Ade heavily linked with Milan…

In breaking news today, the Italian press have poured praise on our top scorer this season, Emmanuel Adebayor.

His agent has been in the news and quoted in the Italian press.

“Milan have looked at him and so have Juventus. He is a young player to sign and with respect to other attackers like Drogba, he has age on his side from the perspective of a longer career.”

I really can’t see Arsene letting Ade go, but this dirty work by his agent is not clever,  it’s disrespectful. Arsenal and Arsene have really helped Ade progress this season and it’s sour that his agent is touting around, and sour that the Italian teams are even discussing this.

Juve offer Flamini contract

The time has come, we all thought it would, but hoped it wouldn’t. Matthieu Flamini has been offered a contract by Juventus.

The contract is supposedly 4 million euros sign on fee and a wage of 4 million euros per year. That approximately £3 million sign on fee and £60k a week package.

Arsene recently said:

“He says he wants to stay and I believe him. But as long as he has not signed, for me he is free to sign where he wants.”

But it looks increasingly unlikely that he’ll be here next season…]]>

Arsene spoke at his pre-match conference:

“We are not in the transfer market for David Villa. He has said some very complimentary things about us which we take as a big honour. I rate him highly as a player but I will not make concrete investigations for anyone at the moment. I feel up front I need to give time to Walcott and Bendtner because they have made big improvement for me this season. Theo is coming on so I need to give them a chance or they will not come out.”

Arsene has been speaking on who he is going and says he will bring in “one or two” quality signings. He says defensively is where we “messed” up this season. With Carlos Vela and Eduardo coming back next season, maybe he won’t buy up front. But I do expect to see a winger and a defensive midfielder as his two quality signings… as we are starting to have a large number of defenders if you include Song, Djourou, Senderos, Toure, Gallas, Sagna, Eboue, Hoyte, Clichy & Traore….

Anyway… more later… p.s. happy Monday!]]>

Yesterday's game was awesome and there were some interesting programme notes by Arsene, something I'd like to review today. It was a fascinating read and really puts the season into some sort of perspective.

“The last couple of weeks has been the biggest disappointment of my time at Arsenal – by miles. I feel I have never worked so hard, and th eteam has never worked so hard, and produced such quality of footbakk than we did this year. We have never before produced that quality, yet we missed out. For me, we are like a 100 metre runner who loses the gold medal on a photo finish.”

Strong words from the gaffer, considering the seasons before, the quality we produced during the invincibles was arguably up there amongst the best. But also strong words in terms of our performance. We were very close to winning something this season and Arsene knows it.

“The players and staff have put so much effort in this season, day in, day out – there has not been one rest day this year. So you can’t just swallow not being rewarded for that. Of course you suffer. Do you lie down or show how strong you are? I have survived in the job for 25 years for far, so that means when I have some response when it is needed. I am honest enough with myself to think that here and there I should have done some things differently, and I believe I will be like that forever.”

It’s been a project that Arsene’s working on and even though we’ve done better than many people thought, when we were 5 points clear, it was hard to see such a collapse… People only judge you on your last game and it’s true that had we lost three at the beginning, draw in the middle and then went onto win our last X games, then many people who be applauding us. Our team has grown considerably this season and the future is in no doubt…

“But I also have enough experience to analyse that we have done a few things very well and I know that the competition in the league is at the top, top level. What people want from us is that we spend £100 million less than our rivals, that we play fantastic football, win the league by miles and on top of that make a profit, and if that doesn’t work then everything is rubbish. It’s important not to go overboard.”

Interesting words from Arsene. I’m not sure if everyone wants Arsene to spend £100 million less than our rivals. In fact I think most people would like us to spend and spend big. Arsene has been talking further on next season and the quality he is going to bring in. I hope we spend a little to add some extra numbers and quality to our team. And not everything is rubbish, but I can see why Arsene feels that with the press ready to judge always…

“The defeat at Old Trafford will never be out of my system, but at the same time we want to focus on what is in front of us. We have the opportunity now to show our mental strengths, finish the season as well as we can. A lot was made of what Sir Alex Ferguson said to me after the game at Old Trafford, but I don not want to come out with what he said. Basically, it was complimentary of our team. I believe there is a lot of respect between the teams, because we have a similar vision of the attractive game we want to play. It good that one of us wins the league.”

