theo Walcott gave Arsenal a new dynamism and goals from the England forward and Cesc Fabregas gave the hosts parity on the night.

Barcelona take the away goals advantage into the second leg, although they will be without captain Carles Puyol, who was sent off for a foul on Fabregas that gave him his goal from the penalty spot.

Fabregas will also miss the return tie at his boyhood club after picking up a third booking of the competition, although it is doubtful he would have been able to play anyway after ending the match limping around the field injured with the Gunners having used all three substitutes.

Indeed, it was a poor night for the Premier League challengers on the fitness front, with William Gallas and Andrei Arshavin both taken off in the first half.

Their replacements, initially wowed by the free-flowing Catalans, more than impressed with their fight-back although the injury to Gallas was key as midfielder Alexandre Song - forced to move to centre-half - lost Ibrahimovic for both goals.

But the Gunners showed great resolve to draw level and by the end they were all over the visitors, reduced to 10 men and reliant on calm goalkeeping from Victor Valdes.

Much had been made of Ibrahimovic’s failure to shine in the Champions League, particularly against English opposition, but he answered the doubters with a superb salvo early in the second half, having looked a touch nervous in the opening 45 minutes.

A similar level of hype accompanied the threat of Lionel Messi, but the Argentine - widely regarded as the best player in the world - was anonymous in one of his worst performances for the Blaugrana in recent memory.

Ibrahimovic’s finishes were majestic: the first, 25 seconds into the second half, was a delicate lob from an angle over the onrushing Manuel Almunia, while the second on the hour was blasted into the roof of the net after Arsenal’s defence parted for the Swede.

Pep Guardiola’s side dominated the opening exchanges, racking up 12 efforts and a possession ratio of 70-30 in the first half hour, with Arsenal restricted to a sole shot when Samir Nasri sent a curler just wide of the far post.

The Gunners stayed in it thanks to some poor shooting from Ibrahimovic and an inspired first-half performance from Spanish goalkeeper Almunia.

Almunia, who has expressed an interest in playing for England after nearly six years in the country, made a series of top-class stops including one remarkable triple save to deny Ibrahimovic, Xavi and Messi.

Arsenal largely shackled Messi, and in the latter stages of the half Arsene Wenger’s side grew into the game and were a match for Barca, pressing higher up the pitch and going close on two occasions.

On 35 minutes, excellent wing-play by Niklas Bendtner culminated in a brilliant cross for Abou Diaby, who beat Gerard Pique and Daniel Alves to the header only for the ball to bounce wide.

Two minutes later, the blushes of both Bendtner and Alves were spared by the linesman’s flag when the Brazil full-back missed Nasri’s cross and the Denmark striker first fired against Valdes before putting the rebound on the post.

Fabregas started despite carrying a knee problem and looked off the pace before, just before the break, he picked up a harsh booking for a challenge on Sergio Busquets that ruled him out of an emotional return leg to his boyhood club.

Things went from bad to worse for the Gunners as, 23 seconds after the second-half restart, Song allowed Ibrahimovic to get between him and Thomas Vermaelen with Gael Clichy pulled wide, while Almunia was perhaps a little quick to race off his line to head off the danger.

Ibrahimovic, off form in recent months, spotted the half chance and lofted an inch-perfect chip over the onrushing keeper that curved delicately inside the far post.

Arsenal were desperate for a goal and almost levelled when Bendtner powered a header on target after good work from Clichy on the left.

But Valdes was well-placed and Barca nearly got another on the counter as Xavi headed wide from close range after Alves exploited Clichy’s up-field position.

They bagged their second five minutes later when, after Clichy was pulled wide, Vermaelen was dragged away from goal by Messi and Ibrahimovic was given the freedom of the penalty area by the ball-watching Song.

His finish into the roof of the net was as emphatic as his first was deft and the match looked out of sight for the Gunners.

They battled gamely enough though and, soon after coming off the bench, Walcott raced away from Maxwell and rifled a low shot in off Valdes to give Arsenal hope.

Pressing higher up the pitch and right in the tiring visitors’ faces, Arsenal were cutting Barca apart and, after more good wide-play by Walcott, Bendtner cleverly nodded the ball down to Fabregas, who collided with Puyol to earn a penalty.

A bewildered Puyol was given his marching orders, and will miss the return, while fellow Catalan Fabregas rifled the spot-kick into the bottom left with five minutes left, his last act in the tie.

It was effectively 10-a-side though, as Fabregas appeared to injure himself and returned to the field after receiving some treatment, barely mobile in the closing stages.

Arsenal still had the edge though, with calm keeping by Valdes keeping them at bay, and a topsy-turvy first leg ended in a compelling draw that - while giving Barca the advantage - is finely balanced for the return a week on Wednesday.
Reda Maher / Eurosport

Ten-man Arsenal go top of Premier League as West Ham miss penalty

2010-03-21T05:16:00.002+08:00

Arsenal climbed to the top of the English Premier League with a 2-0 victory over London rivals West Ham despite playing half of Saturday's clash with only 10 men.

Arsene Wenger's team moved a point above champions Manchester United, who host Liverpool on Sunday, while Chelsea dropped to third ahead of their trip to Blackburn. Carlo Ancelotti's side can join Arsenal on 67 points with victory in that game.

Gianfranco Zola's West Ham team were left to rue a missed penalty as the defeat left them just three points above the relegation zone.

Arsenal, who on Friday were handed a chance to avenge 2006's Champions League final defeat by Barcelona in the upcoming quarterfinals, took the lead after just five minutes in the rain at the Emirates Stadium.

Brazil midfielder Denilson fired in a low shot for his sixth goal this season, having dispossessed Valon Behrami and then played a neat one-two on the edge of the area with striker Nicklas Bendtner.

But Arsenal could not turn their dominance into further goals, and West Ham should have leveled just before halftime when Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen was sent off as his nudge in the back of Guillermo Franco saw the Mexico striker tumble in the box.

But Alessandro Diamanti saw his penalty saved by Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, and the hosts also escaped in the second half when substitute striker Carlton Cole saw his fierce low shot hit the outside of the post.

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas made the points safe on his return from injury five minutes after that with a penalty on 82, as England defender Matthew Upson paid the price for deliberately blocking the Spain midfielder's clever little flick with his arm.

Hull 1 Arsenal 2: Nicklas Bendtner scores stoppage-time winner to keep Gunners firing in Premier League title race

2010-03-14T04:11:00.001+08:00

Nicklas Bendtner struck in stoppage time as Arsenal kept pace with Chelsea at the top of the Barclays Premier League with victory at 10-man Hull.

The title-chasing Gunners went in front when Andrey Arshavin prodded in after 14 minutes but Jimmy Bullard levelled with a penalty after 28 minutes following a clumsy Sol Campbell challenge on Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

Arsenal struggled to break down Hull following the 45th-minute dismissal of George Boateng but Bendtner earned a fifth straight win by netting after Denilson's wicked swerving shot.

Wenger in pole position to sign Bundesliga ace

2010-03-10T06:16:00.002+08:00

Egyptian international Mohamed Zidan has revealed that Arsenal are leading the race for his signature. Zidan has been linked with Arsenal’s North London rivals Tottenham Hotpsur, Manchester United and Barcelona, however according to the player’s agent Arsenal are eager to speak to the Egyptian international following the Borrussia Dortmund forward’s strike at Wembley last week.

The Premier League trio of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Barcelona are all reportedly confirmed as tracking Mohamed Zidan, according to the player’s father. Abdullah Zidan told Dream TV that Arsene Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Pep Guardiola have all made contact with Zidan’s agent and are interested in signing the African Cup of Nations winner in the summer.

Zidan said yesterday: "My agent spoke to me after the game and told me about Arsenal’s interest. He asked me to try to impress them, and become the first Egyptian to play for the Gunners."

The player’s father had revealed that Spurs, Manchester United, Barcelona and Arsenal were the clubs monitoring the player before his Wembley goal against England.

"Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona have talked to Mohamed's agent," he told Dream TV. Zidan’s father also revealed that his son has a clause in his contract in which allows Mohamed speak to these three clubs. ??

However, international teammate and West Ham’s Mido believes Zidan’s style would suit either Arsenal or Spurs, but the former Middlesbrough hitman admitted Zidan could succeed in the Premier League.

Mido Said:?? “Zidan is one of the great players for my country right now," the former Tottenham, Middlesbrough and Wigan man said in The Sun.

??"He is a second striker, more of a link man than an out-and-out goalscorer. ?He is very quick, confident on the ball and of course when the chance comes, the guy can score goals. He has done very well and is getting more and more attention.??

"Zidan could be successful in England if he goes to a good footballing club.?He needs to be in a team that plays good football, beautiful football like Arsenal.?? If he goes to a club who play a more physical game, it would not be so good for him.??Maybe he could even fit in at one of my old teams, like Tottenham.?? They have some excellent players like Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar and Tom Huddlestone."

??The 29-year-old Zidan has spent the majority of his career in the German Bundesliga with time at Werder Bremen, Mainz 05, Hamburg and Borrusia Dortmund all under his belt. Zidan has netted on nine occasions in 45 appearances for Dortmund and has been capped 33 times for his country hitting the back of the net seven times.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was tracking a forward in the January transfer window while Nicklas Bendtner, Theo Walcott, and Robin Van Persie were injured, however the Frenchman could not find a suitable target with Bordeaux’s Marouane Chamakh joining in the summer on a free transfer, and negotiation’s with FC Cluj target Lacina Traore breaking down.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has a number of forward options at United with Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen competing for the first team forward berths.

While Fergie also has three world class prospects up front with 22-year-old Mame Biram Diouf, 18-year-old Federico Macheda, and 19-year Danny Welbeck currently on loan at Preston North End expected to compete next season for a first team spot.??Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has a number of forward options with Roman Pavlychenko finding form, Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and on loan Celtic forward Robbie Keane.

Zidan, 28, has scored five goals in 21 appearances for Borussia Dortmund in 2009/2010 and also chipped in with five assists.

Arsenal 5-0 Porto

2010-03-10T06:09:00.001+08:00

Nicklas Bendtner grabbed a hat-trick as Arsenal cruised into the quarter-finals of the Champions League with an emphatic victory over Porto at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners were trailing 2-1 from the first leg and had to do without injured captain Cesc Fabregas.

However, Arsene Wenger's young team rose to the challenge as a first-half brace from Bendtner - who missed a string of chances against Burnley here three days ago - was followed by fine goals from Samir Nasri and Emmanuel Eboue before the young Dane slotted home a penalty in the final minute to secure a place among the last eight of Europe's elite once again.

The result also broke Arsenal's unwelcome near 32-year run of failing to overturn a first-leg deficit in a European tie since beating Hajduk Split in 1978.

Arsenal had started brightly, with Nasri's shot blocked in the six-yard box before the lively Andrey Arshavin saw his far-post header saved following a deep cross by Bacary Sagna.

The Gunners went ahead after 10 minutes.

Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, standing in as captain, booted a long clearance up field, which Arshavin nodded back for Nasri.

The Frenchman knocked a quick pass between the centre-backs for the Russian to run onto.

In tracking back, Porto defender Fucile clattered into his keeper, and Bendtner was first to react, stabbing the loose ball into the empty net.

Helton needed treatment for a head injury, caught accidentally by Arshavin, but after a short delay, the Brazilian was able to continue.

With the tie now level, Arsenal looked to go ahead, as Abou Diaby hooked a 12-yard effort over.

Porto continued to pass the ball crisply, but were undone again on 25 minutes.

Fucile's poor clearance was latched onto by Arshavin.

The diminutive Russian weaved into the left side of the penalty box, before pulling the ball back along the six-yard box to Bendtner, who, despite what he showed here on Saturday, just could not miss.

Arsenal were somewhat fortunate when Brazil forward Hulk - who is serving a four-month domestic ban for a fracas with a steward after a match against Benfica - capitalised on a mistake by right-back Gael Clichy and cut in towards goal, but stabbed his shot into the arms of Almunia.

Helton touched Bendtner's curling effort around the post.
From the corner, Diaby's downward header was clawed away by the Porto keeper, who also denied Nasri in stoppage time.

There was a scare at the start of the second half when Tomas Rosicky gave the ball away to Hulk, but fortunately for the Czech winger, the Porto striker was again off target.

Almunia then had to be on his toes as Falcao drove in a low snapshot, which the Spaniard gathered at the second attempt.
Rosicky, who appeared to be carrying a knee problem, was replaced by Emmanuel Eboue just before the hour as Wenger looked to breathe new life into his side.

Arsenal, though, were anything but convincing at the back - with Nasri clearing a header from substitute Cristian Rodriguez off the line.

The Frenchman, however, then settled any nerves with a quite brilliant individual goal after 64 minutes.

After collecting the ball just outside the area on the right, Nasri twisted past three Porto defenders before drilling a low shot in off the far post from the tightest of angles.

Safe passage to the quarter-finals was assured three minutes later when, following a Porto corner, Arshavin broke quickly down the left, holding the ball up before releasing the on-rushing Eboue, who rounded the keeper and stroked in a fourth.

Porto had lost here 4-0 in the group stages last season, which was their worst away reverse in the competition.

And over the final 20 minutes, it was a case of damage limitation for Jesualdo Ferreira's men.

Nasri was given a well-earned rest as he left the field to a standing ovation, replaced by defensive midfielder Denilson.

Fellow substitute Theo Walcott looked lively after he came on for Arshavin, and Bendtner headed a good hat-trick chance wide.

Eboue was brought down for by Fucile to concede a penalty in the final minute - which the young Dane stroked into the bottom corner to collect the match ball.

Walcott unfazed by critics

2010-03-09T01:45:00.001+08:00

Arsenal forward Theo Walcott hopes his impressive display against Burnley will silence his critics.

Walcott was criticised for making little impact in England's friendly with Egypt last week.

The Gunners star's response came in Saturday's 3-1 win at the Emirates, with a second-half goal capping a notable performance for the experienced youngster.

"I have had so many injuries this season, people don't realise how hard it is to come back from setback after setback after setback," said Walcott who is ready to shrug off opinion from outsiders.

"You can't be at your best straightaway and if you think you can, then you put more pressure on yourself. That's what I had been doing this season.

"I heard what has been going on but I don't listen to people on the outside of football.

"I listen to people around me - the boss [Arsene Wenger], Mr Capello, my family and the people around me.

"The best thing is I do know what's going on on the outside, but I don't listen to it, I only listen to people around me.

"It's doesn't bother me whatsoever - maybe if I keep performing like that it will shut people up."

carried away

The former Southampton trainee, though, stressed there is still room for improvement in his game.

"Hopefully this is a kick-start for me, but I am not going to get carried away or too big about myself," he said.

"I will look back at my performance and see what I can do better.

"I will study my performance on a DVD and see what I can do better, and will take whatever I can into Tuesday's [Champions League] game against Porto."

The Barclays Premier League title race sees Manchester United two points clear at the top of the table after their victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend.

Chelsea and Arsenal are now level on points below the current champions and Walcott believes the Gunners are still in with a chance of taking the top spot.

"Of course we believed we could get back into the title race and we have shown that lately," he said.

"It is a funny season, everyone is beating each other - but we have shown that belief and hopefully that will remain for the whole season now."

