Arsenal Team and Transfer News – 31st August 2011

• Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has made an apology to the clubs fans in the wake of Sunday’s humiliating 8-2 loss to Manchester United.

The French tactician wrote to Gunners supporters in a newsletter, apologizing for the debacle at Old Trafford, and saying the club was only looking forward after such a horrendous result.
"Our fans were great at Old Trafford on Sunday and I feel sorry for them. They do not want to see their team like that," he said.
"I can only apologise for the scoreline. Now we must respond by showing strength and desire in our next game. The players go away for two weeks and when they come back we'll have to prepare.
"We have played three games in the Premier League and two Champions League games. It is not a time to make a balance of the whole season but of course an 8-2 defeat is humiliating.
"You could see that we had not recovered physically from Wednesday night's game at Udinese and we were short in some areas, that is for sure.
"Manchester United have class and they punished us with some great finishing. We missed a penalty and we had a chance to get back to 3-2 but after that we opened ourselves up.
"I have been criticised and I have to accept that because I am in a public job. I try to make the right decisions for the club and I will continue to do that.
"If you look at the 15 years I have been at the club, I have brought in some good players. The transfer window closes on Wednesday and we have the money to sign more players.
"If we find someone who can strengthen our team then we will do it."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has no doubts new signing Park Chu-young will prove himself Premier League class.

The Gunners completed Park's signing from AS Monaco yesterday and handed him the No9 shirt.
Wenger, whose personal intervention reportedly convinced Park to pull out of his move to Lille, said: "We are delighted to have signed Chu.
"He will add true quality to our attacking forces and will be a valuable addition to the squad."

• Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke has assured manager Arsene Wenger his job is safe.

Wenger has been reassured that he retains the full support of the Arsenal owner, Kroenke, and the board of directors as he fights to complete new signings before Wednesday's transfer deadline and lift the club from its crisis.
Kroenke has said nothing in public since he became Arsenal's majority shareholder and he did not want to go on the record with a vote of confidence for Wenger in case it might be misconstrued. The same was true of Ivan Gazidis, the club's chief executive, who is in daily contact with Wenger as they work towards making the signings that would serve as a tonic.
But an Arsenal source said: "The club is very much behind Arsène Wenger from Stan Kroenke to the board, downwards and sideways. There is absolutely no suggestion of any conversations about his future. We are right behind the manager who has led us to such great success for 15 years."

• Park Chu-young has left French club AS Monaco to join Arsenal with a deal being finalised this afternoon.

The 26-year old South Korea captain has agreed personal terms with the Gunners after completing a medical with the deal being confirmed by Arsene Wenger.
"We are delighted to have signed Chu. He will add true quality to our attacking forces and will be a valuable addition to the squad,” the under-fire Frenchman said.
Park, who was set to join Lille before the Gunners swooped, said he is excited about the next phase in his football career.
“I am very honoured and I feel very happy to be at Arsenal. It is a dream to be here and I am really proud to be an Arsenal player. Now I just want to show how good I am and prove myself,” he said.
"In my opinion this is a great club, now I have to show what I can do on the pitch. I will do my best, I will never give up, I will show heart, I will give everything and I hope [the fans] will support me."

• The father of Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner expects his son to get a move away.

The 23-year-old striker has made no secret of his desire to leave Emirates Stadium this summer, prompting Arsene Wenger to confirm the Dane will leave if he 'finds the right club'.
"I have nothing to say about anything right now. Just let me say that it is a very, very good day today", Bendtner Snr said.
Stoke City, Sunderland and Schalke have been linked with the striker.

• Germany coach Joachim Low has confirmed Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker is set to sign for Arsenal.

He will cost around £8million because of Bremen's financial problems.
Wenger has long been linked with Mertesacker, who is currently on international duty.
Germany boss Low said on Tuesday: "Per contacted me last night and informed me (about Arsenal's interest).
"I told the player that I would release him for the day."

• Arsenal are set to end their pursuit of Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill.

Arsenal have grown tired of Bolton's stance over Cahill. The 25-year-old's contract expires next summer and he has a £17m release clause written into that deal.
Last week, Bolton boss Owen Coyle dismissed Arsenal's opening bid for the England international of £6m plus £4m in add-ons as "derisory" and is holding out for fee of around £15m.
Arsenal are thought to be considering an improved offer of £10m, rising to £13m including performance-related bonuses.

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is reviving his interest in Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

The Holland international has been a long-term target for Wenger, the Gunners manager is now ready to bring the striker to London.
Schalke would entertain a swap involving Nicklas Bendtner.
Asked about his situation last night, Huntelaar admitted: "Anything is possible."

• Arsenal have reportedly made contact with Italian club Fiorentina in regards to Peruvian star Juan Manuel Vargas.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger looks like he is finally bowing to pressure to bring in new faces at the Emirates and has made an enquiry about the 27-year old winger.
Vargas has previously attracted interest from the likes of Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool and now it is Arsenal who are keen but they will have to spend around £12million for the Viola to sell.

Park Chu Young's First Interview with Arsenal Player! #thearsenal49ers

Arsenal Team and Transfer News – 30th August 2011

• Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has thanked away fans for their support during the humiliation at Manchester United.

Van Persie is taking consolation from Arsenal's supporters, who continued to sing proudly throughout the hammering.
He said: "That is one really positive thing. They were cheering us up all game for 90 minutes. We really appreciate that.
"Sometimes you see fans leaving early but I did not see that. When we went to the fans to thank them after the game, it looked like every seat was still full.
"That was a good feeling. I love that. It really cheered us up."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has apologised to fans after their humiliation at Manchester United.

The Gunners conceded eight goals for the first time since 1896 as they suffered a catastrophic 8-2 loss at Manchester United.
"The fans do not want to see their team like that," Wenger said.
"We can only apologise and come back in our strength and desire in the next game.
"Big scores are humiliating and difficult to swallow but I don't think they have a special meaning.
"They are always under special circumstances."

• Arsene Wenger blanked his players after Arsenal's 8-2 humiliation at Manchester United.

He chose not to say anything to his team in the dressing-room at the end of their Manchester United nightmare, much to the bemusement of senior players.
And influential members of the board have also expressed bewilderment at the Frenchman's delayed entry into the transfer market, despite having been given the go-ahead to spend heavily.

• Arsenal captain Robin van Persie says the players should accept Manchester United were six goals better than them after Sunday's 8-2 humiliation.

Van Persie accepts his team-mates have to face up to some pretty harsh facts.
"It is an honest result if you look at the game," said the Gunners captain.
"It sounds crazy maybe but Manchester United were much better than us and they punished us hard.
"We were simply not good enough. We have to deal with that.
"I don't think we can hide behind injuries or suspensions. It is no excuse. They had injuries too, this is football."

• Arsenal fans who attended Sunday’s shambolic performance at Old Trafford will be compensated according to a club statement.

3,000 Gunners supporters made the trip north to Manchester to see their team humiliated 8-2 by reigning English champions Manchester United and in the wake of the worst loss in Arsene Wenger’s rein, the club have decided to offer free tickets to another away match for those who were in attendance.
"Arsenal Football Club has announced it will be writing to fans who travelled to Old Trafford on Sunday with an offer to cover the cost of a match ticket at a future Barclays Premier League away game," a club statement read.
"Sunday's result was obviously disappointing for everyone connected with the club. Our travelling fans were magnificent throughout and we want to recognise their fantastic support. We will be writing to them shortly with the details."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger expects to complete the signing of Fenerbahce defender Andre Santos today.

Andre Santos is joining Arsenal for £6.2 million.
Wenger made his move for the attacking 28-year-old Fenerbahce defender, who has scored 10 goals in 52 games since joining from Corinthians and has 22 Brazil caps, immediately after their mauling at Manchester United.
He is expected to have a medical with Arsenal on Tuesday before completing a four-year deal worth £40,000 a week.

