Arsenal Fans Blog

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has hinted he may bid for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry under Liverpool's noses after landing Manchester United's Mikael Silvestre this week.

"I can surprise you sometimes, as I got one in whom you did not expect, and there still might be one more player coming in," said the Arsenal manager.

"You know the position, but I cannot tell you much more."

"There is interest always on Barry or another names, but I do not want to give you any names"

"Barry is a good player, but the problem with players who are 27 or 28 is that you pay big money and then you get nothing back."

"But we are not in a desperate situation because we have Song back from the Olympics, Diaby does not look too far away and hopefully we can good news from [Tomas] Rosicky in the next two weeks.

"We are not short, but one more body is possible."

On the subject of pursuing potentially cup-tied targets ( Barry was not able to secure a move to Anfield during the summer and is now ineligible for the group stages of the Champions League after appearing in Aston Villa’s UEFA Cup campaign ), Wenger also added:

"I believe once somebody cannot play for you in Europe, it devalues the player for the season - but it is not necessarily stopping you from buying a player."

This is perhaps the sign for Wenger interest on Barry rather than Xabi Alonso or Gokhan Inler.

While The Times says The Reds boss Rafa Benitez is eager to find a buyer for Xabi, but he should have to drop his £16 million asking price if he wants to do business with Arsenal. Xabi has played very well yesterday when Spain beat Denmark 3-0 on Friendly Match, he scored 2 goals for Spain.

Or maybe Wenger look in to Gokhan Inler, for a cheaper players ( £8M ) rather than Xabi Alonso ( £16M ) and Gareth Barry ( £18M )?

Arsenal's £10M bid for Barry has been refused.

Who will be the next signing?

Finally Arsenal signed French defender Mikael Silvestre on a two year deal, having joined the Gunners from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.

Mikael Silvestre (31), is an experienced and versatile player, played well at both left back and centre back. He has been with Manchester United since 1999 and winning a host of domestic honours including four Premier League titles, one FA Cup winner’s medal and a League Cup winner’s medal. Mikael Silvestre was also part of the UEFA Champions League winning side of 2008 and made a total of 361 appearances for the Manchester side, scoring 10 goals.

Silvestre, who debuted for French national side in 2001, has also made a total of 40 appearances for Les Bleus. Highlights of his international career so far are winning the Confederations Cup in both 2001 and 2003 and reaching the World Cup Final in 2006.

Mikael said on signing for the Gunners:

“I’ve spent a large part of my career at United, the last nine years, and I’ll remember that time fondly but feel I’m ready for a new challenge. Arsenal is known for playing technical and skilful football, and has a young but experienced squad. I’m really excited about this next stage of my career, hopefully playing my part in helping the Club to new successes.”

As I said yesterday, Wenger choose to buy him for added an extra depth to his young squad.

I actually think this is the sort of signing we need. He's not going to play in front of Gallas or Toure, but he is a steady defender with bags of experience- what we lack on the back benches. More than 250 appearances for ManU td makes him without a doubt an experienced player. Yes, I would prefer Micah Richards or Vincent Kompany, but it is still a big improvement from our Senderos and Djourou who will be loaned out to Rennes.

And Another 2 very positive points is :

1) he wont have a long career at Arsenal and looks unlikely to impede the progress of youngsters like Nordtveit and Djourou.

2) he is leaving ManUtd on a free, so it’s actually a gamble that costs us almost nothing (besides his wages).

We should see this possible signing as a gamble where we may lots to gain but little to lose and if he turns out shyte, we’ll just flog him to Spain for approx. £2m like we did with Cygan.

Remember our best back four (Cole,Adams,Keown,Lauren)? Hopes that Mikael Silvestre will added the current back four a strength and experience like them before.

Mikael will join up with his team-mates immediately and will wear shirt number 18.

Arsenal could soon announce the shock signing of Manchester United defender Mikaël Silvestre for a value in the region of £750,000

Who is Mikaël Silvestre?

His Full Name is Mikaël Samy Silvestre was born on Chambray-lès-Tours, France at August 9, 1977.

Silvestre began his career with the French club Rennes in the 1995/96 season and in the 1997/98 season was signed by Inter Milan. Then he signed for Manchester United on September 10, 1999 for £3.5 million.

Silvestre is 31 years old and can play both left back and center back and has the Premier League experience that Arsene Wenger said that he wanted in the squad.

