Nasri delighted with Arsenal move

Having returned to the club for the first time since he had a medical with the club after Euro 2008, new signing Samir Nasri has talked about the circumstances that led to such a prolonged transfer saga before he finally was announced officially.

There were rumours Lyon wanted to sign Nasri in a direct swap for Ben Arfa who became Nasri’s replacement when he arrived at Marseille from the French champions, but Nasri insists there was never any chance of him choosing to join another French team:

“Lyon approached me,” Nasri told France-Football. “I spoke with chairman [Jean-Michel] Aulas on the phone. But this contact did not go forward. At this moment I had almost already made up my mind. I had given my word to Arsene Wenger. And I couldn’t see myself moving to a different French club than Marseille! “

Some frustrated Arsenal fans claimed that Nasri was waiting for another club to come in for him, but our new signing also denies that he ever thought about moving to another club other than Arsenal.

“I never doubted both clubs would find an agreement. There has been nonsense rumours. Both clubs just had to find an agreement to make my transfer official in L’OM’s 2008/2009 balance sheet.

“I already knew I was an Arsenal player before Euros. I passed the medical when I returned from Switzerland then we decided to make my transfer official for my return from holiday in mid-July. In my mind I was liberated.”

Like with Aaron Ramsey, Arsene Wenger has again proved to be vital in signing one of the world’s brightest talents, and it is not just that Wenger is a brilliant coach, it is the way that Arsenal have a stability that only a select few clubs in the world can claim to have.

He’s [Wenger's] been decisive,” added Nasri. “He represents stability and continuity. We understand we can work on the long term with him. I think he’s been at Arsenal for 13 years. It means the world!

“I was looking for that kind of guarantee to advance my career. I didn’t want to go to a club, even a legendary one, where everything could change from one day to another. I know Arsene Wenger’s going to help me improve. He has had a lot of success with other French players, especially youngsters he helped blossom.”

We often wonder whether or not former players who are now at other clubs with team mates who are linked with moves to Arsenal ever try to persuade the player that a move to the Gunners would be a good thing, and it seems that even those who leave on less than friendly terms, still hold Arsenal in high esteem, with Nasri revealing that even the troubled Nicolas Anelka, and the guy most likely to replicate his career, Lassana Diarra, advised him Arsenal would be a good move.

“I got a lot of information during the last meetings with France, next to William Gallas, Gael Clichy and Mathieu Flamini. Even if Mathieu has left for Milan, we know each other well because we have been educated at Marseille at the same time and he is Marseillais like me. He left Arsenal quite early but blossomed there. All his comments have been positive ones. Lassana Diarra as well only made good comments about this club.

“And there have been all the info from the older players like Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka and Patrick Vieira who told me it’s a superb club, that this experience had been one of the most beautiful in their career.

“Arsenal is a club that leaves a trace for life. Besides they assured me I’d have a lot of fun in The Premier League. They play and I love playing!”

Fantastic quotes from our new player, who also told France Football where he has been told his role will be in the coming season:

“Arsene Wenger told me he wants to play me on a wing. But there are so many movements in the team that I’ll have the possibility to switch position. I was used to playing on the left wing with the youth teams. I don’t mind. Friendlies are made to find your mark. “

Many had guessed this would be the case, and I personally can’t wait to see him threading a ball through to the strikers, or cutting inside and going for goal himself. And Nasri himself is even more excited about the prospect of pulling on the number 8 shirt than the fans are!

“I’m so excited! I arrived in London on Sunday and had my first training session the day after, before we go on pre-season camp in Austria.

“I’m discovering my new team-mates. But I’m not lost at all, with all those Frenchmen! Today I’m very happy to be a Gunner. I have joined an immense club where there’s everything to achieve great things. I’m delighted to be part of this new adventure. Arsenal are a reference point.”

“I am joining a club that plays some of the best football in Europe,” he said. “I was charmed when I watched Arsenal’s games in the Champions League. They achieved a tremendous first half to the season. To me England is the ideal destination and Arsenal are the perfect club! “

Whether or not tonights encounter with Szombathelyiyiiiia….. that Hungarian club will come to early for the Frenchman fitness-wise I am not sure, but we can expect to see him certainly in the Stuttgart match at the latest, and I for one am very pleased to see him here.

