Tag: Transfers

Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Arshavin, Camacho

On By jamesgillespIn Transfers10 Comments

The Mirror is linking us to Andrei Arshavin. They say we will pay £10 mill. The guy is a 27 year-old midfielder, he plays for Zenit St. Petersburg and he’s very, very good. I’ve seen him play a few tiomes and been impressed.

As for Arsenal signing him, I think it’s unlikely. We hear these sort of rumours everyday, and something with no evidence whatsoever can officially be classed as a ‘rumour’ at this stage.

That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t like to see us sign him, but we have other options. The benefits of signing Arshavin is that he has experience, is at the peak of his career, and is an excellent attacking player.

We’re also linked to a kid called Camacho from Spain. He’s apparently an impressive, young Atletico Madrid midfielder, and Chelsea want him too! He is captain of Spain’s Under-17 squad, and to be honest, I think he’s probably on the Arsenal radar, but we won’t sign him either!

Oh yeah, we’re not signing Albiol either! His agent said it!

Nasri to finally sign after France exit Euro 2008?

On By jamesgillespIn Transfers2 Comments

According to La Provence, Samir Nasri’s transfer to Arsenal will be finaised in the next few days. I expect this transfer was put on hold for Euro 2008 and it was widely expected that Nasri would sign on for us after France were out of the tournament.

La Provence ran an article about Marseilles transfer ambitions and mentioned this:

“In a few days, the departure of Nasri with Arsenal will be made official, considerably reducing the wage bill of the club.”

This makes sense in the context of Marseilles tranfers, because they are rumoured to be after Ben Arfa, and transfer money from Nasri, as well as a lower wage bill would free them up in the transfer market.

Hopefully this will go through in the next few weeks, it’s always enjoyable to see a new signing, but I won’t be hysterical if it all turns out to be rumour!

Update 0140 hours 19 June:

Even the BBC is running it!

Barca negotiate for Hleb and Adebayor, but will either go?

On By jamesgillespIn Transfers1 Comment

Barcelona have been involved in transfer negotiations for Alex Hleb for some time now. They are also apparently looking to pick up Adebayor on the way as well.

Hleb seemed more likely to leave than Adebayor. Wenger recently faxed AC Milan to tell them Adebayor ‘is not for sale — not for money or gold’.” and I can’t see that his attitude to Barcelona will be any different over Ade.

According to Barcelona they might not sign Hleb either. Barca vice-President Marc Ingla:

“The negotiation with Hleb is still in progress and despite him being a player with special qualities, if his club are not ready [to sell him], we have other options in mind,”

A lot of the rumours seem to have been started by papers with nothing better to write and fuelled by statements from agents. Players words can also be twisted to misprepresent them as well.

Adebayor has spoken this summer already about his desire to stay as an Arsenal player, and that is the only outcome I can see. Hleb has not been so forthcoming, and his agent said he wanted to leave, but as time passes it looks less likely.

The whole situation will be done and dusted come the end of the transfer window, so wait and see, but don’t be suprised if both of these players are wearing Arsenal shirts next season.

Van Persie linked with Inter + Transfer talk: Ade + Hleb

On By jamesgillespIn Transfers1 Comment

It has been suggested that Jose Mourinho is looking to sign RVP from us for his new club, Inter Milan.

I wouldn’t be suprised if top clubs are interested, but as you know, here at ArseSpeak we’re cynical and we know that the media aren’t trustworthy. Yes, clubs may want him, but will he actually leave? It is doubtful.

The same can be said of Adebayor, our 30-goal a season striker who has been linked to the other Milan club: AC. Now the president Silvio Berlusconi has said that Ade is too expensive for them.

Silvio Berlusconi:

Berlusconi

“He costs a lot.”

Adebayor is also now in contract talks with Arsenal, so much for that one!

Another bit of news is that Aleksandr Hleb may not be leaving Arsenal after all.

Inter, the original ice cream bandits, who tapped him up in February now have a new manager, and don’t want him. Barca have spent so long bumbling about I don’t know whether it will happen and Real and Bayern were always dubious links. I reckon that there’s a 50% we might see Hleb staying, watch this space!

All in all I don’t think we will lose many more players this summer (maybe Hleb), I hope we don’t. Just be a little critical of some stories you read Gooners.

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Adebayor new deal? + Parejo transfer talk

On By jamesgillespIn Transfers2 Comments

Ade has been constantly linked to Milan for several weeks now, we’ve already heard that he wants to stay, but a fresh wave of rumours surrounding his departure have cropped up.

His agent, Mr. Courbis said that Milan had made a bid and it would be hard to ‘say no’. Wenger told them where to stick it though.

Adebayor has now come out and said:

“My future with Arsenal has never been in doubt and I want to assure fans I will be here for many years,”

“My agent has met with coach Arsene Wenger about a new deal and I am happy about how the talks are going so fans can rest assured.”