• Arsenal have made a sensational move for Inter Milan ace Wesley Sneijder.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has enquired about Inter Milan midfielder Sneijder, although his £250,000 wages would represent a serious hurdle.
Inter would still like to shift the Dutchman to finance a deadline day deal for Carlos Tevez from Manchester City.
Sneijder last night refused to rule out a deadline departure from Inter

• Arsenal are launching a double bid on Chelsea for defender Alex and winger Florent Malouda.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has lined up an £8million move for Chelsea's French midfielder Malouda.
Wenger is desperate to strengthen his squad after Sunday's humiliating 8-2 defeat at Manchester United.
He has also offered £7m for Chelsea's Brazilian centre-back Alex and has asked about his midfield team-mate Yossi Benayoun.
Chelsea want £10m for Alex, 29, but the Arsenal board believe they can land their man for less.

• Arsenal have not given up on landing Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger stormed into the transfer market last night as he launched his rebuilding programme.
And with the transfer window closing tomorrow night, he has not given up on Bolton defender Cahill.

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is prepared to sell midfielder Henri Lansbury.

QPR have joined Blackburn Rovers and Norwich City in the race to sign Lansbury.
The England U21 international helped Norwich win promotion from the Championship last season.

As Jack Wilshere said the away fans being a 'fucking inspiration to Arsenal Football club!' #thearsenal49ers @thearsenal49ers

ARSENAL TILL I DIE!!

Arsenal Team and Transfer News – 29th August 2011

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger knows he faces huge criticism after humiliation at Manchester United.

But Wenger stands by his past record of success over 15 years.
He said: "I am in a public job and I have to accept that. I try to make the right decisions for the Club and I will continue to do that. The players we have sold are players I brought to the Club. If you look at the 15 years I have been at the Club, I have brought in some good players.
"We have played three games in the Premier League, give me more time before saying that I have got it completely wrong. There were patches in the game where we had quality. I feel we collapsed physically more than anything else today."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger cannot guarantee they will buy in the final days of the summer market.

After their 8-2 humiliation at Manchester United, Wenger refused to declare they will definitely make signings.
"I am very open if we can find the right players. We have the money to sign players. If we find players who can strengthen our team then we will do it," he said.
"But I am not the only one to work on the case, we have 20 people who are working on that. If we do not do it, it is because we don’t find them. We have plenty of players out today, too many players missing. We do not have the squad to compete when we have this many players out. At the moment, we have not found the solutions to our problems outside.
"When you look at today, you cannot predict how many players we have out. We did not expect to have Wilshere out, Diaby out, Gervinho out, Vermaelen out and Gibbs out."

• Arsenal hero Paul Merson feels the club misses former chief executive David Dein after their 8-2 humiliation at Manchester United.

Dein was a close ally of manager Arsene Wenger's and assisted him in recruiting a number of big-name signings prior to his departure in 2007.
"They miss David Dein," Merson said. "Since he went out, it's gone down.
"He was someone to do the signings, someone to talk to. David Dein was part of it when they signed the (Marc) Overmars, (Emmanuel) Petit, (Patrick) Vieira and (Thierry) Henry.
"Since David Dein went, the players haven't been like that. Arsenal is a saga, haggling over money for players, making it (deals) last three days.
"Sir Alex Ferguson will be sitting on a beach next week. Wenger will be in his office trying to sign a player."
Merson also stood by rookie defender Jenkinson, who suffered a nightmare day.
"One minute he was playing non-league football, today he's playing at Old Trafford...," he added.
"The poor lad got sent off, he didn't deserve it."

• Kenny Sansom says Arsenal have to buy before the end of the transfer window.

The Gunners were hammered 8-2 by Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, their worst defeat for more than 100 years.
And the calls are now growing for Arsene Wenger to splash the cash to put things right.
Sansom told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: “He’s got to buy. The next three days are very important for Arsenal. If he doesn’t sign players it will be a long tough season. The fans are arguing about whether Wenger should stay or go and you don’t want that.
“If he’s got money to spend, let the club make a statement to say that. Everyone knew Nasri and Fabregsas were going to go, so buy before they go. Once you let them go, who’s going to want to come?
“Arsenal need a leader. The youngsters need some experience around them.”

• Russian football identities are upset with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger over his treatment of Andrey Arshavin.

Wenger has been accused of making Andrey Arshavin a joke in his homeland by misusing his skills.
"He's become a caricature of himself," claims pundit Sergei Vedeneev.
"Wenger has a history of positioning players wrongly. Arsenal exploit Arshavin insolently."

• Gervinho feels betrayed over Samir Nasri's move from Arsenal to Manchester City.

Gervinho admitted he has been left in “pain” by Nasri’s £24million move to Manchester City, because he was desperate to be in the same team as the France midfielder and Cesc Fabregas, who the Gunners have sold to Barcelona.
Gervinho, in an interview with French radio, said: “I wanted to play with Samir because he is a big player. His exit has left me in pain.
“He promised to be there this season – and then changed his mind. Samir and Cesc have left for new challenges but I wanted the chance to play with them.
“This is a different Arsenal. A new team without Nasri and Cesc. But we need to forget that and to turn the page. Now we must only think about the future.”

• Gervinho would love to be joined at Arsenal by his former Lille teammate Eden Hazard.

Arsenal may struggle to meet Lille’s valuation, but Gervinho has made it clear he would love to see Hazard follow him to the Emirates.
Gervinho said: “I haven’t spoken to Wenger about Hazard, but Eden was my companion at Lille and if Arsenal can complete the deal then I’ll be content.
“Wenger has had some difficult moments and each match comes with big pressure. But the coach is one of the best and I’m convinced we will find a solution to the situation."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed they're signing South Korea captain Park Chu-Young.

The AS Monaco striker is set to undergo a medical in London with reports suggesting the fee of around £10million as the club look to offset the loss of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
Speaking after Arsenal's 8-2 drubbing against champions Manchester United, Wenger revealed he hoped a deal could be completed as soon as Sunday evening.
He added: "We are close to signing a striker at the moment but we still look for a defender and a midfielder as well.
"It's difficult to find excuses after a game like that but wages-wise we are of course behind the other teams.

•  Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has cooled talk of a deal for Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta.

Wenger denied newspaper reports that he's lining up a move for Arteta.
Asked if there were any truth in the rumours, Wenger simply said: "No."

• Arsenal are launching a bid for Chelsea defender Alex.

The desperate Gunners boss Arsene Wenger finally realised he had to act after his depleted side were humiliated 8-2 at Manchester United yesterday.
The Emirates outfit have contacted Chelsea about Alex and the Blues are ready to sell.
Arsenal value him at around £7m but their London rivals want £10m.
Alex, 29, was an unused sub against Norwich on Saturday and is unsure of his future at Stamford

Manchester United Vs Arsenal – Match Report for 28th August 2011

• Shot on goal from Cleverley, far right
• Shot on goal from Rooney, saved by Szczesny
• Cleverley fouls Ramsey, he takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Jenkinson, blocked by Evans
• Ramsey fouls Welbeck, Anderson takes the free kick
• Rooney fouls Koscielny, Djourou takes the free kick
• Cleverley fouls Ramsey, he takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Walcott, far left
• Shot on goal from Cleverley, blocked by Koscielny
• Arshavin fouls Jones and receives a yellow card, Smalling takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Rosicky, blocked by Anderson
• Handball from Arshavin, Jones takes the free kick
• Welbeck scores for Man. Utd. the score, Manchester United 1 - 0 Arsenal
• Shot on goal from Smalling, far left
• Evans fouls Walcott and receives a yellow card, Young also receives a yellow card, Van Persie takes the penalty
• Young scores for Man. Utd. making the score, Manchester United 2 - 0 Arsenal
• Shot on goal from Arshavin, saved by De Gea
• Anderson fouls Coquelin, Djourou takes the free kick
• A substitution is made as Hernandez comes on in place of Welbeck 
• Shot on goal from Arshavin, far right
• Djourou fouls Young, Nani takes the free kick
• Jenkinson fouls Young, Jenkinson receives a yellow card, Rooney takes the free kick
• Rooney scores for Man. Utd. Manchester United 3 - 0 Arsenal
• Shot on goal from Ramsey, blocked by Evans
• Walcott scores for Arsenal bringing the score to Manchester United 3 - 1 Arsenal
• After 4 minutes the first half comes to an end, Manchester United 3 - 1 Arsenal

