Arsenal Fans Blog

Cesc Fabregas insists William Gallas is the right man to lead Arsenal.

Fabregas has led by example in midfield and admitted Arsenal's collapse last season was sparked by the infamous finale at St Andrews, when Gallas lashed out at an advertising hoarding and was at the other end of the pitch when James McFadden equalised with a penalty.

However, he still feels Gallas' experience will be an important influence.

He told FourFourTwo magazine: "Maybe that (St Andrews) is where all our problems started. We had a month-and-a-half after that game where our heads were not right. William is a great captain, I really respect him, and the longer he is giving us the benefit of his experience, the better."

Fabregas has put himself in the frame to be a future Arsenal skipper at the very least, even if he told to concentrate on playing rather than captaining for the time being.

"I've shown I can take that responsibility and if I was made captain I would give even more - I don't know where I'd get that little extra from but I'd try to find it," he said.

"But I'm only 21. Right now I just want to win something for Arsenal."

Cesc Fabregas is also confident that the current team are on the verge of great things.

Despite losing Gilberto Silva, Mathieu Flamini and Alexander Hleb as fellow midfielders, Fabregas is confident Arsenal are on the verge of success and is not concerned by the only summer arrivals being Samir Nasri and Aaron Ramsey.

"We sign what we need," he told FourFourTwo magazine. "Sometimes teams pay a fortune for a player with experience, who knows how to win, who at key moments can win you a game - and that's important.

"But at Arsenal there's a different policy and we have to respect that.

"The day we win something with these players, with this policy, this atmosphere and style, there will be a big change - almost a revelation.

"I speak to people in the game a lot and they tell me about Ajax who in the 1970s won the European Cup with an extremely young team and changed the face of the game.

"People tell me that we are on course to do that, but we need that stepping stone of winning something, of knowing how to win."



Arsenal have announced the signing of French born Portugal Under-21 midfielder Amaury Bischoff from Werder Bremen.

The 21-year-old arrives at the Emirates Stadium after turning down a new deal with the Bundesliga side.

The Gunners have not disclosed any compensation fee to be paid to Bremen and could be forced to go to a UEFA tribunal to determine how much they owe the German outfit.

Bischoff joined Bremen in 2005 after spending his early years in France with Colmar and Strasbourg.

However he made only one senior appearance for the German team, in a 2007 UEFA Cup tie, and made the decision to move on this summer.

The versatile midfielder will join up with the Gunners squad upon their return from an Austrian training camp.



Samir Nasri made his Arsenal debut as Arsene Wenger's side came from behind to secure a 3-1 win over Stuttgart.

And Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was pleased with Samir Nasri's debut in last night's 3-1 victory at Stuttgart.

He said: "It was a very positive performance for his first game. He has all it takes to be a good player in this team."

All the goals arrived in the second half and came from the in-form trio of Carlos Vela, Nicklas Bendtner and Jack Wilshere after Yildiray Basturk had put Stuttgart ahead.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is also happy with his strike-force - particularly with youngsters Nicklas Bendtner and Carlos Vela impressing in preseason.

"We're not as short of strikers as people thought," said Wenger. "Vela is integrating very well into the team and Bendtner was already a force at the end of last season . . . and he will confirm that this year.

"Overall, we are still maybe one player short. But up front we don't need anybody."

In addition to new signing Nasri pulling on a Gunners shirt for the first time, Emmanuel Adebayor made his first pre-season appearance, while former Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann was in goal for Stuttgart.



Gilberto Silva believes former Arsenal teammates Mathieu Flamini and Alex Hleb may regret leaving Emirates stadium this summer.

The Brazilian has exited Arsenal for Panathinaikos this summer because he was not guaranteed first-team football, but Hleb and Flamini were first choices at Arsenal.

"When you win things, you achieve more than anybody else. You get better contracts, and more money, anyway," Gilberto told The Daily Telegraph.

"I can't blame a player who wants a good contract. But I believe if they stay at the club, they can earn good money and do a lot for the club and themselves.

"So if they win something, it means more and they are more appreciated by supporters.

"I don't know what the reason is for them leaving [Flamini and Hleb] but they could have stayed. If it's for money, I would think they're wrong.

"Most of the players who leave miss the club for lots of reasons. The lifestyle at Arsenal is fantastic. You get so well looked after."



Arsenal are set to make a fortune on Tottenham's swoop for Blackburn Rovers winger David Bentley.

