Day: June 27, 2008

Theo Walcott – No. 14, the new Henry?!

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal3 Comments

Arsenal announced today that Theo Walcott, the young English striker will wear the No. 14 shirt next season.

This is a big step for the young player from shirt No.32 to having No.14,which is a legendary shirt, it was Henry’s number, and he was the best striker ever to play for Arsenal.

This shows several things on Wenger’s part:

1. Theo will be used more often this season, and definitely in a more attacking role.

2. Wenger has faith in Theo’s abilities – giving him the No.14 shirt is a very symbolic move.

It is funny that they also have the similarity that they have been used on the wing – Henry at Juve and Theo last season for Arsenal. They are both also very pacy.

Obviously Theo is his own player and all players are induviduals, but this does say good things about his potential to be a great player!

For Arsenal’s Squad list click here.

Adebayor is staying at Arsenal – Don’t listen to agents!

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, Transfers4 Comments

Emmanuel Adebayor has yet again denied the rumours that he is leaving Arsenal.

Speaking in Vienna he told the press:

“I am an Arsenal player and have three years left on my contract. “The most important thing for me is to keep on enjoying my football. I’m staying at Arsenal.

This is the second, or third time that he has denied the rumours surrounding him. Morabito is a moron for saying that Ade would be leaving.

It seems obvious to me that Ade wants to stay, and that Wenger wants him to stay.

Milan have said he is their main target for the summer, which is odd, but it is probably just to put pressure on the player and the club, and unsettle.

Also I reckon Hleb will stay too, the transfer rumours which were abounding last month seem to have died down, and realistically it looks like he will be playing for us next season – who wants him? Barcelona?? They say they’re getting Arshavin, so they won’t want Hleb. No-one else is seriously interested.

Rosicky off the crutches

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, Injuries8 Comments

Rosickytomas.com has some good news regarding Rosicky’s recovery:

“To lose the crutches has been a great relief. For six weeks after the surgery I was strictly ordered not to make a single movement without the crutches. Now that is over, but I will not remember it kindly”

“Wednesday was the first time I walked without any support. It is nothing great, but at least I can walk. I am stumbling and getting used to it. After a long time without proper movements, my knee is stiff. It just needs time.”

“In a few days I am flying to England. In London there is a more sophisticated rehabilitation schedule waiting for me. I don’t know what it will be like, but at least I will be doing something at last. I am sure the Arsenal specialists have thought it through well.”

This is great news, what we need next season is a Tomas Rosicky who is incredibly fit, consistent, not injured and scores goals from midfield!

Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Veloso, Crouch, Santa Cruz, Guiza, Senna

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, Transfers4 Comments

Good morning, afternoon, or evening. Wherever you are in the world! Here are a few more transfer rumours awaiting your derision.

First up, we’ve been linked with Portugese defensive midfielder Miguel Veloso. He plays for Sporting CP in Portugal and his agent Paulo Barbosa claims we want him – I think this is buls*it.

“Actually, we did not have normal contact from the Arsenal board, but from a member of the technical staff at the club, at the moment there is not a formal offer yet, but it is possible that will happen soon as Juventus and AC Milan have shown an equal interest in the player.”

So what does that mean? A scout watched him play once?? Again, it’s just an agent talking up a player – we should keep a list of them, Vicenzo Morabito would be somewhere near the top!

Morabito said we are interested in Crouch, beacuse Adebayor is 70 – 80% sure to leave Arsenal he claimed on Italian TV show Studio Sport.

“Arsenal are exploring the transfer market for a substitute for Adebayor,””The names being talked about are Peter Crouch, Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz and Germany forward Mario Gomez.”What are the chances of Adebayor joining Milan? At this stage, I’d say we are between 70 per cent to 80 per cent.”

One of the worst pieces of speculation I’ve heard this summer – if he isn’t good enough for Liverpool why would we want him??

Finally there are completely unfounded reports that we are interested in Senna, the 31 year old Spanish defensive midfielder.

Another made up one – the Daily Mail said we wanted Guiza – a mouth-watering prospect – but totally untrue!

Cesc is in a Final – Euro 2008

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal1 Comment

After coming off the bench again last night against Russia, Fabregas showed what a quality player he is.

Spain beat Russia 3-0 and now face Germany in the Final.

Cesc came on as a substitute for the injured David Villa on 34 minutes.

In the 50th minute Xavi put away Iniesta’s cross, the second came from a superb Fabregas pass from which substitute Daniel Guiza converted on 73 and then Fabregas played in Silva for a the last goal on 82 minutes.

Arshavin was poor, as were the rest of the Russians, Spain sparkled.

But Fabregas is the player everyone is talking about. He is such a great player and now he is proving on the international stage. Barca must be kicking themselves even harder than they have for the last few years over losing this guy.

Some of the players in the current Arsenal squad are fantastic talents and Fabregas is the jewel in the crown.

Anyway I’m just happy that he played so well, now they just have to beat Germany in the Final and everthing will be great!