Has he, hasn’t he? Nasri’s agent says deal isn’t done – Expect confirmation soon

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, Transfers

Nasri’s agent Jean-Pierre Bernes has played down the reports which have been circling, that Nasri had signed for Arsenal.

He told the press:

“Discussions are continuing between the two clubs and the player,”

“Nothing has been finalised, no element of the transfer has been finalised and everybody is still talking. It is premature to announce anything at all.”

The fact that Marseille and Samir’s website – http://samirnasri.fr confirmed a deal between Arsenal and Marseille for the player, and that Arsenal.com have loaded images of Nasri onto their server, means that a deal can’t be far off, but at the time of writing, we haven’t signed him!

Rumours are that the official site is run by Nasri’s father who heard the news and posted it up, without realising that the agent wanted the deal kept quiet. In any case I think it will be done in the next few days. Just an administrative mix-up.

Arsenal Squad Numbers: Manuel Almunia the new Number 1

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal7 Comments

The official squad numbers have been announced at Arsenal.com. Not many surprises, Almunia is the new number 1 following Jens’ departure, further cementing his place in the first team.

Vela has been given the number 12 shirt, whilst new signing Ramsey has the 16. Mannone has number 24, so he will now be third keeper. Players like Randall, Gibbs and Lansbury will probably receive shirt numbers as they play.

Meanwhile, our new signing Samir Nasri will probably get the number 8 shirt, lets just hope he will be as good as the last incumbent.

Updated list:
Theo Walcott is now No.14

1. Manuel ALMUNIA
2. Abou DIABY
3. Bacary SAGNA
4. Francesc FABREGAS
5. Kolo TOURE
6. Philippe SENDEROS
7. Tomas ROSICKY
9. EDUARDO
10. William GALLAS
11. Robin VAN PERSIE
12. Carlos VELA
13. Alexander HLEB
14. Theo WALCOTT
15. DENILSON
16. Aaron RAMSEY
17. Alexandre SONG
19. GILBERTO
20. Johan DJOUROU
21. Lukasz FABIANSKI
22. Gael CLICHY
24. Vito MANNONE
25. Emmanuel ADEBAYOR
26. Nicklas BENDTNER
27. Emmanuel EBOUE
30. Armand TRAORE
31. Justin HOYTE
32. Theo WALCOTT

Thats all!

Cesc’s penalty puts Spain through to the semi-final: Euro 2008

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal

Cesc Fabregas took his first ever penalty in a professional game against Italy in the Euro 2008 Quarter Final last night to put the Spanish through to a Semi with Russia at Euro 2008. A dour match where the Italians came with a defensive outlook meant that the scores were still 0-0 after extra time. Some penalty heroics from Iker Casillas meant that if Cesc scored their fifth penalty then Spain went through.

My heart was in my mouth when I saw him step up to take it, and I was very relieved when he scored. There must have been a lot of pressure on Cesc, especially as that was his first professional penalty.

He came on on 59 minutes for Xavi, as he has been coming off the bench for Spain during this competition, he showed his class and really added an extra dimension to Spain’s game.

He had this to say:

“It has been difficult for some people to have confidence in me when I play for Spain, but I know that life sometimes gives you the chance to prove yourself. People have been discussing my role in the team and my status as a substitute so scoring that goal meant a huge amount to me,”

“The boss came on to the pitch and gave the names out, I’ve always felt that he has faith in me, and he showed that by naming me number five which is normally the crucial penalty.

“I just wanted to shoot to score so that everything could come to an end. I wanted to make him think I would shoot to the left as I do in training and then I put it to the right. It was my first penalty in a match since I was 15.”

“I just want to help the team and if that means coming on in the last half hour that is fine, I don’t want the glory just for myself, I want it for Spain.”

Spain beat Russia 4-1 in their opening game, but Cesc knows it will be a different cup of tea this time round:

“If we think Russia will be the same as the opening match we will be very mistaken. We need to keep our feet on the ground if we want to join the teams that have won this tournament.”

Well done to him, I hope Spain go on to win Euro 2008, although the Russians look very dangerous, especially with Arshavin in the side. Maybe we can sign up Arshavin, but I rumours are he will be off to Barca.

