Author: Staff Writer

January 2009 could prove to be the most important month of Arsène Wenger’s managerial career. The Frenchman knows that the dealings done during the winter transfer window will shape Arsenal’s season, and ultimately, his own reputation among the fans.

Whatever your stance this season, things have not been good enough, and the boss knows it. But spending could in fact do more damage that it will good – in the longer term.

One of the Gunners key philosophy’s is that the club is committed to developing youth talent. Whether that is buying players from abroad and integrate them into the first team, or signing Under 16’s and bringing them through the Academy.

Why would kids chose to give up everything they’ve ever know to move hundreds, often thousands of miles away? because they trust Wenger and Arsenal to look after them.

Let’s take the Invincibles of 2003/2004 for example. Of the starting XI, 5 of the usual line up were signed as young players, and transformed into world beaters in a matter of years. Youth has a strong tradition at Arsenal.

This January, the fans are desperate for huge amounts of money to thrown at the team to rescue the poor state the club is in at the moment. But whilst it appears adopting a Football Manager type attitude to solving matters is easy, longer term, it could be damaging.

The signing of 26-27-28 year old experienced players means that whatever their form, they are almost first choice. They take the place of the promising youngsters, and before you know it, talented players who just need games, are pushed further down the rankings and end up leaving.

Many are in favour of signing Andrei Arshavin. The Russian midfielder who can play as a striker or a winger. Should he arrive, Carlos Vela and Nicklas Bendtner and pushed further down the ranks, and as hungry young prospects, they won’t hang around forever.

Signing the odd experienced players is acceptable, but doing it on a regular basis will damage the confidence of young players that the club has built its self upon. Should the mentality continue, and should it be put into practice, then quite simply wonder-kids will go elsewhere.

Things are far from what we expected this campaign, but the future is bright, and will be bright, but we need patience.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Jack Wilshere had a double celebration when he woke up this morning. Not only was it the wingers 17th birthday, but his scholarship deal turned into a professional contract with the Gunners.

The terms are unknown, but it’s believed to be as long as eight years in length. It will see Jack become a full time player with the club, meaning he will now stop attending extra school lessons in a bid to keep total focus on being a footballer.

Many believe Wilshere has the potential to become one of the greatest players in the club’s history, but today marks a significant step in his development. He can also expect to add a couple of zero’s to his current pay packet – matching the sort of money that Chelsea offered him last season.

SkySports pundit Andy Gray picked out the prospect as one of the stars to watch out for in 2009, in a list which included Manchester United’s Rafael da Silva and Chelsea’s Franco di Santo.

Despite media reports, don’t expect Wilshere to be leaving on loan anytime soon. It promises to be an exciting few years in Jack’s development, but Arsène Wenger is known to keep his most exciting youngsters at the club.

Young Guns would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jack on his new contract, and wish all our readers a fantastic 2009.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Reserve captain Gavin Hoyte has joined relegation threatened Championship outfit Watford on loan this afternoon.

The 18-year-old recently penned a brand new four year contract with Arsenal, and after becoming a regular in the Carling Cup team, a host of clubs have been interested in acquiring the services of Hoyte junior.

Watford are managed by former Chelsea Reserves boss Brendan Rodgers – meaning Gavin should benefit from their youthful philosophy. The deal will see the versatile defender move across London for three months, in a bid to gain vital match experience.

Nacer Barazite has extended his loan with Derby County today, but has secured his long term future with the Gunners by signing a new contract with the club.

Young Guns understands it is a four year deal, which will see Arsène Wenger monitor his development until 2013. Nacer has made 19 appearances this campaign for the Rams, collecting three Man Of The Match awards, and creating 6 goals.

Young Guns will of course be keeping you updated with the progress of the duo throughout the season.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Håvard Nordtveit is in contention to make his first Arsenal appearance since ending his loan spell with UD Salamanca this weekend, as the Gunners take on Plymouth Argyle in the F.A Cup.

Nordtveit mutually agreed to terminate his loan deal with The Union after struggling to adapt to life in Spain, and being forced to make do with a bit part role – often playing out of position.

The past two months have seen Håvard’s playing time limited to just international duty with Norway’s Under 21’s. An issue with his registration meant Neil Banfield couldn’t even hand his former skipper vital minutes for the Reserves, but come midnight on Wednesday, that will all change.

He will then be eligible to take part in any fixtures during the second half of the season, including Saturday’s 3rd round clash with Plymouth at the Emirates.

‘Howie’ has been maintaining his fitness levels during training, but Arsène Wenger – a known fan of the centre back – could bring him back into action as injuries start to clamp some of the Frenchman’s options.

Nacer Barazite will be another face able to play should Wenger decide against extending his spell with manager less Derby County, although the core of the team will be relatively experienced.

Jay Simpson is in line to make his debut for West Bromwich Albion after completing the terms of his loan deal, which will see the Tottenham born marksman join Tony Mowbray’s men until the end of the end of the season.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Derby County are set to make a frantic last ditch attempt to keep Dutch winger Nacer Barazite on loan until the end of the season.

The 18-year-old starlet is due to return to Arsenal on January 1st, meaning yesterdays 90 minute run out against Ipswich Town could be his last appearance for the Rams.

Barazite has been superb throughout his loan, despite picking up a couple of niggling injuries along the way. His handful of assists has transformed Derby’s fortunues, from a team which had not won a game in 36 attempts, to an outfit with real ambition to reach the play offs.

