Arsenal Transfer Rumors Thread

Post any information on Arsenal here. Keep it nice and neat.

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Newcastle United captain Alan Shearer may not make Sunday's Premiership opener against Arsenal.

Shearer, still struggling with a calf injury that sidelined him last weekend, is not going to Dublin for Tuesday's friendly against Bray Wanderers.

The forward, 35 on Saturday, will remain on Tyneside for more treatment.

"At this moment in time he is a slight doubt for the game at Arsenal," boss Graeme Souness told the club website.

With Shola Ameobi suspended for the opening two games of the campaign, Souness is desperate to get the inspirational Shearer back to full fitness.

"We are hopeful he will be okay but we will have to wait and see," he added.

Should Shearer miss out, Kieron Dyer and youngsters Michael Chopra and James Milner would be the only alternatives, given the summer exits of both Craig Bellamy and Patrick Kluivert.

Arsene On Vieira

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Arsène Wenger believes Patrick Vieira's departure could galvanise his squad to scale new heights this season.

The Arsenal manager accepts that the players will miss their former captain - particularly in defence - but he expects them to adapt and rise to the challenge.

"The magic of football is that sometimes it shakes a team up," said Wenger. "I remember once I sold a player in Monaco the day before the championship started.

"[Frank Sauzée] was in the line-up but then I decided to sell him and the next day we won 4-1. But at the time it was like a disaster had happened to us."

Some observers are equally negative about Arsenal's prospects without Vieira. Wenger is not one of them but has identified areas in which his players will need to shoulder extra responsibility.

"I feel that we are a little bit small without Patrick," he said. "We improved our defensive record on set pieces last season but that is where certainly we will miss him.

"When the ball was at the back Patrick was always there to take the ball. He had two players on his right shoulder and two on his left but he was never scared to want the ball. We will miss him there too."

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Gilberto Wants A New Deal

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Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva says he's ready to extend his deal.

Gilberto told Gazeta Esportiva: "My contract runs until August, 2008. I am extremely calm and happy with the possibility to renew the contract.

"We will sit down and talk about it.

"I will only leave Arsenal if a wonderful chance appeared to leave here.

"I share the will of the club, know the staff well and already I've made some history here."

Cole On Community Shield Defeat To Chelsea

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Arsenal's Ashley Cole has insisted that the Community Shield defeat to Chelsea will not give them the upper hand for the upcoming league campaign.

Cole found himself in trouble for talks with Chelsea this summer, but has remained at The Gunners and was a member of the side that was beaten 2-1 in Sunday's Community Shield match at the Millennium Stadium.

"It will be totally different when we play Chelsea in the Premiership. This was the Community Shield and in two weeks it's the league," said Cole.

"I think some people might say that the Community Shield matters but we won it last season and we lost the league. So we're not going to think too deeply about it - it's over now.

"Of course losing the Community Shield is going to make us want to beat Chelsea more. We'll give it our best and hopefully that will do.

"But now we must look forward to the first game in the league against Newcastle.

"If we win that, we'll be a little bit happier. Hopefully we can beat them.

"I think Chelsea are just the same as last season. They've had a good pre-season but when they put 10 men behind the ball, it's going to be hard to break them down.

"It's hard to break any team down when they do that. But it was a good test for us. Chelsea are a good team and they've got a lot of good players.

"They played well on Sunday but we think that we should have maybe got the second goal and pushed on.

"But we played well, the pitch was a bit dry so we couldn't get our passing game going too much but we felt that we did all right. Of course, we've got Sol Campbell to come back if he's fit enough.

"We'll take it from there."

Henry Contract Extention

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Arsenal will start contract talks with captain Thierry Henry once the new season is underway.

Henry has two years remaining on his present deal at Highbury and the club are anxious to secure the striker's long-term injury.

The France international has already stated a willingness to stay in North London and his commitment to the club prompted Arsene Wenger to name the forward as Patrick Vieira's replacement as skipper.

Wenger admitted prior to the Community Shield that he would be looking to sit down with Henry but was unable to put a timescale on the talks.

The Arsenal boss has now revealed that he plans to speak to his compatriot at some point after the club's game against Newcastle United this Sunday.

"Thierry was busy during the holidays because he had a daughter and was very busy with that," Wenger told the club's official website.

"We agreed to get through the summer and do it when the season has started.

"We will sit down with Thierry as soon as he is ready."

Meanwhile, reports claim that Arsenal's bid to sign Uruguayan goalkeeper Sebastian Viera is on the brink of collapse.

Wenger has been trying to add a new keeper to his squad and has lined up a deal for Viera, who currently plays for Nacional in his homeland.

But there are rumours that the deal will now be called off as Viera has failed a medical, although there has been no confirmation from Arsenal.

Henry To Break Record?

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Thierry Henry can claim the most goals for a single Premiership club this weekend, with the current holder having a ringside seat for the occasion.

