Arsenal FC 2009/2010

[ForzaChievo]

How much do you think he is worth then delfino?

[delfino_1936]

I don't think the bid for Arteta will be enough, spurs will probably some in with 20million now

but would Arteta rather go to Arsenal or Spuds. If i was him i'd stay at Everton that spuds

I agree thought 12m aint enough for him

Wonder how long his contract has left?

he signed a 5 year contract in 2007 i read.

How much do you think he is worth then delfino?

16-20m i'd say...what you reckon?

just quietly, how much of a fluke was Ronaldo's season last year

agree

[ForzaChievo]

16-20m i'd say...what you reckon?

Not that much, i think 12m is pretty reasonable to be honest.

[ForzaChievo]

Arsenal today confirms Jay Simpson has signed a loan deal with West Bromwich Albion that will see him join the Midlands club for the second half of the 2008/09 season.

The forward, who recently signed a new long-term deal with the Gunners, spent the majority of last season on loan with League One side Millwall where he impressed greatly. Appearing 41 times for the Lions and scoring six goals, Jay duly earned the accolade of the division’s Player of the Year.

Having returned to the Gunners at the end of last season, the Londoner joined the first team in Austria for pre-season training and has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign appearing in all three Carling Cup fixtures, including an eye-catching performance in the match against Wigan where he celebrated his first start for the first team by scoring a brace.

Everyone at Arsenal wishes Jay success in his loan spell with West Bromwich Albion.

Arsenal today confirms Gavin Hoyte has signed a loan deal with Watford Football Club that will see him remain with the Coca-Cola Championship side for the second half of the 2008/09 season.

The defender, who recently signed a new, long-term contract with the Gunners has been at Arsenal since the age of nine. The 18 year-old reserve-team captain completed the Gunners’ three Carling Cup matches this season and made his Premier League debut at Manchester City last month.

Hoyte has made six appearances in the Arsenal Reserve team this season who currently stand in second place in the table.

Everyone at Arsenal wishes Gavin success in his loan spell with The Hornets.

Arsenal can confirm that forward Nacer Barazite has extended his loan stay with Coca-Cola Championship side Derby for the rest of the season.

The 18 year-old Dutchman who has recently signed a new, long-term contract with the Gunners, originally joined Derby on loan in August for the remainder of 2008, but his stay with The Rams has now been extended until the end of the 2008/09 season.

Barazite has made 19 Championship outings for The Rams and currently leads their assists tally.

Everyone at Arsenal Football Club wishes Nacer the best of luck with his continued stay at Derby County Football Club.

Source: Arsenal.com

[delfino_1936]

16-20m i'd say...what you reckon?

Not that much, i think 12m is pretty reasonable to be honest.

players are over priced these days and Arteta's value to Everton is massive

[ForzaChievo]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528, ... 97,00.html

Gunners reject Toure request
1st January 2009

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has revealed he has turned down a transfer request from defender Kolo Toure.

The centre-back has failed to secure a regular first team spot this season and Manchester City are thought to be considering a bid.

Hill-Wood is aware that the £10million-rated Ivory Coast international has indicated that he is keen to leave Emirates Stadium, but he insists the Gunners are not looking to sell.

"I know about it (the transfer request)," Hill-Wood said in the Daily Star. "But we are not going to accept it.

"We are not looking to let any of our players go and he is under contract - and we expect him to honour it."

Toure joined Arsenal seven years ago and is the last member of 'The Invincibles' squad, which remained undefeated for the duration of 2003/04, still at the club.

[delfino_1936]

he aint the last of the Invincibles squad, Clichy was apart of it and Cesc was at Arsenal at the time

[haywood djablowme]

just quietly, how much of a fluke was Ronaldo's season last year

have to agree 100%

Arteta would be a gun signing

[berbatov10]

Arteta=class

[haywood djablowme]

Wenger - I am not interested in Shay Given
By Chris Harris

Arsène Wenger is NOT planning a bid for Shay Given.