It seems as if the whole saga with Milan has been stirred up in order to secure Ade the best deal posssible on his new contract. This is a bit cheeky since he only got a new contract last year, but players seem to be cashing in on the speculation at Arsenal since we lost Flamini.

Ade should be careful he doesn’t get a big head because the only reason he did so well last season was because he kept working away quietly. An inflated ego is the last thing we need, so Ade, keep your head down and get on with it.

We’ve also been linked with Real Madrid’s young Daniel Parejo, I have never heard of him, but he’s a 19-year-old midfielder who played at the European Under-19 Championship last year.

I’m sceptical of this one, when compared to Cesc Fabregas he said:

“For me, it is a compliment that such an important European team is showing interest,”

“I have heard rumours but my intention is very clear – my dream is to succeed in Madrid.

“Nobody dislikes something like that [being compared to Cesc Fabregas] but I prefer to look in the mirror and see Raul, Guti and Iker Casillas, three footballers who have come out of this youth system and have gone on to triumph in Madrid.

“I am young and I have patience.”

It seems he would rather succeed in Spain, but if we came calling and seriously wanted him we could get him, even if the trqansfer fee might be a tad high; £11 million.

That’s all till later Gooners!

Wenger won’t sign defenders – What does this mean for Arsenal?

On By jamesgillespIn Transfers4 Comments

Wenger’s recent comments about not needing a defender suggest that he will stick with what we’ve got there. He was talking about Vincent Kompany, the Belgian centre back, he played down the speculation saying:

“I have decided that defenders are no longer necessarily needed for next season.”

So it seems very possible that there will be no signings to bolster our defence.

On the flanks we have the best in the Premiership, Sagna and Clichy, I love them both and they are both world class players who are young, no need to strengthen there.

The main weakness is cover rather than replacement. Senderos and Song were the players who started when Gallas and Toure weren’t availiable last season, and Eboue, Toure, Traore and Hoyte sometimes covered on the flanks. This didn’t work brilliantly last season, and was one of our main problems. I am a big fan of Senderos he can be error prone.

There have also been questions over whether Toure and Gallas are a strong enough partnership.

I think we should strengthen the defence, but Wenger seems to be trusting in what we’ve got. The fact that Song got a new deal, and started so many games at the end of last season, suggests to me that he has put himself above Senderos in the pecking order, and Wenger has hinted that he won’t play Song in midfield.

So we will probably see the same defence lining up in the current season, but expect to see more of Song, and maybe players like Norveidt gettign a few games this season.

I hope that Gallas proves himself as an Arsenal player and captain this season, and that Toure gets his form back. If that happens then Wenger will be proved right, and we will have a top quality back four, with decent coverage.

So in the end I think Wenger’s decision may pay off, but it is a gamble, ideally we need a quality centre back to challenge for a place, many would argue that neither Song or Senderos are good enough.

What do you think?

Ramsey signing confirmed – First pics in an Arsenal kit

On By jamesgillespIn Transfers

Arsenal have confirmed that Aaron Ramsey has now been signed and pictures of him the club kit have been released:

Ramsey an Arsenal Player

Wenger:

“We’re delighted to have signed Aaron Ramsey, he is a young player who has shown huge potential with his performances for both Cardiff City and Wales at U17 and U21 levels.

“He is still only 17, but has already shown that he is a very intelligent and mature player with great quality. Although he mainly plays in midfield, Aaron is a versatile player and can also play across the defence. We are all looking forward to welcoming Aaron to the club for our pre-season preparations.”

Ramsey signs on
Ramsey:

“I’m so happy to have signed for Arsenal. I am joining one of the biggest clubs in the world and can’t wait to meet my new team mates. I recently met with Arsène Wenger and he was a big factor in my decision to join Arsenal. He talked to me for a long time about the Club and the plans for the future, which really excites me. Arsenal is a Club which always gives young players an opportunity at the highest level of the game and I am going to work my hardest to be part of future successes here.

“It was a really difficult decision to leave Cardiff City, they are my local club with great supporters and I would just like thank everyone at Cardiff City for their support and help in my early career. I will still look out for their results and there will always be a place in my heart for the Bluebirds.”

So it’s now official, our first big signing, hopefully he will have many successes with us!

Ramsey signs on for the Arsenal

On By jamesgillespIn Transfers

Aaron Ramsey, the 17 year old ex-Cardiff player has signed up with us, ahead of Man Utd! Cardiff Chaorman Peter Risdale had this to say:

“Arsenal’s bid is a very straightforward, no-strings-attached, £5 million cash offer – simple. The only deal with a loan-back option was with Manchester United, but, ultimately, it’s up to the player to decide.”

“On a straight cash basis Arsenal’s offer was the best bid on the table…When you get a player like Aaron it was very difficult to not give him the opportunity to go to one of the top Premier League clubs.”