Nacer’s lack of games recently has coincided with County’s erratic form, but a match winning cross for Rob Hulse to score on Boxing Day proved the Holland Under 19 Internationals credentials.

However, despite being an immediate fans favourite, and without doubt being one of the stars of the Championship this campaign, Paul Jewell looks set to lose the battle to keep the starlet, although he confirmed his desire to retain Naz’s services earlier in the week.

With injuries to Theo Walcott and Tomáš Rosický, coupled with poor form shown by Samir Nasri and Emmanuel Eboué in recent weeks, Arsène Wenger could keep Barazite and promote him to the first team.

In other news, Håvard Nordtveit will be available once more come January 1st, putting him in contention to start Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Plymouth.

Article By – J.Sanderson

West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Mowbray has confirmed that the Premiership’s basement outfit will sign Arsenal’s Jay Simpson on loan in January, but the Albion chief admits that bringing the 20-year-old to the midlands is a gamble, as he doesn’t even know if Jay will score them goals.

Simpson – who celebrated his 20th birthday today – will link up with the Baggies on January 1st, after the players advisers negotiated a 3 month loan deal last week.

But Mowbray has reservations over the Tottenham born strikers lack of experience, confessing that whilst he will be giving the loanee opportunities, his new manager is unsure if he will bag strikes at the top level.

“This boy is an unknown quantity at Premier League level, I would suggest. Can he score goals? I don’t know.

“But we will give him an opportunity to see if he can”

Injuries and a lack of form has pressured Mowbray to dip into the window, and after being linked with the likes of Arouna Dindané, Manucho and Kevin Doyle – Jay should take the fact that he has been chosen as a massive compliment.

The birthday boy will head to the Hawthorns after bagging two penalties for Arsenal’s Reserves this campaign, along with a further two goals on his first professional start against Wigan Athletic.

Being nurtured by a manager such as Arsène Wenger has obviously worked in his favour – something Mowbray highlighted yesterday. It was also pointed out that the spell is strictly a loan deal.

“He’s obviously had a very good upbringing and every player needs an opportunity.

We will be trying to provide a platform for him to see if he’s going to be – from his perspective – an Arsenal star of the future”

Young Guns will be providing regular updates and analysis of how Jay gets on during his time with West Brom, in our regular loanees reports.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Gilles Sunu is set to quit Arsenal in the summer, with reigning French Champions Olympique Lyonnais ready to take 17-year-old back to his home land.

Sunu joined the Gunners in January 2006 from Chateauroux, but injuries dogged his opening campaign with the club. However, this season has seen a complete transformation in his fortunes, with four strikes for Steve Bould’s Under 18’s.

Gilles has been given a new lease of life on the wing, but has found his chances to progress into the Reserves heavily restricted. The fleet-footed prospect was also frustrated by being left out of the Carling Cup squad this year, and has made his disappointment known to the coaching staff.

Lyonnais are famed for their amazing Academy, which sees players live at the training ground full time, and undertake a strict daily routine. Players must wake at 6am, before having breakfast, and then school. They begin training at 4pm, and return to their accommodation at 8pm. All services are provided at the training complex.

On two separate occasions Lyon have attempted to sign Sunu, and it’s believed that come the summer, they will finally have their man. His departure would be a disappointing one for Gooners, who saw ‘Gilou’ touted as the new Thierry Henry upon his arrival in North London.

He would also join French Under 19 team mates Clement Grenier and Yanis Tafer at the Stade Gerland, safe in the knowledge that performing on a regular basis in his home land would enhance his chances of further progression on the international scene.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Welcome to this weekends Loanees Watch – Young Guns’ analysis, reports and updates on the progress of the young starlets currently plying their trade away from the Emirates Stadium.

In this update you can read about the following players in the following games.

Reports:

Armand Traoré – Portsmouth 1-4 West Ham – (24 Minutes)
Nacer Barazite – Derby County 0-2 Preston – (34 Minutes)
Kerrea Gilbert – Leicester City 1-1 Leeds United – (90 Minutes))
Abu Ogogo – Barnet 0-3 Aldershot – (17 Minutes)

Read more →

Arsenal will push through a deal to sign Fluminense striker Wellington in the New Year, Young Guns understands.

The 15-year-old starlet recently completed a 7 day trial with the Gunners, and after playing 45 minutes against Norwich Under 16’s last week, he left a massive impression on the coaching staff.

Steve Gatting’s boys ran out 8-4 winners over their City counterparts, with the on trial Brazilian netting four. Fellow countryman Luis Gustavo Conte was also being assessed, he played the first half  at centre back.

Wellington’s finishing prowess was highlighted yesterday on Young Guns with this video, and it seems he continued that form during his stay in England. It will now be up to Steve Rowley and South American scout Sandro Orlandelli to broker the deal for the prospect.

Fluminense’s chairman has already spoken of his desire to keep the Brazil Under 16 international, yet the players parents are keen to secure a contract with the Gunners.

The deal is expected to go through towards the end of next month. It would prove to be a significant coup for Arsenal, who already boast South American youngsters in the form of Denílson and Pedro Botelho.

We would also like to take this opportunity to wish every single reader a very Merry Christmas, and offer our best wishes for 2009.

Article By – J.Sanderson, With Thanks To Thomas.