Arsenal FC - The 2nd Official Thread

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Hammers deny Freddie link

West Ham have rejected reports linking them with a move for Arsenal's Freddie Ljungberg.

Ljungberg's future at Arsenal has been the subject of intense speculation in the last few days, with reports suggesting Arsene Wenger could be willing to let him leave.

Reports on Tuesday claimed West Ham were lining up a move for the Swedish international in this month's transfer window.

However, West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson has rubbished the rumours and insists the club have made no move for Ljungberg.

"We have not made an enquiry about Freddie Ljungberg," said Magnusson.

"The English press have been very busy linking us with players - but this is not true."

Reports emanating from Italy claim Internazionale are leading the chase for Ljungberg.

Inter have held a long-term interest in Ljungberg and tried to sign him two years ago only to be rebuffed by Arsenal.

The Italians have been alerted to the claims that Arsenal are ready to let the midfielder leave and are thought to be lining up a move at the end of the season.

Ljungberg's agent Roger Lung was remaining coy on the speculation, saying: "I have no comments, you would have to ask Arsenal."

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Redknapp: No reddies for Freddy

Harry Redknapp claims he has been priced out of a move for Freddy Eastwood, while a swoop for Freddie Ljungberg is also unlikely.

The Portsmouth boss is an admirer of Arsenal midfielder Ljungberg and Southend forward Eastwood who have both been linked with moves during the January transfer window.

With Pompey in the market for new faces, rumours had linked the pair with switches to the South Coast.

However Redknapp has baulked at The Shrimpers' valuation of Eastwood, while the possibility of landing Ljungberg has also diminished.

"I doubt we'll see Ljungberg signing for us. I like Eastwood too but at £4million he's a lot of money," said Redknapp.

One player who could be signing for Pompey is long-term target Sulley Muntari.

According to reports in Italy, the Ghana international, who plays for Serie A side Udinese, could become a Pompey player by the start of next week.

It is claimed Udinese sanctioned the transfer after agreeing a deal with Sparta Prague's Czech international Tomas Sivok.

"I have a good feeling about the meeting with Udinese - I know I will be given a chance to progress," said Sivok, who underwent a Udinese medical on Wednesday.

Sivok's transfer is now subject to Udinese agreeing a fee with Sparta, who are thought to be demanding a fee in the region of £2.5million for the player.

"Tomas has expressed his interest in playing in Serie A. Udinese's offer must also be attractive to Sparta," confirmed Sparta spokesman Lukas Pribyl.

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Henry backs the Beast

Julio Baptista has revealed a pep talk from Thierry Henry gave him the confidence to fight for his Arsenal future, after a difficult acclimatisation to life in the Premiership.

The powerful Brazilian has struggled to demonstrate his quality in the capital thus far since joining Arsenal from Real Madrid, in the deal that saw Jose Antonio Reyes move in the opposite direction, but on Tuesday night against Liverpool he found his feet magnificently.

At the epicentre of all that was good about Arsenal in their 6-3 victory at Anfield, Baptista scored four goals and was even afforded the luxury of missing a penalty.

Baptista has made just three Premiership starts since arriving at Emirates Stadium five months back but after a heart-to-heart with his captain, he now accepts that adapting to a different style of football, indeed a different culture, will take time.

"A few weeks ago I was left out of the squad and Henry came to chat with me," he told The Sun.

"He told me to have patience, that it's not easy and that it took him a year to adapt and he went through difficult times.

"He told me how he would try and control the ball but before he'd even brought it down he had three rivals on him.

"He pointed out fouls that were yellow cards in England that would be red in Spain.

"I don't mind a battle but some things are difficult to understand.

"Things haven't been going well and I never dreamed I would score four goals for Arsenal in one game at a wonderful stadium like Anfield.

"I surprised myself but I'm starting to play more and more in the way I want."

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Arsenal ready Wenger deal

Arsenal are reportedly ready to tie manager Arsene Wenger to a long-term contract at Emirates Stadium, with reports claiming they are readying a £3 million-a-year deal for the Frenchman.

Given the fact Wenger has established himself as the most successful manager in the club's history since arriving in North London in September 1996, it is no surprise Arsenal are desperate to secure his services beyond his current contract, which expires next year.

