View Full Version : Arsenal 2006/2007
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All posts in here are from either Arsenal or SkySport
Some other reports will be posted along with links but most will be from either Arsenal or Sky Sports
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********>> Click Here (http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=364115&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=2006/2007+Official+squad+wallpaper) <<<<<<
The brother of Arsenal centre-half Kolo comes highly rated by current Blues star Didier Drogba, who is lining up alongside the Olympiakos midfielder with the Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations.
"Yaya Toure is the new (Patrick) Vieira,” said Drogba. ”He has exactly the same body type, is tall and strong and has great technique. I have spoken to Jose [Mourinho] about him."
Arsenal are also said to be interested in the 22-year-old, who is also attracting interest in Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus.
Kolo Toure has urged Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to pull out all the stops to sign his brother Yaya in the summer. Yaya Toure has earned rave reviews in Olympiakos' engine room this term and is being tipped to secure a move to a major European league this summer. Juventus are believed to be keen on the Ivory Coast man, but Kolo Toure has urged Wenger to move for a man he feels can fill the sizeable boots of Patrick Vieira in North London.
"He has great ability," Kolo Toure told Sky Sports News. "When I watch him he looks like Patrick. He is a tall player, has great ability and he can help the club. He is a better player [than me], he is a midfielder and has great ability. He is fantastic. It would be fantastic, my brother and me." Arsenal's London rivals Chelsea could also be in the frame, with Blues striker Didier Drogba a huge fan of his compatriot. "He is a fantastic player," admitted Drogba. "He can run, jump and win all the ball in the midfield and also score. When he runs he looks like Patrick Vieira. If he comes, everybody will love him."
http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?HLID=360820&CPID=8&title=Kolo+urges+Wenger
Gianluigi Buffon's agent has claimed Arsenal have been in touch regarding a possible bid for the Juventus keeper. The Italy international is currently on World Cup duty in Germany, but he faces an uncertain club future. Juventus are under investigation amid match-fixing allegations and any punishment could see the Italian champions relegated. Such an eventuality would almost certainly lead to Buffon's exit and Arsenal have been credited with an interest.
Buffon's representative Silvano Martina admits The Gunners are a tempting option, but feels a deal is fraught with complications. "The negotiation exists, but it isn't easy," Martina told the Italian media. "London is a pleasing option, but Gigi would like to stay in Italy. Despite this, Arsenal remains a welcome solution." Though Arsenal may hold an interest in the 28-year-old, it is thought Juventus would demand €28 million (£19 million) for Buffon's sale. The shot-stopper would also require a hefty salary and the financial implications of the deal could put Buffon out of Arsenal's reach. Milan are also keen on the former Parma star, but, like Juventus, are under investigation and may end up with the same fate as their Serie A rivals.
http://home.skysports.com/worldcup/article.aspx?hlid=398211&CPID=4&clid=119&lid=2
Arsenal want £8m Davies to replace Campbell
By : John Ley, 11/07/2006
Arsenal are set to replace England centre-back Sol Campbell with the West Bromwich Albion defender, Curtis Davies.
Campbell, 31, was allowed to leave over the weekend and now Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has admitted past interest in Davies, an England Under-21 international, is set to match Albion's asking price of around £8 million.
Bryan Robson, the Albion manager, recently admitted: "If a big club comes in with massive money, then you don't know what might happen."
Wenger, who has made only one summer signing - the Czech Republic midfielder Tomas Rosicky from Borussia Dortmund - is also believed to be monitoring World Cup finalist Frank Ribery, who has struck up a close relationship with Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.
The surprise departure of Campbell, who was contracted to Arsenal until 2009, has prompted Wenger to consider a replacement. Last season, Wenger admitted that he liked Davies but, at that time, was not in need of a defender.
Now, however, Davies, who enjoyed a good first season in the Premiership despite Albion's relegation to the Championship, is set to move to north London, and that could upset neighbours Tottenham, whose £3.5 million offer for the player was rejected in May.
The availability of Campbell has attracted the interest of Portsmouth. Manager Harry Redknapp has made an inquiry and, with former Arsenal defender Tony Adams now his assistant, he will believe he can persuade the England international to move to Fratton Park.
Redknapp may be out of luck, though, because it is understood that Campbell, who has already interested Turkish side Fenerbahce, would prefer a move abroad.
Ribery, meanwhile, who had an impressive World Cup with France, was expected to leave Marseille for Gerard Houllier's Lyon but could now be persuaded to accept the challenge of a move to London, and Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium.
Wenger has been a fervent admirer of the skilful playmaker for more than three years, after first spotting him in a youth international tournament.
http://wc2006.telegraph.co.uk./Document.aspx?id=82415A71-3F2D-47A3-9F09-C5B9008F1D85
Franck Ribery's agent has denied reports Arsenal have made a £10m bid for the Marseille and France winger.
The 23-year-old has been tipped to join Lyon in media reports but has also been linked with Arsenal.
"I've not met with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, in Paris or elsewhere, and have not received any offers for Franck," agent Bruno Heiderscheid told L'Equipe.
"Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also rumoured to be interested but I have never received any concrete offer."
Ribery, who is expected to take the role of the retired Zinedine Zidane in the French national team, scored his first international goal in Les Bleus' triumph over Spain at this summer's World Cup.
He was also a part of the starting line-up that lost out to Italy in last Sunday's final.
"For now, Franck's priority is to go on holiday and rest. Marseille have agreed to give him four extra days so he will be back at the club on 29 July," added Heiderscheid.
"In the meantime I have asked Marseille president Pape Diouf to meet with me regarding Franck. I hope we will be able to do so in the next few days."
Meanwhile, Diouf has reiterated his hope to hold on to Ribery, despite the player making it clear last month that he was hoping to join Ligue 1 champions Lyon.
"I have no problem with Ribery," said Diouf. "It only concerns those who want to make him leave the club or tempt him to join their club."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/5176194.stm
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Arsène Wenger has ruled out any interest in Barcelona striker Javier Saviola but remains open-minded about West Brom defender Curtis Davies if the price is right.
Every summer Arsenal are linked with a telephone directory of names from England and abroad. This year two of the more persistent newspaper suggestions surround Argentinean frontman Saviola and centre back Davies. Speaking after the friendly against Barnet on Saturday, Wenger put the record straight.
“We are not interested in Saviola at all,” he said. “We have enough forward players. We have bought Rosicky. We have also Henry, Reyes, Van Persie, Adebayor, Walcott, Bendtner, Aliadiere, Lupoli. Where do I put the strikers? I have no interest at all
“Curtis Davies I like. I have not made an inquiry or a bid but I like the player.”
The England Under-21 international is hot property and, if media reports are to be believed, could command a fee of £10-12 million. Wenger was asked if he would be making a bid.
“Not at that level,” he replied.
http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=403723&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Wenger+-+No+to+Javier+Saviola+but+I+like+Curtis+Davies
hi you are on tv on 5 in the week arenal v alax
paulsport
hi you are on tv on 5 in the week arenal v alax
paulsport
yes mate Arsenal v Ajax ~ Bergkamp Testimonial
Come On You Gunners..... :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted for the first time that Ashley Cole could leave the club this summer.
The 25-year-old England left-back has been constantly linked with a big-money move to Chelsea in recent weeks.
And Wenger told the Daily Mirror: "If you want me to guarantee he will be here next season I cannot do it.
"He has only two years left on his contract. We have not made any movement there and when you have a player in that situation you cannot say much."
But the Gunners boss, who was speaking after his side had won a friendly game in Austria on Tuesday evening, added that so far no club has made an approach for Cole.
"There is nothing going on with Ashley at the moment," Wenger stated.
"There is no offer and we are not talking to anybody about him."
Cole's relationship with Arsenal has been strained recently and in promotional material for his new book, the defender criticised the Gunners for making him a "scapegoat" over last year's tapping-up affair with Chelsea.
Chelsea, Blues' manager Jose Mourinho and Cole were all fined after they breached league rules by meeting without Arsenal's knowledge.
Cole has since signed a new contract with the Gunners but Chelsea's decision to sell left-back Asier Del Horno to Valencia last week is widely expected to pave the way for him to move to Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg could miss the start of the new Premiership season as he is struggling with an ankle injury.
The 29-year-old Swede is also a major doubt for Arsenal's two-leg Champions League qualifier next month.
"Ljungberg has an inflammation around his ankle," manager Arsene Wenger told the club's website.
"He has had an injection - but I do not think he will be completely ready for the start of the Premiership season."
Arsenal take on Aston Villa in the first Premiership match at the new Emirates Stadium on 19 August.
The Gunners are poised to play the Champions League qualifiers on 8/9 August and 22/23 August. The draw for the third qualifying round takes place on Friday.
Arsenal will be seeded when the draw for the Third Qualifying Round of the Champions League takes place at 11am (UK time) in Nyon on Friday.
That means Arsène Wenger's team will avoid Liverpool, Ajax, Benfica, Hamburg, Valencia, AEK Athens, CSKA Moscow, Galatasaray, Lille, Shakhtar Donetsk and Slovan Liberec.
Steaua Bucharest, Dynamo Kiev and Levski Sofia will complete the line-up of seeds provided they come through their Second Qualifying Round ties. If any of them are knocked out, their place as seeds will be taken by the team which beats them.
When Friday's draw is made, the second legs of the Second Qualifying Round ties will not have been played.
Arsenal are likely to face a team which advances from the Second Qualifying Round. That means Hearts, Cork City, Fenerbahçe and Spartak Moscow are possible opponents, if they win their ties.
Of the clubs entering the Champions League at the same stage as Arsenal, four are unseeded and could therefore face the Gunners - Osasuna, Maccabi Haifa and two teams who lost heavily to Arsenal in the 1990s, Standard Liège and Austria Vienna.
The first legs of the Third Qualifying Round ties are scheduled for August 8/9 with the second legs taking place on August 22/23. The winners of each tie will advance to the Group Stage. Arsenal will be seeded in the Group Stage if they win their qualifier.
Scroll down the page to find out which teams will be in the draw for the Third Qualifying Round, plus confirmation of the clubs which has already qualified for the Group Stage.
* European football governing body Uefa will discuss the issue of Italian clubs at a special meeting on Thursday.
THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND (Bold type = clubs Arsenal could face)
Valencia (Spain)
Osasuna (Spain)
Liverpool (England)
Arsenal (England)
Internazionale (Italy)*
Fiorentina (Italy)*
Lille OSC (France)
Hamburger SV (Germany)
SL Benfica (Portugal)
Ajax (Holland)
AEK Athinai (Greece)
R. Standard de Liège (Belgium)
Galatasaray (Turkey)
FC Slovan Liberec (Czech Republic)
CSKA Moskva (Russia)
FK Austria Wien (Austria)
Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)
Maccabi Haifa (Israel)
Ekranas (Lithuania) or Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)
Fenerbahçe (Turkey) or B36 Tòrshavn (Faroe Islands)
Hearts (Scotland) or Široki Brijeg (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Metalurgs (Latvia) or Dynamo Kiev (Ukraine)
Cork City (Republic of Ireland) or Crvena Zvezda (Serbia and Montenegro)
Levski Sofia (Bulgaria) or FC Sioni Bolnisi (Georgia)
Sheriff (Latvia) or Spartak Moscow (Russia)
Debrecen (Hungary) or Rabotnicki (Macedonia)
NK Gorica (Slovenia) or Steaua Bucharest (Romania)
FC Copenhagen (Denmark) or MyPa (Finland)
Mladá Boleslav (Czech Republic) or Vålerenga (Norway)
Djurgården (Sweden) or Ružomberok (Slovakia)
Fimleikafelag Hafnarfjardar (Iceland) or Legia Warsaw (Poland)
FC Zürich (Switzerland) or Salzburg (Austria)
GROUP STAGE
Barcelona (Spain)
Real Madrid (Spain)
Chelsea (England)
Manchester United (England)
AC Milan (Italy)
AS Roma (Italy)
Olympique Lyonnais (France)
FC Girondins Bordeaux (France)
FC Bayern München (Germany)
SV Werder Bremen (Germany)
FC do Porto (Portugal)
Sporting CP (Portugal)
PSV Eindhoven (Holland)
Olympiakos Piraeus (Greece)
RSC Anderlecht (Belgium)
Celtic (Scotland)
Arsenal have admitted to holding talks with Chelsea about the sale of Gunners defender Ashley Cole.
The 25-year-old, who is under contract until 2008, has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for over a year.
And Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein said: "As we speak now he is an Arsenal player and until you hear otherwise he is an Arsenal player.
"We have had a couple of very civil conversations with Chelsea and there is nothing else to say on that."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has already admitted he is unsure whether Cole will still be a Gunner when the season starts.
Dein added: "He's our player. He started with us when he was 16 and if something else happens we will wait and see.
"If something happened and we decided to take an offer that's another story but at the moment he is under contract to us."
Cole's relationship with Arsenal has been strained recently and in promotional material for his new book, the defender criticised the Gunners for making him a "scapegoat" over last year's tapping-up affair with Chelsea.
Chelsea, Blues' manager Jose Mourinho and Cole were all fined after they breached league rules by meeting without Arsenal's knowledge.
Cole signed his new contract after that but Chelsea's decision to sell left-back Asier Del Horno to Valencia last week is widely expected to pave the way for him to move to Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has confirmed that, although “certain discussions have gone on”, Ashley Cole will remain with the Club unless “something changes”.
In recent weeks, the media have linked the England left back with a move away from Emirates Stadium. If you believe the newspapers, Chelsea are the favourites for his signature. However a move is far from complete.
“As we speak he is our player and unless something changes he will remain our player,” said Mr Dein. “There have been certain discussions going on but there is not much more I can say at this stage.”
David Dein has set his sights on lifting the Champions League trophy this season.
According to the vice-chairman, Arsenal exceeded expectations by reaching the Final of the competition last May. Despite having Jens Lehmann sent off in the early stages, they led until 13 minutes from time when Barcelona turned the game with two quick goals. Mr Dein hopes the Club can put that right this time. They will start their attempt in the Third Qualifying Round against Dinamo Zagreb or Ekranas. The Croatian side have yet to complete their Second-Round tie but lead 4-1 from the first leg.
"We went further than anyone expected last season,” said Mr Dein, speaking exclusively to Arsenal.com. “But the objective is to win it and we will be trying very hard to do that this season. It starts early this year, the first game will be the August 8 or 9.
"Some players who played in the latter stages of the World Cup will only just be coming back to pre-season training, that is something Arsène Wenger will have to deal with in due course but it is right on top of us already. It is only a week away really.
"Playing Dinamo Zagreb, assuming they get through, will be a new experience. We have never been in the qualifying rounds under Arsène, we have always gone into the group stages. It is important for us to get through these games to get in there again.
"After last season’s great performance of getting into the Champions League Final the objective is to go one better this season and win it."
Late on Thursday afternoon Arsène Wenger called his entire first-team squad onto the main pitch at their Austrian training camp and held a minute’s silence in honour of Patrick ‘Paddy’ Galligan, who died suddenly earlier this week.
The Irishman was well-known to Arsenal players past and present. He had been responsible for the first-team dressing rooms since 1978. His job was to do the little things that made Highbury special — hoisting the flags on matchday, changing the “next game” signage around the ground, checking the turnstile count and many other small but significant jobs.
He was one of the most familiar and popular faces at Highbury. He was even featured on the opening credits of Match of the Day a few years ago.
Paddy will be sadly missed and everyone at Arsenal Football Club would like to send their deepest condolences to his family at this distressing time.
Arsenal's first-team squad are preparing for the new season at their training camp in Austria.
After a 2-1 win against SV Mattersburg on Tuesday the Gunners face Schwadorf on Monday. In between these games the players have been put through their paces by Arsène Wenger and his coaching team.
Club photographer Stuart MacFarlane is in Austria to capture the Gunners in action. Here are his latest pictures from the training camp.
New signing Rosicky arrives for training
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Fabregas shields the ball from Flamini
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Mark Randall takes on Fabregas
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Van Persie breaks clear with the ball
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Reyes leaps to control a high pass
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Gilberto has a rest as Wenger looks on
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Rosicky takes a well-earned break
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Arsenal's training camp in Austria
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Fifty-six thousand supporters converged on Emirates Stadium on Saturday as Arsenal's new home hosted its first game - Dennis Bergkamp's testimonial.
Scroll down the page to see our picture special of a landmark day for the Club and its fans.
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Arsenal will face Dinamo Zagreb or Ekranas in the Third Qualifying Round of the Champions League.
Arsène Wenger's team are likely to travel to Croatia for the start of their latest European campaign after Dinamo beat the Lithuanians 4-1 in the first leg of their Second Qualifying Round match.
Eduardo Da Silva scored twice while Marijan Buljat and Davor Vugrinec were also on target in Lithuania as the Croatian champions virtually secured their place in the next round. The second leg takes place on August 2.
Third Qualifying Round:
1st Leg
FK Ekranas or NK Dinamo Zagreb v Arsenal
Either Tuesday 8th/Wednesday 9th August 2006
2nd Leg
Arsenal v FK Ekranas or NK Dinamo Zagreb
Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at Emirates Stadium. Kick-off: 7.45 p.m.
TV coverage in respect of both of the above ties to be confirmed.
Third Qualifying Round draw:
Sheriff (Moldova) or Spartak Moscow (Russia) v FC Slovan Liberec (Czech Republic)
Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) v Fimleikafelag Hafnarfjardar (Iceland) or Legia Warsaw (Poland)
FC Zürich (Switzerland) or Salzburg (Austria) v Valencia (Spain)
Levski Sofia (Bulgaria) or FC Sioni Bolnisi (Georgia) v Chievo (Italy)
Hearts (Scotland) or Široki Brijeg (Bosnia and Herzegovina) v AEK Athens (Greece)
CSKA Moscow (Russia) v Djurgården (Sweden) or Ružomberok (Slovakia)
AC Milan (Italy) v Cork City (Republic of Ireland) or Crvena Zvezda (Serbia and Montenegro)
Galatasaray (Turkey) v Mladá Boleslav (Czech Republic) or Vålerenga (Norway)
Standard de Liège (Belgium) v NK Gorica (Slovenia) or Steaua Bucharest (Romania)
Austria Vienna (Austria) v Benfica (Portugal)
Ekranas (Lithuania) or Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia) v Arsenal (England)
FC Copenhagen (Denmark) or MyPa (Finland) v Ajax (Holland)
Hamburg SV (Germany) v Osasuna (Spain)
Metalurgs (Latvia) or Dynamo Kiev (Ukraine) v Fenerbahçe (Turkey) or B36 Tòrshavn (Faroe Islands)
Liverpool (England) v Maccabi Haifa (Israel)
Lille OSC (France) v Debrecen (Hungary) or Rabotnicki (Macedonia)
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Birmingham have agreed a deal to bring Arsenal duo Fabrice Muamba and Sebastian Larsson to St Andrews on season-long loans.
England youth international Muamba, 18, and Swede Larsson, 21, will give Steve Bruce added options in his midfield this season.
The Blues boss told the Birmingham Mail: "You can't have a big enough squad and we're a little bit thin.
"I'm trying to bring in two or three players on top of the Arsenal lads."
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will not be rushed into plugging the gaps in the centre of his defence.
Wenger has only Kolo Toure and Pascal Cygan as his senior defenders to start the campaign.
Despite Sol Campbell's departure and Philippe Senderos' injury, Wenger is reluctant to meet West Brom's £10m asking price for Curtis Davis.
Wenger told Arsenal's website: "They went 10 Champions League games without conceding and I believe in them."
Wenger added: "I know the prices in England, the prices for young talent are the prices you pay for established players.
"We do it sometimes. We did it with Theo Walcott, for example, but we cannot do it always."
Arsenal signed striker Theo Walcott from Southampton in January.
Wenger also has promising defender Johan Djourou, 19, and is ready to show his faith in the players at his disposal.
The Gunners boss said: "If we can find someone and we can get them then we will do it but, at the moment, I have not found anybody.
"We want to improve our collective team play on last year. We did that well during the season and we want to keep this development going."
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Chelsea duo John Terry and Joe Cole say they would relish playing with England team-mate Ashley Cole at club level.
The Premiership champions are in talks with Arsenal regarding bringing the left-back to Stamford Bridge.
And Terry said of the potential signing: "Ashley's solid and quick and is great one-versus-one going forward."
Joe Cole has linked up with the defender down the left for England and added: "Playing with Ashley makes it easy for me as he's a great player."
But both players admit that they already have a quality left-back in Wayne Bridge at the club.
Terry said: "We still have Wayne Bridge who is back here after six months at Fulham and he looks very sharp and fit and ready to go into the new season."
Regardless of whether Ashley Cole becomes the latest player to join Chelsea, Joe Cole believes the new summer signings that have already joined will equip them well when the new campaign kicks-off.
To have Shevchenko and Ballack, two of the best players in the world at the peak of their careers, will only make us stronger ~ Joe Cole
Cole told Radio Five Live Sport: "If the season started tomorrow I'm sure we'd be very happy with our squad, but Chelsea are always looking to strengthen."
Andriy Shevchenko, Salomon Kalou and Michael Ballack have all joined Chelsea since the end of last season - and Cole says they have all settled in well at the club.
"Kalou's a young player with a lot of pace and very direct and Shevchenko's showing his class in training.
"He's the best in the business at scoring goals. That's what we signed him for and hopefully he'll put the ball in the back of the net plenty of times for us this season.
"To have Shevchenko and Ballack, two of the best players in the world at the peak of their careers, will only make us stronger and compete on all fronts.
"This year we want to make an improvement on last year. We're in four competitions and we've got a squad that is capable to see us win them all."
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Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes has distanced himself from reports that claimed he wants a move back to Spain.
The 22-year-old Spanish international was reported as saying he had not settled in England and was hoping to join Real Madrid.
But Reyes told Arsenal's website: "I don't know where these words have come from but what I would like to say is that I am very happy at Arsenal.
"I am excited about the new stadium and helping Arsenal challenge for honours."
Reyes had been quoted as saying: "I have always said I want a return to Spain. I have not adapted to life in England.
"If Real Madrid want me that is marvellous. It would be an honour to play for them. Let's see what happens."
"I have nothing against Arsenal, completely the opposite. It is a great club and they have helped me so much.
"The fans have given me so much support since I joined.
"But they know that I have not got used to the language or the weather."
It is not the first time that Reyes, a £10.5m signing from Sevilla in January 2004, has been linked with a move to his homeland with Real.
Reyes admitted he wanted to join Real at the start of 2005, when he fell victim to a radio hoax.
He told a Spanish radio presenter - who Reyes thought was Real's sporting director Emilio Butragueno - that he was keen on a move to the Bernabeu.
But the Spain international then signed a new six-year contract at Arsenal in July 2005.
He has made 110 appearances for the Gunners and scored 23 goals.
Reyes and Clichy sign new deals
Striker Jose Antonio Reyes and defender Gael Clichy have signed new long-term contracts with Arsenal.
Reyes, 21, has agreed a six-year deal, keeping him at the club until 2011, while 19-year-old Clichy's future with is secured until 2010.
Spaniard Reyes had been linked with a return to his homeland but will now add to his 66 appearances and 17 goals for the Gunners since joining in 2004.
France U-21 international Clichy has played 46 times for the Londoners.
Reyes said: "I am so happy to have extended my contract with Arsenal and I'm looking forward to having many more successful years with the club.
"I'm working hard in pre-season training at the moment and am getting ready for next season, when I will do my best to help the club challenge for all the available trophies."
Clichy was similarly delighted to have signed a new deal.
"I hope too that we will win trophies next season and that I will have the opportunity to prove to the club and the fans that they were right to give me a new contract," he told Arsenal's website."
The news that the pair have committed themselves to the club will be a welcome boost on the day that skipper Patrick Vieira signed for Juventus.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said he never believed Jose Antonio Reyes wanted to leave for Real Madrid.
Reports on Friday suggested Reyes had gone back on previous claims that he was hoping to move to the Bernabeu.
But Wenger said: "When I asked him what he had said it was always far different from what it said in the newspapers.
"If he says 'I'm flattered by the interest but I'm happy at Arsenal' and you cut off the second part of the sentence, you'll get what you want."
Reyes was thought to have set his heart on a move to Real Madrid after failing to settle at Highbury.
The rumours intensified when the 21-year-old fell victim to a hoax, telling a radio presenter he believed was Real sporting director Emilio Butragueno he was keen on a move.
He was later quoted as saying: "If Real are interested, it's important they speak to Arsenal."
However, on Friday he told the Sun newspaper: "The truth is that I'm happy here at Arsenal.
"I still expect to achieve more success and win many more titles here."
Wenger believes Reyes' words were simply translated badly.
"There was never a statement made in England to an English journalist," he said.
"It was always a statement made to a Spanish journalist and translated by a guy who sent it to England.
"That is why I never gave it much importance."
David Dein has set his sights on lifting the Champions League trophy this season.
According to the vice-chairman, Arsenal exceeded expectations by reaching the Final of the competition last May. Despite having Jens Lehmann sent off in the early stages, they led until 13 minutes from time when Barcelona turned the game with two quick goals. Mr Dein hopes the Club can put that right this time. They will start their attempt in the Third Qualifying Round against Dinamo Zagreb or Ekranas. The Croatian side have yet to complete their Second-Round tie but lead 4-1 from the first leg.
"We went further than anyone expected last season,” said Mr Dein, speaking exclusively to Arsenal.com. “But the objective is to win it and we will be trying very hard to do that this season. It starts early this year, the first game will be the August 8 or 9.
"Some players who played in the latter stages of the World Cup will only just be coming back to pre-season training, that is something Arsène Wenger will have to deal with in due course but it is right on top of us already. It is only a week away really.
"Playing Dinamo Zagreb, assuming they get through, will be a new experience. We have never been in the qualifying rounds under Arsène, we have always gone into the group stages. It is important for us to get through these games to get in there again.
"After last season’s great performance of getting into the Champions League Final the objective is to go one better this season and win it."
Jose Antonio Reyes (http://www1.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60084&clid=4421&cpid=703) has scotched reports that he would like to leave Arsenal for Real Madrid.
The Spanish international was quoted in this morning's press as saying he was open-minded about a move to the Bernabeu. But, speaking to Arsenal.com from the Club's training base in Austria, Reyes said: "I don't know where these words have come from.
"But what I would like to say is that I am very happy at Arsenal. At the moment we are all training hard in preparation for the new season and I am excited about not only playing at Emirates Stadium but also helping Arsenal to challenge for honours."
France winger Franck Ribery says he will stay at Marseille for the remaining four years of his contract.
He said: "I have a contract that lasts for four more years and for four years I am at Marseille. I love this club, the people and the fans."
Lyon and Arsenal had been linked with the 23-year-old, who played a key role as France reached the World Cup final before losing to Italy on penalties.
Marseille claimed Manchester United had also made an approach for Ribery.
Ashley Cole returned to Arsenal on Monday for pre-season training, despite speculation over his future.
Cole, who has returned to the club later than the rest of the squad after his honeymoon, is thought to be on the verge of a £25m move to Chelsea.
And the 25-year-old would have trained without any of the first-team squad, who are on a tour of Austria.
Cole's future will be decided almost certainly before Thursday's Champions League registration deadline.
Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has already confirmed that discussions have taken place with Chelsea.
He has stressed that Cole would remain an Arsenal player unless 'something changes' - but that change is now widely expected.
Cole's relationship with Arsenal has been strained following the 'tapping-up' affair with Chelsea last year.
And the relationship has been further damaged by Cole's claims that he will reveal why his relationship with Arsenal broke down in his forthcoming autobiography.
"I'll reveal the shattering truth about who fed me to the sharks. It changed my view forever on the club I regarded as family," said Cole.
Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has hinted that he would consider joining Manchester United.
Vieira, 30, is keen to leave Juventus, who have been relegated from Serie A following their part in Italy's match-fixing scandal.
And after a move to Inter Milan appeared to stall, the midfielder said: "Every player wants to play for a club like Manchester United.
"After nine years at Arsenal it might be difficult but anything can happen."
Vieira's suggestion is likely to shock Gunners fans, who worshipped the French international and saw him back in Arsenal colours just over a week ago when he played in Dennis Bergkamp's testimonial.
However, the Frenchman almost took a direct route from north London to Old Trafford in 2001 and 2003.
Now, following his departure from Arsenal in 2005, Vieira would find the switch less daunting.
And one thing appears certain, that Vieira will not be playing for Juventus next season.
He added: "Now I'm not sure where I'm playing next season, I'm still looking for a new club.
"There might be some sort of conclusion in the next 48 hours and it's a very important decision for me.
"I will not be playing for Juventus since they are going to Serie B."
Emerson and Fabio Cannavaro left Juventus last month and joined former Juve coach Fabio Capello at Real Madrid, while Gianluca Zambrotta and Lilian Thuram headed for Barcelona
Jose Antonio Reyes has added to the uncertainty around his future by saying he is happy at Arsenal, while also admitting he wants to join Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old stated on Arsenal's website he is "very happy" at the club.
But he then told Spanish paper As he is "not looking for another club", but "I have always said that Madrid is one of my biggest targets. Everyone knows it.
"Clubs are looking for me but the only way that any team, including Madrid, can sign me is by speaking to Arsenal."
Reyes' future at Arsenal has been under scrutiny since he fell victim to a hoax at the start of 2005.
"I have left everything in the hands of my agent" ~ Jose Reyes
He told a Spanish radio presenter - who Reyes thought was Real's sporting director Emilio Butragueno - that he was keen on a move to the Bernabeu.
The Spain international subsequently signed a new six-year contract at Highbury but recently he was again quoted as saying he wants a return to Spain.
However, he says he will not be unhappy if he stays at Arsenal.
"I am very grateful to Arsenal for the faith they have put in me," Reyes told As on Tuesday.
"I don't have any problem with the club. There are Spaniards in the team and that makes everything easier.
"The way of life is a different matter. There are many things I miss about Spain, not just the food and the weather.
"But I am happy and I will carry on training. If I have to stay with Arsenal, I will do so happily.
"Not every player has the chance to play for a club like this, with players of this quality. I have left everything in the hands of my agent."
Marseille are taking a very strong stance with wantaway star Franck Ribery.
One of the longest sagas of the summer has seen Ribery at first commit his future to l'OM before on Friday confirming he wanted to quit The Stade Velodrome.
The French World Cup star has long been tracked by Lyon - who have never held back in expressing their desire to sign him.
However, Marseille have been left fuming by Ribery's statement and insist that Lyon will not be getting their winger - which has led to suggestions that Arsenal could move into pole position to land him.
"It is almost for sure: Franck will never go to Lyon from l'OM," blasted Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo on RMC.
"It is something that won't happen. Franck is under contract with us.
"He has four years remaining on his contract, but it was forecasted Franck would stay this year, so he will stay with us."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is known to be keen on Ribery, but everyone had expected him to stay put until next summer - but now the whole process could be accelerated.
No matter what, Lyon's interest does not look as if it will be waning.
"We remain calm but if l'OM evolves we will see," said Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas.
"As Pape Diouf explained to me when he was an agent, we can't keep a player against his will.
"If today Franck Ribery says he wants to leave l'OM, we will try to gather the conditions that would allow everyone to take advantage.
"L'OM has to take stock about its financial accounts and find players. May be we can help them.
"Franck Ribery will go where he wants to go, as all his predecessors did."
Lyon coach Gerard Houllier added his opinion, stating that Ribery should be allowed to leave.
"About the Franck Ribery's statement, I believe he has been honest and courageous to say what he really feels.
"Now it is up to the officials to find a solution. When a player wants to leave, it can be difficult. Pape Diouf who has been a player's agent knows that."
http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=407948&CPID=24&clid=3&lid=&title=L'OM+stand+firm+over+Ribery
Arsene Wenger insists he is not going to be taking Dinamo Zagreb for granted as they gear up to meet the Croatian outfit on Tuesday.
Just three months after appearing in the final of the UEFA Champions League, The Gunners now have to come through their third round qualifying match to make the group stages.
And although they are odds-on favourites, Wenger knows a tough challenge awaits his troops.
"They are a difficult side," the Gunners boss noted.
"They have a lot of experienced players, a lot of South Americans.
"Overall, they are a club with a history. They have a culture and know how to win these games. That is why for Arsenal, it will be a difficult game."
Zagreb, who defeated Ekranas of Lithuania 9-3 on aggregate in the previous round, feel taking an advantage out of the home leg on Tuesday is essential.
"We will be fully motivated and a full stadium will help us," said Zagreb striker Goran Ljubojevic, who bagged a hat-trick against Ekranas.
"That is our chance in the first match against Arsenal."
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Arsenal have won the race for Spanish wonderkid Fran Merida, with the 16-year-old opting to join The Gunners after leaving Barcelona.
The hugely promising midfielder is in London to put the final touches to the transfer which sees him follow in the footsteps of Cesc Fabregas in swapping Camp Nou for Arsene Wenger's side at a young age.
Merida scored for an Arsenal XI in a 4-0 win over Boreham Wood on Friday night and will now hope to enjoy the same rapid rise through the Gunners ranks as his much-vaunted compatriot.
Merida's arrival as the club enter a new era at the Emirates Stadium is a sizeable coup for Arsenal given the large level of interest in the player, with Manchester United and Liverpool both keen on the skilful midfielder.
However his capture may come with its own problems as Barcelona are believed to be looking into the possibility of involving Uefa given their anger at losing another young prospect to English shores.
Fabregas and Manchester United's Gerard Pique both departed in 2003 and Merida's exit is also contentious due to the fact that reports in the Spanish media in March claimed that Merida's agent Joseba Diaz, who also represents Fabregas, had been keeping the player away from the Catalan side in order to secure his passage to The Premiership.
Arsenal are no strangers to transfer controversy having angered clubs in the past due to the captures of players such as Nicolas Anelka and Mathieu Flamini, but Merida will now be focused on carving out a successful career for himself under the watchful guidance of Wenger.
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger paid tribute to the patience of his team after their 3-0 win at Dinamo Zagreb.
"We mastered our passing and physically were quite sharp," said Wenger after the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie.
"The main problem was not to get frustrated, to keep passing and wait for an opportunity to score - that is what we did."
"It is a big step for qualification, but we want to finish the job at home."
Arsenal took control when they scored two goals in as many second-half minutes through Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie.
And Fabregas scored his second of the match late on as Arsenal, who reached the final last season, took a huge step towards reaching the group stage of the competition.
"We had a very young team out and it shows this team is full of promise because they are not scared to play," Wenger added.
Dinamo coach Josip Kuze admitted that once Arsenal went ahead they took control of the tie - but felt his side deserved better than a 3-0 home defeat.
Kuze said: "We played shoulder to shoulder for 50-60 minutes. We are not satisfied with the final result - but Arsenal are a better team of more quality and strength.
"We decided to play a compact game and try to counter-attack.
"We had some good chances and if we had taken the lead, it would have been a motivation for us to do more but when Arsenal took the lead, they took charge."
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Arsenal scored three second-half goals to take control of their Champions League third qualifying round tie.
Cesc Fabregas collected a lay-off from Robin van Persie before slotting home from a tight angle after 63 minutes.
Van Persie doubled their lead a minute later after collecting a long pass from Alexander Hleb and Fabregas scored the third after a jinking run.
Jose Antonio Reyes, linked with a move to Real Madrid, was left out of the side for the first-leg encounter.
Arsenal went into their first competitive fixture of the season with a much-changed line-up from the team that started last season's Champions League final to Barcelona.
Thierry Henry, Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann, Ashley Cole, Robert Pires and Sol Campbell were all missing from the team that lost in Paris.
But summer signing Tomas Rosicky showed some good touches, while the Arsenal team showed great maturity in possession.
Dinamo keeper Ivan Turina saved long-range efforts from Emmanuel Adebayor, Van Persie and Rosicky during an opening half in which both teams were largely restricted to shots from distance.
Adebayor, making his European debut for Arsenal, was heavily involved and went close with a blistering strike that eluded Turina but flew wide of the post.
The home team, playing in front of a capacity crowd, opened up Arsenal on several occasions, with Lukas Modric a real threat.
Modric, who is on a 10-year contract at Zagreb, troubled Arsenal with his direct running and clever touches.
The 20-year-old just missed the target after striking Etto's pull-back with his first touch and later opened up the Gunners defence, collecting a return pass before just shooting wide from a tight angle.
Manuel Almunia saved low to his left to deny Marijan Buljat, while Modric struck the ball wide with a shot across goal under pressure from Johan Djourou.
Dinamo enjoyed a spell of possession after the break and an early ball from the influential Modric released Eduardo, who took his shot early but failed to find the target, while Van Persie forced a scrambling save from Turina with another effort from distance.
But Arsenal's patience in possession was finally rewarded when Van Persie controlled a Hleb pass with his first touch and laid the ball off for Fabregas to score with a precise finish.
Within a minute Arsenal had doubled their advantage, Van Persie collecting Hleb's superb long ball forward before slotting a shot across Turina, who should have got at least a hand to the low strike.
Modric almost pulled a goal back before Fabregas showed great control in dribbling the ball into the Zagreb area before scoring with a shot across goal.
It could have been even worse for Zagreb but Turina saved with his feet from Mathieu Flamini.
Dinamo Zagreb: Turina, Buljat, Cale (Santos Carlos 93), Nowotny, Corluka, Cvitanovic, Etto, Modric, Eduardo, Mamic, Vugrinec (Aglic 27).
Subs not used: Anderson Costa, Drpic, Ljubojevic
Booked: Cale
Arsenal: Almunia, Eboue, Toure, Hoyte, Djourou, Fabregas, Gilberto, Hleb, Rosicky (Flamini 82), Van Persie, Adebayor (Aliadiere 82).
Subs not used: Poom, Cygan, Traore, Song, Reyes.
Booked: Hoyte, Hleb
Goals: Fabregas 63, 79, Van Persie 64
Att: 28,500
Referee: Kyros Vassaras (Greece)
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Arsenal captain Thierry Henry says it will be a "massive" blow to the club if the Gunners sell defender Ashley Cole.
Henry likened the potential departure of the 25-year-old - who has repeatedly been linked with a move to Chelsea - to last season's exit of Patrick Vieira.
"The loss of Vieira to Juventus was massive - like it would be if Ashley goes," Henry told The Sun newspaper.
The Gunners are also facing the loss of Spanish winger Jose Reyes, 22, who is linked with a £10m move to Real Madrid.
Cole did not travel with Arsenal for their Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb - which the Gunners won 3-0 - while Reyes was left on the bench.
