Arsenal’s Business Well Done, A Few More to Come?

Arsenal has uncharacteristically done so much of business so early this summer that with three weeks left in the window the question hovering around Arsenal is not that of a common one: who are Arsene Wenger going to sign?

But for this season, it has been transformed into: will Wenger bring in more? If Arsene Wenger’s words are anything to go by, then the answer is ‘yes’ surely.

“Who’s next [to sign for Arsenal]? I don’t know. There could still be one signing. Just the one, maybe two maximum,” said Arsene Wenger recently when asked about any possible new recruit.

So far, Arsenal has spent 60 million pound and Wenger’s transfer kitty still has a significant portion untouched, after making 4 new signings including Chile forward Alexis Sanchez, France international Mathieu Debuchy, Southampton academy graduate Calum Chambers and Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina. 

All of them are pretty much exciting signings. More importantly, no major player has yet left Arsenal this summer, something which became more or less a trend in the recent seasons at the Emirates.  

Speculation, however, is rife that club captain Thomas Vermaelen is not going to extend his current deal with Arsenal expiring next summer, signaling his looming departure with Manchester United, Barcelona and Napoli showing interests in the 12 million pound-rated Belgium international.

Wenger had earlier said that if Vermaelen left, he would have to bring in someone to replace him even though the former Ajax star is not the first choice center-back now.

The Arsenal boss has reportedly identified Germany international Mats Hummels as a possible replacement in what would be a real coup after the Borussia Dortmund defender’s exquisite display during this year’s world cup in Brazil.

However, a central defender does not feature prominently in Arsenal’s almost-done transfer wish list. Rather, the Frenchman intends to bring a robust central midfielder to add some much-needed steel in his midfield with Arteta and Flamini aging and often falling exposed.

Sami Khedira and William Carvalho have been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates almost throughout the summer with both men believed to be leading Wenger’s targets for central midfield.

There are some who are suggesting that Arsenal should buy an out-and-out striker who can compete with Olivier Giroud who shouldered Arsenal’s goal-scoring burden to a large extent last season. Wenger has, however, already indicated that he has no intention to sign another striker after the acquisition of Chilean Sanchez, not least following Sanogo’s 4-goal haul against Benfica in the Emirates Cup and a vibrant arrival of Costa Rica striker Joel Campbell in the same tournament.

Meanwhile, Arsenal is experiencing an e-commerce boost after the summer unveiling of the club’s new Puma Kits which are available for sale here at Arsenal Store. 

Arsenal Facing Challenge from Bayern Munich and Liverpool in Pursuit of Signing Gary Cahill

Bolton Wanderers’ England international Gary Cahill is gradually attracting more and more clubs in Europe. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is believed to have been tracking the 25-year-old talented defender for some time now.

The Gunners boss is reportedly planning to swoop for the player in summer, but now it seems he has to face challenge from the likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich in the race to land Cahill at the Emirates.

Naturally, it would give Bolton more ground to demand a high price for the player who has so far been rated at £18million.

Wenger is facing some serious problems in his defense and it is pretty much clear that the Frenchman would reinforce his back line at the end of the season. However, Wenger is also known for his reluctance to splash big amount in the transfer market.

So, it would be interesting to see if Wenger would spend an Arsenal-record amount to sign Gary Cahill.

Cesc Fabregas: I want to Come back Stronger than Ever

Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas is now looking to make a strong come back with the home match against Blackburn Rovers on April 2, 2011. The Spaniard suffered an injury during Arsenal’s Champions League defeat at Barcelona earlier this month and has remained sidelined since then.

The 23-year-old has recently revealed via Twitter that he has recovered from the injury and is now looking to come back strongly against Blackburn Rovers.

Fabregas wrote in his Twitter account, “My injury is getting better. I started running on Monday and everything is getting better. I want to come back stronger than ever and hopefully fitter than ever so it wont happen again. Hopefully you will see me play against Blackburn if I am fit.”