Well, I’m not 100% sure I’d like to have Man U and us in a category called “us” by the manager…. but I see his point, kind of…

More coming soon…]]>

The starting line up was as predicted yesterday and yes, either Arsene reads the blog or I must read his mind... Song started with Gallas in the middle of defence. Walcott started on the right and Lehmann deputised in goal.

The game didn't start as planned, with Reading having the early possesion and chances, but by the 10th minute of the game we were the team in control, albeit it against a wall of defenders. Theo Walcott's start was well deserved and he was a real threat on the right breaking through to the byline early on. The first real chance of the game fell to Adebayor who had a free header 8 yards out and hit the ball wide. We plied a lot of pressure, and possesion was 70-30 by the 20th minute.

Walcott had another chance, again, breaking on the right and getting to the byline, this time 6 yards out, but elected to square rather than shoot. The next fell to Song from a nice corner routine, heading wide. It was just a matter of time, we were applying presure and surely Reading were starting to crack.

Moments later, a good fast break saw Toure and Walcott do well on the right, with Toure chipping the ball into Ade's path who controlled well, evade the challenge, and tucked it nicely under the Reading keeper.

Arsenal 1 – 0 Reading

One nil quickly turned into two nil as good play from the team saw Gilberto just outside the D. He shot well, with a heavy deflection pst the keeper and into the back of the net.

Arsenal 2 – 0 Reading

The team have been playing with some panache today. Good team play as a whole, Van Persie working hard to keep possession high up. The last 7 minutes of the saw some amazing passing and before the end of the half an excellent move involving Cesc, Van Persie and then Ade saw Ade break through the right and squared back to VP. He shot straight at the keeper, should have been 3-0 but a joy to watch. Just before the half time whistle, a good move saw Toure shoot well from an acute angle and the Reading keeper saving well. One more chance before the whistle saw a good move from Hleb, Clichy, Ade and VP teeing up Gilberto for another chance, but again straight at the keeper.

Half time: Arsenal 2 – 0 Reading

The second half started as the first half finished, with the home team dominating. At 2-0 up at home, we could really relax and start playing our game. It really was an enjoyable game and a plesure to be there.

The first main chance of the second half came from an Arsenal corner, it was one of those scrappy corners which seemed to bounce around for a while before VP managed to lift it over two Reading players before shooting with his left. Awesome play, an a richot or two, a cross from VP, another from Walcott and two more by Cesc. Eboue on for Toure, who seemed to feel a small groin injury.

A bit of a nasty incident soon followed with Van Persie unceramoniously taken out by Bikey. Yellow card, but not the first time VP had been hacked down. Moments later, Hleb and Murty had a bit of an incident. With Murty touch tight to Hleb, Hleb turned around, and seemed to push Murty away. The push was in the face, and it could have been a card.

Cescy has really dominated this game, good going forward and good defending. He is such a composed player, it’s amazing. Good play from him set Walcott free on the right again and a good cross saw Cesc’s header wide.

Walctott has really been shining, and his performace was awesome so far today. Good touches, good tricks and pace saw him taken out on the edge of the area. Van Persie steps up and a fabulous effort saw the ball richoted off the bar and out. Van Persie is really starting to gain some match fitness. Good to see him play like this.

The next effort fell to Walcott coutesy of great control by Cesc, but his effort hit the bar. Dazzling play. Bendtner and Denilson on for Ade and Hleb.

Bendtner first involvement saw Cesc through on goal. A Henryesque effort, cleared off the line but he was offside anyway.

Reading did have a few chances, but Gilberto acted like a 5th defender when required and positionally it had been one of his best games. With one goal to his name already, he broke on the right and had another shot blocked.

