Wenger – I had no-one on the bench to replace Wilshere

Posted on November 05, 2012 by admin

Arsene Wenger had to face the frustration of seeing Jack Wilshere sent off against Manchester United on Saturday, even though he knew that the youngster was on a final warning from Mike Dean.

As expected Wilshere lunged in for another tackle on Patrice Evra in the 69th minute and was duly sent off, and Wenger admitted that he wanted to take Wilshere off before that, but had no other possibilities on the bench after already brnging on Walcott for Ramsey.

Wenger was asked why he hadn’t taken Wilshere off and he replied: “Yes, of course I thought about replacing Wilshere. But we were in a position where we had to attack and I had no offensive central midfielders on the bench as well.

“I thought I would leave him a bit longer and the red card looked harsh from the bench.”

Wenger DID actually have Andrei Arshavin among the substitutes and brought him on for Podolski with ten minutes of the game remaining. Personally I wouldn’t have thought that Wilshere was ready to play the full 90 minutes anyway, and Wenger should have planned to replace him after an hour whether he was on a warning or not……..

MEGAN FOX talks to Dolphins with ACERTags: red card, Wenger, Wilshere
Category Arsenal game review, Arsenal News
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Wenger – Arsenal can’t compete for the title right now

Posted on November 05, 2012 by admin

Arsenal’s defeat at Old Trafford has left them nine points behind the new League leaders, and Arsene Wenger admits that they now have a mountain to climb if they are to compete with Man United, Chelsea and Man City in the race for the Premiership title.

He couldn’t give any excuse for Arsenal’s poor showing on Saturday and simply said that they came up against a much better team. “We were poor today defensively I think,”

“There’s no obvious reason for that apart from the fact that we didn’t start well and that Man United have quality up front. They score goals against everybody and were better than us. It’s as simple as that.

“I think today we were not good. At Man City, we played a 1-1. We had a good result and didn’t suffer from the comparison. Today, I just think at the moment we are not on full cylinders and we looked much more vulnerable defensively than we were at the start of the season.

“We have to show that the team can compete for the title. At the moment, you cannot say that because we are far away. But that’s what the target is until the end of the season.

“We’ve played many away games now in many difficult places. We’ve played at Manchester City, at Manchester United, at Liverpool and at Stoke. So we have many difficult away games. But we are very far behind now.”

November’s games now become crucial and we now have a demanding visit to Schalke, before facing Fulham, Tottenham and Montpellier at home. Let’s hope the team can pick themselves up quickly because another couple of defeats could see Arsenal even drop out of the race for fourth place, never mind the Champions League…..

MEGAN FOX talks to Dolphins with ACERTags: compete, Man utd, title race
Category Arsenal News, Arsenal previews
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Arteta and Wenger want to repay Arsenal fans at Schalke

Posted on November 05, 2012 by Bob

Arsene Wenger has praised the Arsenal fans for their unflinching support recently, but knows that he owes them some better results. We nger and his vice-captain Mikel Arteta aim to start repaying the Gooners tomorrow against Schalke.

Arteta is demanding an improvement from the Arsenal team, knowing that the Champions league game in Germany will not be easy, but Arsenal have the ability to win. Anything less that 100 percent effort will not be acceptable, as Arsenal try to get the season back on track.

“We’ve got another massive game again. We lost against (Schalke) at home, which was a big disappointment, and it’s going to be a really tough game in Germany.

“We have to bounce back. I think we have to show how much we want to win it, and go there and show big attitude.

“I have no doubt about the attitude we have in the dressing room, and the desire. I think the attitude was good (against Man United). We all kept trying, even with 10 men.”

I think that Arteta is going a bit easy on some of the Arsenal players, and hope that behind closed doors there are some harsh words being given out. You cannot fault Arteta’s commitment, but there have been too many players recently not doing enough.

Arsenal have a great chance to boost confidence and qualify top of the group if they can beat Schalke tomorrow. The Germans lost at the weekend to a Hoffenheim team who had not won in four games, but they will be giving everything to beat Arsenal.

If it is true that Kieran Gibbs could play tomorrow, that would give us a massive boost and will cheer the fans up before a ball is kicked. Happy Santos is a liability and proved on Saturday that his attitude is all wrong.