Wenger's innate ability to spot and then mould young talent from across the globe was underlined by the manner in which his team of starlets demolished Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday night and, understandably, Arsenal are eager for their development to be overseen by the man who brought them to the capital.

Arsenal's board have oft spoken of a desire to keep Wenger at the club for life but it is thought he is not ready to commit the rest of his days just yet, with a new deal until 2011 the current length of contract being mooted.

With Jose Mourinho's salary at Chelsea thought to dwarf Wenger's it is believed Arsenal will have to up the ante if they are to secure his services again, with the studious tactician having earlier in the season confessed that he will not come cheap.

Renowned for being frugal in the transfer market and unprepared to pay over the odds for a player; it would appear Wenger is equally shrewd in negotiating for himself.

"When I am in negotiations I fight the club for every penny and when I have a signed a contract I fight to protect every penny for the club," Wenger told The Sun.

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Blackburn v Arsenal preview

Just 20 days have passed since Blackburn suffered a resounding 6-2 defeat at Emirates Stadium, but Mark Hughes' men have won all four games since and will be hopeful of causing Arsenal problems on Saturday, live on PremPlus.

Rovers outbattled the Premiership's fourth-placed side last season in a 1-0 win at Ewood Park, and the weekend's encounter is likely to be another stern test of Arsenal's durability on the road.

However, Arsene Wenger's men could hardly be in a more positive frame of mind as they come into the game off the back of their incredible 6-3 win at Anfield in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.

The Gunners' first XI is likely to take on a different complexion at Ewood Park, and worryingly for Rovers the Londoners will strengthen for their visit to Lancashire.

The likes of Thierry Henry, Gilberto and Tomas Rosicky should all reclaim their places, whilst Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor is back to challenge Robin van Persie for a starting role after suffering a thigh injury on Boxing Day.

William Gallas is one senior figure who will not make the game as the French international has suffered a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury, meaning Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou will fight for the right to partner Kolo Toure at the heart of defence.

Justin Hoyte will continue at right-back as Emmanuel Eboue and Lauren remain short of fitness, whilst Abou Diaby could claim a place on the bench after making his comeback against Liverpool.

Freddie Ljungberg is still struggling with a hamstring injury, and Wenger will be under pressure to start with Julio Baptista after his four-goal haul at Anfield.

Rovers boss Hughes has doubts surrounding Shabani Nonda due to a groin problem, but Benni McCarthy is currently one of the most in-form strikers in England with a goal in each of his last five outings.

Former Gunner Francis Jeffers is still short of fitness despite training on Thursday and whilst Steven Reid (back), Ryan Nelsen (hamstring) and Jason Roberts (broken metatarsal) are all making encouraging progress, the key trio are likely to be absent for another few weeks.

My Prediction: 2-2
Two teams full of confidence to cancel each other out.

Player to watch: Benni McCarthy (blackburn) and Thierry Henry (Arsenal)

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Gallas suffers setback

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed William Gallas has suffered a setback in his bid to return to fitness.

Gallas has been out of action since November with a troublesome thigh problem.

The French international was hoping to return to the first-team squad this weekend against Blackburn, but the former Chelsea man has suffered a knock in training to delay his comeback even further.

"Gallas was close but he had a little setback again," Wenger told the club's official website.

"I do not think we will see Gallas for another two or three weeks."

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Wenger denies FA charge

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has denied a charge of improper conduct arising from their Premiership game with Portsmouth.

Wenger was charged 'in relation to his words and behaviour towards the match officials at half-time of the match against Portsmouth on 16 December 2006' - with the Frenchman subsequently sent from the technical area for the second half.

The game in question at Emirates Stadium saw Arsenal come back from going two goals behind to secure a 2-2 draw, but the performance of the match officials left him less than enamoured.

Wenger has requested a personal hearing, where he will be given opportunity to defend his actions in front of the Football Association disciplinary commission.

The FA has yet to set a date for the hearing.

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Gunners miss out on Samba ace

Russian reports claim that Arsenal missed out on the signature of Ramon, one of the best young Brazilian talents.

The 18-year-old midfielder was with Corinthians, but is one of the many talents owned by investment company MSI.

Having impressed with Brazil's youth sides, it was deemed the time was right to move Ramon to Europe - and many of the continent's top sides expressed an interest.