Arsenal win overshadowed by Ramsey injury

2010-02-28T04:19:00.001+08:00

Two stoppage time goals give Arsenal a crucial victory in the title race but at a cost, with Aaron Ramsey suffering a serious injury.
The win moves Arsene Wenger's side to within three points of leaders Chelsea with ten games remaining, but this evening's victory was overshadowed by a horrific looking injury to youngster Ramsey.

Midway through the second half, Ryan Shawcross hammered into a challenge with Ramsey just inside the Arsenal half. Both players went immediately to the floor and Ramsey was left with what looked like a very badly broken leg. Shawcross was immediately shown the red card by referee Peter Walton and the Stoke man was in tears as he left the pitch.

Arsenal, however, battled on and with the game heading into injury time and the score still deadlocked at 1-1, Arsenal were awarded a penalty for a handball by Danny Pugh. Up stepped their captain Cesc Fabregas, who slotted past Sorensen into the corner to give them the lead.

Minutes later, the visitors found the killer third goal to wrap up the points. Rosicky struck a shot from the edge of the area. Sorensen got down well to his right to make the save, but Fabregas followed in sharply to turn the ball back across goal and there was Vermaelen to tap the home into an empty net.

It was little more than Arsenal deserved after dominating the final hour of proceedings, but they were slow to a start and yet again they were undone by a Rory Delap throw-in. With just over seven minutes on the clock, Delap's long throw-in was headed on towards the far post by Shawcross and Danny Pugh stooped to head home from a couple of yards.

Immediate thoughts will now turn to the well being of Aaron Ramsey but after tonight's victory, Arsenal can again look towards the end of the season still in the hunt for honours

Premier League Player Ratings: Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland

2010-02-21T02:42:00.002+08:00

ARSENAL

Manuel Almunia - 7 - Denied Bent the equaliser with vital save. Largely untroubled.

Emmanuel Eboue - 8 - Menaced down the wing. Jinking run into the area followed by shot-cum-cross led to a tap-in for Bendtner. Sagna will have to watch that he doesn't lose his first-team place.

Mickael Silvestre - 6 - Wasn't particularly stretched by Sunderland's attack.

Thomas Vermaelen - 7 - Stung Gordon's palms with a vicious free kick in second half.

Gael Clichy - 6 - Played conservatively by his standards. Rarely got forward.

Cesc Fabregas - 7 - Not at his creative best but that's still very good indeed. Booked in the second half. 'Won' and dispatched penalty in 92nd minute.

Alexandre Song - 6 - Patrolled back line effectively.

Aaron Ramsey - 6 - Played with maturity. Beautifully disguised pass misread by Bendtner.

Samir Nasri - 7 - Seriously troubled Hutton down the wing. Driving shot from short corner only just deflected over bar.

Nicklas Bendtner - 7 - Useful link up play. Screwed shot wide on 17 minutes. Got on the end of cross-shot from Eboue to score opening goal.

Theo Walcott - 4 - Pace gives Arsenal a new dimension but lacked invention. Put clean through in first five minutes but failed to finish with a cross-shot that went wide.

Substitutes

Tomas Rosicky - N/A - On for Nasri on 72 mins.

Bakari Sagna - N/A - On for the ineffective Walcott.

Denilson - N/A - On for Eboue.

SUNDERLAND

Craig Gordon - 7 - Had no chance with the opening goal. Saved from Nasri, Walcott and Bendtner to deny Arsenal the second. Came close to reaching Fabregas's penalty.

Alan Hutton - 4 - Lacked the skill and pace to cope with Nasri.

George McCartney - 4 - Badly troubled by Walcott's pace. Great sliding tackle in the box to deny Bendtner.

Michael Turner - 6 - Managed to keep Arsenal from scoring a second. Cautioned for silly handball that was born out of frustration.

Darren Bent - 5 - Forced to play wide midfield and defended like a forward.

John Mensah - 5 - Foul on Fabregas on edge of area led to vicious free kick from Vermaelen. Booked for another foul on Fabregas.

Kieran Richardson - 6 - Stole the ball from Arsenal and fed Jones for what should have been the equaliser.

Anton Ferdinand - 5 - Looked off the pace in the unfamiliar role of central midfield. Moved to left-back eventually.

Lorik Cana - 7 - Booked for two-footed lunging tackle on Eboue. Could have been a harsher punishment.

Fraizer Campbell - 5 - First chance of the game for Sunderland after 20 minutes but is crowded out. Missed a sitter in second half - lucky to be ruled offside in the end. Brought down Fabregas for penalty.

Kenywne Jones - 4 - Guilty of a terrible miss after going one-on-one with Almunia but then put shot wide.

Substitutes

Bolo Zenden - N/A - On for Richardson on 75th minute

Benjani - N/A - Replaced Jones up front

Phil Bardsley - N/A - Replaced McCartney in last five minutes.

Arsenal weigh up move for £2m-rated Swiss forward Nassim Ben Khalifa

2010-02-17T04:48:00.001+08:00

Arsenal are considering a £2million move for Swiss teenager Nassim Ben Khalifa but face competition from Wolfsburg and Inter Milan.

Wolfsburg have held talks with Khalifa's club Grasshoopers Zurich - who play in the Swiss Super League - and could be close to completing a deal for the talented forward by the end of the week.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of Ben Khalifa after watching the 18-year-old star for Switzerland at the Under-17 World Cup in November.

But Wenger will have to make his move quickly as Wolfsburg are desperate to conclude a deal for the player before Arsenal and Inter join the bidding.

Khalifa has scored two goals in 12 appearances for the Grasshoopers and has represented Switzerland at Under-15s, 16s, 17s and 18s level - scoring a total of 17 goals in 40 appearances.

Arsenal Complete £10.4m Signing: Summer Deal Finally Sealed

2010-02-13T22:33:00.001+08:00

MAROUANE CHAMAKH will be an Arsenal player this summer after saying yes to a four-year, £10.4million deal.
The free agent Bordeaux ace has snubbed a BIGGER offer from Liverpool and put pen to paper on a Gunners pre-contract agreement.

It will mean £50,000 a week for the man Arsene Wenger believes can be the ‘new Emmanuel Adebayor’.

We told you first on Boxing Day that Arsenal boss Wenger had stepped up his bid to land the striker, even though publicly he had ended his interest in Chamakh.

Liverpool were offering the 26-year-old £10,000 a week more.

But the 6ft 2in Moroccan was desperate to work with Wenger and his decision will be a stinging snub for under-fire Kop chief Rafa Benitez.

Chamakh is rated one of France’s top frontmen and was a key member of Laurent Blanc’s title-winning team last season.

Arsenal tried to land him last summer in a £6m swoop. But Bordeaux wanted double that and the deal stalled. (Daily Mirror)

Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool

2010-02-11T06:27:00.003+08:00

Abou Diaby headed a second-half winner to revive Arsenal's faltering title hopes and end Liverpool's recent unbeaten league run.
Neither keeper had a save of note to make in the first 45 minutes and both defences were firmly on top, despite the best efforts of Nicklas Bendtner, who made his first start since October.

The second period was a far more open affair. Tomas Rosicky and David Ngog both went close but it was the Gunners who gradually gained control, with Cesc Fabregas central to all of their good play.

The breakthrough was made by the home side on 72 minutes, when Rosicky fired in a brilliant cross from the right and Diaby powered home a header from six yards out.

Liverpool showed more adventure after falling behind, with substitute Ryan Babel forcing Manuel Almunia into fine save in the 85th minute, the Spaniard tipping a 25-yard effort onto the crossbar.

Arsenal held on to reaffirm their manager's belief that the title race is wide open, and with all of their games against the 'big four' behind them, the Gunners still have hope.

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Arsenal set to beat Liverpool in race to sign striker Marouane Chamakh

2010-02-10T03:40:00.001+08:00

The Morocco international is available on a free transfer and Benítez was initially hopeful of bringing him to Anfield.

Only last month Liverpool appeared to lead the race for his signature but the player has since admitted his first choice would be a move to Arsenal, and Benítez believes any chance of securing the player is now dead.

The 26-year-old has reportedly hit out at Liverpool for being "fussy" over contract negotiations but Benítez is angry at the breakdown of the deal.

"I think that we will not sign him - but I will not say [any more]," said the Spaniard.

Arsenal turned down the chance to sign Chamakh last summer after his current club, Bordeaux, demanded a £15 million transfer fee, but he is available for free at the end of the season after he refused to sign a new contract.

Benítez, meanwhile, has admitted he would welcome any new investors into the club but remains to be convinced of their impending arrival.

It had been suggested two tycoons from the sub-continent were competing for bids to buy a significant stake in the club, but representatives of Mukesh Ambani, head of Reliance Industries and the seventh-richest man in the world, denied claims he was interested in doing business with Liverpool's co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

"We can see a lot of rumours in the press but we have to concentrate on football," Benítez said. "Everyone knows we need a new stadium and investors if we want to go forward so it would be good for the club.

"Over the last two years everyone is talking about new investors and the new stadium and so all the fans are waiting for this good news and me too.

"I'll be really pleased if we can bring [in] people who can help to bring the new stadium closer. If I signed a new (five-year) contract last year it was because they (Hicks and Gillett) told me they would be going forward.

"I am waiting for a while. The only thing I can do now is just concentrate on football and do our best on the pitch."

Liverpool's co-owners are in talks with a number of parties about investing in the club and will consider any possible offer on its own merits rather than setting out a definitive investment package.

However, chief executive Christian Purslow is currently working on securing £100 million of outside investment which will significantly reduce the club's £237 million debt by the end of the season.

Zidan in Premier link, Arsenal and Barcelona want Egyptian, says player's father

2010-02-08T18:38:00.001+08:00

The father of Borussia Dortmund forward Mohamed Zidan claims his son has been targeted by a number of top European sides.

The Egypt international impressed again at this year's African Cup of Nations as his country won the competition for the third consecutive time last month.

The 28-year-old's form has put him in the spotlight once more, with his father Abdullah adamant a deal with a top European club may be struck this summer.

"There are clubs like Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester United that have asked his agent about Mohamed," said Abdullah Zidan told Egyptian station Dream TV.

"Mohamed has a contract at Dortmund until 2012, but he has a clause allowing him to leave the club at the end of the season for a certain amount of money."

Dortmund are Zidan's fourth German club and the playmaker has grabbed two Bundesliga goals in 16 appearances this season.

Zidan, who has 33 international caps, netted seven times in 29 games in the previous season - his first at Signal Iduna Park.

Arsenal Attempted To Buy Stoke City Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen In January - Report

2010-02-07T22:46:00.002+08:00

According to the Sunday Telegraph, the Gunners boss has already admitted he tried to sign a player just before the window slammed shut, which the paper “understands to be [Thomas] Sorensen”.

The Danish international has come under pressure for his number one berth at the Britannia Stadium following the arrival of goalkeeper Asimir Begovic from Portsmouth. While Wenger might have considered replacing gloveman Manuel Almunia at the Emirates because of his recent dip in form.

Wenger has also admitted that he thinks the role of goalkeeper is a “terrible job", particularly in English football.

“Goalkeeper is maybe the most difficult job in the world because everything is so quick," explained the Frenchman.

"In England it is even harder because people stand on your feet at crosses. It is a terrible job.

"The goalkeeper always gets negative publicity. If a striker misses two chances but scores two goals he is a hero, but if a keeper has a fantastic game and makes one mistake, he is a villain. It is the most pressurised job in football."

The 60-year-old Frenchman also added that he felt Almunia was suffering by putting too much pressure on himself, saying: “I think he [Manuel Almunia] puts a lot of pressure on his own shoulders, perhaps too much.”

The Spaniard is certainly set for a testing afternoon as Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but Wenger is confident his team can prevail, despite being thumped 3-1 by Manchester United last weekend.

"I believe we will respond on Sunday [against Chelsea]. Last year we turned up in a similar situation and won the game,” he added.

"We are six points behind them [Chelsea] with 14 games left to play. We are still a very young team, and it is a miracle to be where we are today, if you listen to what people were saying at the start of the season.

"So why should we suddenly feel we are useless? We have surprised everybody, so we should really go for it.

"We have top quality, and we want to add that fraction of self-belief we have to find within our group.”

Chamakh wants Arsenal move

2010-02-07T13:33:00.001+08:00

Marouane Chamakh has revealed that he wants to move to England this summer when he becomes a free agent, and has stated Arsenal are the club he wants to sign for.

A host of teams have been chasing the highly-rated Moroccan international, who is out of contract at Bordeaux in the summer, but he has now revealed he wants to sign for the Gunners.

Arsenal tried to sign the 26-year-old last summer but could not agree terms, but Arsene Wenger has retained his interest.

However, in recent times Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Everton and Sunderland have all made contact with Chamakh's representatives as he is now free to talk terms with any interested clubs.

Inter Milan, Juventus and Sevilla have also been in touch, but Chamakh has now confirmed that he wants to move to the Emirates.

"My future? Well, I hold all the cards, I have no reason to be under pressure but everyday passing by, I am a little less a Bordeaux player," he revealed.
Arsenal

"My choice is to join Premier League and if I could choose, I will go to Arsenal.

"Bordeaux has brought me so much. I will soon clearly state things so the club can prepare to find my replacement peacefully."

Chamakh is full of praise for Bordeaux boss Laurent Blanc.

"Laurent Blanc has brought us a winning state of mind, he has taught us how to hate defeat," he told L'Equipe.

"Both on mental and physical levels, I am at my best. Three years ago, I was still a little crazy. Now I can manage my efforts, which allows me to be more clear-sighted at the end of the match.

"I have improved, but I can still improve. I am not only happy to play anymore. I have become someone who wants to win. I am more a scorer, but not enough yet. There are too many situations where I still do a pass for a player in a better position."

Lucky for Gunners' Tigers dent Blues' title charge

2010-02-03T14:13:00.004+08:00

battling performance from relegation contenders Hull City saw them claim a well-deserved point from a 1-1 draw with Premier League leaders Chelsea at the KC Stadium.

Phil Brown's men took the lead on 30 minutes thanks to a thumping header from defender Stephen Mouyokolo, only for Didier Drogba to grab the equaliser with a pin-point free-kick just before half time.

The visitors came closest in the second half through Drogba and Daniel Sturridge, but Hull fought hard to ensure the points were shared.

Frank Lampard came close for Chelsea early on with a rasping shot from 30 yards, stinging the hands of keeper Boaz Myhill. The rebound fell to the in-form Nicolas Anelka, but he failed to control the ball; sending it spinning out for a goal-kick.

Carlo Ancelotti's men then had a great chance to take the lead as a cross from Branislav Ivanovic found the head of an unmarked Michael Ballack, but the Germany international directed his diving effort straight at Myhill, who was able to make a comfortable save.

Moments later Hull broke the deadlock when a curling corner from Hunt was met by a towering Mouyokolo, whose powering header from close range left keeper Petr Cech with no chance.

However, the visitors were back level just minutes before half-time as George Boateng scythed down Anelka on the edge of the box allowing Drogba to step up and fire a free-kick into bottom corner of the net to register his eighth goal in nine games for the Blues.

Moyokuolo could have scored a second for Hull in first-half injury time as Tom Cairney floated in a dangerous ball towards the French defender, however, Anthony Gardner powered his way in front of his colleague and sent the ball looping over the bar.

Chelsea came close to taking the lead early in the second half as a corner from Florent Malouda was met with a thumping header from Drogba, but keeper Myhill managed to make a tremendous save down to his right.

However, this result give Arsenal relief and maybe will be easier for Gunners to bounce back against Chelsea this sunday.