Podolski has not been his usual self recently, and it could well be because he is worried about Santos behind him. Gibbs will give the team more confidence and solidity, allowing us to focus more on going forwards.

MEGAN FOX talks to Dolphins with ACERTags: Arteta, Gibbs, Man United, santos, Schalke, Wenger
Category Arsenal News, Arsenal opinion, Arsenal previews, Champions League News
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Wenger – Evra dived to get Wilshere sent off

Posted on November 05, 2012 by admin

Arsene Wenger has already admitted that he knew that Jack Wilshere was on a last warning from Mike Dean on Saturday before he got sent off, but also angrily blamed Patrice Evra for diving to make the tackle look worse.

Wenger said: “The red card was very harsh,”

“I find the referees very naive because when you say to the players, ‘Look for the next foul and you’ll get a second yellow’, that means a signal for everybody of the other team to dive. And of course they do it.

“Wilshere went for the ball and Evra made the maximum of it. To me it looked a regular challenge.”

Evra himself is quite adamant that Wilshere went in too recklessly and fully deserved his second caution. Evra said: “He didn’t look for the ball. He stood on my legs and it wasn’t the first time.”

To be fair on Wilshere, he has hardly played enough yet to get back his rhythm of the game and is certain to improve. Perhaps his lunge was due more to tiredness than to malice?

MEGAN FOX talks to Dolphins with ACERTags: dived, Evra, Wilshere
Category Arsenal game review, Arsenal News
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Wenger – Chelsea will test Arsenal’s defensive balance

Posted on September 29, 2012 by admin

Both Arsenal and Chelsea are unbeaen and todays game between the two will give the victor a great advantage in confidence and points in the race for the Premiership title, and Arsene Wenger believes the midfield battle will be a big factor in deciding who gets the points.

Alex Song was nominally Arsenal’s ‘defensive midfielder’ last season, but with his departure Wenger believes that he has no-one in the team that be given that title any more.

“There are no defensive midfield players at the moment,” Wenger revealed. “We try to find the defensive balance collectively. We have fewer players who are purely defenders but some are physically strong in defending like Diaby, some are tactically strong like Arteta.

“At the moment we have the balance because everybody participates, but we have fewer specialists, purely defenders. We are more versatile going forward because everyone has the potential to go forward.”

“If you have a defensive balance, yes, that is what is at stake against Chelsea,” he concluded. “Will you be strong enough defensively, in midfield as well, to deal with them? That’s where one of the tests will be.”

Arsenal should have won the game against Man City last week by totally dominating the midfield in the first half. Can they do the same today against Chelsea? Of course they can!

COYG!

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Wenger – I’m surprised no-one bought Mannone this summer

Posted on September 29, 2012 by admin

Arsene Wenger (and most Arsenal fans I guess) have been pleasantly surprised with the way Vito Mannone has stepped up to the plate after the unexpected injuries to Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski, but he has admitted that if a suitable offer had come in for the Italian keeper this summer then he would have let him leave the Emirates.

“He always believed in himself and was ready to show me that but he had no real opportunity to play,” Wenger said.

“Szczesny has the No.1 shirt and it is up to the others to win it. He has not lost it but there is competition now.

“When I sent Mannone to Hull, I watched him every single game and all the reports I had were very positive. I was quite surprised no club went for him because I would have let him go.”

Wenger also made it clear that it would still be hard for him to demote Szczesny despite Mannone’s good form right now and he explained his reasons: “The goalies need competition but also confidence,” he continued. “It is a special position where, if you are challenged every time, if you change every time, you cannot be good.

“If Gianluigi Buffon makes a mistake he knows he will play for Juventus the next game and if Joe Hart makes a mistake he knows he will play for Manchester City the next game.

“That’s important, but if, over a period of time, their standards drop, and somebody comes in, that’s different.”

Would Arsenal fans say that Szczesny’s standards have dropped “over a period of time”?

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Wenger will resist the urge to put Wilshere in the Arsenal team

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Bob

I am sure we all got a great feeling seeing the pictures of Emmanuel Frimpong and especially Jack Wilshere back training with the squad. An already strong looking and confident Arsenal squad is starting to look awesome and they will soon be boosted further by Tomas Rosicky and Bacary Sagna.

Gooners are now asking how much training Jack needs and when we will see him play again. Arsene Wenger has spoken out and cooled suggestions that it will be very soon. The length of Wilshere’s time out will mean it takes longer for him to regain full fitness, and the boss does not want to risk him too soon.

