Author: Staff Writer

Pedro Botelho has played his last game for UD Salamanca after a third and final fall out with manager David Armaral saw the Spanish outfit dump the Brazilian in the B team until his loan spell finishes later this month.

Having already been in trouble for skipping training to go and watch Real Madrid V Juventus in the Champions League with his friends, the 19-year-old was fined a second time for calling a referee ‘a cheat’ on Spanish television. He initially was forced to train with the B team after refusing to pay the fine but eventually paid after a meeting with Armaral.

It was speculated that Pedro was told that he no more chances left, yet last week – there was more trouble. With the season coming to an end and Salamanca not really having anything left to play for, Armaral gave his players Tuesday off from all forms of training and told them to rest ahead of the final two fixtures of the campaign.

On Wednesday the players returned and were allowed to use the club’s Estadio El Helmántico stadium to train instead of their usual training ground situated on the side of the 17,341 seater arena. After the session finished Armaral took Botelho away from the group and suggested he spent an extra hour working on his physical strength in the gym. Pedro refused and complained that he was tired despite having a day off previously. An argument and several harsh words were exchanged before the Brazilian left.

A meeting on Thursday between the manager, captain Raúl Gañán and legendary Union winger Quique Martín saw Botelho suspended from all first team training until his loan spell expires. He will now be forced to train with CD Salmantino – the club’s Reserve side.

Pedro is expected back at Arsenal in early July to begin pre-season training before heading back to Spain for a third and final season. After that he will have earned the criteria for a work permit – finally allowing him to make his debut for the Gunners. Salamanca have made it clear they do not want to keep the prospect La Liga new boys Xerez are the front runners to snap up the youngster for the 09-10 campaign.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Liam Brady and his Arsenal Academy coaching staff saw the fruits of their labour paraded earlier in the week as the club had their annual photo shoot for the latest batch of scholars.

The majority of the boys are quickly becoming regulars in Steve Bould’s Under 18’s, and you’re all but certain to see some of them in Neil Banfield’s Reserves next season. They will also lead the charge to retain the F.A Youth Cup. So who are the seven new boys?

Summer 2008 signings Oğuzhan Özyakup and Ignasi Miquel are two of the most well known and obvious names. Özyakup, who captains Holland’s Under 17’s, had a slow start to life with the Gunners but finished the campaign as a regular in the Under 18’s – where he scored four times. Miquel had an injury hit beginning to life in London, but quickly established himself as an important asset in the closing stages of the season. He then made two starts for the Reserves in the final two games of the year.

Whilst there is two foreign boys signed up, London lads Benik Afobe and Chuks Aneke even up the count. Afobe is regarded as one of the most promising strikers in England. Although he was a bit part player for Bould’s side, he still struck 12 goals including a Youth Cup effort. Aneke will no doubt be an outstanding and crucial player next term but he only made a handful of appearances at Academy level. That said – he did score once.

Imposing central defender Danny Boateng is one of the most exciting new boys. Capable of playing at left back or in midfield, Boateng is a technically gifted, quick-silver stopper with bags of power. He has chosen to represent Ghana ahead of England but Boateng is another London born starlet with a big future.

Two lesser known boys are Nico Yennaris and George Brislen-Hall. The former is a versatile and hard working defender who can play in midfield. The half Greek half Chinese youngster is a local lad who has spent a massive amount of time on the treatment table. Yet when fit his energy and no nonsense style can be very important assets. Nico is very much the gamble of the group.

Left back George Brislen-Hall, known simply as George Brisnal, is the seventh and final scholar. He’s an English, hard working and aggressive defender who can play as a wing-back. He may be small and very different to the usual Arsenal style left back, but he’ll no doubt have a point to prove next term.

These are the first batch of news boys – but more scholars could be confirmed in the coming days.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal trialist Wellington Silva is one of three Fluminense youngsters to have been called into the first team squad by manager Carlos Alberto Parreira, as the former World Cup winning boss attempts to fend off interest from several European clubs.

Several reports have emerged in recent weeks that the 16-year-old Brazilian Under 17 International has already signed a pre-contract to join the Gunners, but those reports are wide of the mark. Wellington impressed during a 7 day trial around Christmas time – he even played 45 minutes for the Under 16’s against Norwich – and he made an emphatic impression, scoring 4 goals.

The starlet, nicknamed Ciel, has quickly become one of the most sought after youngsters among European clubs. Real Madrid, Chelsea and Barcelona are among interested parties, while Manchester United are believed to have made inquiries recently. United scouts will know all about Wellington as he hammered one of the goals which saw Flu win the Nike Cup at Old Trafford last summer.