John Terry powered in a header in the following melee, but again Myhill was equal to it; palming the ball to safety.

Drogba had another chance on the 75-minute mark, but his header from an Ivanovic cross looped just over the bar.

Substitute Sturridge nearly stole all three points for the visitors in injury time, but his long-range half-volley was well brilliantly turned away by Myhill.

Savic claims Gunners deal

2010-02-03T14:05:00.003+08:00

Claims: Defender Stefan Savic (left) is capped at youth level for Montenegro

Montenegrin defender Stefan Savic claims he has agreed a deal to join Arsenal in the summer after snubbing interest from other Premier League clubs.

Savic has recently been linked with a move to Emirates Stadium and says he will sign a pre-contract with Arsene Wenger's side later this week to join from BSK Borca.

The 19-year-old also claims Birmingham City and Tottenham Hotspur were keen on a deal, but he is looking forward to the opportunity to play for Wenger.

He told Serbian newspaper Blic: "There were offers from Tottenham and Birmingham, but once a call came from Arsenal, I had no more doubts.

"Wenger made sure my papers were arranged for me and my work permit extended so I can be at more training sessions.

"He is the man. He has incredible authority at the club, everyone listens to him, assistants lead training sessions and he just supervises. Nothing can escape him."

Savic added: "A pre-contract will be signed on Thursday and then I will return to Belgrade and join BSK for their preparations.

"I will be staying with BSK until May."

The centre-half has five Under 21 caps and, if the deal goes through, his arrival will go some way to softening the blow of missing out on Chris Smalling, who opted to instead join Manchester United.

West Ham 1-2 Arsenal

2010-01-04T21:40:00.002+08:00

Arsene Wenger calmly claimed it had been “just a matter of time“ before Arsenal played their way to victory over West Ham in the FA Cup last night.

But for 25 minutes of a frenetic second half at Upton Park, Arsenal’s Carling Cup side were following Manchester United out of the other domestic cup competition.

Alessandro Diamanti gave the Hammers a deserved lead on the stroke of half-time and Gianfranco Zola’s side had chances to kill off the tie.

And not until the 65th minute, when Wenger finally replaced two teenagers with two internationals, did Arsenal finally show the difference in class between the third and 17th-placed team in the Premier League.

Wenger insisted he thought the FA Cup was “fantastic“ but then immediately admitted Manchester United would now have an advantage in the Premier League and Champions League by going out.

Arsenal face a season-defining run of games against top sides in the Premier League between the next two rounds.

Yet after winning no silverware since the 2005 FA Cup final, it is a trophy the ten-times winners were not prepared to give up on yesterday.

Aaron Ramsey and Eduardo scored the goals in the final 12 minutes but the excellent Abou Diaby and Samir Nasri provided the class and needed width from the bench to avoid another cup shock.

Their dubious reward is a trip to Stoke in the next round. “We had a very difficult first half against a committed West Ham side,” said Wenger.

“They were well organised and won many 50-50s and were quicker on the ball. The second half we played at a higher tempo and West Ham dropped a little bit physically and we could make the difference in the final 20 minutes. It was just a matter of time.”

Wenger made five changes from the team which beat Portsmouth in the Premier League last Wednesday with Andrei Arhavin joining Cesc Fabregas on the nine-man injury list.

But with the chance to go second in the Premier League on Wednesday night, the French manager still did not start with his strongest team and nearly paid the price.

“The FA matters,” he insisted. “The team I picked today was because I wanted to win. The problem we had was that we have played Sunday, Wednesday and will play again on Wednesday at Bolton and against Everton on Saturday. So you cannot play with the same 11 players.”

The first 45 minutes of the encounter were as forgettable as Upton Park was freezing.

It was not until injury time that a Valon Behrami pass sprang the Arsenal offside trap and Diamanti slotted his slow shot through the hands of Lukasz Fabianski.

The summer signing from Livorno can be a frustratingly selfish but he has wonderful technique and was outstanding in a West Ham side giving a debut to Swiss defender Fabio Daprela and a first start to striker Frank Nouble.

Behrami and Radoslav Kovac were also tireless in a midfield lacking the injured Scott Parker. Only Fabianski’s spectacular save denied Junior Stanislas a crucial second goal.

But the replacement of Jack Wilshere and Fran Merida after 65 minutes changed the game. Green needed to produce a brave double save from Diaby and then Alex Song seven minutes later.

But the England keeper was helpless when Ramsey rammed home a left-foot shot after a deflection ran into his path after 78 minutes.

And Eduardo scored his third goal in four games after 83 minutes when he rose above Matthew Upson to loop a header from the penalty spot into the top corner beyond Green’s despairing dive from Vela’s cross.

As West Ham collapsed, Eduardo and Vela had chances to increase the lead in the final minutes but it would have been unjust.

Zola said: “It was very close but I am pleased with the performance of the team. I couldn’t ask for anything more. We gave everything. The difference was that in the first 15 minutes of the second half, we had so many opportunities but we didn’t manage to close the game down. When they brought on those two players, they changed gear.”

While West Ham will look to avoid selling players, Wenger claimed this transfer window will al depend on the spending habits of Manchester City and Chelsea.

“If they buy from English clubs, the market will be busy,” he reasoned.

“If they don’t buy from English clubs, the market will be very quiet because there is not a lot of money around. I have the money, the desire but not the player.”

Arsenal move for Brazil teen

2010-01-01T19:40:00.001+08:00

Arsenal have agreed a £3.5million deal for 16-year-old Brazil forward Wellington Silva, according to the player's agent.

The Gunners have tracked the Fluminense teenager after he impressed during a trial.

The player's agent, Rodrigo Pitta, told the Daily Mail: "We completed the transaction last week, the player is already Arsenal's and Fluminense have already received some money."

Arsenal have yet to comment on any deal.

Wellington cannot join up with Arsene Wenger's side until he turns 18 next year but Arsenal are believed to have paid 65 per cent of the fee up front, with the rest to follow when he arrives at Emirates.

The Brazil youth international is considered one of the most promising players of his age group in Brazil.

Manchester United, Chelsea, Atletico and Real Madrid have all been linked with the player, but Arsenal's long courtship appears to have paid off.

WENGER TO LAUNCH £12M STRIKER BID

2009-12-28T21:17:00.002+08:00

ARSENE WENGER is poised to launch a £12million January bid for French international striker Andre Pierre Gignac.

Arsenal's front line has been hit by an ankle ligaments injury to Robin van Persie, which will see him miss the rest of the season, while Nicklas Bendtner is sidelined with a knee problem.

Gunners boss Wenger has admired the 6ft 2in Toulouse forward for months and believes that with the French club struggling in their league, he can snatch his man despite him being contracted until 2013.

Gignac is unhappy after managing just five goals this season after grabbing 24 in 37 games last term. He is keen to get away from Toulouse - especially as Wenger would double his wages to £40,000 a week at the Emirates.

The striker has netted four times in 10 outings for his country.

A source close to the negotiations said: "He's been happy at Toulouse but knows this is the time to leave and the prospect of Champions League football is too good to resist."

Arsenal will be seeking to build on their four-match unbeaten league run at home today to Aston Villa today, who have not lost in seven games.

But the injury worries are mounting, with influential captain Cesc Fabregas a doubt due to a hamstring problem. The Spain international has been missing since the December 16 draw at Burnley and withdrew from training on Thursday due to the problem.

"There is still an uncertainty about him," said Wenger. "He was supposed to practice on Christmas Eve but he still had some pain in his leg.

"We still don't know if he will be available for the squad. It is 50-50."

Tomas Rosicky remains out, along with full-back Gael Clichy (back) and Johan Djourou (knee).

However, there is good news for Wenger with Armand Traore ready to return after his hamstring problem.

Wenger added: "Compared to the Hull game, we have Traore available again. But he is the only one back."

Arsenal 3 Aston Villa 0

2009-12-28T21:12:00.002+08:00

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas came off the bench to inspire the Gunners to a 3-0 win over Aston Villa which hauls them back into the Barclays Premier League title race.

The Spaniard, who had been out with a hamstring problem, netted a superb free-kick on 65 minutes and then scored a fine breakaway goal before being substituted as a precaution.

Abou Diaby netted a third in stoppage time at Emirates Stadium, curling in a low effort from the edge of the area after a powerful run.

Villa - who had already beaten Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool this season - looked dangerous on the break but could not make the most of their best spell of pressure midway through the second half.

Arsene Wenger's men are now just four points behind leaders Chelsea, and with a match in hand on the sides around them - a position which looked inconceivable following their defeat here against the Blues at the end of November.

The hosts started brightly and Brad Friedel saved well from defender Thomas Vermaelen at the far post following a corner, before Croatia striker Eduardo shot straight at the Villa keeper after collecting the ball from Diaby and turning in the box.

dipping effort

However, Villa - winners at Old Trafford just before Christmas - are a well-organised unit under Martin O'Neill and the physical presence of England forward Emile Heskey caused the Arsenal defence cause for concern.

Following a swift counter-attack by the visitors, Ashley Young saw his shot deflected behind off Alex Song.

The Cameroon midfielder - set to head off to the African Nations Cup next month - was lucky to only get a stern talking to by referee Phil Dowd after hauling down Heskey as Villa looked to break quickly again.

From the resulting free-kick, Villa had the ball in the net, but only after Richard Dunne bundled into Manuel Almunia, the effort correctly ruled out for the foul on the Arsenal keeper.

Arsenal, though, were soon back on the offensive, with Nasri's dipping effort deflected over and Song then just off target from the resulting corner.

Denilson was bundled down right on the edge of the penalty area but the Brazilian's effort hit the wall, then Bacary Sagna's follow-up flew over.

At the start of the second half, Diaby's run down the right was halted by Young, who picked up a yellow card for his troubles which rules the forward out of the Liverpool match on Tuesday.

swept home

Eduardo's deep free-kick was pushed away by Friedel before the Villa defence scrambled the ball off their goalline following a corner.

With 33 minutes left, Denilson was replaced by Fabregas.

Eduardo was unfortunate to see his close-range effort cleared by Warnock after a clever exchange with Andrey Arshavin down the left.

Friedel then denied the Russian with a full stretch save after Fabregas had weaved into the area, and Dunne cleared as Eduardo looked to knock the loose ball in.

On 65 minutes, Arsenal were awarded a free-kick 23 yards out when Dunne tripped Fabregas - and it proved costly as the Spaniard stepped up to curl a sublime effort up over the wall and into the top left corner.

Arsenal were lifted by the goal and looked full of confidence as they poured forward - and fittingly, the skipper helped Arsenal wrap up the points.

In the 81st minute, after a spell of Villa pressure, Traore hit a long diagonal pass out to Theo Walcott on the right. The substitute dashed forward before touching the ball into the path of the onrushing Fabregas, who swept home a 12th goal of the season.

The Spaniard, though, appeared to have aggravated his hamstring problem and was replaced by Aaron Ramsey for the closing stages.

Almunia made a brave save to deny Gabriel Agbonlahor, before Diaby netted Arsenal's third goal in stoppage-time, finishing low from the edge of the area.

Arsenal 3-0 Hull City

2009-12-20T19:39:00.002+08:00

Arsenal moved back into third place in the Barclays Premier League with a comfortable victory over relegation-threatened Hull City at the Emirates Stadium.

Goals from Denilson, Eduardo and Abou Diaby earned Arsene Wenger's side all three points.

But the Gunners also had to give credit to goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, who saved a penalty from Geovanni when the home side led 1-0.

Hull, who beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last season, had the first opportunity within the opening minute.

Craig Fagan's 20-yard shot was just off target but Hull were clearly in the mood for a battle.

Moments later Almunia had to deal with a free-kick by Stephen Hunt as the City midfielder looked to surprise the Arsenal goalkeeper at the near post.

The home side were clearly missing the midfield artistry of the injured Cesc Fabregas but Samir Nasri should have put them ahead in the 15th minute but shot tamely at Myhill.

little time

Hull had enjoyed much of the possession in the early skirmishes but they had little reward in attack.

Arsenal finally shook off their lethargy in the 23rd minute when Eduardo tried to curl the ball beyond Myhill and into the corner of the net. But the Arsenal striker's effort was a yard wide of the target.

Wenger's side, without a string of first-choice players, found it difficult to break down stubborn Hull, who gave their hosts little time to settle on the ball.

A cross from Hunt in the 39th minute almost reached Fagan but Almunia collected the ball before the City striker could pounce.

Arsenal had found little rhythm in their play and Myhill, apart from a couple of long shots, had been relatively untroubled.

Denilson then scored from a free-kick after George Boateng had fouled Diaby 25-yards from goal.

Hull replaced Nick Barmby at half-time with Seyi Olofinjana but nearly went two behind straight after the re-start.

shot wide

Eduardo worked an opening for himself from Andrey Arshavin's pass, but the Croatia striker put his shot wide with just Myhill to beat.

In the 55th minute, referee Bennett awarded Hull a penalty after Mikael Silvestre had been adjudged to have pulled the shirt of Fagan.

But Almunia saved a poor Geovanni spot-kick and then Hunt headed the rebound wide of the target.

Worse was to come for Phil Brown's side in the 59th minute when Diaby broke into the penalty area and pulled the ball back for Eduardo to tap home.

Arsenal wrapped up the points in the 80th minute when Diaby played a one-two with Arshavin and fired past Myhill.

Hunt almost scored a consolation goal for the visitors with three minutes remaining but Almunia saved his volley.

The Arsenal goalkeeper's clearance then put substitute Theo Walcott in the clear at the opposite end but the England youngster put his lob just wide.

Arshavin scorcher condemns Reds to defeat

2009-12-14T02:45:00.003+08:00

Andrei Arshavin returned to Anfield, the scene of his four-goal blitz last season, to score the winning goal in the 2-1 encounter with Liverpool.

Rafa Benitez will be livid with his players and the referee Howard Webb after his side dominated the first half, and led through Dirk Kuyt.

Steven Gerrard was brought down in the visitor's box early on when he knocked the ball past William Gallas but was caught by the defender.

Despite there being obvious contact - confirmed by television replays - referee Webb waved away appeals.

Holland international Kuyt pounced on goalkeeper Manuel Almunia's poor punch from Fabio Aurelio's free-kick to fire home from ten yards, four minutes before the interval.

But five minutes after the restart Liverpool gifted Arsenal the softest of equalisers when Cesc Fabregas released Samir Nasri on the right and when Glen Johnson, with Theo Walcott at his back, tried to intercept the cross which had taken a slight deflection off Jamie Carragher he succeeded only in turning it past Reina.

Their position was strengthened further in the 58th minute when another error by Johnson, who miscontrolled Fabregas' shot under pressure from Arshavin and allowed the Russian to nip past him and fire in a shot off Reina's right-hand post.

Arsenal Tracking David Villa & Edin Dzeko - Report

2009-12-13T22:50:00.000+08:00

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly keeping a close eye on Valencia forward David Villa as well VfL Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko as he looks to strengthen the Gunners' striking options in January.

The Daily Mirror reports that Dzeko was watched by Arsenal scouts in the Champions League against Manchester United last week, whilst Villa has been on Wenger's radar for some time.

West Ham United striker Carlton Cole is also apparently on the Frenchman's hit list.

Villa has been linked with moves to England on a regular basis, though Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are also believed to be interested in acquiring his services.