"If Cole joins Chelsea, we'll be trying to catch a team and giving them one of our best assets - it would be difficult to take" ~ Thierry Henry
That means both players are still eligible to play for another club in this season's competition, which will boost their transfer value.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said he was keen to sort out Cole's future within the next week, but Henry said he had reservations about selling the England international to one of Arsenal's Premiership rivals.
"Obviously we want him to stay. He is one of the best left-backs in the world. We would miss him badly," Henry said.
"We already have injuries to Gael Clichy and Philippe Senderos. We have a lot of players out.
"I don't know anything about the situation with Chelsea.
"But if he goes there it will look like we are trying to catch a team at the same time as giving them one of our best assets. It would be difficult to take."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has denied that the two players' Gunners careers are over.
He admitted on Tuesday that he left Jose Reyes out of his team to face Dinamo Zagreb because the winger was "unsettled" - but insisted he was "confident" of keeping the Spaniard.
And he has said the Gunners had plans in place if Cole left.
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On Tuesday night, Francesc Fabregas wore Arsenal’s No 4 shirt for the first time in a competitive match. The 19-year-old Spaniard, playing his 100th game for the Club, marked the occasion by scoring twice against Dinamo Zagreb.
Afterwards he explained the two players who inspired him to take that particular shirt.
“One reason I’m now wearing the No 4 shirt is because Pep Guardiola was my favourite player growing up,” he said. “I wanted to be like him when I was younger but now I realise I am a different type of player to him.
“It is also a big test from me wearing this shirt because it was Patrick’s shirt. He was a great player for Arsenal and one day I would like to be like him.
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on the result
"It is a big step for qualification, but we want to finish the job at home. We mastered well our passing and physically were quite sharp. Our main problem was mental. We had not to get frustrated and keep passing and wait for opportunity to score - that is what we did. I expected to suffer in the second half but the work we did in the first half paid off."
on Dinamo’s tactics
"They surprised me because they played with five defenders, four midfielders and one striker and tried to catch us on the break. We had to adapt. It nearly worked in the first half because they were dangerous. For us it was a question not to be frustrated. We had a lot of possession without really being dangerous. They defended very intelligently. It was a question of do we make the fatal mistake or are we patient enough to find our chances and stick to our game? That was the poker game tonight. It went for us because we mastered our collective and our team play."
on the youth of the side
"We had a very young team out and that shows this team is full of promise because they are not scared to play. You take the average of our team tonight and you can only say it is amazing how these guys master the technical, tactical side but the stressful side of these games. There was a lot at stake and nerves-wise we dealt well with the problems we faced."
on Cesc Fabregas
"He is only 19 and just looks like he has grown again. He is already a hell of a midfielder but if he starts scoring goals... when he was a young boy he was scoring goals. When you are between 17 and 19 it is a bit more difficult but you know he has that in the locker. When he adds physical strength to the rest of his game then you know he will score goals."
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The decision to omit Jose Antonio Reyes from the starting XI at Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday night will have sent conspiracy theorists into a frenzy.
The 22-year-old striker has been linked with a move to Real Madrid recently and, if you believe the newspapers, a deal was more likely if the Spaniard was not cup-tied in the Champions League. However Arsène Wenger denied that was the reason behind his decision to play Tomas Rosicky on the left flank after earlier saying the Czech midfielder would start the game on the bench.
"I felt Tomas was ready physically to play,” said the manager. “Reyes, with all the noises made about his transfer with Real Madrid, had been unsettled. I did not think he had the right concentration to play.
"I just considered tonight's game and the fact he will be cup-tied or not did not come into my mind.
"I played the team tonight which I thought had a good chance to win the game."
"I did not send a message out,” the manager told journalists in his post-match press conference. “You do that. I pick the team out with a good chance to win and we won 3-0 tonight. You can take all the conclusions you want. I consider the game and the way we could win, selling Reyes or not selling Reyes. I have not picked him before for games.
"You cannot see behind every decision I make [whether it is] to transfer players. Remember, I extended the contract of Reyes last year. So yes I am confident he will stay.”
For god sake Arsene, Ribery wants to come to us just give him a bid and let him come :pray: :pray: :pray:
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Arsène Wenger has steadfastly denied making a bid for anyone, including Franck Ribery.
The 23-year-old Marseille winger is the latest name to be linked with a move to Arsenal. For the second time in two days, Wenger has utterly refuted suggestions he was tracking the French World Cup star.
“I can say one thing,” he said after the 3-0 victory at Dinamo Zagreb. “I have not made a bid for Frank Ribery, I categorically deny that. I have not made a bid for anybody. So I can say 'no' for every name you put forward.
“Will I? Frankly, I do not know. It depends if somebody goes or not but even if somebody goes it is not sure I will make a bid for anybody. If you look at the players we have left at home tonight it is quite impressive - Henry, Ljungberg, Walcott.
"I am not going to add players to the team just to be spectacular.”
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Gilberto has called on his side to keep their concentration for the second leg of the Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb.
The Croatian side travel to Emirates Stadium on August 23 with an arduous 3-0 deficit to overcome. It would take something highly unusual for Arsenal not to make the group stage now but the Brazilian remains cautious.
“The first leg was important for us because we have an advantage, but it is not time to relax,” he said. “We will go back home and concentrate on what we have to do in the second game.”
Gilberto was the captain in Croatia on Tuesday night and, as one of the most experienced players in the squad, believes the team is in better shape than ever because of the young talent Arsene Wenger has at his disposal.
“I think this season they will improve a lot because they have more experience,” said the 29-year-old. “It is a bit too early now to say too many things, but they have a hunger inside them to improve and help the team.”
Reyes has made it clear that he doesn't want to move but as you can see the media like talking.
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Arsenal winger Jose Antonio Reyes hopes to tie up a move to Real Madrid "as soon as possible".
Talks between the two clubs about the 22-year-old are believed to be ongoing.
"Me and my family are somewhat tense at the moment and want to make sure things don't collapse," Reyes told Spanish newspaper AS.
"I want things to be sorted out as soon as possible and I will have my mobile turned on all day on Wednesday in case there are any important calls."
The Spain international added that he was "optimistic things will work out well in the end".
"The fact he will be cup-tied did not come into my mind" ~ Arsene Wenger
Reyes was an unused substitute for Arsenal's 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League qualifying round on Tuesday, increasing speculation that he will leave the club.
Had he played in the match, Reyes would have been ineligible to play in European competition for any other club this season.
"I don't know if Wenger thought I was ready, but maybe he thought I was too distracted to play," Reyes told AS.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said he left Reyes out of his team because the winger was "unsettled" and not because of his prospective move to Real.
"I feel Reyes, with all the noises made about his transfer with Real Madrid, has been unsettled," Wenger said.
"I don't think he had the right concentration. The fact he will be cup-tied did not come into my mind."
Asked whether he thought Reyes would still be with Arsenal when the transfer window closes, Wenger insisted: "I am confident, yes.
"I do not send messages out. I send a good team out with chance to win. You can take all the conclusions you want.
"You cannot see behind every decision I make (whether it is) to transfer players."
Earlier on Tuesday, Reyes' agent Rodriguez de Moya told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope: "If he plays it will complicate the move.
"Real Madrid do not want to invest a large sum in a player who cannot play in the Champions League."
Reports in Spain suggest there was contact between Real Madrid and Arsenal about the player on Monday.
De Moya added: "It appears that the clubs have begun talking and we are waiting to see if they reach an agreement.
"It's an open secret that Jose Antonio wants to play for Real Madrid.
"He is very happy at Arsenal because they have treated him very well but he misses home and has always made that clear."
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Arsenal.com's International Watch reports back to base on those who have temporarily swapped the red of Arsenal for the colours of their national sides. Read on for the latest call-ups...
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Theo Walcott, Justin Hoyte England U-21 v Moldova U-21, August 15
Theo Walcott and Justin Hoyte have been named in the England Under-21 squad for a European Championship qualifier against Moldova on August 15.
Despite being called up to the full England squad for the World Cup in Germany, Walcott has yet to feature in an Under-21 international. That is likely to change at Portman Road next Tuesday. Hoyte, who started at left back in Zagreb earlier this week, has won eight caps at Under-21 level.
England's second qualifier is against Switzerland on September 6 in Luzern. If England win their three-team group they will progress to a two-leg play-off in October against one of the other 13 group winners. The eight-nation European Championship finals take place in June 2007 in the Netherlands.
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Emmanuel Adebayor Togo v Ghana, August 15
Emmanuel Adebayor has been selected by Togo to play in a friendly match against Ghana at Griffin Park, Brentford on August 15.
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Gilberto Norway v Brazil, August 16
Gilberto has been selected for Brazil's match against Norway on August 16 in Oslo
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Robin van Persie Republic of Ireland v Holland, August 16
Robin van Persie has been provisionally selected for Holland's friendly game against the Republic of Ireland. The game takes place in Dublin on August 16.
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Johan Djourou Liechtenstein v Switzerland, August 16
Johan Djourou has been selected for Switzerland's friendly match against Liechtenstein on August 16 at the Rheinpark Stadium, Liechtenstein
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Alex Hleb Belarus A v Andorra A, August 16
Alex Hleb has been selected to play for Belarus A against Andorra A in Belarus on August 16.
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Tomas Rosicky Czech Republic v Serbia, August 16
Tomas Rosicky has been selected to play in the Czech Republic's home match against Serbia on August 16.
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Thierry Henry Bosnia-Herzegovina v France, August 16
Thierry Henry has been provisionally selected for France's friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Sarajevo on August 16.
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Mart Poom Estonia v Macedonia, August 16
Mart Poom has been selected to play in Estonia's match against FYR Macedonia on August 16.
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Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue Ivory Coast v Senegal, August 16
Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue have been provisionally selected for Ivory Coast's friendly match against Senegal on August 16.
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Jens Lehmann Germany v Sweden, August 16
Jens Lehmann has been called up by Germany for an international friendly match against Sweden on August 16.
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Anthony Stokes Greece U-21 v Ireland U-21, August 16
Anthony Stokes has been called up to the Republic of Ireland's Under-21 squad for their UEFA Under-21 European Championship qualifying match against Greece. The match takes place in Athens on August 16.
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Those who pitched up at Meadow Park last Friday were lucky enough to witness one of the most welcome sights of Arsenal’s pre-season - the low-key return to action of Ryan Garry.
Since making an impressive first-team debut in May 2003, the talented defender has been blighted by a long-term shin injury. He was raring to go this time last year after a lengthy rehabilitation, but another setback restricted Garry to just two appearances in 2005/06.
Hopefully it will be a different story this season. Garry was given a vigorous 90-minute workout as an Arsenal XI beat Boreham Wood and, like everyone else, Reserve team manager Neil Banfield is keeping his fingers crossed that the 22-year-old can finally fulfil his obvious potential.
"Ryan has been right through the mill and he's shown good resilience and a fantastic attitude," Banfield told Arsenal.com. "We hope now that he's through it all and he can get over the next stage of his recovery which is the mental stage of playing.
"I think he worries every time he plays that the injury might flare up again but hopefully he'll be fine.
"Medically he's fine. As far as the medical team and doctors have said, he's got the green light to play. He came back at the start of last season but had a recurrence of his shin injury and had to go through a slow process of elimination to find out exactly what it was. They seem to have it under control now.
"Fingers crossed he'll be OK now because he's a smashing lad and has worked so hard, hopefully he'll have a good run now.
"The lads know he's been through so much that they all pull for him. They all wish him the best and have all helped him a long. The Club is like a family in that respect, they don't want someone to have to stop playing through an injury."
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Chelsea have broken off negotiations with Arsenal over the transfer of England left-back Ashley Cole.
"Our offer is an excellent offer for an excellent player. It's in their hands. They say no and no is no," said Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
"The offer went to the limit. The club does not move one single pound more and I completely agree with that."
Mourinho, who is believed to have offered £20m for Cole, insists William Gallas will not be part of any deal.
"I haven't lost patience," added Mourinho, who also appeared to leave the door slightly ajar for the transfer to be revived.
"Ashley Cole is Arsenal's player and they have the power in their hands to say yes or no.
"We have been looking all the time at other players. When you try to sign a player, you can't think this is the only player in the world you can get. You have to look at some alternatives.
"Of course he was an important choice for us but I believe he was also an important choice for them and they probably want to keep him.
"You will have to ask Arsenal if it will happen now. If I sign another left-back. I only want one more left-back. I don't want two. But there is a chance it will happen."
"You will have to ask Arsenal if it will happen now" ~ Jose Mourinho speaking on Wednesday
The full statement from Stamford Bridge read: "Chelsea FC has been in discussions with Arsenal Football Club for some time over the possible transfer of Ashley Cole.
"Chelsea has made a very substantial offer for the player.
"Although discussions have continued, Arsenal's valuation of the player does not match Chelsea's and therefore no agreement can be reached in the current circumstances."
The saga of Cole's transfer to Chelsea started when the player was fined, along with Mourinho, for in June 2005 for meeting in a London hotel without Arsenal's knowledge.
Cole's relationship with the Gunners became strained and in promotional material for his new book the defender criticised the club for making him a "scapegoat" over the tapping-up affair.
Then this week Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, like his Chelsea counterpart Mourinho, said he wanted the saga resolved within the week.
"I do not know what will happen with Ashley Cole in the next few days, but for me certainly the deadline has come now to make a decision one way or the other," Wenger told BBC London on Monday.
"This week is the last limit I can expect something to happen."
It seems Cole could now start the season with Arsenal, however reluctantly.
The left-back, who played in last season's Champions League final and was an ever-present at the World Cup for his country, was left out of Arsenal's squad for Tuesday's match against Dinamo Zagreb.
Wenger insisted that was due to a lack of match fitness, rather than to avoid the player being cup-tied.
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Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas has given the club a boost by pledging his future to the North London side.
The Spanish international has been linked with a move away from Arsenal, with Real Madrid confirmed admirers of the midfield schemer.
Fabregas, who scored two goals in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb, insists he is happy at Arsenal despite the rumours of Real Madrid's interest.
"There was speculation about Real Madrid and me in the summer. They are a big club with a big history," said Fabregas.
"But I am an Arsenal player and they are also the club who believed in me since I was 16.
"I have to thank Arsene Wenger for all he has done for me."
Fabregas is hoping his compatriot Jose Antonio Reyes will follow his lead by snubbing the overtures of Real to stay at Arsenal.
Reyes is believed to be keen on a move to Madrid, but Fabregas is hoping the former Sevilla man stays in North London.
"We need players like Jose," insisted Fabregas.
"He is a very good guy, very intelligent, scores goals and makes a lot of assists."
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Real Madrid are confident of agreeing a deal with Arsenal for Jose Antonio Reyes.
The Spanish giants held talks with Arsenal in London on Wednesday in a bid to try and thrash out a transfer.
Reyes has indicated that he would be interested in a move to Real as he has never really settled in England.
Real are long-term admirers of the former Sevilla man and are trying to grant the player's wish of bringing him back to Spain.
The Bernabeu's sporting director Predrag Mijatovic met with Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein to discuss the move for Reyes.
Arsenal are thought to be holding out for €18 million (£12.1 million), while Real are only offering €15 million (£10.1 million).
Mijatovic is hopeful a compromise can be met to see Reyes make the move to the Spanish capital.
"We are optimistic and now the decision depends on Arsenal," said Mijatovic.
"After the meeting in London the positions are advanced."
Real coach Fabio Capello has confirmed his desire to bring in Reyes.
"Reyes would be an important player for us in my scheme for the team," said Capello.
Real have rejected the chance to include Julio Baptista in a possible swap deal.
Reports have suggested Real may offer Baptista to try and persuade Arsenal to sell Reyes, but they have now opted against involving the Brazilian in any deal.
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France winger Franck Ribery has pledged his future to Marseille, days after saying he wants to leave the club.
"I am a Marseille player and I'm happy to be here," said 23-year-old Ribery. "I feel great. I hope to have a good season at Marseille."
Ribery, linked with Manchester United and Arsenal, said earlier in the summer that he wanted to see his four-year contract out before changing his mind.
The midfielder has now changed his mind again following talks at the club.
Ribery, also linked with Lyon, added: "I have talked to (club's main shareholder) Mr Dreyfus and to president Mr Diouf.
"Our main goal now is to finish the season in the first three (in Ligue 1) to play in the Champions League next year."
Earlier this week Ribery said: "My wish is to leave Marseille. I want to play in the Champions League.
"The Marseille club officials know where I want to go and the club I wish to sign for also know it."
He added on French TV channel TF1: "My choice is made and I will not go back. Now both clubs have to reach an agreement."
Ribery played a key role as France reached the World Cup final before losing to Italy on penalties but Lyon have been chasing him for several months.
Speaking after his side had begun the new French league season with a 3-1 win over Nantes on Friday, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas confirmed his side were still interested in signing Ribery.
Aulas told Canal Plus: "He has always been a priority for us and everyone here hopes he will come."
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Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Emirates Stadium will host an International Friendly match between Brazil and Argentina on Sunday 3rd September 2006.
The match will kick off at 4pm and the Club is pleased to announce that Arsenal members will receive the exclusive first rights on purchasing tickets for this high profile fixture.
The forthcoming match will give football fans in the UK the chance to see some of the world’s greatest footballers in action. The Brazilian squad travelling to London is likely to feature key players such as Ronaldinho, Adriano, Kaka and Ronaldo, and of course our very own Gilberto. With the opposition line-up from Argentina set to include stars Messi, Riquelme, Mascherano and Saviola.
Argentina and Brazil have enjoyed a healthy rivalry since their first match in 1914 which Brazil won 3-0, and between them have won the World Cup a total of seven times.
The last time the two teams played each other was in Frankfurt during the Confederations Cup in June 2005, with Brazil triumphing 4-1. However, this match is the first time these two teams have ever played each other on English soil.
Arsenal Managing Director Keith Edelman said: “We are honoured to be hosting an international match between Brazil and Argentina at Emirates Stadium. It’s a complement to both our Club and our new stadium that we have been approached to stage such a high profile match between two of the most prestigious national teams in the world.
“I understand that both countries will be fielding their strongest possible line-ups and therefore we are all looking forward to witnessing a competitive match including many of the world’s best players.”
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Thierry Henry has the highest respect for title-favourites Chelsea but he will not enter the new season with his sights set on just second place.
Jose Mourinho’s side have won the Premiership title for the last two seasons and, if you believe the bookmakers, will make it a hat-trick this term after adding Andrei Shevchencko and Michael Ballack to an already impressive player roster at Stamford Bridge.
However two days after the end of last season, Henry pledged the rest of his top-level career to Arsenal. Therefore he is not prepared to just settle for the runners-up spot.
“No, no way,” said the 28-year-old after the suggestion was put to him. “At the start everyone is equal. I never begin something saying we are playing for second place. If you do, you might as well stop. A lot of teams have been in that situation. When Man United were winning the League people were saying 'we know who is going to win the league again'. But I do not start the season to finish second.
“Yes it has been hard for two years to compete with [Chelsea], and everyone is working - Liverpool, Tottenham and others — to try to catch them back. But the thing is they keep on buying quality players. They have the possibility to change and change and change when the game is not going so well.
“But you cannot look at them and feel sorry for yourself. You have to do with what you have and that is the way it is.
“You have to give them credit for winning back-to-back titles, we tried to do it but did not.
“People give them stick because they have money and all that. But any fans in the world if they were in the situation of Chelsea, they would not complain.
“When you are not in that situation, you can say 'ahh, it is too easy'. I do not think you can or should say that. You win the title on the pitch, even if you have 100 great players.
“I give them their respect, but in the end we are going to try to come at them and make sure we can bring the title here.”
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Neil Banfield will clock up plenty of miles this season as he keeps tabs on the Arsenal youngsters developing their games while out on loan.
Nicklas Bendtner has already earned rave reviews after a goal and two impressive performances for Birmingham. Sebastian Larsson and Fabrice Muamba are also settling in at St Andrews while Kerrea Gilbert is gaining valuable experience at Cardiff City.
So what are the benefits of heading out on loan rather than waiting for a first-team chance at Emirates Stadium? Banfield picks out Justin Hoyte as a shining example of how the system works.
"Justin was at Sunderland last season and it was a hard year for him," he told Arsenal.com. "They were fighting relegation and he had to battle week-in, week-out, and it gave him that steel. A loan spell can make them grow up and become mature men in football.
"If you see Justin now he is a totally different player, he's more tough because he's had that day-to-day fight for points. It's a big learning stage for young players."
The likes of Bendtner will be judged on their technical ability and physical strength in the rough-and-tumble of Championship football. But, as Banfield points out, there is another attribute which is central to a loan player's success.
"It's at the sharp end where you are playing for points, you have to win games, and it's also the mental side of getting up for games, Saturday to Wednesday, which is a big part of being a professional footballer.
"Getting up mentally for every game is very difficult. A lot of players get mentally tired, people don't really understand how tough it is, week-in, week-out, to get yourself up for these games."
Hoyte proved he could with a consistent season at the Stadium of Light. Now Banfield expects Bendtner, Larsson, Muamba and Gilbert to return to north London next year having made a valuable step forward.
"They all had a good year in the reserves and we thought they've got to an age where they need to play," said Banfield. "For the three lads at Birmingham, we felt that it was a really good club for them to go to. Steve Bruce is a terrific manager and hopefully they will do well for him.
"Steve [Bould] and I are going up there regularly. Part of our jobs is to monitor them while they're on loan. We watch their progression and report back to the manager. With Kerrea at Cardiff, the three lads at Birmingham and maybe others to come, we've got a few trips coming up this year."
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"It is strange to lose those guys but I'm still confident with what will happen here this season. There are new people, it's a new era at a new stadium and we have to move on."
Thierry Henry on some high-profile departures
Thierry Henry declared himself "rested, fit and ready to play" as he faced the media at Emirates Stadium on Thursday afternoon. A refreshed and relaxed Arsenal captain went on to reflect on last season and look forward to the challenges ahead. He talked about:
growing into the captaincy role
the departure of some experienced players
disappointments in Paris and Berlin
leading the team out at Emirates Stadium
his targets for the new season
the lack of speculation over his future
fellow Frenchman Franck Ribery
http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=409210&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=TV+Online:+Henry+on+a+new+season+at+a+new+ho me
hello is ashley cole to go to chesae liverpool win on wenday 2-1
Don't know mate, If Chelsea give us enough money they can have him if they don't then he can stay with us. Hes dug his grave talking behide are backs so now we ain't going to do him any favours
I like A Cole, hes supported Arsenal since he was a kid but now I donno maybe its got something to do with him getting married.
I want him to stay but stay beacuse he wants to not jus for the pay.
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"It was no problem for me because I like to learn new experiences. For me it is one of the best decisions I have made in my life."
Cesc Fabregas on settling in London
Cesc Fabregas reiterated his happiness at Arsenal and looked forward to the new season when he spoke to the media at Emirates Stadium on Thursday afternoon. The teenage midfielder spoke about:
the speculation surrounding Jose Antonio Reyes
competing with Chelsea in the Premiership
adding goals to his game
whether he is surprised at his rapid progress
why the No 4 shirt is important to him
his World Cup experiences
the departure of Sol Campbell
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Lauren could be back in action by the end of September as he nears the end of his recovery after knee surgery.
The 29-year-old went under the knife in January to cure a long-standing problem and has not played since. Emmanuel Eboue has emerged as a serious challenger to Lauren's right-back spot since the start of the year but Arsenal's former Cameroon international is confident of winning his place back.
"So far everything I have done is going well, the knee is responding well," he told Arsenal.com. "At the moment we are looking at probably one and a half months, two months maximum, until I can play again.
"Emmanuel is a very nice guy and I'm very happy for him because he's been fantastic. I feel proud because he's a young player and will keep improving in every part of his game. It will be difficult for me to get my place back but I am not worried."
Alexander Hleb
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Gilberto (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60094&clid=4421&cpid=703) is tipping Alexander Hleb (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=news&plid=60088&clid=4421&cpid=703) to be one of Arsenal's stars of the new season.
The Belarus midfielder arrived in north London last summer and, like many overseas imports, took time to adapt to a new position and the rigours of English football. After a bright start, Hleb's form tailed off and a spell on the sidelines left him struggling as the winter set in.
Then came the Champions League. Arsenal's European exploits were a launchpad for Hleb, who excelled in a five-man midfield and linked up superbly with Emmanuel Eboue on the right flank. Gilberto expects more of the same when the new campaign gets underway.
"Yes, I think we will see even better performances from him," said the Brazilian. "Sometimes when you have a problem, especially when you have just come to the country and you need to adapt to a new system and a new team, you need time.
"It was difficult for him in the beginning but now he's OK. I think this season for him will be much, much better. I think it will be better for him and for us as well. He looks stronger, more confident.
"Of course it is not just about Hleb needing time to adapt, it was difficult for us all at the start of last season and I think it would have been different for him if the team as a whole had been playing well, like we were maybe two years before.
"But now he has adapted and this could be a big season for him."
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Due to planned engineering works it will be necessary to close the Piccadilly Line from Cockfosters to Arnos Grove over the weekend of August 19 and 20. This may therefore cause disruption to some supporters travelling to the opening game at Emirates Stadium against Aston Villa.
While this closure will not interfere with the main routes and stations to the stadium, it is a concern for the people attending the game who park their cars at Cockfosters car park, and travel southbound down the Piccadilly line.
This may prove difficult for the opening weekend of the Premiership season as there is only a rail replacement bus operating between Cockfosters and Arnos which may struggle to accommodate the increased 'park and ride' traffic.
The bus replacement service will operate every eight minutes from Cockfosters to Wood Green. There will also be an eight-minute frequency service from Southgate to Wood Green.
Supporters should check their planned route before travelling to the game. Please visit www.tfl.gov.uk for more information.
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Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann has announced he plans to retire after the 2008 European Championships.
Lehmann established himself as Germany's number one and will end his career in Austria and Switzerland.
The Arsenal stopper told Kicker magazine: "At the age of 36 I am working up to the European Championships in two years time.
"Afterwards, I think that will be it, both with the German national team and as a professional player."
Lehmann has a year to run on his contract with the Gunners but hinted this could be his last season in London.
He added: "We will have to see how this season goes, whether I extend with Arsenal or not. I would still like to play another season in Germany."
Lehmann deposed Oliver Kahn as Germany's first-choice and the Bayern Munich keeper has also announced his retirement from international football.
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Cameroon defender Lauren says he does not expect a return to action for Arsenal until at least late September.
The 29-year-old right-back has been sidelined for the Premiership club since undergoing surgery in January to correct a long-term knee problem.
"So far everything I have done is going well, the knee is responding well," he told the London Evening Standard.
"At the moment it is probably one and a half or two months maximum until I can play again."
Lauren faces a fight for his customary right-back position following the fine form of his replacement, Ivory Coast international Emmanuel Eboue.
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Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, keeper Jens Lehmann and defender Emmanuel Eboue have all received nominations for the 2006 Uefa club football awards.
The Gunners trio are up for honours in their respective positions and are also shortlisted for the title of Uefa club footballer of the year 2006.
The coaches of the 16 Champions League knockout stage teams and members of the Uefa technical study group will vote.
Middlesbrough's Mark Viduka is up for the most valuable Uefa Cup player gong.
The awards are to be presented during the draw for the Uefa Champions League group stage in Monaco on 24 August.
The most valuable player of the Uefa Cup will be presented the following day during the draw for that competition.
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Arsenal winger Jose Antonio Reyes believes he is closing in on his "dream" move to Real Madrid.
Reyes, 22, did not play in Arsenal's win over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League and not being cup-tied has helped pave the way for the switch.
"My dream of wearing the Madrid shirt is growing ever nearer," he said. "It's hard to stay calm at a time like this.
"Madrid's offer cannot be turned down. Now all that is left is for the offer also to be good for Arsenal."
Reyes also paid tribute to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger for leaving him out of last week's Champions League squad.
"Wenger has acted like he exactly is - a gentleman" ~ Jose Antonio Reyes
"If I'd played in Zagreb it would have been very complicated. The boss was good," the Spaniard told The Sun newspaper.
"If Arsenal sell and Real buy then it was what he had to do.
"Wenger has acted like he exactly is - a gentleman. I want to thank him publicly for everything he is doing for me."
The foward has made no secret of his desire to leave the Gunners to move back to his native Spain.
Julio Baptista could move to Arsenal as part of the deal.
However, if Arsenal insist on a straight cash deal they are thought to want £16m for Reyes, who joined them in January 2004 from Seville.
"The coach knows that I have had problems in adapting to the lifestyle in England," he added.
"If agreement isn't reached, it will be bad for Arsenal and for me."
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Jens Lehmann (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60081&clid=4421&cpid=703) says Arsenal have unfinished business in the Champions League and he aims to replicate last year’s run to the final in the coming campaign.
The German goalkeeper was as influential as anyone as the Gunners stormed past Real Madrid, Juventus and Villarreal on their way to a showpiece final against Barcelona in Paris last season.
But that ill-fated night in the French capital, which saw Lehmann sent off for a professional foul after just 17 minutes and Arsenal lose 2-1, has left the 36-year-old more determined than ever to lift club football’s biggest prize.
“Of course if you don’t win it, it’s unfinished [business],” he said.
“But all of the teams, at one stage, will have disappointment during the season. Only one team can win the Champions League, one team can win the World Cup — so all the other teams will be disappointed. I hope that we will go further this year.”
Despite that heart-breaking defeat to the Primera Liga champions, Lehmann says he enjoyed his football last season — especially the road to Paris — and the desire to do likewise this term motivates him.
“I’ve enjoyed the football,” he said. “Especially the World Cup and before [that], the time with Arsenal in the Champions League.
“I think it was a great time. Not only for the Club, for me as well. But you want to accomplish that again — to go to the finals. That’s my motivation for this year.”
Arsenal may have been a whisker away from being crowned European champions but their domestic form took a dive last year. Their fourth-placed finish in the Premiership was the first time Arsenal had ended a season outside the top two since the 1996/97 campaign. Lehmann insists that is an area they must improve on this term.
“Obviously we have to perform better than last season,” he said.
“I am confident but I know how difficult that’s going to be. Obviously we have to perform better than last season. Of course we had a very good European campaign but the domestic [form] wasn’t up to our standards and so we have to improve.”
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The first and last games of Johan Djourou’s (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60113&clid=4421&cpid=703) season in 2005/06 perfectly illustrate the progress he made.
The 19-year-old began the campaign at Underhill against West Ham’s Reserves on a mundane Monday night in August. He ended it marking Andriy Shevchenko as Switzerland played Ukraine in the last 16 of the World Cup
So what impact has the last 12 months had on his fledgling career?
“Being young, playing in the World Cup and doing well, I think that can give you a boost of confidence,” he said. “But now I’m back here, I’m trying to win my place.
“I’m really want to get as many games as I can because I think I did quite well. But now I’ll try to impress the Arsenal manager so he keeps me playing. I’m a footballer and I’m professional so I want to play every game.
“[But] it’s the manager’s decision. I’ll be happy if I’m on the bench. I’ll accept it because I’m young and I know I’ve got time.”
With compatriot Philippe Senderos also at the Club, Arsenal may have an all-Swiss central defence in years to come.
“It’s possible in the future yes but we have good players,” said Djourou. “Kolo Toure is an amazing player, we’ve got Philippe Senderos, we’ve got Pascal Cygan and me so perhaps in the future. At the moment it’s not going to be like that.”
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Arsenal’s first-team squad were at Emirates Stadium for their traditional photocall last week.
We asked each player two simple questions: what do they want for themselves this season and what do they want for Arsenal?
We’ll be showing four of these exclusive video interviews per day leading up to Saturday’s Premiership kick-off.
We kick off today with the first four clips, featuring Johan Djourou (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60113&clid=4421&cpid=703), Cesc Fabregas (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60090&clid=4421&cpid=703), Jeremie Aliadiere (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=62957&clid=4421&cpid=703) and Emmanuel Adebayor (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60764&clid=4421&cpid=703).
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Philippe Senderos (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60095&clid=4421&cpid=703) is in bullish mood with the start of the new Premiership campaign just a few days away.
Arsenal ended last season by securing fourth spot on the final day. It is something they are unaccustomed to having finished in the top two in each of Arsène Wenger’s previous eight full seasons at the Club. However Senderos says he and the team are improving all the time and they were boosted by their endeavours last season.
“I knew that year was going to be the year I had to step up,” said the 23-year-old. “I played more games, I played in the Champions League and that was great for my improvement.
“I want to continue that way. That’s why I’m working hard already in the gym to get back and have even more games than last year and to improve even more.”
“We didn’t discuss it but I think it’s in everyone’s minds, being fourth for us is kind of a disappointment because we know this football club has to be fighting for first.”
A shoulder injury picked up at the World Cup in Germany will sideline Senderos until October. But even when fit, the Swiss centre back is not taking his place in the Arsenal starting line-up for granted.
“We know that we’ve got other quality players at the Club,” he said. “We all have to fight to get a place. That’s what’s good at this Club — that there’s competition. We all fight for our places and that’s positive for the team.”
“The fact that we finished fourth was a disappointment. I think we had a little dip around September and we came back very strong at the end.
“That’s only positive and can only bring us together for the new season.”
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Arsenal Football Club bids farewell to its Charity of the Season, the David Rocastle Trust, this week as the Gunners announce the partnership has raised just over £150,000.
The Trust, an initiative founded in memory of the Arsenal legend affectionately known as ‘Rocky’, who lost his battle to cancer in 2001 at the age of just 33, proved a popular cause amongst Arsenal fans who contributed to the season’s partnership in a variety of ways.
The initiative saw many exciting awareness and fund raising events during Arsenal’s final season at Highbury including Arsenal legend, Michael Thomas’ Flora London Marathon run in aid of the trust, football tournaments held in Rocky’s name and proceeds from the Highbury Auction contributing to the final total.
Arsenal’s match against Aston Villa on 1st April was dedicated to ‘Rocky’ and amongst a whole host of fundraising activities, a rousing minute’s applause was held by everyone inside Arsenal Stadium before kick-off. This event was followed up a month later with the Arsenal Charity Ball which hosted legends, including Ian Wright, who paid tribute to David Rocastle and helped raise over £60,000 for good causes including the Charity of the Season.
The charity was established to assist David’s family, support community projects in ‘Rocky’s’ name and assist nominated charities, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and Cancer Research UK.
The final chapter in the partnership came earlier this month as Arsenal announced that its indoor sports facility at Hale End in Walthamstow was to be named after David Rocastle, a befitting legacy as 'Rocky' himself came through the youth ranks at Arsenal, alongside players including Michael Thomas and Martin Keown.
Speaking of the partnership and at the opening of the ‘David Rocastle Indoor Centre’ Arsène Wenger said: "David is fondly remembered by everyone at Arsenal as a true professional, and it is nice to have something with us as a daily reminder of what he did for the Club. I'm sure his memory and achievements will be an inspiration to our young players starting their careers just as Rocky did in the Arsenal Academy."
Arsenal looks forward to welcoming its new Charity of the Season partner, the Willow Foundation, as it embarks upon its first season at Emirates Stadium.
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Emmanuel Adebayor (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60764&clid=4421&cpid=703) believes Thierry Henry (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60089&clid=4421&cpid=703) is the best striker in the world and hopes the Frenchman will be named Footballer of the Year for a record fourth time this season.
The Togolese striker, who himself netted four times in 12 starts for the Gunners following his arrival from Monaco in January, says Henry’s renowned quality can be seen in his consistency.
“For five years he’s scored more than 20 goals every season,” said Adebayor. “Normally good strikers have to score 15 goals but he always scores [at least 20]. So it’s easy to understand that he’s the best striker in the world.
“I hope that this year he’s going to win the English Footballer [of the Year] award again.
“I hope so for him because he’s a very cool guy. The way he behaves as a striker - he knows when to score, he knows when to make a pass. He can put the ball in the net from anywhere and for a striker that’s very special.”
If Henry’s contribution is goals and Robin van Persie’s (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60086&clid=4421&cpid=703) is technique, then Adebayor believes he can offer something slightly different to Arsène Wenger’s forward line.
“I think what I can bring is a little bit of running and a little bit in the air,” said the World Cup star. “They don’t have big forwards like me who can jump high and are not so bad in the air.
“I think that’s only what I can bring different because, technically, I think Thierry is very good and Van Persie is amazing touching the ball.”
Clearly, Adebayor is delighted his captain ended months of speculation by signing a new four-year contract at the Club in May. And he says Henry’s presence in the line-up could be the deciding factor when the new season starts on Saturday.
“With Thierry Henry, we know that we have a better team,” said the 21-year-old.
“Without him we have a good side but it would be really difficult to beat a lot of teams. It’s a big chance for us that he’s here [and] hopefully he’s going to score a lot of goals for us. He is going to be decisive.”
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Arsenal.com's International Watch reports back to base on those who have temporarily swapped the red of Arsenal for the colours of their national sides. Read on for the latest call-ups...
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Freddie Ljungberg (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=News&plid=60083&clid=4421&cpid=703) wants his side to “get stuck in” more this season.
The 29-year-old midfielder feels Arsenal dropped too many points over the tough winter months last term. But, as Arsène Wenger’s young side began to mature, they literally found their feet. It came at the right time for Europe but, in the Premiership, Arsenal were already off the pace.
"If you look back to last season we had momentum going into the Spring when we reached the Champions League Final,” said Ljungberg. “That's what we must take into the new season now.
“I hope we've learned from the winter months that we have to get our foot stuck in sometimes. We were not that good at it and, in the winter period, we lost a lot of points.
"When we had nice surfaces we played really well. But it was a new team and it took a bit of time together to get to know each other and how we wanted to play.
“If we put that right this time we can do very well this season.”
Ljungberg is likely to miss the season’s opener on Saturday. His ankle injury will keep him out for only a short while after that but he will not be rushing his recovery.
"It's going OK,” he said. “I'm training harder and harder. It's been [going] slowly, slowly but, so far so good. We'll see how it progresses. We don't want to rush the injury as we could suffer a set-back so it's better to be careful and ensure that I'm totally fit for the rest of the season."
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Thierry Henry claims he has no regrets over remaining at Arsenal and feels The Gunners have the talent in their ranks to challenge for honours.
The France star signed a new long-term deal with Arsenal this summer, after agonising over his future in North London for the best part of a year.
Europe's biggest hitters were linked with Henry, but he chose to remain in London and the striker is happy with the decision.
"I said if I did wait that long leaving was maybe on my mind but you have to understand and be in my position, when you go out there it was so difficult to leave. I just love the club, as simple as that," Henry told Reuters.
Chelsea have held sway in The Premiership for the last two seasons and Henry has great respect for The Blues, but he is looking for Arsenal to mount a stiff challenge this term.
"We have to do what we can to catch them," he said.