Well played Cesc, whatever happens, I’m sure everyone will be happy to see you back at the Grove for the new season.

Nasri is an Arsenal player: An overview of the new signing

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, Transfers1 Comment

Samir Nasri has finally signed for Arsenal after months of transfer rumours. It just shows that sometimes the rumour mill does bring up some stories with a real foundation.

Samir has confirmed the deal on his website:

“We inform you with the news that Samir Nasri will not be an Olympique de Marseille player next season.

“We also tell you that he has signed a four-year contract with the London club, Arsenal.”

Apparently the deal is worth £15.8 million, which hopefully will be good business. Nasri has signed a four year deal with us, which is very exciting.

He will take the number 8 shirt, as that one is free at the moment. Whether or not he will replace Hleb or play alongside him remains to be seen, but either way this is a good signing on Arsenal’s part.

The 20 year old played four seasons in the Marseille first team, making his league debut during 2004-2005. He plays as a winger, and can score goals – he got six in 30 games last season.

On an international level he had just two substitute appearances in Euro 2008, but has represented France through their youth squads, starting in the Under-17 European Championship side in 2004. He first played a full France international in 2007, and now has 7 caps. He was also Marseille’s fans player of the year for the 2006/2007 campaign.

We’re still waiting for official confirmation of the signing, but Arsenal.com have uploaded pictures of Nasri (here and here), probably whilst preparing the announcement!

UPDATE

Nasri’s official website is down and Arsenal have removed the pictures – the transfer was leaked too early, and the deal is not totally finalised.

Van Persie’s top 5 goals for Arsenal – A perfect partner for Adebayor? Video Post

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal, Video2 Comments

Holland are out of EURO 2008 after a 3-1 loss to Russia, but one player who did shine in the tournament was Robin Van Persie.

He has had injuy problems during his time at Arsenal, but I hope that he will recover during the break he has now and be ready to play consistently next season.

He is a great player who can score fantastic goals, he would also be the perfect partner for Adebayor, if Ade does stay. We haven’t seen them play together enough due to RVP’s injuries. If he can stay fit we have an awsome talent, one of the best players in the Arsenal squad.

Here’s some of his best goals from his time at Arsenal.

Barca bid for Adebayor and Hleb? Are Arsenal a selling club?

On By jamesgillespIn Transfers4 Comments

The news is rife with stories concerning Adebayor and Hleb and whether they will leave.

On Thursday we heard that AC Milan’s sole transfer target this summer is now Adebayor. Barcelona are also chasing his signature. AC Milan scout Ernesto Bronzetti says Milan still have a chance, but that Barca already have a deal:

“Let’s say we have a 50 per cent chance, a lot will depend on the wishes of the player in the end. Arsenal want to sell him to Barcelona, for their own motives. Barcelona tell me they already have an agreement with the player. I only know that the Barcelona president, Laporta, after having been doubted, now wants to shut everyone up by buying a big-name forward.”

“I do know they won’t have the economic means to buy him until they sell Eto’o or Ronaldinho, so I’d advise Milan not to buy either of them or they’ll finance the operation of taking Adebayor to Barcelona.

“(Saying the players weren’t needed) was a massive strategic error. Now anyone who wants to buy those players is maybe going to wait until August 29.”

Ade has come forward to say that he won’t comment, although he has said he will stay before, this media frenzy does worry me:

“Now I do not want to comment on anything relating to FC Barcelona, perhaps later it may be necessary but not now,”

“It is better to wait.”

Barcelona are also interested in Hleb and have reportedly offered about 50 million Euros for the pair. I’m not sure if they will leave, Goodplaya says that we will sell Adebayor if the money is right and replace him with Santa Cruz. I don’t like the idea of that happening, not at all. I think Ade is vital to the team and we need to keep it together – but Santa Cruz would be a quality replacement if he did leave.

Hleb, is a controversial issue these days, Wrighty7 doesn’t want to see him in an Arsenal shirt again after all theat has happened in the last few months. I would love to see him stay, but I would be much less worried about him leaving than Adebayor – simply because in Adebayor we have found a top stirker just at the right time, whereas Hleb is replacable.