Wolfsburg are now out of the Champions League and may well decide to cash in on Dzeko, 23, as Wenger looks to compensate for the loss of Robin van Persie for much of the rest of the season due to an ankle injury.

Arsenal link with £15million C.Cole

2009-12-07T18:29:00.001+08:00

West Ham’s Carlton Cole is being linked with a £15million move to Arsenal according to the the Daily Mirror. Arsenal are desperately lacking in strikers after Robin van Persie was ruled out for the season. Nicklas Bendtner is not expected back for a few weeks and Eduardo is struggling with his fitness and his form as he endures his longest goal-drought in an Arsenal shirt. The situation is so bad that Arsene Wenger was forced to play Andrei Arshavin as a lone striker against Stoke on Saturday with the young Mexican Carlos Vela the only option from the bench.

Cole himself is injured and not is expected to return till the New Year but he has been in great form this season and Arsenal are lacking a player with his considerable power. West Ham are not looking to sell their star-striker given their delicatge position in the league but their financial situation is no secret and their resolve will be sorely tested by a bid in the region of £15million.

The England international has really found his form in the last 12 months and is highly rated both by Gianfranco Zola and England boss Fabio Capello. Arsene Wenger is notoriously thrifty and will only spend money if he believes a player can really improve his side and Cole’s ability to hold up the ball and physically impose himself on defenders would certainly add something to Arsenal’s game. Unlike many of the other strikers being linked with Arsenal, Cole would be available for the Champions League.

Arsenal 2-0 Stoke

2009-12-06T21:51:00.002+08:00

Arsenal leapfrogged Tottenham Hotspur into third place in the Barclays Premier League with a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Stoke City.

Andrey Arshavin, who was by far the Gunners' best player, slotted home from a tight angle in the first half minutes after Cesc Fabregas had missed a penalty on his 250th appearance for the club.

After a largely frustrating second half, impressive substitute Aaron Ramsey sealed the win with a cool finish 10 minutes from time.

The Gunners started brightly and Fabregas put Arshavin through one on one with Thomas Sorensen but he came out to block the Russian's shot.

Stoke's first meaningful attack came eight minutes in when Manuel Almunia had to come out and punch away one of Rory Delap's trademark long throws.

Delap's throws were the Potters' main attacking option and Almunia looked nervous as he struggled to deal with the defender's third throw of the match 11 minutes in.

shot straight

Arsenal were then given a golden chance to take the lead in the 20th minute when Arshavin was tripped by Delap in the box and referee Mark Clattenburg pointed to the spot.

Fabregas stepped up to take the penalty but Sorensen stretched to his left to palm the ball around the post.

Six minutes later, Arshavin made amends for a mis-hit by slotting the ball home from a Fabregas pass to pick up his seventh of the season and give Arsenal the lead.

They then came agonisingly close to doubling their lead straight after the goal.

Armand Traore slipped in Fabregas, whose shot rebounded off Faye onto the post. The ball then fell back to the Spaniard, who lashed the ball towards goal only for Emmanuel Eboue to accidentally block the ball on the Stoke line.

Arsenal felt they should have had a second penalty on the stroke of half-time when Samir Nasri's pass brushed Faye's hand but Clattenburg waved away the Gunners' appeals.

Tuncay turned neatly on the edge of the box but shot straight at Almunia for Stoke's first attack of the second half as the rain started to fall on the Emirates pitch.

striker's shot

Arshavin, who continued as Arsenal's lone striker despite Carlos Vela's introduction, continued to pose a threat and forced Sorensen into a fine save shortly after.

Tuncay then broke the offside trip to latch onto Liam Lawrence's long ball down field but he lacked pace and composure, allowing William Gallas to track back and block the striker's shot.

Arshavin was unlucky not to add his second when his shot was deflected onto the bar by Stoke captain Faye.

The home crowd sensed the Gunners needed a second and it came with 11 minutes left when Ramsey picked the ball up on the edge of the box, jinked inside and calmly stroked the ball past Sorensen.

Fabregas and Arshavin both had chances towards the end for the Gunners while Gallas finished the match hobbling with what looked like a thigh injury.

Arsenal chase Edin Dzeko.

2009-12-01T22:24:00.001+08:00

Edin Dezko, Micah Richards, Robert Green, David Villa and Steve Sidwell are all rumoured to be on the move in January.
Arsene Wenger will step up his search for a new striker to pump fresh New Year's impetus into Arsenal's fading season.

The Gunners looked lightweight in attack during yesterday's 3-0 defeat to Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium and they are now 11 points behind the leaders.

Robin van Persie's ankle ligament damage means he is sidelined until April and with Nicolas Bendtner also stuck in the treatment room, Wenger knows his team lack a cutting edge.

Wolfsburg's prolific finisher Edin Dzeko could be a solution and the Arsenal manager is an admirer of his qualities in the penalty area.

The only drawback is Dzeko would not be available for the Champions League where he has been in sparkling form, scoring three times in five group stage matches.

Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Manchester City defender Micah Richards, if the Eastlands outfit decide to sell the England international.

He is also reputed to be a target for Tottenham where he may be further cover for injury-prone central defenders Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti says he does not expect to make any new signings in January, unless his side suffers any injuries.

But as the transfer ban imposed on it by Fifa for inducing Gael Kakuta to break his contract has been suspended by the Court of Arbitration for Sport it is more than likely he will be given cash to bring in new faces just in case the ruling goes against the Blues before the summer window.

Valencia striker David Villa and Atletico Madrid finisher Sergio Aguero are top of the hit list and one or the other could well be signed along with Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery.

Cash-strapped West Ham are ready to offload England goalkeeper Robert Green in January if they receive a bid in the region of £5m and Wolves are ready to make a move for Aston Villa's £3m-rated England under-21 international midfielder Craig Gardner.

Everton boss David Moyes is chasing PSV Eindhoven's Serbian striker Danko Lazovic - after giving up on his countryman Milan Jovanovic, who plays for Standard Liege.

And new Portsmouth manager Avram Grant is ready to bring in former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell from Aston Villa if on-loan Jamie O'Hara returns to Tottenham.

Grant may also go back to former club Chelsea in an attempt to take ex-Manchester City striker Daniel Sturridge down to Fratton Park for the rest of the season.

Glasgow Rangers forward Kris Boyd is another target with the Ibrox club also expecting renewed interest from Birmingham City.

Arsenal 2-0 Standard Liege

2009-11-25T21:22:00.002+08:00

First half goals from Samir Nasri and Denilson gave Arsenal a 2-0 win over Standard Liege and a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Arsenal dominated the opening exchanges with their usual crisp passing football in the group H clash, but their best chance of the opening 15 minutes came via a goalmouth scramble.

A corner was whipped in which was met by a Andrei Arshavin header which was blocked on the line. The ball fell to Carlos Vela who struck the post before William Gallas saw his effort blocked by keeper Sinan Bolat. The ball rebounded to Thomas Vermaelen, whose shot hit Arshavin on the line and went wide.

The visitors came desperately close to taking the lead on 21 minutes when Dieumerci Mbokani cut inside the defender and his shot rebounded off the angle with Manuel Almunia beaten.

On the half hour mark, Cesc Fabregas whipped in a cross for Gallas to head wide, but by heading the ball, he clashed heads with Arshavin leaving both of them requiring a few minutes treatment.

Arsenal took the lead after 35 minutes when a floated ball caused Landry Mulemo slip as he was trying to change direction, which let Nasri in to place his half-volley past the keeper.

The home side were well on top, and they were centimetres away from extending their lead on two separate occasions in the space of three minutes.

First of all, a slide rule pass from Nasri set up Arshavin to hit a first time shot which curled just wide of the post.

Two minutes later, Arshavin turned provider to play in Fabregas, but his cross-shit evaded the sliding Vela and the far post.

Arsenal doubled their lead in first half injury time when Denilson unleashed a 35-yard swerving effort that deceived Bolat and flew into the roof of the net.

Axel Witsel had a great chance to pull a goal back five minutes into the second half after latching onto a quick free kick, but his tame effort was easily kept out by Almunia.

A piece of magic from Vela nearly helped Arsenal net their third goal, but he badly scuffed his shot.

Arsenal coasted the remainder of the half with their lead never looking in any real danger, apart from when Zoro Gohi-Bi struck the post.

The visitors were reduced to ten men in the closing stages when Medhi Carcela-Gonzalez was dismissed for a tussle with Fabregas, and Arsenal saw out the final few minutes to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League as group winners.

Sunderland 1 Arsenal 0

2009-11-23T01:04:00.002+08:00

England striker Darren Bent fired title-chasing Arsenal to a first defeat in 14 matches as Sunderland battled their way to victory.

Bent struck 19 minutes from time to seal a tight contest after the Gunners had failed to make the most of the possession they enjoyed at the Stadium of Light.

It might have been different had keeper Marton Fulop not denied Tomas Rosicky with a vital fifth minute save.

But the Black Cats battled all the way to the whistle to condemn the visitors to defeat for the first time since 12th September.

Tomas Rosicky and Samir Nasri repeatedly linked with Eduardo and captain Cesc Fabregas, while Aaron Ramsey and Alexandre Song kept Lorik Cana and Jordan Henderson occupied in the middle of the field.

The Gunners might have been in front as early as the fifth minute when Fabregas expertly turned Bacary Sagna's deep cross into the path of Rosicky, who forced a good save from Fulop with a well-struck volley.

agonisingly wide

Fabregas whistled a 13th minute drive just over the bar, but Fulop was a relieved man after Song and Eduardo had combined to carve their way into the penalty area with 32 minutes gone.

The pair exchanged passes on the edge of the box and Song continued his run, only to just fail to get a touch to Eduardo's shot as it ran agonisingly wide of the post.

In the meantime, Sunderland had created two chances of their own, both of them falling to Steed Malbranque from left wing crosses.

The first saw him fire just over from full-back George McCartney's ball in, but he skied the second, with Andy Reid this time the provider, high over the bar.

Arsenal resumed in much the same vein as they took the match to Sunderland, although they were still unable to pierce the Black Cats' defence.

But Sunderland produced a flurry of their own, full-back Armand Traore just managing to cut out Henderson's 52nd minute through-ball to Bent and keeper Manuel Almunia coming from his line to claim possession with Reid putting William Gallas under intense pressure seconds later.

under threat

Almunia's goal came under threat once again five minutes later when Reid drilled a long-range free kick just wide, and the Irishman then skied a snapshot high over the bar.

Wenger's response was to replace Ramsey with Andrey Arshavin, and Bruce quickly followed suit when he withdrew Malbranque and sent on Fraizer Campbell.

But it was Sunderland's newcomer who made a swift impact with 71 minutes gone, although he did not know a lot about it.

Bent's header from a Reid corner cannoned back off his legs at the far post and fell perfectly for his strike partner to smash it home before Almunia could get there.

Wenger immediately sent on Theo Walcott and Carlos Vela for Rosicky and Eduardo, but it was Arshavin who very nearly came to their rescue with three minutes remaining.

The midfielder got to Song's cross at the far post, but he could only direct his shot into the side-netting.

SUNDERLAND v ARSENAL TEAM NEWS

2009-11-21T17:35:00.002+08:00

Robin van Persie is on of several key players missing for Arsneal's trip to face Sunderland.

The Gunners are boosted by the return of midfielder Denilson after the Brazilian's recovery from a back injury.

Manager Arsena Wenger is without left back Kieran Gibbs so Mikael Silvestre is ready to to slot in.

Sunderland head into their clash with Arsenal without suspended duo Kenwyne Jones and Michael Turner.

The Black Cats will welcome Lorik Cana back from suspension while Bolo Zenden could shake off a hip injury to return.

Manager Steve Bruce could be without goalkeeper Craig Gordon (hip) so Marton Fulop is on stand-by.

John Mensah has recovered from a calf injury and could be involved against the Gunners.

Teams:

Sunderland (from): Fulop, Bardsley, Da Silva, Nosworthy, Ferdinand, Turner, Richardson, McCartney, Reid, Malbranque, Henderson, Campbell, Bent, Healy, Murphy, Meyler, Reed, Cana, Zenden, Mensah, Carson.

Arsenal (from): Almunia, Sagna, Vermaelen, Gallas, Silvestre, Rosicky, Song, Fabregas, Nasri, Arshavin, Eduardo, Fabianski, Vela, Traore, Eboue, Denilson, Ramsey, Senderos, Wilshere, Walcott.

Arsenal transfer target Mesut Ozil: 10 things you need to know about Cesc Fabregas' replacement - plus video of him in action

2009-11-08T00:07:00.003+08:00

Reports have circulated today that Arsenal have earmarked Mesut Ozil to be Cesc Fabregas' long-term midfield replacement. But what do we know about the undisputed rising star of the Bundesliga?

1) Mesut Ozil was born on October 15, 1988 in the German city of Gelsenkirchen and is a skillful midfield playmaker who can also operate on the wing.

2) After playing for various local sides, his big break came when he joined Schalke 04 as a 17-year old in 2005. As a youngster, his initial appearances were limited to the German League Cup (he'll fit right in at the Emirates, then...), but he quickly broke into the first team, helping Schalke 04 to a second place finish in the the 2006-07 Bundesliga season, and even appearing in the Champions League.

3) Things started to go wrong for Ozil at Schalke when he refused to sign a new contract. When dropping him from the first team had no effect, Schalke had little option to cash in on their prized asset. And so, after just 37 appearances, Ozil joined Werder Bremen on the 2008 January transfer window deadline day for €4.3million - the most expensive transfer fee ever paid for a German teenager.

4) Six months later he missed out on a title win again, as Werder Bremen finished the 2007-08 in second place, this time behind Bayern Munich. To date he's made 48 league appearances for Werder Bremen and chipped in with 7 goals.

5) Unlike many of his potential new young Arsenal teammates, Ozil does have a winner's medal to his name. He starred in Germany's equivalent of the FA Cup last season, scoring the only goal of the final as Werder Bremen beat Bayer Leverkusen 1-0.

6) He wasn't quite so lucky in that season's UEFA Cup final, however, as his Werder Bremen side went down 2-1 to Shakhtar Donetsk after extra time.

7) Ozil is widely regarded as the future of German football, and is known in Bremen as "der Neue Diego" - a reference to his Brazilian midfield partner. This is why:

8) Despite being the son of third generation Turkish immigrants, Ozil pledged his international future to Germany from an early age. He made his his Under-21 debut as an 18-year old, and was an instrumental figure - not to mention goalscorer - in their 4-0 demolition of Stuart Pearce's young Lions in the 2009 European Championship final. Here's his effort:

9) By that time Ozil was already a full international, having made his debut in a friendly against Norway in February 2009. He's won a further four caps since, and bagged his first goal for Germany during this 2-0 friendly win over South Africa in September.

makeArsenal transfer target Mesut Ozil: 10 things you need to know about Cesc Fabregas' replacement - plus video of him in action

10) He's been linked with most of Germany's top sides and several in England - including Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa. However, Ozil has gone on record as saying he'd prefer to sign for... Barcelona.

"I've found Barcelona fascinating, ever since I was small," he told the German press. "Signing for them is a dream of mine." Although if Cesc was to head to the Nou Camp, who's to say Ozil's thoughts wouldn't turn to the Emirates instead?

Arsenal 3 Tottenham Hotspur 0 In London Derby Match

2009-11-03T03:49:00.002+08:00

Tottenham Hotspur travelled to the Emirates for the North London derby that saw David Bentley start against his former club.