Alan Shearer lays claim to the accolade with 138 goals for Newcastle, but his involvement in the Geordies' visit to Highbury is in doubt due to injury. The former England skipper has not enjoyed his visits to the famous old stadium and his only goal came from the penalty spot back in December 2001.

Henry has 137 goals in 205 Premiership appearances for The Gunners, while Shearer has taken 271 to reach his record mark.

With Shearer likely to be looking on from the stands he will be hoping his team-mates can protect his record by preventing last season's joint-European Golden Shoe winner finding the back of the net.

Tapping Up News

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Jose Mourinho and Ashley Cole have both lost their appeals against the Premier League's 'tapping up' verdict, but have seen their fines reduced.

After a hearing in central London, Mourinho and Cole saw their guilty verdicts upheld but both had their fines cut to £75,000.

That signifies a major reduction for Chelsea boss Mourinho who was initially hit with a £200,000 sanction.

Cole has had his financial punishment reduced by 25 percent having originally been ordered to pay £100,000.

"In regard to the appeals by Ashley Cole and Jose Mourinho, the Premier League appeals committee has reminded themselves of the evidence in both cases and received submissions from the respective legal representatives," read a Premier League statement.

"In both cases, the Premier League appeals committee has dismissed the appeals on findings.

"However, in respect of Ashley Cole's appeal on sanctions, the committee found in favour in part and, in doing so, reduced the fine imposed from £100,000 to £75,000.

"The committee also found favour in part in Jose Mourinho's appeal on his sanctions, deciding that although he had a greater responsibility as a manager and senior club representative, he was less culpable for the arranged meeting.

"As such, his fine is reduced from £200,000 to £75,000."

Chelsea lawyer Jim Sturman has indicated that The Blues will not now pursue the matter any further.

Sturman told Sky Sports News: "We had a fair hearing and now we can move on."

When asked whether the matter had come to an end, he added: "As far as we're concerned, yes."

However, Cole is still far from happy with his treatment and is understood to be planning a new appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland to clear his name.

Interesting news. I'll try to find some more info on Viera.

Good job kid, some nice reading there...

Jose hits out at Arsene

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Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says Arsene Wenger should worry more about his Arsenal than having a pop at the Blues.

Mourinho said: "If you are always speaking about your opponents you are fragile.

"I think you have to speak about yourself and promote what you do and forget about what the others are doing.

"When I see people speaking about Chelsea every day, I think it is too much and they have to think about themselves.

"They speak Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and it is too much. They never say anything to make us shake."

Kompany Scouted by Arsenal

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Arsenal had Anderlecht defender Vincent Kompany scouted last night in his team's Champions League clash with Slavia Prague.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger again had the Belgium international checked out as he weighs up a bid for the talented youngster.

Cole Prepared to Fight Tapping Up Case

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Arsenal fullback Ashley Cole will continue to fight his charge over the tapping up row with Chelsea.

But Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho ended his war with the game's rulers after his fine was slashed from £200,000 to £75,000.

Cole's fine was also reduced to £75,000 by the Premier League's appeals committee yesterday.

But his agent Jonathan Barnett said: "We will go to the Court of Human Rights if necessary. We will go to the ends of the earth to clear our name."

Arsenal full-back Cole, 24, refuses to accept ANY blame for meeting Chelsea without Arsenal's permission.

He has consistently argued the rule forbidding contracted players from talking to other clubs is a restraint of trade.

That view was rejected by the three-man committee, though they did cut his £100,000 fine.

The Premier League also ruled Cole and not Chelsea was responsible for the meeting at London's Royal Park Hotel in January.

A League statement said: "Although Jose Mourinho had a greater responsibility as a manager and senior club representative, he was less culpable for the arranged meeting."

Mourinho's fine of £75,000 is less than one week's wages for the highest paid manager in world football.

Chelsea had already accepted a £300,000 club fine.

A club statement said: "Jose Mourinho and Chelsea are pleased the appeals committee significantly reduced the fine imposed on Jose.

"We always regarded the original fine as completely disproportionate to the alleged offence.

"We accept the verdict and believe it is time to move on."

Arsenal to Start Contract Deal With Henry

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Arsenal will start contract talks with captain Thierry Henry once the new season is underway.

The France international has already stated a willingness to stay in North London.

Wenger admitted prior to the Community Shield that he would be looking to sit down with Henry but was unable to put a timescale on the talks.

The Arsenal boss has now revealed that he plans to speak to his compatriot at some point after the club's game against Newcastle United this Sunday.

"Thierry was busy during the holidays because he had a daughter and was very busy with that," Wenger told the club's official website.

"We agreed to get through the summer and do it when the season has started.

"We will sit down with Thierry as soon as he is ready."