If either do leave I will be worried about our ambition to be honest, if that did happen it would seem like we have become a selling club, and that isn’t how you become a successful club. I jus hope Arsenal find the right direction.

Talking of Adebayor there’s a great article on the BBC about his life and growing up in Togo, he seems like a genuinely nice chap.

Anyway, enjoy your Saturday/Sunday, I’m off!

Arsenal Transfer Rumour – Clichy wanted by Roma and Juve

On By jamesgillespIn Transfers1 Comment

Hello all you Gooners, anyone heard anything about this Clichy rumour? Roma and Juve are both interested, the papers claim.

The evidence lies in two quotes, neither of which really link them directly, all they say is that they think he is a good player, so don’t get too worried by this rumour!

Firstly, Roma manager Luciano Spalletti:

“Clichy is an excellent defender of international class. He is also still very young, so has plenty of football improvement left in him. Certainly it would please me a great deal to see Gael Clichy in a Roma shirt. We will have to wait and see what develops.”

Secondly, Claudio Ranieri (ex-Chelski) Juve manager:

“Having worked in England with Chelsea, I know the Premier League players very well and I have to admit that Gael Clichy is one of the most impressive players right now. He is an important player, above all, because of his versatility. I believe he can play anywhere down the left and across the defence too. He could come to Juventus.”

It strikes me that these quotes are both from interviews where journalists may have just asked ‘do you think Clichy is good?’ These sort of quotes just mean that they think Clichy is a good player, and who doesn’t after seeing his performances last season, of course he is in demand.

He is loyal, so I don’t see him going anywhere!

Nasri deal confirmed by Marseilles

On By jamesgillespIn Transfers25 Comments

Marseilles President Pape Diouf has confirmed that Arsenal and Marseilles have reached a deal over Nasri and that the player is completing a medical with the Gunners.

“There is an agreement between Arsenal and Marseille but Nasri is not officially an Arsenal player, he must first complete the medical.”

This is the first official news we have heard out of either club, so surely as soon as Nasri passes the medical he will announced as an Arsenal player.

Who is happy?

Arsenal Diogo bid – for real or publicity stunt?

On By jamesgillespIn Transfers3 Comments

Whilst scrolling throught the reams of regurgitated Arsenal news in the early hours of the morning, I came across an item which I can’t remember seeing before.

Apparently Arsenal made a bid for Diogo Luis Santo, a 21 year old Brazilian, playing for Portuguesa de Desportos. Their directors claim they have rejected a bid from us.

The buy-out clause is about £16 million, but they claim that the offeres they have recieved were too low.

“We have already refused an offer from Arsenal because it was too low, until now, the biggest offer made to us came from Italy, with €12 million (£9 million).

“We will only start to think of selling him from €15 million (£12 million). Benfica have approached him via representatives that intend to bring him to Portugal, but there has not been any proposition yet. We have previously been contacted by Sporting but an offer was not made.”

Now considering the fact that so many clubs are apparently interested maybe they are saying they rejected a bid from Arsenal as a way of hyping up the player and his value, and also increasing publicity and interest in the player and alerting potential buyers.

This would mean that they advertise his desirability and the fact you will need to bid high. This doesn’t necessarily mean we have bidded for Diogo. I think it is more likely to be a way of pushing bids from Benfica and Sporting up.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what comes of this. Do you reckon we actually bidded for Diogo?

Nasri signing with Arsenal after medical

On By jamesgillespIn Transfers

According to La Provence, Samir Nasri is in London for a medical with Arsenal. He didn’t leave the Euros with the rest of the French squad after they got knocked out. Instead he was taken by private plane to Le Bourget at 1pm on Wednesday, and then flew on to London from there, arrving Thursday.

The Grove is waiting expectantly for him as he is expected to complete his medical and finally sign on for the Arsenal! It is thought that the signing may be announced today (Friday), which would bring to a close the biggest transfer saga of the summer.

The financial side of things have been sorted out with Marseilles, and Nasri is expected to sign a five year contract.

After that he’ll be off on a three week holiday to relax before the new season.

Expect an announcement soon Gooners!