Robin van Persie gave Arsenal the lead three minutes before half-time. Bacary Sagna’s low cross was attacked by the Dutchman who poked the ball past Heurelho Gomes.

The Spurs keeper will feel that he should have done better as he was beaten at his near post whilst getting a hand to it.

Less than a minute later, Arsenal scored again. A good counterattack from Cesc Fabregas following a Spurs kick-off saw him beat Gomes and give Arsenal a two goal lead.

It was shocking defending from Spurs who practically gifted Arsenal a two goal advantage. It was the sort of play you would expect to find in your local park, not a Premier League football stadium.

Sagna and van Persie combined again to give Arsenal a third on the hour mark. Sagna’s low cross was this time was completely missed by Gomes and van Persie had the simple task of passing the ball into the empty net.

There was no question of whether it was poor goalkeeping on this occasion as-Gomes should have done better. Arsenal were always going to score when he failed.

Arsenal will be extremely happy to have beaten their local rivals comprehensively showing the gulf in class and why they are considered one of the 'Big Four' and Spurs aren’t.

Tottenham will be bitterly disappointed. Not only did they lose to their fiercest rivals but they gifted them three goals. Their defending at times was terrible.

Arsene Wenger claims Arsenal are 12 years ahead of derby rivals Tottenham

2009-10-31T14:54:00.002+08:00

Arsene Wenger last night stoked up the north London derby after claiming Tottenham are a dozen years behind Arsenal.

Wenger dismissed Spurs captain Robbie Keane’s claims that Tottenham have caught up with the Gunners and are ready to overtake their bitter rivals this season.

The Arsenal boss said: “I don’t share that opinion. How do you measure the dimension of a club? Success. Exactly.

“So if you look at success historically, they have a lot of work to do. We have been 12 consecutive years in the Champions League so once they have done that they can say, of course, that they are similar.

“They have the potential, the supporters, they are a big club. But what comes next is the consistency of achievement. At the moment nobody would deny that Arsenal is in front of them.

“In our job it is about performances not about opinions and so I believe the most important is what you do on the football pitch.

“The Tottenham supporters will have their opinion, the Arsenal supporters will have a different opinion, that’s part of the game. But what is the most important is the quality of our performance today.

“Tottenham are a big club, they invest massive money every year, why should they not be a threat? But we have always managed to get in front of them.

“I am happy with the players I have and I don’t compare with the Tottenham players. I have a strong belief in them and I believe we have the strengths to win the championship.”

Wenger yesterday went out of his way to try to avoid stoking up any bad feeling before today’s derby but still made his point that Arsenal are well ahead of their fiercest rivals.

During Wenger’s 13 years in charge at Arsenal, the Frenchman has won three league titles and four FA Cups - and that includes two Doubles.

Tottenham, in contrast, have never finished above Arsenal during that time, have only won two League Cups, have not beaten Arsenal in the Premier League for ten years and Wenger has only ever lost to Harry Redknapp once in 23 meetings.

The statistics and record books back up Wenger’s argument but there is no doubt that last season’s incredible 4-4 draw at the Emirates felt like a defeat to Arsenal and victory for Spurs.

Former Arsenal trainee David Bentley scored the opener with a 40-yard wonder goal and Wenger’s men were 4-2 up with 88 minutes on the clock before letting it slip.

That match had huge ramifications for Arsenal as it heralded a desperate slump in form. William Gallas was also stripped of the captaincy after blasting team spirit and revealing dressing room bust-ups after that game.

Wenger still remembers it painfully - but has no doubt that will avenge the result today.

He said: “It took us some time to recover from that. Don’t worry, every time we don’t win I suffer. You suffer more when you think you have won the game and the team comes back.

“It’s difficult to know what the impact was from that game. After that, we lost at Manchester City. It took us some time to recover from that.

“Redknapp has done a good job because they were fighting not to go down. He has shown through his experience and his intelligence that he can do it.

“But I believe that we are in a strong position in every competition we play in and for us it’s a good opportunity.

“Don’t forget that we have a game in hand, so the table doesn’t reflect completely the reality. For us it’s a good opportunity to take out distances and to get into a stronger position in the league.”

Fran Merida strike helps Arsenal beat Liverpool

2009-10-29T14:56:00.002+08:00

Arsenal 2 Liverpool 1. So in the end, both managers kept their powder dry for this pulsating Carling Cup Fourth Round encounter at the Emirates stadium, with Liverpool's Emiliano Insúa and Dirk Kuyt being the only players on either side to have played in the weekend's Premier League matches. But if anything, the game was all the better for the mixture of starlets, fringe players and returnees from injury who played, all eager to impress their respective gaffers.

The home side welcomed back Samir Nasri from a broken fibula suffered in pre-season training, and handed a debut to Craig Eastmond, an 18-year-old English winger. Both teams started brightly enough, with Kuyt and Jay Spearing having efforts for the visitors, and Spaniard Fran Merida and Nasri going close for the Gunners.

But Arsenal broke the deadlock on 18 minutes when Merida, from the same Barcelona production line as Cesc Fabregas, shot into the top right corner of Diego Cavalieri's net from outside the box for his first strike for the Gunners. The 19-year-old had been set up for the goal by Eastmond, the pair recreating their feats for Arsenal's youth team.

Liverpool struck back within minutes, when Insua also scored a debut goal for his club. Set up by a knocked down ball from Ryan Babel, the Argentinean let fly from distance with a volley that dipped and swerved a little and which left Lukasz Fabianski for dead. Arsenal pushed to take back the lead before half time, with Merida and Nicklas Bendter both forcing Cavalieri into saves, but the teams went in level.

Arsenal were soon back in the lead after the interval, when a move instigated by the effervescent Eastmond and Merida looked to have run its course until the giant Dane Bendtner bundled past Martin Skrtel in the Liverpool defence and shot home past Cavalieri. Both sides continued to attack, with Rafa Benitez showing his hunger for a result by first bringing on the livewire Yossi Benayoun, then, with ten minutes to go, giving Alberto Aquilani his long-awaited Liverpool debut.

The Italian immediately showed signs of why Benitez had splashed out £20m on him, playing a couple of delightful passes and having a shot on goal which appeared to have been blocked by Philippe Senderos's hands, but referee Alan Wiley waved away appeals for a penalty. The 25-year-old did enough to warrant a mention in dispatches from his manager afterwards: "The players showed passion, character and quality - Aquilani was one of these players. You can see he can pass the ball and make a difference in the final third."

Meanwhile for Arsene Wenger the match was another display of the rich seam of talent at Arsenal. "The young players have all shown so much quality," he told the Times. "Merida is 19, Ramsey is 18, Eastmond is 18, so they are all very young. It was a game of top quality, which gave the people what they paid for. The players were up for it, the passing was good and to play in a game of that quality, they deserve a lot of credit."
By Bill Mann

Nasri set for first Arsenal start of the season

2009-10-27T19:02:00.001+08:00

France midfielder Samir Nasri could be set to return to first-team action for Arsenal when they take on Liverpool in the Carling Cup on Wednesday night.

Nasri suffered a broken leg during pre-season training in July but made his comeback for the reserves last Tuesday. And, having been named among the substitutes for the 2-2 draw against West Ham United on Sunday, he is now in line to make his first appearance of the season.

Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski could also make his first appearance of the season as he looks to fight for his place after recovering from a knee injury.

"It has been a frustrating time for me because of the injury but it's gone now and I need to look forward to the future," Fabianski said. "I want to get back into the team, fighting for my place really hard.

"I want to show my quality and, hopefully, win a trophy with Arsenal. I can think about this now that I am completely fit, which is the main thing. I want it to stay that way."

Philippe Senderos and Mikael Silvestre are expected to be involved alongside a number of youngsters such as Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Carlos Vela and Fran Merida.

By Soccernet staff

Six newcomers to world football's top table

2009-10-13T22:02:00.009+08:00

Lots of the usual suspects are in the running – Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka – but there are a few newer names that some fans may still want to familiarise themselves with.

Without wanting to give too much away with regards to who finished where and whatnot, we at Talentspotter Towers have picked out six new entrants to the Top 100 who may not quite be household names yet – but that we think could well be in the coming months and years.
Dmytro Chygrynskiy
Club: Barcelona
Age: 22
Nationality: Ukrainian
Position: Centre back

It’s safe to say that not too many people expected Barcelona to go out and spend £22 million on a defender of limited experience at Champions League level – but the Ukraine captain is very highly regarded both in his homeland and in Catalunia.

The 22-year-old was at Shakhtar Donetsk from 2005 to this summer, when he made his dream move to the Nou Camp. He was a key part of the Shakhtar side that went on to lift the last ever UEFA Cup last season - seeing off the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Werder Bremen along the way.

Chygrynskiy is a cultured, composed and physically commanding centre half. He is also a very intelligent player, with good reading of the game and promising leadership qualities (he first captained Shakhtar at the age of just 20). He has superb physical and technical qualities and potential to become even better.

Zvjezdan Misimovic
Club: Wolfsburg
Age: 27
Nationality: Bosnian
Position: Midfielder

Misimovic caused United problems at Old Trafford last month

While strike duo Grafite and Edin Dzeko picked up all the plaudits and headlines – there’s more to Wolfsburg than just a deadly front line. Acting as a playmaker, providing the much-lauded duo with a lot of their ammo, Zvjezdan Misimovic was as integral to his sides’ surprise Bundesliga success as his Bosnian compatriot and his Brazilian striker partner. The 18 assists he chipped in with over the course of the league campaign were testament to his input.

What he lacks in pace he makes up for with his expert vision and eye for the perfect pass, and Manchester United certainly found him a nuisance in their Champions League encounter at Old Trafford last month. His aim for this season should be to continue his rise of the previous 12 months, and then he may well find himself in demand from the continent’s elite group of clubs.
Lucho Gonzalez
Club: Marseille
Age: 28
Nationality: Argentine
Position: Midfielder

Arguably the best player in the Portuguese League in the 2008/09, Gonzalez made the somewhat surprising move to Marseille in the summer of 2009, having previously been linked with Liverpool and a host of clubs in Italy and Spain.

Nicknamed ‘El Comandante’ due the way he celebrates his goals, saluting the fans as if he was the commander of a ship. However, he dislikes the nickname and explained he only celebrates goal like that as a joke to his son Tomas: he pretends he is searching him in the middle of the crowd.

Nevertheless, the Argentine midfielder is the player every coach dreams of: he can defend, attack, has perfect positioning and plays for the team.

At 28, he may not have time on his side, but Gonzalez will surely still have aspirations of playing in one of Europe’s more established leagues in the not too distant future.

Jesus Navas
Club: Sevilla
Age: 24
Nationality: Spanish
Position: Winger

Navas was a regular in the Sevilla first team by his late teens, impressing with his close control and electric pace. He played a focal part in the years of unprecedented success Sevilla enjoyed under manager Juande Ramos, including back-to-back UEFA Cup wins in 2006 and 2007.

The winger is known for his severe bouts of homesickness, which have affected his trips to training camps and games abroad, and therefore hampered his international career thus far. He initially refused to take part in the club’s 2007 pre-season tour of the United States, citing personal problems with anxiety and stress. Although he did eventually agree to travel in a bid to confront his problems, it is still an issue that could damage his hopes of being a real success at the top level.

Marouane Chamakh
Club: Bordeaux
Age: 25
Nationality: Moroccan
Position: StrikerThere was probably more rumour and speculation surrounding Chamakh’s future than any other player in world football over the summer, but the Morocco forward remained at Bordeaux, despite being linked with the likes of Arsenal, Spurs, West Ham, Blackburn and Sunderland.

Chamakh plays just off the shoulder of the last man in the opposition defence – always ready to pounce on any openings, and he will generally punish the opposition if given a sight of goal. In the past he has played with a big centre forward alongside him, but his recent success has come playing as the lone striker in Bordeaux’s attack.

The Moroccan also provides a massive aerial threat. He combines his excellent heading ability with great jumping, strength and agility – which would stand him in good stead should he ever make that move to the Premier League.

Andre-Pierre Gignac
Club: Toulouse
Age: 23
Nationality: French
Position: Striker
Gignac probably isn’t the highest profile player in the current French set-up, but he proved he is well worth his place with two expertly taken goals in Les Bleus 5-0 win over the Faroe Islands on Saturday.

The striker combines power with grace and, despite built like a brick ‘outhouse’ and strong as an ox, is also good in the air and possesses some nifty footwork. In scoring 24 goals for Toulouse in last term, he became the club’s highest scoring player within a single season.

He may still have some work to do to improve his all round game (his left foot and positional play could do with some improvement), and at the moment he may tend to try and cover more of the pitch than he perhaps needs to, not unlike Wane Rooney, but he certainly has all the tools to become one of Europe’s most deadly strikers – which is quite possibly why the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal are said to be watching him closely.

Turan keen to become a Gunner

2009-10-08T16:12:00.001+08:00

Galatasaray midfielder Arda Turan is interested in joining Arsenal next summer, according to the player's agent.

The 22-year-old winger has made 86 appearances for the Istanbul giants - scoring 22 times - since breaking onto the first-team scene in 2004.

And with the youngster having already represented the senior Turkey team on 34 occasions, after featuring at every level from U16 to U21, interest in his services inevitably increased, with the Gunners and Liverpool linked with moves for the midfielder earlier this summer.

A transfer to either failed to materialise, with Galatasaray desperate to keep hold of the prize asset.

However, Turan's representitive, Ahmet Bulut, has revealed that the player is keen on working under Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium, and would be willing to sign on the dotted line in 12 month's time.

“At this moment in time I have no contact with any clubs. I had a lot of interest in the summer for him, but the club did not want to sell him," he told Sport.co.uk.

"He is now the new captain of Galatasaray, so I don't think he will be sold in January. However, I do think he will be sold in July.

“In the summertime Arsenal made contact regarding him, but the club did not want to sell. He is interested in working under Arsene Wenger because he is very good at working with young players, and Arda wants to work in England.

“Arsenal are interested, and if they want him, Arda's first choice is Arsenal.”

Arsenal down Fulham 1-0

2009-09-27T15:32:00.001+08:00

LONDON: Arsenal rode their luck on Saturday as Robin van Persie’s goal and a fine performance from young Italian goalkeeper Vito Mannone secured a 1-0 win at Fulham. Van Persie gave Arsenal the lead in the 52nd minute with an impressive strike low into the far corner from Cesc Fabregas’s pass, but it took several excellent saves from Mannone to preserve the victory. Nonetheless, the win helped Arsenal move up to fifth in the league table. afp

CARLING CUP - ARSENAL 2 WEST BROM 0

2009-09-23T21:47:00.001+08:00

Mexican youngster Carlos Vela came off the bench to inspire Arsene Wenger's young Gunners to a 2-0 Carling Cup victory over 10-man West Brom at the Emirates Stadium.

The 20-year-old marked his return from an ankle injury when his shot set up Sanchez Watt for the opener in the 68th minute and then added a tap-in after Mark Randall's clever chip came back off the crossbar.

After a positive start the Coca-Cola Championship leaders were up against it after former Gunner Jerome Thomas - who twice won the FA Youth Cup while at Arsenal - was sent off after 37 minutes for a needless slap on Jack Wilshere.