It has now been revealed that Arsenal missed out on Ramon, mainly due to the fact they baulked at the 6million (£3.9million) needed to secure his signature.

Benfica likewise were not willing to meet the demands and so Russian giants CSKA Moscow made their move and secured a deal.

The deal for midfield ace Ramon took CSKA's Brazilian contingent to five with Daniel Carvalho, Vagner Love, Duda and recent recruit Jo all in their squad.

However, that number could soon be down to four with Carvalho (pictured) looking set to leave during this month's transfer window.

Atletico Madrid look to have won the race for the highly-talented midfielder - who was being tracked by Barcelona.

Reports in Spain suggest Atletico will be in a position to announce the deal within the next few days.

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Wenger: Freddie won't be sold

Arsene Wenger has reiterated that Arsenal are not looking to sell Freddie Ljungberg.

Reports have claimed that the Sweden international has been told to seek out another club during the transfer window.

He has made just 10 Premiership appearances for The Gunners this season and has been hampered by injury.

Internazionale have acknowledged an interest in the midfielder, while Premiership duo Portsmouth and West Ham United have been linked.

Harry Redknapp played down talk of a move for Ljungberg, while West Ham denied making an enquiry.

And any further interest in the 29-year-old is unlikely to be welcomed after Arsenal boss Wenger reaffirmed his stance.

"With Freddie, you have conflicting reports because you don't read our website," said Wenger on Sky Sports News.

"It's quite simple - he's a player of our squad, that's as simple as that.

"We are not in the market to sell Freddie."

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Wenger: Lauren will leave

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that experienced right-back Lauren will be allowed to leave Arsenal in January.

The former Cameroon international has not played for The Gunners since suffering a serious knee injury in a Carling Cup tie against Wigan in January 2006, and after taking a year to recuperate has now been told that he does not have a future at Emirates Stadium.

Skysports.com revealed earlier in the week that West Ham are in talks to bring the versatile performer to Upton Park and Wenger's admission has seemingly paved the way for a move across London.

Whilst the French boss professes to be in the dark over whether Lauren has spoken with Alan Curbishley, Wenger did concede that - after playing a starring role in two Premiership titles and three FA Cup wins - Lauren has been edged out by the emergence of Justin Hoyte and Emmanuel Eboue.

"The problem is that since Lauren got injured I have Justin Hoyte who got promoted, I have Emmanuel Eboue who got promoted and I have Johan Djourou who can play in there too," Wenger told the club's official website.

"It's always the same. You make room for young players and then it is difficult to leave them out again. I feel we have too many players in that position now.

"Lauren is free to talk to anyone because it is the end of his contract but frankly I don't know if he has spoken to West Ham.

"He doesn't have to inform me if he wants to speak to anyone."

Wenger has also stated that whilst Sebastian Larsson is likely to be sold to Birmingham, both Fabrice Muamba and Nicklas Bendtner will be returning to Arsenal at the end of their loan deals.

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Aliadiere wants to play

Jeremie Aliadiere has revealed that he will look to move on if he fails to secure regular football at Arsenal.

The Frenchman returned to the spotlight during the week when scoring in the midweek Carling Cup win at Liverpool.

The forward earned praise from Arsene Wenger for his performance at Anfield and he added that he wanted to keep Aliadiere at Arsenal.

Wenger did admit, though, that he was aware that the forward needs to be playing regularly.

Aliadiere has been with Arsenal since 1999 and feels he now needs to be a regular fixture on the teamsheet.

"I never said I wanted to leave the club," Aliadiere told the club's website.

"All I said was that I wanted to play. That's my priority. I want to play football.

"I want to be involved every weekend but I haven't played a lot in the last six months since I came back from my loan last season (at Wolves).

"Obviously if I can't play here then I will have to play somewhere else, but Arsenal is my priority."

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Wenger never keen on Becks

Arsene Wenger says he never considered offering David Beckham a return to the Premiership.

The former England captain has accepted a lucrative five-year contract to join MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy in the summer when his Real Madrid deal expires.

He had been linked with several Premiership clubs, while Milan admit they would have made a bid, if the midfielder wanted to stay in Europe.

But Arsenal manager Wenger reveals the ex-Manchester United star was never a transfer target for his club.

"Are you surprised he was not considered when you look at the price?" queried Wenger on Sky Sports News.