Brazilian journalists moved in to speak with the man of the moment after being invited to join in first team training, yet the usually shy youngster was very open – and appeared to look back on his time in London fondly. However, he admitted that the language barrier was a stumbling block.

“I was there on trial and I scored four goals in a friendly which helped Arsenal to win a match 7-0. I tried to speak English, but I couldn’t speak a word.”

There is now a strong possibility that Wellington may well be handed the chance to play for Fluminense’s first team as the Brazilian season is still on going. He was promoted along with 19-year-old Dalton – who is already an Under 20 International for his country. At just 16 to be handed such an opportunity is quite extraordinary and could be enough to sway his decision to look for pastures new.

Article By – J.Sanderson

As Young Guns reported earlier in the day, Arsenal have been in negotiations with Feyenoord for the transfer of striker Luc Castaignos, but any talk of an offer has been put back until July according to the players agent, Arie Treffers.

The Dutch Under 17 International has received comparisons with former Gunner Thierry Henry. Below you can see 8 minutes worth of highlights which feature Luc performing for Holland at the recent European Under 17 Championships in Germany. The footage shows off a whole range of the 16-year-old’s talents, and you can judge whether you think he’s worth the reported €4 million Euro’s.

Click Here To Watch The Video

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal have been in negotiations with Feyenoord for the transfer of striker Luc Castaignos, but any talk of an offer has been put back until July according to the players agent, Arie Treffers.

Treffers also moved to confirm that Liverpool have not been in contact regarding his client but there is interest from other sides. However, Arsenal have been leading the chase for many months, yet signings for the first team have taken priority for the time being.

“We have been talking with Arsenal for three or four months. At this moment the the two clubs are talking. Arsenal have expressed a lot of interest, Feyenoord are also interested in the deal, but it is important he develops in Holland.”

“We are now awaiting the action from Arsenal. They said last week that they will go to Feyenoord in the start of July as at this moment the most important thing for the club is to make the choices for the first team.”

The Gunners are determined to sign a youth striker for the coming campaign – as Young Guns revealed earlier in the week. Wellington and Jimmy Kamghain have both been linked, but a online betting man would say Castaignos is the favourite of the three. Known for his agility, speed and awesome finishing, Luc is expected to feature in the Feyenoord first team next season.

Arsène Wenger may have handed Ivan Gazidis the role of completing transfers, yet the Frenchman is still a massive lure for potential players. The 16-year-old is also an admirer of Wenger’s methods – which includes loaning – something Treffers believes is important for him to develop correctly.

“The manager at Arsenal is the most important person in our vision and we hope Arsenal will make this sort of deal”

Castaignos has very quickly become one of the most talked about starlets in Europe. A regular in the Holland Under 17’s soccer line up, he finished joint top scorer in the recent Under 17 European Championships as the Dutch – led by Arsenal’s Oğuzhan Ozyakup – reached the final. He then joined Jack Wilshere in being named in UEFA’s “Ten future stars”.

The future is very bright for Castaignos – let’s hope it’s with Arsenal.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Amaury Bischoff is all but certain to be released when his contract expires at the end of the month, but while Arsenal appear not to be interested in the Portuguese Under 21 International, French outfit Paris Saint-Germain are according to Aujourd’hui Sport.

The news agency reports that the 22-year-old – who spent the whole campaign in the Reserve team – has swayed from his original idea of a switch to Portugal after speaking with PSG legend Pauleta. Yet Bischoff himself claims they did not speak about a possible transfer to his home land.

”I said when I was called up by the Portuguese (National team) that I spoke with Pauleta – but that’s all.”

Amaury turned out 9 times for Neil Banfield’s second string  last year yet failed to make any significant impact despite scoring a wonder goal against Fulham. His injury problems have been well documented but Arsenal’s coaching staff have helped nurse him back to full fitness following a double groin operation, and the former Werder Bremen play-maker has not had any problems since.

He turned out on four occasions for the first team but all were as a substitute. Two run outs came in the Carling Cup while there was one  appearance each in both the F.A Cup and Premier League. But it’s been for Portugal where Bischoff has impressed – he marked his debut for the Under 21’s with the opening goal of his sides 3-1 win over Switzerland. His agent Pascal Granier then confirmed that Sporting Lisbon, Benfica and Porto had been contact on the back of his performance.

Whilst a move back to Portugal appeared to be a formality, PSG now seem like the most likely destination. Arsène Wenger is known to ‘look out’ for his departing players, and as we mentioned yesterday – he does have close links with the Paris based club. New manager Antoine Kombouaré would be able to offer the ex Strasbourg trainee more playing time – plus a deal may also prove to be a bargaining chip in the hunt for striker Jimmy Kamghain.