Silvestre is quick and powerful and would gel well with the French players in the squad. The Guardian claims that Wenger wants to partner Silvestre with Gallas in the center of defence. I wondered why Kieran Gibbs was being loaned out to Reading when we do not have enough left back cover and this could well be the reason.

Silvestre is not the commanding, organising leader that most of us thought Wenger would be looking to sign, like Toure and Gallas he is another recovery, speedy man marker.

I actually think this is the sort of signing we need. He's not going to play in front of Gallas or Toure, but he is a steady defender with bags of experience- what we lack on the back benches. More than 250 appearances for ManU td makes him without a doubt an experienced player. Yes, I would prefer Micah Richards or Vincent Kompany, but it is still a big improvement from our Senderos.

Another 2 very positive points is :

1) he wont have a long career at Arsenal and looks unlikely to impede the progress of youngsters like Nordtveit.

2) he is leaving ManUtd on a free, so it’s actually a gamble that costs us almost nothing (besides his wages).

We should see this possible signing as a gamble where we may lots to gain but little to lose and if he turns out shyte, we’ll just flog him to Spain for approx. £2m like we did with Cygan.

We shall see in the next 24 hours if there is any substance to this rumour.

I'm very interested with 1970's Gooner thoughts about Jack Wilshere,

What a find. He is another Fabregas in the sense that he can play against men and not only survive but impose himself on the game.

Just as Fabregas used to do when he was his age. Do you remember Fabregas’s display against Manchester United in a Charity Shield game when he was only 17 or so?

Wilshere has a low centre of gravity which, along with his skill and ball control, uses quite well to trick his way past players. He will be really big for Arsenal and for England in the not too distant future.

Jack Wilshere already at Arsenal since October 2001, as a nine year-old, left-footed Jack is a mature, brave whole-hearted, creative player who scores and makes goals, as well as being a fine tackler.

Last year he scored 13 times in 19 Under-18 league outings, and also scored twice from two reserve team starts, all while still a schoolboy.

Jack Wilshere marked his debut for Arsenal reserves with a goal in the 1-1 draw at Reading in February 2008, then netted a memorable curling effort in the 2-0 home win over West Ham in April.

With his goalscoring exploits for the first team in pre-season, the highly rated youngster has been impressing at Arsenal, and many of Arsenal fans talked about him.



A special report from Matt Fortune ( arsenal.com ) said this

Jack Wilshere is a shining example that talent triumphs over both age and nationality at Arsenal.

In his 11 year spell with the Gunners, Arsène Wenger has, at times, been criticised for failing to develop English talent ripe for senior football. There is little evidence to bear this out and a glance at playing personnel in England’s top two divisions tells a very different story. James Harper, Ashley Cole, Stuart Taylor, Fabrice Muamba, Anthony Stokes, Jermaine Pennant, Jerome Thomas, Steven Sidwell, David Bentley to name a handful; all have made an impact in the Premier League after cutting their teeth with the Gunners.

This pre-season young Jack Wilshere has emerged, and, after his impressive early form, the 16-year old will wear the No 19 shirt recently vacated by Gilberto.

Reserve Team manager Neil Banfield, who has witnessed the growth of Wilshere since the Hertfordshire native joined the Club aged nine, is adamant the attack-minded midfielder can prosper in north London.

“If the young players work hard at their game, listen to the advice of the coaching staff, they realise they will have every opportunity here," Banfield told Arsenal.com. "The manager has always said he will play them if they are good enough, and he is true to his word; he always has been in every way. But the bar is extremely high and you have to be over it to get the opportunity.

“Jack was given the opportunity by the manager to go on the Austrian Training Camp, along with five others who have all done really well. Jack has taken his chance, and he is one of quite a few we have here that we have high hopes for.

“You have to adapt to the physical aspects of the game, and I think Jack is strong enough. It is about how you physically develop and I think with Jack, even at 16, it doesn’t mean he won’t be as physically strong as someone at 18 or even someone at 20.

“That has been the benefit of our Reserve team. The experienced players that our lads are up against means they learn on the pitch. The senior players then show them what to do while the game is going on. That is carried on for the young lads who learned so much in Austria.”

Theo Walcott told Sky Sports about Jack Wlshere :

"He is a brilliant young lad, brilliant kid and it will be brilliant to work with him this year.