The Newcastle goalkeeper's disillusionment with life "on and off the pitch" at St. James' Park was revealed in a statement by his lawyer, Michael Kennedy, on Friday. The statement also linked Given with three clubs, including Arsenal, but Wenger dismissed the speculation at his pre-match press conference.

"We have not made any enquiry about Shay Given," said the Frenchman. "I have a high regard for him as a player but we do not look for a goalkeeper.

"I don't believe it helps you [when players link themselves with clubs] but as well I believe it is what we call in this job 'normal business' and we have to deal with that.

"I don’t know who he has spoken to at the Club but it is not me. It doesn’t annoy me and it is part of agent’s statements.

"I believe that what is important is what happens inside the Club. You want the inside of the Club to deal well with what people say and what the comments are."


[Friday, January 02, 2009]

[haywood djablowme]

Wenger cools Arteta and Arshavin rumours

By Chris Harris

Arsène Wenger refused to be drawn on his transfer plans when he faced the media for the first time in 2009.

The transfer window opened on New Year's Day and the Arsenal manager has already been linked with a number of players, including Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta and Russian international Andrei Arshavin. Predictably the topic loomed large at his pre-match press conference on Friday but Wenger remained tight-lipped.

"Mikel Arteta is a very good player but we have not made any enquiry about him at all," insisted Wenger.

"There is no progress [on Arshavin]. If there is any progress made you will be informed, I promise you. If we buy a player you will be informed."

[haywood djablowme]

Wenger - The truth about Toure's request

By Richard Clarke

Kolo Toure did put in a transfer request but has since withdrawn it.

Arsène Wenger revealed the news at his press conference ahead of the FA Cup tie with Plymouth. It confirmed media reports that had emerged this week but the manager refuted the suggestion that Toure’s actions had been prompted by an irrevocable falling out with William Gallas.

Despite rumoured interest from Manchester City, it seems the Ivorian will be staying at Emirates Stadium.

“The situation is that he is a player who has a two-and–a-half year contract and will remain with us,” said Wenger.

“I am happy with players who are committed and Kolo is a big example for that. There was a minor incident that you could multiply by 20. It happens every day in every club and is sorted out now. Kolo is happy here.”

Later, the manager was asked if Toure had asked to leave.

“Yes,” replied Wenger. “But we spoke about it with him and I think he has changed his mind.

The Frenchman was then asked if the centre back had actually withdrawn his request.

“Yes,” he replied.

Toure has found it difficult to get in the Arsenal side in recent months because Wenger has been reluctant to pair Gallas and Toure together at centre back.

Before Johan Djourou’s 11th-hour injury forced the latter’s inclusion at Aston Villa on Boxing Day, the duo had not featured in tandem in the Premier League since October 4. However the manager says that is down to their height not their personalities.

“It’s not a question of Kolo Toure or William Gallas,” said Wenger. “It is that the two together are a bit short in the air. We needed to add some size centrally.

“I think they get on, personally. They get on much better than people think and if you lived with us every day you would see that. Anyway nobody can prove fantastic friendships help you to win football games.

“Kolo did have a little problem when he came back from the African Nations Cup [earlier this year]. He wasn’t exactly the same sharpness any more. Now, he has come back to his best level and he works very hard in training.

“He is a fantastic guy, Kolo Toure.”

[haywood djablowme]

Fabianski handed FA Cup role this season

By Richard Clarke

Lukasz Fabianski will be Arsenal’s FA Cup keeper this season.

The 23-year-old Polish international will be brought into the team for Saturday’s Third Round tie with Plymouth at Emirates Stadium and, according to Arsène Wenger, will remain there throughout his side’s run in the competition this term.

Elsewhere Denilson (back) and Kolo Toure (groin) are missing but, the manager says, his FA Cup side will be full of regular players. By implication, that means it will be stronger than the Carling Cup outfit.

“The Carling Cup is used to develop the young players and the FA Cup is part of the regular squad targets,” he said.