It promises to be an eventful few weeks for Amaury Bischoff.

Our Twitter Followers Received This News First!

Article By – J.Sanderson

Setanta Sports will reportedly go into administration “within days” unless it’s sponsors provide more funds to pay the £30 million it owes to the Premier League – leading to the potential loss of the Arsenal TV channel which shows Reserve games live and highlights of the Under 18’s.

The broadcaster is already in debt to the SPL and they suspended subscriptionsboth through their website and via the phone today – but cited technical issues as the reason behind the problems. However, a spokesman for Setanta declined to comment on the situation. The 1.2 million customers the company currently has is far from the 1.9 million which it needs to break even.

Administration firm Deloitte is ready to step in and control Setanta if the worst happens. They would be willing to sell off assets and cancel sections which are not making money. So called ‘weaker matches’ or matches of little interest are blamed for the problems with the F.A Youth Cup games part of the proposed issue.

Arsenal TV Online was a huge success but Setanta stepped in and helped launch the official TV channel on the 14th of January 2008. It was then added to the package which includes Premier League games and is similar to the other club channels Celtic TV, Rangers TV and Liverpool FCTV. ATV has become popular with Gooners due to the live showing of Reserves fixtures and highlights of the Under 18’s, but the recession has seen many fans cancel their subscriptions. If Setanta folded the channels would be in doubt unless another buyer was found.

There are reports that Arsenal would take over the full time running of the channel – or it could revert back to just being online and run through Arsenal broadband – of which Stan Kroenke is a major influence. Whatever happens, it promises to be an uncertain few days for Setanta.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Liam Brady’s search for a new Youth striker will continue after French outfit Paris Saint-Germain rejected Arsenal’s bid for their free scoring marksman Jimmy Kamghain.

The Gunners interest in The French Under 17 International was first revealed by Young Guns last August, but Gilles Grimandi has since stepped up his scouting of Kamghain who has developed into one of the brightest prospects on the continent. His debut season for PSG’s Under 16’s saw the Parisian’s lift the League title convincingly as the starlet averaged almost a goal a game.

Subsequently, Arsenal have lodged a bid for the starlet but it was quickly rejected. Jimmy is known to be open for a switch to England but Chairman Sébastien Bazin has made it clear he is not interested in selling the youngster. Blessed with fantastic technique, electric pace and slick finishing, a host of scouts were present as Kamghain impressed during the recent UEFA Under 17 European Championships.

Arsène Wenger and Grimandi have close connections with PSG – with Wenger often offering advice on the development of their Academy. Former Arsenal midfielder Gilles was linked with the Chief scout role during the summer, but remained in his current role, helping secure Francis Coquelin’s signature.

It’s not yet known whether a follow up bid would be made but it seems clear cut that Kamghain won’t be leaving Paris anytime soon. However, Brady’s search for a new striker is set to continue with the likes of Brazilian Wellington and Dutchman Luc Castaignos being mentioned as possible targets.

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Article By – J.Sanderson

After missing out last weekend, Pedro Botelho returned to the Salamanca squad as they faced promotion chasing Real Zaragoza in the penultimate fixture at El Helmántico before the close of the season.

However, the Brazilian had to make do with a place on the bench as manager David Armaral opted for Deportivo La Coruña loanee Rodri at left back. The 5.645 spectators didn’t have to wait long for the first goal, as quick-silver Ewerthon notched the opener with just 2 minutes on the clock.

Salamanca were sluggish in their passing and movement and were punished once more when Ewerthon again applied the finish to sink the hosts confidence even lower. To make matters worse, only 13 minutes had passed by. But on 25 minutes veteran winger Quique Martin halved the deficit from the penalty spot. It was game on.

On 76 minutes Botelho was pulled off the bench to replace Rodriat left back for the closing stages. Pedro barely had time to settle into the role before Jorge Lopez made sure the points were Zaragoza’s. The 19-year-old only had time for a few touches and it’s expected that’s all he’ll be limited to as the campaign nears it’s conclusion.

The international break saw Lillestrøm’s battle to climb the table temporarily put on hold, but the match action continued for Håvard Nordtveit who was called up by the Norwegian Under 21 side.

Nordtveit played the full 90 minutes as Norway drew 1-1 with Estonia on Friday night. After a competitive opening period, the Arsenal man lost his clean sheet after Edwin Stüf lashed Estonia in front after 72 minutes. Yet 6 minutes later Harmeet Singh levelled proceedings. It finished 1-1. Håvard returns to club duty next weekend.

Article By – J.Sanderson