"People just link Chelsea with money, but they have won the league back to back because they are a good team.
"They play well as a team, they fight for each other."
Arsenal found their form towards the end of the last campaign and Henry is looking for The Gunners to take that momentum into the new campaign.
"Some players left obviously but we have a lot of young talent," said Henry. "Trying to do the same run in the Champions League won't be easy but we have the anger to go back there again and the desire.
"Since that (Champions League quarter final) win at Madrid you saw another Arsenal team, the way we finished the season and the way we had that run in the Champions League was amazing so I think we can carry on like that."
Arsene Wenger has a number of promising youngsters pressing for places and Swiss defender Johan Djourou is eager to prove his quality.
With Philippe Senderos injured and Sol Campbell having moved on, there is a spot alongside Kolo Toure up for grabs and Djourou is ready to take on the role.
"I really want to get as many games as I can - but now I will try to impress the Arsenal manager so he keeps me playing," stated the 19-year-old.
"I am a professional, so I want to play every game. it is the manager's decision.
"I will be happy if I am on the bench. I will accept it because I am young and I know I have got time."
More Info > [B]Here (http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=410104&CPID=8&clid=3&lid=&title=Henry+happy+with+decision) <
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Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor believes it may be best for Jose Antonio Reyes to leave the Premiership side after his repeated declarations that he is keen on a move to Real Madrid.
The Spanish forward appears to have his heart set on a move back to his homeland, insisting on Tuesday that his 'dream' transfer to the Bernabeu was drawing ever closer.
Reyes has never managed to settle in London since his record move from Sevilla in January 2004 and has frequently been linked with Los Merengues whilst failing to fully shine for The Gunners.
Transfer speculation has hit overdrive this summer and it seems there is no doubt that the tricky forward wants out of The Emirates Stadium.
His Togolese team-mate Adebayor has now admonished Reyes for his public courting of Real, whilst stating it may be best for Arsene Wenger's side's team spirit if the 22-year-old returns home.
"The most important thing in life is family, I understand that," Adebayor told The Sun.
"But he is an Arsenal player and should not be talking about other teams.
"Maybe he should just go so we can all move on.
"Jose looks happy in training, he laughs and jokes and gets on well with the other players.
"But I think his family don't like England and that's why he wants to leave.
"Maybe his family have put pressure on him but in that case he should go because we don't need unhappy players bringing down our spirit."
Gunners left back Ashley Cole could be joining Reyes in leaving the side should London rivals Chelsea up their offer for the England international, but Adebayor is not concerned about Arsenal losing one of their star performers to the reigning champions.
With Gael Clichy, Mathieu Flamini and Justin Hoyte in contention to fill in for Cole should he sever his ties with his boyhood club, Adebayor believes The Gunners' future is in safe hands.
Moreover, the Togo striker is convinced that despite Chelsea's continued spending Arsenal will still challenge strongly in the coming season even if they neglect to enter the transfer market before the end of August.
"If Ashley goes to Chelsea it will make them stronger, but I don't think it will make us any weaker," Adebayor added.
"We have lots of quality young players ready to take over, I trust Arsene Wenger and the quality of the squad.
"Of course it would be nice if a few more world class players came to Arsenal, but we showed last season by getting to the final of the Champions League that we can cope.
"Chelsea have a lot of good players but so do we.
"They have Ballack but we have Fabregas, they have Shevchenko but we have Henry and he is the best player in the world.
"We are great individually and collectively.
"If we play like we know we can, I am sure we can beat them."
Another Gunners star keen to downplay Chelsea's supremacy is goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, with the German international stating that Roman Abramovich's side cannot yet consider themselves a 'big club'.
Jose Mourinho has led the London outfit to two successive titles, but Lehmann believes the weight of history still favours their Premiership rivals.
"Chelsea are not a big club," said Lehmann.
"Those clubs are still Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal.
"Chelsea just try to become like them.
"Chelsea have bought names and that will raise the pressure on them, so we'll see how they deal with it."
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Will you be a Gunner Getaway winner?
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Emirates Airline today launched its ‘Gunner Getaway with Emirates’ promotion for the 2006/7 Premiership season.
‘Gunner Getaway’ will see Emirates Airline give two lucky Arsenal Season Ticket holders each an Economy Class return flight to any destinations on the Airline’s extensive network such as Sydney, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg and Mauritius. Two tickets will be given away at every Premiership match played at Emirates Stadium during the 2006/07 season.
The promotion marks the Club’s first season at Emirates Stadium and celebrates the beginning of the airline’s 15 year partnership with Arsenal.
With such a great prize on offer, Arsenal fans could have a double reason to celebrate every home game at the state-of-the-art Emirates Stadium this season.
The lucky winners will be drawn at random from all eligible Season Ticket holders by an Arsenal representative. The winners will be announced at half time by a first team squad member via the two giant screens, the 450 LCD screens and the LED perimeter boards in Emirates Stadium.
The prize is from any of Emirates’ UK departure points (London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow) and is valid for a year from the date of issue. Terms and conditions apply (http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=410211&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Gunner+Getaway+promotion+takes+off+at+Emirat es)
Arsène Wenger
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Arsenal’s first-team squad were at Emirates Stadium for their traditional photocall last week.
We asked each player two simple questions: what do they want for themselves this season and what do they want for Arsenal?
We’re showing four of these exclusive video interviews each day leading up to Saturday’s Premiership kick-off.
Today, subscribers can find out what Manuel Almunia, Justin Hoyte, Pascal Cygan and the manager, Arsène Wenger, had to say about the new season. You can also watch any interviews you might have missed - just click on the links to the right.
If you not already subscribe to TV Online, click on the red panel in the gold box on the right to join. (http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=410002&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=TV+Online:+Wenger+-+My+goals+for+the+2006/07+season)
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Kolo Toure has sounded out a battle cry by declaring Arsenal can catch Chelsea in The Premiership.
The Gunners endured a lacklustre last domestic campaign and finished 24 points behind The Blues in the title race.
Their Premiership travails were a stark contrast to the team's form on the continent as Arsene Wenger's side reached the final of the UEFA Champions League.
The European exploits belied the relative inexperience of the team, with the 25-year-old Toure often the oldest head in defence.
Toure is confident the Arsenal players are now more mature and in a position to mount a challenge to Chelsea's crown.
"I am definitely the old man in this team, but we have a big squad and the younger players are doing very well," said Toure.
"The best thing for Arsenal is that we do not only have one player, we have a lot of players who are improving, and we saw that in the World Cup.
"We have a lot of players who are more mature now.
"When you see the run in the Champions League, you can see that if we are really, really focused on The Premiership, then we can do it.
"We can catch Chelsea, we have the squad and ambition.
"We have to do better this season.
"The fact that we went so far in the Champions League helped us to be better in The Premiership.
"Now we have another season, so we need to be really strong in The Premiership and to see if we can repeat things in the Champions League."
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Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has revealed that he played through the pain barrier at the World Cup and that he has yet to fully recover from the fitness problems he experienced in Germany.
The 36-year-old and his German team-mates have been embroiled in a row with their national federation over free choice of football boots, with the DFB having ordered their players to wear only those manufactured by principal sponsor Adidas during the World Cup.
The players are set to get their way and will be allowed to wear their own boots for the Euro 2008 qualifiers, but Lehmann is still far from happy.
"After one week of practice (with the Germany team back in May) I had physical problems and played the full World Cup with them," Lehmann said.
"I still have problems right now.
"At the end of the day nobody can tell you what it is but the only thing that was different from my club were the boots and that is not acceptable at all.
"I don't have to reveal my problems but I have had massive problems during the World Cup.
"It is getting better right now but never again will I agree to play in a different product than I do at Arsenal."
Lehmann also declared that Arsenal bosses were furious about the whole situation.
"The club also says if you return with problems from the national team and the only difference is the shoes then we have to reconsider whether you can still go there," he commented.
"Arsenal are interested in having their players return healthy from the World Cup.
"If you have to play with different boots during the World Cup - or again next month in the qualifier - and then have problems, that is not acceptable at all."
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Derby County are closing in on the loan signing of Arsenal starlet Arturo Lupoli, and the Italian youngster could even arrive at Pride Park in time for Saturday's game against Norwich.
The 19-year-old hot-shot has been on the wish-list of a number of Championship sides after scoring a remarkable 18 goals in 16 reserve appearances for The Gunners last season, and Rams boss Billy Davies appears to have trumped rivals West Brom and Preston for his signature.
The Scot views Lupoli as the perfect strike partner for burly summer signing Steve Howard with his poacher's mentality and deft forward play, and is hopeful a loan deal can be clinched before Derby host The Canaries on Saturday.
"It's looking quite positive," Davies told the Evening Telegraph.
"He is a natural finisher, he has great pace and I see him as a foil for the big man, Steve Howard."
Lupoli will join a familiar face should he move to Pride Park, as former Arsenal reserve team-mate Ryan Smith has already joined the Championship side over the summer.
However, one player who will not be joining Derby is Rangers defender Bob Malcolm, with Davies denying having any interest in the Scottish stopper.
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Midfielder Gilberto believes Arsenal must start well if they are going to transfer their European form into The Premiership this season.
The 29-year-old Brazilian was a member of the Gunners side which so nearly conquered the continent last term.
Arsenal were defeated in their first ever UEFA Champions League final, but domestically they endured their worst season since 1997, only sneaking into fourth place on the last game of the season.
While coach Arsene Wenger has allowed Sol Campbell and Robert Pires to depart from that side, the Samba star still thinks his team have the quality to succeed.
"Although we didn't win any trophies last season, we finished the season holding our heads high. Our players were Europe's second-best team," Gilberto told the Star.
"We feel we proved to a lot of people who criticised us that this group of players love what they do.
"Now people have got to give this group more credit. We'll work twice as hard this season to make our supporters happy and our detractors sad.
"We can't come out of the blocks as slowly as we did last season because you get punished in a competition like The Premiership."
While the Emirates Stadium outfit have brought in talented players like Tomas Rosicky to strengthen the squad, the futures of Jose Antonio Reyes and Ashley Cole remain a matter for speculation.
But Gilberto knows how hard the loss of such quality would hit the squad and fears it could even scupper the North Londoners' hopes of adding consistency to their form in the top flight.
"It wouldn't be easy to lose a guy like Ashley," Gilberto added.
"We'd struggle a bit without a player as classy as him."
Arsenal will have their first chance to prove their doubters wrong when they kick off the new campaign at home to Aston Villa on Saturday.
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Over the years of recording my thoughts I have usually started with a piece covering our pre-season action both domestically and on an international front. Never before have I put pen to paper to record events surrounding such an important match in early August! A disaster in Croatia’s capital was simply unthinkable. A text from my father shortly after the final whistle consisted of two words and for me described our performance on the night perfectly, “Different Class”.
Although it’s little more than a couple of months back, the week that saw us bravely go down in Paris and Thierry announcing his desire to stay seems absolutely ages ago.
The relatively disappointing spectacle that was the World Cup was no surprise to me. Don’t get me wrong, like all football fans I was looking forward to the whole event but for me June and early July are my few weeks to get away from the sport we all love. I saw many of the games on the TV, to be fair I’d watch a match from the Azerbaijan Second Division rather than watch Eastenders or Big Brother, but I have never been able to get the same enthusiasm or enjoy the same emotions as I do when following the Arsenal. I find it almost impossible to be giving grief to the likes of Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney one week, yet enthusiastically support them the next! I’m sure many of you know exactly what I mean.
Of course, I am English and I wanted England to win the World Cup. Before a ball was kicked however, I was convinced we weren’t good enough and with the sometimes unbelievable hype creating the kind of national expectancy that can only lead to too much pressure, our demise in the quarter-finals seemed pretty much inevitable.
Seeing Tomas Rosicky smash one in from 25 yards and then run through and take his second with aplomb, coupled with Cesc, Jens and Philippe’s fantastic performances for Spain, Germany and Switzerland respectively were the highlights for me, supporting my whole opinion on the club or country debate I suppose.
TV footy asides my summer sporting fixes came with what has become an annual trip to Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium to enjoy the nightlife and simply fantastic occasion that is the British Speedway Grand Prix. Even if it’s a sport that you don’t enjoy or even fancy, believe me it is an event that is well worth attending. An England one-day international against Sri Lanka at The Oval saw one of the defeats in our five-nil drubbing and a relaxing fourth day of the Lords Pakistan test match concluded my ‘alternative’ sporting enjoyment.
An eye opening evening at ‘School Disco.com’ in Hammersmith for BJ’s stag do followed by his wedding a fortnight later and a night at the Astoria to see South African band ‘Live’ in concert pretty much completed my summer activities along with my annual holiday with the ‘trouble and strife’ where we took a week to walk the 70 mile perimeter of the Isle of Wight raising money for the Willow Foundation followed by a week near Puerto Banus in southern Spain to rest the legs.
Barnet away has almost become the game that signals the start of our annual pre-season preparations and this year’s Saturday in mid-July began a mini adventure that took in Austria and Holland before our performance in Croatia provided perfect confirmation that all the hard work had been tweaked and fine tuned to perfection.
Our new home - Members Day 20th July 2006
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Players have a run in their new surroundings
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In all its glory for DB10's testimonial
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In our season ticket seats!
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Dennis waves goodbye
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Enjoying the refreshments in Mattersburg
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Players line up pre-match
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We're certainly ready for the off!
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The players listen to the boss in training
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The boss checks his watch
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The welcoming sign at the training ground
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Gilberto gives us the thumbs up
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The boss returns from training on his bicycle!
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The tour reaches Schwadorf
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Players line just before the 8-1 victory
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Action in Schwadorf
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Alkmaar's DSB stadium
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Players come out pre-match
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The funicular to the old town in historic Zagreb
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Approaching the stadium!
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The flag in place, P.M.T. sets in
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The players come out into the white hot atmosphere
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Over the years we seem to knock up a cricket score against Barnet or the game finishes nil-nil. It is perhaps more than a coincidence that those matches lacking goals have been years where the majority of our squad have been still enjoying their summer break. In all honesty however, it was a game that could have finished 6-1. There was plenty of good football on show from our young team but we lacked that cutting edge in front of goal that match fitness gives you. An enjoyable day in the sunshine nonetheless and a game that gives you that bug to start our travels all over again!
To celebrate (like we needed an excuse) in the evening we had arranged a surprise party to celebrate the 65th birthday of one of our elder Maidstone Gooners ‘Treble Top’. It seemed fitting after a season where he had joined me for every single one of our matches, home and away including pre-season and Europe. It proved to be an extremely entertaining night..........and the old boy doesn’t look a day over 64!
We have all watched on as our new home has taken shape, be it through the pictures available on line or in the media or by seeing it ‘in the flesh’. Walking round the corner from Highbury the sheer size and design hits you like an express train. The Thursday after Barnet gave some of us the opportunity to take a closer look for the first time at the ‘Members Day’.
If we are honest, watching the players being put through their paces in a short training session wasn’t a particularly enthralling spectacle but it was a couple of hours where it was all about getting a sneak preview of our new home. Walking up the steps and into the seats was simply breathtaking and made you long to be present with a full house and all to play for. Roll on August 19th!
48 hours later however, it was our first chance to see the stadium in all its glory as we came and relaxed and paid homage to the Arsenal legend that is Dennis Bergkamp.
I hate it when players leave! I think it’s because as a fan, your club is in your blood and changing your allegiance from the moment you make that choice to the moment you die is simply beyond consideration. When a player dons that shirt with the cannon on his chest he becomes one of us. He is there to work his socks off, to enjoy the elation we all feel in victory and the gutwrenching pain when we lose.
Consequently seeing him ‘enjoy’ similar emotions wearing the colours of another club is something I try not to even think about.
Two players that have both been major parts of our recent success have departed for pastures new since I last penned my thoughts. Bobby Pires is very much part of that ever lengthening list of awesome signings by Mr. Wenger and probably for me, the one that sums up the kind of football we play more than any other. His accuracy in passing and ability to create and score goals were second to none and to have given us all such joy in the best years of his career we can only wish him luck in the land of the ‘Yellow Submarine’.
The signing of Sol was arguably the most controversial in our history, off the field if not on it, but to secure his services from our nearest and dearest rivals, when pretty much every team in the world were interested, was a masterstroke. Looking at his role in our trophy haul since his arrival, once again we definitely got to witness his best years and after a ‘difficult’ last season culminated in his towering, thumping header in Paris, once again I wish him the best of luck down on the south coast.
Seeing one of ‘our’ players parading in another club’s shirt is not something we will need to endure with Dennis. The man’s playing career is over and we are left with countless fantastic memories from a real gent and connoisseur of the beautiful game.........and on the 22nd July we turned out in force in his honour.
I can’t say it was like a normal home match day, that will come against Villa. Ok, I enjoyed my pre-match tucker at the Arsenal Fish Bar and liquid refreshment at the Wall of Shame but there was no P.M.T. That alone made it different.
As we left Highbury after the Wigan game I suspected our move would hit home during the walk to Emirates and so it proved. The fantastic East Stand façade resembled someone looking forward to enjoying their retirement, Avenell Road being relatively empty and not heading through the turnstiles really brought it home. Thanks for the memories.
The feeling of excitement as we walked along Gillespie Road past the Arsenal tube station was easy to gauge by the speed everyone seemed to be walking! Lots of smiling faces and masses of red, back in force after our successful redcurrant tribute to Highbury, all demonstrated everyone’s enthusiasm perfectly.
Our new home looked impressive empty, seeing it approaching full was mindblowing! An absolutely ideal taster for what is to come over the next few months/years/decades!
The game itself was little more than a training match in the first half but to see so many Arsenal ‘legends’ take the field for the second half was fantastic. Patrick looked like he wanted to come home ;-)), Nutty was simply Nutty and Gilles’ (The Duffel) ‘tackle’ on Edgar Davids was amusing to say the least! All in all it was a thoroughly entertaining spectacle and DB10 was quite clearly emotional about the whole event. Thanks Dennis, I have a funny feeling we might just see you again one day.
My decision to travel to Austria this year was very much a last minute thing, in fact it was to prove the trend for much of pre-season. My work commitments mean that should my business partner be away on holiday himself (a situation I can hardly complain about considering the amount of time I spend away from the office!) someone has to be present to cover the office. His two week family holiday this year fell exactly over the Austria period!
Consequently with Maidstone Gooners Lightweight, Foxy, Elaine, Ally, Treble Top and Tone heading out early on the Tuesday morning to enjoy the full eight days, Rollo (who had similar commitments to me) and I headed up to Stansted that same morning on a mad dash that was to last less than 24 hours!
Arriving into Vienna and hire car collected our first leg had all gone smoothly enough and consequently we were soon enjoying a beer in sundrenched Mattersburg, the venue for the first match on tour. Once again we had all decided to take on the VIP tickets kindly arranged by ‘Austro Gooner’ Andy Kovacs and the food and drink spread available before, during and after the match was quite superb.
As a result we all watched the match in high spirits and the team produced a performance that saw Jeremie Aliadiere’s fine first half strike and Justin Hoyte’s cool second half finish claim a deserved 2-1 victory against one of Austria’s UEFA Cup representatives this season and their enthusiastic home crowd.
Having to arise at 3am for our return flight Rollo and I retired in an attempt to get a least some sleep around midnight (ish) but reports seem to suggest the rest of the crew had a particularly entertaining night in the town’s main square, especially Treble Top and Lightweight once they realised the phrase ‘Ich liebe dich’ means ‘I love you’!!
Getting out of bed in a pool of sweat (when will the Austrian hotels and gasthofs discover the wonders of air conditioning??) was not a pleasant experience but duty called and soon Rollo and I were high above Europe on our flight back to Blighty, this time from the nearby Slovakian capital of Bratislava! The M11 and M25 did their utmost to prevent us from getting into work but achieve it we did and three days work followed before we set of on the second leg of this year’s Austrian adventure.
As the rest of the crew enjoyed the wonderful sights and sounds of the Austrian countryside (although Salzburg’s ‘Sound of Music’ tour didn’t go down too well by all accounts!), it was London Heathrow’s terminal 4 for Rollo and I come Friday night and this time we were joined by Jethro to make up our long weekend threesome.
Once again the journey was smooth enough and come midnight we were checked into our spa hotel five minutes from Arsenal’s training facilities in Bad Waltersdorf. It was time to relax. As a result ‘The Blue Room’ played host until daylight was obviously approaching, followed by a little sleep, relaxation in the various pools and baths and Saturday evening’s training session.
It was during this time that a small conversation with Andy Kovacs concerning a suitable venue for an entertaining Saturday night out saw us decide on the neighbouring town of Furstenfeld as the potential destination. Consequently, after some quality tucker the majority of us, including Norway Gooners Magnus and Bard but excluding Jethro who decided to stay at the hotel and ‘waltz’ to the sounds of the house band with two unsuspecting young ladies, headed off in the party bus in search of Andy’s suggestion.
Bad Waltersdorf is not a big place. Beautiful, suitable and extremely relaxing it might be but as far as evening entertainment is concerned you pretty much make your own or take in ‘The Blue Room’. It must be five years now that we have been going there and Andy has never mentioned Furstenfeld!! It was no more than 15 minutes away and boy did we have a good night!!
Garfields Pub was our host and ‘happy hours’ chucking out drinks for a euro, music on request and entertaining bar staff made it a cracking night. Apparently we then headed to the town’s nightclub and I tried to dance with a young lady who’s occupation was of all things a dance instructor from what I understand but to be honest I don’t remember any of it!!
A top night and the subdued atmosphere around the pool (at least until mid afternoon anyway!) confirmed everyone was perhaps paying for their over indulgence a little.
Sunday night’s entertainment was a little less messy although we did try very hard! The Blue Room and a return visit to a now extremely quiet Garfields provided the entertainment but it proved an unsurprisingly relatively early night all things considered.
As a result the final training session of the week was attended on Monday morning and considering the tour’s second and final match was only a few hours away the players were really put through their paces.
Come early afternoon and it was time to say goodbye to Bad Waltersdorf for another year and head north for that evening’s match with Schwadorf, a small town east of Vienna and fortunately for those wanting to be back in work early Tuesday morning, very close to the city’s airport.
To say the town was basically being shut down for the match is probably a slight exaggeration but it is not far from the truth. The main road into the town was used as a car park and the entertainment being provided for the sell out crowd was due to go on well into the early hours of Tuesday morning! On this occasion however, with our early flight we were there simply for the football.
If my memory serves me right our biggest victory in Austria was an 8-2 win over Neuberg a few years back, this time we were to go very slightly better! The weather was scorching hot and the players looked that much sharper than our two previous matches against Barnet and Mattersburg. As a result the chances that came our way were clinically taken and we went away with an 8-1 victory, a fine strike from RVP the pick of the bunch.
Discussing the match and various other aspects of the Austrian week over a quality meal back at our hotel was fine way to complete yet another trip, roll on next year!
Three and a half days in work this time before probably the biggest rush of all, this time to Holland’s Alkmaar and our match with the host team as they celebrated the opening of their own new stadium. Not for the first time I was very much reliant on the various methods of travel that were to see me reaching the match on schedule. Having left my office at just before 1pm firstly on a Friday afternoon I had to negotiate the M25 and M23 to reach Gatwick. This was achieved extremely comfortably and after checking in and being told my flight to Amsterdam was on schedule things were already looking like going in my favour.
Landing in Amsterdam however, I was still relying on Holland’s rail system on running smoothly. I needn’t have worried as with no problems I arrived into Alkmaar an hour before kick off and in time to check into my hotel and head up to the ground. Mission accomplished!
The locals had turned out in force as you would expect and it provided a real carnival atmosphere inside the ground but more importantly from a selfish point of view the occasion also produced our finest pre-season performance so far. We looked very sharp, Gilberto, RVP and Addy grabbed the three goals and it was altogether hugely encouraging with the massive game in Zagreb only a few days away.
Alkmaar is very nice town, clean and picturesque and fine nightlife on a Friday! As a result I joined many of the usual travelling Gooners to enjoy the town’s delights before retiring in the early hours after another successful day.
A look round the town and a spot of lunch in the sundrenched main square come Saturday completed the trip before heading home to pack the bag once more for Sunday’s departure to Zagreb!! Mental!
London’s Luton Airport played host this time and a new airline for our small band of three in the shape of Wizzair. Whatever the airline this pre-season however, we have been dead lucky with the reliability and consequently in no time Treble Top, Blimp and I were checked into another hotel in yet another city.
We decided to take it easy the first night so consequently we enjoyed a quite magnificent meal, some outrageous ice creams and a few beers before retiring to bed determined to enjoy a good look round a city none of us had visited before come Monday morning.
The city is very much split into the old(upper) and new(lower) and we had a good look round both during the course of Monday before the evening played host to the usual refreshments and included spending some time in the company of some Dinamo fans who made us very welcome, were very interesting to listen to when they gave us their views on football and their colourful history and demonstrated on a small scale the kind of fanaticism we were likely to encounter in 24 hours time.
Tuesday was all about the build up to the game. The last few die hard Gooners that had made the trip finally arrived, we collected our match tickets and then followed a military operation to take us to the ground that was incredibly amusing considering how few of us were there. Unfortunately, however much we try, English fans will always have a reputation for causing trouble in Europe. As a result the police presence is always enormous but for our own safety as for anything else.
As a result we were taken in buses with a police escort, at break neck speed around the outskirts of the city and to the stadium. Very efficient and all in all quite funny.
P.M.T. in early August! What is that all about!?
The stadium had been pretty much full for a good hour when we arrived and all in all it made the task for our young side to get a result look even more daunting. It was a strange looking ground, open on all sides and with a running track around the outside of the pitch. A rebuild was in full flight a number of years back but problems with funding left the structure half built and in its current condition.
As a result we were located in the one remaining stand from the original stadium and heavily, and I mean heavily outnumbered!
The noise when the teams came onto the pitch was phenomenal. In all the years I have been attending matches I have never seen or heard anything like it.
The question on everyone’s mind was how we would handle the atmosphere as a team. Our pre-season had been good and increased in its intensity until our sharp looking performance in Alkmaar but this was a whole different situation. We could not fail, it was as simple as that. Pressure!!!
We needn’t have worried. The performance was one of almost total domination, the passing was excellent, we were patient, pretty solid defensively and when the opportunities came our way we were clinical. Ok, the football world would have expected us to win but believe you me, that was a fine victory.
Cesc slammed in the first from RVP’s clever flick and one little corner of an ageing stadium in Zagreb had its own private jostle! Before we had a chance to calm down RVP slammed in the second from Alex’s fine through ball and it was jostle no. two! Quality!
......and still the Dinamo fans sang!!!
To top off a quite magnificent performance from a player that is one of very few that can be called ‘world class’ at his ridiculously young age, Cesc smashed in a memorable individual third and completed a fantastic night. That’ll do nicely, “We’re on our way, we’re on our way, we’re going to Athens..........”
20 minutes after the match the Dinamo fans were still singing. I’ll have a pint of what they’ve been drinking!
A few beers back in the hotel to toast the victory and our Wednesday flight home and our first ‘competitive’ European trip came to a successful close.
Halfway there, surely a near decent performance next Wednesday will see us through and then it’s Thursday’s all important group stage draw. Looking at the seeding system I fancy Porto, Bordeaux and Sofia!!
Before all that we have to make sure we are not complacent in a second leg that not only splits our first two league games of the season but follows our first ever competitive match in a stadium that sees the dawn of a new era for our fantastic football club.
Aston Villa come to town in on enormous wave of media hype surrounding their own future but one things for sure, any team managed by Martin O’Neill will be motivated to try and spoil our party.
I cannot wait for Saturday and I’m sure I speak on behalf of every Gooner out there.
Get out those colours and wear them with pride, go through your superstitious matchday routines and wherever you are, sing up!
You know it makes sense!!
http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=news&article=410359&cpid=703&title=Frank+Stubbs:+%27I+cannot+wait+for+Saturday! %27
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Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that the Willow Foundation is its nominated Charity of the Year to celebrate the Club’s first season at Emirates Stadium.
Established in 1999 by Arsenal legend, Bob Wilson and his wife, Megs, following the loss of their daughter, Anna to cancer, the Willow Foundation offers quality of life and quality time to seriously ill young adults aged 16-40 through the provision of special days.
The Willow Foundation takes over as Arsenal’s nominated charity from the hugely popular David Rocastle Trust which was the Club’s second ever designated charity during Arsenal’s final season at Highbury. Arsenal’s fundraising activities raised over £150,000 for the organisation established in Rocky’s memory with funds still to be donated from the Highbury Auction.
Since its inception, the Willow Foundation has organised and funded more than 1,500 special days for those living with life-threatening conditions such as cancer, motor neurone disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and organ failure. Every special day is of the beneficiaries’ choosing and is designed to allow them to spend quality time with their family - be it a trip to London, a relaxing day at a health spa, tickets to a premiership football match or a weekend away at a country retreat.
Arsenal Manager, Arsène Wenger said: "We’re delighted to be associated with the Willow Foundation and reinforce the links the Club already shares with this wonderful charity. We look forward to working closely with the Willow Foundation and celebrating our first season at Emirates Stadium with the charity and its special day recipients. We hope that supporters will continue to wholeheartedly support the Charity of the Season initiative as they have done over the past three years."
Speaking at the launch Arsenal Captain, Thierry Henry added: "It was great to meet special day recipients and representatives from the Willow Foundation today. It really helps the players understand the charity and puts the partnership into context. We look forward to working with the charity during a very exciting time for the Club. I hope supporters will welcome the Willow Foundation and show the same enthusiasm they had for our previous charity partners."
In 2005 the Willow Foundation became a national organisation - a move that dramatically increased awareness of and demand for its service. In 2006 alone it will fulfil in excess of 1,000 special days. For some, their day is the last chance to achieve a dream, for others it is the opportunity to return some normality back into their lives. But for all, a special day provides precious memories for the future.
Speaking about the partnership, Bob Wilson said: "It is an enormous honour to be Arsenal's Charity of the Season in such a significant year in the Club's history. The association will open up a world of opportunities for the Willow Foundation, enable it to reach out to seriously ill young adults throughout the UK, significantly increase awareness of its service and ultimately allow us to fulfil more special days wishes."
He continued: "The Club, its players and fans have been tremendous in their support of the Willow Foundation from the very beginning. I have been deeply touched by the understanding, consideration and commitment of all those at Arsenal who have shared Megs' and my belief in the importance of quality of life at often the most difficult time in a young adult’s life. Our daughter Anna’s positive attitude was the inspiration for special days, her love for the Club was representative of the whole family’s - she would be thrilled to know we are working together to make a difference."
Over the coming months Arsenal and the Willow Foundation will develop a programme of charitable activities - details of which will be available on both Club and charity websites and will be announced in matchday programmes and in newsletters.
For further information on Arsenal’s partnership with the Willow Foundation, please contact: Kate Laurens on 020 7704 4015 or email: klaurens@arsenal.co.uk
For further information on the Willow Foundation, its work, how to get involved and application process please contact: 01707 259777 - info@willowfoundation.org.uk - www.willowfoundation.org.uk
http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=news&article=410421&cpid=703&title=Willow+Foundation+is+our+Charity+of+the+Seas on
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Thierry Henry (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60089&clid=4421&cpid=703) believes Arsenal can fuse continental flair with the traditionally fast and physical nature of Premiership football, as last season’s Champions League run illustrated.
Having suffered league losses at Bolton, Blackburn and West Brom last term, critics of Arsène Wenger’s side pointed out that the Gunners lacked grit against more tenacious opponents.
Yet Henry argues that Arsenal have shown they can mix it with the best whether the criteria is technical excellence or midfield muscle.
“In the Champions League we did not concede a goal for something like 10 games, and that did not stop us playing beautiful football,” said the French striker.
“The only game we did not do that was away at Villarreal. It can be done, to still dig in as a team and play football.”
But Henry did concede that there is room for improvement and recalled the difficulties of playing the Premiership’s more robust outfits during the Gunners’ record-breaking, 49-game unbeaten league run.
“I am just saying sometimes when you defend, we need to dig in more as a team,” he said. “Then when you have the ball, you still can play.
“I remember some games, especially when we were in the unbeaten run, teams had a go at us, tried to kick us and we still managed to do it because we dug in as a team and when we had the ball, we were still playing.”
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Two of the brightest young midfield talents in the Premiership go head to head when Emirates Stadium hosts its inaugural Premiership encounter on Saturday.
Cesc Fabregas, 19, lit up this summer’s World Cup with a series of mature displays for Spain and began the new campaign in style last week, scoring twice as Arsenal beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 in their Champions League qualifier.
Aston Villa’s Steven Davis, meanwhile, has declared himself fit for what will be Martin O’Neill’s first competitive game in charge of Villa.
Both players made 35 league appearances for their clubs last season although the Villa man clocked up over 300 more minutes than his Arsenal counterpart. Despite the shortfall in playing time, Fabregas [5] created four more goals for his team-mates than Davis [1].
But the 21-year-old Davis did manage one more goal - contributing a quartet of strikes to the Villa cause.
The end-of-season statistics for the 2005/06 campaign also indicate that Davis was marginally the better tackler last season, achieving a success rate of 67 per cent compared with the Spaniard’s 65 per cent.
But Fabregas leaves Davis in his wake in most other departments according to the stats. The Spaniard had a shot accuracy of 71 per cent compared to Davis’ 52 per cent and made more passes, [207] in less time, with a higher success rate [54] than the Villa man [196 and 51 per cent respectively].
Fabregas also comes out on top in the dribbling stakes with a success rate of 49 per cent compared to Davis’ 38 per cent. The Arsenal teenager did however pick up five bookings in the league last term while Davis avoided seeing yellow all campaign long.
http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=news&article=410481&cpid=703&title=Head+to+head:+Cesc+Fabregas+v+Steven+Davis
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One of the most iconic images of this summer's World Cup was the bloodied face of Philippe Senderos (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=News&plid=60095&clid=4421&cpid=703) as he celebrated a goal for Switzerland.
The Arsenal defender clashed heads with South Korea's Choi Jin-Cheul as he broke the deadlock in a Group G game in Hanover. He returned to London with, quite literally, the scars of battle above his right eye. But Senderos has nothing but fond memories of his first World Cup experience.
"I'm proud because I scored for my country," he said. "If I could have avoided the Korean player's head, I would have. But that's what happens: to have the scar, it was worth it because we won the game.
"It was a great experience. A player dreams in his career to play in a World Cup at the age of 21. It was a great experience for me and I hope to have a few more."
Senderos dislocated his shoulder in that same World Cup game - an injury which will rule him out of the first six weeks of the domestic season. Nonetheless, it has been a productive year for the 21-year-old centre back and he is setting his sights even higher this term.
"I knew this year was going to be the year I was going to have to step up and have more games. That's what I did," said Senderos. "I played in the Champions League and that was great for my improvement.
"I want to continue that way and that's why I'm working hard already in the gym to get back and have more games than last year and improve even more."
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Players come and players go, but Freddie Ljungberg (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=News&plid=60095&clid=4421&cpid=703) is as happy at Arsenal as he has always been.
It's nearly eight years since the fresh-faced Swede endeared himself to the home fans with a debut goal against Manchester United. Now, as one of Arsenal's elder statesman, Ljungberg admits he has never had a reason to seek pastures new.
"I've been here for eight years and it's a special feeling," said Ljungberg. "I haven't moved so I can't say it's better or worse than other teams, but I can say it's really good here.
"It's great to have a great team spirit and I'm very happy with everything - that's why I've stayed."
When the 29-year-old was plying his trade at Halmstads in Sweden, he had a choice of countries in which to further his career. Arsenal have benefited from Ljungberg's decision to come to England but it could have been different.
"Before I joined Arsenal people back home said I should play in Italy and not go in for the physical game in England," he revealed. "But in a way I felt I wanted to prove them wrong.
"If I wasn't happy here I wouldn't stay. I love London and I love the Club. We play good technical football which is important for the players. We win stuff and that's the most important thing."
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Emirates Stadium is open from two hours before kick-off and up to one hour after the game. Here's a few of the products and services you can enjoy whilst soaking up the pre-match atmosphere and waiting for the crowds to clear.
Arsenal TV Matchday Show:
Exclusive interviews with Arsène Wenger and the current players, analysis of the game with former Gunners, behind the scenes footage and an entertaining profile of our opponents from Little Britain star, Matt Lucas, all form part of the new Arsenal TV Matchday Show.
Starting 90 minutes prior to kick-off, this content will be screened exclusively on Arsenal TV around Emirates Stadium, along with live Premiership and League football so you can keep up with the latest action from around the country.
Food and Drink:
A new range of high quality food have been carefully selected to offer supporters more than the usual stadium food. The selection of foods includes; authentic imported German smoked Bockwurst sausage hotdog, 4oz cheeseburger made with the 100% Scottish beef, freshly battered fish and chips, freshly made bagels and, of course, the football fans favourite, the Pie, all handcrafted and filled with fresh ingredients. Meal deals are available on all snacks offering supporters a saving on individual prices.
Introductory Beer Promotion:
By arriving early supporters can take advantage of the John Smith's and Foster's promotions running on the Upper and Lower tiers of Emirates Stadium. Both beers will be sold at an introductory price of £2.50 per pint. The promotion will be available both BEFORE and AFTER the game.
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Arsène Wenger will assess the freshness of his squad before picking the team for the season’s curtain-raiser against Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Arsenal manager has no new injuries from the midweek internationals but is concerned about the fatigue factor ahead of his busy schedule.
“The players definitely out are the long-term players you know about — Abou Diaby (http://www1.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60636&clid=4421&cpid=703) [ankle], Gael Clichy (http://www1.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60097&clid=4421&cpid=703) [foot], Philippe Senderos (http://www1.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60095&clid=4421&cpid=703)[shoulder] ,” said Wenger in an exclusive interview with Arsenal TV Online. “AlsoFreddie Ljungberg (http://www1.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60083&clid=4421&cpid=703)[ankle] will not be ready. Apart from that everybody is OK.
“We have had no bad news from the internationals apart from too many players played the whole game. We play three times in a week, add in the international, that means we play four times at the beginning of the season. I will have to make choices. I’ll have to find the right mixture between people who have played the internationals and those who have not played.”
Thierry Henry (http://www1.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60089&clid=4421&cpid=703) is fit but was described as only “a possibility” after playing a full game with France. Jose Antonio Reyes (http://www1.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60084&clid=4421&cpid=703)has a slight groin problem but is expected to recover. Finally Ashley Cole (http://www1.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60072&clid=4421&cpid=703)is unlikely to feature. “I don’t think he will [be in] for the game at the weekend,” said Wenger.