“Jack is fit to practice and play, but to put high-level performances in takes time.

“He will need a few games in the reserves.”

At 20-years old, Wilshere’s youth will speed his recovery and his return may be sooner than Wenger expects, but the Frenchman is also trying to reduce pressure and expectation from Wilshere’s shoulders. Wenger has praised the attitude and hard work of the English midfielder and that this was no surprise to anybody at the club.

Wenger mentioned giving Wilshere at least 10 days of training which could mean that his first game is for the reserves at home to Reading on Monday October 8th. After that is an international break and Arsenal return to Premier league action away to Norwich on Saturday 20th. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that Wilshere could feature in that game. I bet Jack has got it ringed in his diary!

Don’t forget that now that Jack is making a comeback you can get a new Arsenal shirt at JDSports. You can purchase a selection of adult and kid size kits, training tops and other football accessories.

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Wenger turns down mega money to stay at Arsenal

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Bob

Paris Saint-Germain’s President, Nasser al-Khelaifi, has revealed that he tried to get Arsene Wenger to leave Arsenal in favor of the French club which has already spent £212m as they hope to make it as one of the top sides in Europe.

Whilst speaking to the Guardian, Al-Khelaifi said that PSG tried to persuade Wenger to leave the North London club last summer but the Frenchman remained loyal to Arsenal despite a five year lucrative offer. Al-Khelaifi was hoping to use some of the influence he had established while working with Wenger at al-Jazeera where Wenger has been a pundit for a number of years and where Al-Khelaifi is general manager.

‘He works with us for four or five years. He’s a fantastic guy, a great manager also. Arsene Wenger doesn’t want to leave Arsenal, he is very loyal to Arsenal,’ Al-Khelaifi said.

Wenger has chosen to wait and see how the current season pans out for the Gunners before tying himself down with a contract that would see him remain as manager of the club past 2014. Wenger’s current contract expires within the next two years and the Arsenal board are eager to secure Arsene Wenger’s services for more years to come.

Its nice to see at least one man in the Arsenal team not be persuaded by cash in today’s money filled football world. Some players could do worse than follow in Wenger’s footsteps and learn what it means to truly love Arsenal.

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Wenger believes Wilshere feared his career at Arsenal was over!

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Bob

Wilshere Feared For Career by AH

Arsenal Manager Arséne Wenger believed that Jack Wilshere feared for his career at times last season, with the young Englishman not playing for 14 months. Wilshere picked up an injury in last season’s Emirates Cup game vs New York Red Bulls and at the time it just looked like a simple knock that would only keep him out for a matter of days. But then the injury escalated to such a big extent that he was ruled out for the entire year. But now he has resumed his training and is set to make an appearance for Arsenal reserves in 2 weeks time, if all goes according to plan.

Wenger said;

“When you are so young and out for 14 months that is a good test for your mental strength, on that front he has been absolutely brilliant because he had not only ankle surgery, but when he thought that was over he had knee surgery. He handled that very well, I must say.”

“I refused to give up, because he is a 19-year-old boy, so I always thought he would come back. I am not medically expert enough to know how big the damage was in his ankle. It never crossed my mind. Has it crossed his mind? Only he can answer that – I think, yes.”

“Jack, though, has always been with a good level of confidence. I believe what he has gone through will make him even stronger. Jack had ups and downs, and many downs because he had a few setbacks, but he dealt with it very well, especially in the last three months he was highly focused every day.”

“Jack was in every day very early and worked all day through. He is rewarded now with a good condition.”

The next few weeks will be a tough time for the youngster, because no doubt he will be eager to get playing at the highest level again, but Wenger will integrate him into the first team slowly. Its best for both the player and the team as he strives to be the player he was 2 years ago. However now there’s no guarantee the starlet will be in the Arsenal XI, like he was 2 years ago.

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Wenger convinced that Wilshere will return even BETTER than before!

Posted on September 22, 2012 by admin

Two years ago Jack Wilshere took the Premiership by storm and Arsenal fans are obviously worried that the England youngster won’t return from his 14 month absence as strong and as hungry as he was in his debut season, but Arsene Wenger is convinced that he will improve even further as time goes on.