Arsene on Almunia and Sol

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Arsène Wenger hopes to welcome back Manuel Almunia to his squad for the Premiership opener against Newcastle on Sunday.

The Spanish goalkeeper broke a finger in pre-season and missed the entire campaign of friendlies. The 28-year-old’s return to action is particularly welcome with Jens Lehmann set to miss the first two Champions League ties through suspension.

“Manuel should be on the bench on Sunday,” said Wenger in an exclusive interview with Arsenal TV Online on Thursday afternoon. “He is back in training now.”

There is also good news regarding Gilberto, who is not injured but lacks match fitness after his exertions in the Confederations Cup over the summer. “He might be available,” said Wenger.

However Sol Campbell is definitely out. The England centre back has missed the entire pre-season campaign with a calf injury and Wenger is reluctant to predict when he will return.

“Sol is not available for Sunday,” said Wenger. “I cannot set any deadline on it. It is not just down to fitness, it is match fitness as well. Sol has not played a competitive game for a long period so you have to give him time.”

Hoyte Confident on Getting First Team Football

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Justin Hoyte feels "100 percent" ready to stake his claim for a first-team place at Arsenal this season.

The England Under-21 defender has been on the fringes of Arsène Wenger's side for a couple of years and has 17 senior appearances under his belt.

Now Hoyte, who came on as a substitute in last weekend's Community Shield, believes he is in prime condition to fight for a regular spot.

"As far as my fitness levels are concerned I feel very good," he told Arsenal.com. "I've had some good workouts with [fitness coach] Tony Colbert and the team and I feel 100 percent fit.

"I think my pre-season went quite well and I played in every game. Now I want to play as many games as possible, whether I get in the Arsenal team or go out on loan. I'm going to work as hard as I can in training and do well if I get the chance.

"Playing games can only benefit you. It gives you a lot of experience and makes you feel better within yourself."

All in all, good news.

Arsenal Offer Cesc 6 Year Bumper

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Arsenal have offered a lucrative new six-year contract to teenage sensation Cesc Fabregas.

The midfielder has agreed to extend his deal in the English capital until 2011 to reaffirm his commitment to the North Londoners.

With the FA Cup holders due to play their last season at Highbury before moving to the newly-built Emirates Stadium, the 18-year-old will play a major part in the new era at the club.

Fabregas's agent Joseba Diaz has confirmed the deal illustrates the high regard in which Arsene Wenger holds the Spaniard, who scored his side's goal in the Community Shield defeat to Chelsea last Sunday.

"With this gesture, Arsenal have wanted to reward the great work of Cesc, who, at only 18 years old, is a player consolidated in The Premiership and is very appreciated by his club," Diaz told La Voz de Galicia.

The longer the deal the better thats what I say...

Should try tie him down for life fudge that, we don't want him doing another Paddy Vieira on us now do we.

Haha, I guess not. I'd have liked to see Vieira stay another season so he could mold Cesc into himself. If that makes sense.

Bentley To Be Sold

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed the club have accepted a transfer request from David Bentley.

Bentley has decided to ask for a transfer after growing increasingly frustrated with his lack of first team chances at Highbury.

The England Under-21 international spent last season on loan at Norwich City, although his spell at Carrow Road was interrupted by injury.

Bentley was not even in the squad for last weekend's Community Shield defeat to Chelsea and he has decided he needs to move on.

Wenger has now put the talented midfielder up for sale, as he understands his situation.

"I will let him go," said Wenger.

"It's a bit of the risk you take when you send a player out on loan and he gets the taste of what it's like to play every week in the Premier League.

"He comes back and thinks it will not be easy to play the same number of games this season as last season. Then he comes impatient and a bit nervous about the situation.

"I understand that as David Bentley is a flank player or a second striker.

"In these positions, we have Robert Pires, Jose Antonio Reyes, Alexander Hleb, Freddie Ljungberg, Robin van Persie and Dennis Bergkamp."

There is sure to be no shortage of takers for Bentley - with Norwich, West Ham United and Crystal Palace all believed to be keen on his signature.

Domenech Talks About Pires

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France coach Raymond Domenech has aimed a swipe at Arsenal star Robert Pires.

The experienced Gunner was once again left out of Les Bleus' squad for the friendly with Ivory Coast on August 17.

Domenech is growing tired of explaining why he continues to overlook Pires as he focuses on the match in Montpellier.

"The basis of a national team is to eliminate [people]," said the France boss.

"That is the law of selections, clubs and football.

"There are probably 300 players I can call.

"It is up to each of them to show they have the potential to play in the French team.

"Pires is part of the 300 players who can be called!"

Christanval Won't Sign

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Philippe Christanval will not be joining Arsenal.

The experienced French centre half came to the Club on trial at the start of the pre-season campaign and went on the training camp in Austria during July. However Arsène Wenger has decided against making the move permanent.