• Rooney fouls Djourou, he takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Young, saved by Szczesny
• Shot on goal from Nani, over the bar
• Evra fouls Walcott, Djourou takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Van Persie, saved by De Gea
• Shot on goal from Arshavin, blocked by Anderson
• Shot on goal from Arshavin, blocked by Evans
• Hernandez offside, Koscielny takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Cleverley, saved by Szczesny
• Shot on goal from Arshavin, saved by De Gea
• Shot on goal from Hernandez, saved by Szczesny
• Shot on goal from Young, saved by Szczesny
• Shot on goal from Nani, cleared  by Djourou
• A substitution is made as Oxlade-Chamberlain comes on in place of Coquelin
• Djourou fouls Rooney and receives a yellow card, Rooney takes the free kick
• Rooney scores another goal for Man. Utd. making the score now, Manchester United 4 - 1 Arsenal
• Corner from Van Persie, cleared by Smalling
• Nani takes a shot for Man. Utd. and scores, Manchester United 5 - 1 Arsenal
• A substitution is made as Giggs comes on in place of Anderson
• A substitution is made as Park comes on in place of Nani
• Park gets a ball in making the score, Manchester United 6 - 1 Arsenal
• Shot on goal from Ramsey, blocked by Giggs
• Van Persie scores for Arsenal, Manchester United 6 - 2 Arsenal
• Shot on goal from Walcott, saved by De Gea
• Jenkinson fouls Hernandez and receives a red card, Rooney takes the free kick
• Walcott fouls Evra, Rooney takes the penalty and scores, Manchester United 7 - 2 Arsenal
• A substitution is made as Chamakh comes on in place of Van Persie
• A substitution is made as Lansbury comes on in place of Walcott
• Young offside, Szczesny takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Ramsey, far left
• Evra fouls Remasey, Djourou takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Arshavin, far left
• Giggs scores for Man. Utd. the score now, Manchester United 8 - 2 Arsenal
• Smalling fouls Chamakh, Arshavin takes the free kick
• After 3 minutes extra time the game ends, Manchester United 8 - 2 Arsenal

Arsenal Team and Transfer News – 28th August 2011

• Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie feels they displayed great mental strength for their victory at Udinese ahead of today's clash with Manchester United.

Jack Wilshere, Alex Song, Emmanuel Frimpong, Gervinho, Abou Diaby and Laurent Koscielny are out, with Thomas Vermaelen a doubt.
Van Persie said: “What I liked about us against Udinese was our mental strength. Every one of us showed that – really believing. That is a good sign.
“We can be proud. It is up to us to do it against United and the next game. Every single time we play.
“It is tough to be missing players and it is unlucky they are not playing, but we have to show the mental strength again. We have other people to come in.
“We are not here to make excuses and it will not be an excuse if we lose against United.
“The boss [Arsene Wenger] will put out 11 players and that will be our strongest team.
“Now, it is up to us to do it again even when it gets tougher than against Udinese.”

• Robin van Persie is delighted to be Arsenal's new captain.

Van Persie is relishing the responsibility that goes with the captaincy he was given following the sale of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona.
The Dutchman said: “It makes me very proud, but it doesn’t make me act differently in any way. I am always helping people.
“It might look different to the outside world, but people who know me do not see a big difference in me between now and last season.
“I always put the team in front of everything else.
“The only real difference is that I have to organise a lot more and speak to people about certain things – but I like that.”

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger refuses to buy for the sake of it.

Wenger has been urged by fans and the media alike to bring in new signings before the transfer window closes on August 31 and he fully intends to do that.
"Think about the goalkeeping situation for example, where everybody pushed us to buy a player," he said. "Today that situation has changed [with the emergence of Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski].
“You have to be open-minded and humble, but also determined when you have beliefs. We care about opinions, but at the end of the day you have to make decisions. I personally try to do what is right for this Club when I make a decision.
"I look at the opinions of people, of course, but if I feel deeply about a decision then I do it. It is sometimes controversial. I do not think I know everything about football but I have massive experience."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger feels Manchester United remain title favourites.

The Gunners are at Old Trafford tonight.
"I feel, since the start of the season, that we have a strong spirit and are highly determined," Wenger said.
"The response we gave in the second half against Udinese gives us a lot of strength and credit. It convinces me that this team has the ability to respond. And of course there is another opportunity to do that against Manchester United on Sunday.
"They are definitely [still the team to beat]. For us to beat them would be a great boost and would put us in a great position. We did it at the end of last season and would like to do it again."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger feels they can be title challengers if they can maintain their away form.

The Gunners had the best away record in the top flight last term - with eight wins and four draws - and the manager wants to continue that good form on the road starting with Sunday's trip to Manchester United.
“If we can transform our away strengths into points in the championship then we will be in a very strong position at home,” he said.
“We feel strong away from home - we have shown that against Udinese because many people predicted that we would go out.
“I listened to Italian television on Tuesday night and they were absolutely sure that they would knock us out.”

• Alex Song feels Arsenal have found a new safe pair of hands.

The impact of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has come as no surprise to Song.
“He can go on and become one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” said Song.
“He is fantastic.”

• Arsenal are hoping Tomas Rosicky can be the difference today at Manchester United.

Rosicky impressed in their Champions League win at Udinese.
"I felt that we lacked a little bit of creativity in the middle of the park and needed to be a little bit more creative," said manager Arsene Wenger. "Tomas had a big influence in the second-half."
Skipper Robin van Persie added: "I believe Tomas was incredible. He came on, played incredibly well and credit to him and the team."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is excited by what they've achieved commercially off the pitch this year.

The Gunners are strengthening its commercial position all the time and recently returned from its first tour of the Far East where the first-team squad played friendly matches in Malaysia and China.
Wenger understands the need to travel globally to help us build revenues for future investment.
"On the commercial side we may be behind clubs like Man United, and we are trying to reduce the gap," Wenger said.
"We work very hard on it, and that is one of the reasons we have gone to Asia. We have a big name abroad, but to transform that into resources is a bit more complicated. That’s what we try to do.
"It’s the only chance we have [to compete]. In England we cannot go any higher with our income, that is why we have to go international."

• Arsenal are poised to capture Monaco striker Park Chu-young who looked to be on his way to Lille.

The South Korean was believed to be signing for French champions Lille, but has reportedly headed for London after being informed of the Gunners interest.
Lille and Monaco are confused by the news, as Park had undergone the first part of his medical and had agreed terms.
"We haven't had a telephone call, nothing," Lille president Michel Seydoux said. "From what we understand he could be at Arsenal.
"Like Monaco, Lille are baffled. Everything [about his move] had been agreed."

• Arsenal are in advanced talks for Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila.

The Gunners are on the brink of landing long-time target M’Vila for £10m.
Rennes are reluctant to release the 21-year-old, who has made a huge impact in France, but the lure of playing for Wenger may be too strong.

• Arsenal will push on with a deal for Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill.

The Gunners will go in with a fresh £12million bid which could rise to around£15m with any international and club honours won by Cahill over the course of a five-year contract.
And the indications are that Cahill will be an Arsenal player before the transfer window closes as Arsene Wenger is determined to bolster his defence with a player of proven Premier League experience.
Wenger will press on with a deal for Cahill, despite rowing with Bolton chairman Phil Gartside via Twitter last week.

• Arsenal can sign Olympique Marseille midfielder Lucho Gonzalez.

Arsenal can sign Marseille’s Lucho – but only in a permanent £7million deal.
Arsene Wenger wanted to pay £2m to land the Argentine playmaker on a season-long loan.
But Marseille will only sell a 30-year-old who will have little resale value.

• Everton pair Mikel Arteta and Marouane Fellaini are on Arsenal’s radar.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger needs to replace Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, who left this summer for Manchester City and Barcelona, respectively.
The Frenchman is also short in midfield ahead of Sunday’s game at Manchester United because of injuries and suspensions.

• Sunderland are moving for Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner.

Bruce had Bendtner on loan at Birmingham City.
He wanted to bring back England striker Danny Welbeck on a season-long loan.
But his elevation to the Manchester United first-team has killed that off.

Arsenal to sign Monaco striker Park Chu Young for £2.5m - 26 year old, Scored 12 goals last season, capped 53 times for South Korea scoring 17 #thearsenal49ers

Arsenal Team and Transfer News – 27th August 2011

• Arsene Wenger is convinced the clouds have lifted over Arsenal as he prepares for Sunday's clash with champions Manchester United.