Arsenal TV Online subscribers will be able to see the full video interview on Friday morning. In it, Arsène Wenger talks about: the latest news on Ashley Cole and Jose Antonio Reyes, the chances of new signings, the start of the Emirates Era, all change at Aston Villa and why the Dinamo Zagreb tie is not over yet.
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Emirates Stadium
Saturday, 19 August
Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on MOTD
Theirry Henry, Jens Lehmann and Freddie Ljungberg will all figure for Arsenal, but want-away defender Ashley Cole will not, despite making himself available.
Unsettled winger Jose Antonio Reyes also misses out with a groin problem, as does summer recruit Tomas Rosicky.
Aston Villa team news to follow later.
Arsenal (from): Lehmann, Flamini, Eboue, Toure, Djourou, Fabregas, Gilberto, Van Persie, Adebayor, Henry, Almunia, Hoyte, Hleb, Aliadiere, Cygan, Traore, Song, Ljungberg.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:
"We play three times in a week.
"Add in the international matches and that means we play four times at the beginning of the season.
"I will have to make choices to find the right mixture between people who have played the internationals and those who have not played."
BIG-MATCH FACTS
ARSENAL and Aston Villa both begin new eras, as they prepare to do battle in their opening Premiership duel. The Londoners play their first competitive match in the prestigious new setting of the £390 million Emirates Stadium, just a short walk from Highbury - their much cherished home for 93 years.
Arsene Wenger knows expectations are high as he begins his 11th season with the north Londoners. The 60,000 capacity at their new ground in Ashburton Grove will give Wenger much needed spending power. This compares with last season's Premiership average attendance of 38,186. The losing Champions League finalists finished outside the Premiership's top two for the first time in nine years. Their fourth placing has resulted in an early season qualifying fixture with Dinamo Zagreb for a place in Europe's elite club competition, and with a 0-3 lead from the away leg, Arsenal are well placed, ahead of Wednesday's second leg. The Gunners are aiming to collect a ninth consecutive home League victory over Villa. That would also extend their unbeaten home top flight run against the Midlanders to 13, since a 1-2 defeat on 6 November 1993 when Guy Whittingham and Andy Townsend did the damage.
ASTON VILLA are soon to be under new ownership, and anticipation for the campaign ahead is at fever pitch with one of the hottest properties in football management now at the helm. But it would be a shock of gigantic proportions if Martin O'Neill could steer Villa to their eighth League title.
The sole Midlands representatives in the Premiership are one of four founder members of the Football League competing in this season's top division.
The Claret and Blues have not won in 15 Premiership clashes home and away against the north Londoners, since a 3-2 success at Villa Park on 13 December 1998. Dion Dublin scored twice for Villa, and Dennis Bergkamp got a brace for the visitors.
Referee: Graham Poll (Hertfordshire)
SEQUENCES/RECENT FORM
ARSENAL
Club stats (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/club_stats/default.stm)
Fixtures (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/fixtures/default.stm)
Last season: 4th 67 points
1. Embarking on their 81st successive saeson of top flght football - the longest such run by any club.
2. Finished last season 24 points behind champions Chelsea.
3. Gained the highest points per game record last season in Premiership matches in which they scored first - won 19 and drew one of 20 at 2.9 points per game.
4. Ended last season on a three-match winning sequence in the highest League.
5. Three of their 13 League titles have come in the Premiership era (1997-98, 2001-02 and 2003-04).
6. Won their opening Premiership fixture in each of the last five seasons, and seven of the last eight.
7. Hold the record for the longest unbeaten streak from the start of a Premiership season, when they went through the entire campaign without losing in 2003-04.
8. Scored in every League game of the 2001-02 campaign.
9. Arsene Wenger is the second longest serving manager in the top tier, joining the Gunners in September 1996. Only Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United caps that. At 56 years of age, Wenger is the fourth oldest boss in the top division. 10. The Gunners are bidding to extend an undefeated League run to seven games, which would stretch their unbeaten home Premiership sequence to eight games. Manchester United were the last team to defeat them in the League (2-0 at Old Trafford on 9 April). West Ham were the most recent to claim all three points on Arsenal turf (2-3 on 1 February).
ASTON VILLA
Club stats (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/club_stats/default.stm)
Fixtures (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/fixtures/default.stm)
Last season: 16th 42 points
1. Last season saw Villa endure their second lowest finish in the Premiership. Their lowest was 18th in 1994-95.
2. They ended two places and eight points above the relegation zone.
3. Villa were the Premiership draw specialists last season - 12 of the 38 matches ended all square (32%).
4. The 1981-82 European champions, who last won major silverware when lifting the League Cup in 1996, are competing in their 96th season in the top flight and 19th in succession.
5. Took four games to record a victory last season, and won only one of their first eight Premiership contests.
6. Without an away League victory in six, the last five of which were defeats.
7. Not won a League game on the road since beating Middlesbrough 0-4 at the Riverside on 4 February.
KEY PLAYER NOTES/POTENTIAL MILESTONES ARSENAL
Squad profiles (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/squad_profiles/default.stm)
Ins and Outs (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/5237764.stm)
Thierry HENRY, who turned 29 on Thursday, was Arsenal's leading scorer with 33 League and Cup goals. Of these 27 were netted in the Premiership, winning the Football Writers' Association Player of the Year the Golden Boot award for the third season in a row, and fourth time in total.
HENRY has scored five times in Arsenal's last four opening home League games of a Premiership campaign.
Jens LEHMANN was one of 10 ever presents in the Premiership last season - seven of which were goalkeepers.
ASTON VILLA
Squad profiles (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/squad_profiles/default.stm)
Ins and Outs (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/5237764.stm)
Milan BAROS was Villa's leading scorer last season with 12 goals - eight of which came in the Premiership.
If on the field from the outset, Jlloyd SAMUEL will be making his 100th career League start.
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME:
Arsenal 5-0 Aston Villa
1 April 2006 - Ref: Martin Atkinson
Arsenal scorers: Adebayor 19, Henry 25, 46, Van Persie 71, Diaby 80
HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS
League: Arsenal 62 wins, A Villa 58, Draws 34
Prem: Arsenal 14 wins, A Villa 5, Draws 9 HEAD TO HEAD at Arsenal
League: Arsenal 42 wins, A Villa 20, Draws 15
Prem: Arsenal 9 wins, A Villa 2, Draws 3
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Arsenal defender Ashley Cole has been omitted from the Gunners' squad for the Premiership opener against Aston Villa despite saying he is available to play.
The 25-year-old has repeatedly been linked with a move to Chelsea, but no deal has been concluded.
Cole said on www.stellargroup.co.uk that he was available for Saturday's game at the Emirates Stadium.
He added: "I maintain I have no problem with the fans and the manager. They've been very supportive of me."
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger previously hinted at leaving Cole out because of the speculation about a possible £20m transfer to Chelsea.
Wenger said he would happy to keep Cole at Arsenal should the player choose to stay.
"I hope the fans understand where my grievances lie" ~ Ashley Cole
"If he doesn't go, of course he's a great player," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.
"He has permission to go somewhere if he wants to do it, but if there is not an opportunity for him and the club, he will stay at the club."
Cole has been at odds with Arsenal since June 2005 when he was fined for meeting with Chelsea representatives, that included Blues boss Jose Mourinho, without his club's knowledge.
The England left-back's relationship with Arsenal became strained and in promotional material for his new book the defender criticised the club for making him a "scapegoat" over the tapping-up affair.
He said on www.stellargroup.co.uk: "I hope the fans understand where my grievances lie."
Last week, Wenger, like his Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho, said he wanted the saga resolved within the week.
Cole played in last season's Champions League final and was an ever-present at the World Cup for his country.
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Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas claims he does not like to watch Chelsea because Jose Mourinho's side are too long ball for his personal tastes.
Fabregas has emerged in the past few seasons as one of the best midfielders currently plying their trade in England, with his promptings from the middle of the field very much at the epicentre of much of Arsenal's best work.
The precociously gifted 19-year-old has stoked up the heat ahead of the new season by taking a swipe at Chelsea's style of play, of the belief that Arsenal are very much more appealing on the eye.
While Mourinho will point to the past two Premiership tables as proof of the effectiveness of his side, Fabregas is content to play for a team he feels plays the game in the correct manner.
"We are one of the best attacking teams in Europe, so we know if we get clean sheets we will always score goals," Fabregas told Arsenal's magazine, in an article published in The Sun.
"Chelsea have a great team, I respect them, but to be honest, I don't really enjoy watching them all that much.
"They are very strong and seem to play the long ball, then go for the second ball.
"It is different to the way we play. For me it us, Barcelona and Milan who play great football."
In securing Fabregas's services until 2011, Arsenal had to fend off the advances of Real Madrid, but the player insists he is content in the capital and has even set his sights on the captain's armband later in his career.
"I was captain of the youth side at Barcelona and I like to lead by example,'' he added.
"One day, I would like that honour at Arsenal. Thierry (Henry) is a great captain and I hope I can stay at Arsenal for a very, very long time and if I have the chance, I would love to be captain."
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on fighting back for a draw
"It was the minimum at least, [that] we didn't start with a defeat. I feel that it was a typical game at the beginning of the season where the players were not completely ready, physically, because they came back late from the World Cup."
on Aston Villa
"We faced Aston Villa who defended deep, they fight for every ball. The question was for us not to make a mistake - we made one - and then of course it because very difficult. You can say that to come back to 1-1 was a little bit of relief. But overall if we were really sharp we would have won this game with three or four goals difference."
on Theo Walcott's debut
"I am happy because we were in a tricky situation when he came on, one-nil down. I know there is a lot expected from him. He played with freshness and straight away he became dangerous on the left flank and he was involved in the goal we scored. I must say that overall when he came on his performance was very positive."
on the Ashley Cole situation
"I will play him next week if I judge him fit enough to play. Everybody says Chelsea are interested in buying Ashley Cole but they have had three months now to buy him. Now we are at the beginning of a new season and if nothing happens I believe he will stay. It was down to some frustration at some stage but I don't think he is deeply unhappy to play the kind of football we play, or to play with his partners or under me."
on the start of a new era at Emirates Stadium
"The pitch is great, the fans were great and the atmosphere was great, so all we need now is for the team to be great."
Jose Mourinho claims he is in the dark over the futures of William Gallas and Ashley Cole, but paid tribute to Wayne Bridge and welcomed the impending arrival of Khalid Boulahrouz.
Arsenal defender Cole has long been a target for Chelsea, but The Blues have yet to make a bid which matches The Gunners' valuation of the England defender.
Gallas, meanwhile, is eager to leave Stamford Bridge and reports have suggested he could be used as bait to land Cole.
Mourinho claims he knows nothing of talk surrounding a potential swap deal, as he paid tribute to Bridge, who produced a starring show against Manchester City, and Boulahrouz.
"I don't know if he (Cole) is close or far," Mourinho told Sky Sports. "I have no idea about that (swap deal), I don't know about the negotiations so I cannot tell you.
"All I know is that Bridge played a good game, he is improving a lot and I am happy with his performance and I am happy to have Boulahrouz, as he is a multi-functional player who gives us security."
Mourinho expects Dutch international Boulahrouz to seal his move from Hamburg to Chelsea on Monday.
"Boulahrouz did the medical and everything is okay, so as we already agreed terms with the club and the player, tomorrow he will begin training and if the international certificate arrives, we have one more option," stated Mourinho.
"We had only four players for the defence today, but now we have Boulahrouz and as he can play any position in the defence, he is important for our security."
> Full Report (http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=411061&CPID=8&clid=3&lid=&title=Jose+in+dark+over+duo) <
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Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger believes young striker Theo Walcott has been unfairly criticised following his controversial inclusion in England's World Cup squad.
Former Three Lions coach Sven Goran Eriksson selected the untried teenager for this summer's tournament in Germany, despite Walcott having never played Premiership football.
The 17-year-old finally made his top-flight debut as a substitute in The Gunners' game against Aston Villa at the weekend and Wenger is confident the talented striker will go on to prove himself to be a big star in world football.
Walcott has received plenty of headlines during the summer following his selection over the likes of Darren Bent and Jermain Defoe by the Swedish tactician.
Wenger has branded the criticism aimed at Walcott as 'harsh' and believes he was put under unfair pressure by being thrown into the international stage at such a young age.
"I think the criticism he has been given has been harsh," Wenger said.
"It is a lot of pressure for a very young man to deal with.
"I can accept players being criticised if they play badly - but to criticise them when they do not even play is harsh.
"He is very young, but people want him to be a star in England."
Meanwhile, Walcott was delighted to make his Arsenal debut in front of a packed crowd at the club's new Emirates Stadium.
The former Southampton starlet set up Gilberto Silva's late equaliser and was thankful to Wenger for putting his faith in him.
However, the England international was unable to speak with the Frenchman after the game because of a routine drugs test.
“It was a big experience for me coming on at Arsenal with all these players," Walcott said in The Sun. "Coming on with 60,000 people here, when I didn’t even expect to be in the squad, was a really big thing for me.
“I didn’t get to see the manager after. I was having the drugs test! I did not have any nerves, although I did go to the toilet just before I came on so there might have been some there.
“But once I had my first touch of the ball, the confidence came to me.”
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Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has revealed he is a long way off full fitness following his summer exertions in Germany.
The 29-year-old was an integral part as France went all the way to the final of this summer's World Cup, only to lose on penalties to Italy.
Henry participated in all seven of Les Bleus' matches in Germany and claims he is still on his way back to peak condition.
The Frenchman and Freddie Ljungberg, who was in Sweden's World Cup squad, were both in action for Arsenal against Aston Villa at the weekend and Henry says they are some way away from full fitness.
"I am not even at 60 percent, no way near," Henry said in The Sun. "While Freddie Ljungberg tried ever so hard, and you have to give him credit for that, he is not fit either.
"Fitness-wise, I need another month. Certainly four or five games.
"Obviously players who were at the World Cup are in a similar position. But, this was only my second game while it was Freddie's first.
"Our preparation games are league matches rather than pre-season friendlies."
Meanwhile, Henry concedes it will take some time for the Arsenal players to come to terms with playing somewhere other than Highbury.
The Gunners played their first Premiership match at their new Emirates Stadium against Villa and Henry has asked the fans to bear with the players as they acclimatise.
"There was a great atmosphere but - and I think the fans who went will agree with me - it still did not feel like home," he added.
"I think our fans left with a strange feeling and, if it is any consolation, so did I. It will take a while.
"As for the team, we are not there yet - but you have to remember we have a lot of issues, such as injuries."
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Arturo Lupoli and Vito Mannone have both joined Championship clubs on loan.
Striker Lupoli, 19, will spend the remainder of the 2006/07 campaign on loan at Derby County. Last term, the Italian continued his prolific scoring form in his second season with the Club. Before a foot injury ended his campaign early he had scored 17 goals in just 15 appearances for the Reserves.
Goalkeeper Mannone, also an Italian, has joined Barnsley for a three-month loan spell. The 18-year-old made seven appearances for the Reserves following his arrival from Atalanta last summer.
Everyone at Arsenal would like to wish Arturo and Vito the best of luck during their time away from Emirates Stadium.
Cygan in my opinion can be the next Campbel, but claims have been made that W Gallas from Chelsea is willing to move to Arsenal so if this is true and he does come to us I think he will take Campbells spot in our defence :bigsmile:
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Serie B side Genoa are considering a move for Arsenal defender Pascal Cygan.
The French centre half is in the final year of his contract at The Emirates Stadium, but could be offered a move to Italy.
Cygan missed the second half of last season through injury and appears unlikely to reclaim his place in the starting line-up.
He has figured on the substitutes' bench for both Arsenal's games this term, with Kolo Toure and Johan Djourou pairing up in defence.
But, once Philippe Senderos is fit again, Cygan is likely to fall further out of the picture and could be offered a deal by Genoa.
Though the Italian club have yet to make an official approach for the 32-year-old, they are keen to bring in an experienced stopper to aid a push for promotion to Serie A.
Cygan fits the bill and, having been linked to Blackburn, Rennes and St Etienne over the summer, now has another suitor as he mulls over his future.
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Arsène Wenger heralded a “new era” for Arsenal Football Club in his programme notes ahead of Saturday’s draw with Aston Villa, so it was fitting that Theo Walcott (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=61019&clid=4421&cpid=703) turned the game with a glorious debut cameo.
When the former Southampton star stepped off the substitute’s bench at Emirates Stadium after 73 minutes, his introduction was greeted with rapturous applause by the home faithful. They had waited seven long months to catch a glimpse of the lightening-fast young striker.
And after the 17-year-old’s cross had led to Arsenal’s equalising goal to earn them an opening-day point, Wenger discussed Walcott’s inclusion in England’s World Cup squad earlier this summer - and purred over his forward’s potential.
"He was a little bit happy for having been there but also frustrated for not having played,” he said.
“But he's the sort of player who will always bring something to the team when he plays and I have always felt that.
Wenger also expressed his disenchantment with the criticism aimed at his young charge despite his lack of playing time. He dispelled rumours that he recommended England take Walcott to Germany but pointed out that playing against Aston Villa is just as difficult as facing some international sides.
“I think the criticisms he has been given have been harsh,” he said. “It's a lot of pressure for a very young man to deal with. I can accept players being criticised if they play badly but to criticise them when they don't even play is harsh. He's very young but people want him to be a star in England.
“I never said he should definitely go to the World Cup, I just said that I would be happy if he did go. Was he ready? He is playing against Aston Villa and that is no harder than playing against Costa Rica or Ecuador or a side like that. Sven [Goran Eriksson] decided to take him and then he didn't decide to play him. That's an issue for him and not for me. Theo shouldn't be criticised for that. He will also get much better. He's a very good listener.”
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It took only one touch for Theo Walcott (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=61019&clid=4421&cpid=703) to become accustomed to life in the Arsenal first team.
The 17-year-old made his long-awaited debut as a 73rd-minute substitute against Aston Villa on Saturday. He made an immediate impact and even played a part in Arsenal’s equaliser four minutes from time.
“It was a big experience to come on with all these world class players and 60,000 people here,” Walcott said afterwards. “It was a really big thing for me. I didn't even expect to be in the squad but I was so up for it.
“I know I have worked hard to get there. I have been waiting a long time. I have been so patient and I have to thank the boss for playing me.
“Once I had the first touch of the ball, the confidence just came into me.”
Walcott’s selection for the England World Cup squad means he has enjoyed many more newspaper column inches than Premiership minutes. That equation will start to change from now on.
“The World Cup was a brilliant experience for me,” he said. “Dealing with the pressure and watching how players prepared for big games has helped, but now it's gone I just want to think about Arsenal.
“[Against Villa] the boss just told me to go and do the stuff that got me in the squad. I’d like to play centre forward, but I don't mind where I play - left, right or up front - as long as I'm on the pitch I am happy.
“[On Saturday] I just wanted to come off the bench and do well. Now I want to get a start. I’ll just work hard in training and see where it takes me.”
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Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg has spoken of his delight at being named as Sweden's new captain.
The talented midfielder has been named as Olof Mellberg's successor following the Aston Villa man's decision to step down from the position.
Ljungberg was part of a Sweden side that failed to impress at the World Cup but having been awarded the top accolade he is keen to rejuvenate team morale.
''It is a big honour to wear the captain's armband,'' said Ljungberg.
''It is important to get the happiness and team spirit back into the national team.
''I will meet with Lars Lagerback later this week. I believe it might be good to try something new and let the young guys get used to what is required at this level.''
Away from the international team and Ljungberg played his part in Arsenal's 1-1 stalemate with Aston Villa in their Premiership opener on Saturday.
While disappointed with the result, Ljungberg drew consolation from the fact he came through the game unscathed after a more than decent shift.
''Personally, I was very pleased with the match,'' he added.
''I have had only three sessions with the ball. Everyone was surprised that I got to play at all but it was good for my confidence that (Arsene) Wenger selected me.''
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Arsenal new-boy Tomas Rosicky believes he could be fit in time for the second leg of The Gunners' UEFA Champions League qualifier with Dinamo Zagreb.
The summer signing from Borussia Dortmund surprisingly started the first leg at left midfield as Jose Antonio Reyes was left on the bench during the 3-0 win, but picked up a groin injury which ruled him out of Saturday's Premiership opener against Aston Villa.
The London side had expected that their new Czech Republic international would also miss the trip to Croatia with their qualification seemingly secured, but Rosicky now believes he has an outside chance of making Arsene Wenger's side.
However if he fails to prove his fitness for the Dinamo game as well as Saturday's league clash with Manchester City then the Czech schemer is confident he will return in time for his country's upcoming games against Wales on September 2 and Slovakia on September 6.
"On Saturday, I trained with the ball for the first time since that match [against Dinamo]," Rosicky told Pravo.
"I had a quite good feeling even if I felt the leg a bit, we'll see how it looks in the next days.
"Maybe I could play in Wednesday's second leg against Dinamo Zagreb or in The Premiership on Saturday.
"However, I would be ready for the two Euro 2008 qualifiers."
Although Rosicky missed out on the first competitive game to be held at The Emirates Stadium, the former Dortmund star is already feeling at home amongst his multinational colleagues in North London.
"Greatly," Rosicky stated when asked how he had been received at Arsenal.
"Nobody is pretending anything, the atmosphere within the team is relaxed.
"We are a good company, I get on well with everybody.
"We are an international team, there are only a few Englishmen in the team, so you can hear English, German, Spanish or French in the same moment."
With Robert Pires leaving to join Villarreal the onus may be on Rosicky to perform on the left of midfield in the coming season as The Gunners look to prevent a third straight league win for rivals Chelsea.
Although the gifted star is fully aware of Chelsea's capabilities, he is expecting Wenger's charges to battle for the Premiership crown along with Manchester United and North London foes Tottenham
"Chelsea are the main favourites, they won the league twice in a row but we want to fight for the title.
"I would include in the favourites' group also Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham. But we saw in the first round that the league will be extremely balanced."
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Jens Lehmann believes Arsenal can go one better this season and taste UEFA Champions League glory following last term's disappointment against Barcelona.
Arsene Wenger's side were beaten in May's final, a game in which Lehmann was sent off, but the German international is looking to the future with optimism ahead of Wednesday's game with Dinamo Zagreb.
Last season's fourth placed finish in The Premiership at the expense of North London neighbours Tottenham means Arsenal have to go through the rigours of a qualifying campaign in order to secure European Cup football.
However, a 3-0 first leg advantage from their game with Zagreb means they will almost certainly progress to Thursday's draw, with Lehmann confident it might just be their year.
"We know realistically we can win every competition we enter as long as we are completely focused from the very beginning,'' said Lehmann.
"I think our last campaign in Europe last season gave everyone confidence.
"We know we can beat anybody and that should give us a lift, not only in the Champions League but also in The Premiership which is also a big target.
"After Saturday's game (a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa), we were a bit upset not to have got the result.
"We wanted to win our first match here. Now, we have to think about the next game.
"It is very important to have Champions League football here. We have only done the first part.
"We need to complete the job here at home in front of our supporters. I think we will do it to qualify for the Champions League."
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England defender Ashley Cole will not feature in Arsenal's UEFA Champions league qualifier with Dinamo Zagreb.
The Gunners are taking a 3-0 scoreline into their second leg at The Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, but Cole - who has not played this season, will again be sidelined.
Cole is the subject of a bid from champions Chelsea, whilst top Italian and Spanish clubs are also monitoring his situation and manager Arsene Wenger admits it would not be wise for Arsenal to cup-tie him.
"The transfer possibility is not closed and if he plays he might go to a team who plays in the Champions League and could not play for them any more," said Wenger on Sky Sports News.
"It can happen, but at the moment we are still in no-man's land."
Wenger is growing increasingly agitated by the ongoing Cole saga.
"I am very keen for it all to be resolved because you want your squad to be settled and focused," he said.
"The fact I spend nearly every press conference talking about players who do not play tells you a lot.
"What is important is the players on the pitch, those who play and make the club successful."
Wenger also confirmed that Jens Lehmann, Tomas Rosicky and Jose Antonio Reyes would miss the match against Zagreb because of continuing injury problems, but the Frenchman insists that Arsenal must still be at their best against Zagreb.
"Our approach is just to try and win and complete the job," he said.
"To knock anyone out of the Champions League you need to concentrate for 180 minutes, we did a good job in the first 90 but there is 90 to go.
"If we believe and are naive enough to think the game is over then we will get a big surprise and there is so much at stake for us and for our season and we cannot afford to lose our concentration."
Wenger could choose to field Theo Walcott from the start following the starlet's impressive cameo performance at the weekend, with his manager confident he possess an ideal temperament for European excursions.
"He has shown signs he can do well at that level and at the age of 17 you do not find many players who can do that, he is very confident - he is quiet, level headed, strong and determined.
"We have to speed up his progress as much as we can, but we have to take the right pace.
"If you compare him today with the one that signed he has taken a big step forward, but that is to be expected.
"I think he will get better and he has developed well, if he does not get much better than I am a very bad coach," he quipped
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Arsene Wenger has admitted that he has made an offer for Chelsea defender William Gallas.
The accomplished French stopper has made no secret of his desire to quit the champions and incurred the wrath of Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho for reporting late for a pre-season tour.
Gallas has long since complained about being played at left back, which he feels is not his best position as he hankers for a more central role - similar to the one he plays for his country.
Sol Campbell's summer switch to Portsmouth has left Arsenal short of defensive cover, with Wenger eager to bring Gallas across the capital to partner Kolo Toure in the middle of his defence.
Gallas's future has very much been intertwined with Ashley Cole's, as the England defender has still not sealed his move to West London in what is the most protracted transfer of the summer.
"Well I made an offer for him and that is as far as we are," he told Sky Sports News.
"It can happen, but as we said we are in no-man's land. I am very keen to resolve it, we are at the beginning of the season and you want a settled squad.
"Everybody is focused on targets and players who are half in and half out cannot focus on those things, it is not damaging but it is not helping."
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has told Jose Antonio Reyes to forget about completing his dream move to Real Madrid before the end of the month.
The 22-year-old has continually reiterated his desire to join Real during the summer transfer window.
The Spanish giants claim they have tabled a firm bid for Reyes, but Wenger insists that is not the case and says his player has been unsettled by the speculation.
Reyes' agent has tried to speed up the switch for his player but Wenger has insisted that the attacker will continue to be an Arsenal player for the foreseeable future.
"It looks like it will remain a dream," Wenger stated.
"There is no deal with Madrid, I can assure you.
"His agent flies 2,000 feet in the air - but he must come down to earth again."
Ashley Cole is another player keen to leave The Emirates Stadium before the end of the month and Wenger says neither player is in the right mindset to appear for The Gunners.
He added: "Cole cannot be totally focused as his situation has not been sorted out. Reyes is in the same boat."
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Wenger Tired Of Cole Saga (javascript:var target=window.open('http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid196300453','WengerTiredOfColeSaga','scrollbar s=no,resizable=no,status=no,width=500,height=529') ;)
Arsenal's first European tie at The Emirates Stadium should be an easy ride for Arsene Wenger's side as they enjoy a comfortable 3-0 advantage from the first leg of their UEFA Champions League qualifying tie against Dinamo Zagreb.
The draw for the group stages of Europe's elite competition takes place on Thursday, and only a minor miracle will prevent The Gunners from having the chance to try and better their defeat to Barcelona in the final of last season's competition.
Ashley Cole started on that dramatic night in Paris but the left back continues to be frozen out of the first team picture in North London with the arrival of the Croatian outfit.
The England international has severed his relationship with his boyhood club by pursuing a move to rivals Chelsea, and any appearance at this stage of the competition would render him cup-tied for any future employers - a development that would severely impact on his value with just eight days remaining in the transfer window.
The Gunners are also missing players due to more conventional reasons, with both Jose Antonio Reyes and new signing Tomas Rosicky absent due to groin injuries.
As such Arsenal are under-strength in wide positions, with Freddie Ljungberg and Alexander Hleb hoping to patrol the flanks, but after his encouraging cameo in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa precocious teenager Theo Walcott could be handed his full debut.
Gunners captain Thierry Henry may well be left on the bench as the French superstar has conceded he is only at 60 percent fitness, and with seemingly little danger of an upset Wenger could turn to Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor.
The Arsenal defence retains something of a makeshift look with Johan Djourou likely to accompany the much more experienced Kolo Toure, whilst Mathieu Flamini will be hoping to dislodge Justin Hoyte at left back after appearing twice as a substitute this season.
Elsewhere German international Jens Lehmann misses out in goal due to a knee injury, meaning Manuel Almunia retains his starting spot in Europe after keeping a clean sheet in Croatia.
Philippe Senderos (shoulder), Lauren (knee), Gael Clichy (foot) and Abou Diaby (ankle) remain sidelined and Alex Song and Jeremie Aliadiere have been drafted in to help make up the numbers for the London side.
Dinamo, meanwhile, have the metaphorical mountain to climb after a brace from the impressive Cesc Fabregas and another from van Persie in the first leg, and must contend with the loss of defender Jens Nowotny as the German star is expected to be out for up to six weeks with a knee injury.
Manager Josip Kuze will be turning to the likes of Luka Modric if he is to have any chance of shocking The Gunners at their new home.
However, the riches associated with the top table of European football look all but certain to be flowing to the brand new Emirates Stadium for the coming campaign as Wenger attempts to undo the hurt of last season's final defeat
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With the end of the transfer window fast approaching, the summer’s most prolonged and complicated transfer story is set to finally come to a conclusion.
Ashley Cole’s desired move across London to Stamford Bridge has now apparently become linked to the future of another want-away defender William Gallas, with a swap-plus-cash deal now a possibility. And while the situation continues to develop with a frustrating lack of speed, it is easy to see why both players are so coveted.
Since making his Premiership debut for the Gunners back in May 2000, Cole has been a vital cog in Arsene Wenger’s squad. With the left-back in the team, Arsenal have won 64% of their top tier games, a figure which drops to 54% without Cole in the side
For Full Report and Compare tables Please > Click Here (http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=411711&CPID=8&clid=3&lid=&title=Opta+compare+Gallas/Cole) <
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The Jose Antonio Reyes transfer saga has taken a new twist with sources in Spain claiming that Atletico Madrid have joined the race to sign the Arsenal wide man.
Reyes has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid and has not featured in any of Arsenal's competitive games thus far this season.
Real have made no secret of their intent to land the 22-year-old, but have thus far failed to reach agreement with Arsenal over a fee.
Reyes himself has been making contradicting noises in the press, with a recent article in which he expressed his desire to join Real quickly followed by a denial.
It seems Arsenal are willing to allow the homesick Spaniard to return to La Liga, but are holding out to ensure they do not lose money on the man they bought from Sevilla in January 2004.
Real were understood to have offered around €12 million (£8 million), but that falls some way short of Arsenal's valuation.
However, Spanish television station Antena 3 claims Atletico have now entered the picture and are ready to push the boat out to land the Spain international.
Atletico have already spent big this summer as they look to re-establish themselves amongst the top teams in La Liga and have reportedly despatched officials to London to open negotiations with Arsenal representatives.
The news could well see Real step up their bid to land the left-sided star who has failed to truly settle in England after an eye-catching start to life at Highbury.
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Jose Antonio Reyes's agent has confirmed Atletico Madrid are interested in signing the Arsenal forward.
Reports emanating from Spain on Wednesday claimed Atletico were ready to rival city rivals Real Madrid for Reyes's signature.
Reyes has not hidden his desire to return to Spain because he has failed to settle in England.
Real Madrid have confirmed their interest in the former Sevilla man, but have been unable to agree a deal with Arsenal.
That has allowed Atletico to enter the race for Reyes' signature and reports suggest Atletico officials have travelled to London to hold talks with Arsenal.
Atletico are keen to bring in Reyes, as they look to bolster their squad before the transfer window slams shut next week.
Arsenal are reported to have indicated they would be willing to do a deal with Atletico, as long as they could have first option on star striker Fernando Torres.
However, Atletico have snubbed the option as they are currently working on offering Torres a new deal at El Vicente Calderon.
Reyes's agent, Jesus Rodriguez de Moya, has confirmed Atletico are keen on Reyes, but that he has not held any talks with the Spanish club as yet.
"They (Atletico) have not spoken to me directly," said Rodriguez de Moya.
Arsenal could now be prepared to start a bidding war between Atletico and Real for Reyes, as they look to get the best price for the Spanish international
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was happy with his side's comeback against Dinamo Zagreb.
The Gunners recovered from going a goal down early on to win 2-1 thanks to late goals from Freddie Ljungberg and Mathieu Flamini.
Wenger admitted his side had started the match badly, but felt his side deserved to win.
"I felt we had a little bit sloppy start then it became difficult for us," said Wenger.
"When you do not start very well, it is always difficult to come back in a convincing manner.
"We had merit to come back and win the game because in the second half, it was all us.
"Zagreb played very well and I felt we took too many risks in the build up.
"It is difficult psychologically when you are 3-0 up to go into a game like mad.
"They caught us well and maybe they could have surprised opponents of less quality.
"It is a relief because there was so much implication on the game for the whole season - not only financially, but also as a team to have extra special motivation in Europe."
Wenger also played down talk linking Jose Antonio Reyes with a move to Atletico Madrid.
Reyes missed the win over Zagreb with a groin injury and Wenger insists he has heard nothing of a possible switch to Atletico.
"Frankly, there is nothing serious happening on that front at all," Wenger said of the Reyes speculation.
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Thierry Henry has backed Arsenal to go one step further this season and lift the UEFA Champions League.
Speaking after The Gunners defeated Dinamo Zagreb at their new Emirates Stadium home to progress into the tournament's group stage, Henry outlined his optimism.
Arsene Wenger's team will learn their group fate in Thursday's draw, but, whomever they are pitted against, Henry insists his side will have no fear, having been emboldened by last year's run to the final.
"If you get to the final you're usually not far from going again if you look at the history of the competition," Henry told Sky Sports News.
"We know how to do it and what it takes to get there and I just hope we can get there.
"We all have to make sure this time we come back with the trophy - that's the desire."
Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, had words of praise for teenage substitute Theo Walcott's performance against Dinamo - who again impressed in coming off the bench.
After a promising cameo against Aston Villa on the opening day of the Premiership season, Walcott laid on The Gunners' stoppage time winner for Mathieu Flamini on Wednesday.
"When he comes on you see he can make a difference because of his penetrating power and his speed," Wenger said.
"However, you also see that sometimes in some movements he is still a bit young so you have to give him time to lose that slowly and of course to come out with his strengths - but in the last two games he brought two goals."
Wenger declared: "If he comes every time on and creates a goal I will not leave him out for a long time.
"It is positive as well because I think people believe in me so let's just play how I can and when he comes on with his pace and the team is already tired, it is easier for him to be efficient."
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Atletico Madrid have admitted that their bid to sign Jose Antonio Reyes has reached an impasse after their failure to agree on a fee with Arsenal.
The Spaniards are understood to have offered €12 million (£8 million) for Reyes, but The Gunners are holding out for €18 million (£12 million).
"Our proposition was presented to Arsenal last week, but the English club have not moved forward," explained Atletico director of sport Jesus Garcia Pitarch.
"The situation is complicated by the financial differences between the two clubs."
Atletico's bid to land Reyes has been hampered by their failure to offload Martin Petrov, the player who would make way for the Spaniard.
The Bulgarian international winger has failed to settle in Spain since his move from Wolfsburg last summer and Atletico had been hoping to sell him on with the likes of Tottenham and Celtic both interested.
However, their failure to conclude a deal looks to have scuppered any move for Reyes, with Garcia Pitarch confirming they are now considering other, more affordable players.
"Now the operation has stopped and we are studying other options," he added.
City neighbours Real Madrid are also still interested in signing Reyes, but they too are unwilling to meet Arsenal's demands.
Real's latest offer is believed to have been a straight swap deal involving Robinho heading to Ashburton Grove in exchange, but that proposition is said to have been flatly refused by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
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One of the biggest cheers of last night came long after the final whistle had blown as news filtered through of Chelsea's defeat at Middlesbrough.
Arsène Wenger was as surprised as anyone to hear that Middlesbrough had beaten the champions with two late goals but, as he pointed out in his post-match press conference, it's not the first time the Teessiders have upset one of the Premiership big boys.
"I was surprised because Chelsea don't lose many times but in England you can lose everywhere and that tells a lot about Middlesbrough," Wenger said.
"I read in a few newspapers that Middlesbrough will struggle this year but they have started well and that will give them confidence.
"Middlesbrough is a little bit of a specalist of this kind of coup. They did it last year against us, against Chelsea and against Manchester United. They look like they can find resources against the big teams in the league."
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According to Arsène Wenger there is “nothing serious” in stories suggesting Jose Antonio Reyes (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60084&clid=4421&cpid=703) is moving to Atletico Madrid.
The 22-year-old Spanish striker has been linked with a move to their cross-town neighbours Real all summer. Those reports have been rubbished by Wenger. Now the Arsenal manager suggests that a move to Atletico is highly unlikely.
“Frankly nothing serious is happening on that front,” he said after Wednesday night’s win over Zagreb. “Nothing at all.”
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Our cameras were at Emirates Stadium last night to capture all the post-match reaction from Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb. Subscribers can now watch the following video interviews on Arsenal TV Online:
Cesc Fabregas
The midfielder on fighting back to beat Zagreb, the mental approach when you're three goals up, adapting to the new stadium and a much bigger pitch, and his thoughts on the draw.
Thierry Henry
The captain on fighting back in both games at Emirates Stadium, the importance of reaching the Group Stage, his view on Thursday's draw and making up for the Paris defeat.
Gilberto
The Brazilian midfielder on getting the first win at Emirates Stadium, the size and pace of the playing surface, and coming on as a substitute to help secure the victory.
Freddie Ljungberg
The Swede talks about his rare headed goal, his first start as Arsenal captain, how far he thinks the Club can go in this season's Champions League and who he wants in today's draw.
>> Click Here (http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=411942&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=TV+Online:+Henry,+Fabregas,+Gilberto,+Ljungb erg)<<
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Thierry Henry (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60089&clid=4421&cpid=703) believes history is on Arsenal’s side in the Champions League this season.
Last May, Arsène Wenger’s young team came within 13 minutes of lifting Europe’s top trophy before they were undone by a double strike from Barcelona.
The Arsenal captain feels a repeat, or even a step further, is possible this season.
“Usually the team who goes far in the Champions League comes back the year after or for two years after,” said Henry.
“Of course, you never know what can happen. Last year [holders] Liverpool lost against Benfica and look at the game last night. If Zagreb had scored a second one it could have been different for us.
“We know we have to play better and to play as a team. That's the thing about last season - we defended well.