The Mirror says Bentley will finally get his £17m move today - and Arsenal are due a hefty chunk of around £7m as a percentage of the sell-on from his original transfer from the Gunners to Lancashire.



Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is close to clinching a sensational deal for Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez.

The Sun says Craven Cottage boss Hodgson has stolen a march on Arsenal and his negotiators are understood to have agreed a fee of around £15million with the German club.

Bobby Zamora has already joined from West Ham for £6.3m, while ex-Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson has arrived for £12m from Everton. Now German international Gomez is close to agreeing personal terms.

Gomez's advisers had talks with Gunners representatives on Monday.

The 23-year-old's arrival at the Cottage would confirm Hodgson's intent to make a big impression on the Premier League this season.

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has denied quotes attributed to him over the weekend about an ambition to join Real Madrid.

Cesc also expressed frustration over Arsenal's lack of silverware in the interview, but insisted last night: "I have not spoken to any media so it's frustrating to read quotes that I have supposedly said about my future.

"I have spent the summer relaxing with my family, friends and girlfriend and I return to training with Arsenal tomorrow.

"I think that some people are just trying to make mischief but my intentions are very clear.

"I am happy here at Arsenal, my future is with Arsenal and the priority is to achieve success and win trophies at Arsenal."

And former Arsenal manager Terry Neill says it's too soon to consider Cesc Fabregas for the club captaincy.

Neill said: "At this stage and at his age, I don't think he should be burdened with it. I'm sure he can do it but without it he is given the freedom to just play, rather than be the conduit between the team and manager.

"Arsene might get a bit more out of Gallas by giving him back the captaincy."



Carlos Vela grabbed his first goals in an Arsenal shirt in yesterday's 10-2 thrashing of Burgenland in their pre-season friendly in Ritzing.

Nicklas Bendtner scored four goals and Mexican starlet Vela grabbed a hat-trick in the Gunners romp.

View His goals here.



Emmanuel Adebayor is edging towards signing a bumper new contract at Arsenal.

The Mirror says it now looks certain that Togo striker Adebayor will sign a new four-year deal at £75,000-a-week.





Arsenal captain William Gallas says the club's new signings will soon settle in.

Youngsters Samir Nasri and Aaron Ramsey have been brought and Gallas said: "They are young. They are very shy, but it won't be difficult for them to settle in. The squad is fantastic, the atmosphere is very good, so I think it will be fine for them.

"We have to win something because the trophies are more important at the end of the season. Last season we were near to winning something, I hope this season it will be different. Everybody knows what they have to do, we are ready."



Arsenal captain William Gallas admits he made mistakes last season.

The Frenchman's leadership came under close scrutiny as Arsenal's trophy challenge fell away after Christmas, with ugly episodes such as Gallas lashing out at an advertising hoarding when James McFadden scored a last-gasp equaliser for Birmingham City at St Andrews in February.

He said: "I learned a lot. You want to be the best captain, give good advice to your players, but sometimes you can make mistakes as well, so I think this season I know what I'm going to do and I know I am ready to change my way to speak to the players.



Tomas Rosicky insists Arsenal do not need to go outside the club to strengthen their midfield.

The crocked playmaker has backed Abou Diaby to cover the absence of Mathieu Flamini after his move to AC Milan this summer.

"I don't know if the coach will bring someone in," said Rosicky.

"I think that Diaby will be given a big chance to play often in Flamini's position. He was playing on the left when I was injured, but he is more a centre midfielder, the same type like Patrick Vieira.

"I expect a lot from him as I know from training that it is difficult to play against him. He has long legs and really is very similar to Vieira. In my opinion, he is able to do very well."



But in the other side Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to bid big to land Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso.

Portuguese sources stated last week that Wenger was preparing a concrete move for the versatile midfielder.

And the Daily Star Sunday says Wenger intends to offer £14 million to convince Sporting to part with Veloso.



Tomas Rosicky also says pundits are wrong to write-off Arsenal for the new season.

"It is something similar to the last season, when everybody was writing us off," Rosicky told deniksport.cz. "Now, it will be the same. Some players have left but I trust the coach over this.

"He knows what he is doing. Personally, my ambitions are not smaller and I think this counts for the rest of the team.

"Definitely it was an excellent midfield and it is a pity that we have not remained together as we were attuned on the same tune.