The Frenchman has endured arguably the most difficult summer of his career, with the departures of midfield schemers Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri played out against a backdrop of supporter unrest over his spending policy.
An assured display in Europe in midweek against Udinese alleviated a pervading sense of unease in North London, with qualification for the UEFA Champions League group stages of paramount importance.
Wenger, who has overseen a trophyless run that stretches to six years, accepts his club have gone through a fallow period but is adamant brighter times lie ahead.
A trip to Old Trafford is perhaps not the ideal scenario as Wenger looks to get Arsenal's Premier League campaign up and running after taking just a solitary point from their opening two games, however, his mood remains optimistic.
"It feels a little bit like our season starts here," he said.
"We had that cloud over our heads with the Champions League and it was a difficult summer for us because transfer negotiations lasted longer than expected.
"Those decisions were very difficult to take and the club was questioned by everybody about what we were doing.
"I can tell you it is much easier when you are winning championships and cups and being unbeaten than when you are being questioned.
"But it is part of my job and I find it very challenging.
"We have already reached our first target for the season by playing in the Champions League for the 14th consecutive year.
"Now I'm confident we will have a good season, even though some people will tell you I've no reason to be."
Wenger has been criticised for what many perceive to be an over-cautious approach in the transfer market, with his critics of the opinion he needs to invest heavily if Arsenal are to have any say in the title race. Again, though, Wenger is keen to defend his record in this area.
"I am trying to strengthen the depth of the squad because we are short number-wise," he added.
"If we get two or three players in we will have the quality to challenge United.
"The financial resources of some clubs have become much bigger and it has become more difficult for us to keep our best players
"I am a bit anxious about getting more players in but I am trying to make it happen.
"I am also confident that we have some good young players who can make a big step forward very quickly."

• Following Wednesday night’s vital 2-1 victory over Udinese away from home, Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has urged the team to perform under pressure more often.

The Gunners faced their first season in 14 without Champions League football when Antonio Di Natale scored for the Italians in Udine but the North Londoners rallied to secure a 3-1 aggregate win and qualify for the group stage of the prestigious competition.
But van Persie wants that to be just the start for Arsenal who have lost two key players in quick succession this summer.
“Of course it’s been a hard week, with Cesc [Fabregas] leaving, Samir [Nasri] leaving. We’ve been in the papers for the wrong reasons,” he said.
“But I think we played well at Udinese under immense pressure, so that’s a positive sign. And now it’s up to us to show that every three or four days, because that’s football.
“It’s not that we can live on this night for the rest of the month or the rest the year. We have to do it every single time.
“I think that we surprised a few people. Hopefully, we can do it more often.”

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is furious over an X-RATED TWEET coming from inside Bolton Wanderers HQ.

Wenger was furious after Bolton chairman Phil Gartside used Twitter to pour scorn on the Gunners' opening £6million bid for defender Gary Cahill.
Gartside retweeted a fan's message: "Are you taking the p***? £6m for Gary Cahill — f*** right off!"
Gartside — a prominent member of the FA board — later deleted the post but it had already left Wenger fuming.
The Gunners boss stormed: "He can endorse what he wants, that's his problem.
"But that figure is completely wrong. I can tell you it's not true.

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits he needs to buy a replacement for striker Nicklas Bendtner.

Wenger reveals he is still looking to bring in one more striker to replace Bendtner and hopes a deal can be finalised in the next few days.
Wenger said: “We are looking for one more striker because we know he [Bendtner] will leave.
"We will be short because we also have [Marouane] Chamakh leaving for the African Cup of Nations this season.”

• England boss Fabio Capello has held talks with Arsenal winger Theo Walcott.

Walcott was critical of Capello in his new book.
A top FA source said: "Theo has been told in no uncertain terms what the coach expects from his players.
"He says he totally accepts that, so we can now draw a line under the whole thing and concentrate all our energy of the forthcoming qualifiers."

• Arsenal has just formulated a proposal of 30 million euros for Belgian international attacker Eden Hazard (20), whose contract expires in June 2015, but without success. A new offer of 35 million euros is set to be made.

According to our information, the Lille player has already made an agreement with the Gunners over a future transfer. Concern is very much on the side of the club of president Michel Seydoux.

• Arsenal are believed to be showing considerable interest in Hamburg winger Eljero Elia.

The Gunners are desperate to sign an attacking playmaker following the departure of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in recent times and have identified the 24-year old Dutchman as a potential replacement.
It is believed that Arsene Wenger has contacted Hamburg about Elia’s availability despite the German club rejecting an offer from Juventus earlier in the transfer window.

• Arsenal are lining up a shock raid on Chelsea for defender Alex.

The Gunners will drop their pursuit of Bolton Wanderers' Gary Cahill over a row regarding their offer yesterday.
Relations between the two clubs are not good, Arsenal are set to abandon their interest in Cahill, 25, and move instead for Chelsea's want-away centre-back Alex.

Nasri unveils his Man Shitty shirt and new shirt number! #thearsenal49ers

Arsenal Team and Transfer News – 26th August 2011

• Arsenal skipper Robin van Persie admits their Champions League win at Udinese was "vital".

Van Persie praised his team-mates after Wednesday's 2-1 win over Udinese.
The Dutchman believes the future is bright for the club with the likes of Carl Jenkinson, Emmanuel Frimpong and Wojciech Szczesny, who saved a penalty, all performing with distinction.
"It's vital for Arsenal," he said. "Of course we did lose Samir and Cesc which is very hard for us because those are two great players.
"To come up with that performance in the second half is special. If you look at our team and people did question our mental strength. We've shown loads of that.
"Carl Jenkinson for example, I think it was his best game so far.
"We played really well. Szczesny is on fire. He saves almost everything.
"Frimpong is doing well. I'm just happy that we're in it and let's go from there."

• Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny says after victory over Udinese they go to Manchester United on Sunday with confidence.

Szczesny is convinced Arsenal can use last night's victory as inspiration against champions Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
"The last couple of games before last night we had disappointing results but there was never a doubt in our heads that we are a very good side," he said.
"So we are going to put in a good performance on Sunday and see how it goes from there. The team believes we are capable of playing very well and winning games. It'll be tough for the rest of the season but I believe we have what it takes to come out on top."
The 21-year-old revealed he played mind games with Antonio di Natale as the veteran prepared to take his penalty.
He said: "I just tried to get in Di Natale's head. I gave him a little bit of stick and was probably not very nice to him but it worked so I'm delighted."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to raid Ligue Une to boost his squad before next week's transfer deadline.

Having qualified for the Champions League group phase, Wenger is now set to launch a late market spending spree.
French media sources say Wenger intends to bid for Lille winger Eden Hazard, Sochaux midfielder Kevin Anin, Rennes' Yann M'Vila and Olympique Marseille winger Andre Ayew.
The Gunners boss is also in the market for a new centre-half signing.

• Owen Coyle has dismissed Arsenal's £7million bid for Gary Cahill out of hand.

Arsenal put in the bid in an effort to test Wanderers' resolve, and the Whites' hierarchy immediately turned it down.
Coyle said on Friday morning: "There was a conversation between Phil Gartside and a representative of Arsenal. I'm only passing this on as a third party, but the word "derisory" doesn't even cover it.
"When I make an offer for a player, I'd like to think in the right ball park, but this wasn't even close.
"I spoke to Gary Cahill about it before the Macclesfield game, and he knows everything that's going on."
Arsenal are long-time admirers of the 25-year-old England international who has one year remaining on his contract and is valued by Bolton at nearly three times the offer made by the Gunners.

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to make a bid for Lille star Eden Hazard.

Having qualified for the Champions League group phase last night, Wenger is now set to launch a bid to prise Hazard away from French champions Lille.
French media sources say Wenger is prepared to offer £30 million for the Belgium international, who has refused to rule out leaving Lille in the coming days.
Wenger confessed his admiration for Hazard last season and sees him as the ideal replacement for new Manchester City signing Samir Nasri.

• Arsenal are waiting on a response from Rennes over their £22 million offer for Yann M'Vila.