“A lot of people are not fully fit at the moment. Teams who had players in the World Cup are struggling at the beginning of the season. That is the way it is.
"But on the other side we can look at what we did last season and use it in the Champions League this year.”
The draw for the Group Stages takes place at 5pm. Arsenal.com hopes to have reaction from Arsène Wenger shortly afterwards
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Jonathan Woodgate insists he wants to remain at Real Madrid this season despite widespread interest in his services from England.
Reports last week suggested Arsenal were contemplating a move for the 26-year-old and the likes of Middlesbrough and Bolton are also understood to be monitoring his situation.
However, Woodgate, who is fully fit after a full pre-season, has set his sights on earning himself a spot in new Real boss Fabio Capello's first team.
"My challenge is to win two titles with Real this season," he stated.
"I have never worried about my contract, I have two years left on it and I am thinking about staying.
"I am feeling fit and am very optimistic about the new season."
The former Leeds and Newcastle man admits he has been very impressed with Capello since his arrival at the club and is convinced the Italian can bring the glory days back to Real.
"Real have made the perfect choice," he continued.
"He is a very hard and demanding coach, similar in style to an English manager.
"I would bet on him bringing success to Real."
However, Spanish sources suggest Woodgate's future is far from clear cut with Capello understood to be in the market for another central defender.
The Italian tactician is ready to offload Ronaldo to Milan and will look to spend the proceeds on strengthening his defence.
If a new stopper does arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu before the end of the transfer window then both Woodgate and Ivan Helguera could be allowed to leave, either on loan or permanently, with the likes of Hamburg and Valencia chasing Helguera.
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Bordeaux star Julien Faubert has told skysports.com he dreams of playing in England with Arsene Wenger's Arsenal.
The 23-year-old is currently the man to watch in France after scoring twice in three Ligue 1 games, whilst he also netted on his international debut for Raymond Domenech's Bleus earlier in the month.
His scintillating form has raised his profile on the continent, and Faubert has now revealed he is keen to prove himself amongst the English elite.
Indeed the midfielder has targeted Arsenal as his dream employers, as he is familiar with Gunners left-back Gael Clichy and would love to be reunited with him at The Emirates Stadium.
"I have never hidden that a move to The Premiership would be my dream," Faubert told skysports.com.
"More than a dream, it is a priority.
"Everything attracts me there. The passion, the fighting spirit, the duels…
"Arsenal are my favourite club, I hope that one day, I could join them.
"Yes, Gael Clichy, who has started his career with me at AS Cannes academy plays there.
"It would be so great to play again with him."
Faubert's Bordeaux could be pitted against The Gunners in the UEFA Champions League group stage draw on Thursday, and the star is desperate to test himself against the best that England has to offer.
"I don't want to avoid great sides, I want to play against big teams," Faubert added.
"The bigger they are, the happier I am.
"I definitely want to play against Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester United. I love those sides.
"I love the stadiums, the fans…they just make me shiver!"
Although Faubert was not selected for Les Bleus for the upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers with Georgia and Italy he is still enamoured with the international set-up after his call-up for the friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
"They have welcomed me like if I was part of the squad since a long time.
"Thierry (Henry) and Pat (Vieira) have helped me to be confident, they have been fantastic with me."
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Jose Mourinho is refusing to become flustered by the protracted transfer saga surrounding Ashley Cole.
Claims and counter-claims have characterised one of the summer's longest running episodes and negotiations between Arsenal and Chelsea appear to have hit an impasse.
Mourinho has since moved to sign the versatile Khalid Boulahrouz from Hamburg and Wayne Bridge remains very much in the manager's thoughts.
The Blues have a plethora of defensive options which may yet also include contract rebel William Gallas, leading Mourinho to insist it would not be a drama if Cole's transfer was not resolved before the transfer deadline.
"I have Bridge, who is playing very well. I don't have another pure left-back but there are some solutions in the squad to give us cover for that position," said Mourinho.
"I don't know what the situation is but if, on the 31st of August, we cannot get Cole then it is not a drama."
Mourinho's more pressing concern appears to have been his side's performance at Middlesbrough on Wednesday - where two late goals saw the champions suffer a rare defeat.
"I've managed for six or seven years. That was not a Jose Mourinho team at Middlesbrough," he added.
"I don't want to go for excuses any more. I don't think it was because of fitness that we didn't play better, it was because of attitude."
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Thierry Henry has admitted that it may be some time before he regains top form.
The French striker lacked his usual sharpness in The Gunners' Premiership opener against Aston Villa on Saturday and only came on for the last 25 minutes of the UEFA Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb.
Henry had an unusually short pre-season after taking a rest at the end of the World Cup, and believes he may not shake off the rust for another couple of weeks.
"The body is not quite ready yet," he acknowledged.
"I would love it to be tomorrow - but I have to take it slowly and if I can go out there and help the team, I will.
"It is not that easy when you have only had 10 or 12 days of work and you go into the championship.
"I hope it (full fitness) can be as quickly as possible.
"Normally when you come back in pre-season you have played the likes of Barnet - and I struggle sometimes, even when playing Barnet.
"You have to prepare yourself for competitive games, and usually it takes a month or a month and a half to get going."
Teenage sensation Theo Walcott has shone in two cameo appearances from the bench already this season, and Henry has been impressed by the way he has set up goals for his team-mates.
"Theo has had the chance to show what he can do and is showing it," he praised.
"Sometimes we had a pretty good understanding and we were playing well together.
"We can keep up together because he is quick and I am quite quick. If he goes, I can keep up with him and if I go, he can keep up with me."
Henry feels that criticism of Walcott's World Cup inclusion was deeply unfair, and backed the 17-year-old to keep on producing the goods this season.
"I am happy for him because he has got a lot of stick and people have not seen him play yet," Henry explained.
"Once again he came on and got an assist - that is what the game is about.
"You can do whatever you want, but at the end of the season people look at how many assists and goals you score."
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Arsenal's Jens Lehmann has been voted the best goalkeeper in last season's UEFA Champions League, and Ronaldinho the best overall player.
The Uefa club football awards, presented during the draw for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League, recognised the best performers in each position in last season's competition.
Each award was voted for by the coaches of the 16 teams who reached the knockout stages last year, as well as members of the Uefa technical study group.
Not surprisingly champions Barcelona dominated the ceremony, but Lehmann at least prevented them from securing a clean sweep of the five major awards.
The German was sent off in the final against Barcelona but his assured performances in the rest of the competition were enough to see him get the nod over fellow nominees Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus and Lyon's Gregory Coupet.
Lehmann saved a penalty from Juan Roman Riquelme of Villarreal in the semi-final second leg and kept a record number of clean sheets between the group stages and the final.
Thierry Henry missed out on the best striker award, with Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o winning ahead of him and Brazilian team-mate Ronaldinho.
Barca's Carles Puyol was named the top defender, edging out Arsenal's third nominee Emmanuel Eboue as well as Fabio Cannavaro.
In the best midfielder category, Barcelona ace Deco beat off competition from Riquelme and Juninho Pernambucano of Lyon to carry off the award.
The final award recognised the Uefa club footballer of the year 2006, and Ronaldinho scooped the prize for his scintillating displays throughout the Champions League
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Jens Lehmann has expressed his satisfaction with Arsenal's draw for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.
The Gunners, who reached the final last season before losing out to Barcelona, have been drawn with Porto, CSKA Moscow and Hamburg in Group G.
Lehmann believes that Arsenal's opponents will all prove to be tricky, but is confident that the Londoners are the strongest outfit of the four.
He is especially pleased to be returning to his homeland of Germany to take on Bundesliga side Hamburg.
"I am quite happy with Hamburg because finally we get to play a German side and I have been looking forward to that," he told Sky Sports News.
"Hamburg is a nice town and a lovely stadium so that is a nice draw.
"They are always dangerous at set pieces and you have to be aware of this strength.
"I think Sporting and Moscow are good teams but of course we have the position of favourites in this group."
Lehmann scooped the award for best goalkeeper in last season's Champions League at an awards ceremony held during the draw, but modestly insisted that the whole Arsenal team deserved recognition for their record-breaking run of clean sheets.
"I think it was down to our record that we didn't concede a goal for about eight or nine games, so I think the whole team should have been awarded," he said.
"Unfortunately for the team only the goalkeeper stands here and that is me."
Lehmann also refused to be drawn on the ongoing speculation linking defender Ashley Cole with a move to Chelsea.
"I am not in this matter any more because it gets on my nerves," he commented.
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Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon remains hopeful of landing Ashley Cole, insisting there is a "commitment" between The Blues and Arsenal to get a deal done.
The transfer saga has been dragging on all summer, but has reached an impasse with Arsenal having turned down Chelsea's offer for the England left back.
Kenyon claims Chelsea will continue to push hard to reach an agreement before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month, but added that The Blues were already happy with the squad they have assembled.
"That would be nice," he told Sky Sports News when asked if Chelsea would be kicking off their UEFA Champions League campaign with Cole in their ranks.
"We've got seven days to do it or not. We've been talking to Arsenal for the last three weeks, very frequently, that's where we are, there's no more to add.
"Arsenal know our position, we'd like to think we can get it done, but if not we've got a great team and are very confident they can get us through.
"There's a commitment on both sides to try and get a deal done."
Kenyon admitted that Arsenal were pushing hard to take William Gallas as part of the Cole deal, but claimed that fact had possibly further convoluted the transfer.
"You would think that would make it easier wouldn't you, but I'm not sure it has," he added.
"That may happen, it may not happen. William may stay with us, we may get Cole. It's all up in the air, but I know in the next seven days we'll find out."
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Arsenal have indicated that Jose Antonio Reyes could be set to stay at the club after rejecting a bid from Atletico Madrid.
Atletico had been hoping to prise the Spaniard away from The Emirates Stadium for a fee of around £8 million, but Arsenal turned down the approach as they were holding out for an offer in excess of £12 million.
And Gunners vice chairman David Dein now believes that, with the clock ticking down to the close of the transfer window, Reyes may well stay in North London.
"They have made an offer which has been rejected," Dein told Sky Sports News.
"He is an Arsenal player and may very well remain an Arsenal player."
Atletico emerged as surprise suitors for Reyes on Wednesday after weeks of intense speculation linking the 22-year-old with a move to Madrid rivals Real.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has said that Reyes has become unsettled by the rumours and has so far frozen him out of first team action this season.
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger expects qualification to the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League to be tough given Thursday's draw.
The North London outfit were pitted against Porto, CSKA Moscow and Hamburg in what looks to be a difficult Group G.
Arsenal will start the competition as favourites to top the group but Wenger concedes it will be a far from simple passage.
The French tactician feels it will be interesting to pit his side against clubs who embrace a different style to his own, already looking forward to European excursions.
"It is a very compact group, but with a good level," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.
"Porto are dominating in Portugal and are always difficult to beat, CSKA have been dominating in Russia and Hamburg finished second in Germany after fighting with Bayern Munich until the end.
"It is an interesting set of teams. You will see good games with football of different cultures.
"Porto will be very Latin, Hamburg will be physically strong and always try to attack while, in the last three years, CSKA Moscow have been a revelation in Europe."
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Arsenal will play Porto, CSKA Moscow and Hamburg in the Group Stage of the Champions League. Arsène Wenger's team will travel to Portugal, Russia and Germany after beating Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb in the Qualifying Round.
Arsenal were among the eight top seeds when the draw took place in Monaco on Thursday - meaning they cannot play Barcelona, Real Madrid, Internazionale, Liverpool, Valencia, AC Milan and Manchester United before the Knockout Stage.
Arsenal TV Online subscribers can watch an exclusive video interview with Arsène Wenger on Friday morning as he reflects on the draw and assesses each of Arsenal's opponents.
News of Arsenal's Group Stage fixtures and ticket information will be available on Arsenal.com soon.
Champions League draw:
Group A: Barcelona, Chelsea, Werder Bremen, Levski Sofia
Group B: Internazionale, Bayern Munich, Sporting Lisbon, Spartak Moscow
Group C: Liverpool, PSV Eindhoven, Bordeaux, Galatasaray
Group D: Valencia, Roma, Olympiakos, Shakhtar Donetsk
Group E: Real Madrid, Lyon, Steaua Bucharest, Dynamo Kiev
Group F: Manchester United, Celtic, Benfica, FC Copenhagen
Group G: Arsenal, Porto, CSKA Moscow, Hamburg
Group H: AC Milan, Lille, AEK Athens, Anderlecht
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Arsène Wenger believes Arsenal's Champions League group will be far from easy.
On Thursday evening, his side were drawn against Porto, CSKA Moscow and Hamburg in Group G of this year's competition. Wenger will have realistic ambitions of going all the way after reaching the final last season but is not underestimating the three teams on his immediate horizon.
“It is a very compact group but with a good level,” he said in an exclusive interview with Arsenal TV Online after the draw. “Porto are dominating in Portugal and are always difficult to beat, CSKA have been dominating in Russia and Hamburg finished second in Germany after fighting with Bayern Munich until the end.
“It is an interesting set of teams. You will see good games with football of different cultures. Porto will be very Latin, Hamburg will be physically strong and always try to attack while, in the last three years, CSKA Moscow have been a revelation in Europe.”
ATVO subscribers will be able to see more of this exclusive interview on Friday morning. Wenger talks about: the relative strength of this group to previous years, what he wants to avoid in the group stage, the Barcelona v Chelsea match up, the Zagreb game, the pitch at Emirates, the injury situation and the Manchester City game.
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Thierry Henry (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60089&clid=4421&cpid=703) expects to be back to full fitness and top form by October.
Arsenal's captain was the last to return to pre-season training after playing in the World Cup Final in July. He had little time to prepare before the new season kicked off on Saturday and - 115 minutes of action later - Henry is feeling the effects.
"I am not fully fit and ready yet," Henry admitted after Wednesday night's substitute appearance against Dinamo Zagreb. "Body-wise I'm OK but against Aston Villa I had trouble turning with the ball and putting some pace into it.
"It is not that easy when you have only had 10 or 12 days of work and you go into the championship. To play for France [last week] and then against Dinamo wasn't easy so we decided with the boss that I was only going to play 25 or 30 minutes.
"I hope it can be as quick as possible before I am fully fit. Normally when you come back in pre-season you play the likes of Barnet and I struggle sometimes even in games like that. It is harder to prepare yourself for competitive games and usually it takes a month or a month and a half to get going."
That prognosis takes Henry up to the start of October, but the captain will do everything he can to help Arsenal's cause while he eases his way back to peak condition.
"October was the plan from the start," the captain said. "The boss knew that. You can't just give someone who played until the end of the World Cup 10 days rest. I had two-and-a-half weeks off and then just 10 to 11 days to prepare myself.
"The body is not quite ready yet. I would love it to be tomorrow but I have to take it slowly and, if I can go out there and help the team, I will. It is important to be out there and to try to help the team. I try to give my best and obviously when I am fully fit and ready I can give more."
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The Arsenal Video News Bulletin is our new feature for the new football season!
Every week, subscribers can catch up with all the latest news and features in a special clip on Arsenal TV Online.
Our latest bulletin has injury news ahead of the trip to Manchester City, exclusive interviews with Kolo Toure and Freddie Ljungberg plus exclusive footage from the first team's visit to the annual Junior Gunners Awards ceremony.
We hope you enjoy the Arsenal Video News Bulletin. Tell us what you think - send your comments to gunners@arsenal.co.uk
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Arsene Wenger has described Atletico Madrid's offer for Jose Antonio Reyes as an 'insult'.
Atletico had looked to succeed where city rivals Real had failed as they looked to snatch the Spanish international away from The Emirates Stadium.
However, the bid of around £8 million made by Atletico is well short of Arsenal's asking price - said to be over £12 million.
"I do not consider that an offer - I consider that an insult," blasted Wenger.
"I feel if a player wants to go and you get an agreement with the money you want, he goes - if you do not get that, he stays here.
"We will try to make him happy - but what can we do about the situation?
"When a player has a contract you need an agreement of three parties and you need an offer for a player and we have had no offer.
"I am not annoyed [by the situation] because I take care of the players who play and the players who do not play, what can I do?
"He wants to go Spain and we have no offer, what can I do about it?
"I can do nothing.
"It is like you wanting to marry Miss World and she does not want you. What can I do about it?
"I can try to help you, but if she does not want to marry you, what can I do?
"If you are not happy, what can I do about it? It is exactly the same.
"It is important that everybody is happy at the club - but there are other interests which are above that."
Arsenal are still in talks with Chelsea over Ashley Cole's possible move to Stamford Bridge, and William Gallas's potential transfer in the opposite direction.
However, Wenger insists Arsenal have the funds to buy Gallas without selling Cole.
"Do not think that we do not have the money to buy anyone if nobody goes out, that is not true.
"It [buying] would be less needed [if no-one left]. But I can still buy.
"I can buy in January, I can buy now.
"You can play a little with the opportunities."
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Unsettled Arsenal star Jose Antonio Reyes has reiterated his desire to return to Spain.
Reyes' future at Arsenal has been the subject of intense speculation for the last month with the player seemingly seeking a move away from England.
Arsenal rejected a bid from Atletico Madrid for Reyes earlier this week, while Real Madrid have expressed an interest in the Spanish international.
Reyes, who has not played for The Gunners this season, is unhappy that Arsenal are refusing to allow him to leave and he is so determined to move back to Spain he insists he would join any interested club.
"What I want is to come to Spain. I won't play again in England," Reyes told Marca.
"I want to return. If it's to play for Atletico I say yes, if it's to play for Real Madrid I say yes, if it's to play for (his former club) Sevilla I say yes."
Reyes admitted the whole situation regarding his future has affected him.
"You can hardly imagine (the situation). I'm a long way off, rumours reach me," added Reyes.
"What I'm sure about is that I want to come back from London."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is thought to be considering letting Reyes leave so that he can bring in a replacement before the close of the transfer window next Thursday.
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Kilmarnock have confirmed young striker Steven Naismith is set to link up with Arsenal for a trial.
Naismith is regarded as one of the best talents in Scotland and won the SPL's Young Player of the Year award last season.
The 19-year-old is thought to have attracted the interest of Manchester United, but Arsenal are ready to steal a march on their Premiership rivals by inviting Naismith for a training spell.
Killie know they face a fight to keep hold of Naismith, but Rugby Park chairman Michael Johnston insists no deal has been agreed with Arsenal as yet.
"Steven is going down there for Arsenal to have a look at him in training and have some discussions with Arsene Wenger," said Johnston.
"He will be going down for tomorrow and Tuesday, but we have reached no agreement with Arsenal and no figure has been discussed.
"Apparently, this is how Arsenal and Arsene Wenger work - he likes to meet players he is interested in in training.
"They did want him to go down earlier but we could not spare him at the time they went on their training camp, so this is the alternative which has been put in place so they can see him in the flesh.
"There has been a lot of interest from a number of different clubs and there have been various approaches and offers, which we have rejected."
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Marseille midfielder Franck Ribery admits he endured a difficult time in the summer as his name was constantly linked with a move.
The talented France international saw his stock rise at the World Cup when after an impressive showing in Germany the likes of Lyon, Real Madrid and Arsenal all expressed an interest.
At one stage in what was one of Europe's more protracted transfer races, Ribery seemed highly likely to make the move to French champions Lyon.
However, with Marseille loath to lose their prize asset, Ribery was eventually persuaded to extend his stay at Stade Velodrome.
"It is true after the World Cup, being an international, I wanted to play Champions League," Ribery told L'Equipe.
"Indeed Mr Aulas (Lyon's chairman) did his best for me to join Lyon, but honestly it was not the only club that wanted me to play Champions League.
"Real, Arsenal, there were a lot of clubs attracted.
"Now it is up to me to achieve the same season as last year, and then we will see at the end of the year.
"Those propositions have disturbed me.
"I am only 23-years-old and even if you play for one of the biggest French clubs, when you hear all those big teams following you, you are hesitant.
"At a certain time, I was lost. I didn’t know where to go anymore, considering everything that was happening and being said around me. I endured that period, those difficult moments.
"But you have to know I am someone simple, I am not big headed. I am working everyday in training sessions. I have not changed."
Although conceding that he was greatly unsettled by all the talk of a possible exit, Ribery is now willing to give his all for Marseille in the present campaign.
"I will stay at Marseille all season long," he added.
"Talking with the officials they told me one or two new players will come, we have an ambitious group.
"I have no regret to stay here, because I deeply love the club and the people.
"They have adopted me and my family loves the region. I have learnt a lot, and I hope to have had a good lesson.
"I will be more cautious in the future with what I am saying, that is for sure."
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Jose Mourinho has opened his spat with William Gallas by challenging the Frenchman to explain his absence from Chelsea's Premiership games thus far.
The France international has endured a miserable summer after expressing his desire to quit Stamford Bridge, with the club's management rejecting his request out of hand.
In recent weeks Gallas has become embroiled in the much protracted Ashley Cole transfer to Chelsea, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger eager to include him in any deal.
Mourinho had seemingly been willing to offer the olive branch to a player who missed the club's pre-season tour of America but it now seems as though his patience is shot.
Chelsea have intimated that Gallas' purported move to Arsenal is unlikely to materialise before Thursday's transfer deadline - with Mourinho now urging his player to be open with his thoughts.
"The best thing to do is to ask him," Mourinho told the club's official website. "People should talk to his agent and try to have a press conference with Gallas.
"There are a lot of answers but answers he should be the one to tell.
"It is not that I don’t want to tell but I shouldn't be the one to say things that he should tell.
"This situation deserves a press conference with the player."
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Corinthians officials will meet investment group MSI in London on Tuesday in a bid to resolve the future of Carlos Tevez.
The Argentinian superstar is attracting the interest of a growing number of clubs in Europe after signaling his desire to leave Brazil, with Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Roma, Lyon and Real Madrid all linked with the impressive striker.
Tevez is determined to end his time at Corinthians after falling out with the fans and has burnt his bridges by refusing to return to the club.
With the end of the transfer window looming large the need to clarify Tevez's situation is pressing, so Corinthians have dispatched president Alberto Dualib and vice president Nesi Curi to negotiate his transfer with the company who control the Brazilian side.
Whilst the club were initially reluctant to lose their star forward, the Corinthians hierarchy have now conceded defeat and are determined to secure replacements through MSI.
Coach Emerson Leao has reportedly asked for PSV Eindhoven defender Alex, Fenerbahce midfielder Alex, Le Mans striker Grafite and Sevilla's Luis Fabiano.
Any new signings are likely to be dependent on Tevez leaving the club and recent indications suggest that England could be his likely destination
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on the performance...
"I am very pleased. I was very impressed with the senior players from the first team who came down and applied themselves, they were first class. That's all you can ask and I think the football we played tonight showed what a good bunch of lads they are. I was really happy with the way they played their football. We asked them to keep the ball moving quickly like they do in the first team and keep applying the pressure. By doing that we got some opportunities and it paid dividends."
on central defender Matthew Connolly...
"Matthew Connolly will be the captain of the Reserve side this season. The lads come in and go out of the team so we need someone who is going to be there for the majority of the season. We hope Matthew will get into the first team but he will be Reserves captain this year."
on Adebayor and Aliadiere's goals...
"They are good finishers. Right through the Club there are good finishers and I think, with the football we are playing, it is only a matter of time before the first team finish off their games too."
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Falkirk are set to snap up Arsenal youngster Anthony Stokes.
The Bairns enjoy a good relationship with Arsenal having already signed three young Gunners in the last year.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen to send Stokes out on loan so that he can gain some valuable first team experience.
Stokes was expected to join Sunderland earlier this summer, but The Black Cats decided against signing the 18-year-old as they could not guarantee him first team football.
Falkirk chief John Hughes is keen to bolster his attacking options and is hoping to push through a deal before the close of the transfer window.
Stokes is excited at the chance of moving to Scotland and has targeted making his debut in the game against Rangers next month.
"I'm thrilled I'm finally getting an opportunity to play first-team football at a high level," Stokes told the Daily Record.
"John Hughes has told me he wants to start me in the first team as soon as possible.
"If that plan sees the light of day then that will be away to Rangers a week on Saturday."
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Arsenal new boy Tomas Rosicky is not worried about his side's slow start to the season.
The Gunners slumped to a surprise 1-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend leaving them with just one point from their opening two games.
Rosicky, who made his Premiership debut at City, is refusing to panic despite Arsenal trailing Manchester United by eight points already.
"We are all very sad about it but we should not panic," Rosicky told CTK.
"It is only about starting to score goals because we have created plenty of good chances."
The Czech Republic international was guilty of missing one of Arsenal's best openings against City, but he was denied by Nicky Weaver.
"I tried to have it ideal for a shot but the goalkeeper denied me greatly," added Rosicky. "So I passed to Gilberto (Silva) whose shot was blocked.
"It was a big pity to lose such a game in which we had so many goal chances. And moreover, we conceded from a penalty."
The former Borussia Dortmund ace admitted he is still some way off full fitness as he continues to struggle with a groin injury he picked up earlier this month in the UEFA Champions League qualifier with Dinamo Zagreb.
"I did not feel bad but I still miss something to be in the optimum form because most recently, I have not trained so much and that is why I have to level the difference.
"From now on, it should be better and better. The most important thing is that I did not feel any after effects of the injury.
"I was very glad that I could play in that match. I have to repay the confidence with good performances and help the team to start winning the next games."
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Speculation is growing that Corinthians' crown jewels Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez may both move to The Premiership before the transfer window closes on Thursday.
The Brazilian side sent a delegation of officials to London on Tuesday to meet with investment group MSI in a bid to negotiate the exit of star striker Tevez after he signalled his desire to leave the club following a falling out with the fans.
However it now appears as though Mascherano's future is also up for debate with Corinthians possibly ready to cash in on the Argentine World Cup star after he missed training on Tuesday.
Club president Alberto Dualib has admitted that talks with MSI are likely to clarify the situation of the two stars on Wednesday, with the Argentine media suggesting that the duo are expected to make their way to England.
"This Wednesday is the key day and the negotiations are very advanced," said Dualib.
Former Boca Juniors sensation Tevez has been linked with a number of clubs across the continent ever since it became clear he was desperate to leave Brazil, with Roma, Manchester United, Chelsea, Milan, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid all believed to hold an interest.
The latest club to reportedly join the race is Aston Villa, with Randy Lerner's millions dramatically increasing their pulling power in the transfer market.
However reports in Tevez's home country suggest that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could be leading the chase for the powerful forward.
Meanwhile defensive midfielder Mascherano appears to be the subject of a tussle between Manchester United and Chelsea, with Sir Alex Ferguson turning his attention to new targets after seemingly missing out on Owen Hargreaves.
Tevez and Mascherano's agent Adrian Ruocco is attending the crunch meetings in London and the situation of the two Argentine internationals should be much clearer in the next 48 hours.
Whilst Tevez had been expected to leave after staying away from the club for the past week, Mascherano has now also gone AWOL with arguments continuing over his availablilty for the glamour friendly against Brazil at The Emirates Stadium on September 3.
Corinthians are not keen for the midfielder to travel for the tie, even though he is suspended domestically, and relations between the parties have reached a new low after coach Emerson Leao confirmed Mascherano had skipped training.
"I began the practice at 8.30 am and there was no sign of Mascherano," coach Leao confirmed to reporters.
"I haven't received any official message from him and the case has been passed to the directors."
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Steve McClaren says Theo Walcott will figure in his future England plans if he continues his upward curve at Arsenal.
The 17-year-old was a shock inclusion in Sven Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad and was conspicuous by his absence in McClaren's first selection after taking over from the Swede.
Walcott's inclusion was questioned by senior members of the England squad following the tournament, with their criticism hinging on the fact that he had never appeared for The Gunners.
Whilst Walcott has rectified that particular problem, making three substitute appearances so far this season, McClaren is still looking for the lightning quick forward to prove himself across a longer period of time in North London.
If he can continue to shine under the guidance of Arsene Wenger then the Three Lions boss says Walcott, who scored on his debut for the Under-21 side, can look forward to a future at international level.
"I spoke to Theo and said he needed games. That's why we put him in the Under-21s," said McClaren.
"He has had a couple of run-outs for Arsenal. I spoke to (Arsenal assistant manager) Pat Rice last week about him and he has been delighted with him.
"He was and is somebody that I'll be looking very, very closely at. But I just felt he needs a few more games before we consider him.
"Theo has got great potential, that's the key word, potential. He has to become a regular at Arsenal and break through and consistently perform at that level.
"He has had a lot to contend with. He was training with us and he was excellent in training.
"But at 17 years old, you have a lot of developing to do, and I'm sure we will see that over the years.
"He's at a big club, he's surrounded by big players and that's when you grow not just physically, technically, tactically, but also mentally.
"That's something he has to develop. He has to mature, and he's at the right place to do that."
With Wayne Rooney suspended and Michael Owen and Dean Ashton injured, McClaren will start one of Jermain Defoe, Darren Bent or Andy Johnson alongside Peter Crouch in his first competitive game in charge of his country against Andorra on Saturday.
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Arsenal attacker Jose Antonio Reyes has been passed fit for Spain's upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Northern Ireland.
The former Sevilla star, who recently indicated he does not want to return to England in the face of interest from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, passed a fitness test on Tuesday to render him available for Luis Aragones.
Reyes has not appeared for The Gunners yet this season, with the fierce speculation surrounding his future serving to disrupt his focus and a groin injury affecting his fitness.
However tests at the Clinica Centro have revealed that Reyes is now ready to play for his country in their first competitive game following their World Cup exit at the hands of France.
Medical staff from the Spanish federation have declared that "the kid is perfectly fit to play", and Aragones must now decide whether to field Reyes given his lack of match practice.
The tricky forward trained on Tuesday but refused to speak about his club future with two days to go before the transfer window closes.
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Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has urged Ashley Cole to regain his focus following the apparent collapse of a transfer to Chelsea.
The summer's longest running saga of claims and counter-claims has taken its toll on all parties, but Cole had been particularly keen to make the move across to West London.
However, after the two clubs seemingly hit an impasse in negotiations, the chances of a deal now being struck before the transfer deadline on Thursday night appear slim.
If Cole is to remain at The Gunners, Hill-Wood hopes the England international will 'get his head right' and prove his worth to the Emirates Stadium outfit.
"He is a very good player and if he is going to stay I hope his attitude is right," Hill-Wood told the Daily Star.
"If he is going to be miserable and sour there is no point.
"Hopefully he will get his head right."
Hill-Wood admits he is none the wiser as to why the transfer has stalled.
"I don't know is the answer," he added. "It's rather ridiculous really. I have no idea."
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Jose Antonio Reyes has spoken of his desire to sign for Atletico Madrid, with the Liga outfit's persistence looking set to pay dividends before Thursday's transfer deadline.
Reyes's future at Arsenal has been the subject of speculation all summer long, but an end to the protracted negotiations could now be in sight.
Arsenal are keen to recoup the €20 million (£13.5 million) they paid Sevilla for Reyes in January 2004, and the indications are that the ambitious Liga club are willing to match that valuation.
Reyes has been hankering after a return to Spain for some time, and, after reports of initial interest from Real Madrid, and failed bids from Atletico, he may be about to get his wish.
"I want to leave Arsenal but not just to play anywhere - I do not want to lose my prestige," Reyes told the Guardian.
"I am excited about the prospect of going to Atletico. They are building an exciting team.
The transfer would find favour with the player's potential strike partner Fernando Torres.
"I really hope he comes," said Torres. "It would be a big step forward for us in terms of quality.
"I have spoken to him and he is very keen to come but right now it's in the hands of the clubs."
>>> Click Here (http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=413082&CPID=8&clid=3&lid=&title=Unhappy+hunting+-+Tyler) <<<
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Arsenal's Swiss international defender Philippe Senderos says he hopes to have recovered from the injury he sustained at the World Cup and be back to training inside a month.
The promising 21-year-old saw his campaign in Germany brought to a premature end when he damaged shoulder ligaments in the Group G game with South Korea, and in a further blow missed the start of the season for The Gunners.
With Sol Campbell departing over the summer and, as yet, Arsene Wenger neglecting to enter the transfer market for a new defender, the onus is likely to be on Senderos to partner Kolo Toure in the Arsenal back-line in the coming months.
Young compatriot Johan Djourou has been filling in with some success, but Senderos says he will be back fighting for his place sooner rather than later.
"I am about four weeks away from coming back and training with the team," Senderos told the club's official website.
"Then it will be a few weeks before I can fight for my place again."
Senderos formed a key part of the Gunners back-line that set a new UEFA Champions League record for consecutive clean sheets last season.
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Jose Antonio Reyes is set to end his spell with Arsenal by joining Real Madrid.
It is being claimed that The Gunners have struck a deal with the Spanish giants that sees them secure Julio Baptista and €3 million (£2 million).
Reyes, formerly of Sevilla, has made no secret of his desire to return to La Liga and is now appears his wish is set to be fulfilled.
The 22-year-old made a bright start to his early career with a number of spectacular goals, although he failed to really settle in London.
Baptista, who joined Real for £13.8 million last summer from Sevilla, has failed to make his mark at El Santiago Bernabeu.
Now with Fabio Capello in charge of the Galacticos, the Italian tactician is keen to free up a non-EU place in his squad by allowing Baptista to leave.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been chasing Baptista for over a year after originally trying to bring him to The Premiership prior to his Real switch.
Spurs were keen on the Brazilian, however, they were rejected by The Beast who is now set for Arsenal with Reyes poised to move in the opposite direction.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to bring Japanese starlet Sho Ito to the club.
Click here (http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=413247&clid=&channel=football_home&title=Transfer+Deadline+Day+Special) for all the latest transfer news
The 18-year-old has been on trial with The Gunners in a bid to earn a switch to The Emirates Stadium.
After being impressed by Ito, Wenger is working frantically to secure the Japan Under-21 international a work permit and visa before the deadline passes.
"I like him, I want to sign him and we are applying for a working visa for him on the basis of exceptional talent," Wenger said.
"Last season we had an exceptional talent visa for a Cameroon international, Alex Song, and this player looks another exciting prospect."
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Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign Jose Antonio Reyes on loan with Julio Baptista heading to Arsenal.
Reyes has spent much of the summer hankering after a switch to Real, although capital rivals Atletico recently lodged a bid.
Arsenal had resisted the overtures from La Liga, but it appears that Reyes' wish to return to Spain has now been granted.
A Real spokesman has confirmed that the two clubs have agreed on a deal which sees Reyes and Baptista swap clubs on season-long loan deals.
The players would then have the option of permanent transfers next summer, although Reyes and Baptista have yet to sign the contracts.
Baptista only joined Real from Sevilla last summer, but Arsenal had also been heavily linked with the Brazil international.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger now looks to have landed the versatile attacker, although it will be at the expense of Reyes' departure from The Premiership.
Sky Sports News have reported that Ashley Cole is on his way to Chelsea while William Gallas is on his way in the opposit direction... To Emirates Stadium.
Reyes/Bapista has also been comfired by SSN
This will be comfired by either the agents or the clubs late/early this mornin' :bigsmile:
:dance: :dance: :dance: Come On You Gunners :dance: :dance: :dance:
Its been reported that William Gallas and Ashley Cole had a medical yesterday Afternoon/Evenin' (Thursday 31st Sept 060
ARSENAL: The first edition of The Sun claimed Arsenal accepted a deal of £5m plus William Gallas for Ashley Cole from Chelsea. But with no official confirmation as the transfer window closed, were they right? Elsewhere, the Gunners agreed a swap loan deal which will see Jose Antonio Reyes heading to Real Madrid, and Julio Baptista coming the other way for one season. Meanwhile, one defender looks to be off - Villarreal have agreed a £2m fee for Pascal Cygan (2152).
>>> Click Here For Full Report And Other Club Updates (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/5235160.stm) <<<
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Chelsea and Arsenal left it late to conclude one of the most protracted and bitter transfer sagas of recent years as the reigning champions gave their London rivals £5 million and William Gallas to secure the signature of Ashley Cole.
The Blues dispatched chief executive Peter Kenyon to hammer out a deal on transfer deadline day and an agreement was eventually clinched just minutes before the close of the window.
Cole's relationship with his boyhood cub plumbed new depths over the summer when it emerged his upcoming autobiography was to contain substantial criticism of the Gunners hierarchy, and he has now secured a move to Stamford Bridge which was been mooted ever since he was caught in an illegal meeting with The Blues in January 2005.
Arsenal were hankering after Gallas in part-exchange and, whilst Chelsea seemed initially reluctant, the French international has now moved to The Emirates Stadium along with a cash payment of £5 million.
At 1.30am a joint statement from the two Premiership clubs confirmed that Jose Mourinho's lengthy pursuit of Cole had been concluded with a positive outcome.
"Chelsea and Arsenal have agreed terms for the transfers of Ashley Cole and William Gallas," the clubs said in a joint statement.
"Chelsea will also pay Arsenal 5 million pounds. Both players have agreed personal terms and passed their respective medicals."
Cole will now challenge England team-mate Wayne Bridge for the left-back spot at Stamford Bridge, whilst Gallas will strengthen a Gunners squad which saw fellow stopper Pascal Cygan leave for Villarreal on transfer deadline day.
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Chelsea have ended a long-running saga by signing England full-back Ashley Cole from Arsenal in exchange for £5m and France defender William Gallas.
The deal was completed just before the transfer deadline with Cole, who was with the England squad in a Manchester hotel, having his medical nearby.
Cole, 25, is understood to have signed a five-year deal.
The 29-year-old Gallas had one year left on his contract but made it clear he wanted to leave Stamford Bridge.
The versatile French international did not turn up to pre-season training on Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States and did not receive a shirt number this season.
He had reportedly been unhappy at the terms Chelsea offered him in a four-year contract extension, and wanted to establish himself at centre-back.
Neither player has featured for his previous club this season, and both are eligible to play in the Champions League for their new teams.
Chelsea had been linked with Cole - who had two years left to run on his contact with Arsenal - all summer, but disagreements over the transfer fee stalled the move.
A joint statement from the clubs said: "Chelsea FC and Arsenal have agreed terms for the transfers of Ashley Cole and William Gallas.
"Chelsea will also pay Arsenal £5m. Both players have agreed personal terms and passed their respective medicals."
Although all the relevant paperwork had been lodged with the Premier League, neither club had made an announcement by the time the midnight deadline passed.
It was not until 0125 BST on Friday that the statement was finally issued.
Gallas, a £6m signing from Marseille, made more than 200 appearances for Chelsea in five years, while Cole made 228 appearances for the Gunners since making his debut in 2000.
Cole has won 51 England caps, with Gallas earning 44 caps for France.
