Author: Staff Writer

Arsenal are continuing to watch Southampton winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain amid speculation that the 17-year-old is on the verge of joining the Gunners.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was in action this afternoon as Southampton took on Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park, with a selection of Premier League clubs having scouts present. Arsenal representatives were joined by those from Liverpool and Manchester United in watching on from the stands as the Saints lost 2-0.

John Cross, of the Daily Mirror, and the Express’ Matt Law had earlier announced on their Twitter pages that Arsenal had agreed a deal for the winger, despite Law’s fellow Express writer Paul Joyce writing on Wednesday that Liverpool were set to move in with an offer.

Other English newspapers had suggested that Fulham and Manchester City were also realistic options in a week of intense speculation around the England Under 18 international.

Arsène Wenger has previously been quizzed on Oxlade-Chamberlain, but said there had been no talks, only rumours. The Frenchman backed up that claim by reaffirming his stance on transfers in his program notes ahead of today’s clash with Wigan, saying he is “happy with what I’ve got”.

Arsenal are indeed making checks on one of the most highly rated youngsters around, but suggestions that the club have gone as far as negotiating a deal appear to be wide of the mark. At least for the time being.

Arsène Wenger has once again confirmed goalkeeper Manuel Almunia could leave during the January transfer window, but the Frenchman will not be signing a replacement. He will instead promote from within, with the focus on Argentine Emilio Martínez.

Wenger reiterated his stance on Almunia during his press conference ahead of Saturday’s game with Wigan, saying there was a ‘slight chance’ the Spainard could leave, and that he wishes to keep any talk of offers ‘quiet’. The media asked the same question last week, and the Arsenal manager confirmed he would promote a third choice from within, highlighting Martínez.

The 18-year-old has been in fine form for Arsenal’s Under 18′s this season, making a selection of notable saves in what has proved to be a fruitless season so far. The former Independiente stopper impressed once more during the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup yesterday, although was partly blamed for the Blues’ first goal after a mistake from Ignasi Miquel.

Martínez has trained with the first-team on various occasions this season, and Wenger spoke about him during an interview with Arsenal.com last week, saying he was ‘very good’.

Vito Mannone is expected to become third choice when he completes his loan spell at Hull City in the summer, but the Tigers have already admitted they will be speaking to Arsenal again about a permanent move for the Italian.

However, if Almunia does seal a switch away during the transfer window, Wenger is expected to turn his focus to developing Martínez, promoting him to train with the first-team on a full time basis.

The move would still see James Shea involved in match days as third choice, but Emilio is seen as a long term prospect.

Arsenal take on Chelsea in the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup on Thursday evening. The high profile London derby is the tie of the round, with the Blues looking to defend their title against the Gunners, who are the favourites to win the trophy again.

To get some perspective on Dermot Drummy’s side ahead of the fixture, Young Guns caught up with Chelsea Youth writer Phil, who blogs about their prospects for TheChels.net. We started off by talking about the opinion on the Arsenal setup from across London.

“I think it’s hard to evaluate Arsenal’s current group of Under 18s, as the entire squad is made up of first-years. Even with schoolboy involvement, it’s a huge change to the individuals in terms of day to day lifestyle so expectations have to be made accordingly. That may mean more patience than usually offered for the youth team, who have been rather dominant in recent years and as a result probably excited a few fans.”

“Arsenal have done exceptionally well across youth and reserve ranks in the last couple of years but the time has to come to push players further, and that can often lead to the breakup of the successful sides, in the search to get that player into the first team. It’s another piece of the puzzle and fans mustn’t be short-sighted and worry when the results aren’t favourable. Trust your coaches, they’ve been in the game a long time and typically know what they’re doing.”

The perspective from afar on the way Liam Brady has handled the current group of youngsters is positive, but what about Chelsea? What shape are they in ahead of the crunch clash?

“The current Chelsea youth team, or Youth Cup team, isn’t as strong as last year’s. Not by a long shot. It lost eight players when we won it due to age graduation. Take away Josh McEachran from the early rounds due to first team involvement, plus Rohan Ince and Philipp Prosenik through injury, and the picture isn’t much prettier. That said, they’re a hard-working group who have played together often, and are strongest at the back.”