Wenger had once again given youth a chance, his team with an average age of just over 20, while also bringing in experienced defender Philippe Senderos - starting for the first time since May 2008 after a loan spell at AC Milan - and veteran Mikael Silvestre captained the side.

Senderos - who could have joined Everton during the transfer window - had an early chance when he headed over at the near post following a corner from the left.

With Watt and French teenager Gilles Sunu Arsenal certainly had plenty of pace in attack, while Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey - both with plenty of first-team experience already - provided the trademark quick passing through the midfield.

Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, 19, made the first meaningful contribution on his debut when punching a corner clear at the near post and he was stretching in the 15th minute as Robert Koren's angled 20-yard drive flew just wide.

Watt came within inches of opening his Arsenal account when he stabbed Wilshere's cutback goalwards, only for the ball to bounce agonisingly off the inside of the post and into Dean Kiely's grateful arms.

The match had suddenly sparked into life, West Brom midfielder Simon Cox the next to test Szczesny with a low drive.

The Pole produced another fine stop to turn Koren's shot behind, which was creeping in.

The youngsters were rattled - and Kerrea Gilbert hacked the ball off the line after a corner caused panic in the Arsenal six-yard box.

Arsenal responded well, with Wilshere again driving at the Baggies rearguard.

On 31 minutes, Wilshere again made space for himself with another positive run, and his 20-yard shot was just off-target.

West Brom swung a free-kick into the area which Szczesny dropped under pressure at the far post from Leon Barnett, but fortunately Kieran Gibbs - who had played in the Champions League semi-final defeat to Manchester United last season - was on hand to clear.

West Brom continued to look dangerous on the break, with Thomas' run down the left forcing Szczesny to make an important block.

However, the 26-year-old was shown a straight red card in the 37th minute after he clashed with Wilshere, before then slapping the midfielder in the face while he was on the floor.

Cox also went into referee Lee Mason's book for his protests.

Cox headed over for the first real chance of the second half when well placed in the six-yard box before Wenger made a change in the 58th minute.

Mexican striker Vela and Randall came on, replacing Sunu and Francis Coquelin.

The game continued to be scrappy, as the visitors closed down the space quickly.

It took a moment of Premier League quality from Vela to finally help break the deadlock.

The 19-year-old showed great close control to create space for a shot from the edge of the penalty area, which Kiely palmed wide, and Watt followed up to smash in his first senior Arsenal goal.

The Mexican then got the goal he deserved after 75 minutes.

Randall's 20-yard chip came back off the underside of the bar - and Vela was alert enough to get in between Barnett and Kiely before knocking the ball over the line.

The Baggies missed the chance to pull a goal back with 10 minutes to go when substitute Chris Wood fired wide at the far post - which just about summed up their night.

Carling Cup Third Round

Teams:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Gilbert, Senderos, Silvestre,Traore (Barazite 69), Wilshere, Coquelin (Randall 58), Ramsey,Gibbs, Sunu (Vela 58), Watt.

Subs Not Used: Shea, Bartley, Eastmond, Frimpong.

Booked: Senderos, Ramsey.

Goals: Watt 68, Vela 76.

West Brom: Kiely, Zuiverloon, Olsson (Meite 80), Barnett, Jara,Thomas, Koren, Dorrans, Teixeira, Moore (Wood 74),Cox (Mulumbu 61).

Subs Not Used: Carson, Bednar, Reid, Martis.

Sent Off: Thomas (37).

Booked: Cox.

Att: 56,592

Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).

Arsenal 4-0 Athletic

2009-09-20T13:40:00.003+08:00

ARSENAL drew a line under recent controversies by recording a straightforward Barclays Premier League victory against Wigan, helped by Thomas Vermaelen's double.

What they needed was a regulation win, and Wigan's limited attacking ambition at the Emirates Stadium meant they were perfect opponents. In the end it was down to Vermaelen to grab the limelight, with the defender scoring his third and fourth goals of the season, the first a powerful header and the second a delightful curling finish. Emmanuel Eboue and Cesc Fabregas completed the scoring.

Arsenal comes from behind to beat Standard Liège

2009-09-17T17:22:00.003+08:00

LONDON: A giant banner greeted Arsenal on Wednesday night with a simple but imposing message from the ‘Ultras’ of Standard Liège. “Vendetta”, it simply read.

Most of this Arsenal young team probably had little idea what it meant, but the home supporters were determined to ensure their team clearly understood the humiliation that Arsenal had inflicted with a 7-0 victory on their previous visit to this part of Belgium some 16 years ago.

Having taken a 2-0 lead inside five extraordinary minutes, Standard were poised for redemption, but the script was ultimately written for Eduardo – a player who had not even been expected to play following the two-game Uefa ban – to complete the most unlikely of comebacks with the winner in a remarkable 3-2 victory.

Amid all the recent controversy regarding Eduardo’s alleged dive and Emmanuel Adebayor’s antics at Eastlands, the actual football – and specifically Arsenal’s two consecutive defeats in Manchester - was in danger of being forgotten. Not here, although even in victory, Arsenal again looked highly vulnerable in defence and have now managed just one clean sheet in seven matches this season. Familiar problems persist.

Manager Arsène Wenger had suggested at the end of last season that he would add defensive steel and experience to the squad, yet his response was to simply sign a 23-year-old Thomas Vermaelen and allow Kolo Touré and Emmanuel Adebayor, two of his senior players, to leave.

While Eduardo started after having his two-match Uefa ban overturned, the involvement of Standard’s Axel Witsel was equally contentious. Witsel, a Belgium international team-mate of Thomas Vermaelen, has been suspended domestically for eight games after a horror challenge had inflicted a double fracture on the leg of Anderlecht’s Marcin Wasilewski but was cleared to play in Europe.

With Witsel excellent in midfield, Liège’s collective motivation for their first ever appearance in the Champions League was immediately obvious and overwhelming. Upon walking around the old-fashioned and compact Stade Maurice Dufrasne on Tuesday night, Wenger had noted to the Belgium media that he anticipated what he called a “chaud” atmosphere. He was not wrong.

The stadium was like an inferno as the two teams emerged and there was little doubt which side were the most fired up.

While the Standard players were flying into every challenge, Arsenal looked strangely nervous and individual mistakes were quickly forthcoming. Eduardo inexplicably conceded possession after just two minutes, with Eliaquim Mangala gratefully pouncing to shoot beyond Mannone from the edge of the penalty area. Arsenal looked shell-shocked and their lethargic re-start was instantly punished. Milan Jovanovic surged in front of William Gallas, who seemed to stumble and glance the Serbia international's heels.

Referee Eduardo González was satisfied that there had been contact and pointed to the penalty spot, with Jovanovic sending Mannone the wrong way.

Above the 2-0 scoreline on the stadium’s giant television screen was a time of just 4mins 1secs.

The squad that Wenger exudes such faith in was being badly exposed. In mitigation, eight potential first-teamers are currently injured, prompting Wenger to include five teenagers among his seven substitutes. The most surprising selection was the preference for Emmanuel Eboué above Bacary Sagna at right-back, although most heart-warming was the inclusion of Tomas Rosicky for his first club start since he lasted just nine minutes of the 3-0 win against Newcastle on Jan 26, 2008. You would have to go back even further – 22 months to be precise – for his previous Champions League match.

At the time of the injury, Wenger had diagnosed the problem as “strange” rather than serious. It proved both and Rosicky, who had two operations and spent an entire year troubled by constant pain, has since admitted that he feared his career was finished.

The man nicknamed ‘The Little Mozart’ has been missed. His guile, trickery and goal-scoring threat are obvious but, of greatest importance in such a young squad, is his stature and experience. Here he played to the right of Wenger’s fluid 4-2-3-1 formation and it was his influence that gradually gave Arsenal a foothold in the game.

Increasingly they assumed a stranglehold of possession and, on the stroke of half-time, created a lifeline when Abou Diaby span quickly to elude Mangala.

He then fed Nicklas Bendtner, who calmly guided the ball beyond Standard goalkeeper Sinan Bolat.

Arsenal, though, showed they had learned little from the opening 45 minutes when they almost gifted Standard another goal at the beginning of the second-half. Alex Song failed to find Gallas with what should have been a simple pass, allowing Dieudonné Mbokani a clear sight of goal, although his scuffed shot was blocked by Gaël Clichy.

Standard, though, were generally dropping deeper and deeper, with only a last-gasp challenge from Mangala denying Bendtner. An equaliser was becoming inevitable and it arrived in the 78th minute after Vermaelen, on returning to his native Belgium, converted a goal-mouth scramble. Replays suggestedthat at least one Arsenal player was in an offside position, while Song also appeared to handle the ball.

Standard were now utterly deflated and, from a Cesc Fàbregas corner, the ball then rebounded off Eduardo’s knee and beyond Bolat to give Arsenal the most uplifting yet unconvincing of victories.

Arsenal's Eduardo wins appeal against Uefa ban

2009-09-15T02:05:00.001+08:00

Eduardo da Silva, the Arsenal forward, has won his appeal against a two-match ban imposed for diving in a Champions League qualifying match against Celtic.

The Croatia international had been punished after it was decided that he unfairly won a penalty in the game at the Emirates Stadium. But Uefa has overruled the decision, making the player available for his club's first group-stage matches.

The ruling body said in a statement: "Following examination of all the evidence, notably the declarations of both the referee and the referees' assessor, as well as the video footage, it was not established to the panel's satisfaction that the referee had been deceived in taking his decision on the penalty.

"Therefore, the decision of the Uefa Control and Disciplinary Body of 1 September, in which the player was suspended for two Uefa club competition matches, is annulled."

Manchester City pass first real test

2009-09-14T14:10:00.002+08:00

Manchester City passed the first real test of their Premier League season on Saturday with a 4-2 win over Arsenal to extend their 100 percent record.

"There were a lot of eyes on us today, people saying it would be a proper test. We went out with the right attitude and good mentality and that shone through," manager Mark Hughes told Sky Sports.

"It was a great day for everyone connected with City. The atmosphere was magnificent and that really drew us on.

"We didn't give up that many chances and we were always a threat. We were devastating on the break, all in all it was a great team performance."

Three second-half goals in 10 minutes by Craig Bellamy, Emmanuel Adebayor and Shaun Wright-Phillips ensured victory after the teams were level at 1-1.

"It was important we made a mark today and we did that, we were good value for the win," Hughes told the BBC. "Now we have to sustain that performance from now until the end of the season."

Adebayor, who joined City for 25 million pounds from Arsenal in the summer, upset the visiting fans when he ran the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of them.

"To a certain extent it's understandable given the last 18 months or so, there was a lot of pent-up emotion there," Hughes said.

"But he's already apologised for it. It's an emotional game and he just let his emotions run away with him. It would be a shame if that incident overshadows what was a great game."

Adebayor, who has now scored in all four of City's league wins, told Sky Sports: "I shouldn't have done what I did but the emotion took over me and I'm sorry for what I've done. Scoring today made me feel freedom but I'm sorry, it was a big mistake and these things won't happen any more."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had few complaints about the result.

"We made some concentration mistakes and we paid for it," he said. "They were a bit sharper and in defence we were a bit shaky, some players looked tired."

The Frenchman said that City had played well but when asked if they were good enough to crack the top four, he said: "It's too early to say."

Sheikh Mansour has committed £770M to his Man City

2009-09-14T14:06:00.001+08:00

Sheikh Mansour has committed a mind-blowing £770 million to Manchester City since taking control of the club last year, it has been revealed.

The Times says City’s billionaire owner has committed £770.986 million, which includes the £200 million it cost to buy the club, the £342.786 million committed on players’ contracts and £10 million spent on improving the Carrington training headquarters, City of Manchester Stadium and the club’s academy.

Mark Hughes, the City manager, has spent £140 million on six leading players this summer and £218.2 million in transfer fees in total since Sheikh Mansour’s takeover, during which time City’s annual wage bill has more than doubled to just under £95 million.

Wales 1-3 Russia: Andrey Arshavin inspires crucial victory

2009-09-10T05:02:00.001+08:00

Wales made Russia fight all the way for a World Cup victory that keeps them hot on the heels of Germany in the race for top spot in qualifying Group Four.

The Welsh youngsters produced a spirited display and were more than a match for the Euro 2008 semi-finalists, who took the lead after 36 minutes when the excellent Andrey Arshavin created a fine goal for Igor Semshov, despite some impressive early play from the hosts.

Wales forced their way back into the game when defender James Collins scored on the near post from Aaron Ramsey's corner, before Sergei Ignashevich belted home a free-kick with 18 minutes left and Roman Pavlyuchenko added a third in the closing seconds.

Russia sent on Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko for Semshov after 70 minutes, and two minutes later they regained the lead.

Kerzhakov went down for what looked a soft free-kick against Gabbidon a yard outside the box, and Sergei Ignashevich drove the free-kick straight through the wall and past Hennessey.

Wales immediately replaced Gabbidon with an extra striker in Sam Vokes.

But Pavlyuchenko almost made it three with a dipping drive that crashed against Hennessey's crossbar.

Russia sent on Alexei Rebko for Kerzhakov with seven minutes left, with Wales still battling away for an equaliser.

A last-minute strike from Pavlyuchenko gave Russia a far more flattering scoreline than the match deserved. Wales - who long ago had conceded any realistic chance of qualifying for the finals - now know that it is mathematically impossible.

Arsenal's Rosicky back on pitch after 20 months

2009-09-10T00:22:00.002+08:00

Arsenal's Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky made his first competitive appearance after 20 months on the sidelines when he started Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against minnows San Marino.

The 28-year-old, who has scored 19 goals in 68 games for the national team, has been out of action due to injury since January 2008 and has not played for Arsenal in the Premier League since then.

Czech coach Ivan Hasek called up Rosicky to give a boost to a team that is struggling in fifth spot in Group Three, seven points behind leaders Slovakia.

"I am convinced he will be all right. It's been five weeks since his (last) muscle injury, so there's no risk," Hasek told reporters on Tuesday.

"I've also talked to (Arsenal) manager Arsene Wenger and it's possible that Tomas will play against Manchester City on Saturday," he added.

Last Saturday, Rosicky watched from the stands as the Czechs drew 2-2 with neighbours Slovakia in Bratislava.

The Czechs have to win their last three qualifiers -- at home to San Marino, Poland and Northern Ireland -- to stand any chance of qualifying for next summer's tournament in South Africa.

Rosicky last played for the Czech team in November 2007, when his side beat Slovakia 3-1 in Prague on the way to Euro 2008.

Marouane Chamakh to replace Adebayor?

2009-09-01T21:54:00.003+08:00

LONDON: Arsene Wenger has been linked with making a bid for Chamakh, who he regards as a well-suited replacement for the departed Emmanuel Adebayor, for much of the summer but the Frenchman will not improve his original offer of £5 million.

Bordeaux are understood to want £8 million for their striker who, with only 12 months remaining on his contract, would become a free agent next summer.

According to the Evening Standard, Chamakh's representatives have been in London this week and are confident a deal will be completed in time.

West Ham are the only other Premier League club to have been linked with making a move for the 25-year-old, but on more than one occasion, Chamakh has outlined his desire to move to the Emirates.

Meanwhile, in a bid to fill the gap left by Kolo Toure Wenger is prepared to pay £12 million for Subotic, who at 6ft 4in would be a welcome influence to Arsenal's backline. But Dortmund have said they will accept nothing short of their £18 million valuation.

Unwilling to pay over the odds for any player regardless of the money they have come into through various summer sales, Arsenal have identified Newcastle's Steven Taylor as another defensive option.