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Arsenal Football Club can confirm that it has reached an agreement with Chelsea over the moves of William Gallas and Ashley Cole, plus a payment of £5million.
Further details will follow shortly on the above and any further announcements.
>>> Click Here (http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=413551&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=William+Gallas/Ashley+Cole+deal+confirmed) <<<
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Arsenal defender Pascal Cygan has joined Spanish side Villarreal on a permanent basis.
Cygan (32) joined the Gunners from Lille in July 2002 and made his debut in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the League in September 2002. Part of the squad that remained unbeaten when winning the 2004 Premiership title, Pascal made a total of 63 appearances scoring three goals during his time at the Club.
Everyone at Arsenal FC would like to wish Pascal the best for his future.
>>> Click Here (http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=413475&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=French+defender+Pascal+Cygan+signs+for+Villa rreal) <<<
Following the news that Arsenal have signed Julio Baptista, we've put together a few pictures from the career of our new player...
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Following the news that midfielder Julio Baptista has signed for Arsenal, here is a little more information on the Brazilian international.
Scored nine goals from 45 appearances last season with Real Madrid, and appeared in both Champions League fixtures against Arsenal.
Scored 38 goals (from 63 appearances) in two seasons with Sevilla, helping the Club to a top six finish in each season.
Scored five goals in Sevilla’s 2004/05 UEFA Cup campaign.
Member of Brazil’s triumphant 2004 Copa America squad.
Appeared in 2001 Confederations Cup and was part of winning squad at 2005 competition
>>> Click Here (http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=413321&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Know+more+about...+new+signing+Julio+Baptist a) <<<
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Brazilian international Julio Baptista has joined Arsenal from La Liga side Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee, with Gunners forward Jose Antonio Reyes joining the Spanish side in a reverse move.
Baptista (24) can play in midfield or as a forward and has been a target of the Club for some time, attracting attention with performances in Spain with Sevilla where he scored an impressive 38 goals from 63 appearances in two seasons, including five goals in the 2004/05 UEFA Cup campaign. Nicknamed ‘the Beast’, Julio joined Real Madrid last season and scored nine goals in 45 appearances which include the Champions League fixtures against Arsenal.
The 24 year old has also made 18 international appearances for his country scoring three goals, and while not called up for the 2006 World Cup was a member of Brazil’s winning squads at both the 2004 Copa America and also last year’s Confederations Cup.
Arsenal and Spain forward Jose Antonio Reyes appeared in all five competitions last season making a total of 110 appearances scoring 23 goals, and to date has won championship and FA Cup honours with Arsenal.
Reyes (22) has made 21 appearances for the Spanish national side and made one appearance at the 2006 World Cup, setting up the only goal in the win over Saudi Arabia.
Arsène Wenger, Arsenal manager said: “Julio Baptista will be a great addition to our squad. He is a powerful young international and is a versatile footballer who can operate both in midfield and as a striker. He has shown his potential over the past few seasons in Spain with both Real Madrid and Sevilla and we’re looking forward to him joining us. While welcoming Julio we would like to wish Jose the best of luck for his time in Spain.”
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Julio Baptista may have been surplus to requirements at Real Madrid but he could be just what Arsenal need.
The Brazilian completed a move to Emirates Stadium on transfer-deadline day while Jose Antonio Reyes headed in the opposite direction. According to Inigo Gurruchaga, a journalist at Spanish newspaper El Correo, Baptista will give Arsène Wenger's squad a new dimension.
"I think he is a very good signing," Gurruchaga told Arsenal.com. "He is an immensely powerful player, he has great physical presence and is a very versatile midfielder. He moves the ball well and is very dangerous when he attacks from midfield and gets into the area, like Steven Gerrard does at Liverpool.
"He can play in Gilberto's position or in a more expansive role like Fabregas. And he is very direct. He doesn't have the touch of Fabregas but he will give Arsenal something different, someone who will get to the edge of the box and have a shot instead of looking for the quick one-two with a team-mate. Tomas Rosicky showed in the World Cup that he can shoot from distance but Baptista will shoot even harder than the others. He has a strong shot and has aerial power too.
"He is not particularly quick and I can't really see him as a striker, he is more effective as someone who takes up very good attacking positions from midfield."
Gurruchaga saw Baptista bloom in La Liga. The Brazilian was a revelation at Sevilla, earning himself a transfer to Real Madrid last summer after a string of explosive performances. Baptista failed to make an impression at Madrid but, as Gurruchaga says, he could hardly be blamed.
"Madrid's policy was to play technical players in every position, they didn't even try Baptista in his best role. Now he is surplus to requirements in Fabio Capello's Madrid side because of the way the team has been shaped.
"Capello no doubt recognises Baptista's qualities but would have struggled to fit him in when he has Diarra and Emerson in holding positions in the centre of midfield. Capello needs wingers in that formation and I don't think Baptista is someone who can do that so well. He is more a guy who comes from central positions.
"That is where he played at Sevilla and he was a crucial man for them. He is seen as the man who brought a renaissance to the team. Sevilla were suddenly a different team, a very hard-tackling side, the like of which had not been seen in Spain for a number of years. Baptista could dominate matches with his power and, when he went to Madrid, Sevilla had to change."
Now that 'power' resides at Emirates Stadium. It's hard to argue with Arsenal's technical merits, but some have questioned their physical prowess since Patrick Vieira's departure last summer. Gurruchaga expects Baptista to give the Gunners more muscle when it matters.
"Wenger's Arsenal always had awesome power with Vieira and Petit in midfield and Baptista, although not the same style of player as those two, will give them that power again," he said. "He is a man who can help them away from home when the game is a bit more muscular, as it was at Bolton and Blackburn last season. Baptista is not like Vieira as a player, he attacks more, but his power is the same."
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Kilmarnock starlet Steven Naismith admits he is unsure as to what the future holds after finishing his trial spell at Arsenal.
The 19-year-old spoke with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger and joined in training as the North London club ran the rule over him, but no deal was forthcoming before the close of the transfer window.
Naismith has now returned to the Scotland Under-21 squad and the striker says whilst talks are ongoing, he is still in the dark over whether he will be moving to The Emirates Stadium.
"I cannot say too much about what is happening. Discussions are still going on and it is out of my hands," Naismith told the Daily Record.
"I don't know when my future will be decided, I've just got to wait and see.
"Arsene asked me how I was getting on, talked about certain games and chatted away.
"He also had tapes of matches I'd been involved in. I'm impressed he took such a close interest in me.
"Everything he asked was unbelievable and he knows his stuff."
Whether Naismith earns a move to Arsenal or not, the striker says he hopes to have alerted other clubs to his ability by joining up with The Gunners for a trial.
"I don't believe Arsenal's interest puts any more pressure on my performances," Naismith added.
"Clubs have been watching me for a while and they know what they are going to get.
"I certainly hope it puts me on the radar after being bandied about with Arsenal because smaller clubs will surely have a look at me.
"I definitely want to follow Kris Boyd and move to a bigger team. If the timing isn't right I will stay at Kilmarnock and keep working as hard as I can.
"If I'm good enough I'll get a move.
"But it was a great experience down at Arsenal, one I'll never forget.
"It could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go there and it was just tremendous."
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Arsene Wenger has hailed new signing Julio Baptista as a 'great addition' to the Arsenal squad.
Baptista has arrived at The Emirates Stadium as part of a swap deal involving Jose Antonio Reyes, who has joined Real Madrid.
The Brazil international is capable of playing in midfield or up front, and is set for a key role with The Gunners this season.
Arsenal boss Wenger is delighted with Baptista's arrival and is expecting big things from the former Sevilla ace.
"Julio Baptista will be a great addition to our squad," Wenger told the club's official website.
"He is a powerful young international and is a versatile footballer who can operate both in midfield and as a striker.
"He has shown his potential over the past few seasons in Spain with both Real Madrid and Sevilla and we are looking forward to him joining us.
"While welcoming Julio, we would like to wish Jose the best of luck for his time in Spain."
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Arsenal have confirmed the permanent sale of French defender Pascal Cygan to Villarreal.
The French stopper agreed the transfer on Thursday night and after completing a medical has now formally joined the Liga outfit.
The Yellow Submarines have paid £2 million to sign the 32-year-old who, in his time under Arsene Wenger, played 18 times as Arsenal won the league unbeaten in 2004.
Cygan also won two FA Cups with The Gunners and moves on to join former team-mate Robert Pires having made 63 league appearances in four years in North London.
El Madrigal also witnessed the arrival of a second defender on Thursday in the form of Argentinian international Fabricio Fuentes.
The former Newell's Old Boys stopper moved from Atlas and has since explained that he had to plead with the Mexican side to give him the chance to move to Europe.
"The leaders did not want me to go," said Fuentes.
"They offered two years more contract to me, I requested to them please and I say to them at 30 years it is my last opportunity to go to Europe."
Following the news that Arsenal have signed William Gallas from Chelsea, we've put together some pictures from the career of our new French international. Scroll down the page to enjoy our picture special.
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Following the news that defender William Gallas has signed for Arsenal, here is a little more information on the French international.
Won League and League Cup ‘double’ with Chelsea in 2005 and second successive title honour in 2006
Member of France’s triumphant 2003 Confederations Cup squad
Part of Caen side that were 1996 second division champions
Member of 1996 Under-18 European Championship winning side
>>> Click Here For William Gallas Factfile (http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=413320&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Know+more+about...William+Gallas) <<<
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Julio Baptista has an extra special desire to win a trophy in his first season at Arsenal.
The Brazilian, signed from Real Madrid on Thursday night, has not won a club honour since lifting the State Super-Championship with Sao Paulo in 2002. Since then he has spent three seasons in Spain — two with Seville and one at the Bernabeu.
National honours have been forthcoming in the form of the 2004 Copa America and the Confederations Cup in 2005. However the 25-year-old aims to add some domestic silverware this term.
“For me personally, I haven’t won anything for some time,” he said on Friday afternoon. “It is my hope that I can win a title with Arsenal this season
“Arsenal is one of the best clubs in Europe. I am very happy to be given the opportunity to come here, where I know the manager a little.”
Certainly Baptista’s knowledge of Arsène Wenger will improve rapidly over the next few months. However he is well-aware of his team-mates.
“I know nearly all the players here,” he said. “I know Gilberto the most from the Brazilian national team and I also know Thierry [Henry] and [Cesc] Fabregas. In fact I could probably name all the players.”
Baptista will have the chance to get a little better acquainted in the coming weeks. However his acclimatisation with Emirates Stadium will start on Sunday. He is has been named in the Brazilian squad who take on Argentina in a prestige friendly at Arsenal’s new ground.
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Arsenal FC can confirm the arrival of French international William Gallas on a long-term deal plus £5 million from Chelsea Football Club in exchange for Arsenal defender Ashley Cole.
Defender Gallas (29) joins from Chelsea where he notched up a League and League Cup ‘double’ in 2005 and a successive Premiership title in 2006. With 213 appearances and 12 goals for the London side, last season’s efforts cemented the defender’s place in the PFA Premiership Team of the Year.
William has a wealth of experience at international level, and was a fundamental member of the French national side that reached this summer’s World Cup Final, playing in all seven matches. With a total of 47 appearances and one goal Gallas is a mainstay for Les Bleus.
William Gallas upon his move to Arsenal said: "I am delighted to be joining Arsenal, and am looking forward to the new challenges that the Club and coming seasons hold. Arsenal has a great history and sense of tradition, and combined with the fantastic facilities offers me a great move and chance to build on my career and enjoy what will hopefully be further successes."
Ashley Cole moves to Chelsea after moving up through Arsenal’s youth ranks, having made his first team debut in November 1999 against Middlesbrough in the League Cup. During his time with the Gunners, he helped the Club win five major trophies including the Premiership title in 2004 when the team remained unbeaten for the entire season.
Ashley also made his International debut in March 2001 shortly after making the left back spot his own at Arsenal. He was also awarded with Carling Young Player of the Year in 2001.
Manager, Arsène Wenger said: "We welcome William to the Club while saying goodbye to Ashley Cole, a player that has given a lot for us over a number of years. With Gallas’ arrival we welcome an accomplished and versatile defender who can perform anywhere across the back line, and I am an admirer of his pace and strength. We hope that he helps us achieve our objectives on the pitch in the coming season and beyond.
"Upon Ashley’s departure I would like to thank him on behalf of the team and everyone connected with the Club for his contribution to our success over recent years, Ashley has always played with his heart for Arsenal.
"I remember giving him his debut nearly seven years ago and he grabbed the opportunity. He had a strong desire to succeed and ultimately it was that determination that sees him leave this Club. Ashley has grown up with Arsenal and given time, will hopefully appreciate what the Club has given him. I feel the future is bright for this team and look forward to seeing it challenge for honours."
William Gallas will wear the number three shirt this season.
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Arsenal are reported to have signed Brazilian teenager Denilson, although there has been no confirmation from The Emirates Stadium.
The Premier League have announced that the 18-year-old has signed for The Gunners, subject to receiving international clearance.
If the deal is ratified, Denilson will be joining from Sao Paulo and he is a highly-rated defensive midfielder.
Denilson would link up with compatriots Gilberto Silva and Julio Baptista in North London and could eventually cost Arsenal £4 million.
Meanwhile, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has revealed he is thankful that the Ashley Cole transfer saga is finally over.
Cole concluded his protracted move to Premiership champions Chelsea on Thursday in a deal which saw William Gallas head in the opposite direction.
Wenger said: "It was a big day yesterday and obviously it dragged on for a long time.
"It's good to have everybody focused on the main target which is to play good football and respond to the ambitions of Arsenal Football Club.
"The positive thing is that it is finally over.
"It was the wish of Ashley Cole to go to Chelsea and the wish of William Gallas to come to us, so I'm relieved it has happened."
mooneynulson
01,09,06, 22:57
Think it will be a really bad move for ashley cole moving to chelsea:naughty: Good luck to him but:bigsmile:
think the terry,lampard factor had a lot 2 do wae it
Think it will be a really bad move for ashley cole moving to chelsea:naughty: Good luck to him but:bigsmile:
I agree mate, A.Cole supported Arsenal since he was a little kid and this move to Chelsea was a mistake but as he went behide our back we let him go but the real reason was that we needed a lending defender and Gallas in my eyes in one of the best :bigsmile:
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Julio Baptista is targeting winning the Premiership title in his first season with Arsenal.
The Brazilian striker sealed his switch to The Gunners on Thursday in a loan move that saw Jose Antonio Reyes go in the opposite direction to Real Madrid.
Baptista knows Arsene Wenger's side are one of the best clubs in Europe and is delighted to have the chance to come to England and showcase his skills.
"It is my hope that I can win a title with Arsenal this season," explained Baptista.
"Arsenal are one of the best clubs in Europe.
"I am very happy to be given the opportunity to come here, where I know the manager a little."
Some foreign imports take their time to settle in England, but Baptista is already friends with many of his new colleagues.
"I know nearly all the players here," he added. "In fact, I could probably name all the players.
"I know Gilberto the most from the Brazilian national team and I also know Thierry [Henry] and [Cesc] Fabregas."
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Arsenal's new signing William Gallas has expressed relief at breaking out from his Stamford Bridge 'routine'.
Gallas's move to The Emirates Stadium in part-exchange for Ashley Cole's switch to Chelsea on transfer deadline day resolved two of the summer's longest running sagas.
France international Gallas consistently stated his determination to leave the Premiership champions, with the chance to join Arsenal an opportunity that was too good to refuse.
"I want to experience new sensations in a brand new stadium, cheered on by the best set of fans in England," Gallas told his personal website.
"I needed a fresh challenge, to break out of my routine and set myself new horizons.
"I am happy and proud to have joined Arsenal.
"I had five marvellous seasons with Chelsea, but I had been dreaming of a new footballing challenge - and Arsenal's offer was one I could not refuse."
Gallas's insistence on looking to the future has been mirrored by Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood, who now hopes his side can bury the hatchet with London rivals Chelsea.
Cole's switch to The Blues, in particular, is the culmination of protracted negotiations which saw claims and counter-claims drive a wedge between the clubs.
"I think you can have these negotiations which can be arguments as well," Hill-Wood told the Daily Star.
"You have got to put that behind you and get on with it.
"I certainly have no ill-feeling toward Chelsea and I hope they have no ill-feeling toward us.
"I just hope everyone's happy and we can move on from here."
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Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Brazilian Under-19 captain Denilson from Sao Paulo, subject to international clearance.
Whilst most of the transfer deadline day focus on The Gunners revolved around the high-profile arrivals of Julio Baptista and William Gallas, Arsene Wenger also added the promising midfielder to his ranks for an initial £1.9 million.
The 18-year-old played just 12 times for his previous club and Sao Paulo say they expect Denilson to be loaned out to a European club in order to gain experience.
Arsenal could pay a further £1.1 million depending on Denilson's future performances, and the Brazilian side say they are happy with the deal.
"We have sold an 18-year-old for the same price as an experienced player," said Sao Paulo director of football Marco Aurelio Cunha told the club's official website.
"The deal is highly profitable for a player of his age.
"The deal is very satisfactory as we could receive profits in the future.
"There are some clauses which benefit Sao Paulo as we are the team where Denilson was born as a player."
Denilson will join compatriots Gilberto and Baptista at the brand new Emirates Stadium as he looks to impress in England.
In his short career to date the midfielder has skippered the five-time world champions at Under-17 and Under-19 level, and was recently called up to the Under-20 squad.
Arsenal have paid Sao Paulo £3.4m for 18-year-old midfielder Denilson, acccording to the Brazilian club.
Denilson has made 12 appearances for Sao Paulo and is captain of the Brazil Under-19 team.
"The English club has paid US$6.5m (£3.4m) to sign the Sao Paulo player," reported the Brazilian club's website.
The deal for Denilson is subject to international clearance and it has been reported the player will be loaned to a smaller club to gain experience.
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Arsenal new boy William Gallas has warned Ashley Cole that working with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is far from an easy ride.
The France international swapped West London for the north side of the capital when he finally ended the most protracted transfer of the summer in moving to the Emirates Stadium, with Ashley Cole heading to Stamford Bridge.
Gallas' relationship soured with Mourinho to such an extent that he was threatened with the possibility of spending the rest of the campaign in the club's second string, before an eventual accord was struck with Arsenal.
With a deal done and both players having had their respective wishes granted, Gallas has wasted no time in issuing a frank and forthright appraisal of his former taskmaster.
"I wanted to leave Chelsea and Arsenal was the perfect club for me," Gallas told The People.
"They wanted me, they are a team going for all the honours, and I am very happy in London and I have a lot of friends here.
"I am happy that I have joined Arsenal. I'm sure I will be treated better by their coaching staff than I have been by Mourinho in the last year.
"I wish Cole luck and I hope he has the patience to put up with his manager."
While conceding that Mourinho is a more than accomplished trainer, Gallas has blasted his man-management skills - pointing to his spats with several players in the past.
"Mourinho is a good trainer but he is fickle with his players," he added.
"What has happened to me has happened in the past to Ricardo Carvalho, Mateja Kezman, Paulo Ferreira, Asier Del Horno and Hernan Crespo.
"He uses us for his convenience. In the past few years I have had offers from Italy and Spain but I stayed loyal to Chelsea.
"But this has counted for nothing with Mourinho and that is sad. Mourinho has pressured me constantly as if he wanted to get the press and the fans against me.
"I don't understand it. In the dressing room my team-mates have been supportive but Mourinho is the boss and so nobody has spoken out for me.
"In football terms, Chelsea were great for me because I won things there but it was if I had become a nuisance for Mourinho and I don't understand why."
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Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva is looking forward to linking up with two new Brazilians at The Emirates Stadium.
Arsene Wenger beat the transfer deadline last week to snap up 18-year-old starlet Denilson from Sao Paulo, while Real Madrid's Julio Baptista also arrived on loan in exchange for Jose Antonio Reyes.
Gilberto, set to play on his home ground in Brazil's friendly against Argentina, believes that Denilson is one to watch.
"It was very important for us to bring him over," Gilberto told Sky Sports News.
"He will contribute a lot and I wish him a lot of success. He is another Brazilian to speak Portuguese with me, so it is good."
Reyes struggled to find his feet at Arsenal, while Baptista had similar problems adjusting to life in Madrid, but Gilberto is hoping to help his compatriot settle in North London.
"I will do what I can to help him, the same as Edu did with me when I came over," he said.
"He did the same job with me as I will try to do with him to help him settle quickly. I am here to help him.
"I have spoken to him about how fantastic the club is and I told him I think he will enjoy everything."
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Julio Baptista has an extra special desire to win a trophy in his first season at Arsenal.
The Brazilian, signed from Real Madrid on Thursday night, has not won a club honour since lifting the State Super-Championship with Sao Paulo in 2002. Since then he has spent three seasons in Spain — two with Seville and one at the Bernabeu.
National honours have been forthcoming in the form of the 2004 Copa America and the Confederations Cup in 2005. However the 25-year-old aims to add some domestic silverware this term.
“For me personally, I haven’t won anything for some time,” he said on Friday afternoon. “It is my hope that I can win a title with Arsenal this season
“Arsenal is one of the best clubs in Europe. I am very happy to be given the opportunity to come here, where I know the manager a little.”
Certainly Baptista’s knowledge of Arsène Wenger will improve rapidly over the next few months. However he is well-aware of his team-mates.
“I know nearly all the players here,” he said. “I know Gilberto the most from the Brazilian national team and I also know Thierry [Henry] and [Cesc] Fabregas. In fact I could probably name all the players.”
Baptista will have the chance to get a little better acquainted in the coming weeks. However his acclimatisation with Emirates Stadium will start on Sunday. He is has been named in the Brazilian squad who take on Argentina in a prestige friendly at Arsenal’s new ground.
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Arsenal captain Thierry Henry has welcomed the deadline day signings of William Gallas and Julio Baptista.
Gallas arrived at The Emirates Stadium from Chelsea as part of a swap deal which saw Ashley Cole finally join the Premiership champions.
Baptista, meanwhile, arrived from Real Madrid, with the Brazil international initially joining on loan with a view to staying for four years.
Though Reyes left Arsenal for Real, Henry is delighted with the recruitment of versatile defender Gallas and the attack-minded Baptista.
Henry feels the new signings can help to offset the departures of Cole and Reyes, and the French striker has been lifted by the arrivals.
"I have known William for a long time," said Henry. "I've played with him and against him.
"In my opinion he's the best centre back in the world, so he's a vital signing.
"We've lost two strong players in Reyes and Cole, but football moves on and I think the players we have signed can help us to progress.
"Baptista can become a big player for us this season."
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Thierry Henry admits it has taken time to get over the two major final defeats last season.
The Arsenal striker was part of the sides that fell at the final hurdle in both the UEFA Champions League and World Cup.
France were defeated on penalties by Italy in Germany, while The Gunners were outdone by Barcelona.
Henry believes his side were unlucky in both games and although accepting the results, still feels Arsenal were robbed of the chance of European glory.
"I have already swallowed the World Cup final defeat, before the World Cup I already had to swallow the unfairness of the Champions League final," Henry told L'Equipe.
"You can say what you want, but I continue to state that the Eto'o goal was offside, so that is two injustices.
"A lot of people in the streets told me we didn't deserve to lose against Italy, but we lost.
"It is much more painful when you lose because of a refereeing blunder."
Manchester United striker Louis Saha has been praised by Henry for his recent performances for France.
Saha is now a regular in the French set-up and Henry says his strike partner is now being recognised as a world-class front man.
"Louis has been here for a long time, his improvement in the French team has just been slowed by several injuries," he said.
"In England he is a known and recognised forward, you can't put Van Nistelrooy on the bench by chance."
Meanwhile, Henry insists Claude Makelele is happy to be with the France squad.
The Chelsea midfielder has been at the centre of a club versus country row after being called up by Raymond Domenech, despite previously stating he had retired.
Henry sympathises with the 33-year-old having previously been at the centre of rows involving Arsenal and France.
Henry added: "Claude Makelele expressed himself and that is most important.
"We forced him to come back but I know he is happy to be here. For us, the most important thing is for him to be here and be happy to be.
"I have often found myself in those kind of stories, Arsene was not happy I played the whole match in Bosnia but I wanted to play."
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Arsenal striker Thierry Henry says he is not worrying about his lack of goals at the start of the season.
The France international is yet to get off the mark in the new campaign for The Gunners.
Arsene Wenger's side have picked up just one point from their two games so far and Henry insists The Gunners' form is his prime concern.
However, the 29-year-old is confident he will find his goalscoring touch very soon to help Arsenal climb the table.
Henry was guilty of squandering a number of chances against Manchester City in Arsenal's previous league game.
But he says he is beginning to return to his peak and expects another prolific campaign in The Premiership.
"I repeat it but scoring is not my main worry if my team wins. With Arsenal we have not won yet," he told L'Equipe.
"But against Manchester City, on a good day, I can score four goals. I wasted so many chances.
"But I prefer that, if I was already fit in September after a season like the last one, that would be a bad sign.
"I improve calmly and slowly. On Saturday we saw I was starting to get fit."
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Arsenal vice-captain Gilberto has told skysports.com that Ashley Cole’s controversial deadline day switch to Chelsea was ‘very hard to accept’.
After a bitter falling out with his Gunners paymasters, the England left back finally completed a move to Stamford Bridge, which had been in the pipeline for nearly 18 months after his illicit meeting with Arsenal’s Premiership rivals.
The loss of a player who had been a lifelong Gunners fan, as well as being tipped as a future captain by boss Arsene Wenger, was a huge blow for the club and was accelerated by his forthcoming autobiography which is expected to contain heavy criticism of the Emirates Stadium powerbrokers.
Whilst Arsenal received £5 million and French international William Gallas in exchange for Cole, Gilberto admits Wenger’s side will miss Chelsea’s latest high-profile acquisition.
However, the Brazilian midfielder believes it is necessary to respect the decision of all parties in the controversial transfer.
“First we brought a few players to help us, but of course we miss important players like Ashley Cole,” Gilberto told skysports.com.
“It’s very hard to accept that, but we need to respect his decision and respect the decision of the club.
“But they brought some good players as well to help us.
“You know if you are not happy you need to move on, we wish all the best to them, Ashley Cole and [Jose Antonio] Reyes, because both are such nice guys.”
Spanish forward Reyes also left under something of a cloud as he joined Real Madrid on loan with Julio Baptista coming to The Emirates Stadium in exchange on another deadline day deal.
The summer period was frequently punctuated by quotes purportedly stemming from Reyes, that appeared in the Spanish press, which made clear his desire to move to the Bernabeu.
However, the former Sevilla star always issued counter-claims via the club’s official website to deny he made the statements and was hankering after a move to Fabio Capello’s star-studded side.
Fellow striker Emmanuel Adebayor had criticised Reyes in August, stating the forward ‘should not be talking about other teams’, but Gilberto has faith that the Spanish international was respectful to the North London side and did not publicly state his desire to leave.
“To be honest we never know if it’s true or not what he said because sometimes if you say something and you read the papers it is completely different to what you said,” Gilberto added.
“To be honest I don’t believe that he said that because he is such a nice guy. I wish him the best of luck.”
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Arsenal FC can confirm the arrival of Brazilian youth international Denilson on a long-term deal for an undisclosed fee, subject to international transfer clearance.
Denilson (18) joins from Brazilian side Sao Paulo, where he made a total of 12 appearances which include the triumphant meeting against Liverpool in the 2005 FIFA Club World Championships.
The midfielder has also achieved success in the South American Championship (Under-17) and Libertadores Cup, both in 2005.
The Sao Paulo native captains the national side at Under-19 level.
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Arsenal.com's International Watch reports back to base on those who have temporarily swapped the red of Arsenal for the colours of their national sides. Read on for the latest call-ups...
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Julio Baptista (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=66632&clid=4421&cpid=703) was not the only Brazilian completing a move to Arsenal last week. While 'The Beast' was putting the finishing touches to his switch from Real Madrid, an 18-year-old with huge potential and a famous name joined him at Emirates Stadium.
The Denilson (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=news&plid=66648&clid=4421&cpid=703) that most football fans know had a fine line in stepovers and starred for Real Betis as well as his country. The Denilson that Arsène Wenger has snapped up is Brazil's Under-19 captain and, like his namesake, hails from Sao Paulo.
Arsenal supporters who aren't students of the Brazilian game will know little of Arsenal's latest teenage talent so we asked Rodrigo Cuelo for an insight. According to the BBC Brazil reporter, Wenger has yet another gem on his hands.
"He only really emerged this year and has not been a regular for Sao Paulo, but technically he is very good," Cuelo told Arsenal.com. "He knows what to do with a ball, he is considered a leader and is quite a tough player with a lot of stamina.
"Like a lot of young players he needs to mature but he could develop while out on loan or in the Premiership, because it is a very different league to the one he is used to in Brazil.
"The Sao Paulo supporters are disappointed that he has gone because he is considered to be one of the best new players emerging from Sao Paulo.
"I would compare him to Elano, who scored twice against Argentina on Sunday. Like him, Denilson has started out as a central midfielder but looks like he will gradually play further forward and be more of a creative player.
"At the moment Denilson is a more defensive player, like Gilberto, and will maybe develop into more of a flair player. That is what people expect of Denilson and of course he has to prove he can do that."
Denilson would not be the first Brazilian to prosper at Arsenal. He and Baptista are following in the footsteps of Silvinho, Edu and Gilberto, all of whom coped with the English game and culture. Cuelo expects Denilson to adapt just as quickly.
"I think he will settle well because Arsenal offers a good structure," he said. "You see players like Silvinho, Gilberto and Edu, they felt at home there. They went there without speaking English but they felt at home enough to remain in the club for a long period.
"The structure, the manager and the fact that many players at Arsenal are foreigners makes it easier for a Brazilian to go there. The fact that Gilberto and now Julio Baptista are there will also help Denilson to settle into the English way of life.
"In truth, it should not be difficult for a person raised in Sao Paulo to adapt to London because they are both huge cities, busy places. If he was a guy from the countryside, used to a very peaceful, tropical life, it would be harder. As he is raised in Sao Paulo, I think he will adapt easier."
Either way, there will be plenty of people back home watching the Denilson story unfold. They are getting used to watching Brazilians make a splash at Arsenal, a trend which is making the Gunners a household name in that country.
"There will be a lot of interest in Denilson in Brazil because he is expected to become a big player," agrees Cuelo.
"The reputation of Arsenal is growing in Brazil. If you had asked me 10 years ago I would have said that not many people knew Arsenal, they would know Liverpool and Manchester United. But now Arsenal is a household name, you see kids with Arsenal shirts in the streets, they know that Gilberto, Silvinho and Edu played there. Arsenal are now very well known."
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Chelsea have opened up their war of words with William Gallas after claiming in a statement that the Frenchman refused to play for the club before threatening to score an own goal if selected.
Champions Chelsea have sensationally taken the unprecedented step of issuing a formal statement to inform the club's supporters of the reasons behind the player's transfer deadline day switch to Arsenal.
It is claimed that Gallas initially refused to play in last season's FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool, which Chelsea lost, and also that the player said he would score an own goal, get sent off or make deliberate errors if selected in the club's opening game of this term against Manchester City.
Gallas made no secret of his desire to quit Stamford Bridge but these latest revelations are sure to stoke up the furore that previously evoked ill-feeling between the player and his manager Jose Mourinho.
"Chelsea believes it is important for our supporters to be made aware of the full facts regarding William Gallas and the lack of respect he showed to the fans, the manager and the club," read a statement on the club's official website.
"Despite leaving he continues to attack Jose Mourinho and this cannot be left unchallenged.
"Chelsea made William Gallas a very substantial and attractive new contract offer to stay towards the end of last season. This was rejected.
"The issue was purely one of money, despite his public comments that he wanted a new challenge, to play abroad and so forth. These were just a smokescreen to cover up the fact he was hawking himself to the highest bidder.
"Having failed to secure his demands, his position became increasingly intransigent and unacceptable.
"He initially refused to play against Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final last season in an effort to force an increased contract offer.
"As is now well-documented he refused to join up with the team in Los Angeles during pre-season, despite agreeing the dates for his return as the other World Cup players did, with the club.
"When Jose Mourinho generously offered him a way back into the "family" after the American tour, this was thrown back in the Chelsea manager's face.
"The manager told him that, even if he did not agree a new contract but returned to the "family" and abided by the rules, he would still select the best players available and would not punish him playing-wise.
"However despite meetings to try to resolve the problems Gallas made it clear to Jose Mourinho he would never play for Chelsea again.
"Before the first game of the season against Manchester City, when only four defenders were available and John Terry was doubtful with an injury, he refused to play.
"He went on to threaten that if he was forced to play, or if he was disciplined and financially punished for his breach of the rules, that he could score an own goal or get himself sent off, or make deliberate mistakes.
"Clearly this was a totally unacceptable situation for the manager, the team and the club. So a collectively-agreed solution in Chelsea's interests had to be found, hence his departure.
"Chelsea has a wage structure in place that is valued not only on the contribution of the player to the manager and the team, but also on a player's respect for the club and contribution to the promotion and image of the club off the field. Every player is expected to play their part in this.
"William Gallas rarely recognised these responsibilities. He also failed to recognise the role Jose Mourinho and Chelsea played in helping him become a double Premiership champion for a player whose only league title prior to that had been in the French Second Division."
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William Gallas has denied Chelsea's claims that he threatened to score an own-goal, if he was selected by the club.
The former Caen and Marseille defender responded angrily to his former club's claims after the Stamford Bridge outfit issued a statement regarding Gallas on the club's official website on Monday evening.
The France international finally ended his spell with The Blues on Thursday's transfer deadline day, as he moved to London rivals Arsenal as part of a deal that saw left back Ashley Cole head to Stamford Bridge.
In a surprise move, which The Blues claim was to inform supporters regarding their reasons for selling Gallas to The Gunners, the Premiership champions claim he refused to play against Liverpool in last season's FA Cup semi-final.
They also state that the 29-year-old threatened to score an own goal, get sent off or make deliberate mistakes if Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho opted to select him.
Gallas, however, rejected Chelsea's claims and accused the West Londoners of having a lack of class and 'hiding behind false accusations'.
"I am surprised and shocked by these remarks," Gallas said. "I never said that I would score an own goal.
"I was very firm in my will to leave, that is clear, and I will explain at the appropriate time why.
"If people want to hide behind these eccentric charges to explain my departure instead of assuming their responsibilities in front of their supporters, then they can do.
"But I am not sure that it misleads many people. I spent five years at Chelsea. During those five years, I always gave my best and showed how much I was honoured to wear the shirt.
"All this is very, very petty on behalf of Chelsea. But at the same time, coming on behalf of its new leaders, that does not surprise me.
"Even if Chelsea has much money, its new leaders lack class."
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Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has called for the introduction of television replays to help referees make the correct decisions.
The 29-year-old is still disappointed Samuel Eto'o's equaliser in the UEFA Champions League final was allowed to stand.
Television replays showed Eto'o was narrowly offside in the build up to the goal and Barcelona went on to score the winner in the final 10 minutes.
Henry believes the use of technology could have seen a different result and has backed its introduction into football.
"The Champions League final was settled by an offside goal," Henry told France Football.
"Once again, with the video images we could have seen that straight away.
"How long would it need? 30 seconds. Four times less than the time for a team to congratulate after a goal. That is nothing.
"It hurts because it is a final and it is very important."
Following the defeat, Henry was tipped to quit The Gunners over the summer, before opting to stay at the club.
The Arsenal captain says an important part in his decision was Arsenal's style of play and believes few teams can match their footballing ability.
"We reached the Champions League final, and I told myself Arsenal were capable, just like Barcelona, to reach that level," he said.
"Was it important in my final decision to stay at Arsenal? At first, I told myself Arsenal had no reason to be jealous of Barcelona.
"In good shape, I believe there are not a lot of teams in Europe that can play football as good as Arsenal.
"Indeed, that was important in my decision."
Meanwhile, the France international says team mate Lilian Thuram played a huge role in teaching him about the game during the early stages of his career.
The pair played together at Monaco between 1995 and 1997 and Henry insists he was kept on his toes by the stopper.
He added: "When I was young in training sessions, Lilian Thuram was marking me, and never let me have any space and gave me plenty of blows.
"He always told me to remain quiet, he did it intentionally to test my stamina and when I was a little asleep on the pitch, he'd wake me up in a harsh way.
"I like his honesty and his way to get to you. He never says anything just to please you."
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Fifa have confirmed that both Benfica and Porto could be banned from this season's UEFA Champions League.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Celtic could all benefit from the decision as they have been drawn alongside the Portuguese clubs in this season's group stages.
The threat of expulsion is hanging over all Portuguese clubs because of a dispute in the SuperLiga.
Gil Vicente have taken action against the Portuguese Football Association (FPF) after they were relegated for going through a civil court in order to get permission for Angolan international Mateus to play.
Now Fifa have set a deadline of September 14 for the FPF to resolve the issue otherwise both Portugal's national side and its senior clubs will be banned from all international competition.
"There is a possibility of this [a ban] existing," said a Fifa spokesman. "There is an issue in Portugal with the club Gil Vicente, who are in dispute with the Portuguese Football Association.
"Because of this we have asked the Portuguese Football Association to solve the problem internally or with the sporting governing bodies.
"They have until September 14 to resolve the matter but after the deadline we would submit the case to the emergency committee and they would review the matter.
"A ban is an option and when a federation is banned there are no international matches to be played by that nation and the clubs so that would affect the Champions League."
Should both Benfica and Porto be banned then two of the Champions League groups could indeed feature just three teams
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Julio Baptista (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=66632&clid=4421&cpid=703) spoke to Arsenal TV Online just before he ventured out onto the pitch at Emirates Stadium for the first time. The midfielder trained at his Club’s ground on Saturday ahead of Brazil’s friendly with Argentina.
Julio seemed happy to be at his new home and spoke frankly about the circumstances behind his move. He talked about:
why he chose to join Arsenal
how close he came to arriving last season
why he did not sign then
Gilberto’s influence in the move
the rigours of the English Premiership
how easily he can adapt
his message for the Arsenal fans
Arsenal TV Online subscribers can hear this audio interview. If you don't subscribe to TV Online, click on the red button on the gold Arsenal TV Online panel.
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Arsenal's second choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has spoken of a desire to oust Jens Lehmann from Arsene Wenger's first team and in the process earn an England call-up.
The 29-year-old has found opportunities scarce in North London since joining the club from Celta Vigo in 2004 but that has not stopped him plotting grand ambitions.
Almunia, of Spanish nationality, can qualify for British residency in another two years and in accordance with Fifa policy, any player over the age of 21 who has not represented their country of birth are permitted to switch international associations.