Arsene Wenger appears to have concluded that he must pay over the odds for the right player and M'Vila, who has established himself as a regular for France, fits the bill.
Wenger has already had a £15m bid rejected for the 21-year-old and his latest offer would shatter Arsenal's transfer record for an incoming player.
M'Vila is under contract until 2015.

• Lille president Michel Seydoux has warned Arsenal of their valuation for star winger Eden Hazard.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger sees the Belgian as a replacement for new Manchester City signing Samir Nasri.
"When you see someone like Nasri switching clubs for £24m although he only had one year left on his contract, I'd say that Eden is worth at least twice that much," Seydoux said.
"We are not selling any players. The team is built around Eden and we count on him. Nobody has contacted me about him, so there's no reason to think that he will not be with us on September 1."

• AS Roma fear missing out on Xherdan Shaqiri to Arsenal.

The FC Basle wing-back is a target for both European giants.
Arsenal have already made a €10 million offer for Shaqiri.
The exciting Switzerland international attacker is regarded among the best young players on the continent.

• Olympique Marseille coach Didier Deschamps is waiting to hear from Arsenal over winger Andre Ayew.

The Ghana international is being linked with the Gunners in the French press.
Deschamps said: "If a club like Arsenal would like a player, they take certain steps. In this case, the first step is for them to contact us.
"They are yet to do so."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is lining up a bid for Sochaux midfielder Kevin Anin.

Anin is aware of Arsenal's interest and French sources say he blanked Sunday's game with Nancy to leave him free for a move to London.
Interestingly, Anin had trials with Tottenham two years ago.
The 25 year-old would arrive at Arsenal as cover for defensive midfielder Alex Song.

Arsenal Team and Transfer News – 25th August 2011

• Wojciech Szczesny's effort for Arsenal last night in Udine is being dubbed the '£25 million save'.

Szczesny's superb second-half penalty save from Udinese striker Antonio Di Natale was the key to a 14th successive Champions League group stage jackpot.
"Yes, that was a turning point of the game because it was at 1-1," said Gunners manager Arsene Wenger afterwards.
"You could see mentally it has an impact on their belief and they were not the same team after they missed the penalty."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was delighted with their Champions League victory at Udinese.

Wenger was confident this win would lift the gloom that has surrounded the club following the double departure of captain Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, a winless start to the Barclays Premier League season and a raft of injuries and suspensions.
"We have been a little bit under pressure and for us not to play the Champions League and with the players who left, that pressure would've increased, understandably," he said.
"Since the beginning of the season, I feel a very strong, determined attitude within the team."
That determination has so often been lacking in recent seasons but it was in evidence tonight after Arsenal tailed at half-time to Antonio Di Natale's header.
Admitting his relief, Wenger said: "We responded in a very positive way, even being down 1-0.
"We had a fantastic second half.
"I'm very happy because we kept composure.
"We kept dominating, playing the football we want to play."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was defiant after victory at Udinese last night.

Wenger hit back at his critics after seeing his team qualify for the Champions League group phase.
"We live in a society where everybody has an opinion on everything," Wenger said after watching Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott turn the game on its head.
"I'm like somebody who flies a plane for 30 years and I have to accept that somebody can come into the cockpit and thinks he can fly the plane better than I do.
"But that's part of our job and we have to accept that.
"I just would like to say that the club is in overall a very strong position because tonight, for 15 years on the trot, we play in the Champions League.
"We have a new stadium and a fantastic training ground, a very good financial situation and a very strong team."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was delighted with Gervinho's performance in victory over Udinese.

The Ivorian was outstanding in the 2-1 victory.
"I told you yesterday and many times that he will be a big player for us," Wenger said.
"Sometimes the quality of the player is linked with the transfer amount and it is not always the case."

• Manchester City signing Samir Nasri fired a taunting wind-up at his former Arsenal fans yesterday.

Nasri went straight on the attack after completing his £24 million switch.
"The (City) fans remind me of Marseille," he said. "Arsenal have good fans but they are not that passionate since they moved from Highbury to the Emirates.
"I remember when we lost 3-0 to City, the crowd was amazing, and that's what I want. I'm here to play football and to enjoy it and to win titles.
"I spoke with Gael Clichy and Kolo Toure a lot, and with Patrick (Vieira).
"Patrick said City is the place to be because they are the club of the future and they want to win everything.
"It's a big relief because there were long, long negotiations between the two clubs. Now I'm finally a City player and I'm really happy.
"I was a little a bit frustrated because I said to the manager (Arsene Wenger) that I wanted to leave. I wanted to do pre-season with Manchester City and to meet my new team-mates. It's a new start and I'm looking forward to it."

• England have named Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong in their U21 squad.

Frimpong represented England at both Under-16 and Under-17 level but is also eligible to feature for Ghana, having been born in Accra.
England face Azerbaijan at Vicarage Road in their first European Under-21 Qualifier on Thursday, September 1, before hosting Israel in a friendly at Oakwell on Monday, September 5.

• Arsenal have failed with an audacious loan bid for Real Madrid star Kaka - but could still buy the Brazilian.

Arsene Wenger tried to act quickly to appease fans in the wake of Samir Nasri’s move to Manchester City, which followed Cesc Fabregas’s switch to Barcelona.
But his bid for the Brazilian former World Player of the Year on a season-long loan was dismissed.
Wenger must now decide whether to try and buy Kaka, with Real boss Jose Mourinho known to be keen to off-load him.
Real want to get his £153,000-a-week salary off the books. They will want around £17.5million.

• Bayern Munich midfield ace Bastian Schweinsteiger is a target for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Flush with the cash from the sales of Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona) and Samir Nasri (Manchester City), Wenger has the funds to test Bayern's resolve for Schweinsteiger.
Bayern have already warned Manchester United off their star man this month and rate him in the €35 million class.
Wenger is planning a bid for Schweini in the coming days.
The Frenchman confessed last night: "We are short in midfield at the moment and that is where we want to strengthen."
The prospect of Schweini quitting Bayern increased this week after a withering attack from club icons Franz Beckenbauer and Oliver Kahn over his captaincy.

• Arsenal intend to make an improved offer for Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila.

Arsenal are ready to make an improved bid of £22million for M'Vila as Arsene Wenger desperately looks for a solution to his midfield crisis.
Wenger needs new personnel before the transfer window closes next Wednesday and hopes the extra cash will tempt Rennes into doing business after their director of football, Pierre Dreossi, ruled out a sale amid reports of a £15m offer from the Gunners earlier in the summer.
M'Vila, a 21-year-old holding player, has been linked with Liverpool and Chelsea and is under contract with Rennes until 2015.

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is expected to focus on an English signing to boost his defence.

Having qualified for the Champions League group phase last night, Wenger is now set to launch a late market spending spree.
Bolton Wanderers' Gary Cahill and Birmingham City's Scott Dann are the leading targets to fill the defensive vacancy.

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is pondering a double raid on Shakhtar Donetsk to boost his depleted midfield.

Having qualified for the Champions League group phase last night, Wenger is now set to launch a late market spending spree.
Shakhtar Donetsk pair Jadson and Willian are under review in midfield.
Both Brazilians have confessed an ambition to play in England this summer.

• As the transfer windows edges closer to the end so does a conclusion to the Gary Cahill transfer saga.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Bolton’s strong solid leader Gary Cahill all summer, and with only one season remaining before leaving on a free it looks like wenger is about to pay up and get his man for a reported £16.6 million fee.
This deal could drag on until the final few days of the transfer window but a source inside the club has confirmed the bid is being lined up if, as reported, a third Jagielka bid fails which looks very likely at the moment.
It is being reported that the third bid for Phil Jagielka is around £13.4 million and Everton are still demanding a fee closer to £15 million mark.
Arsenal have finally made an enquiry for Gary Cahill: “Wenger does not want to spark a bidding war in the final few days of the transfer window for a player that is in his last year of he’s contract, so he is trying to keep this on a low.
“The reason Wenger did not go in for Cahill earlier was because of his age. Cahill is younger then Jagielka and he’s peak is from now and possibly for another 5 Years, whereas in Jagielka case he could possible only have another 2/3 strong seasons.”
Wenger has a lot of faith in Koscienly, Miquel and Bartley and does not want to ruin their future progression at Arsenal, Wenger believes they will become World class centre backs in the next couple of years.
The source added: “Wenger wants to gradually bring in Miquel and Bartley in the squad in the next few years, he has a lot of belief and faith in the pair and he currently sees Vermaelen and Koscienly as perfect pairing with a lot of ability and strength to push Arsenal into winning silverware.”

