Author: Staff Writer

The majority of Arsenal’s players and staff are now away for the summer, but work is still going on behind the scenes ahead for next season. Here are some of the stories you might have missed.

Arsenal will not be opening their pre-season with the traditional run out against Barnet. The Bees confirmed today that the money spinning fixture will not be going ahead, and hinted that it is unlikely to be revived. The game has always been a way of saying ‘thanks’ for allowing the Reserves use of Underhill, but with most games now behind closed doors at the training ground, the club have felt there is no need for the friendly.

While the Barnet game won’t take place, Arsenal will be sending a Reserve and Youth XI to face Dover Athletic, Hastings and Boreham Wood. The official website is expected to confirm dates and times shortly.

In internationals, Ryo Miyaichi’s hopes of winning a work permit took another dent when he was removed from the Japan Under 22 squad. Miyaichi was initially selected for the clash against Australia, but the JFA have since updated the squad and said: “now is not the right time to include Ryo”.

Henri Lansbury, Kieran Gibbs and Ignasi Miquel were all in action for their country yesterday, while Emi Martínez was on the bench for Argentina against Wojciech Szczęsny’s Poland.

In contract news, Zak Ansah has signed professional terms, while George Brislen-Hall has signed a new one year deal following the release of Thomas Cruise. Brislen-Hall was due to leave the club in July, but has now signed on for another year, after Cruise left. The club are also set to open talks with Henri Lansbury over an extension.

Arsenal’s loanees are some of the most talked about and debated players at the club, with thousands of fans using websites, blogs and social media to put their points across on potential stars of the future.

However, few truly know the daily goings on of players at their loan clubs like the actual supporters of that particular outfit. To get the full perspective on another crop of exciting youngsters, Young Guns’ Loanee Analysis sees me catch up with journalists who follow their club closely.

To get the low-down on Armand Traoré, I caught up with Adam Digby, a freelance Italian football journalist. He gave me the Juve perspective on Traoré.

What was the feeling when Armand signed for Juventus?

“In all honesty one of general indifference, a real feeling of “if he’s not good enough for Arsenal how can he help us?” However I would temper that with an understanding that he was a similar player to the first choice leftback, Paolo De Ceglie, which showed some thought had gone into it.”

How has the season been, and what part did Armand played in it?

“The season for Juventus has clearly been terrible and sadly Armand has played very little part in it, making just ten appearances and struggling with injury, fitness and personal problems.”

What would you consider his highlights this season?

“It is very difficult to provide a ‘highlight’. He has been a consistent performer and done well when he has been available. His defensive play, positioning and tactical intelligence are much improved and it is no small compliment to say he fits in well among Serie A defenders. The game against Milan, a 1-0 defeat, was probably his best performance, showcasing his closing down, recovery pace and newfound defensive attributes.”

What would you consider his low-lights this season?

“His prolonged absences. It was mid-November before he was fit to play, then in late January he lost his father and this deeply affected him. He missed almost a month.”

What does the future hold and do you think he’ll make the grade at Arsenal?

“I think he’ll ultimately return to Arsenal, although I would not rule out remaining in Turin entirely. He hasn’t truly shown his ability for either club to date, but I firmly believe he could be a solid back up player at either club. He has shown the ability to improve his weaknesses and if a year in Serie A has made him a better defender then it is to the credit of Arsenal for sending him to Juventus.”

You can read all the articles in this series in our loanees area.

Alternatively, if you fancy a cheeky bet on us mounting a title challenge for next season, why don’t you visit bwin and check all the latest odds available. Transfer rumours and all the latest news on this summer transfer window are also delivered regularly. Check out the site and see what the fuss is all about.

Emiliano Martínez has been called up to the senior Argentina squad for the forthcoming friendlies against Nigeria and Poland.

Martínez, who is a member of the Under 20 squad, was promoted following a last minute injury to Oscar Ustari.

The Arsenal Reserve team back up joins Sergio Batista’s squad straight away.

Arsenal’s loanees are some of the most talked about and debated players at the club, with thousands of fans using websites, blogs and social media to put their points across on potential stars of the future.

However, few truly know the daily goings on of players at their loan clubs like the actual supporters of that particular outfit. To get the full perspective on another crop of exciting youngsters, Young Guns’ Loanee Analysis sees me catch up with journalists who follow their club closely.

To get the low-down on Carlos Vela, I caught up with Chris Lepkowski, a football writer who covers West Brom for the Birmingham Mail. He gave me the Baggies perspective on Vela.

What was the feeling when Carlos signed for West Brom?

“The feeling was one of excitement, certainly among the fans. They were in a mess at the time, Peter Odemwingie was misfiring a little and the club needed a lift.”

How has the season been, and what part did Carlos play in it?

“The season has been a great success from Albion’s point of view. Less so for Carlos. His biggest misfortune was to go five weeks without a game. He scored a very late equaliser against Wolves in Roy Hodgson’s first game, which will guarantee him cult status whenever he’s passing through West Bromwich, and then did the same at Stoke.”