Richard Law: Salamanca will get a player of incredible quality

Richard law, Arsenal’s representative of everything to do with the Salamanca partnership, has reassured UDS fans in today’s As by telling them that they will be getting a fantastic player, who, although he was not named, is very probably an EU player unlike Carlos Vela and Pedros were.

In a very interesting interview with As, Law spoke about a range of details to do with the Spanish club, including Pedro and Vela’s experiences, why Arsenal chose Salamanca, and who would be loaned out there next season, all of which you can read about below:

The reasons for choosing Salamanca and Vela’s time there:

“We looked at Salamanca three years ago for their style of play, which is very attractive. Arsenal also likes to touch and move the ball. Carlos Vela was a great success for all and opened a path [for us]“

On Pedro Botelho’s future and the changes at Salamanca:

I only know that he [Pedro] has to come back to Salamanca for pre-season on the 21st. He has lived in the first year and experienced a process of adaptation and this season things can go very well. We hope that the history of Botelho is as good or better than Vela’s. “

“Dani Lopez leaving does not have any influence [on the partnership]. One of the most important things in this agreement between Arsenal and Salamanca is that we do not press any conditions [on Salamanca] in any respect. “

On Salamanca’s potential new loanee:

“We quite some time talking with Salamanca about what we are doing, and very specifically about a player. He is a great footballer, with excellent potential and upon which we have placed high hopes . As you know, Arsenal hasve a team of reserves that we want to gain first team experience. It is necessary to consider that many of the players who we have are international. I do not want to err on the side of arrogance, but if you’re already signed up by Arsenal you have more than enough potential to be a great footballer. “

Whether or not the player is Non-EU:

“You do not have to [be Non-EU]. For the relationship that we have seen with Salamanca and the characteristics that meets the club in his dedication to new talent, it might be a EU player” .

It is believed by As that the player will be an attacker, and is probably either Rui Fonte or Nacer Barazite. Fonte seems the most likely, as he has already been linked with a loan deal to Sporting Lisbon this summer, and will be looking to gain first team experience. Barazite, on the other hand, is of a higher level and I would guess Salamanca may be slightly lower than the standard he can already play at.

Source:

http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/futbol-law-desvela-posible-cesion/dasftb/20080715dasdaiftb_31/Tes

Nasri has signed: Officially Official!

Well, well, well…

Wenger always manages to spring a surprise on us doesn’t he? Who could have predicted this one eh?!

Seriously though, it is fantastic that he is signed. Gooners being gooners, we’re mostly absorbed in criticising the fact he is 21, his (poor) scoring record at Marseille, that it is too much money, that he won’t help our defensive issues….. Lighten up!

In Samir Nasri Arsenal have got a fantastic young player who can easily become a world beater. He is pretty fast, very composed and does everything you expect an Arsenal player under Wenger to be able to do. It’s all about short, crisp passing into feet, movement off the ball and clever pieces of skill. For £12-15m I think he is a very good signing as well - if you consider the prices Nani and Anderson went for last summer, and even if you perhaps take a look at transfers that have gone through so far this summer, such as Elmander (£10m), Nasri is an excellent aquisition.

For those complaining that if he replaces Hleb, there will be a backward step - I am not so sure. In terms of goalscoring people are claiming he doesn’t score enough, an accusation Hleb will be too familiar with. But I reckon he is set to surprise a few people once he is adjusted to the Premiership. With young players you have to go by their last season I think, as there is usually a steady improvement to be seen, and it is the same with Nasri. last season with Marseille he scored 6 goals in 30 games - an average of 1 in 5. 2 goals in 31 games was Hleb’s total - 1 in 15. Now bearing in mind the adaptation may take a little while, I think it’s not unreasonable to expecta total of 5+ this season from Nasri, a decent improvement over Hleb.

He’ll fit right in amongst the other players, I reckon, and will join up with his new team mates on the 21st July for pre-season training.

So good luck Samir Nasri, and welcome to the Emirates, I have every faith he will be a star.