• Arsenal have had a new bid for Everton defender Phil Jagielka rejected.

After seeing Samir Nasri sold to Manchester City, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger suffered a further setback after Everton rejected his latest £15m bid for Jagielka.
The Goodison club want £18m for the England defender.

#thearsenal49ers Wojciech Szczesny's superb second-half penalty save!

Udinese Vs Arsenal – Match Report for 24th August 2011

• Shot on goal from Walcott, saved by Handanovic
• Walcott offside, Handanovic takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Ageyamnag-Badu, saved by Szczesny
• Shot on goal from Ramsey, blocked by Danilo
• Corner from Walcott, cleared by Armero
• Di Natale offside, Szczesny takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Gervinho, saved by Handanovic
• Danilo fouls Van Persie, he takes the free kick
• Di Natale fouls Vermaelen, Szczesny takes the free kick
• Asamoah offside, Szczesny takes the free kick
• Walcott offside, Handanovic takes the free kick
• Jenkinson fouls Armero, Di Natale takes the free kick
• Handball from Benatia, Szczesny takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Di Natale, saved by Szczesny
• Shot on goal from Song, over the bar
• Shot on goal from Di Natale, hits the right post
• Song fouls Armero, Di Natale takes the free kick
• Danilo fouls van Persie, Djourou takes the free kick
• Frimpong fouls Asamoah, he takes the free kick
• Van Persie fouls Ageyman-Badu, Danilo takes the free kick
• Handball from Van Persie, Asamoah takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Van Persie, far right
• Di Natale offside, Szczesny takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Walcott, saved by Handanovic
• Shot on goal from Van Persie, blocked by Danilo
• Shot on goal from Pinzi, blocked by Vermaelen
• Shot on goal from Di Natale, saved by Szczesny
• Corner from Di Natale, cleared by Vermaelen
• Di Natale scores for Udinese, Udinese 1 - 0 Arsenal 
• Shot on goal from Armero, over the bar
• Gervinho fouls Pinzi, he takes the free kick
• After 1 minute extra time the first half comes to an end with score, Udinese 1 - 0 Arsenal

• Song fouls Pinzi, Isla takes the free kick
• A substitution is made as Rosicky comes on in place of Frimpong
• Armero fouls Jenkinson, Van Persie takes the free kick
• Isla receives a yellow card
• Shot on goal from Walcott, saved by Handanovic
• Shot on goal from Rosicky, blocked by Agyemang-Badu
• Van Persie scores for Arsenal , Udinese 1 - 1 Arsenal
• Shot on goal from Agyemang-Badu, over the bar
• Corner from Di Natale, cleared by Rosicky
• Vermaelen receives a yellow card, Di Natale takes the penalty that is saved by Szczesny
• Shot on goal from Danilo, saved by Szczesny
• Pinzi fouls Song, he takes the free kick
• A substitution is made as Fabbrini comes on in place of Pinzi
• Corner from Walcott, cleared by Danilo
• Agyemang-Badu fouls Ramsey, he takes the free kick
• Agyemang-Badu fouls Sagna, he takes the free kick
• Walcott scores for Arsenal, Udinese 1 - 2 Arsenal
• Sagna receives a yellow card
• Benatia fouls Walcott, both Walcott and Benatia receive a yellow card, Sagna takes the free kick
• Jenkinson receives a yellow card
• Shot on goal from Di Natale, far left
• Shot on goal from Ramsey, saved by Handanovic
• Di Natale offside, Szczesny takes the free kick
• Agyemang-Badu fouls Song, Jenkinson takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Walcott, saved by Handanovic
• A substitution is made as Denis comes on in place of Isla
• Shot on goal from Di Natale, saved by Szczesny
• A substitution is made as Traore comes on in place of Gervinho
• A substitution is mdae as Pasquale comes on in place of Benatia
• Rosicky fouls Denis, he takes the free kick
• Van Persie fouls Armero, Neuton takes the free kick
• A substitution is made as Arshavin comes on inplace of Walcott
• Fabbrini receives a yellow card
• Shot on goal from Van Persie, saved by Handanovic
• Shot on goal from Traore, saved by Handanovic
• After 1 minute extra time the game comes to a close, Udinese 1 - 2 Arsenal
• Arsenal qualifies for the Champions League

Arsenal Vs Liverpool – Match Report for 20th August 2011

• Walcott fouls Enrique, Reina takes the free kick
• Frimpong fouls Agger, Adam takes the free kick
• Corner from Arshavin, cleared by Kelly
• Corner from Van Persie, cleared by Kelly
• Frimpong receives a yellow card
• Kelly fouls Sagna, Szczesny takes the free kick
• Arshavin fouls Kuyt, Adam takes the free kick
• Koscielny fouls Carroll, Adam takes the free kick
• Carroll fouls Koscielny, Szczesny takes the free kick
• A substitution is made as Miquel comes on in place of Koscielny
• Shot on goal from Downing, blocked by Vermaelen
• Shot on goal from Kuyt, over the bar
• Jenkinson fouls Enrique, Adam takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Henderson, saved by Szczesny
• Frimpong fouls Carroll, Adam takes the free kick 
• Corner from Downing, cleared by Vermaelen
• Carroll offside, he receives a yellow card, Szczesnt takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Adam, over the bar
• Kelly fouls Sagna, Arshain takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Frimpong, saved by Reina
• Corner from Nasri, cleared by Carragher
• Kuyt offside, Szczesny takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Nasri, far left
• Frimpong fouls Henderson, Adam takes the free kick
• Carroll fouls Arshavin, he takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Downing, far right
• Leiva Lucas fouls Frimpong and receives a yellow card, Van Persie takes the free kick
• Corner from Nasri, saved by Reina
• After 3 minutes extra time the first half comes to a close, Arsenal 0 - 0 Liverpool

• Shot on goal from Adam, saved by Szczesny
• Handball from Adam, Vermaelen takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Kelly, hits the post
• Downing fouls Frimpong, Arshavin takes the free kick
• Carroll offside, Miquel takes the free kick
• Frimpong fouls Kuyt, Agger takes the free kick
• Nasri fouls Adam, Reina takes the free kick
• Carroll offside, Miquel takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Van Persie, saved by Reina
• Frimpong fouls Leiva Lucas, he receives another yellow card and gets sent off
• A substitution is made as Suarez comes on in place of Carroll
• A substitution is made as Meireles comes on in place of Kuyt
• A substitution is made as Lansbury comes on in place of Arshavin 
• Shot on goal from Downing, saved by Szczesny
• Ramsey scores an own goal taking the score to Arsenal 0 - 1 Liverpool
• A substitution is made as Bendtner comes on in place of Walcott
• Shot on goal from Meireles, far right 
• Lansbury fouls Adam and receives a yellow card, Adam takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Suarez and he scores making the score Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool
• Shot on goal from Ramsey, blocked by Adam
• After 4 minutes extra time the game comes to a close with the score Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool 

Arsenal Team and Transfer News – 19th August 2011

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is critical of the vague rules imposed by UEFA following his attempts to circumvent a one match touchline ban imposed by Europe’s governing body.

The Frenchman was caught passing messages to his team via a third party at the Emirates Stadium before being warned not to at half-time.
Wenger claimed UEFA had told him he was permitted to do this, but European football's governing body denied giving him permission and have been studying the report from their match officials before deciding whether to take further action.
"It was very difficult because you don't know really what the rules are," Wenger said.
"They told us first that, through my assistant, he can communicate.
"And after half-time, it was not like that."
He added: "It is a real concern because up to what level can you stop somebody doing his job?
"We tried to respect the rules and the rules are set by UEFA.
"But, of course, it is very difficult to see where you can stop a person having an influence.
"You cannot go to the dressing room - that's how I understand it and I didn't do it."

• Confusion reigns over the alleged Facebook account of Arsenal star Samir Nasri.