Ramsey himself commented:

“It is an honour to be wanted by massive clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton. In the end I had to make the decision I felt was right for my future.”

John Hartson, former Wales and Arsenal striker said:

“I think he’s made a brave decision really because he’s so young but it’s probably the right decision because he’s got a great opportunity going to Arsenal, a wonderful club, working with the likes of Arsene Wenger and Pat Rice and he’ll blossom. I feel he’ll go from strength to strength.

“He’ll be feeling a lot of nerves, a lot of excitement and anticipation. But at that age nerves don’t play a huge factor because you feel you can handle anything. He has the potential to hit all sorts of heights. I’m pleased for Aaron Ramsey because he has worked hard and now got his chance. I hope he’s not feeling the pressure too much. He’s got to go out and enjoy his football because he’s obviously a very talented lad.”

This is a big signing for us, and snatched from under United’s noses! Ha ha! Apparently one of the reasons he decided to join us is because Wenger met him personally while Fergie stayed on holiday in the South of France. Also Arsenal are known for developing youth players and giving them a chance in the first team.

I don’t think  he will be a regular for next season, but he is a good young player.

This versatile player, normally plays as an attacking midfielder or player and hes a pretty exciting prospect, hopefully he can go far for the Gunners!

Gilberto warns players about leaving + Song gets a new deal.

On By jamesgillespIn Transfers3 Comments

Gilberto, ever the model professional last season, has warned the Arsenal players against leaving the club. This is something I have always empasized, why leave when our current team has such great potential, the players are likely to regret it.

He had this to say about players leaving:

“I don’t know what they have in mind but they should stay a little bit longer, maybe they want to try something different, but they could develop themselves and achieve big things at Arsenal.

“The team is young and getting better. It could be really special if the players all stay. What is important is to keep everyone at the club, for them to stay long-term at the club.

“I haven’t spoken to them since the end of the season but in my opinion Arsenal is still a great, great club and fantastic for any player in the world.

It would be a good thing for them to stay at the club because they know each other very well. They have a better situation than last season and could use the feeling of disappointment as an inspiration for next season.

Well said Bert, you know what you are talking about. A lot of people are suprised with how well Gilberto has taken his demotion to the bench during the last season, and now how he speaks about the club with such passion. This is real devotion if you ask me, and I think Gilberto really wants to make something good at Arsenal, thats why he’s saying this.

Gilberto goes on to make a very rational point about contracts, this is so relevant in the current climate, where everyone seems to be demanding that Arsenal pay players whatever they want.

When you win things you achieve more than anybody else. It follows that you get better contracts and more money,”

“Most of the players who leave miss the club for lots of reasons. The lifestyle at Arsenal is fantastic. You get so well looked after.”

Basically he is saying, you don’t know how good you have it, so stay and make something good of your career, you don’t want to end up like Anelka, who says he regrets leaving Arsenal a lot… 

Looking forward to next season Gilberto wants to stay and help win something with us:

“Next season will be very important for the club and the players. They must win something to keep the ambition of everybody and to maintain the hope of every player.

“If we don’t win anything next year it will be difficult to keep everybody happy. If you don’t see any possibility of winning the title they will change their minds.

“I do want to stay. It depends when I come back if Arsene wants me to stay. I still have one year left on my contract. I’m happy to stay at the club. I will wait until I return to London and pre-season training on 21 July and then I will sit down and talk about it.”

In other contract news, Alex Song has signed a new long term deal with Arsenal, which will prompt people to believe he has a chance at becoming our next defensive midfielder, or a long term option at centre back.

Wenger to make new signings at Euro 2008

On By jamesgillespIn Arsenal15 Comments

Arsene Wenger, that brilliant philosophical genius we all love, has hit Basel with the intention of signing some fresh talent for the Arse.

Arsene was at a press conference last night as Castrol Index ambassador, and he told journalists:

wenger438.jpg

“I’m here with my cheque book If I see something I like….I don’t rule anything out.”

“If I fall in love with somebody, why not, but we all know the big players. What we know about big championships nowadays is that we don’t discover players any more in big tournaments.

“You expect Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry and Franck Ribéry to stand out, but I’ll have an eye on Mario Gomez with Germany, [Karim] Benzema for France and [Luka] Modric in the Croatia team.”

There will be a lot of Gooners out there salivating at the thought of Wenger out to sign up the top players of the tournament. I would say to them, have patience and wait and see what happens. If there are players good enough for us who can be signed then the club will do all they can to sign them.

Some Arsenal fans at the moment seem to be desparate for a signing. It is true that Spurs have signed up a load of decent players, but rest assured, if they were good enough for Arsenal then we would have got them, it’s unlikely that they would have chosen a lesser club after all.

So wait and see what gems Wenger can unearth.

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