In a frank revelation, Almunia has conceded that he is not overly patriotic - of the opinion that he would have no qualms in switching his allegiance to Steve McClaren's England.
"I am 100 percent sure if I win my place with Arsenal and play for the first team, then I will play for Spain one day," Almunia told Arsenal TV Online.
"But if not, in two years I can be English, take the nationality and then I can play for England.
"If someone wants me, I do not care about the nationality.
"I am not as Spanish as many people, or very English - I do not care. I just want to play football at the top level.
"If I cannot play for Spain, I can find the way to play for any other country."
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France coach Raymond Domenech has backed William Gallas following allegations made by Chelsea on Monday.
The Premiership champions released a statement claiming Gallas had threatened to score an own goal if picked by Jose Mourinho for the season opener against Manchester City.
The Arsenal stopper has strongly rejected the suggestions from Chelsea but The Blues are standing by the claim.
Domenech has now come out to defend his under-fire defender, insisting the 29-year-old would never consider such an action.
"To think Gallas could foul his friends is scandalous!" he told AFP.
Domenech will be hoping that the situation can now be put to bed to allow Gallas to concentrate on the Euro 2008 qualifier against Italy.
He added: "William Gallas has the capacity to release the pressure that is around him.
"We have talked about the situation and had a good laugh.
"Then, the polemics, Chelsea, Arsenal, I don't care!"
What a great player he is... :bigsmile:
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Cesc Fabregas (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60090&clid=4421&cpid=703) has been named as Player of the Month for August after the closest poll in Arsenal.com history.
The Spain midfielder edged out fellow teenager Theo Walcott (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=61019&clid=4421&cpid=703)by just two votes. The latter attracted plenty of support after a handful of exciting substitute performances, but Fabregas pipped Walcott thanks largely to his match-winning performance against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League
Fabregas scored twice in Croatia as Arsenal earned a 3-0 first-leg advantage. Walcott came off the bench in the second leg to set up the winner for Mathieu Flamini just days before creating Gilberto's equalising goal against Aston Villa in the Premiership opener at Emirates Stadium.
Robin van Persie (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60086&clid=4421&cpid=703) completes our top three for August. The Dutch forward scored in Croatia and was unfortunate not to add to his tally with a host of chances in the 1-0 defeat at Manchester City
August Player of the Month Results Player %
Cesc Fabregas 33.39%
Theo Walcott 33.22%
Robin van Persie 10.76%
Others 22.63%
Arsenal supporter Matthew Bouloux from Stoke Newington will present Cesc with his award before the game against Middlesbrough on Saturday.
"After coming back from the World Cup, Cesc maintained a high standard of play in the first two Premiership games despite the team underperforming by its usual excellent standards," said Matthew.
"Add to this Cesc's match-winning performance against Dinamo Zagreb, away in a hostile environment, and it's not hard to see why I have picked him as my Arsenal.com Player of the Month."
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Players' chief Gordon Taylor has hit out at Chelsea for going public in their feud with William Gallas.
The Blues issued a statement on Monday alleging that Gallas had threatened to score an own goal if he was selected for the opening game of the season against Manchester City.
Gallas, who has since switched to Arsenal in part exchange for Ashley Cole, has denied the claims and accused Chelsea of 'lacking class'.
And PFA chief executive Taylor has supported the French defender, insisting that the whole affair was entirely unnecessary.
"Why do they have to wash their dirty linen in public? I do not see what purpose it serves," said Taylor.
"Talking about someone threatening to put through their own goal is very damaging to the reputation of a player who has done a great job for Chelsea, and you really have to take it with a large pinch of salt.
"We have all seen William Gallas play and he has too much respect for his colleagues to even be thinking about such things.
"The player has, of course, refuted the allegations and has a choice now of whether to go to court, or to just get on with his football career.
"It just all leaves a bad taste in the mouth and I cannot see what Chelsea were hoping to achieve.
"Why did Chelsea have to spin things that way? There was no need for them to add fuel to the flames. I feel it is unnecessary."
The bad blood between Gallas and Chelsea had been brewing for some time following a summer of speculation about the player's future, but Taylor believes it is now time for the Premiership champions to do what they should have done from the start and put the past behind them.
"It would have been nice to say, `Okay, things did not work out well in the end, we appreciate what you did while you were with us in winning championships and let's move on'," Taylor commented.
"Chelsea have now got another good player in Ashley Cole through the swap deal.
"They should be remembering what William did for the club in winning two championships.
"No-one should have any complaints and they should all move on."
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William Gallas has told Sky Sports News he is excited about training with Arsenal, although the French international refused to talk about the ongoing controversy with Chelsea.
The Blues, whom Gallas left on transfer deadline day in exchange for Ashley Cole, released an amazing statement on Monday that alleged that Gallas threatened to score an own goal or get himself sent off if he was forced to play at Stamford Bridge.
Gallas immediately denied such suggestions, and has been backed by a number of prominent figures in the footballing community such as PFA chief Gordon Taylor and his French captain Patrick Vieira.
Speaking after Les Bleus' 3-1 win over Italy on Wednesday night, in which he had a hand in the first goal, Gallas refused to be drawn on the bitter row.
However the former Marseille stopper did express his excitement at beginning his career at The Emirates Stadium.
"No I don't want to talk about that," Gallas told Sky Sports News when drawn on the Chelsea controversy.
"Now I speak only about the victory today (Wednesday), and I will see when I come back to London with my new team Arsenal.
"I'm very excited to train with Arsenal."
International colleague and new club captain Thierry Henry, who scored France's second goal as they avenged their World Cup final defeat, hailed Gallas as one of the world's best defenders following the victory.
"At the moment for me he is one of the best centre backs in the world and he showed that tonight again," said Henry.
"That is amazing and he scores some important goals sometimes."
Meanwhile Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has confirmed that The Gunners will not be making an official complaint about Chelsea's unprecedented attack.
"I've no idea why Chelsea issued that statement," Hill-Wood added in The Sun.
"It's not something anyone at Arsenal would have done."
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Chelsea scout Benny Nielsen claims the Premiership champions are keeping a close eye on Arsenal's young prospect Nicklas Bendtner.
The Danish international has scored twice in five games whilst on loan at Birmingham City this season and is highly-rated at The Emirates Stadium having formed a prolific partnership with Arturo Lupoli in the reserves last term.
However, it appears his impressive development has now caught the eye of The Gunners' London rivals, with Nielsen claiming Jose Mourinho has been alerted to Bendtner's quality by compatriot Frank Arnesen.
"Frank told the club about Nicklas a long time ago and I have also told them it is important to keep a close eye on him in the coming years," Nielsen told The Mirror.
"Bendtner is the only player from the Danish national team who is good enough to play for Chelsea."
Despite being just 18-years-old the tall striker has also claimed two goals in two games at international level and is expected to challenge Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie for a first team place at The Emirates Stadium should he continue to shine at St Andrews until January.
The two London rivals have only just completed the acrimonious exchange of Ashley Cole and William Gallas, and The Gunners are unlikely to welcome further interest in another of their players from Stamford Bridge.
I completly agree with this, R. Van Persie has improved alot since last season:bigsmile:
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Robin van Persie insists he is a changed man and he can help Arsenal to the Premiership title.
The Dutchman has been dogged by off-field problems in recent seasons which have hampered his progress, although his ability has never been doubted and he has shown it in fits and starts.
Van Persie is determined to show everyone he is now a new man.
"I have progressed a lot in all kinds of areas - personally, football-wise and mentally," he insists.
"I have become stronger, more in balance and I know how to separate main issues from side issues.
"When I look at a 17-year-old Robin van Persie and the 23-year-old Robin van Persie I see a world of difference.
"Sometimes it is funny when I see new young kids arriving at the club with the same attitude I used to have, I recognise that immediately. Sometimes they are a little too busy and spend too much unnecessary energy on side issues. That is what I used to do well.
"From experience I know it is totally useless to talk to them. The process of growing up is unexplainable.
"That was the case with me and that would not be different with them.
"You have to go through it, you have to find out what is good and what is wrong and you figure it out only when you've been through certain situations. That is what happened with me.
"Recently I saw myself on TV and I thought, 'Well, well, well Robin you have a nasty swagger.' A little less would be better, but that attitude says nothing about my personality but more about my image. I don't blame anybody who thinks I am arrogant because I think it also myself."
Looking towards this season, van Persie is confident in Arsenal's chances of securing the Premiership title.
"This season I want to be more consistent and to develop myself. Every game I play I have to stand out," he told The Daily Express.
"I don't want to be satisfied with a supporting role and a goal now and again. I have to give my colleagues the feeling I can be decisive for them.
"There are three or four teams this year chasing for the title and we are one of them.
"Of course I believe it is possible to be champions. Last season we were happy we qualified on the last day for the Champions League but that is not the aim for this year.
"We are aiming for the highest and the team is strong enough to do it.
"We strengthened or squad in a good way, especially with Tomas Rosicky. He can be one of the revelations of the season, what I have seen of him on the training ground is unbelievable."
Meanwhile, Dutch coach Marco van Basten praised van Persie following his two-goal showing in the 3-0 win over Belarus on Wednesday.
"I told him to control his emotions," van Basten said.
"He received a booking for a foul caused by frustration and kept arguing.
"I told him that he is too important to the team and that he has to think about that."
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Jonathan Woodgate is predicting a big future in England for ex-Real Madrid team-mate Julio Baptista.
The duo both departed El Santiago Bernabeu in transfer deadline week for England, with Baptista signing for Arsenal and Woodgate heading for his hometown club Middlesbrough.
In a twist of fate, the pair are due to meet as they make their respective debuts on Saturday as Boro travel to The Emirates Stadium.
Woodgate is now tipping the player nicknamed The Beast, to make a big impact in The Premiership.
"I wouldn't say he is a beast as a person but on the field he is a big lad - without a doubt - and that's why they say it. He's built like Mike Tyson!" Woodgate told The Sun.
"Baptista and Thierry Henry will be some partnership. It will be a massive test for me but you can't do it on your own. It will be down to the whole team.
"It's a hard task whoever faces Henry because he is such a good player and a gentleman as well.
"We'll have our hands full because they are two world-class strikers.
"I've always thought Julio would suit The Premiership with his strength and pace and I think he will be a fantastic player for Arsenal."
Woodgate last played in England two years ago with Newcastle and his appearance has changed somewhat - but he says he is yet to receive any remarks over his new look.
"I haven't had any funny comments about my haircut yet off the lads but if I make a mistake I bet I would," he said.
"I don't mind the hair and I've no plans to get it cut at the moment.
"I'm just enjoying being back in my home town Middlesbrough and it's good to be back in The Premiership. In my opinion it's the best league in the world.
"The last time I played Arsenal is all forgotten about because I just get on with it. But it only seems like two minutes ago that I was signing for Real Madrid, not two years ago.
"All my problems are forgotten and now I'll just get on with my life with Middlesbrough.
"I'm not going to tempt fate about my first game back in The Premiership but I will say that I feel good and in training I've felt sharp. Hopefully it will be like I've never been away.
"It depends who you're playing against but the pace in England is much faster than in the Spanish league.
"If you look at every team in The Premiership they've all got outstanding forwards so every game from a defensive point of view is going to be very hard.
"It'll be the first time playing at the Emirates for a lot of the players and I've heard it's a fantastic ground.
"The atmosphere is different in England. It will be great to be back - and I'll be able to understand what people are shouting at me! We'll go and work hard and hopefully get something."
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Nigel Reo-Coker insists he is happy to still be at West Ham United, despite interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
Both The Gunners and The Red Devils are understood to have made enquiries just days before last week's transfer deadline.
The England Under-21 captain had a hugely successful Premiership campaign last season and that led to the interest from United and Arsenal.
Despite the arrival of Argentine Javier Mascherano into their midfield, West Ham did not entertain the idea of letting the 22-year-old depart.
Reo-Coker insists he is not letting the speculation get to him.
"It is part and parcel of the industry I am in," Reo-Coker told Sky Sports' Soccer AM.
"That's football and there is going to be speculation and situations that happen.
"But I am still a West Ham player and am happy to be here and looking forward to tomorrow's game [against Aston Villa]."
Aston Villa's trip to Upton Park is this week's Super Sunday showdown and you can watch it live on Sky Sports 1
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Cesc Fabregas admits it was a blow to see Ashley Cole and Jose Antonio Reyes leave Arsenal, but feels the captures of Julio Baptista and William Gallas have beefed up Arsene Wenger's options.
The Gunners were active players in the final week of the transfer window, as Cole and Reyes departed for Chelsea and Real Madrid respectively, with Gallas and Baptista heading in the opposite direction.
Midfield warhorse Fabregas feels The Gunners could struggle for options on the left-hand side having sold Cole and let Reyes leave on loan, but is happy to see quality faces arrive.
"It is a blow because they are two good left-footed players and right now we don't have any left-footed players," Fabregas told Sky Sports News.
"For me they are an important loss, Ashley Cole has been at the club a long time and I have always thought Reyes was a good player.
"It was his decision to go to Real Madrid. He is happy and you have to accept that.
"It is true that we were maybe a bit short, but Gallas can play every position at the back and Baptista can play striker and midfield."
Fabregas was linked with a summer move to Real, having flourished under Wenger's guidance last term, and although confirming there was interest, he had no intention of leaving North London.
"I have always been happy here, I have shown everyone that," he declared. "It is true they were interested, but there is nothing to say.
"I am really happy and there is no better place to be for me right now."
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Arsenal 1-1 Middlesbrough
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New home, same old frustrations.
That was Charlie Nicholas's verdict as he watched Arsenal fail to break their Premiership duck at The Emirates against 10-man Boro.
The Gunners, who gave debuts to William Gallas and Julio Baptista, dominated most of the game but in the end needed a fortunate Thierry Henry penalty to salvage a point.
Boro, who had George Boateng sent off for two bookable offences, took the lead through young James Morrison and with Jonathan Woodgate excelling on debut for his hometown club, were full value for their point.
And while former Gunner Nicholas was the first to admit that, he was also critical of his old side for again failing to apply a clinical finishing touch to their slick approach play.
"They do have a problem," he told Soccer Saturday. "The atmosphere was great so there's no excuses there, the pitch was as good as it was a Highbury, so everything was tailor-made for them.
"Yet it was the same as the two other home games so far. They overpassed - and to be honest it was overkill.
"It was lovely to watch and Arsenal fans must sometimes sit back and think they're getting special treatment because they are watching a sensational footballing side. But if you move to a 60,000 stadium you need a winning team.
"I would say that Gareth Southgate's well-drilled Boro outfit were good value. They were cautious but when they got forward in the first half they were bright. It was no great surprise when they got the goal and that it came from Morrison - although William Gallas was the one who was supposed to be picking up the run."
The Gunners went on to dominate the second half, but Nicholas even admitted that Arsenal were "fortunate" to get the penalty that saw Henry open his Premiership account, but was slightly more impressed with the two major signings on display on either side.
"William Gallas looked as if he'd been playing for Arsenal for a long, long time, he slotted in perfectly on the left," he said.
"As for Jonathan Woodgate, he was man of the match. He put his head in everywhere, got several vital blocks in, and defended superbly."
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A terrific defensive show from Middlesbrough saw them secure a 1-1 draw at Arsenal - who are yet to claim a Premiership win at their new Emirates Stadium home.
Arsenal dominated possession throughout, but Boro - who played with ten men for much of the second half - showed a real determination and grit to claim a point.
Boro even had the audacity to take the lead midway through the first half with a terrific goal from James Morrison who fired home after exchanging passes with debutant Jason Euell.
The visitors were reduced to ten men just after the hour mark when captain George Boateng saw red and soon after Thierry Henry levelled from the spot.
Arsenal pushed on looking for the winner but there was no way past an outstanding Boro defence, marshalled throughout by the undoubted Man of the Match Jonathan Woodgate - who was also making his debut.
Arsenal began brightly, dominating the play, but they did little with it - indeed the first meaningful effort did not arrive until 20 minutes when Alexander Hleb tested Mark Schwarzer from the edge of the area - but the Australian was equal to it with a top-class save.
Boro were solid with their five-man midfield, who were trying to support lone-man Yakubu Aiyegbeni when ever possible and on 22 minutes a neat move saw the Emirates Stadium silenced as The Gunners again found themselves behind at their new home.
Morrison cut in from the right past another debutant William Gallas, and played it into Euell - the former Charlton man then fed a great return pass into the feet of the winger and he finished superbly with the outside of his right foot.
With that Arsenal looked for an immediate response and Robin van Persie spurned a very good chance to level within minutes as Emmanuel Eboue skipped into the box and squared the ball, but the Dutchman blasted over.
The Gunners continued to press for the remainder of the half, but much of their possession was limited to outside the area - although Cesc Fabregas wasted a couple of good chances which Schwarzer was forced to tip around his post on each occasion.
The first incident of note in the second period saw van Persie booked for an ugly lunge on the highly impressive Woodgate.
Arsenal, though, were doing all the pressing as Boro were pushed further and further back - but they continued to defend superbly across their back four.
Boro were also guilty of giving away a host of free kicks around their area, but Arsenal failed to take advantage.
Then the visitors' task was made all the more difficult when Boateng picked up a second yellow card for a needless challenge on Freddie Ljungberg and the Dutch enforcer's day was made all the worse as he was stretchered off as a result of the challenge.
Boro's reckless challenges continued and this time Boro paid the price as Downing lunged in on Eboue in the box and left referee Rob Styles with little option but to point to the spot and Henry stepped up to convert his first goal of the season.
Despite levelling, Arsene Wenger still made an immediate triple change as Julio Baptista, Emmanuel Adebayor and Tomas Rosicky were all introduced to the fray.
Gareth Southgate soon retaliated with a double switch of his own as he looked to try and hold on for a point and he introduced Lee Cattermole and Stuart Parnaby.
The home side were now camped in the Boro half, but Schwarzer was equal to the Arsenal barrage with almost everything coming from range and nothing that really threatened finding the back of the net.
Again a poor challenge from Fabio Rochemback on the edge of the box gave Henry another chance for a master-class - but the Frenchman was still way off as he found the top of the goal.
Gallas then tried his luck from 30 yards but again Schwarzer was able to watch it over, and then another Cesc effort rebounded over the Boro goal - as the visitors continued to show terrific resilience.
Baptista showed some of his undoubted skill with a couple of step-overs as he surged into the box but his effort was straight at Schwarzer.
That proved the last chance for The Gunners as they continue to struggle on their new patch as Boro claimed their first away point of the new season.
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Portsmouth's stay at the top of The Premiership was brief as Manchester United beat Tottenham, champions Chelsea won again, while 10-man Middlesbrough held out for a point at Arsenal.
Everton won the Merseyside derby, Bolton snatched a last-gasp win at home to Watford, Newcastle slipped up at home to Fulham and three penalties were missed at Bramall Lane.
In the evening encounter, a Ryan Giggs header on nine minutes secured a fourth consecutive Premiership win for United over a Spurs side which merited a point.
Chelsea were ahead at home to Charlton after just six minutes when Didier Drogba prodded home after the visitors failed to clear a corner.
Former Blues striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink silenced his old stamping ground when his well-placed shot drew Charlton level on 54 minutes.
The Blues handed Ashley Cole his debut and, within minutes, the hosts were back in front as Ricardo Carvalho headed in Frank Lampard's corner via a glancing touch off the head of Amdy Faye.
Chelsea had the chance to further extend their lead late on, but Lampard's penalty was saved by Scott Carson after Talal El Karkouri was penalised for a challenge on Salomon Kalou.
Middlesbrough debutant Jason Euell had a positive impact on 22 minutes at Emirates Stadium when he was the link in a one-two with James Morrison, who flicked the ball past Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann.
Boro's backs were up against the wall on 64 minutes when captain George Boateng was sent off for a second yellow card after a needless challenge on Freddie Ljungberg.
Just three minutes later and Boro are made to pay when Stewart Downing tripped Emmanuel Eboue in the box and Gunners captain Thierry Henry fired home the penalty to secure a 1-1 draw.
After a dire first period at Fratton Park, Pompey were ahead four minutes after the break when Benjamin Mwaruwari clipped the ball inside the far post and that was the key moment at home to Wigan Athletic.
A serious injury to Jimmy Bullard marred the first half of Fulham's clash at Newcastle, with the summer signing stretchered off after a tackle with Scott Parker.
The Magpies captain then compounded the visitors' misery with the opening goal on 54 minutes when he headed in Emre's cross.
But, once Parker limped off through injury, Newcastle slumped as goals from Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra in the last 10 minutes earned Fulham an early away win for the season.
Watford were unfortunate not to go in ahead at half time at Bolton, with Nicky Hunt almost putting into his own net and Damien Francis striking the post.
Ashley Young and Malky Mackay then hit the crossbar for the visitors in the second half, before Gary Speed rifled home an injury-time penalty after Idan Tal had been felled by Watford defender Danny Shittu.
It was a tale of three penalties at Bramall Lane, with Blackburn first to fluff the chance to take the lead midway through the second half when David Unsworth was harshly adjudged to have pushed Benni McCarthy.
Rovers captain Lucas Neill took on the responsibility from 12 yards, but Sheffield United keeper Paddy Kenny dived to his left to keep out the spot kick.
The Blades were then awarded a dubious penalty, for a supposed foul by Zurab Khizanishvili, but Unsworth's spot kick was beaten out by Brad Friedel.
Friedel also denied Rob Hulse from the spot, after Neill was penalised for handball, and the Rovers keeper also produced a fine late save to thwart the same player.
Everton took the Merseyside derby honours at lunchtime with an emphatic 3-0 victory at home to Liverpool.
Tim Cahill put The Toffees in front and Andy Johnson added a second goal before half time as David Moyes' men continued their fine start to the season.
Further cheer was provided in the closing stages after a gaffe from Liverpool keeper Jose Reina allowed Johnson to score his second of the match
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New Arsenal signing William Gallas claims he could have become one of the best defenders in the world at former club Chelsea.
The France international made his Gunners debut at left back on Saturday, as Arsene Wenger's men were held to a 1-1 draw by ten-man Middlesbrough at The Emirates Stadium.
Gallas's deadline day move across London came in acrimonious fashion, as Chelsea publicly accused the former Caen and Marseille centre back of threatening to score an own goal or get sent off, if selected against his will by manager Jose Mourinho.
The 29-year-old was quick to deny the Stamford Bridge club's claims and believes that had Mourinho played him in his usual centre back position, he would have become one of the game's best.
"I could have become one of the best players in the world at Chelsea, but was never given the chance," Gallas told the News of the World.
"I was dragged around to play in different positions just to please the manager.
"I have been done a disservice for a long time. I couldn't progress as a player because you need stability - I never had that.
"It wasn't the position in itself that bothered me, just the fact I was always changing.
"I could have stayed on the left and become one of the best players in the world at that position, the same for the right-hand side - but I was never given that chance.
"You need to be given a whole season in one of those positions.
"Now, I'm recognised for my qualities in the centre - but that could have happened a lot sooner."
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Arsenal's sluggish start to the season will have no bearing on the club's determination to tie Arsene Wenger down to a new long-term contract.
Gunners chairman Peter-Hill Wood has reiterated the club will open contract negotiations with Wenger next summer in a bid to extend his contract which by then will have only another 12 months left to run.
Wenger has overhauled The Gunners in almost 10 years in charge, winning three Premiership titles, and introducing a style of football revered by neutrals.
If Wenger's side do have an Achilles heel, then it is their over-elaboration - a criticism which has again been levied at the club following a disappointing start to the season.
Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Middlesbrough means The Gunners are still without a league win after their first three matches - not that Hill-Wood is too concerned, however.
"I am confident we will have a good season," Hill-Wood told the Sunday Mirror.
"I have 100 percent confidence that Arsene knows what he is doing. He has proved that and I am not worried at all.
"If he is happy to stay, then we will want him to stay even longer.
"He has been a fantastic asset for this club and achieved remarkable things for us.
"Indeed, it's mainly due to the success that we've had under Arsene that we are at a new stadium.
"We would never have been able to build it without him being here.
"His contract ends at the end of next season and it is probable that we will talk about a new one at the end of this campaign.
"As long as he is happy here, then we are more than happy to keep him.
"In the 10 years he has been here, we have progressed so much as a club. It's a joy to have him here."
Arsenal's long-term ambitions could be married to a similar desire from the Frenchman to nurture Theo Walcott.
Wenger has used the 17-year-old prodigy only sparingly so far, but believes this will be the season when the former Southampton starlet comes of age.
"Wayne Rooney was a boy at 17 and a man at 18. I see Theo in the same light," said Wenger.
"I would have played him at the World Cup. In fact, I was surprised he wasn't picked. I know he should be playing here. Everyday he gets better, wanting to play.
"I can see him having a major say in The Premiership and the Champions League.
"He could have a major say at this club very soon."
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Barcelona defender Lilian Thuram has criticised Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho for his handling of William Gallas.
The former Parma and Juventus man was dismayed with Chelsea's accusations that former Blues defender Gallas threatened to score an own goal or get sent off, if selected against his will by Mourinho.
The accusations came after Gallas moved to London rivals Arsenal as part of the deal that brought left back Ashley Cole to Chelsea on transfer deadline day.
Thuram, 34, feels the Gallas affair and Mourinho's recent criticism of France's football authorities shows the Portuguese tactician does not think much of his fellow countrymen.
"I thought it (the Gallas accusation) must be a joke," Thuram told The People. "But Mourinho must have a problem with the French.
"It's not the way to treat players. You never expect something like this from Chelsea, who are trying to be one of the top clubs in the world.
"He doesn't seem to get on with us. He should learn how to deal with his problem, so he doesn't have a trauma.
"First, it was these illusions about Claude Makelele and slavery - I don't know where he got that from. And then the attack on Gallas.
"I've been in football a long time and I have never seen anything like it. Internal problems have always been solved internally, not in public.
"Gallas told us about his problems with Mourinho a long time ago and the way he treats players differently, but this is just completely out of the ordinary."
Thuram's comments are sure to increase the animosity ahead of Barcelona's UEFA Champions League group stage clashes with Chelsea this autumn.
Another Chelsea man to be in the firing line from a European-based player is owner Roman Abramovich, as Milan defender Kakha Kaladze claims Chelsea pulled out of a deal to sign him last year.
The Georgia captain was lined up for a switch to Stamford Bridge after speaking with Abramovich, but a move failed to materialise.
"After five years with Milan, I just wanted a new challenge in life," he said. "I wanted to join Chelsea very much and I had talks with Abramovich.
"I don't know what happened but I think they went back on their word. I was very disappointed.
"After the Chelsea deal fell through, I decided to stay put. I signed a new five-year contract with Milan and I've been playing regular football in central defence, which is my preferred position."
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This game turned on four minutes in the middle of the second half.
Just before the hour, Arsenal were starting to run out of ideas as they sought to avenge James Morrsion’s shock opener in the 21st minute. Arsène Wenger’s men were dominating the game but had been frustrated by a mean Middlesbrough defence.
However, in the 62nd minute, George Boateng fouled Freddie Ljungberg in front of the dug-out and received his second yellow card. Four minutes later, Stuart Downing tripped Emmanuel Eboue in the area and Thierry Henry gratefully stroked home the equaliser.
It was due reward for Arsenal because they controlled huge portions of the game. However, as in every game at Emirates Stadium so far, they had to come back after going behind in the first half.
In that sense this is a valuable point. But it fails to lift Arsène Wenger’s side from the lower echelons of the Premiership table.
The Frenchman selected both major new signings in the squad for this game. William Gallas was preferred to Justin Hoyte at left back while Julio Baptista had to settle for a place on the bench. Johan Djourou had recovered sufficiently from a shoulder injury to retain his place at the heart of the defence.
Emirates Stadium was drenched in September sunshine this afternoon and the crowd seemed eager for a return to Premiership action after the international break. They certainly roared on Arsenal, and particularly Gallas, in the opening stages. The home team more than merited their support with a stirring start full of snappy passing and energetic bursts forward.
Gilberto flicked a header wide of the far post early on then Henry’s optimistic long shot was fumbled past the post by Schwarzer.
In the 18th minute, Henry teased Woodgate inside the area before tapping a pass to Ljungberg on the edge of the six-yard box. His shot was blocked by Andrew Davies, but not by his hands according to the referee. The ball fell to Hleb who lashed it goalward but Schwarzer pulled off a stunning save.
It seemed like Arsenal were back on form, in-tune and looking likely to take the lead. But, as so often, the opposite happened.
Middlesbrough had barely registered an attack when Morrison put them ahead in the 21st minute. The youngster cut in from the right flank, exchanged passes with Yakubu then clipped an effort past Jens Lehmann with the outside of the right foot.
Despite the goal, Arsenal were still playing well and created three chances for Van Persie to level in the next eight minutes.
First he slid a shot over the bar then he saw his free-kick punched over by Schwarzer and finally he prodded an effort past the post from Hleb’s lay-off.
Others soon joined in. Fabregas had a snap shot saved, Eboue galloped into the area before seeing his shot blocked and Gilberto toe-poked an effort past the far post.
There was little Arsenal could do but more of the same and they continued to pressurise before half time. However they went to the break with rising anxiety.
The pattern remained the same after the interval. Arsenal retained the advantage in possession and territory however they continued to find the Middlesbrough defence seemingly as secure as a Bank of England vault.
Just before the hour, Henry tried to slip home a cheeky free-kick and, crucially, Boateng received his second yellow card in the 62nd minute for clipping Ljungberg.
It went from bad to worse for Middlesbrough as almost immediately Downing tripped Eboue and Henry tucked away his first Premiership goal of the season.
While this drama unfolded Baptista, Tomas Rosicky and Emmanuel Adebayor had assembled at the side of the pitch. The triple substitution was completed just before the game re-started.
The game was now different. Arsenal’s patience and confidence had been wearing thin but now there was renewed purpose. In the 72nd minute, Henry and Rosicky combined on the left and Fabregas saw a threatening-looking shot charged down. Then the Frenchman miscued his effort at the near post after Gallas rifled a low ball across the area and his Czech team-mate saw his rising drive batted clear by Schwarzer.
Arsenal were still lively and purposeful. Henry planted a free on the top of the net and Gallas cracked long-range effort just over the bar. But they still seemed to have trouble breaking through the visiting defence.
They ended the game as they had played it — controlling the game, pouring forward and yet more than a little frustrated.
********>> Click Here For The Full Report <<<<<< (http://www.arsenal.com/matchreport.asp?thisNav=fixtures&fxid=298350)
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on a poor start to the season
"I feel it was a game a little bit like Villa and Man City, we had always the ball. The teams refuse to come out and play and we put ourselves in trouble because we are 1-0 down every time. That gave ourselves a mountain to climb. Every time we made a defensive mistake and, from then on it's the usual game - you have always the ball, they are a bit lucky, have a good keeper and we lack sharpness because half the team has been away."
on reasons for Arsenal's current form
"I still feel we are playing better in every game but we just cannot finish off the teams. One reason - the main reason - is maybe a little bit physical. The second is we give the other team confidence by being one goal down. The third reason is we are not completely used to how to use our pitch."
on William Gallas
"Overall, [he did] well. You could see that sometimes he was in trouble and he used well his experience. But sometimes he was a bit hesitating to cross the ball with his left foot. But overall I think he played well, he's not completely ready to play in this position. Centre back would suit him better because he has physically he lacks a few games."
on the visit to Manchester United
"Let's focus on Europe. If we get a good result in Hamburg we'll go in good condition to Man Utd."
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Brazil boss Carlos Dunga believes Julio Baptista has the potential to become a regular international.
The former Sao Paulo and Sevilla hit-man has been a peripheral figure for Brazil after failing to hold down a regular first-team place at parent club Real Madrid.
The 24-year-old has since made the move to England and a season-long loan with Premiership giants Arsenal, having debuted in Saturday's 1-1 draw with ten-man Middlesbrough at The Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Dunga, who succeeded Carlos Alberto Parreira as Brazil manager following this summer's World Cup finals in Germany, thinks regular first-team action with Arsene Wenger's side will only boost Baptista's international chances.
"He didn't have many chances to play at Real and if he is going to play more for Arsenal, he will play more for Brazil," Dunga said in the News of the World.
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Thierry Henry is confident Arsenal will soon click into top gear.
The Gunners are still looking for their first win of The Premiership season after being held to a 1-1 draw by Middlesbrough on Saturday.
They dominated for long proceedings during the draw with Boro, but were again left to rue missed chances.
Henry admitted Arsenal are not being ruthless enough, but is sure it will only be a matter of time before they find top form.
"We are not killing the teams we are playing against and they are taking advantage of that," said Henry.
"[Goalkeeper] Jens [Lehmann] has touched the ball more with his feet than his hands, but that is football.
"For once we would like to be 1-0 up rather than 1-0 down and chasing the game all the time.
"At the moment we are not finishing well what we are producing. I hope it will come.
"We are creating stuff, but every time we get there we concede a goal and we have to start again.
"It is frustrating because you go home knowing you were not outplayed or outmuscled, but it is a draw again.
"It is not a lack of concentration, maybe we are just not quite there yet.
"We can not be disappointed with the way we are playing even though we are not putting the ball in the net, which is the most important thing.
"It is an in between feeling. If you look at our three games, you can not say we deserved to draw or lose - but we did."
He added: "We need to get our head up and keep working. If we carry on like that, it will come."
Henry also refused to use the new Emirates stadium as the reason for their slow start to the campaign.
"There is nothing to hide behind, we are not putting the ball in the net," noted Henry. "I would think we would benefit from the big pitch we have here.
"All the teams that have moved stadiums have struggled in the first year, but I hope we will not struggle that much.
"It is weird for everybody. I would love us to take benefit of it by going ahead and then we will see some stuff."
Arsenal face Hamburg in the UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday night, before taking on Manchester United next weekend, and Henry knows the trip to Old Trafford is a vital game for the club.
"It is a big game versus Man United, no matter what position you are in the league," added Henry.
"It is always a tough game, but it will be even more tough.
"We have one [Premiership] game in hand and we need to get back on track."
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Chelsea new boy Ashley Cole has claimed that he was treated like a second class citizen at Arsenal.
The England full back sealed a move away from Arsenal on transfer deadline day, a deal which brought an end to one of the most protracted transfer sagas in The Premiership.
Cole had an uneasy relationship with the Arsenal top brass for some time and he has lifted the lid on what went on behind the scenes in his book which is being serialised in The Times.
The defender claims the club pushed the boat out to keep Thierry Henry, but made little attempt to keep him.
"The club made Thierry feel wanted and special, wooing him, wining and dining him, speaking in public about how much they want him to stay, going on a deliberate charm offensive," said Cole.
"But me? I didn't have one dinner, one meeting or one phone call from anyone. That's not sour grapes, it's just a sad truth. The truth is that The Gunners had done nothing all season to hold on to me."
Cole claims he knew his Arsenal days were numbered when the Arsenal board opted to haggle over £5,000.
"At a board meeting held two days before our 1-0 away defeat at Bolton in January, it was decided the maximum offer should be £55,000 a week," he added.
"I don't believe the board gave a damn about keeping me. It preferred to haggle over a difference of £5,000."
Cole has revealed he had a row with Arsenal fitness coach Tony Colbert after his commitment to the cause was questioned.
He added: "That's when he said it, 'what do you expect me to do, Ash, when you tell me you're okay and then come in here like you've just been shot? Be honest with me, are you just making out that it's worse than it actually is because you've got an eye on the World Cup?'
"That was it. I blew my lid. 'What!' I shouted, barely able to keep a lid on it, 'I need to play for Arsenal to go to the World Cup, so why would I hold back? The more I hold back, the less chance I've got of going to Germany! And you are insulting me'.
"For me it was one more person at the club doubting my loyalty. And it was the final straw."
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Switzerland coach Kobi Kuhn has praised the attitude of injured Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos.
The centre back's World Cup ended early when he damaged shoulder ligaments in the Group G game against South Korea.
He has also missed the start of The Premiership and is not set to resume training until later this month.
However, Kuhn is confident that when the 21-year-old finally returns he will continue to make the excellent progress he showed last season.
Kuhn believes that it is Senderos' character that sets him apart from others his age.
"Philippe Senderos is an exceptional player and an exceptional character," he hailed.
"Despite his young age, he is already a leader who is afraid of nothing. But he is a very humble person with a lot of charisma."
Asked whether there could be a better place for him than Arsenal, Kuhn replied: "No, not at all. He is used to setting himself targets and accomplishing them and I think that's great."
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Ashley Cole has branded as 'rubbish' accounts given by Chelsea in the player's recent 'tapping-up' inquiry.
Cole has been at the centre of controversy ever since a notorious meeting with agents Jonathan Barnett and Pini Zahavi at a London hotel last January.
Then of Arsenal, the meeting led to accusations of 'tapping-up' on the part of Chelsea and a subsequent Premier League inquiry.
After a steadily deteriorating relationship with Arsenal, the England left back finally completed a switch to Stamford Bridge at the end of last month, but the recriminations refuse to go away.
Remarking in the Times' second extract of his autobiography, Cole questions much of the evidence given to the hearing by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and chief executive Peter Kenyon.
"I told the inquiry that everything that had been said about the hotel meeting was rubbish," Cole recalls.
"Jose Mourinho talked about me and Jonathan both being unhappy," he said of his new manager's remarks to the inquiry 16 months ago.
"I grew more and more agitated as he continued by saying that I also wasn't happy with the relationship [Arsenal manager] Arsene Wenger had with some of the French players and that they were in control of the dressing-room.
"The rest of his evidence wasn't good for me. Nor was the evidence of Peter Kenyon, who was next up. He said Pini Zahavi made the approach on our behalf."
Player and club were found guilty of contacting one another illegally, yet Cole remains most suspicious of Arsenal.
"All I could think was that Arsenal had been hell-bent on revenge against Chelsea and hadn't given a toss about my welfare," he said.
And Cole hinted the possible sanction of docking points from The Blues might have been behind his old club's actions.
"Perhaps they thought here was a way of possibly reining back the runaway leaders."
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Arsène Wenger has revealed how he intends to ease Theo Walcott (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=61019&clid=4421&cpid=703) into the rigours of regular first-team football.
The 17-year-old has already made his mark for club and country this season. He came off the bench to set up goals for Arsenal against Aston Villa and Dinamo Zagreb and struck twice in his first two appearances for England Under-21s.
Walcott's pace and verve has caught the eye but he was taken out of the limelight at the weekend when Wenger rested him for Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough. The manager explained the thinking behind his decision.
"For me it is important this boy gets to 19 without any big injury. I feel a great responsibility for that," said Wenger. "I can understand people want to see him, but we have to manage him well, that you do not overplay him.