“Christanval will not be joining us because nobody has gone,” said the manager at Friday’s pre-match press conference. “We have four centre backs and four full backs so we don’t need to buy in defence.”

Wenger also stressed that he does still intend to bring in a keeper before the transfer deadline closes at the end of August. A move for Uruguayan No 1 Sebastian Viera broke down earlier this week but strenuous efforts are being made to find another suitable stopper.

“At the moment we are working very hard,” said Wenger. “Our scouts are travelling everywhere, even though Heathrow is blocked at the moment.”

Bentley's Career

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David Bentley has handed in a transfer request and Arsène Wenger is

prepared to let the young striker leave Highbury.

The England Under-21 international spent last season on loan at Norwich. He made 28 appearances and scored two goals as the Canaries struggled against relegation. Although his side eventually went down, Bentley’s reputation rose during the campaign.

The Peterborough-born playmaker turns 21 at the end of this month and on the eve of the new season, he has asked to move on. Wenger will reluctantly agree if a reasonable offer arrives. The manager feels it is the only fair course of action given the sky-high standards at Highbury these days.

“It is the risk of giving a player out on loan in the Premiership,” said Wenger. “When he comes back he has had a taste for it. He thinks ‘I will not be able to get the number of games I got last year’. Then he becomes impatient and nervous about the situation.

“I understand it because David plays basically on the flanks or as a second striker for us. On the flanks we have Reyes, Hleb, Pires and Ljungberg. Up front we have Reyes, Henry, Bergkamp, Van Persie and Quincy. When you want to put players in you realise we have a big squad. It is a young squad but a big squad. So I am prepared to let him go.

“It was the same situation with Matthew Upson and Jermaine Pennant. The requested level is not to be a good player, it is to be a world-class player because you have a world-class player in front of you. It is competition.

“Is he in front of Reyes, Pires, Ljungberg, Hleb? In my opinion no but if I am wrong I am completely happy.

“I feel the fact that I am honest goes against me [in these situations]. I can say ‘you are staying because you are a home-grown player, English and the whole media will be against me if I let another home-grown player go’.

“But it is about David Bentley making a career, whether it is here or somewhere else. And remember if he does make a career somewhere else then it is down to Arsenal too.”

Bentley's Agent on the Wolves

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The agent of Arsenal attacker David Bentley says the want-away youngster fancies a move to Wolves.

Bentley's agent Rob Segal told the Express & Star: "David's top priority now is to play first-team football and I know the prospect of going to Wolves and working with [manager] Glenn Hoddle would be exciting for him.

"Arsenal would obviously require a fee of some substance for such a talented player but it would not be a hostile parting.

"I'm sure any deal would be constructed in such a way that would not prevent David moving on somewhere he really wanted to go."

He added: "As yet, we've not had any contact with any clubs but if Wolves are interested then I know David would be."

Klos Possible Signings

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is weighing up a move for Rangers goalkeeper Stefan Klos.

Wenger needs a new keeper after Nacional de Montevideo No1 Sebastian Viera failed a medical last week.

Klos has lost his first-choice status at Ibrox to Ronald Waterreus and Wenger is considering the German as a backup to compatriot Jens Lehmann at Highbury.

Hleb Feels No Pressure

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Aleksander Hleb insists he feels no pressure despite being Arsenal's big signing this summer.

"I don't feel any pressure at all," he says with an expressive shrug.

"Arsenal are a great club with some great players and I'm sure we'll have a good season, regardless of who has bought whom.

"I had other offers, some of them from English clubs, but as soon as I heard about Arsenal I wasn't interested in anyone else. From the first moment I said, 'That's where I'm going', and fortunately it all worked out."

"I don't care how much they had to pay to get me," he says. "Whether it's £4m or £40m, I'll enjoy playing here. The money isn't that big in football terms, it doesn't matter."

Arsene Feels Flamini Is the Answer

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is backing youngster Mathieu Flamini to fill the breach left by former captain Patrick Vieira.

He said: "Mathieu is a fast learner. He will play a bigger role for us this season and I have no concerns with that.

"When you lose a player like Patrick, it leaves a gap. My players have lost not only a team-mate and their captain but also a friend. They'll miss him as a man as well and, of course, he needs replacing.

"But the youngsters I have are up to that.

"I decided that's not the way we do things and now people like Mathieu have a huge chance.

"We have lots of good young players here and they can prove themselves."

He added: "I can't see how the France international team's management can continue to overlook Mathieu. It shouldn't be long before he finds himself involved in his country's set-up - that's how good he is."

Dacourt Rumors

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed he thought seriously about signing AS Roma midfielder Olivier Dacourt as a replacement for Patrick Vieira.

He said: "It is true we thought about Dacourt but then I said to myself: 'Even though he is a very good player, what sign would that send out to the young guys in my squad if I replaced Patrick with a player who is nearly 31?'"