No doubt, the news would boost up the confidence level of the Gunners who experienced some mixed performances in the past one month. In the Premier League, they did considerably well, despite few frustrating draws, but then at the same period they lost the Carling Cup final and got out of Champions League and FA Cup.

The International Break: A Sigh of Relief for Arsenal

Once again, Arsenal is facing injury curse. After last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at West Bromwich Albion, the North London club is now 5 points behind leader Manchester United, though the Wenger boys have a game in hand.

With a home game against Manchester United approaching, Arsenal is still very much in the title race. However, their only problem is injury which could be eased to some extent thanks to the current international break.

Arsenal will play their next match at home against Blackburn Rovers on April 2 and this two-week gap would definitely help Arsene Wenger to get some of his injured players back in action.

Cesc Fabregas has already been back in training and there is a good chance Theo Walcott and Alex Song could also be back in contention for the Blackburn game.

Should Arsenal Buy a Goalkeeper in the Summer?

Once again Arsenal is very close to winning their first title in many years (read six years for time being) and once again injury has turned out to be their prime foe.

With Arsenal trialing leader Manchester United by 5 points with a game in hand, they are facing a number of serious injury concerns. Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott, Djourou, Vermaelen, Wojciech Szczęsny and Lukasz Fabianski are all out injured at the moment.

Goalkeeping problem is perhaps the worst with Almunia being the only fit regular keeper. So, the question remains to be answered is if Wenger would buy a goalkeeper at the end of this season.

Reports available in the media suggest that Wenger is interested in Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina and Ajax keeper Maarten Stekelenburg, and the Gunners boss is reportedly facing competition from Manchester United for both the keepers.

Now, let us see if Wenger finally splashes the cash to land a world class goalkeeper in Summer 2011.

Arsenal fans have to Support Almunia for 4 Months At Least

The transfer window is over and many fans are surely unhappy over Arsene Wenger’s failure to get a good goalkeeper. It seems that the main reason for the failure was that he was too much focused on getting  Mark Schwarzer and Fulham did not sell him. It was simply like the case of Cesc Fabregas.

Barcelona wanted to get Fabregas and Arsenal was not ready to sell him as Fabregas was the best player. Anyway, Wenger should have targeted another 2-3 good goalkeepers and try to get one with good amount of money.

Now, Arsenal fans have to support Almunia. Criticizing him will not improve anything but make things much worse. In fact, Almunia is not eager to stay in the club either. So, both the fans, Wenger and Almunia have to wait another 4 years. 

Jay Simpson Wants to Leave Arsenal for Hull City

Arsenal striker Jay Simpson wants a move away from the North London club to join the Championship club Hull City. The 21-year-old could not yet impress manager Arsene Wenger to earn an Arsenal debut.

Coming through the Arsenal academy, Jay spent the last three seasons on loan to Millwall, West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers respectively. The striker who can also play as winger showed considerable improvement last season scoring 12 goals in 39 appearances for Championship side Queens Park Rangers.

Jay’s improvement was also visible in his performance for Arsenal in the pre-season friendly matches. However, Wenger has still remained unimpressed and asked him to find a new employer so that he can enjoy more first team football.

Leon Callender, the agent of Jay Simpson, has claimed that his client is now interested to join relegated Hull City. Simpson recently visited the club and talked to the club officials. Callender has said that Simpson is ‘very interested’ to join Hull City as he believes it would be a ‘good move.’ However, his agent has also said that it is now down to the two clubs to agree a deal.

Jay Simpson joined Arsenal academy in 1999 at the age of 11 and spent 8 years at the academy before making his professional debut with Millwall on loan from Arsenal in 2007.

Arsene Wenger Extends His Arsenal Contract by 3 Years

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has put pen on a new 3-year contract extension, and thus, committing his future to the North London club until 2014. With his existing contract was due to expire at the end of this season, there were some rumors in the media regarding his Arsenal future.

Upon signing the new contract, Wenger revealed that his ‘heat belongs to Arsenal’ and he is confident that his young players would come of age and win silverware sooner than later.