“Denilson is out with a back problem and Kolo Toure has a groin. Lukasz Fabianski will play in the FA Cup this season. You might see Aaron Ramsey as well. But the rest will be the regular team.”

Arsenal’s ongoing injury list reads as follows: Theo Walcott (shoulder), Cesc Fabregas (knee), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring tendon) and Eduardo (match fitness).

[pires7]

"I am hopeful of bringing one [player] in. But I would be lying if I said I was 100% certain."

[Piola]

We've got some sh*t black players you can have if you want.

None of them are French though.

[pires7]

Any defensive midfielders

[Piola]

Any defensive midfielders

Christian Manfredini can play anywhere in midfield. Defensive, attacking or out wide.

Just can't play well.

[pires7]

Bit too old to play for Arsenal but he would speak french atleast

[Piola]

Bit too old to play for Arsenal but he would speak french atleast

I presume you looked him up?

There's a rumour going around that a couple years back he told a stadium steward that his no.68 is actually a reference to his year of birth (common in Italy), which would make him 40 and his performances much more understandable.

He's one of the "dead wood" that needs to be sold so we can become a compettive European club. Average players on high wages and long term contracts signed when we were insolvent that we don't need anymore.

[ForzaChievo]

Just can't play well.

He played well at Chievo...

[Piola]

Just can't play well.

He played well at Chievo...

Yes and hopefully from this month onwards, he plays for Chievo once again.

[delfino_1936]

AC Milan set to end William Gallas hell at Arsenal

AC Milan are set to end William Gallas’s hell at Arsenal next week by signing the French international for £5 million and prompting a move, by Arsene Wenger, for West Ham defender Matthew Upson.


By John Ley
Last Updated: 8:36AM GMT 01 Jan 2009
AC Milan set to end William Gallas hell at Arsenal
Misery to Milan: William Gallas could be set for Italian move Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Gallas was dropped and stripped of the club captaincy by manager Arsene Wenger following his remarkably outspoken comments about his team-mates, in November, but he did return to the team and, on Sunday, scored the winning goal against Portsmouth.

Another Arsenal defender, Philippe Senderos, is currently on loan with Milan until the end of the season and he could be joined within days by Arsenal team-mate Gallas.

Carlo Ancelotti, the Milan coach, wants an established centre-half to replace 40-year-old Paolo Maldini and 32-year-old Alessandro Nesta, who has been troubled by injuries.

Gallas, 31, has two and a half years left on his current contract but Milan would be able to match his £80,000-a-week wages and end the players’ torment in North London.

However, if Gallas leaves, Arsenal’s already limited squad would need boosting and Wenger remains an admirer of Upson, who left the club for Birmingham in 2003 and moved, four years later, to West Ham.

With Gianfranco Zola having to sell some of his prized assets to avert financial problems at Upton Park, he would find it difficult to ignore a reasonable offer and Upson could be bought for around £10m.

Wenger recently admitted that he would have 'loved’ to have kept Upson but he was keen for first-team football and accepted a move to St Andrew’s.

However, another defender, Portsmouth’s Sylvain Distin, has dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal as “rubbish”.

However, Johan Djourou claimed yesterday that he is prepared to get “nasty” to cement his place in the Arsenal defence. With Kolo Toure a target for Manchester City, Djourou could get more opportunities.

”I have shown the boss he can count on me and I am going to show him that he can count on me all the way, said Djourou. “You have to be nasty, not in the way of breaking legs, but in being aggressive on the pitch because that is what makes strikers scared.

”If you play against someone who is soft, they [striker] are going to have fun - you have to show you are nasty, that you are going to win games.”

Several players left the Emirates yesterday: striker Jay Simpson has joined West Bromwich Albion on loan, while defender Gavin Hoyte, 18, will join Watford until the end of the season, and forward Nacer Barazite, also 18, has extended his stay at Derby.

[Juventino]

Rosina to Arsenal perhaps? That is the latest offering in the transfer rumour department, £10mil move it would be.