“He then went about six weeks without football. Since then his appearances have been sporadic. He started against Spurs and did reasonably well but struggled against Villa. His last outing was against Wolves. He wasn’t seen after that.”

What would you consider his highlights this season?

“Scoring against Wolves and Stoke were highlights. The nature of goals were important, too; late equalisers.”

What would you consider his low-lights this season?

“His disappearance from the first-team towards end was a shame. He never settled and that five-six week break was the turning point.”

What does the future hold and do you think he’ll make the grade at Arsenal?

“I think he’ll struggle to break into Arsenal’s first team. He’s got very good ability, technique and looked a good finisher, but he didn’t offer much else. Was quite lightweight and drifted out of games too. Perhaps he needs a team who aren’t scrapping away – although Albion’s style of play is fairly open.”

Any other stats, facts or little pieces of extra information?

“Nothing really, sadly. He wasn’t the talisman Albion hoped for, but he certainly has a bright future.”

You can read all the articles in this series in our loanees area.

Arsenal have released Mark Randall after deciding against offering him a new contract. The 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan with League Two outfit Rotherham, is now a free agent.

Arsène Wenger revealed in October that Randall was still part of his plans, saying he ‘has so much quality’. That was from the man who promoted him to the first team five seasons ago, only for his development to stall after failed loan spells MK Dons and Rotherham.

Mark only ever made two Premier League appearances, but was a regular in the Carling Cup, showing some excellent form in the 2008-2009 run, as well as playing in the Champions League.

Randall follows in the foot steps of George Brislen-Hall and Roarie Deacon, both of whom were released last month.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Vélez Sársfield midfielder Ricardo Álvarez intensified last night, when Richard Law met with club officials in Montevideo to discuss a possible transfer.

Law, a trilingual American, is part of Ivan Gazidis’ ‘executive team’. He is in charge of negotiating player contracts and also works as a consultant for Steve Rowley’s scouting network. He arrived in Argentina two days ago, amid speculation a deal was done for Álvarez.

Last night, a three man team, including president Fernando Raffaini, met with Law to hold tentative talks over the exciting 23-year-old. However, Raffaini reaffirmed his previous stance on Álvarez, telling the media shortly after that no deal has been agreed, and that it would take a fee in excess of €12 million Euro’s to tempt Vélez to sell.

Ricardo’s future has been subject to much speculation in recent days, with Fox Soccer wrongly reporting that a free transfer to Arsenal was already done. Vélez laughed that off, as their player has three years left on his current contract, and is rated as one of the best players in the league.

Despite the initial talks being fruitless, Law remains in Montevideo. No bid has been lodged, and it remains doubtful that any of the interested parties would match the asking price.

Arsenal have an eye for Argentine talents, having been in talks to sign Javier Mascherano and Ángel di María before they sealed moves to Europe.

Oğuzhan Özyakup has signed a new two deal with Arsenal. The Dutchman had previously turned down two offers from the club, but Arsene Wenger stepped in to secure the 18-year-old’s services.

Özyakup had already opened talks with a number of European clubs, as his current contract was due to expire in July. However, after months of frustrating stalemate, Wenger stepped in to offer Oğuzhan the reassurances he wanted.

Agent Salvador de Mirande explained the turn around, which came after his client was promised a fair chance in pre-season to earn a first-team place.

“The probability Oğuzhan would stay at Arsenal a few weeks back was very small. We were very disappointed, but a lot happened in the meantime. “

“He wants to seize that opportunity. Oğuzhan still want to succeed at Arsenal.“

Özyakup new contracts runs until the summer of 2013.

Héctor Bellerín will join Arsenal in the summer, after rejecting a new contract at Barcelona. The pacy winger, who can also play up front, joins for a compensation fee of around €400,000.

Bellerín’s transfer may have come in under the radar, but his reputation in Spain is clear to see. A quick-sillver right winger blessed with excellent technical ability and a bag full of tricks, he is just as at home in attack, where he loves to poach in the penalty area.

However, while his reputation in Spain might be very good, the 16-year-old hasn’t made the best start to life at Arsenal, telling the press he hopes to return to Barça in the future.

You can view a compilation of Héctor’s highlights at Barcelona here.

Arsenal have agreed to sign Barcelona Cadete B winger Héctor Bellerin, according to Sky Sports. The Spanish Under 16 international follows fellow La Masia product Jon Toral to North London.

Bellerin turned down a new contract last month, following a series of disagreements with coaching staff. Chelsea and Manchester United were both initially keen, but Arsenal moved quickly to secure his services. A compensation package of around €400,000 is said to have been agreed.

The pacy wide-man joins central midfielder Jon Toral in switching from Barcelona to Arsenal this summer, in a deal worth €350,000. All in all, around €1 million will eventually change hands.

Héctor and Jon both sign three-year-deals with the option for a further two years.