“It is not possible, it is certain,” Wenger told Arsenal.com. “He will be a better player because if you have this kind of injury at the age of 20 you will take off again and move forward normally. If you have the injury after the age of 25 it is different. At his age it is no problem.

“For example Eduardo had limitation of his ankle. Jack has no limitation of his ankle it was just a fracture. Eduardo had a rupture of his ligaments and in construction they had to tie his ankle up so once you lose your flexibility of your ankle you are, of course, not the same player. That is not the case for Jack.

“It’s difficult to predict how long he needs to find his best form. You want people to be patient. After three months of competition for sure he would be back. It takes some while to find the little burst again.”

“He will be an international player and he will have to cope. He is a very strong guy, he had a stress fracture and that happens many times to young players. Between the ages of 18 to 20, around 60 per cent of them have stress fractures.”

The good thing about this season is that Arsenal now have a fantastic selection of midfielders available so it is not quite so urgent to get Jack back on the pitch as quick as possible, so as long as Wenger and the Arsenal fans!) are patient with our young superstar, we can look forward to many years of leading us to trophies in the future…….

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Wenger admits Walcott could be sold in January – with Liverpool favourites

Posted on September 22, 2012 by admin

The Arsenal contract rebel Theo Walcott has not started a game for the Gunners since the beginning of this season with his contract negotiations at a stalemate, and Arsene Wenger has admitted that if the situation is not solved in the next two months then he will have to consider selling him on before his contract runs out.

“I haven’t picked him, it’s true, and it’s quite a good question,” Wenger said. “I still hope to sign him and the next two months will be vital because, after that, the longer this situation lasts the more difficult it is.

“Let’s hope we can find a solution in the next two months but the fact he doesn’t play regularly at the moment is right, but it’s not necessarily linked with his contract situation.”

The Mirror reports that the Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will be willing to make a bid in January if Walcott doesn’t sign, whereas Chelsea and Man City would rather he hung on until January before moving on a free transfer, but Wenger was asked straight out if Walcott was likely to be allowed to leave. He replied: “It will depend on the needs of the team and the club. We can afford to go to the end of the contract if needed.

“No player is happy when he doesn’t play.

“At the moment, Koscielny doesn’t play. He’s just extended his contract and still doesn’t play because the defence is doing well.

“That’s only temporary because by the end of the season they will all play.”

It would seem to be inevitable that Walcott will leave and has decided not to extend, so it is just a matter of whether he leaves in January or next summer…..

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Tony Adams wants to manage Arsenal when Wenger retires – Do we want him?

Posted on September 19, 2012 by admin

Tony Adams MBE, or Mister Arsenal as he is known to many Gooners who remember his incredible 22 years at the club, has been criticizing Wenger’s recent record of selling Arsenal’s best players every year, but despite that he is still very keen to return to “his club” as manager one day, and couldn’t even consider any other club in England in the meantime.

Adams has had two (very unsuccessful) stints at both Wycombe and Portsmouth but now has no further interest in working anywhere but Arsenal. He said: “I’ve done the lower leagues and it’s a different style of managing,” he said. “No disrespect but I don’t want to be Swansea boss, either. They probably don’t want me. Aston Villa? What’s the point? What can you do with them? So it’s the Arsenal or nothing and I’m not ready for that.

“But I’d love to manage Arsenal one day. Not at the moment because they have a very good manager who is off selling all their best players so I’d better not go there next week!

“I need something in between, maybe in Europe. My reputation as a coach is very good in Holland.

“I worked there for a long time at Feyenoord and Utrecht as a first team coach. If a mid-table team became available in Holland, although I wouldn’t do it in England because of my playing career, I would do it there.

“I see some managers that would take any club and get on the conveyor belt but it is not for me. I’d rather go and watch my kids play football.”

I should think that, after his recent comments, the present board are highly unlikely to pick him when Wenger retires, but you never know if someone like Usmanov takes over he may go for the popular vote. But there is the question; Would Arsenal fans want Adams to take over when Wenger finally retires?

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Wenger not worried about Diaby (non)-injury

Posted on September 12, 2012 by admin

When news broke that Abou Diaby picked up an injury whilst away on international duty, the entire Arsenal media team broke down into a frenzy. One thing everyone failed to notice was that the word ‘injured’ was never used and for good reason too-he’s not.