Only one more departure is expected at the Emirates after Wenger told Philippe Senderos he was free to talk with other clubs. Hull are favourites to sign the Swiss international to replace Michael Turner.

Arsenal win against Celtic 2-0

2009-08-20T01:55:00.002+08:00

Arsenal beat Celtic 2-0 at Celtic Park on a night when nothing went right for Tony Mowbray's side.

Arsene Wenger's side scored two fortuitous away goals to leave Celtic with everything to do in order to qualify for the Champions League group stages.

The Gunners opened the scoring two minutes before half-time when Cesc Fabregas’ free kick deflected into the goal off William Gallas’ back.

And Celtic's bad luck continued when captain Gary Caldwell but the ball into his own net after a fast, low cross from Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy.

TEAMS
Celtic: Boruc, Hinkel, Caldwell, Loovens, Fox, Donati (Fortune), N’Guemo (McCourt), McGeady, Brown, Maloney, Samaras (McDonald). Subs: Zaluska, Naylor, McDonald, Fortune, Flood, McCourt, O'Dea.

Arsenal: Almunia, Clichy, Gallas, Vermaelan, Sagna, Denilson, Song, Fabregas, Arshavin (Diaby), Bendtner, Van Persie. Subs: Mannone, Diaby, Eduardo, Ramsey, Silvestre, Eboue, Gibbs.
Arsenal beat Celtic 2-0 at Celtic Park on a night when nothing went right for Tony Mowbray's side.

Arsenal eye £6m Rafael van der Vaart

2009-08-16T23:01:00.003+08:00

Arsene Wenger saw his Arsenal side produce a stunning riposte to doubters with a 6-1 win at Everton and then prepared to spend a portion of the £38million raised in the transfer market after Real Madrid's Rafael van der Vaart revealed he hopes to move to the Premier League.

Goals from Denilson, debutant Thomas Vermaelen, William Gallas, Cesc Fabregas (2) and Eduardo saw Wenger's side romp to victory on the first day of the season as title rivals Chelsea recorded a last-gasp 2-1 win over Hull and Manchester City won 2-0 at Blackburn.

Despite Arsenal's dazzling start, Wenger is considering strengthening the squad with 26-year-old midfielder Van der Vaart, who is available for just £6m after becoming involved in a bitter dispute with Real.

Wenger has allowed Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to leave for £38m and has been criticised for spending only £8m on centre-half Vermaelen.

Van der Vaart would be a welcome addition, with Tomas Rosicky and Samir Nasri injured, and yesterday the Dutchman said: 'I really want to come to England.

'There are a number of clubs with offers, where I can go in Germany, Spain and Italy. I have also had a request from Martin Jol to go back to Ajax. But none of those options appeal to me. I want to go to the Premier League and I know where I want to play.'

Arsenal trash Everton by stunning 6 goal

2009-08-16T02:45:00.003+08:00

Arsenal got their season off to a great start as they tore poor Everton apart at Goodison Park with a stunning display.

The visitors were three ahead at the break through Denilson - from the edge of the box - and two headed goals from Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas.

Things got worse for the Toffees in the second period when Fabregas grabbed two for himself to underline an outstanding personal performance.

Eduardo netted the sixth before Louis Saha scored a consolation goal in injury-time for Everton.

arsenal has been bid for subotic

2009-08-13T01:02:00.000+08:00

NEVEN SUBOTIC has had no contact from Arsenal regarding a move away from German side Borussia Dortmund.

The highly rated central defender, 20, was reported to be on Arsene Wenger's shopping list following Kolo Toure's £16million move to Manchester City.

But Subotic's agent, Stephen Kelly, claims he knows nothing of the Gunners' interest in his client.

Kelly said: "There is nothing in the reports linking Neven with Arsenal.

"I don't know where this has all come from.

"He only recently signed a new five-year deal at Dortmund and it would take big money for any move to happen.

"I have had no contact with Arsenal and I have spoken to Dortmund and they have told me that they have had no contact with Arsenal whatsoever."

Uche joins Etuhu at Fulham

2009-08-12T11:55:00.000+08:00

Nigeria midfielder Kalu Uche is set to join English Premier League club Fulham for a reported fee of around GBP2.5 million.
The London club agreed the fee with the midfielder's Spanish club Almeria on Monday night, according to The Times.

Uche, 26, has had spells in Europe with Espanyol, Wisla Krakow and Bordeaux.

He won two league titles with Poland's Krakow before being farmed out on loan to Bordeaux and will join his compatriot Dickson Etuhu.

The former Enyimba man made his international debut for Nigeria in a 2-2 draw with Angola in 2003, and has gone on to make 15 appearances.

Premier League - Countdown: Arsenal

2009-08-11T19:06:00.000+08:00

POSSIBLE STARTING XI:

- Manuel Almunia -

Bacary Sagna - William Gallas - Thomas Vermaelen - Gael Clichy

Theo Walcott - Cesc Fabregas - Denilson - Samir Nasri

Robin van Persie - Andrei Arshavin

BACK-UPS FROM: Lukasz Fabianski, Vito Mannone, Philippe Senderos, Mikael Silvestre, Johan Djourou, Armand Traore, Kieran Gibbs, Alexander Song, Abou Diaby, Tomas Rosicky, Nicklas Bendtner, Emmanuel Eboue, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Eduardo, Carlos Vela

TRANSFERS:

In - Thomas Vermaelen (Ajax, undisclosed)

Out - Kolo Toure (Manchester City, £16m), Emmanuel Adebayor (Manchester City, undisclosed), Havard Nordtveit (Lillestrom, loan), Fran Merida (Levante, loan), Amaury Bischoff, Rui Fonte, Abu Ogogo, Paul Rodgers, Rene Steer (all released)

POSITIVES: Arsene Wenger's ability to rebuild a side is unparalleled, and if any manager can cope with the loss of senior players Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor, it is him. He has some outstanding youngsters, including 17-year-old Jack Wilshere, while Andrei Arshavin might just be the most entertaining player in the Premier League.

NEGATIVES: Four years without a trophy is too long, and Wenger knows it. Patrick Vieira has never been adequately replaced, and while Alex Song has the physique he needs to prove he has the intelligence and the temperament. Nearly slipped out of the top four last season - Manchester City's massive spending means that it could be a long way back if they miss the Champions League this term.

VERDICT: Wenger continues to make the most of the resources at his disposal, but without a big cash injection the Gunners will not contend for major silverware. They are too canny to lose fourth place to City, however. 4th.
Mario Hajiloizis / Eurosport

Bordeaux await Wenger contact

2009-08-11T19:01:00.000+08:00

Bordeaux chairman Jean-Louis Triaud has rejected reports claiming that Arsenal have made an increased bid for Marouane Chamakh.

The two clubs have so far failed to agree a fee for the Morocco international, who has made no secret of his desire to leave Ligue 1 this summer.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is unwilling to meet Bordeaux's current asking price of around £10.2million as Chamakh has entered the final year of his contract.

It has been suggested a renewed bid of £7.7million has been offered by Arsenal, but Triaud claims he has not spoken with Arsenal for some time.

He told L'Equipe: "I have not had any sign of life from Arsenal. I am waiting. If Arsene Wenger really wants Marouane, I suppose he will finally get in touch.

"Contrary to what has been said, I am not aware of a €9million offer.

"Will Chamakh stay one more season? I don't know. In front of me I have a player that wants to leave.

"Possible replacements? (Manager) Laurent Blanc has got his list, and he will use it if needed."

Roman Jets Out For £40million Ribery Raid?

2009-08-11T16:42:00.000+08:00

Getting a bit lively in The Transfer Tavern as Ian McGarry from The Sun tells us, that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic is set to fly out to Germany to “make a £40million raid” on Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich for Franck Ribery.

It said, that the Blues chief called Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness over the weekend and made his intentions clear on luring French International Ribery to Stamford Bridge from the Allianz Arena, with Abramovic prepared to smash the British transfer record to land the winger.

“Uli was taken by surprise by the phone call but was very honest and courteous with Mr Abramovich,” a senior Bayern source is quoted as saying.

“We are still resolved to keep Ribery but Hoeness agreed to meet with Abramovich in Germany to discuss any offer.”

Ian claiming, that Sunsport revealed last month, Premier League champions Manchester United along with Chelsea would make offers for 26-year-old Ribery this summer. Abramovic said to have taken the lead as the Red Devils are yet to make a bid.

It said new Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti had been promised a big-name signing by the Russian billionaire this summer, but has seen offers for Brazilians Alexandre Pato and Kaka end in failure.

Ribery apparently favouring a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid, with Bayern afraid the French star might have signed a similar pre-contract to that of Cristiano Ronaldo and make the switch to the Bernabeu next summer.

So what sort of liquid lubrication helped this one along? Will Abramovic manage to lure Ribery to the Premiership in a £40million deal? Should this rumour Fly or Die?

Player Profile & Video Franck Ribery>>

Arsenal Boss To Test Boards Commitment With £15 million Defender Bid?

2009-08-11T16:37:00.000+08:00

Rumours flying everywhere in The Transfer Tavern as someone from the Daily Mail tells us, that Fulham have “put a £15million price-tag” on defender Brede Hangeland to ward off interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Sportsmail claiming, that the Cottagers are set to demand £15million for the Gunners target as the fight for Norwegian International Hangeland is set to hot up this week.

It said Fulham boss Roy Hodgson could have found a defender to fill any void left by Hangeland in Magnus Troest at Serie A side Genoa, with the Premiership club also interested in Robert Huth at Middlesbrough, but Stoke are also in the hunt for the Boro defender.

So what sort of liquid sauce was at the source of this tale? Are Fulham really going to tell Arsenal to cough up £15million for Hangeland? Should this rumour Fly or Die?

Arsenal Bid €7m for 6ft.5in Argentine defender

2009-08-05T13:43:00.000+08:00

Arsenal has failed with a €7m bid for Sevilla centre-back Federico Fazio.

Fazio (22) is a giant at 6ft.5in and Arsenal wanted the big Argentine defender to replace Kolo Toure & Phil Senderos who is due to sign for Everton before the weekend.

Fazio is contracted until 2012 and his agent Eduardo Gamarnik insisted: “The situation’s clear. Federico doesn’t want to be sold or loaned.”

Gamarnik has confirmed that Sevilla have rejected a bid of €7m from an unnamed club (Arsenal) for the defender.

Fazio had an injury-plagued second season in Spain during 2008/09, but coach Manolo Jimenez is an admirer of the Argentine’s ability and wants to retain him, as the club returns to the Champions League.

Gamarnik, told newspaper La Razon, “Fazio will play in Sevilla next season. [Chairman] Del Nido has had offers, one of seven million, but it was not accepted. He will play more games this season.”

arshavin double safe gunner to beat atletico madrid

2009-08-02T14:46:00.000+08:00

Andrey Arshavin came off the bench to net a late brace as Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid in the Emirates Cup.

The Russian, introduced in the second half, produced two superb finishes as the Gunners maintained their promising build-up to the new campaign.

There was also a welcome home return for Czech winger Tomas Rosicky, who had been out of action for some 18 months with a string of niggling injuries -- and his availability for the build-up to the new campaign will be a welcome boost to manager Arsene Wenger following the loss of Samir Nasri to a broken leg. Wenger had named a mixed side, which included Vito Mannone in goal and Robin van Persie, last season's leading scorer, as captain with Cesc Fabregas one of 10 subs.

De Rossi rules out Arsenal switch

2009-08-01T20:44:00.000+08:00

ROME (AFP) – AS Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi on Saturday ruled out a possible move to English Premier League side Arsenal.

The Londoners were rumoured to be interested in signing the 26-year-old but De Rossi claims he has had no contact from the Gunners and has no intention of leaving his home town club.

"Arsenal? I haven't heard anything. Roma said I'm untransferable and I want to stay here," he said.

"If they wanted to sell me everything would change but they've always shown faith in me."

De Rossi is looking forward to an improved showing from his team in the Serie A title race this season after they finished a disappointing sixth in 2008-09.

That followed three successive seasons as runners-up but Roma looked to have lost ground on the top three in the last campaign.

"We have to do very well because a gap has opened up between us and the top three," he said.

"Right now we're fighting with Fiorentina, Genoa and Lazio. We have to rediscover a certain mentality and work culture that we lost last year, me more than anyone else."

Wenger to spend big on De Rossi

2009-07-31T12:04:00.000+08:00

Arsene Wenger's preferred midfield target this summer is the Roma and Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi, and despite the Italian club's reluctance to sell Arsenal have not given up hope that Roma's perilous financial position could force a sale.

Like Liverpool's pursuit of De Rossi's Roma team-mate Alberto Aquilani, the player's future is bound up with the financial problems of the club and the long-term plans of the Sensi family who own it. De Rossi, 26, is regarded as the most important player at the club behind Francisco Totti and is valued at around £30m, which is far in excess of any transfer fee paid by Arsenal in the past.

While De Rossi's reputation in England is not distinguished because of some of Roma's less than impressive Champions League performances in recent years, he is regarded in Italy as one of the country's finest players.

Arsenal ready to move for Blaise Matuidi and plan Patrick Vieira talks

2009-07-31T11:52:00.000+08:00

Arsène Wenger is closing in on the £8m capture of Blaise Matuidi from St Etienne and he is also expected to talk to Patrick Vieira in the coming days about the former Arsenal captain making a dramatic return to the club.

The manager, who has signed Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax for £10m but raised £39m through the sales of Kolo Touré and Emmanuel Adebayor to Manchester City, has confirmed that he has money available, although he added that it had to be spent "in the right way", meaning with great prudence.

Wenger has monitored the progress of the 22-year-old Matuidi for the best part of three seasons, with his chief scout in France, the former Arsenal player Gilles Grimandi, urging him to move for the central midfielder. Matuidi, a graduate of the Clairefontaine academy and a former mainstay of the France Under-21 team, would appear the archetypal Wenger signing, for he is quick and intelligent, with good technique and passing ability.

St Etienne's sporting director is Damien Comolli, who served as Wenger's European scout at Arsenal for seven seasons before he went to work for Tottenham Hotspur. The pair have remained close, and Comolli, who has just overseen the €15m (£12.8m) sale of the striker Bafétimbi Gomis to Lyon, has conceded that "it would be difficult to prevent Matuidi from leaving if a top-10 European side came in for him". Matuidi has said he feels the time is right to seek a fresh challenge.

The possibility of Vieira, now at Internazionale, also moving to Arsenal sounds outlandish, but the proposition has been mooted by middlemen. Wenger, who is a mentor and confidant to Vieira, will raise the issue when the pair next speak.

Even though Vieira left Arsenal in 2005 after nine seasons, the 33-year-old continues to have the utmost respect for Wenger and his return would also be welcomed in the dressing room, where Vieira has remained in touch with his fellow Frenchmen William Gallas, Mikaël Silvestre, and Gaël Clichy, as well as the captain, Cesc Fábregas. His experience could help to galvanise a young squad.

"When we find the right players ... of course, we do not make money to leave it in the banks," Wenger said. "We are looking at some possibilities to strengthen the squad and we will only do it for players who it is worth spending the money on."