“Retaining the trophy means everything to the team at the moment, but realistically I expect they know their limitations. I just fear there’s not enough game-changers to pull it off. Last year’s team was full of them.”

Arsenal are rated by many as the favourites to win the Youth Cup again. The thrashing of lowly Darlington was just the first step, as the likes of Benik Afobe and Chuks Aneke found their rhythm. However, Chelsea are the holders and will be unwilling to part with the trophy without a fight. So how does Phil see this one going?

“I’m fearful that Chelsea’s cup run ends here, for a few reasons. I watched Arsenal win 3-0 at Cobham earlier this season and whilst we were in the game for a long time, we didn’t have what it took to sustain things deep into the second half. That comes from a lack of a cutting edge, which the team really lacks without Prosenik, and when you come up against a team as potent as Arsenal, you have to take your chances.”

“Ultimately, I feel that Arsenal’s greater depth across the board against a Chelsea team which will be including at least two schoolboys in the squad is going to be the deciding factor. It’ll be a good game and a close contest for the most part, but I can see Arsenal coming on stronger as the game goes on and taking it.”

The fixture is a 7pm kick off at Stamford Bridge. Finally, we asked Phil’s view of the most talked about topics regarding the two clubs. The comparisons between Jack Wilshere and Josh McEachran. So, Wilshere or McEachran?

“Can I say both? I don’t see why they can’t co-exist. They’re going to be compared for a long time because they’re so very similar physically, both left-footed, and both have the same style of play, with low-slung arms and an almost nonchalant appearance of everything coming to them easily. Yet they’re both fairly versatile and bring different attributes to the table – Wilshere’s a bit more physical, more prone to drive into the final third and has that impudent touch about him, whereas Josh is more prone to dribble through players and play the simple ball, making himself available for the return. They can certainly play together, and I look forward to seeing it for England.

“Right now though, just to be sure, one is playing regular Premier League football and the other is just dipping his toe in the water. There should be no direct comparison between their abilities at this stage.”

You can follow Phil on Twitter @ChelseaYouth.

Arsenal executive Richard Law has confirmed the club will enjoy a partnership with Eredivise outfit Feyenoord, but there will not be any official contracts signed.

Law set up a similar agreement with Spanish outfit UD Salamanca five years ago, which saw Arsenal sign a contract which meant they had to offer them a loan player every summer. The contractual side saw relationships become frosty between the two clubs and the deal eventually broke down.

Law admitted they wish to develop and build a partnership with Feyenoord, but it will be a ‘gentlemens agreement’ without any formal contracts being signed and no promises.

“We do not believe in a partnership with the signing of contracts and documents. It’s much better to have a good relationship to build on. If, in the future, we can do something for each other, then we will have another look.”

The executive also spoke about Ryo Miyaichi, who has already impressed manager Mario Been after just one training session. Been confirmed he is ‘very impressed’ with the 18-year-old, but has not made a decision on whether he will join the first-team or move to Excelsior instead. Law says the Gunners have left everything in Feyenoord’s hands.

“We have no requirements in on the playing side. Where Ryo is playing and how often it is completely in the hands of Feyenoord.”

A decision on Miyaichi is expected shortly.

The best Football Betting.

Arsenal’s emerging youngsters are some of the most talked about and analysed in world football. The intrigue as to who Arsène Wenger will pluck from the youth ranks and turn into a star next keeps fans and the wider media constantly keeping an eye on those showing even the slightest glimpse of potential.

Wenger shows no signs of ending his infamous youth policy in 2011, so who are the top 10 players that Gooners and those with an interest in the club should be keeping their eye trained on this year? Young Guns will attempt to answer that question.

You can read part one of our two part special on the top 10 Arsenal prospects to watch in 2011 below.

10. Kyle Ebecilio

Who? – Kyle is a powerful central midfielder who was signed from Dutch club Feyenoord in July. He has been on the fringes of the Reserve team, but will be a regular in the FA Youth Cup team.

Why? – Ebecilio has only been at the club a matter of months, but he’s already leaving an impression. Arsène Wenger was very impressed with his performance when watching the Under 18′s crush Darlington in the Youth Cup, and with his fantastic range of short and long passes, coupled with powerful physique and style, he fits the bill of a typical Arsenal player.