The player was left out of the French side for their second World Cup qualifier due to an issue which was described as muscular discomfort. Subsequently France looked boring without Abou Diaby despite a 3-1 victory against Belarus last night.

None the less, Wenger has confirmed that the problem is not serious though and that Abou Diaby may even play in the Premier League match against Southampton at the Emirates on Saturday.

The Arsenal boss was confident to play down any hysteria regarding the player and stated, ‘He has a little pain in the hip satorius. It does not seem serious at all. He even has a small chance to play Saturday.’ Arsenal supporters will find this news as shining light, given the impressive start, the French international has had for the club.

If Diaby is not declared fit to play against Southampton he will certainly be 100% by the time the following Premier League match rolls along. The French international has been plagued by injury, only playing four games last season and missing out on Euro 2012. Arsenal fans will be hoping for a full season worth of football from Diaby in what would be a turn around given his injury woes.

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Wenger – We’ve improved the defence but I’m confident Arsenal will score goals too

Arsene Wenger has been preparing for Arsenal’s visit to Anfield today, where the Gunners have a very good recent record of only losing once on their last six trips to Liverpool.

Last season’s win there towards the end of the season gave Arsenal a great boost towards their race for a top four spot at a crucial point of the season and Wenger recalls it with fondness: “When we went to Liverpool and won, it killed off their chances of a Champions League spot and gave us a big lift,” he said.

“We were on a good run when we went there and it was a massive encouragement for us that we would have a chance to be in the Champions League places. That Liverpool game really started convincing us that we would be in there again.”

The ‘Pool have a new manager now in Brendan Rodgers and Wenger things they are changing their style of football, but Wenger is hoping that they have not quite settled into the Rodger’s brand quite yet. “He is doing well, and that is what you want. That people have a personality, a style of play and they gain the confidence of the players.

“Liverpool always try to play good football. They have a history and tradition of playing well. When you go there you always face a team that tries to play. But every manager needs time when he comes in to put his mark on the team and on the club, of course. It takes time.”

“They play a different style now, they keep the ball more, but they have players up front who can be dangerous too.

“In the last game they had Borini, Suarez and Sterling, a young promising talent, in attack plus Steven Gerrard in the middle of the park. They are all players we have to keep quiet.

“We always try to go there, play our game and put them under pressure,” he concluded. “In recent years it has worked for us.”

bviously Wenger is pleased with the two clean sheets so far but he is aware that the goals will need to come soon, because that is the whole basis of his footballing philosophy!

“We have worked on our defending and I think we are doing a good job,” said Wenger.

“Last year that we had the lowest number of shots against us in the league. But we have worked on it again with Steve Bould.

“So far this season, we have played against two teams who defended more than they attacked against us. But the real tests will come when we go to places like Liverpool and see how strong we are as a team defensively.

“I am confident we will be strong back there but, of course, as well as that we want to score goals because that is our mark, our brand. I am confident we can do that too.”

Lets hope we do score today, and early, and then score again and again and again!

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Wenger confident that Financial Fair Play will give Arsenal the advantage

Posted on September 02, 2012 by admin

Wenger says FFP will help Arsenal get back to the top by AM

Most of the fans were surprised by Arsenal’s lack of activity during the penultimate stages of the summer transfer window. Wenger said earlier (after the departure of Song) that Arsenal were in the market for a midfielder, but nothing materialized in the end. Finally fans were only left blaming the club for ‘balancing the books’. But, Wenger believes, Arsenal’s transfer policy will ensure that the club remain financially healthy after the Financial Fair Play kicks in. The Frenchman said – ‘Financial Fair Play will come through because big clubs who have been spending a lot are worrying now. They ignored it until now, but finally we see that they are getting concerned.

‘We are run in a very responsible way. We make a profit every year and I think that’s where nearly everybody is struggling in Europe. We find ourselves in the situation of Germany in Europe.

‘I’m convinced that society will force football to become more reasonable. The standard of living is dropping, and you cannot imagine that will happen in society while football continues to push up with inflation. That can’t work together.”

In truth, there are very few clubs out there who are actually spending what they earn. Except perhaps the Bundesliga, all the clubs from other European leagues are in insane financial debts. So if the FFP is implemented strictly, then Arsenal would certainly have a clean sheet, but the problems lies with ‘IF’. There are many loop holes in the FFP, which Manchester City exposed earlier when they sold their stadium naming rights for astronomical fees, to a organization, which has links with Manchester owner. So City owners will be injecting money indirectly, through the naming rights. Unless standards are set by UEFA, clubs will finds ways of evading the FFP.