Nasri tweeted to fans that quotes attributed to him from his Facebook site were not his and that he never had an account with the social media website.
But in a statement today:
"Arsenal confirmed to reporter Matt Law on Tuesday night they believed the Facebook account was genuine and belonged to Nasri.
"Had any doubt been placed on the validity of the quotes, then the story would not have been published.
"Nasri has subsequently claimed the Facebook account is not his, but Arsenal are yet to back up this version of events."

• Arsenal winger Theo Walcott is confident manager Arsene Wenger will make new signings.

After an opening-day draw at Newcastle and a hard-fought home win over Udinese in their Champions League play-off and with injuries mounting ahead of a crunch period that involves games against Liverpool and Manchester United, Walcott has joined the calls for new recruits.
"This team has always been known for being young. But we can't use that as an excuse any more. We have to win something this season," he told a number of national newspapers, relating to the club's six-year trophy drought.
"It is important to have a mixture of experience and young players - but the boss knows what he is doing. He has picked up great players before. Only time will tell what he is going to do.
"Of course the players sometimes think, 'What's going on?' We've had a couple of injuries and we have to hope they are not too bad. We have got a fairly big squad but we don't want the squad to get lower and lower.
"The boss knows what he is doing and hopefully those players will be fit and ready to go anyway.
"I'm sure the boss has got players coming in. I don't know, but if you sell one of your best players... I'm sure he's got some options coming in."

• Arsenal fullback Carl Jenkinson is in line to start against Liverpool.

The Arsenal's resources have been left so stretched for Saturday's visit of Liverpool that Arsène Wenger is expected to hand the teenage defender Jenkinson, who has made only seven career starts, all in League One, a Premier League debut for the game at the Emirates.
Wenger lost both Kieran Gibbs and Johan Djourou to hamstring injuries during the 1-0 Champions League qualifying victory over Udinese on Tuesday night, following Armand Traoré limping out of a reserve-team victory over Manchester United after nine minutes on Monday.
None of the trio is likely to be available against Liverpool, leaving Jenkinson, a £1m signing from Charlton Athletic this summer, on the verge of a first top‑flight start.

• Arsenal football chiefs fear Arsene Wenger's current squad is lacking big name leadership.

There’s a feeling at Arsenal — particularly within the scouting team — that without a marquee signing the young players lack an experienced team-mate to learn from.
For example, the now departed Cesc Fabregas was thrown in at 17 but had the likes of Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp to lean on.

• Emmanuel Frimpong says he's keen to make up for lost time at Arsenal.

The midfielder spent virtually all of last season out injured.
He said: "I just want to be involved as much as possible.
"It is going to be hard because there are so many players at Arsenal but hopefully I can play as many games as I can.
"It is difficult because I am at a very big club and I have got to be patient."

• Arsenal youngster Ryo Miyaichi says it's too soon to compare him with Ronaldinho.

January signing Miyaichi was dubbed 'Ryodinho' by the Dutch media while on loan at Feyenoord last season.
"Yes, I believe they compare me to Ronaldinho," he said.
"But I can't hold a candle to him.
"There needs to be a lot of hard work in order to catch up with and overtake him!"

• Arsenal are willing to run down the clock for Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill.

Arsenal are also keen on Bolton defender Cahill, but it is believed they may wait until late in the transfer window before making a new approach.
Cahill has a £17m buy-out clause in his contract, which Arsenal believe is too much.
They could go in with a low, late offer in the hope Bolton will then decide to sell, as the England international has only one year left on his contract.

• Arsenal are closing in on Olympique Marseille pair Andre Ayew and Mathieu Valbuena.

Marseille sports chief Jose Anigo invited Arsenal to bid for midfielder Valbuena only yesterday.
And it's been revealed Gunners scout Gilles Grimandi was in the stands to see Valbuena and Ayew in action on Sunday against Auxerre.
The midfield duo are under consideration as Arsenal prepare for Samir Nasri to follow Cesc Fabregas out the exit door.

• Lazio striker Mauro Zarate is in talks with Arsenal.

Zarate’s agent and his brother Sergio are in London to discuss a possible switch.
Lazio are ready to sell the Argentine.
Arsenal are ready to sign Zarate, who can play as a striker and attacking midfielder.

• Arsenal midfielder Henri Lansbury is a target for Blackburn Rovers.

Rovers boss Steve Kean has approached Arsenal about taking Lansbury on-loan for the new season.
Lansbury is back at Arsenal after spending last term with Norwich City.

• Arsenal boast one of the best young players in the world in Kyle Ebecilio.

The exciting Dutch midfielder signed his first pro deal with the Gunners just a few weeks ago.
UEFA named Ebecilio the best player at this summer's U17 European Championships. The youngster follows in the steps of Wayne Rooney (2002), Cesc Fabregas (2004), Nuri Sahin (2005) and Bojan Krkic (2007).
"I know that big names have gone before me," said Ebecilio. "The youth program first with Feyenoord and now at Arsenal has taken me this far."

#thearsenal49ers - Robin Van Persie back to his roots

Arsenal Team and Transfer News - 17th August 2011

• Robin van Persie says he's ready to take on the Arsenal captaincy.

Van Persie has been at Arsenal for seven years and is approaching his peak. The Dutch international has 'grown up' since he joined the Club and is now relishing the extra responsibility that captaincy brings.
"As captain you are an ambassador for the Club and I’m ready for that," Van Persie said. "I’ve been in the game now for more than ten years, so I know how this world works.
"When I was 18 I didn’t have a clue! Every day I was always surprised by something, when I went to training or when I had a game, every day was just one big surprise for me. How people reacted after the game – the fans, players, media – it was all a surprise to me, I was just thinking about playing football.
"But now I know how things work and I understand that certain actions have consequences. I know that quite well, I feel experienced, so I feel ready for this. I know that every single player represents their club anyway, everywhere you are, 24/7. I’ve been dealing with it for a few years now, so I know what my part is.
"You should always try to show respect, and this is just basic stuff that all human beings should have in their life – just being nice to people. It’s the little things, like giving people a minute of your time in the street, you show them respect, and live with your principles on life."

• Arsenal attacker Theo Walcott was happy to prove the matchwinner in victory over Udinese.

Walcott has been dogged by his controversial comments about Fabio Capello this week and, while he refused to comment on the matter, he gave the onlooking Italian a reminder of his talent.
"It was nice to get the goal. I want to get more goals this season," he said. "It was a great ball from Aaron (Ramsey).
"Hopefully the boss will play me up front now, I don't know. I could have had a couple more but the keeper made some spectacular saves.
"We're going to find it difficult over there but we're very happy with the result.
"That's the most important thing."

• Arsenal winger Theo Walcott says they just have to "move on" from Cesc Fabregas' sale after victory over Udinese.

Arsenal laboured to a 1-0 win over the Italian side, which left more questions than answers over life after Fabregas.
Wenger had called for a response from his young squad following the sale of their captain back to Barcelona and it seemed he would get just that when Walcott swept the home side in front after only four minutes.
However, from then on, Arsenal never really got into any sort of rhythm as Udinese grew into the game.
Goalscorer Walcott is happy with the narrow lead heading into next week's second leg and is keen to move on from the sale of Fabregas.
"We've just got to carry on," he said. "It's time to move on. He was a great player for the club but he's gone.
"We still have some very talented players in the squad here and we believe we can achieve something this year.
"We're in a great position but it's far from over. We didn't finish it off.
"But we dug in and gave absolutely everything. That's two clean sheets in a row now, and we're capable of winning over there."

• Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger blanked the post-match media conference for their Champions League win over Udinese.

The Frenchman received a one-match touchline ban for abusing Swiss referee Massimo Busacca in the last-16 defeat to Barcelona last season.
Wenger's post-match criticism saw him banished to the stands for Tuesday evening's match, although he could find himself in further trouble for communicating with the bench.
Arsenal on Monday checked with UEFA that Wenger could send messages to the coaching staff via a third party.
As a result, first-team coach Boro Primorac passed instructions from Wenger to assistant manager Pat Rice on the touchline throughout the first period.
However, UEFA warned Wenger at the break he was contravening the rules and as a result he withdrew from communication.
After the match, the Gunners boss felt that as he had not been involved in the match in the usual way he would not attend the post-match press conference.

• Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri denies hitting out at fans on his Facebook site.