Tottenham had made a move for Vieira, and their interest in him remains alive, although the midfielder has reservations about playing for Arsenal's local rivals. There is also the option of his staying put at Inter, which did not exist two months ago when the manager, Jose Mourinho, frustrated by Vieira's wretched luck with injuries and inconsistent form, was prepared to usher him towards the exit. Vieira has since enjoyed one of his fullest pre-seasons for some time and feels fighting fit for the new campaign.As with every international player, this is a big season for Vieira, with the World Cup finals in South Africa at the end of it. Despite missing a host of France matches last season, he remains Raymond Domenech's captain. Moreover, Vieira's leading of the team at next summer's showpiece would carry extra significance, for he was born in the west African country of Senegal. He needs to be playing regular club football in the build-up and he will take his time to assess where best that interest will be served.

Toure agrees City switch

2009-07-29T18:05:00.000+08:00

Kolo Toure has agreed terms with Manchester City and is now set to undergo his medical, skysports.com understands.

The Ivorian star is set to leave Arsenal after the two clubs agreed a deal in excess of £15million for the central defender.

Toure has been with The Gunners since 2002 when Arsene Wenger paid a nominal fee to bring him from his native Ivory Coast, but he now set to leave the North London giants.

Toure has now travelled to Manchester for his medical, ahead of the deal being confirmed.

Skysports.com understands that Toure has agreed a four-year deal with the Eastlands club and his signing could be confirmed within the next 24 hours.

Gunners eye-up France-based pair as search for Adebayor replacement begins

2009-07-21T16:36:00.000+08:00

Arsenal are considering moving for Toulouse striker Andre-Pierre Gignac as a replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor.

Gignac, 23, was the French league's top scorer last season and has been the subject of a £13million bid from Lyon - but Toulouse want closer to £18m.

Arsenal, armed with £25m from Adebayor's sale to Manchester City, had scouts watch Gignac on Friday night in a friendly against Bordeaux who had Marouane Chamakh in their line up.

Arsene Wenger is an admirer of Sunderland target Chamakh, Hoffenheim's Demba Ba and Newcastle's Obafemi Martins but Gignac is believed to be his preference.

Neighbours Tottenham also had scouts at the game on Friday as they continued to run the rule over Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko, 19.

Manager Harry Redknapp is keen on the France U21 international and could team him with Patrick Vieira who they hope to sign from Inter Milan this week.

Peter Crouch will make a decision on his future this week with Fulham, Sunderland and Tottenham all keen on signing the Portsmouth striker.

Only Sunderland and Fulham have matched Portsmouth’s £12million asking price. Both clubs are understood to have agreed personal terms also.

Spurs, contrary to reports, have yet to lodge a bid for Crouch and despite Redknapp going public on his desire to be reunited with the lanky striker, Real Madrid’s Klaas-Jan Huntelaar remains the Tottenham manager’s preferred option.

But should Huntelaar finally agree on a move to Stuttgart this week, the German side have a £15.5m deal in place with Real, then Spurs will switch their attention fully to the capture of Crouch.

Marouane Chamakh scouting report and video: The inside track on the Arsenal target

2009-07-21T15:47:00.000+08:00

Arsene Wenger has admitted his interest in Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh, even though the striker says he has all but given up hope of joining the Gunners.

The Morocco international has been constantly linked with a move to the Emirates as a possible replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor.

Wenger said: "We keep an eye on him. He's one of the players we'll follow and if we went for a striker he would be one of the possibilities."

But Chamakh, 25, is no longer confident a move to Arsenal will materialise. "I don't really believe it much any more," he said.

CANA: EVERTON WANT TO SIGN ME

2009-07-14T17:56:00.000+08:00

Marseille midfielder Lorik Cana claims Everton are waiting in the wings to sign him.

Hamburg are believed to be leading the chase for the 25-year-old, but Everton and some Italian sides are thought to be monitoring Cana's situation

The midfielder's future at Marseille has been the subject of speculation for some time and the recent arrival of Stephane Mbia could see the French giants allow him to move on.

The Albania international has admitted he would be interested in a possible move to the Toffees if the option became available.

"Everton in England are also interested, they are a very good club," Cana told the French press.

"I also have other options in Italy."

City in talks over Adebayor

2009-07-14T17:49:00.001+08:00

CITY are understood to be in talks with Arsenal to sign striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

The 25-year-old Togo international has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Neither the Blues nor Arsenal would comment on reports linking Adebayor with a move to Eastlands this lunchtime.

But it is understood that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is prepared to consider selling his striker.

City, though, are still pressing ahead with their attempts to sign Carlos Tevez, with a view to getting a deal done before they depart for a tour of South Africa on Wednesday.

Man City Bid for Adebayor reported

2009-07-14T17:46:00.000+08:00

The mornings press is dominated by news that we have bid for Emmanuele Adebayor, with The Independent, Telegraph and Mail all reporting bids of between £20-£25 million for the Arsenal forward.

It does appear that Arsenal would be in selling mood, and Adebayor will in all likelihood be keen - seeing his wages likely doubled less than a year after his previous 50% hike in salary. I knew Adebayor wasn't the most universally liked player at Arsenal, but the weight of opinion against him has been surprising since the story broke and I don't think it is a case of sour grapes after the event like we saw when Gareth Barry moved from Aston Villa. There really does appear to be a genuine dislike for Adebayor amongst Arsenal fans.

A player with character issues doesn't seem to be the most obvious choice for Mark Hughes, and given the anti-Anelka feeling that developed in certain sections of the City crowd, he may not be set to become a terrace idol anytime soon. Hughes, if nothing else though, is a combative type, and I'm sure would back himself to manager players deemed to be troublemakers.

I don't have a problem with the signing in terms of fitting him into the team either. My concern with Adebayor is that he does not seem a natural goalscorer, but his record is a decent one and if nothing else, we would have plenty of variety and options. Although there is no European competition this season, we really do need to carry four top forwards, and given that our options in attack for the large part last season were a choice of Robinho plus one of Evans, Caicedo, Sturridge or a returning Bojinov, it is clear we needed to seriously upgrade.

Arsene Wenger steps up chase for Marouane Chamakh as Emmanuel Adebayor nears exit

2009-07-14T16:44:00.000+08:00

Arsene Wenger is lining up a £7million bid for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh as a replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor. The Arsenal manager is ready to let Adebayor join Manchester City for £20m, with talks already under way between the clubs.

Wenger sees Chamakh as a ready-made replacement for the Togo forward and wants to move quickly for the French-born Morocco international in order to fend off interest from other Premier League clubs.

Fulham, Tottenham and Sunderland have also been linked with the 25-year-old, who has just one year to go on his contract and has refused to open talks with his French club over an extension. Bordeaux are now resigned to losing him and manager Laurent Blanc wants the player's future to be decided before he takes his side on a pre-season tour of Canada next Wednesday.

Wenger was impressed with the striker's performances in helping Bordeaux win the French League and publicly confirmed his interest in the player this month.

Chamakh had earlier revealed he would be keen on a move to Emirates Stadium. He said: "I want to play in the Premier League and a club like Arsenal would be a dream. If they were to come calling, I would certainly give them a positive answer."

For Wenger's part, the chance to sign a tall, rangy striker for a cut-price fee - Chamakh has a £7m buy-out clause in his contract - would appear too inviting to turn down, even if Chamakh is an unknown quantity in England.

His goalscoring form is far from prolific and he averages less than a goal every four games in his career, although he did net 14 times last term.

But Wenger has an enviable track record of unearthing gems from French football and is confident Chamakh can make the same impact as Adebayor, who was also relatively unheard of before moving from Monaco in 2006.

Wenger has also noted Chamakh's impressive link-up play with Bordeaux midfielder Yoann Gourcuff and hopes he could strike up a similar rapport with Cesc Fabregas.

Adebayor, meanwhile, will demand City make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League if he completes his switch from Arsenal.

He is expected to insist on a figure surpassing that of Robinho, who is the division's top earner on £160,000 a week, and will also command a huge signing-on fee given that he has four years left on his contract.

However, early indications suggest City are prepared to meet his demands as they bid to line up a strike force of Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz and Carlos Tevez, who sealed a £25m switch to Eastlands last night.

The Argentine has signed a five-year, £130,000-a-week deal after City reached agreement with the player's representative Kia Joorabchian to take on his economic rights.

Former Arsenal striker Jose Antonio Reyes could make a surprise return to England after both Liverpool and Everton made enquiries about the winger.

The 25-year-old, who spent three unsuccessful years on Arsenal's books - the last of which was on loan at Real Madrid in 2006 - is no longer wanted by Atletico Madrid and his contract can be bought out for just £4m.

Reyes spent last season on loan at Benfica, who have offered to match Atletico's asking price but the Merseyside clubs are hoping to convince the Spaniard to return to England.

Arsenal are expected to announce American sports marketer Tom Fox as chief commercial officer later this month. Fox will work directly under chief executive Ivan Gazidis from August and help raise the Gunners' profile in the

Barcelona Desperate To Sell Eto'o To Manchester City And Buy Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas - Report

2009-07-09T11:59:00.000+08:00

The Blaugrana have decided to try and bring Cesc back, but first they need the money from Samu's sale...

Barcelona are desperate to sell Samuel Eto'o to Manchester City, in order to raise the funds necessary to sign Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal.

According to The Daily Star, Barca are willing to sell Eto'o to City for around €29 million, but they are still unsure as to what the Cameroonian's plans for the future are.

Pep Guardiola is desperately seeking midfield reinforcements ahead of a gruelling season. Initially, Fabregas was not a priority, but recent interest in him from Real Madrid has alarmed the Blaugrana, as they would be loath to lose a player from their cantera to Los Merengues. m

The paper quotes Jaume Ferrer, one of Barcelona's vice-presidents, as saying on radio, "The coach really wants to get on with one of his major midfield signings as quickly as possible.

"We are confident we can land someone that we want and everybody knows what players we are after.

"They have been constantly mentioned in the press."

It is thought that Barca would have to pay in the region of €46m to land Fabregas. Arsenal might also ask for Yaya Toure in exchange, but it is unlikely that the Catalans would agree to include him as part of a deal, given that he has just signed a new contract.

Melo's Juve move in trouble

2009-07-09T11:39:00.000+08:00

Juventus' bid to sign Fiorentina midfielder Felipe Melo could be in jeopardy after the Viola failed to agree terms with Marco Marchionni.

Brazil international Melo's switch to Juve appeared imminent after reports claimed they had beaten Arsenal to his signature.

It is suggested Juve struck an agreement of cash plus right winger Marchionni in order to meet Melo's buy-out clause of ?1.6million.

However, Marchionni's agent, Bruno Carpeggiani, has revealed that Fiorentina would not meet the player's wage demands.

"Unfortunately, nothing will be done," Carpeggiani told Gazzetta.it.

"We only asked for €200,000 (?73,000) more than the amount Marco earns at Juventus, but Fiorentina wouldn't agree. It's a pity."

Bremen coach tips Naldo for Arsenal

2009-07-03T15:49:00.000+08:00

Werder Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf has tipped centreback Naldo (full name Ronaldo Aparecido Rodrigues) to join Premier League big boys Arsenal. The 26-year-old Brazilian international moved to the Bundesliga in 2005 having made his initial steps as a professional with Juventude but has since gone on to earn the nickname 'the beast' for his imposing 6ft 5inch frame.

Known for his cannon-ball free-kicks and solidity at the back interest has risen across Europe following his role in the German side’s impressive run to the UEFA Cup final. Naldo even got on the scoresheet in the showpiece final but couldn’t prevent Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk taking the title.

Speaking to a club insider, coach Schaaf tipped Naldo to reach the top:
"Naldo is a great athlete and could do well at the right club, unfortunately he doesn't fit the direction we're planning to move in any longer.
"We expect to move him for somewhere in the region of €10 million, and English side Arsenal is as of now the most likely destination."
Arsenal have already signed Belgian international Thomas Vermaelen as they look to boost their defensive options, but with clouds hanging over the future of Kolo Toure, William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre and Philippe Senderos it appears Arsene Wenger could once again dip into the market for a centre-half.

Melo still set to be subject of big bid

2009-07-03T15:42:00.000+08:00

Reports in Italy’s Corriere dello Sport claim that Serie A giants Juventus will test Fiorentina’s resolve to keep midfielder Felipe Melo by matching the buy-out clause set in his newly signed contract. The Brazilian put pen-to-paper on the new extension last week and seemingly dampened speculation linking him with Arsenal in the process. Nevertheless, undeterred by the latest developments, the Old Lady are willing to offer in excess of €25m to lure the 26-year-old to Turin.

Melo has long been admired by the bianconeri, but after a bid for Udinese playmaker Gaetano D’Agostino hit the rocks, they have returned to the negotiation table with La Viola director of sport Pantaleo Corvino. Ironically, the inclusion of a buy-out clause now means that a transfer could become easier to push through with any bids matching the designated amount automatically triggering a right to speak to the player himself.

Among the interested parties is apparently also free-spending Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who is expected to meet with Corvino over the next few days to ratify the transfer of Royston Drenthe.

Wenger confident of Adebayor stay

2009-07-03T15:38:00.000+08:00

Arsene Wenger will move for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh if Emmanuel Adebayor leaves, but the Arsenal boss is sure the striker will stay.

Adebayor has long been linked with a move to AC Milan and there has been speculation the Gunners are now willing to accept a big-money offer to create transfer funds.
It is also rumoued that Adebayor is keen to move in order to find success after seeing Arsenal's trophy drought continue last season but Wenger believes the 25-year-old, who joined the club in 2006, will remain in North London for the new campaign.

"If he does not want to stay, he will leave but I think that he will be still at

Arsenal this season," the Frenchman told RMC.
If Adebayor does move on this summer Wenger has admitted he would Chamakh as a replacement.
Asked if the Morocco international is of interest, he said: "Yes, but only in the event of a departure."

Wenger has also confirmed he was tracking Karim Benzema before big-spending Real Madrid had a €35million (£30m) offer accepted for the Lyon striker.
When asked which French players he admired, Wenger said: "There is one who interested me but he (Karim Benzema) left for Madrid.

"I did not make an approach because I would never have thought that Lyon would sell this year."

Sporting accept Veloso & Moutinho could leave

2009-06-16T20:48:00.000+08:00

Perennial Premier League targets Joao Moutinho and Miguel Veloso could both leave Sporting Lisbon this summer according to manager Paolo Bento. The Portuguese pair, who have often found themselves linked with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Everton, Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers, are known to be keen on testing themselves away from their homeland despite their coach wanting to retain their services at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Speaking to SIC Noticias, Bento revealed:

“I have Joao Moutinho for next season as things stand, but things can change.

“Sporting have an idea of what we want for next season.

“Miguel Veloso is a player who is under contract until 2013 and, like everyone else, he could be sold or he could stay.

“If he stays, he will be treated as he always has been, playing in the position that best serves the team.”

Madrid's third big-money signing

2009-06-14T06:03:00.000+08:00

In a blow to Chelsea, David Villa has become Real Madrid’s third mega-money signing this week, hot on the heels of £59m Kaka and £80m Cristiano Ronaldo. The 27-year-old Spanish forward, who moved from Valencia today, cost Real a reported 40m Euros.

Madrid-based newspaper Marca, citing sources at Real Madrid and Valencia, said both clubs were sorting out the fine details of the deal before officially announcing the transfer.

Since Florentino Perez was re-elected club president less than two weeks ago, Real have been busy in the transfer market, breaking records left and right.

Villa top scored at Euro 2008 and netted 28 goals in the Spanish championship this season.