But if it is enforced properly, then Arsenal really will be in the driving seat……

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Champions League – Arsenal are favourites but Wenger expecting some challenges

Posted on September 01, 2012 by admin

On the face of it, Arsenal’s Champions League Group of Montpellier, Olympiacos and Schalke may not look very daunting, but the fact is that an away game at any of those grounds is going to be a difficult encounter, and Arsenal will probably have to win all three home matches to ensure that they top the group.

Arsene Wenger gave his assessment of the Gunners opponents. “We will be favourites because we have the biggest experience in this group,” Wenger said on Arsenal.com. “But we know by experience that the Champions League is the Champions League. Every team is a special occasion, it is always a cup game and you want to be serious and have a good start.

“We start in Montpellier, which is a difficult place with a lot of passion. Certainly there will be a lot of psychological investment for them in this Champions League, so for us it is important of course to be highly focused.

“Many players do not know the passionate atmosphere in the south of France and will be surprised – but we have the experience.

The trip to Montpellier obviously means a quick return to his old club for Olivier Giroud, who could find it a strange experience, but Wenger is not worried about his concentration being compromised by the occasion. “I have not spoken to Giroud about it yet.” Wenger continued. “It will certainly be a special occasion for him but what is important is that the team does well. We focus on the game and Giroud does too.”

Wenger is under no illusion about the other two teams either. ‘Schalke are always strong. They are the most popular team in the league with the biggest support, a massive support,” he said. “Historically they are a massive club. Germany is a football nation, so you have no easy games.

“Olympiacos have beaten us convincingly over there and we have underestimated them a little bit in the past.

At the Emirates they gave us a tough time. We just won last season, so we know that they are a good side. They are always at the top of the table in Greece and have a big experience in the Champions League.”

Last year Olympiacos beat a weakened Arsenal side in the last game of the Group last season, but Arsenal still won the Group. This year Montpellier replaces Marseille from the French Ligue 1, while Schalke replace Borussia Dortmund from the Bundesliga. Surely Arsenal should get the same outcome this season….

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Category Arsenal News, Arsenal previews, Champions League News
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Arsene Wenger admits that Walcott may still not sign Arsenal contract this season

Theo Walcott has still not signed a contract extension with Arsenal despite him being just one day away from being able to leave at the end of the season for nothing, but Arsene Wenger insists that he has not pressured the England international to come to an agreement immediately.

Wenger said a few years ago after Mathieu Flamini left for free that he would never let this situation happen again, but perhaps after already losing Robin Van Persie and Alex Song, he couldn’t bear to lose yet another top Arsenal player this summer.

Wenger also revealed that it was financial differences which were holding back an agreement with Walcott. Wenger said: “There was never a hard-line approach with Theo, it was always a soft-line approach, but with respect to our wage structure.

“If we don’t respect our wage structure, we will go nowhere. We always wanted him to stay, and we still want it now.”

Wenger also seems certain that the lack of agreement will not affect walcott’s commitment to the team, although he vers from being “confident” Theo will sign, to being “hopeful” and then “difficult to predict” in the space of three sentences!

“Theo is focused in training and what happens at the end of the season, happens as the end of the season.

“He’s been fantastic, showing 100% commitment. He loves the club, so maybe we can find an agreement.

“I’m confident Theo will sign. He’s 23, is English, lives 10 minutes from here, so hopefully we can reach an agreement.

“But at the moment it’s difficult to predict what we will do.

“I don’t know what will happen in January, I’m worried more about Sunday’s game with Liverpool.

“Theo’s developing very well. He’s intelligent and is a good finisher.

“Yes it would be a frustration if he left, but we’re not there yet.”

I am wondering why either side would think that an agreement will be reached during the season, when it is clear that the difference in wage expectations couldn’t be agreed in the last month. Certainly Walcott will get a better deal somewhere else next summer if he leaves as a free agent next summer…..

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Stop getting excited – Wenger admits Arsenal have enough players…..