9. Ryo Miyaichi

Who? – Ryo is a Japanese winger who signed for Arsenal as a free agent in January 2011. He did well in a trial with the Reserves in the summer, and agreed on a deal on transfer deadline day. However, he will move to Holland on loan after Arsenal had an attempt to win a work permit rejected.

Why? – Miyaichi is just the type of player fans love. A touchline hugging winger, comfortable with either foot and full of tricks and skills. Add that to his electric pace and you’ve got a fans favourite in the making. How he performs on loan and whether he can improve on his fitness will be a matter of intrigue.

8. Wellington Silva

Who? – Wellington is a winger who can play as a striker. He signed for Arsenal last January, but completed his move earlier this month. Like Miyaichi, he also proved unsuccessful in his attempts to win a work permit, so has joined La Liga side Levante on loan until the end of the season.

Why? – Silva is some what of an enigma with Arsenal fans. He’s earned a reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in the world, based on some scintillating performances in the Reserves and in flashes on YouTube videos. The loan with Levante will test just how ready he is to make an impact if Arsenal win a work permit for him in the summer. It will also be a huge test of his much talked about attitude, which has seen him fall out with a selection of coaches.

7. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas

Who? – Jay is a tall and skillful forward, who can play anywhere except in goal. He is a product of the Arsenal Academy and has been on the fringes of the first-team for two seasons. In 2010 he enjoyed two loan spells in the Championship, as well as some Premier League and Champions League minutes.

Why? – Emmanuel-Thomas finds himself in an impossible situation. He is yet to take his chances and burst through into the first-team, but is clearly too good to play in the Championship. A Premier League loan is the most sensible option, but finding a club to give regular minutes to an often inconsistent young forward is difficult.

Wenger has shown his faith in Jay, but his attitude issues coupled with mixed performances leaves him struggling to impose himself. While very talented and an exciting prospect when in full flow, 2011 will most likely be a year where the youngster either sinks or swims.

6. Henri Lansbury

Who? – Henri is a versatile midfielder and another product of the Academy. He is the longest serving player at Arsenal, although has enjoyed several loan spells, both in League One and most recently the Championship. He has also featured in the Carling Cup and briefly in the Premier League.

Why? – Wenger says he counts on Lansbury for the future, but it’s hard to see where he fits without players leaving. The youngster, a regular with England Under 21′s, scored against Tottenham in the Carling Cup in 2010 but didn’t get a chance he probably merited in the first-team. Instead he was farmed out on loan to Norwich where it looks likely that he’ll complete the season.

Henri has bags of potential and is clearly a favourite with the manager and fans. Whether he’ll keep being patient and waiting for a chance with such a blossoming reputation developing, it’s certainly one to follow.

You can catch part two and the top five Arsenal youngsters to watch in 2011 in the coming days.

Arsenal have agreed on a partnership with Dutch outfit Feyenoord, which will see the Gunners loan a selection of young prospects to the Eredivise side, starting with winger Ryo Miyaichi.

Chief scout Steve Rowley, together with executive Richard Law, have held extensive meetings with Feyenoord and agreed to begin a link up which will see Arsenal regularly send players on loan, according to De Telegraaf.

Rowley and Law set up a similar arrangement with Spanish Segunda side UD Salamanca five years ago, which saw players signed by Arsenal move there on loan after failing to win work permits. That broke down, and with immigration laws less strict in Holland, a new agreement is about to be formed.

Law arrived in Rotterdam last night to put the final touches to the partnership. He travelled with newly signed Japanese starlet Ryo Miyaichi, who will hold talks with manager Mario Been and scout Stanley Brard to decide on his future. Ryo will either go straight into the Feyenoord first-team, go into their Reserves, or move to Excelsior, where he will be looked after by Brard.

Rowley is said to have advised Arsène Wenger to give the green light for the deal, after signing Robin van Persie and more recently Kyle Ebecilio from the De Kuip based team.

Arsenal are not the first-team Premier League club to link up with Dutch sides, with Manchester United joining forces with FC Twente earlier this season, and Chelsea enjoying a similar loan relationship with Vitesse Arnhem.

Get the latest odds to Bet On Football.

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. You can read all the latest reports below.