"We have enough players, we have quality players.

"We didn't consider a move for Beckham. He has gone to the United States and, footballistically, it is a surprise."

Beckham's intention in joining LA Galaxy is to help raise the status of football in America compared to the rest of the world.

But Wenger feels that objective will only be achieved if several other globally recognised names join Beckham in MLS.

Wenger added: "It can give a big boost to American football to have great players like Beckham in the professional league.

"But it can only take off if he's not the only one. They need a few.

"Is that the opening road for more to come? If you want a real influx of big stars, that's what will be needed.

"If you want to create a big league for American football one player will not be enough."

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Lupoli now keen on Viola

Arturo Lupoli has now claimed that he would be keen to join Fiorentina when his Arsenal contract expires.

The Italian striker will become a free agent at the end of the season and will not be extending his deal with The Gunners.

He is currently on loan at Derby County and has scored 10 goals for Billy Davies' promotion-chasing side.

Lupoli has hinted at staying at Pride Park, if The Rams are promoted to the Premiership, while he has also expressed a desire to join Napoli.

But the young forward has now admitted to being open to a move to Fiorentina, who have been in touch with his representatives.

"I know my agents have had contacts with sporting director Pantaleo Corvino and Fiorentina," Lupoli told Radio Blu.

"I think it could be an interesting negotiation, also because Viola look at the best young players like me.

"I really think that Florence would be the ideal place."

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Wenger expects Jose stay

Arsene Wenger expects to be doing battle with Jose Mourinho in the Premiership next season.

Rumours in recent days have suggested Mourinho will turn his back on Chelsea at the end of the season.

Mourinho has done little to dampen the talk by insisting 'I am not important', but Arsenal chief Wenger is convinced he will go head-to-head with the Portuguese tactician next term.

"I think he will stay - but I cannot talk about Chelsea because I do not know what is happening there," stated Wenger.

Wenger added: "Everybody has his own criteria and works with what he thinks is right. I work with mine.

"I am very fortunate to work here and that is why I have been here for 10 years.

"I contributed to that environment - but even at the start you have the freedom at Arsenal to work like you want to work.

"You have to gain the confidence of people, but it is different in every club.

"Chelsea have a different structure which can work as well. It can work every way if people have a good understanding.

"I do not want to interfere with the Chelsea situation. I do not know what is going on and I do not know who makes the decisions."

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he would be sad to see Mourinho leave Chelsea.

"I would be disappointed as I have enjoyed his company," said the Manchester United chief. "He is a good personality and I have enjoyed the competition."

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Cesc plays down concerns

Cesc Fabregas has played down concerns he could miss Arsenal's mouth-watering clash with Manchester United next weekend.

The midfielder schemer was forced off late on in The Gunners' 2-0 win over Blackburn on Saturday with his ankle strapped with ice.

Cesc was caught by a nasty-looking challenge by Tugay, but the young Spanish midfielder says he should be available if called upon.

"It's a bit painful, but I'll be alright as I'll have a week to rest," he told PremPlus.

"I'm sure I'll be able to play. It won't be a problem if the boss wants to play me."

Meanwhile, Arsenal captain Thierry Henry felt Gilberto's red card was harsh and that the victims often get punished following a flash-point.

The Brazilian midfielder lashed out at Robbie Savage after being bundled to the floor and was given his marching orders at Ewood Park.

"I didn't it was a red card, but what can you do? Argue? I just wanted to make sure we focussed after the red card," stated the experienced striker.

"Even Robbie Savage told me on the pitch it was not a red card.

"Is it fair? I don't think so. It's always the one who reacts who gets punished."

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Reyes' final upset

Jose Antonio Reyes admits he is still bitter about his lack of involvement in last season's UEFA Champions League final.

The Spaniard came on for the final five minutes of Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in what proved to be his last appearance for the Premiership club.

He has returned to Spain on a season-long loan to Real Madrid, with the option of a permanent move in the summer.

Reyes can still not fathom Arsene Wenger's decision-making in Paris, but is thankful he is now playing in his homeland.

"I still don't understand Wenger's motives for the final," Reyes told the News of the World.

"But from this moment, my relationship with him was not the same. Morally, what happened was a big blow to me.

"Now I am most happy in La Liga because I never really adapted to the Premier League."