Arsenal complete pre-season fixture list

I had previously thought that the annual pre-season training in Austria would not feature in our plans this summer, with a variety of fixtures already named. However, Arsenal.com have confirmed that we will play an Austian side this year, against a Burgenland XI team, along with the fantasically named Szombathelyi Haladas, who I can’t wait to see play purely based on their name. 

For those who don’t know, Burgenland is a smallish region on the Austrian-Hungarian border. A notable team within the region Arsenal fans may recognise is SV Mattersburg, a team we played 2 years ago in pre-season, and beat 2-1. I presume that many players will be taken from Mattersburg’s team, as they have had good success this year in the Austrian Bundesliga. As for Szombathelyi Haladas, Gabor Kiraly, the crazy Hungarian goalkeeper, played for them at one stage, as well as Peter Halmosi, who currently plies his trade at Plymouth. Apparently they missed out on promotion last season for fielding inelligible players, and so stayed in N.B II last season. I would hazard a guess that they will not be stiff opposition for Arsenal, but will perhaps see the youths and reserves that Wenger decides to take with him get a chance to shine in front of Le Boss. The full pre-season fixture list is below:

Barnet Vs ARSENAL

Underhill Stadium, 19th July, 3pm

Szombathelyi Haladas Vs ARSENAL

Szombathelyi, July 22nd, TBC 6.30pm (CET)

Burgenland XI Vs ARSENAL

Ritzing, July 28th, TBC 6.30pm (CET)

Stuttgart Vs ARSENAL

Mercedez-Benz-Arena, July 30th, TBC K.O

ARSENAL Vs Juventus, Emirates Cup

Emirates Stadium, 2nd August, 4.15pm  

ARSENAL Vs Real Madrid, Emirates Cup

Emirates Stadium, 3rd August, 4.15pm

Huddersfield Town Vs ARSENAL

Galpharm Stadium, 6th August, 7pm K.O

Ajax Vs ARSENAL, Amsterdam Tournament

Amsterdam ArenA, 8th August, 8.15pm

Sevilla Vs ARSENAL, Amsterdam Tournament

Amsterdam ArenA, 9th August, 6pm

Alumia our new No. 1; Carlos Vela and Ramsey get given significant numbers

Arsenal have today submitted the numbers for next season, with a few very interesting choices in my opinion. Firstly, Manuel Almunia had been given the number 1 slot, a sign of where he stands in the Arsenal team for next season, and banishing any lingering rumours that the likes of Given, Gomes, Boruc and co. may come in and replace Lehmann this summer.

Carlos Vela has been given the number 12 as I had guessed he might, probably showing the faith Wenger has in him that a first team number would be given out to him so early in his Arsenal career. Likewise with Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal’s brand new £5m signing, who gets given Flamini’s No. 16 in an indication of where he will be looking to be in the squad next season.

The full list can be see below:

1. Manuel ALMUNIA
2. Abou DIABY
3. Bacary SAGNA
4. Francesc FABREGAS
5. Kolo TOURE
6. Philippe SENDEROS
7. Tomas ROSICKY
8.
9. EDUARDO
10. William GALLAS
11. Robin VAN PERSIE
12. Carlos VELA
13. Alexander HLEB
14.
15. DENILSON
16. Aaron RAMSEY
17. Alexandre SONG
18.
19. GILBERTO
20. Johan DJOUROU
21. Lukasz FABIANSKI
22. Gael CLICHY
23.
24. Vito MANNONE
25. Emmanuel ADEBAYOR
26. Nicklas BENDTNER
27. Emmanuel EBOUE
28.
29.
30. Armand TRAORE
31. Justin HOYTE
32. Theo WALCOTT

Judging by the way that Clichy is at 22 and Robin van Persie is number 11, both numbers that Nasri has worn for club or country, I would guess that the incoming Frecnhman (if indeed, he does eventually become an Arsenal player) will take the number 8 slot, last held by club legend Fredrik Ljungberg.

 

Clichy signs contract extension! Now Adebayor needs to do the same….

Rumours in today’s papers, backed up by comments made by both the Roma boss Spalletti and Juve boss Ranieri, suggested that Gael Clichy is attracting interest from two of Italy’s top teams and may go this summer.