"I will be there for him if he wants anything and I will be close to him, but I am sure he will be in and out of the team this year and that shows a lot of confidence for a 16-year-old to come and do what he has done, to come through the ranks is difficult at one of the best teams in the world.

"I am sure he will be brilliant in the Carling Cup team and the Premier League if he plays."

Finally, Arsene Wenger named Jack Wilshere in Arsenal's first team squad for the 2008/2009 season. He will take the No 19 shirt in the forthcoming campaign. That number was vacated by Gilberto when the Brazilian left for Panathinaikos last month.



Let's pray for Jack Wilshere successful season ahead of him.

Arsenal are ready to hand manager Arsene Wenger a place on the club's board.

The Daily Mail says Wenger is to be offered a role on the Arsenal board as part of a long-term strategy to keep hold of the most successful manager in the club's history.

In a move which has echoes of the job for life' promise made by former vice-chairman David Dein, the role has already been discussed tentatively by senior board members at Arsenal.

Although the possibility of Wenger taking a directorship will not prevent him continuing as manager, the club's director and powerbroker Danny Fiszman is exploring ways of appeasing Wenger after another quiet summer in the transfer market.



Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is excited about the young talent coming through the club.

"There are some youngsters doing very well for us," Wenger told the official Emirates Cup programme. "You've seen Jack Wilshere who is catching the eye at the moment. He is surprisingly mature for his age, you forget how old he is when you see him play. But there is also Jay Simpson, Mark Randall, Gavin Hoyte and Henri Lansbury who were with us out in Austria. All five of them are good players though, which is why I took them to Austria. All those players will make a career, and hopefully at Arsenal."

He especially named 16 year-old Jack Wilshire in his first team squad for the new season.

Wilshire, who featured in the Emirates Cup, has been handed Gilberto Silva's old No19 shirt after the Brazilian's departure for Panathinaikos.

The attacking midfielder joined Arsenal as a nine year-old in October 2001. Last season he scored 13 times in 19 Under-18 league outings and also netted twice from two reserve team starts, all while still a schoolboy.



Armand Traore has signed a new contract with Arsenal.

The 18 year-old French fullback has penned a long-term deal with the Gunners, it was announced yesterday.



Arsenal striker Robin van Persie says another trophyless season won't be good enough.

He said: "Arsenal have to win something every year, that is our aim. If it's not happening, everyone is disappointed. I want to win as much as possible. Just look around at what is here, at the stadium.

"Any of the top four can win the title. I am not going to say we are going to win it because you never know. But I am committed to win it and so is everyone here."

Van Persie, 25 tomorrow, hopes to put two years of injury problems behind him and help Arsenal continue last season's progress, when they finished four points behind champions United.

"I just do not want to think about that negative stuff," he said.


EMIRATES CUP RESULTS AND VIDEO CLIPS DOWNLOAD LINKS HERE

Emmanuel Adebayor has reaffirmed his commitment to Arsenal.

"I'm very happy. As a footballer a lot of clubs will look for you but this club is one of the biggest in the world, there are lots of young players and I have a big chance to have a good career at this club," he told Sky Sports.

"When there is a lot of speculation they (the fans) believe what they read in the newspapers. The most important thing is to keep on enjoying your football.

"Some of the fans will love you and some will hate you but I'm in a good position and most fans love me. For me, what happened this summer is over.

"You have to come on the pitch, enjoy your football and show them you have desire to play for their team.

"Today I am where I am because they gave me a lot of chances."

Emmanuel Adebayor kept his nerve to hit the winner from the spot in Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Real Madrid yesterday.

The Togo international, who was booed by some sections of the Arsenal crowd on Saturday against Juventus, turned the jeers to cheers with the winner from the penalty spot against the Spanish champions.

Arsenal's victory saw them finish third in the final Emirates Cup table, with Hamburg - now managed by former Tottenham boss Martin Jol - securing the trophy after they beat Juventus 3-0 in the day's other match.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is confident all the rumours will soon be forgotten about if Adebayor continues to find the net for Arsenal this season.

"I feel Adebayor felt people questioned his commitment a little bit and the best answer always is to give on the pitch," said Wenger. "You play well and show you are ready to fight for your shirt and your team. He does that. He is a man with character.

"You know how it is. If you score goals people forget quickly their frustration.

"You have to show it with performances in this job."

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor also accepts he must win back a section of the club's support after a controversial summer.