Nasri has rubbished claims he is set to leave Arsenal with a sense of 'anger and bitterness'.
The Frenchman appeared to have left a message for Facebook followers to reinforce his feelings.
But he has since said he doesn't even have a Facebook account, although he is expected to complete a £23million move to Manchester City.
A message claiming to be from Nasri said of the transfer: "It's nearly done.
"I will leave with bitterness and anger in my heart. I am proud for having played with the Gunners.
"I have been very disappointed by the supporters last weekend. I am still an Arsenal player but I will leave very soon."
But Nasri has since taken to Twitter to say: "Just to make things clear i dont have a facebook so i never said i was leaving with bitterness the guy who said that use a fake account."

• Arsenal have first refusal on Cesc Fabregas as part of his transfer to Barcelona.

Arsenal have first refusal to buy Fabregas back as part of the £40million deal that finally sent the midfield star to Barcelona.
Chief executive Ivan Gazidis insisted on the clause as the Gunners drove a hard bargain with the European champions.
And if they do not buy him back, the North London side will get 50 per cent of any fee if Barcelona sell Fabregas elsewhere.
It leaves Arsenal believing that months of haggling have paid off - and that it is a better deal than Barca are suggesting.

• Arsenal will be in the money should Barcelona ever sell Cesc Fabregas.

Cesc completed his move from Arsenal yesterday.
Arsenal have been given first option to buy Fabregas back - but the buy-out clause is an astonishing £175million. And should he move on elsewhere, the Gunners will get 50 per cent of any future fee.
The sale is said to be worth £40m with a £14.5m down payment and another £14.5m in October at the latest. There are also add-ons, which could come to £6m, plus £5m from the player's earnings.

• Arsenal are stepping up their quest to replace Cesc Fabregas with a move for Lille playmaker Eden Hazard.

The Gunners have long been linked with the tricky Belgian winger, and now reports from France suggest the Ligue 1 side are bracing themselves for an opening offer from Arsene Wenger.
The 20-year-old would command a transfer fee of roughly £27euro, and although that would usually be enough to scare off the north Londoners, Wenger knows he’s under pressure to deliver a top class replacement for his departed skipper.
The Frenchman has constantly stated that he will only buy if he can find a player that improves on what he’s already got in his squad, and Hazard would appear to fit that bill.
With superb technique, and speedy footballing brain, the Belgian international perfectly fits the mold of an Arsenal signing.
His age would also play an important factor in any board decision to bid for him, as pragmatically, he would have a good sell-on value.
With fan unrest at an all-time high, and the Gunners armed with a pile of cash from Fabregas' sale, Wenger may well be forced into breaking his transfer record to finally land one of his long term targets.

• Lazio striker Mauro Zarate is eager to move to Arsenal.

The Argentine's brother and agent, Sergio Zarate, was in London yesterday for talks with the Gunners. Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp may also be keen as he seeks a striker signing.
Zarate has an offer from Spartak Moscow, but has no interest in moving to Russia.
The striker has previous experience in England with Birmingham City and knows Lazio president Claudio Lotito is prepared to listen to offers for him this month.

• PSG are eyeing Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner.

PSG have enquired about Arsenal's wantaway striker Bendtner.
Arsenal want £11m for the 23-year-old forward, and his representatives have held talks with Stoke City, Newcastle United and Sunderland over a potential deal but below the asking price.
PSG have cash from Qatari Investment.

• Arsenal defender Ignasi Miquel is a target for Crewe Alexandra.

Arsenal's young Spanish defender Miquel, 19, is an ambitious loan target for Dario Gradi's League Two side Crewe.
Miquel has also been linked with a loan move to Bolton Wanderers.
The youngster is captain of Arsenal's reserves team.

• Arsenal striker Carlos Vela is set to join Spanish club Real Sociedad on a season-long loan.

The 22-year old Mexico international spent last season on loan with West Bromwich Albion and now Arsene Wenger has sent him off again to continue his development.
Vela’s move will be sealed once he passes a medical and he will join Brazilian winger Pedro Botelho as players to go on loan with the 21-year old set for Rayo Vallecano.
"Everyone at Arsenal Football Club wish Carlos and Pedro the best of luck with their respective clubs for the season ahead," read a statement.

Arsenal Vs Udinese – Match Report for 16th August 2011

• Ekstrand fouls Chamakh, Benatia receives a yellow card, Gibbs takes the free kick
• Koscielny fouls Pinzi, Agyemang-Badu takes the free kick
• Chamakh fouls Pinzi, Ekstrand takes the free kick
• Walcott takes a shot on goal and scores in the bottom right corner, Arsenal 1 - 0 Udinese
• Asamoah fouls Rosicky, he takes the free kick
• Corner from Walcott, cleared by Pinzi
• Ramsey fouls Armero, Larangeira takes the free kick
• Sagna fouls Armero, Asamoah takes the free kick
• Chamakh fouls Benatia, Handanovic takes the free kick
• Corner from Walcott, cleared by Benatia
• Gibbs fouls Pinzi, Agyemang-Badu takes the free kick
• Walcott fouls Neuton, they both receive a yellow card, Di Natale takes the free kick
• shot on goal from Agyemang-Badu, far left
• Walcott offside, Larangeira takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Walcott, saved by Handanovic 
• Shot on goal from Armero, saved by Szczesny
• Shot on goal from Isla, blocked by Song
• Shot on goal from Chamakh, blocked by Benatia
• Gervinho offside, Handanovic takes the free kick
• Chamakh fouls Larangeira, Handanovic takes the free kick
• Handball from Gervinho, Agyemang-Badu takes the free kick
• Benatia fouls Chamakh, Gibbs takes the free kick
• Song fouls Agyemang-Badu, he takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Gervinho, blocked by Armero
• Shot on goal from Rosicky, blocked by Benatia
• Cross from Sagna, cleared by Larangeira
• Chamakh fouls Benatia, Handanovic takes the free kick
• Pinzi fouls Song, Sagna takes the free kick
• Handball from Chamakh, Larangeira takes the free kick
• Corner from Di Natale, cleared by Chamakh
• Shot on goal from Di Natale, far right
• Vermaelen fouls Di Natale, Isla takes the free kick
• Larangeira fouls Chamakh, Walcott takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Vermaelen, blocked by Benatia
• Gibbs fouls Isla and receives a yellow card, Isla takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Di Natale, blocked by Koscielny
• After 1 minute extra time the first half comes to a close with the score Arsenal 1 - 0 Udinese

• A substitution is made as Djourou comes on in place of Gibbs
• Isla fouls Djourou, he takes the free kick 
• Pinzi fouls Ramsey, Vermaelen takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Di Natale, cleared by Djourou
• Pinzi offside, Szczesny takes the free kick
• Di Natale offside, Song takes the free kick
• Corner from Armero, cleared by Djourou
• A substitution is made as Jenkinson comes on in place of Djourou
• Benatia fouls Jenkinson, Sagna takes the free kick
• Ramsey fouls Pinzi, Armero takes the free kick
• A substitution is made as Pasquale comes on in place of Neuton
• Shot on goal from Isla, far left
• Shot on goal from Armero, over the bar
• Song fouls Di Natale, Isla takes the free kick 
• Chamakh offside, Handanovic takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Walcott, saved by Handanovic
• Pinzi foula Gervinho and receievs a yellow card, Sagna takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Rosicky, over the bar
• A substitution is made as Frimpong comes on in place of Rosicky
• Frimpong fouls Agyemang-Badu, Isla takes the free kick
• Frimpong fouls Di Natale, he takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Gervinho, blocked by Pasquale
• Armero fouls Sagna and receieves a yellow card, Walcott takes the free kick
• Shot on goal from Pinzi, far right
• Larangeira fouls Gervinho, free kick from Song
• Chamakh fouls Ekstrand, Benatia takes the free kick
• Jenkinson fouls Larangeira, he takes the free kick
• A substitution is made as Abdi comes on in place of Pinzi
• Shot on goal from Walcott, saved by Handanovic
• Shot on goal from Armero, far right
• Koscielny fouls Armero, Di Natale takes the free kick
• After 3 minutes extra time the ref calls the game to a close, Arsenal 1 - 0 Udinese