Sanchez Watt started and played 80 minutes for Leeds United as they beat Scunthorpe 4-0. Watt scored the first goal and then started a move which led to the second. You can view video highlights, including Sanchez’s goal, here.

Kyle Bartley played the full 90 minutes at centre back as Sheffield United drew 0-0 with Coventry City. Bartley turned in another good performance, but picked up a yellow card late on for a poor tackle.

Henri Lansbury played 72 minutes on his return from injury as Norwich City drew 1-1 with Cardiff City. Lansbury, playing the final game before his loan spell is due to expire, played well on the right, delivering several superb crosses. Manager Paul Lambert confirmed after the game that talks over an extension had begun, but it was down to Arsenal to decide.

Vito Mannone missed Hull City’s clash with Barnsley due to injury.

Benik Afobe missed Huddersfield Town’s game against Walsall due to injury.

Cédric Evina was an unused substitute for Oldham Athletic as they beat Plymouth 2-0.

Mark Randall came off the bench at half time as Rotherham lost 2-1 to Southend. Randall was fined for missing Rotherham’s fixture in midweek, after he refused to stay in the team hotel and instead drove to the game. However, his car broke down on the way, and he was forced to miss the game.

Gavin Hoyte missed Lincoln City’s game with Wycombe due to injury.

Wellington Silva was not in action as Levante lost to Real Zaragoza. The Brazilian travelled with his new team mates to the game, but watched on from the stands.

Francis Coquelin missed Lorient’s clash with Lyon due to injury.

Armand Traoré played 79 minutes at left back Juventus beat Bari 2-1. Traoré turned in a solid shift, and was replaced with 11 minutes of normal time left.

Pedro Botelho played the full 90 minutes as FC Cartagena lost 3-1 to Rayo Vallecano. Botelho won Cartagena a penalty after being tripped in the area, but Victor’s goal was as good as it got for Cartagena.

Samuel Galindo is current nursing a broken ankle and did not feature for UD Salamanca this weekend.

Arsenal’s Under 18′s strolled to success in the Premier Academy League last season, winning it for a second year running in some style. However, despite their comfortable run in the league, their cup run was far from convincing, ending with an abrupt 2-0 loss to Ipswich in the fourth round.

It came as quite a surprise, considering Arsenal’s success in the league and the talent they boasted, including Emmanuel Frimpong and Luke Freeman. Yet one year on, there is a reversal in fortunes, with the Under 18′s struggling in the league, yet making an impressive start to their cup run.

A competitive league has seen several teams stake a claim for this year’s title, with Arsenal finding the going tough. Impressive displays, including a 3-0 win against Chelsea have too often been followed with a poor result the following week.

Despite recently ending a three match losing streak in the league with a respectable 1-1 draw with title challengers Southampton, Arsenal find themselves floating in mid table and somewhat off the pace. With the likes of Aneke, Afobe, Miquel and Özyakup all making the step up to Reserve football, the young Arsenal squad have sometimes looked a little out of their depth, and unless they can find a consistent run of form, look likely to miss out on the league.

There have certainly been signs of potential in the young Arsenal squad and despite the varying results, the focus of youth football still remains the same; to help develop young talent and fulfill their potential. Any young, aspiring footballer will tell you differently; results matter and there is no better place to turn a frustrating season in to a prosperous one with victory in the FA Youth Cup.

Like so many teams, the cup can bring a welcome relief from the rigors of league football, and after an emphatic 6-1 demolition of Darlington in the third round, the cup seems Arsenals most realistic chance of silverware.

The FA Youth Cup is easily the most prestigious competition in English Youth football and Arsenal certainly take it as seriously as any other club. It is a chance for the club to show off their blossoming youngsters, whom they put so much time, effort and money into helping mature into well educated footballers.

Arsenal face Chelsea in a mouthwatering fourth round tie, after the holders convincingly beat Sunderland 2-0 on Thursday. The tie will naturally bring the return of vital players such as Aneke, Özyakup, Miquel and barring injury, Afobe who will return from Huddersfield, to try and help Arsenal progress to the next round.

All these players are a year older, wiser and stronger and have a real chance to bring the cup back to Arsenal and, perhaps, even help kick start Arsenal’s league campaign after an indifferent first half to the season.