Asked if he must rebuild his relationship with fans, Ade said: "I don't know. I think so. It's normal because when there is speculation, they believe in what they read.
"For me the most important thing is to keep on playing my football and enjoying myself. No matter what you are, no matter what you have done, some of the fans will love you and some of the fans will hate you.

"But I hope I'm in a good situation. Most of the fans love me and that's the most important thing."

He added: "For me, what happened in the summer is already behind me and now it's up to me to play my game and score some goals.

"Football fans are like that. You show them that you are happy and that you have the desire to want to play for your team.

"I will try to do that all this year. Since the beginning of the discussions I always told the boss of my desire to stay with the club.

"When you net 30 goals in a season, a lot of clubs come to look for you but this club is one of the biggest in the world.

"It's fun, we have a lot of young players and I have the chance for a good career at this club."




Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger won't panic-buy to fill a void in midfield.

After defeat to Juventus, Wenger told arsenal.com: "We are not close to signing anybody and I will focus on the players I have. If we can find someone, then we will do it. If not, I am happy as well.

"Experience-wise we a bit short in midfield but we will see. With Diaby not being injured, Denilson being available, we have quality in there. Today we did not have Rosicky, Fabregas, Eduardo, van Persie and Song. They are five top-class players."



Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was pleased with Aaron Ramsey's performance in yesterday's defeat to Juventus.

"He is only 17-and-a-half and we forget how young these boys are - he will be a top-class midfielder," said Wenger.

Aaron Ramsey is determined to build on his impressive first preseason with new club Arsenal.

The 17-year-old, who made a £5m switch from Cardiff to the Emirates in June, has already impressed Gunners fans.

And he told BBC Wales: "My priority is to get into the starting 11 for the first game against West Brom and go from there.

"I will just keep working hard in the (pre-season) games and training."

Ramsey has featured in all of Arsenal's pre-season friendlies so far and already looks at home in the famous red shirt.

"It's a massive step up from the Championship level," he said. "I found it quite tough in the first week, but now I've settled in a bit."

The youngster has seven caps at under-21 level, but has yet to win a full international cap.

But he is hoping to change that on 6 September when Wales open their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign against Azerbaijan.

"I want to get my full Welsh cap for Wales," said Ramsey.

"I've always wanted to play for Wales so it's a massive target to get into the team for the qualifiers."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was also happy to give 16 year-old Jack Wilshere a first start in yesterday's 1-0 defeat by Juventus.

"Do not be impressed by his small size because he is not phased by the physical challenges," Wenger told arsenal.com. "He really looks mature on the pitch, but he is 16 and we have to respect his development.

"However, do not reproach me now about not playing English players."



Arsenal fans gave Eduardo da Silva a rousing welcome as he was paraded before their victory over Real Madrid yesterday.

He has not played since suffering a sickening leg break against Birmingham last season but is already targeting a first-team return before the end of the year.

He said: "I was in Brazil for my rehabilitation and for four months I have worked hard every day for six or seven hours.

"For me it is hard because I like playing and five, six, seven or eight months without playing is very hard for a player."

Asked when he would be match-fit, he told Sky Sports News: "I would like to play tomorrow but I don't know. Before Christmas maybe."



Arsenal have made a bid for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The Guardian says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger wants Xabi to form a Spanish midfield axis with Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal next season, provided Liverpool dramatically lower their £18m price for the marginalised playmaker.

Arsenal have made an initial approach for the 26-year-old Alonso, who has been told he can leave Anfield for the right price.

The Gunners rate Xabi at £10.5 million and the deal will remain only a remote possibility unless Arsenal revise their stance.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has no doubts over the commitment of Emmanuel Adebayor.

Adebayor played 45 minutes in his first pre-season game as Arsenal beat Stuttgart 3-1 on Wednesday.

And Wenger insisted: "He is 100 per cent committed.

"He is looking sharp in training. Will he stay? Of course.

"I am not worried, not at all. In other positions, we're maybe one player short but up front we don't need anybody else."



While at the same time Stuttgart goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has urged former teammate Emmanuel Adebayor to stick with Arsenal.

The German said: "If you look at every player who has left Arsenal, he has not managed to shine again at his new club.

"I joined Stuttgart this summer - but it is different for me, because I am a goalkeeper and I am also 38 years old."

Lehmann added: "It is wrong to write off Arsenal. Last season, everyone wrote us off and we nearly won the league title."