"On the other hand, if the guys wanted to leave, it is only their decision."



Alex Song is grateful to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for allowing him to join Cameroon's Olympics squad.

"I talked to the boss and told him that my country wanted me to play and he told me that if I want to go I can as long as I come back to Arsenal and show him what I can do," he said.

"Arsenal have a young team and some very good players and when I get back I just need to stay fit and do all I can to get a chance of playing for the first team.

"I want to do well at the Olympics and at Arsenal and I need to perform the best I can.

"My career is very important and I want to play well and show people what I can do."

Though Song admits he would love to help his country to another Olympic gold he is equally keen on Premier League glory with Arsenal this season.

"I want to win something and winning a gold medal at the Olympics would be very important," he added. "But I don't have a preference, ideally I would like to win gold and the Premier League with Arsenal."



Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is eyeing a shock raid for Barcelona striker Thierry Henry.

The Telegraph says Ferguson is pondering a swoop for the ex-Arsenal captain after being frustrated in his bid for Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov.

Henry, 30, would cost somewhere in the region of £15 million after a less than eye-catching debut season last time around in Catalonia and Ferguson believes Henry could prove to be the perfect foil in attack for Wayne Rooney, allowing the England international to return to his former, more successful, front-running days.

Manchester United are also following Stockport County prospect Kyle Wilkie.

The 17 year-old midfielder is the latest starlet to come through Stockport's Academy of Excellence and has also attracted interest from Arsenal.



Arsenal U18 coach Steve Bould says fans can be excited about the talent that is threatening to make a first team breakthrough this season.

He told arsenal.com: "I was with players like Mark Randall at the Under-12s. The current Under-19s are the players that were in my first squad and it just fantastic to see them where they are. Someone like Jack Wilshere, too, who is around the first-team and doing really well, and Henri Lansbury and Gavin Hoyte have done a fabulous job to be where they are as well.

"Things are moving forward we hope."



Johan Djourou is hoping for a fresh start at Arsenal this season.

He told Arsenal TV: "I had that spell at Birmingham but before I had that I had a season [for Arsenal] where I played 30 games. Now I want to start again fresh and see how it goes.

"Last season was tough for me. The spell at Birmingham was good and I could play a lot. Unfortunately I got an injury that was there for a little while. That was frustrating because I want to come back and play. I feel good now and I am happy about that because I want to get started again."



Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Udinese midfielder Gokhan Inler.

Arsenal have moved ahead of Newcastle in the race for Inler by tabling a £5m bid, says the Daily Mail.

The figure activates the release clause in Inler's contract, and leaves Arsene Wenger as a clear favourite to sign the Switzerland international.

Barcelona signing Alex Hleb has blasted the English press over reports he criticised former Arsenal teammate Cesc Fabregas.

"I don't know where they got all this from," Hleb told Spain's Sport newspaper.

"There's a certain type of English press that is worth nothing, that only invents things and this is one of those cases.

"They did it with Cesc and Arsene, inventing things that I didn't say or taking my words and using them out of context.

"I'll explain what happened in both cases so that it is clear for once.

"With Wenger they said we argued and that I was leaving Arsenal because I thought that the team would never win anything with him as a manager and that is absolutely false.

"Arsene knows it because the first thing he told me when I signed for Arsenal was that he didn't pay attention to what the press wrote, that he never read it.

"Arsene is like a father to me and the coach that gave me the opportunity to play for Arsenal and then to sign for Barcelona, I owe him everything."

Hleb continued: "Cesc is my best friend at Arsenal and he knows that everything I have to say I'll say it to his face as I have always done.

"I only said that when Cesc had the ball you didn't know where he was going to put it because he is so good that he can pass it to the left or to the right and the English journalists changed that sentence into a criticism of his way of playing."



Xabi Alonso is set for crunch talks with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez today.

The People says Arsenal are manoeuvring themselves into the box seat to secure his services. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has signed French ace Samir Nasri, but he still has another midfield void to fill.

But Denilson has urged Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to keep his chequebook closed and give him a chance in midfield.

The Brazilian midfielder told The Sun: "I have two main objectives this season - to be in Arsenal's starting XI and get my first cap for Brazil.

"I am fully fit and ready to go. We have a good team, with a lot of quality players.

"We have the skill, but need a bit more experience in the team.

"I believe in our team and I'm sure Arsenal will be the strongest one this year and win the title."



Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas admits he'd be interested in a future move to Real Madrid.

Reports in Spain suggest Madrid president Ramon Calderon, resigned to missing out on Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, has prepared a big-money offer for the 21-year-old.

But while Fabregas, a product of the Barcelona youth academy, revealed he could move to Madrid in the future, he insists he wants to stay at the Emirates Stadium for the time being.

"I didn't tell Ramon Calderon no," he told Marca. "I told him that now wasn't the time to go to Madrid.

"That you are wanted by Madrid, one of the biggest teams in history, is important."

And the young star, who feels he would be certain to lift a trophy should he opt for the Spanish champions, admits another season without any silverware could see him head for the exit door.

"To be four seasons without winning any titles would be too much for me," Fabregas added.

"Real Madrid are the favourites to win La Liga this year."



Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given could be sold this summer, it has been revealed.

The News of the World says the Republic of Ireland No 1 has been linked with a move to Arsenal and has told friends is keen on a switch to the Emirates.

Given, 32, has three years left on his current £55,000-a-week deal and is among the highest earners at Newcastle behind Michael Owen and Mark Viduka.

Toon chairman Mike Ashley is keen on reducing the club's costs and may allow Given to fulfil his dream of playing in the Champions League with the Gunners.

The former Blackburn keeper has property interests in London and is still desperate to win trophies before his career winds down.

While at the same time Newcastle United have moved for Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos.



The Mail on Sunday says Newcastle have made a shock bid for Senderos, increasing the growing tension between Arsene Wenger and his board over the continuing exodus of players.

Wenger was stunned when the offer of about £4million arrived on Wednesday and even more bemused when it was not rejected out of hand by the club.

Arsenal's board will hold out for about £6m, but their willingness to consider allowing another first-team squad member to leave after four high-profile departures this summer will alarm supporters and Wenger.



Arsenal are also aiming to trump Newcastle for Udinese midfielder Gokhan Inler.

The People says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been in contact with the Udinese ace's camp and has learned the clever attacking midfielder has a get-out clause at just over £5 million.

Inler's agent has been in talks with Newcastle for over a fortnight. But now Arsenal have come in the deal will hinge on who offers the best terms.



William Gallas will retain the Arsenal captaincy for the new season.

The Daily Star Sunday says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has spent the summer contemplating whether to take the armband off his French defender and give it to either Cesc Fabregas or Kolo Toure.

But although he has yet to confirm his final decision it seems that Wenger will choose to ignore the demands from Arsenal fans and officials to replace Gallas.

And the Arsenal manager's mind was made up last week amid news Paris St Germain want to add Gallas to their ranks.



Samir Nasri is convinced his game will come on leaps-and-bounds at new club Arsenal.

"For me, Arsenal are the ideal club when you see the number of players who have gone on to develop there and have proved themselves there," he said.

"It is important to go to a stable club, where there is no revolving door.

"At Arsenal, Arsene Wenger has brought through players, he is French, the team is young, and we know the quality of the atmosphere there. For me it was the wisest choice.



Nicklas Bendtner is determined to be an Arsenal regular this season.

"I know everybody talks about winning things," Bendtner told arsenal.com. "But that is what it is all about this year. I want to try and take a trophy home.

"I do set myself targets [in pre-season]. The main thing for everyone I think is to play a lot and of course I want to get more regularly into the squad.

"Then I want to progress in my own game. I want to prove to everyone what I can do."

"I like their game and the culture of Arsenal's football makes me dream. Last season, I got so excited watching all their matches.

"It is this culture, this way of playing, which in my opinion represents the best things about football."

Nasri is willing to assume a position on the flank, with Wenger always happy to see his wingers drift into the middle.

"I have chatted to Arsene Wenger and I am going to play on the flank since it is there where the playmakers are, doubling up as wingers," he added in an interview with French daily L'Equipe.

"That system suits me. I have played there for four years in the France youth team and also in the senior team.

"The left or the right, it doesn't matter to me."



Arsenal fullback Bacary Sagna is determined to be even better this season.

"When I arrived people told me that the first season would be very difficult and you had to adapt," he told arsenal.com. "But why wait? Why not play straight away?

"I just tried to do my best for the team and I was voted the best right back in the Premier League. But now I would like to achieve other things. Why not lift a cup?

"I know I have to confirm [my first-season form] but I feel confident and good in this team. I want to do a lot of things. I want to score and be more decisive now. I will try to do it."