Chance after chance. Bendtner, Walcott and Cesc linking up well to have a chance. The second half had been total domination, but we couldn’t find the third.

A great performance today and it’s very possible to see us winning the next 3 games. The manner of the victory was very pleasing. The final chance fell to Gilberto, rushing through on goal, Bendtner was offside, and maybe have interfered with play, even though he didn’t touch it.

Thanks again to the Ninja, awesome day out. Arsene wrote in his match day programme about the season so far, his ambitions in the transfer market, the lessons he has learnt this year and his policy this summer. More on all of that tomorrow – til then, have a good one!]]>

Rossmeister for sorting me out and it’s a game which I hope sees us we put on a show.

Arsenal vs Reading

Well, it’s a big game tomorrow, because we have only one once in 278 games. Okay, that’s an exaggeration, but nevertheless, Bolton aside, we’ve lost to Chelsea and United, drew against Liverpool, Villa, Boro, Wigan and B’ham in our last X games… and that’s just not good enough. We’ve also drawn to Liverpool in the CL and then lost 4-2 up at Anfield.

We need a win for the fans and because Liverpool sit only 5 points behind us!

We want to finish at least second or third. We don’t want to be pushed out to fourth. We have 12 points to win, so let’s win them!

Team News

The BBC have been reporting that tomorrow sees the return of Abou Diaby. But as far as I am aware, he had a three match suspension at Bolton, so has only missed the Liverpool and United games and therefore should sit out tomorrow.

Sagna is not back yet and will probably miss the next game too. He has been instrumental at right back and his injury has highlighted a few short comings at that position, with Eboue not deemed good enough to play there. With Kerrea Gilbert’s contract likely to be terminated at the end of the season, we may need to bring in cover for the Frenchman.

Another Frenchman who is injured is our star of the season Matthieu Flamini, he’s likely to miss the reason of the season, and without having signed his contract, the question is, has he played his last game for the club?

Long term injury victim, Tomas Rosicky is also out, but Denilson has recovered from his hamstring injury and returns to the squad. Almunia is the only doubt, as Arsene will give him a fitness test today.

Predicted Line Up

My first team prediction for tomorrow is:

With Lehmann or Fabianski (who wants the #1 jersey), Senderos, Denilson, Eboue and Bendtner on the bench. I think Song will start again as Arsene wants to get this guy into the first team and viably become an option next season, Senderos should return to the bench after his rest and Toure will remain at right back.

I think Walcott should get his first start in a long while, in front of the Emirates crowd (which will include me!) and it’s a pretty strong line up.

More on Amauri

Yesterday’s link with Amauri has been confirmed by the striker agent. I’m not sure how agents can know or say this information unless it’s true. If it’s not true then they’re just looking for more money for their client or trying to spurn interest. But if it is true, then it’s strange that Arsene would even consider paying £19m on a 28-year old striker… His agent said…

“Arsenal is now another team added to the list of teams interested in Amauri. We have already received proposals from Liverpool and Real Madrid, in addition to what we already had from Juventus.”

I really do think this is just paper talk.

More Later…

More to come from me later, but in others news, we’ll get to hear Arsene’s press conference soon. Carlos Vela news showcases the clash between Osasuna and Deportivo, and in particular Vela vs Guardado.

I’m off to the Emirates tomorrow and I’m so excited…

Speak later… (for all of you coming to my birthday bash – yes, two months after my birthday, see you tonight!)…]]>

Anyway...

I've spoke recently on how we can finish second… and Arsene has also spoken on this to, it’s a sense of pride for us to see how far up the table we can finish. We’re 7 points behind Chelsea, and on Saturday, we will be 4 points behind. If Chelsea lose to United, that’s 1 point…

“Now is a good opportunity for us to show mental strength and to finish as well as we can, as high as we can because second place is still possible.”

But in reality, I’d be happy with third. It’s an improvement on last season and good progress. I honestly think if it weren’t for the injuries we’d still be challenging…

“Overall, I believe we have made big progress this season. We were very close to the two trophies which really matter to us and we want to go into the next season feeling we have moved forward.