Arsenal are set to push through a deal for Udinese midfielder Gokhan Inler.

The Times says Inler's agent has said that he is scheduled to hold talks next week with Arsenal about the proposed transfer of the Udinese midfield player. Dino Lamberti has said that the Switzerland player, who has four years left on his contract, would cost more than £8 million.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger expects a tough draw today for their Champions League qualifying round.

Despite the Gunners being one of 16 seeded teams, they could still face a tough test against the likes of Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray or Sparta Prague, who all inhabit the unseeded portion of the draw.

Wenger told Arsenal TV: "There are quite a few teams we would like to avoid. That is why it is better not to look at it. We will just take who we get.

"We just have to improve now, to use the two tournaments we play to get physically stronger and better, then we will play who we get."



Stuttgart goalkeeper Jens Lehmann says Arsenal are a far superior football team than Premiership rivals Manchester United and Chelsea.

"It was good to play Arsenal," he said after last night's friendly. "Technically and football-wise, they are far ahead of Manchester United and Chelsea.

"Ever player who leaves the club seems to do less well but I hope to be different in my final season.

"Arsenal's young players have grown in maturity from last season.

"But it is difficult to say about their title chances as the competition is tight."



Arsenal captain William Gallas has dismissed interest from PSG.

On his personal website, williamgallas.net, Gallas said: "I do not know where this rumour came from, but I've never had any contact with PSG.

"Personally, I feel very happy at Arsenal, at the end of this season I will have one year on my contract and a return to France is, for now, not on the agenda."


Arsenal are set to revive a bid for Hearts of Oak teenager Tawrick Jibril.

The Ghana midfielder had trials at Arsenal at the end of last season, but was set to join Atletico Madrid. However, the Spanish club have failed to close the deal and Ghanaian sources say Arsenal are back in for the youngster.



Arsenal striker Jay Simpson has revealed Millwall wanted to sign him permanently this summer.

He told Arsenal TV Online: "The manager (At Millwall) said to me that he wanted me to stay but I wanted to come back to Arsenal and try and get in the team.

"The boss (Arsene Wenger) told me to focus on pre-season, which I'm doing. So I'm just trying to work hard out here, learn as much as I can from this trip and hopefully take it back to England when we go back."



Tottenham's new signing ex. Arsenal David Bentley is delighted with his move from Blackburn Rovers.

He told a news conference: "It means the world to join Tottenham.

"Gazza was my favourite player, all my mates are Tottenham fans and there's a piece of my heart at this club.

"I didn't think they would be interested in me and when it became available there was nowhere else I wanted to go."

Asked about the fact he began his professional career with Spurs' north London rivals Arsenal, Bentley said: "That's in the past, I grew up through the Arsenal youth team but it's not a problem for me, all my heart is at Tottenham and all my passion will be tunnelled into doing well for Tottenham."

He immediately targeted a challenge for Champions League qualification, which would require big-spending Spurs breaking up the dominance of the division's 'big four'.

"We can do anything we want, anything we put our minds to. You've seen what Juande Ramos did last year; the fitness and level of play has risen and I want to be part of that, hopefully we'll keep progressing and doing well.

"It's all there for us - if we're all up for it it's quite possible."

Bentley continued: "I'm excited by it. There are a lot of good players here, you look at (Luka) Modric, Giovani dos Santos and I'm looking forward to fitting in the side somewhere.

"Making the move here was an easy decision to make to be honest. I've been trying my hardest to come here and be part of this. All my friends are season ticket holders. All I want to do is just get out there."

Spurs boss Juande Ramos added: "I'm sure he will bring the best ability to our team and we can help him maximise his potential.

"We are in a state of preparation now, it's pre-season, we are trying to share out the players on the field. We'll assess him fitness-wise and try and get him into the team as soon as possible."

Bentley has no doubts about the former Sevilla boss' prowess, adding: "Working under someone like Ramos is great. He's going to get the best out of me.

"I've got a lot of respect for him for what he's achieved. I've talked a lot to the other players about him and I'm sure he'll push me on to the next level. He's really good.

"I've been training and spent seven to 10 days on my own doing a lot of running knowing hopefully that the deal will go through. It's been very emotional.

"I aim to be as successful as I can. I'm going to give as much as I can. I've come here with a big price tag and I have to repay Tottenham with all my heart."