But Gael Clichy, the legend that he has already become at Arsenal since taking over and bettering everything Ashely Cole did before him, and more, has through his agent told Calcio Mercato that rather than looking to leave the Emirates, the flying full back is set to join Bacary Sagna and Alex Song in renewing his contract with club. This is what his agent had to say:

“The Giallorossi have never knocked at the door, to the contrary. It would be useless for them to take a similar player as [new signing John Arne] Riise, don’t you agree?Anyway Clichy signs a contract extension with Arsenal today.”

This is great news for the club, as I believe he is fast approaching being the best left back in the world, even if Domenech doesn’t think so.

But Adebayor’s rumoured transfer talks are said to be ongoing, despite numerous outbursts by the club and by the player denying that he is looking to leave. The Spanish press are convinced by Ade’s wish to join Barca in a £21m deal, while Milan have made him their number one target. And these quotes have appeared today from Adebayor himself:

“Now I do not want to comment on anything relating to FC Barcelona, perhaps later it may be necessary but not now,” Adebayor told Sport (alledgedly). “It is better to wait.”

Now until comments come from a more reliable source than a pro-Barca newspaper, I think I’ll sit back and wait.

To sum up the Spanish press believe he is Barca bound, the Italian press reckon he is off to the San Siro, while the English press in the form of the Daily Mail have today reported he is about to put pen-to-paper on a new deal worth £80,000 a week. I really hope that the English press have got it right as we need to keep our better players, and Adebayor is certainly one of them.

And I still believe he will stay, despite the rumours.

 

Kieran Gibbs makes U19’s Championships squad; Four starlets named in England U17s

Arsenal’s promise of young English talent at the club has been proven once again with Kieran Gibbs, fresh from a spell on loan at Norwich City and an end of season appearance for the Arsenal first team, being named for the forthcoming European U19 Championships. Fran Merida is also expected to be part of the Spanish team at the same tournament.

Meanwhile, lower down the age groups there is even more young talents representing their country for Arsenal. Chuks Aneke, Jason Banton, Oliver Nicholas and former Gillingham youngster Luke Freeman all being named for the annual Nordic Tournament, where U16s first make the step up to the U17 team.

Arsenal target starlets Spear, Christofi, ; Rui Fonte set for Sporting loan?

There are various rumours flying about the place, as is always the case on Sunday mornings, but the majority of the Arsenal-related transfer stories are focussed on Wenger’s continuing youth policy - the oldest possible signing for Arsenal I found in the papers today was 19 years old!

Firstly, the News of the World (so don’t hold your breath) have two news stories that concern the Gunners, and both are related to the Gunners’ academy, with one possibly coming in, and another going out on loan next season. Firstly, having completed a move for Ramsey on Friday, Arsenal are reportedly one of two clubs to have been given permission to talk to very highly rated Plymouth kid Aaron Spear. Plymouth Chief Executive Michael Dunford has been quoted as stating:

“Newcastle and one other Premier League club have expressed an interest in Aaron Spear. He has been given permission to speak to them. We would like to keep him, but the lad appears adamant that he wants to talk to the Premier League clubs.We are waiting to hear from Newcastle whether they have decided to sign him.”

These quotes seem to be from a while ago, and so the prospective deals have moved on since then. Spear is only 15 years old and so Plymouth have had little choice but to let him speak to the Premiership clubs interested in him, with Newcastle agreeing terms with Plymouth this week. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal or Pompey are the second club battling for Spear however, with both being given credit for an interest in him in recent weeks.

A more likely story is the next one that NOTW has produced is the story that Rui Fonte, Arsenal’s Portuguese reserve player, is set for a move to Sporting Lisbon for next season. He was signed two years ago and has impressed me far more this season than his debut season, and a move out on loan could be what he needs, although how much time he’ll get on loan I’m not sure.

Next up is The People’s Arsenal story, with the news that we and Manchester United will fight it out for a Cypriot striker who goes by the name of Demetris Christofi. Despite being only 19, he was given a transfer worth £800,000 from ENP FC to Omonoia, the record transfer for that domestic league. But now he has attracted interest from Premier League giants Omonoia will struggle to hold onto him if a decent bid goes in for him, and of the reported fee of £3m , ENP FC will get 15%.