“I believe we will benefit from all which we have learned this year and will come back even stronger.”

Okay, I’ll be back shortly…]]>

Today we've been linked with a player called "Carvalho de Oliveira Amauri". A handful of a name, better known as Amauri. Brazilian born, but yet to be capped.

Amauri is an striker, likened to Batistuta with more pace, and currently plays for Palermo in Serie A. He is going to turn 28 next month, so slightly on the older scale of someone Arsene would usually sign. But if a quality player is available at the price is right, cite Gallas, he'll surely bring them in.

I'm don't think the link is that strong, as his current team are asking in the region of £18m for the striker...  but we've sent some scouts to see him, so maybe there is something there...

I'd prefer David Villa for the same money if available, let's see what happens...]]>

I know I shouldn't hope an English team doesn't win the competition, but I have no good feelings towards Liverpool, Chelsea or United. Pretty much I hate dislike all three. I also dislike Barce a little after our defeat, but it's the lesser of 4 evils.

Having said that, I do like Barce more than the other three.

Anyway, where was I? Yes, Arsene has come out today and said that he hopes Thierry wins the Champions League... it's one of the main reasons that he left.

I hope he wins it too. It's a bit weird because at the beginning of the season I had hoped he didn't so that his reasons for leaving us weren't vindicated, but now I've had to change my mind. I really couldn't stand United or Chelsea winning it, it would just be so annoying! But Liverpool on the other hand would be okay as they've won it recently and without any doubt will mess up next season...

Anway, where was I? Yes, Arsene...

“To me it will be an English team that wins the Champions League. I wish that Thierry Henry wins it but Manchester United will be super-favourites against them.

“Barcelona haven’t looked the side of two years ago. But Barcelona are Barcelona and so you never know. However even if they win they will have to play another English team in the Final.”

That’s definitely true, Barce have not been the team they were a few seasons ago, but they do have the quality players which means you can never rule them out…

Okay, it’s about 1.30am and I’m still at the office working on a big project, so I’ll have to keep this one short…

In other news, Gunners Live talks about how Senderos nearly cried, Young Guns talks about how Pedro Botelho may stay in Spain next season instead of joining us… and it’s official, Carlos Vela will be joining the first team next season…

And finally Armand Traore has been talking about how he wouldn’t mind playing with Clichy on the left of midfield, in front of him in an attacking role.

“It’s my position originally in football so I kind of found myself normally in the left wing. I’m starting to enjoy playing there more and more and, yes, it’s better for me.”

“It’s the boss’ decision of course but if he thinks I could play in midfield for the first team then I would do it. I would be more than happy to do it. You don’t have to defend as much [on the left wing] but the positioning is pretty much the same. Obviously I get to attack more and attacking is one of my strong points.”

‘Til tomorrow…]]>

With Eduardo out until November at least, VP currently more injured than Arjen Robben (is it a Dutch thing?) and Bendtner not everyone's cup of tea, the little Spanaird could be the answer to our title challenge next season.

Villa currently plays for Valencia and is a player who's always got 20 goals a season or there or there abouts. They're currently lying 13th in the table without any hope of Champions League or UEFA Cup football next season. Valencia are going through a big rebuilding exercise over the summer and this is the year that could see him leave for pastures new.

Villa spoke recently on the Premier League and his ambition and desire to play here...

“I watch the Premier League a lot and the team I’m most attracted to is definitely Arsenal.

“Their brilliant one and two-touch football and the whole style of rapid counter-attack which dominates the top level of the Premier League now is

“I think I’m made to succeed in England, but of course it is one thing saying it and quite another getting there and then doing it.

“The Valencia president always told me he wouldn’t sell me until summer 2008. If an offer comes in I’m hungry to test myself in England.”

David Villa would surely cost us in the region of minimum £20m, is he worth it?

]]>

The big question is "Is it time to splash the cash?".