In reiterating his wish to stay at Real, the forward also compared the coaching styles of Wenger and his current boss Fabio Capello.

He added: "I want to stay and win a title. The Champions League is also my great desire after getting to the final with Arsenal.

"Fabio Capello is a different coach to Wenger. With the Italian we have a laugh, but the work is enormously serious. He is a leader and transmits this to the team.

"Wenger's calm, but doesn't speak to players much. He had confidence in me, but things changed."

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Wenger leans against appeal

Arsene Wenger has hinted Arsenal will not appeal Gilberto's red card in their 2-0 win over Blackburn.

The Brazilian midfielder was given his marching orders just 15 minutes into the Ewood Park clash for lashing out at Robbie Savage.

As referee Rob Styles had a clear view of the incident, Wenger is unlikely to appeal, despite stating the decision was harsh.

"It looked very harsh for me," the French tactician told PremPlus.

"When the referee sees it the appeals don't work, so we might have to accept the decision.

"Gilberto is one of the players with a lot of experience. We'll have to cope with that."

Wenger opted against taking off an attacking player following Gilberto's red as he felt the side coped with the midfielder's loss.

"I wanted to see how we coped with the situation," he added. "After 10 minutes I decided to keep it going as I wanted to win the game.

"I think we controlled the game quite well. I feel it was a great combination of quality, talent and solidarity. It was very pleasing to see.

"The team is growing from game to game. I've felt for a while now we've grown in maturity at the back.

"We didn't concede today and that's very good. We played quality football mixed with great spirit."

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Adebayor makes Togo threat

Emmanuel Adebayor has threatened to quit international football, if the Togo federation does not improve its organisation.

The Arsenal striker is his country's most famous footballer and was last month named Togo's foreign-based Player of the Year.

He also played a key role in the African nation qualifying for the World Cup finals for the first time last summer.

In Germany, Adebayor started all three games, although Togo failed to pick up any points against South Korea, Switzerland and France.

But Adebayor is becoming increasingly disillusioned by the lack of organisation within the federation, with the national team having had three coaches in the past 12 months.

The 22-year-old admits that, if the situation persists, he will have to seriously consider his involvement at international level.

"If things do not change for the better over the next six months to a year, I think I may end my international career," Adebayor told Fifa Magazine.

"I have to think of myself first, even though playing for the national team is very important to me.

"While I am prepared to give everything to my country, if they cannot organise things well, I will have to make a decision that is best for my life."

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Rio: Adebayor is top gun

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has pinpointed Emmanuel Adebayor as Arsenal's danger-man ahead of Sunday's crunch clash between the two sides.

The Togolese striker scored the only goal of the game as The Gunners won 1-0 at Old Trafford in September and, according to Ferdinand, is the player who has caused league leaders United the most concern so far this season.

With fit-again captain Thierry Henry and Dutch international Robin van Persie operating in tandem against Blackburn, Adebayor was restricted to a substitute's role despite having scored three goals in his previous four outings.

Now Ferdinand has revealed that The Red Devils would be relieved to see the former Monaco man left on the sidelines again by Arsene Wenger.

"I would say he [Adebayor] is the toughest to be honest," said Ferdinand in The Sun.

"I think Adebayor is the player who has given us the most problems this season, with his movement and skill.

"Arsenal controlled the game against us and he was exceptional."

Sir Alex Ferguson and his old rival Wenger lock horns at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with the game live on Sky Sports 1 at 4pm.

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Hleb: Sheva move doomed

Arsenal's Alexander Hleb believes Andrei Shevchenko's high-profile move to Chelsea was doomed before he arrived in England.

The Ukraine international hit-man was a big-money capture last summer from Milan, but has just three Premiership goals to his name.

Hleb thinks Shevchenko was too old to make the move and that he never had a chance of adapting to the tempo of the English game.

"I would never have risked coming to England towards the end of my career," explained Hleb to the Sun.

"The older you get, the harder it gets. Shevchenko is not the first great footballer who has not managed to crown himself in glory here.

"I was never convinced he would be able to play in England. I don't have anything against him.

"The problem lies in the style of the England league, in terms of the tempo, and the time you get to think on the pitch.

"The younger a player is, the easier it is for him to adapt and get to grips with English football."

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