Belgian side Beveren have revealed they are keen to reignite
their partnership with Arsenal as the two clubs enjoyed a close
relationship until March when a five-year deal was brought to an
end, but Beveren officials will now travel to London in January to
hold a new round of talks with the Premiership club.
The original accord with Beveren, which was not without
controversy, was instigated in 2001 as Gunners boss Arsene Wenger
and close friend Jean-Marc Guillou reached an agreement to use the
Belgian side as a feeder club to bring the best African talent to
Europe, and ultimately North London.
Guillou's departure as Beveren sporting director earlier in 2006
meant the arrangement collapsed, but board member Raoul de Waele
has confirmed the Belgians are keen to again align themselves with
The Gunners.
"On 2nd January we will go to London to see if we can loan players
again," de Waele told Gazet van Antwerpen.
The most obvious success story from the clubs' previous arrangement
was the development of Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Eboue who
joined Arsenal in January 2005 after impressing in Belgium.
The Belgians have also benefited with players such as Graham Stack
joining on loan deals in order to further their progress, and
Arsenal have visited Beveren for pre-season friendlies in past
years.
Arsenal were accused of making illegal payments to Beveren in June,
but were later cleared of any wrongdoing and could now look to
rejuvenate the partnership in 2007.