Well, let's think about this one. I've been going on about how we've progressed a lot this season and that we are much better this season. I believe Arsene has a long term project which is ultimately for cost saving purposes as well as a desire to see his training methods come to fruition. Players like Cesc Fabregas and Gael Clichy don't come around every day and it's admirable to see these players come through our academy, albeit non English.

Arsene's not scared of buying big.

“Scared of what? I would not be scared. We couldn’t afford him now so we have to forget it. But the money (we have paid out) is not comparable to what other teams have spent on players. For example with Reyes we got a big part back and for Jeffers a little part back. If we have the money, and I am convinced it is worth it, we will do it.”

Arsene, those really weren’t good examples…

There are some players leaving this summer and some players will need to be brought in.

Mathieu Flamini

Mathieu Flamini could be one of the guys who will most probably depart. As much as we may think he’ll stay or hope he’ll stay, the fact that he hasn’t signed his contract is the most obvious sign that one of the stars of the season will be on his way. Juventus, whom have recently contacted us to let us know they’re not interested have now expressed their interest.

“Arsenal tried to sell Flamini to Birmingham and today Wenger will be happy that he wasn’t able to do so. At the moment, we haven’t made an offer, we are thinking about that.”

Interesting change of heart from Secco and prompting more speculation. Paper talk also links the young Frenchman with Bayern…

Alexander Hleb

Another player who could be out, but I doubt Arsene would sanction this is Alex Hleb. His agent has been busy, as we all know after the Milan game and his name is now being linked with a host of clubs around the continent. Hleb has been in much better form this season than last, and has caught the eye of many.

I’m not a fan of his agent, and here’s another reason why:

“I’m often approached about Hleb. have nothing to hide; Alexander is a world-class player. Real Madrid, Juventus and Barcelona are interested in him. But there are no official offers.”

Hmmm… a bit of stirring, looking for a new contract? Or is Alex seriously looking for pastures new?

Jens Lehmann

Our mad German’s contract expires at the end of the season and it looks likely that he’ll be off. A good performance at United coupled with some good performances prior for club and his international appearances means that it’s unlikely that he will retire. He turned down a move to Stuttgart in January as he wanted to stay in London – West Ham?

Gilberto

Gilberto was our captain in the absense of Mr. Thierry Henry yesterday but has been second choice to Mathieu Flamini this season. I think it’s an unwritten agreement that he’ll be off this summer. I think Arsene knows that he is past his best and also pissed off at his treatment this year. If Flamini does go, we’ll be without our two first choice defensive midfielders… We’ve recently been linked with Clement Grenier, but can’t think that a 17-year with no experience could possible replace the experience of a World Cup winner in Gilberto.

But who will the replacements be?

Hatem Ben Arfa

Young Ben Arfa has been constantly linked with us and could be a possibility, but with Carlos Vela and Pedro Botehlo rejoining this summer, may be a long shot. Here’s more.

Heurelho Gomes

PSV Keeper Gomes has been linked with a move to the Emirates. He is some keeper. Big, strong, athletic. He’d cost somwhere in the region of £15 million – can you see Arsene splashing the cash on a £15m keeper – don’t think so…

Round Up

Well, there’s a little insight to some of the “transfer” news today.

I don’t think we’ll really know anything until the summer, but I do expect all the above except Hleb to move on. The real question is who will come in. With Diarra at Portsmouth and Song now a defender, we don’t have any defensive midfield options… so we have no choice but to buy.

It’s going to be an interesting summer, but an even more interesting season next year… ’til tommorrow.

P. S. Young Guns have found Denilson…]]>

Today we stand third, 4 points behind Chelsea, who drew 1-1 with Wigan today. Let's try our best to finish second this season, we've got the easier run in and the pressure is off.

Finishing second would make our progressive season more successful...

I've got flu at the moment so have really struggled to get to work and get through my work, so have little time to write anything today. Please wish me good health, and maybe today, let me listen to your comments instead...

I've got some night nurse so, let's hope for a quick recovery, 'til the morning...]]>