Last season he scored 9 goals in 27 games for ENP FC, and so it seems strange that such big clubs would be interested in a striker nearing 20 years old and hardly prolific in a poor standard of league, but there you go. Even by The People’s standards its a very strange story, and one I doubt we will see any more of this summer. But you can never tell with Wenger I suppose.

Ramsey officially signs: Wenger “delighted” with capture

In Arsenal’s first confirmed summer transfer, we have captured Cardiff City’s exciting young prospect Aaron Ramsey for a fee that although predictably “undisclosed” by Arsenal themselves, Cardiff have said is a fee of £5m straight up, with no clauses for extra fees like there were in Theo Walcott’s transfer for example. The signing emphasises the great youth policy Arsenal follow, as well as a considerable coup to be able to steal Ramsey from under the noses of Premieship and European Champions Manchester United.

Ramsey, a Man Utd fan whose idol is Ryan Giggs, was widely reported to have signed for his favourite club at the beginning of the month, only for Arsenal and Everton to also have bids accepted. Ramsey then visited Manchester United’s training ground without meeting Alex Ferguson, before going to talk to David Moyes at Everton. He was then jetted out to hold talks with Arsene Wenger in Switzerland, where the Welshman made his choice:

“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.”

 His new manager is also ecstatic with how the race for his signature turned out, and Wenger had this to say:

“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 under-17 and Under-21 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.”

Aaron Ramsey will look to meet up with Arsenal’s global stars early next month as they prepare for the new season, but if he appears in Augusts Emirates Cup as expected, it will not be the first time he has appeared at the Emirates Stadium. While representing his club against Arsenal in the Youth Cup on the day Jay Simspon grabbed the Emirates first hat trick, Ramsey also found himself on the scoresheet.

I think that this season he will see numerous substitute appearances, such is Wenger’s faith in youth and also Ramsey’s considerable talent and maturity. He will also almost certainly get starts in the early stages of the Carling Cup, and in the coming seasons we can hope to see a lot from the rising star of Welsh football.

Arsenal to defend Amsterdam Tournament to finish preparation for new season

Ajax have announced that Arsenal, as holders of the Amsterdam Tournament, will again travel to Holland to take part in the prestigious pre season tournament.

Ajax obviously have a place at their home tournament, while they are joined by Serie A champions Inter Milan and Sevilla will also be there. The points system will be the same as the one used at the Emirates Cup, where each goal is rewarded by a point, as well as the traditional three points for a win, and one point for a draw. This promises attacking football from all except Inter, who with Mourinho now in charge will be very lucky to see anything other than cautious football this term. Tickets will be priced at a reasonable 27 Euros for those who fancy a trip to Amsterdam in early August.

The Amsterdam Tournament could finish off Arsenal’s pre-season fixture list, with Sevilla and Ajax joining a whole host of top opposition lined up for the Gunners as they look towards the new season. There had been rumours of an African club friendly which are doubtful, while the normal Austrian tour hasn’t been confirmed yet either, meaning that the below eight fixtures could well be the final list for Wenger’s men.

Barnet Vs ARSENAL

Underhill Stadium, 19th July, 3pm

Crawley Town Vs ARSENAL*

Broadfield Stadium, 26th July, 3pm 

Stuttgart Vs ARSENAL

Mercedez-Benz-Arena, July 30th, TBC K.O

ARSENAL Vs Juventus, Emirates Cup

Emirates Stadium, 2nd August, 4.15pm  

ARSENAL Vs Real Madrid, Emirates Cup

Emirates Stadium, 3rd August, 4.15pm

Huddersfield Town Vs ARSENAL

Galpharm Stadium, 6th August, 7pm K.O

Ajax Vs ARSENAL, Amsterdam Tournament

Amsterdam ArenA, 8th August, 8.15pm

Sevilla Vs ARSENAL, Amsterdam Tournament

Amsterdam ArenA, 9th August, 6pm

Meanwhile, Arsenal XI are expected to play a game against Boreham Wood as part of the co-operation between the two clubs, as well as this game there will be quite a few more, and one of these fixtures will be against Worthing, which will take place on Tuesday 12th August (7:45pm).

*It is not yet clear that the match against Crawley will be using an Arsenal XI or an Arsenal full team.