[ForzaChievo]

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/1 ... tract.html

Walcott warning over new Gunners contract
By AIDAN MAGEE, 03/01/2009



DON'T TAKE ME FOR GRANTED - THEO

THEO WALCOTT is growing frustrated and disappointed at Arsenal’s refusal to offer him a new deal.

The England star has just 18 months to run on his present contract, yet no definite offer has been made.

His advisors have had just one preliminary meeting with club officials but there was no concrete offer or even outline of terms.

Shadow

Walcott’s camp feel he is being taken for granted and the uncertainty over Arsene Wenger’s long-term position has also cast a shadow on the teenager’s future at The Emirates.

A source close to Walcott said: “There is no doubt Theo is frustrated at the lack of action over a new deal.

“The club said talks would start in October because they wanted to see how Theo started the season.

“Theo accepted that because he has the utmost respect for Arsene Wenger. Most people would agree Theo was one of Arsenal’s best players until he picked up his latest shoulder injury.

“He was doing well for both his club and country but still nothing happened on the contract front.

Rumours

“The fact is, he feels as if he’s being taken for granted at the moment, as if people simply expect him to sign a contract.”

Sport of the World understands Walcott is also concerned by rumours Wenger might be driven into Real Madrid’s arms by the boardroom power struggle at the Emirates. Wenger has been instrumental in Walcott’s dev- elopment and the 19-year-old England winger feels a huge bond of loyalty towards his manager.

But he is wary of committing himself to any long-term deal if he feels that boss Wenger could walk away at the end of the season to join the Spanish giants.

Theoretically, he could buy himself out of the last year of his contract in May for £1million — a year’s money — but that is not something Walcott or his advisors are contemplating at the moment.

Limbo

They are hopeful the arrival of new Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis will help speed up talks but there has been no indication so far the club even have a deal structured.

Robin van Persie is another player in limbo at The Emirates after talks on his contract extension stalled.

The 25-year-old Dutch striker — who has hit 10 goals so far this season — felt he was close to agreeing a new £80,000-a-week deal only to be left hanging on by the board.

Thrash

His agent is now demanding a meeting with Gazidis — not only to thrash out the finer points of a deal but also to find out what Arsenal’s transfer plans are in the next month.

There is a feeling within the dressing room that the Gunners’ season could implode unless Wenger and the board make substantial moves during the transfer window.

With skipper Cesc Fabregas out for four months with a knee problem and Ivory Coast centre-half Kolo Toure seemingly unsettled, Wenger goes into 2009 facing the most testing time of his Arsenal reign.

[Piola]

Rosina to Arsenal perhaps? That is the latest offering in the transfer rumour department, £10mil move it would be.

If that happens, Torino will complete a summer transfer to Serie B.

[pires7]

Rosina to Arsenal perhaps? That is the latest offering in the transfer rumour department, £10mil move it would be.

If that happens, Torino will complete a summer transfer to Serie B.

haha, would be a waste to see a player like him in the EPL, his craft on the ball wouldn't be utilized.

[Piola]

Rosina to Arsenal perhaps? That is the latest offering in the transfer rumour department, £10mil move it would be.

If that happens, Torino will complete a summer transfer to Serie B.

haha, would be a waste to see a player like him in the EPL, his craft on the ball wouldn't be utilized.

I dont think his potential really gets utilized at Torino either.

and he's always been at loggerheads with Toro management over their failure year after year to build a decent side. Club of their size shouldn't be fighting the drop each season.

[Juventino]

and he's always been at loggerheads with Toro management over their failure year after year to build a decent side. Club of their size shouldn't be fighting the drop each season.

Gives some of us a good laugh each season

[haywood djablowme]

with everybody jumping ship from Pompey Niko Krancjar would be a great Gooner signing IMO

EPL experience & quality midfielder

[Judge Judy]

arshavin to arsenal for ~20m

like they need another forward. he's the sorta player that'd suit arsenal's style of play, but arse need a CB and a DMC with bollocks. they'll just keep taking the piss out of teams and get beaten.