Posted on August 31, 2012 by admin

The wonderful world of deadline day was a heartstopping affair last year, with a pile of players arriving at the Emirates as the seconds ticked away. Many Arsenal fans were expecting another rollercoaster ride today, but other than a glut of rumours there has been very little of any solid news to keep them interested.

Well I think I am just about to throw a damp squid on the proceedings as it would seem there is very little chance of Arsenal actually buying anyone at all, and this time the quote doesn’t come from the BBC but direct from the mouth of the great man Mr Wenger himself.

We may be getting all excited today, but he isn’t! “I am relaxed,” said Wenger. “We have enough players, that is for sure, but you want always to improve your squad. We have resources available so if it is not happening now it will happen in December. But we believe strongly that we have the quality in our squad to do very well.

“We bought Cazorla, Podolski and Giroud so you cannot say we have not bought but, when you listen to people, you always have to buy more.”

“Getting our injured players back is the best way for us to strengthen the squad,” he said. “We do not just want to bring average players in. Spending in itself is not a quality. Buying good players is a quality, better players than you have is a quality.”

So there you go. I reckon this is a good point to go down the pub and have a relaxing pint or else we will all be pulling our hair out by the end of the day. Well I guess if Wenger thinks that the Arsenal squad is strong enough, then we just have to accept it…….

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Maradona loves Arsenal and Wenger

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Bob

Maradona-an Arsenal Fan by TS

So in the light of transfer season and all the chaos that surrounds it, I thought it would be great to step back and reflect on one of the worlds best. World Cup winner Diego Maradona has revealed he is an Arsenal fan(who knew!) and what’s more, the Argentine legend has spoken out stating that he was once close to signing for the club when he was 19 years old.

Maradona is quoted from The Sun as having said, ‘They(Arsenal) play beautiful football. They break quickly – they defend and attack as one. I am a fan of Arsenal when I am in England. When I was 19 they tried to buy me and another player from Argentinos Juniors – around the time Ricky Villa and Ossie Ardiles signed for Tottenham. But it didn’t happen. I sometimes wonder what might have happened.’ I’m sure we all do, big guy.

Here’s a quote from way back, when the star wanted to join Arsenal. ” Diego Maradona, the £4million Argentina superstar admitted last night: “I want to play for Arsenal. Maradona, who is reported to earn a staggering £7,500 a week with Boca Juniors, broke his silence on a possible move to Highbury which had been set up by former Luton and Sheffield United manager Harry Haslam.”
This was quoted from a newspaper dating back to 1982 and shows just how much the modern game has inflated over fees and wages.

The Argentine forward is also quoted as wanting to be more like AW, having said,”I would love to fulfill and go on to renew (my contract); to become a sort of Arsene Wenger at Al Wasl.” So there you have it. Not the transfer talk everyone was hoping for but it’s still refreshing to know someone of this stature values our club and manager so highly.  Its also awesome to know one of footballs greatest is a Goooner at heart!

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Is Wenger lining up a top player for Arsenal?

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Bob

Wenger is not giving anything away! by KJ

Today Wenger just finished him press conference and he hasn’t given anything away.

Here’s his dialogue regarding incoming players, as reported by Arsenal.com
“We have enough [players], that is for sure, but you always want to improve your squad and if we find a top, top, top player we will do it,” he said.

“We are working very, very hard. We have resources available so if it is not happening now it will happen in December.

“We are active but we do not just want to bring average players in. If we find a special player who can find us a plus we will do it, if not we will not do it.

“But we believe strongly that we have the quality in our squad to do very well. We have already bought Cazorla, Podolski and Giroud of course. So you cannot say we have not bought, but when you listen to people you always have to buy more.

“What is important as well is to believe in the players you have and we will get our long-term injuries back.”

He’s used very political answers (as he usually does). He doesn’t want anyone to know what he’s thinking. I like the way he used “top” 3 times. Clearly he thinks we’re in for someone big. Not sure who obviously.

The second line has got me a bit worried. It almost implies that if we don’t sign anyone this season, we’ll try again next window.

The targets that we’ve heard of are Cabaye, Tiote and M’Biwa at the moment. The club is keeping very tight lipped. They’re all good signings in their own right. I’ve expressed my dislike for Tiote but Cabaye and M’Biwa are quality players.

I hope Wenger has something up his sleeve

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Category Arsenal Debate, Arsenal Injury News, Arsenal News, Arsenal rumours, Arsenal Transfer News
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