Twelve months ago, Sagna was a rookie in a position where Arsenal already had options, could he have imagined his first campaign going any better?

"No," he replied flatly. "I did not know anything about English football when I arrived, only what I saw on TV. But I was not scared and adapted very quickly because of my team-mates and work of the staff.

"Everything was good for the first season and I thank the people who helped me. But now I want to fulfil more of my ambitions."

Barcelona signing Alex Hleb believes Arsenal will struggle to cope if Arsene Wenger ever chose to leave.

"Wenger is everything to Arsenal," he told The Daily Telegraph, "The future for Arsenal, if Wenger stays, is that they will always play at the top.

"But of course it is difficult now because Arsenal have a few political differences. When he leaves, I think this is a difficult time coming for Arsenal."



Hleb has backed Barca's interest in his former Gunners teammates Emmanuel Adebayor and Cesc Fabregas.

He told the Daily Telegraph: "Every team would like to keep these players. For me it would be fantastic if they came to Barcelona.

"Those players would bring good energy and power to this club. For Barcelona, it would be fantastic, and for me personally as well, if they leave.

He added: "Sometimes I think that Arsenal do not want to keep this team, not give something more."



Panathinaikos signing Gilberto Silva admits he's sad to be leaving Arsenal.

"I feel a bit sad, you know. I like many, many people at Arsenal and it has been fantastic this last six years at the club," Gilberto told Arsenal TV Online. "The good thing between us, me and Arsene, is that we have been clear in our conversation to play, which is normal because in the season before I played a big part.

"He told me in case I decide to leave he wouldn't stop me. It was my decision, he wanted me to stay, but at the end I didn't know, to be honest, if I would have a chance to play.

"Then I had this opportunity at Panathinaikos and I felt it was a great one in terms of playing games and a contract.

"I have three years there, when I only had one year left at Arsenal. I considered all these things to get this opportunity.

"It is fantastic because even though I haven't played much this year, at this stage [of my career] I have this opportunity to play in another club.

"It means over the years I have done the job well and people still believe in me."



Gilberto Silva also admits he doubts if Arsenal can win a trophy this season.
"This is what they need to achieve - start to win things," the new Panathinaikos midfielder told Arsenal TV Online.

"Of course there is massive pressure on them but people cannot forget they are still a young side and they have a lot to improve, to grow and to learn, but it will be very important to them if they win something this year.

"I am sure everyone at the club, Arsene, his staff, the players will do the maximum they can to achieve and win titles. This is the target and they won't change it.

"But it will be hard again. It won't be easy because the other teams are stronger than last year and Arsenal will have a hard season but I am confident they will handle it. I hope they can win this year."



Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry won two championships, two FA Cups and four Golden Boots during eight years in London and will now take his place in the National Football Museum Hall of Fame.

Earlier this month, Henry, who scored 226 times in 380 games for the North London club, was voted as the greatest Gunner of all time by fans via the club's official website.

Now, the 30-year-old is set for the National Football Museum Hall of Fame.

Although the ceremony will be held in London, the National Football Museum is located in Preston.

David Beckham and Paul Scholes also in the list.



Arsenal are planning a bid for Crystal Palace starlet Victor Moses.

The Sun says Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants to add Moses, 17, to his squad and will start the bidding at around £1million.

But the Eagles would look for at least three times that amount.

Palace chairman Simon Jordan is still fuming after a tribunal ruled Tottenham would have to pay just £700,000 for promising 16-year-old John Bostock.



Gael Clichy has hailed fellow left-back and Arsenal teammate Armand Traore.

"He is a really powerful player," Clichy told Arsenal.com. "He is really fast and a type of player that we need. I hope he can help push me further as a player and that I can drag him up too.

"He is a really amazing player and I hope he will be focused this season because I can see a role for him. I really hope that he will make it."



Former Arsenal physio Gary Lewin rates Dennis Bergkamp as the most influential player at the Gunners in modern times.

"Dennis was the most influential because of his professionalism," said the East-Ham born Lewin, who is now part of Fabio Capello's England setup.

"But Tony Adams was the best leader."



Miguel Veloso's agent won't rule out a move away for the Sporting Lisbon midfielder.

Veloso has been linked with a move to Premier League club Arsenal and his agent, Paulo Bento, said: "He would be open to offers."