"Even [Wayne] Rooney at 17 was still a boy, but at 18 he was a man, and you have to respect that development. When he turned 18, he became more of a regular."
"Theo is only 17, but he has made a big step forwards since the beginning of the season. For him, because he is so young, every day he is better.
"He goes up naturally and even if you do nothing with him, at 19 he will be better than at 17. He will become stronger, more determined and confident."
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Arsenal will have a different name on their shirts on Wednesday night.
Hamburg have the same sponsor as Arsène Wenger’s side — Emirates — and regulations insist one side must change. As the away side the visitors will alter their kit, Hamburg will do likewise when they visit London later in the group.
Kit manager Vic Akers has printed up special yellow shirts with “Dubai” in black writing on the front.
It is thought to be the first time this issue has arisen.
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Thirteen minutes. Thirteen paltry, pesky minutes. That is how far Arsenal were from lifting the Champions League trophy last season.
In the Premiership they were enduring the most difficult campaign since Arsène Wenger joined the Club in September 1996. But, in Europe, 2006 was a blast. In the group, Arsenal got 16 out of 18 points, in the knockout stages they beat Real Madrid, Juventus and an emerging Villarreal side. Then, with one man short, they led you know who for you know how long at the Stade de France.
On Wednesday, Arsenal start the Group Stage once more with a trip to Hamburg. Ahead of the game, Wenger reflected on effects of last season’s run to the Final.
“I did not really expect any credit at all,” he said, “but what I do think is that we’ve gained a lot more respect.
“When we went to Zagreb in the qualifying phase, I felt they were a little wary of us. This year we just want to show that getting to the Final was not accidental, that we can come back and win it. There was such a small difference between winning it and losing it. We know that becuase we went really close.”
Wenger also believes his side is better equipped, despite two high-profile departures recently.
“Overall the squad is stronger,” the manager declared. “Our young players have more experience and they can add something in the big games.
"Last year I feel we suffered at the back a little bit in terms of experience. [For example] Ashley Cole did not play in many games because unfortunately he was injured a lot. But now Kolo Toure (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60102&clid=4421&cpid=703) and William Gallas (http://www1.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=66633&clid=4421&cpid=703) have a fair experience, with Jens Lehmann (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60081&clid=4421&cpid=703) it is three out of five who have that sort of experience. It should change our stability at the back.
“I do think Reyes will be a loss up front though. We played with a winger system at times and he is a typical winger. When you go to places like Madrid, you like to have him on the flanks so, on that front, he is a loss.
“However, we have players now we have brought in like William Gallas and Julio Baptista (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=66632&clid=4421&cpid=703) who can really add something in the big games.”
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Arsenal captain Thierry Henry (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60089&clid=4421&cpid=703) will not play in the Group G opener against Hamburg on Wednesday night.
The France striker sustained a minor foot injury during last week's Euro 2008 qualifier against Italy and will be out for "two or three days" according to Arsène Wenger.
"Thierry Henry is not playing," confirmed the Arsenal manager. "He has a foot injury, he doesn't know how he got it but he got it during the game against Italy. We gave him an injection on Saturday and he will only be out for a short time, two or three days. But we have a big squad and in the short term we can cope without him."
Wenger has named an 18-man squad for Wednesday's Champions League game. Theo Walcott (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=61019&clid=4421&cpid=703) returns after being rested for Saturday's 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough while Jens Lehmann (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=news&plid=60081&clid=4421&cpid=703) is available having served a two-match suspension in European competition.
Arsenal's squad:
Jens Lehmann
Manuel Almunia
William Gallas
Kolo Toure
Johan Djourou
Emmanuel Eboue
Justin Hoyte
Cesc Fabregas
Alex Song
Freddie Ljungberg
Gilberto
Mathieu Flamini
Alexander Hleb
Julio Baptista
Theo Walcott
Tomas Rosicky
Robin van Persie
Emmanuel Adebayor
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Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of Kolo Toure ahead of their trip to Manchester United.
The Gunners travel to Old Trafford on Sunday to tackle old foes United in a mouth-watering clash live on Sky Sports 1.
Toure is doubtful for the game after picking up a hip problem in Wednesday's UEFA Champions League win over Hamburg.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is currently unsure if Toure will recover in time to face United.
"It was a kick on the hip. It looks muscle damage, but we do not know if he can play on Sunday [against Manchester United] at the moment," said Wenger.
"It is very difficult to say."
Wenger will be hoping to have Toure available as they are short of options at the back with Philippe Senderos already on the sidelines.
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Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes Manchester United missed out by not signing Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna.
Senna looked set for a switch to Old Trafford during the summer only for The Red Devils to pull out of the deal in late August.
The Spanish midfielder has since signed a new deal with the Yellow Submarines and Fabregas feels Sir Alex Ferguson could live to rue missing out on his capture.
Ferguson did reinforce his midfield with the capture of Michael Carrick from Spurs and also tried to bring Bayern Munich's Owen Hargreaves to the club.
Ahead of the two sides meeting on Sunday, Fabregas says the midfield battle will be crucial on the day and is yet unsure whether Carrick is the right man for United.
"The key area in this match could be in midfield," he said in the Daily Star.
"Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and John O'Shea are all players that complement each other well.
"What we have to do is keep the ball for the majority of the time.
"I was surprised United didn't sign another midfielder because they wanted Marcos Senna and Owen Hargreaves.
"I don't know Hargreaves that well but I am aware of his quality. However, I have had the pleasure of playing with Senna at the World Cup and he would be a big help to anyone.
"They have put a lot of faith in Carrick. Only time will tell if the confidence shown in him was too much."
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By Richard Clarke
With the departure of Robert Pires and Jose Antonio Reyes over the summer, there has been a vacancy for a goal-scoring midfielder in the Arsenal side. On Wednesday night at Hamburg, Tomas Rosicky applied for the position in emphatic style.
Seven minutes after half-time the diminutive Czech star collected the ball 25 yards out, looked up and thumped an unstoppable swerving shot into the top left hand corner of the Hamburg goal. It secured an Arsenal victory in the opening game of Group G and brought back happy memories of another special strike on German soil.
"At first, I thought the shot was going into the crowd but when it went in it made me very happy,” said Rosicky afterwards.
"I scored a goal like it at the World Cup [against USA] but I think this one is better. It was higher and I enjoyed this one more.
"For my country, I have scored quite a few goals. At Dortmund I wasn't so successful and averaged five goals a season so I know from my position I have to score more. I want to try to score more goals for Arsenal.”
It turns out that Rosicky had special admiration for the player he replaced on the left side of midfield.
"Robert Pires was a player that I have always liked,” smiled the 25-year-old who has assumed the Frenchman’s No 7 shirt this season. “When I watched Arsenal, I always liked watching him because he is a very good player, similar to David Beckham.
"On the one hand, I wanted to play with him but I also knew that if he stayed then Arsenal probably wouldn't have bought me.
"I know Pires scored a lot of goals and I will try to do my best, but I think he is more prolific than I am. I will do my best to be productive.
"But it doesn't matter who scored, what's important is that we won. However I am very happy to have scored so early on for Arsenal.”
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By Richard Clarke
Thierry Henry (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=first+team&plid=60089&clid=4421&cpid=703) and Robin van Persie (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=news&plid=60086&clid=4421&cpid=703) are doubtful for Arsenal’s vital Premiership clash with Manchester United on Sunday
The Dutchman hurt his hip in the 2-1 win at Hamburg on Wednesday while his French colleague missed the game in Germany after picking up a foot injury in training the day before.
On the plus side, Kolo Toure (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=news&plid=60102&clid=4421&cpid=703) should be fit after a hip injury forced him off in the first half at the AOL Arena. The injured quartet of Philippe Senderos (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=news&plid=60095&clid=4421&cpid=703) (shoulder), Gael Clichy (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=news&plid=60097&clid=4421&cpid=703) (foot), Lauren (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=news&plid=60087&clid=4421&cpid=703) (knee) and Abou Diaby (http://www.arsenal.com/player.asp?thisNav=news&plid=60636&clid=4421&cpid=703) (ankle) all remain four to six weeks away from fitness.
“Kolo Toure will have no problem to play on Sunday,” Arsène Wenger told Arsenal TV Online on Thursday afternoon. “Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie are a bigger problem. We have to wait a little bit but there is a doubt about both of them.
“Robin has a hip problem. His [foot] got stuck in the pitch when he wanted to keep the ball on. There is a major doubt about him.”
Senderos, Clichy, Lauren and Diaby have not featured all season. However it seems the long wait is nearing an end.
“You need to allow four to six weeks for all of them” said Wenger. “[The first one back] will be between Clichy and Senderos. Maybe Senderos will be earliest with Clichy just behind.”
ATVO subscribers will be able to see the full interview on Friday morning. In it, the manager discusses:
The win at Hamburg
The difference between the Premiership and Champions League
The gap between Arsenal and Manchester United in the table
The edge that still remains on this game
His assessment of Manchester United this season
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Didier Drogba believes that William Gallas' departure is a huge loss for Chelsea.
Gallas left Stamford Bridge for Arsenal on transfer deadline day after months of uncertainty about his future, in a deal which saw Ashley Cole travel in the opposite direction.
But Drogba feels that Chelsea should have done more to keep the Frenchman, who he views as the best versatile defender in the world.
"William Gallas' departure is a massive loss. He is one of the greatest defenders in the world," said Drogba.
"When it comes to the ability to play anywhere, he is the best on the planet.
"It is very hard to part with a player of Gallas' quality. But if that is what is the club have done, it must be because they see sense in the deal."
Drogba was tipped to leave Chelsea himself towards the end of last season, but he insists that he is more committed to the club than ever.
However, the former Marseille star has revealed that Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas did approach him about a possible move in the summer.
"It would have been very interesting to join Lyon. But the reality is that I have two years left on my contract at Chelsea, and I like to honour my contracts," Drogba explained.
"I feel flattered by Mr Aulas' interest as Lyon are becoming an increasingly respected European club.
"I often get phone calls from Bernard Lacombe, the president's adviser. He asks me how things are going here and whether I would be interested in returning to France one day.
"But Chelsea have proved how much they value me. I have become an essential player for them and I feel a genuine respect coming from them."
"When you look at the people we have signed during the close season, you realise they've not just come in to win the Carling Cup."
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Robin van Persie has hit back at the critics who claimed he dived to win a penalty against Hamburg on Wednesday.
The Dutch winger set Arsenal on their way to victory in the UEFA Champions League, as his tumble under minimal contact from keeper Sascha Kirschstein handed Gilberto the opportunity to ram home from the penalty spot.
The Gunners went on to claim a 2-1 victory, but much of the post-game talk surrounded van Persie's early tumble.
"At first it was on my mind to shoot straight away," revealed the Dutchman. "I just had a first touch and passed the keeper.
"There was a little bit of contact, but it was never my intention to dive.
"I am not like that and I think it is bad for the game."
Van Persie is a doubt for Arsenal's trip to Manchester United on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1, with a hip injury.
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Jose Antonio Reyes has accused former Arsenal team-mate Ashley Cole of looking to cause problems.
New Chelsea signing Cole has hogged a lot of the headlines over the summer as the candid opinions in his autobiography have come into the public domain.
And Reyes believes that most of Cole's comments have been deliberately designed to break down relationships at Arsenal.
"He is just trying to cause trouble," said the Spaniard. "There was a good atmosphere in the Arsenal dressing room no matter what he says."
Reyes has yet to start a game for Real Madrid since joining them on loan for the season, and could do little to prevent the Spanish giants losing to Lyon in the UEFA Champions League in midweek.
However, the 23-year-old is now looking forward to playing his first match in the Bernabeu on Sunday, against Real Sociedad.
"It will be my real debut. The defeat against Lyon was painful and we have to forget it as soon as possible," he said.
"It was not the start that we were all hoping for. We imagined things going better than that, but there is still a long way to go.
"A defeat is always painful, we lost one game and it seems like we lost the whole Champions League."
Coach Fabio Capello and several players stated that the defeat in France was down to Real's fitness levels.
Reyes believes that more emphasis is placed on fitness in England, while technique is central to training in the Spanish league.
"We prepare less on the physical side here," he explained. "In Spain training is more focused on passing and first touch."
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Arsene Wenger is convinced his players have the strength of character to secure victory at Manchester United on Sunday.
The Gunners have had a lot of media coverage in the last week, much of it negative, due to the serialisation of Ashley Cole's upcoming autobiography.
The full back, who now plies his trade for Chelsea, claimed that several of Wenger's exciting youngsters did not show the right attitude last term.
Wenger's players will get an immediate chance to show their mettle, as they face a daunting trip to Old Trafford on Sunday.
The coach says he has not been hurt by Cole's comments and is looking for his players to step up to the plate on Sunday.
"The best way to show that an opinion is wrong is to show spirit and we have a good opportunity to do that," he noted. "The way we came back last year from January to May showed that we had spirit.
"It doesn't hurt me, what hurts me is to not win games. It is part of the model of the world. You rarely open the medias without getting a negative view, so you have to live with that.
"What you have to do is show what is right."
The Gunners have made a poor start to the Premiership season and Wenger is looking for the right response against The Red Devils.
"We want to win the game and I feel a big club is judged on how it approaches a big game and how it can turn a big game into its favour," stated Wenger.
"That is what we want to show at Manchester United, that we can win the game.
"We have had a disappointing start in The Premiership, but we played only against teams who refused to play against us and we were not good enough and sharp enough to turn the games in our favour.
"This time we have an opportunity to show we have improved.
"I am an optimist, but a realist as well and I have a good idea of the potential of my squad and I think I have every chance to think realistically that we can win the game."
The Gunners may have to overcome their old rivals without strikers Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie, as both are rated doubtful.
"From the other night, van Persie looks very doubtful and contrary to what I thought, Henry will be short as well. All the other players who are injured, nobody is coming back
"Ideally you would want him (Henry) to play, but we will go to Man United to win with Thierry Henry or without Thierry Henry and with van Persie or without van Persie."
All the action from Old Trafford will be screened live on Sky Sports 1, with kick off at 4pm.
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William Gallas has given a glowing account of his first fortnight at Arsenal, with the French international defender describing The Gunners' unique brand of football as 'magnificent'.
Gallas was involved in one of the most bitter and convoluted transfers of the summer but beat the deadline to seal a swap that saw him leave Chelsea as part of the deal that took Ashley Cole to Stamford Bridge.
The fall-out from the agreement between the two London giants has seen Chelsea accuse Gallas of threatening to score an own goal, as well as Cole vehemently criticising his former club in the serialisation of his autobiography.
However Gallas is attempting to ignore the controversy arising from the transfer and says he is settling in well at Emirates Stadium having now played twice under compatriot Arsene Wenger.
Even though Gallas has been utilised at left back, a situation that sometimes caused him anguish with The Blues, the former Marseille man says he is happy to play anywhere for The Gunners and that he is enjoying the attractive style of play employed by Wenger in North London.
"The fans have welcomed me perfectly, they are so nice," Gallas told Sport. "I feel good in this brand new stadium.
"Gael Clichy is injured, so I have to replace him on the left side of the defence. That is not a problem at all.
"The most important for me, is to win trophies, the league, the FA Cup, or the Champions League.
"If I play I have no problems, that shows that the coach trusts me.
"During the last World Cup, I wanted to show the world my qualities.
"I wanted people to see why being a central defender is the best for me.
"It was a challenge for me to try to be one of the best at this position during a big competition.
"Wenger is one of the best coaches, he talks a lot and understands the player.
"A Chelsea fan has asked me why I left last week. I told him the full story, so he was relieved and understood my reasons.
"Arsenal's defence is young but paradoxically very experienced because of the Champions League.
"Arsenal are a team of young stars and their football is magnificent."
Whilst Gallas is still unwilling to talk about the extraordinary statement from Chelsea that detailed his alleged threats to sabotage The Blues if they forced him to play, the defender admits the accusations emanating from his former club 'hurt' him.
"I will give my all to Arsenal, like I did with Chelsea or Caen, I am a pro," Gallas added.
"Chelsea's accusations have hurt me.
"I will tell the truth at the right moment."
Gallas is the latest in a long line of French internationals to ply their trade in North London since the arrival of Wenger, and the 29-year-old admits he is enjoying himself with Les Bleus at the moment.
After the disappointment of the World Cup final defeat to Italy, Gallas helped Raymond Domenech's side to a 3-1 win over The Azzurri during the international break and the defender believes France are currently unstoppable.
"Our last victory against Italy was the bomb.
"We have shown them who were the best.
"L'Equipe de France make people dream and that is the most important thing.
"We feel we can score at every moment of the match, and our defence is untouchable.
"I am looking forward to see what we can do in Scotland."
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William Gallas has given a glowing account of his first fortnight at Arsenal, with the French international defender describing The Gunners' unique brand of football as 'magnificent'.
Gallas was involved in one of the most bitter and convoluted transfers of the summer but beat the deadline to seal a swap that saw him leave Chelsea as part of the deal that took Ashley Cole to Stamford Bridge.
The fall-out from the agreement between the two London giants has seen Chelsea accuse Gallas of threatening to score an own goal, as well as Cole vehemently criticising his former club in the serialisation of his autobiography.
However Gallas is attempting to ignore the controversy arising from the transfer and says he is settling in well at Emirates Stadium having now played twice under compatriot Arsene Wenger.
Even though Gallas has been utilised at left back, a situation that sometimes caused him anguish with The Blues, the former Marseille man says he is happy to play anywhere for The Gunners and that he is enjoying the attractive style of play employed by Wenger in North London.
"The fans have welcomed me perfectly, they are so nice," Gallas told Sport. "I feel good in this brand new stadium.
"Gael Clichy is injured, so I have to replace him on the left side of the defence. That is not a problem at all.
"The most important for me, is to win trophies, the league, the FA Cup, or the Champions League.
"If I play I have no problems, that shows that the coach trusts me.
"During the last World Cup, I wanted to show the world my qualities.
"I wanted people to see why being a central defender is the best for me.
"It was a challenge for me to try to be one of the best at this position during a big competition.
"Wenger is one of the best coaches, he talks a lot and understands the player.
"A Chelsea fan has asked me why I left last week. I told him the full story, so he was relieved and understood my reasons.
"Arsenal's defence is young but paradoxically very experienced because of the Champions League.
"Arsenal are a team of young stars and their football is magnificent."
Whilst Gallas is still unwilling to talk about the extraordinary statement from Chelsea that detailed his alleged threats to sabotage The Blues if they forced him to play, the defender admits the accusations emanating from his former club 'hurt' him.
"I will give my all to Arsenal, like I did with Chelsea or Caen, I am a pro," Gallas added.
"Chelsea's accusations have hurt me.
"I will tell the truth at the right moment."
Gallas is the latest in a long line of French internationals to ply their trade in North London since the arrival of Wenger, and the 29-year-old admits he is enjoying himself with Les Bleus at the moment.
After the disappointment of the World Cup final defeat to Italy, Gallas helped Raymond Domenech's side to a 3-1 win over The Azzurri during the international break and the defender believes France are currently unstoppable.
"Our last victory against Italy was the bomb.
"We have shown them who were the best.
"L'Equipe de France make people dream and that is the most important thing.
"We feel we can score at every moment of the match, and our defence is untouchable.
"I am looking forward to see what we can do in Scotland."
Been busy lately so haven't been able to post alot... sorry to all that view here... If nothings been posted for a while please check sky sports or Arsenals website :bigsmile: and post the reports :bigsmile:
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Marseille have confirmed that Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger has spoken with them about Franck Ribery, but denied an agreement with the English giants was already in place.
French sources have long claimed Arsenal were leading the chase for the French international, despite strong interest Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
Again it was suggested only last week that Arsenal had managed to broker a deal for next summer which would have seen Ribery move to North London at the season's end.
However, L'OM sporting director Jose Anigo has denied Arsenal have already clinched a deal for one of the most in-demand players in world football.
"It is very clear that there is no agreement with Arsenal or with any other European club," Anigo said.
"Indeed Arsenal did come to discuss with Pape [Diouf, Marseille president] and Arsene Wenger spoke to him about it, but there were also discussions with other large European clubs.
"I could list them all but I would not have enough fingers on two hands to count them."
Anigo also seemed to dismiss any suggestions that Ribery could move in January.
"Franck is much coveted for sure and he has a certain price today. But our objective is to reach a place in the Champions League and for that it is necessary to keep out best players," he told Marseille's official website.
"So I do not see why we would discuss the departure of Franck, as we have high hopes and we want to keep our best elements to go in the right direction.
"If we do not manage to qualify for the Champions League, inevitably it will be necessary to raise the question [of his departure].
"But I repeat there is no agreement with Arsenal or another club, whether through me or Pape Diouf."
Meanwhile, Anigo reaffirmed Marseille's dream to see Didier Drogba back in the white of Marseille.
The Ivorian hit-man left for Chelsea in 2004 - but he is still a firm fans' favourite at The Stade Velodrome and the player himself admits he would love to return to the South Coast of France.
"At the moment we need to speak of Djibril Cisse, he is today the one we miss," he said.
"But to see Didier Drogba alongside Franck Ribery, it would be the dream of any trainer or sporting director," he said.
"But an absolute ideal would be to have Cisse, Drogba and Ribery. That would be extraordinary, why not? No door is closed in any direction here.
"But we cannot get carried away, we have managed to have Djibril Cisse and Franck Ribery and if we qualify for the Champions League we will certainly have the facility to keep these players."
Sky Sports
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Brazilian midfielder Denilson is determined to make an impact at Arsenal.
The teenage starlet, captain of the Samba Boys' Under-19 outfit, joined The Gunners on transfer deadline day from Sao Paulo.
He is loving life in England and has been boosted by some flattering words from coach Arsene Wenger.
"It has been a dream for me since I was young to play in Europe, but I never imagined I could sign for a club like Arsenal so early in my career," he told Arsenal TV Online.
"I am going to try to my maximum and I want my football to mature here.
"I really think I can become a champion with Arsenal and make it into one of the best players in the world.
"The manager has said I have real quality, with a good touch and good technique.
"He says that now I just have to adapt so I can start to play in the first team."
Denilson was given a run-out for the reserves against Barnet last month, and is hoping to be selected for the Carling Cup clash against West Brom later in October.
"In Brazil, you would not really get kicks like I did for the reserves - if a player had done that to me at home, then he probably would have got a red card," he observed.
"But this is English football, the players are very strong and the tackles are very strong. You just have to take one or two touches so you do not get tackled in the same way.
"I have been working hard to play in the Carling Cup and am hoping that with my persistence, I could get a chance."
Fellow Brazilians Gilberto and Julio Baptista also ply their trade at The Emirates Stadium, and Denilson admits their presence has helped him to settle in.
"It is good for me that Gilberto and Julio Baptista are here," he said.
"They talk to me about life at Arsenal, ask me if I am happy and understand things.
"Arsenal have treated me very, very well and have made me feel part of the family."
Sky Sports
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Arsene Wenger is hoping to turn Arsenal into the biggest force in European football.
The Gunners boss has admitted that he could never have foreseen the success he has enjoyed in London when he first took charge of the club ten years ago.
But he is still ambitious and would like to see Arsenal progress even further.
"My project is to dominate the English league and to dominate Europe," he told France Football.
"Nowadays Arsenal is a club superior to what I could have imagined at the beginning.
"When we built our new stadium we talked about a capacity of 50,000, then 55,000, then 60,000. Now we are asking ourselves already if it is too small.
"That could seem pretentious, but I believe that if you don't give real ambition to a club it will not take off."
Wenger has attracted the interest of several top clubs over the years due to his exploits at Arsenal, but he has stressed that he has never been tempted to leave.
He relishes the freedom to make his own decisions, rather than be strictly governed as he might be at a club like Real Madrid.
"At Arsenal, I even have more freedom than a lot of other English clubs," he explained.
"That is why I refused opportunities like Real Madrid.
"I am like an animal that has a lot of freedom and then you want to keep him on a leash."
Wenger also offered his thoughts on the long-running club versus country debate, and pointed the finger at the international schedule for the divisions that are sometimes caused.
"I have nothing against national teams, but I have something against the international schedule as it is set nowadays," he said.
"I feel like someone who gives a second key of his car to a friend. The man comes, takes your car, uses it for ten days, and leaves it in the countryside, out of petrol.
"You have to go and get it back and it has broken down.
"Then one month later he comes back to get it again."
Sky Sports
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The G14 group has revealed one of new chairman David Dein's roles will be to strike an 'amicable solution' with Fifa and Uefa.
The group appointed Arsenal's vice-chairman last week with a view to building good relations between the world and European football's governing bodies and improving representation for its members.
G14, who represent Europe's richest and most powerful clubs, are desperate to solve issues such as club versus country rows and the number of games being played in the international calendar.
However, with Dein on board, the Gunners supremo will be stepping up the group's efforts to reach an agreement with Fifa and Uefa.
"David will be trying to get a result with Fifa and Uefa over the next year, so he will be reaching out to get some form of amicable solution," said G14 spokesman James Thellusson.
"The key goal for G14 is finding a solution to the issues of player release, player insurance and governance, as it has always been.
"The issues that are at the heart of the Charleroi case are the issues that need to be resolved."
Sky Sports
Arsenal.com headlines/reports ~ click here (http://www.arsenal.com/newsarchive.asp?thisNav=News&lid=NewsHeadline&clid=)
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Arsenal are believed to have negotiated a preliminary agreement with Marseille for midfielder Franck Ribery.
The 23-year-old French international has been linked with a host of clubs since impressing at the World Cup for Les Bleus.
Arsene Wenger's side have made no secret of their admiration for the former Galatasaray attacker and are thought to be prepared to offer €26 million (£17.5 million) for his services in the summer.
Gunners captain Thierry Henry has struck up a strong friendship with the diminutive player and the North Londoners are now understood to have secured the first option on his sale.
Ribery remains under contract at the Stade Velodrome until 2010, while Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are also keeping a close eye on the situation.
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Marseille chairman Pape Diouf has insisted that star midfielder Franck Ribery will not be leaving the Stade Velodrome in January.
Reports in France and England have strongly linked Ribery with a move to Arsenal during the winter transfer window.
The 23-year-old has a number of suitors across Europe, with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Bayern Munich also holding a strong interest.
However, Diouf has now moved to rule out a January exit for the France international, who is under contract at Marseille until 2010.
"I had already said he would not leave during the close season and he did not," Diouf told the club's official website.
"I can say today that he will not leave during the winter break either.
"It's too early to say what will happen after that but our sporting goals are more important than media speculation."
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Marseille playmaker Franck Ribery is eager to join Arsenal and link up with compatriot Arsene Wenger, according to the player's agent.
The French international is one of Europe's most prodigious young talents and after a World Cup in which Ribery cemented his reputation as a player of real pedigree, he is not short of suitors.
A summer of intense speculation had the player jetting off all over continent, from England to Spain, but in the end he elected to remain in his homeland.
His agent, Bruno Heiderscheid, has now confirmed that Wenger was eager to strike an accord with Marseille to bring the player to North London - an inclination shared by his client.
It was, though, not a deal Marseille were keen to entertain and although they fought strongly, and successfully, to keep their talisman at Stade Velodrome - Heiderscheid has warned that Arsenal will come calling again next year.
"Arsene Wenger likes the player a lot," Heiderscheid told the News of the World.
"He wanted to take him this summer but Marseille refused to sell. Arsene has made it clear he wants to take him next year.
"Franck would very much like to join Arsenal because of Arsene, the style of football they play and also because his very close friend from the France team, Thierry Henry, plays for them."
Despite his confidence in the fact Arsenal will renew initial interest, Heiderscheid is keen to reiterate that as yet, no deal has been agreed with either party.
"I can categorically deny there is any agreement with Arsenal at this stage or even negotiations.
"These would have to take place in January at the earliest as we see how the season progresses with Marseille and Franck wants to concentrate on his current club.
"Franck is now a very big player in Europe and it's true the biggest clubs want him badly."
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Arsene Wenger has confirmed his admiration for Franck Ribery, but has denied making a bid for the Marseille man during the summer.
France forward Ribery was linked with a summer exit from Stade Velodrome after an impressive World Cup, but L'OM stood firm in the face of spirited efforts from a number of clubs.
Arsenal were reported to be one of the bidders and Ribery's agent said on Sunday that The Gunners had tested Marseille's resolve.
Wenger has countered this, though, stating he is content with the attacking options at his disposal in North London.
"We have never made an offer to Marseille for Franck Ribery," Wenger said on Sky Sports News.
"I find him a good player, but I am not looking for any players at the moment.
"I have exactly the squad I need and offensively we have lost some players like Bergkamp and Pires, but we have got Rosicky and some young players who have developed well like van Persie and Adebayor and Walcott, plus the players who create the game like Alex (Hleb).
"So for the moment I am not looking for anybody to come in."
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Cesc Fabregas's agent has revealed that the Arsenal starlet signed a new long-term contract with the Premiership club on Wednesday that ties him to Emirates Stadium until 2014.
The Spanish midfield gem has quickly established himself as the focal point of Wenger's next great project in North London - emerging from Patrick Vieira's shadow to take on the number four shirt with great authority - and as such the club have moved to ensure their fates remain entwined.
Still only 19, Fabregas has already made over 100 appearances for The Gunners since joining from Barcelona in 2003 and was linked with a move to Spanish titans Real Madrid over the summer after shining during the World Cup finals.
However the precociously gifted Catalan has now penned an improved eight-year deal at Emirates Stadium to commit his long-term future to his mentor and manager Wenger.
Confirming that the contract has been signed, Fabregas's agent Joseba Diaz reflected on a 'fantastic' arrangement for both club and player.
"It is a fabulous contract for the player and also for the club," Diaz told Sport.
"This is the word that best describes this contract.
"Cesc feels very contented with how much Arsenal value him and in the knowledge that the Arsenal of the future is going to revolve around him."
In his short time in North London, Fabregas has set new records for being the club's youngest ever player and youngest ever goalscorer, and with the confirmation of his contract being ratified the young Spaniard can now look to push on and continue his stellar rise under Wenger's watchful eye.
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Cesc Fabregas has outlined his aim to lead Arsenal to renewed success after inking a new eight-year deal at Emirates Stadium.
The 19-year-old Spanish international put pen to paper on an improved deal on Wednesday to ensure that he will remain at the forefront of Arsene Wenger's attempts to wrestle control of The Premiership back from Chelsea.
Since becoming The Gunners' youngest ever player, the former Barcelona trainee has helped the London side to triumph in the 2005 FA Cup final as well as playing an integral role in their run to the UEFA Champions League final last season.
However, as he looks forward to reinforcing his position as one of the most gifted midfielders in Europe after committing himself to the club until 2014, Fabregas says he is driven by a desire to bring more major trophies to Emirates Stadium.
The Catalan midfield conductor also expressed his delight at being able to show his commitment to Wenger after the Frenchman plucked him from Camp Nou and turned him into a Premiership regular and Spain's youngest ever World Cup player.
"I am so happy here and I am delighted to have signed this new contract that will keep me at the club for years to come," Fabregas told the club's official website.
"I wanted to pay back the club, especially Arsene Wenger for the support and faith he has shown in me.
"What is important now is for the team to realise its potential and win trophies. That is our main aim, that is my aim as well."
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Arsenal striker Robin van Persie says he has set his sights on becoming a more selfless player for The Gunners.
With four goals in his last five games for the London club, the young Dutchman is currently enjoying a purple patch in front of goal despite missing a number of chances, along with his team-mates, in the extraordinary 0-0 draw with CSKA Moscow on Wednesday.
The former Feyenoord man has earned the trust of Arsene Wenger in being installed as Thierry Henry's regular strike partner, or as the wide left man in a 4-5-1 formation, but van Persie says he is not content to rest on his laurels.
With compatriot Dennis Bergkamp setting an extremely high standard for The Gunners as Henry's support man before his retirement over the summer, van Persie knows he can still improve on his all-round game in order to better serve Wenger's side.
"I have not set myself any objectives, but I have focused myself on improving my distribution and passing," van Persie said.
"I want to help my team-mates, I want them to trust me in every situation and know that I am there to help them on the pitch.
"It is important for a striker to work hard for the team - that can be through goals, assists or just being there for your colleagues."
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Arsene Wenger has admitted his interest in West Ham skipper Nigel Reo-Coker, but the Arsenal boss insists the North London side have never tabled a bid for the midfielder.
The England Under-21 international was strongly linked with both Manchester United and The Gunners over the summer, with Hammers boss Alan Pardew later revealing that the Upton Park outfit did indeed receive an approach for the 22-year-old on transfer deadline day.
With The Gunners now preparing to face Pardew's men in a London derby on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1, Wenger has denied his club were responsible for the offer.
However, the Frenchman did reveal his admiration for the player who scored in a 3-2 win for The Hammers at Highbury in February.
"I like Reo-Coker but we never made a bid to West Ham for him," Wenger told the club's official website.
"He has a good work rate, technique and power. He has physical power.
"In the middle of the park he uses that very well, he is very incisive and wins the ball.
"He did that against us last year."
The bid for Reo-Coker was hugely overshadowed by the more extraordinary events at Upton Park on August 31 when Argentinian internationals Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez arrived from Corinthians.
The South American duo have failed to shine ever since though, with both players absent when West Ham ended their eight-game losing streak against Blackburn Rovers last weekend.
Wenger now expects the two talented stars - who had also been linked with a move to Emirates Stadium before their shock transfer to The Hammers - to be left out of Sunday's game as Pardew looks to continue West Ham's renaissance.
"I don't know enough about the problem [the players are having]," Wenger added.
"It's always better to get two more good players in and they are two good players.
"On Sunday they didn't play and West Ham won (against Blackburn) so I don't expect them to play against us."
One player who Wenger is wary of facing is former Manchester United and Tottenham striker Teddy Sheringham after the ever-green 40-year-old opened the scoring against Rovers last weekend.
However, the Frenchman is hopeful that The Gunners will bounce back from their wasteful display against CSKA Moscow on Wednesday to claim victory at Upton Park.
"We should get a lot of encouragement from the last two games and turn it our way by just trying to do better.
"Teddy Sheringham in the Blackburn game has showed how much experience can make a difference."
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This Sunday sees two big London derbies taking place — West Ham United play host to Arsenal while Chelsea travel to White Hart Lane.
Since the Premiership began back in 1992, the Gunners have proved to be the top dogs in the capital, winning more points (251) and averaging a higher rate of points per game than any other club in metropolitan meetings.
However against the Hammers on Sunday, they will face a club who themselves have performed well in clashes with their neighbours. The eastenders have registered an impressive 1.28 points per game rate, the third-highest average, with only Chelsea and Sunday’s opponents Arsenal bettering those figures.
The Blues go into their fixture with Tottenham only 13 points behind Arsenal in the all-time London derby league table and closing steadily. However, Spurs on the other hand, have tended to struggle in capital clashes, winning an average of 1.08 points per game, a figure superior only to Fulham and Crystal Palace.
>>> All-Time Premiership London Derbies (Ranked by Pts per Game) <<< (http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=426453&CPID=8&clid=3&lid=&title=Capital+Gains?+Opta+Analysis)
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Arsene Wenger says he is not letting his side's recent struggle to find the back of the net become an obsession, with the Arsenal boss stating that a change in The Gunners' playing style would be 'suicidal'.
The Gunners could only draw with CSKA Moscow in midweek as they missed a whole host of gilt-edged chances, a recurring theme at times this season in games where they dropped points against Manchester City and, more recently, Everton.
Whilst the London side's approach play remains the most attractive in The Premiership, they have still seen a seven-point gap open up between themselves and joint leaders Chelsea and Manchester United - albeit with a game in hand.
In the past week, against CSKA and The Toffees, the likes of Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky have been misfiring, but Wenger is not worried that the scenario will return to haunt The Gunners on Sunday when they play West Ham at Upton Park, live on Sky Sports 1.
The Frenchman prefers not to obsess over the issue, instead playing it down as a transient problem that pales in contrast to the quality his side possess.
"No [doesn't fear same thing happening against West Ham], to make a problem of something is to make an obsession of it," Wenger told Sky Sports News.
"We have to accept it is sport and you have days where things don't go in for you some times, and you played extremely well and did not score the goal you want to score. You have to accept that.
"But still the basis is there. If you want to score goals first you have to be capable of playing at a great pace, technically to be creative in the final third and then to put the ball in the net.
"I believe that we have done the first two very well and the last one was not very good, [but] the basis of the game is very, very strong and we want to keep that."
Moreover, Wenger says he will never waver from the vibrant style of play that has served him so well during his ten-year spell in North London.
"No we want to keep it," insisted Wenger when asked if he would consider changing his style.
"You can only survive and dominate the game if you do what you are good at well and we can play quick passing, are very mobile and very creative and to change our style will be suicidal, you know.
"We know we can score goals, people in this team can score 25 to 30 goals a season so I know we will score goals, I'm not worried about that.
"For me what is important is to play well and when you play well you score goals.
"What happened is that we missed chances and then the next chances always put you under more pressure.
"You want to do so well that you lack a little composure, and that explains that we have a day where we, on the positive side, created plenty of chances with great style and manner, and the next thing is we couldn't win the game.
"But I will keep the positives because in that game [against CSKA] we have seen a lot of qualities that you need to be in the top level and it's very reassuring to see that we have the quality to be there and to be the best."
The Gunners' wastefulness in front of goal in the past week has transmitted to the stands at Emirates Stadium, with captain Thierry Henry appealing for fans not to get frustrated with the players in his programme notes for Wednesday's UEFA Champions League tie.
However, Wenger believes that groans from the home support are inevitable when the team are struggling to win, with the Frenchman pleased with the supporters' input against CSKA.
"I feel that our fans want us to win, they get frustrated when we don't win and that is absolutely normal.
"I felt that against CSKA Moscow they were very good, and it just shows you that when the team plays well the fans are good.
"What you want from your fans is first to fill the stadium, they do that and we respect that a lot, and the rest has to come from me and the team, it means to play good football and then the fans are behind you."
Arsenal can move into third position in The Premiership with a win against The Hammers on Sunday, and after Alan Pardew's side ended a run of eight consecutive defeats last weekend an intriguing contest awaits at Upton Park.
Whilst playing down suggestions that clashes between the two capital clubs always carry an extra bit of bite, Wenger also had words of praise for the West Ham support for the way they stood by Pardew during a dismal run of form.
"Not really [something different about the meetings], it is because when they play against us they play with a passionate game always and they have very good fans, West Ham.
"You could see that again against Blackburn last Sunday, they stand behind the team after eight consecutive defeats and that is something exceptional."
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