The Frenchman said to the media, “My heart belongs to Arsenal and my desire is to see this team win silverware. My commitment and drive are as strong and fresh as ever.

Signing a new deal means that I can see this talented group of players reach their potential. Trust me, they are ready to deliver.”

Wenger took over as the Arsenal manager way back in 1996 when he was relatively an unknown figure outside France. However, he has already become an influential figure in Premier League over the last 14 years, helping the Gunners win 3 Premier League and 2 FA Cup titles.

Wenger, at 60, last week revealed that if he would extend his Arsenal contract, then he would finish his managerial career at the North London club. Now that he has finally signed a new deal, it means Wenger could end his career at Arsenal.

Arsenal could be Happy with Theo Walcott Not Being Named in England World Cup Squad

There are many who have been disappointed to know that Theo Walcott was left out of England’s World Cup 2010 squad announced on 1 June. The decision has perhaps turned Walcott’s world upside down. After being a surprise inclusion in 2006 tournament, Walcott has now become the surprise exclusion.

However, Arsenal can get some positives out of this shocking decision. The club now knows that Walcott would not play many matches before the next season begins, and thus, getting enough rest to keep himself fit for the new season. A number of Arsenal players are now involved in World Cup and there could be a number of injuries ahead of the next season.

It is true that Arsenal fans are really very disappointed to see the youngster not making it to the final squad. Manager Arsene Wenger earlier said that Walcott should be included in the 23-man squad. However, it has now turned out to be a welcome move for the North London club.

Wenger would now get Walcott for the pre-season practice and matches. With Fabregas on the verge of moving to Spain, Walcott would have to play a bigger role in Arsenal attack next season.

Theo Walcott dazzled with his electric pace in the recent two friendly matches with England, but the winger’s final delivery needs much more improvement. He has now enough spare time to improve on this area. At 21, Walcott should not be disheartened as he has many years left in his career. If he can continue his improvement in the years to come, there is every possibility he would be able to represent England in 2014 World Cup.

Arsenal Says No to Barcelona for Cesc Fabregas

Arsenal has snubbed Barcelona’s interest for Cesc Fabregas. The Arsenal captain has been the prime target for Barcelona this summer and the player has also recently revealed his interest to move to his boyhood club.

Fabregas recently said that he would only wear Barcelona shirt if he leaves Arsenal. The star midfielder, who joined the North London club from Barcelona in 2003, is the most prized asset at the current Gunners set up.

Barcelona recently officially informed Arsenal of their interest to their captain. However, the North London club has made it clear that their captain is not for sale at any price and they are not even interested to discuss on the matter.

Arsenal’s decision seems to have disappointed Fabregas, but the midfielder has said that his future is currently at the hands of manager Arsene Wenger who would decide whether he stays or leaves the club in the Summer.

Barcelona has been eyeing the player over the last couple of seasons. Ahead of the club’s presidential election coming up next, candidates are using Fabregas deal as a pre-election agenda.

Like the case of Cristiano Ronaldo, who last year joined Real Madrid from Manchester United, there could be an internal understanding between Arsenal and Barcelona over the matter and the player may move to Barcelona next season.

Related article:

Goal.com

Arsenal Need to Spend £14 million for Gary Cahill

Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill has caught the attention of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and it is no more a secret. With Arsenal looking to strengthen its back four, Cahill has been linked with a move to the North London club this summer. However, Arsenal has to spend around £14million to acquire his service.

Arsenal is almost certain to bring in one or two defenders in the Summer with Wenger pinpointing lack of strength in the defense. Moreover, there is every possibility William Gallas could move away from Arsenal, while Wenger is pondering about selling underperformed defender Philippe Senderos. Mikael Silvestre, another under performed defender, has become a free agent and he might leave the Emirates this summer.

So, it is pretty much understandable that Arsenal is seriously thinking about signing a defender in the summer and nobody can deny that Wenger is an admirer of Gary Cahill.

Related article:

The Sun