Author: Staff Writer

Arsenal’s Under 18’s fought out a tough draw with their Chelsea counterparts this morning at the Blues’ Cobham training complex. The Gunners were a touch lucky to return across London with a point after home midfielder Josh McEachran twice put the ball in the net – only to see both strikes ruled out for offside.

Free-scoring striker Luke Freeman had further chances to add to his 14 goals so far this season but Chelsea’s Sam Walker was in inspired form. Conor Henderson was also denied by Walker in the first half which could have gone either way. Coached by Arsenal’s former Under 16 boss Dermot Drummy, the Blues looked busy all game and they had numerous chances to snatch the win for themselves. McEachran scored twice yet the tight Arsenal offside-trap saw the goals ruled out.

Elsewhere, Arsenal’s Under 16’s had a better result, beating Chelsea’s Under 16’s 3-1. Alban Bunjaku scored a brace while Samir Bihmoutine continued his ruthless form with another strike. Zak Ansah also missed a penalty.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal have decided to re-visit the potential signing of central defender Stefan Savić in the summer after he returned to club side SK Borča following a 10 day trial. Reports emerged yesterday that Arsène Wenger had not been sufficiently impressed and would not be signing the player.

Stefan touched down in Montenegro this morning and immediately spoke to the media about his time with the Gunners. He spent 10 days on trial and then played 90 minutes of a behind-closed-doors friendly against Dagenham and Redbridge. The quietly spoken defender laughed off reports of a €2.5 million transfer fee before discussing his experiences.

“I spent ten days in London. It was planned in advance that I would stay for five days in the Arsenal camp. However, Mr Wenger insisted that I stay for longer, and he arranged an extension of all the work permits. This is a great experience for me. It is an honor to train and work everyday with stars such van Persie, Arshavin, Fabregas and Traoré.”

Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis has had inital talks with Savić’s representatives and a decision has been reached that it would be beneficial for the player to complete the campaign with Borča. An invitation has already been extended to the current Montenegrin Young Player of the Year for him to return and train in the summer, after having a full season of first-team football under his belt.

“Everything is still very much open. There is the possibility to sign the contract [with Arsenal] now, and to return to Borča until the summer. However, the coaching staff concluded that it is better to see me again in the summer.”

The 19-year-old would be available at cut down fee in the summer.

In other news, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas is the Lamb Awards sponsored Young Guns Player of the Month for December 2009.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal have missed out on Brazilian winger Zézinho after Serie ‘A’ outfit Santos signed him on a 24 month loan deal with the option to buy. The Gunners have twice had bids turned down by Juventude for the winger who has only just recovered from injury.

Zézinho’s agent Fernando Silva has been attempting to engineer a move away from debt-ridden Juventude who have been forced to cancel the contracts of their grounds staff and kit manager following relegation to the third tier of Brazilian football. Arsenal have twice had bids rejected but they returned with a third before Christmas, which was accepted. However, a presidential change meant the deal was not concluded.

A team of businessman have maintained a keen interest in the player who is a Brazilian Under 17 international but an injury last month curtailed a deal. On his return to full fitness Santos have moved to snap him up in a new look side which includes Manchester City forward Robinho.

He will link up with his new team-mates on Monday.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Benik Afobe will sign his first professional contract with Arsenal on Monday. The powerful striker has spurned the advances of Barcelona and will commit his long-term the future after enjoying his first full season in the Under 18’s.

Leyton-born Afobe was first introduced to readers on Young Guns and his rise from promising school boy to SkySports Victory Shield hero and now professional football has been epic. In his 13 games for the Under 18’s this term he has 12 goals plus a bag full of assists. International duty beckons for Benik who has 4 goals in 3 games for England’s Under 17’s, meaning he has signed the deal early before linking up with the Three Lions later in the week and enjoying his 17th birthday.

Catalan giants FC Barcelona invited Afobe to Spain earlier in the season and they had even gone as far as making a formal offer for the prospect. Yet Benik has turned down their advances believing he had a larger chance of making the grade with Arsenal. Already sponsored by Nike, the striker impressed Arsène Wenger during training last week and was subsequently brought off the bench during the friendly with Dagenham and Redbridge on Wednesday. He was also the youngest player in the squad.

Young Guns would like to offer our congratulations to Benik and wish him all the best in the future.

In a side note, I’d also like to extend my thanks to all readers who left me birthday messages today, your continued support has been fantastic.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal are yet to decide on whether to sign trialists Samuel Galindo and Stefan Savić. The duo both played 90 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly win against Dagenham and Redbridge yesterday.

Montenegrin defender Savić and Bolivian winger Galindo have both had their inital trials extended so they could feature in yesterday’s game which was decided by 17-year-old striker Wellington Silva. Arsène Wenger has spent today deciding on the prospects and he will deliver a verdict shortly.

Stefan was at fault for the Dagenham goal and looked shaky at times. Samuel lined up on the left side of the midfield alongside Emmanuel Frimpong and Fran Merida. Arsenal are still investigating his documents after allegations of ‘age cheating’ emerged last month.

Both players remained at the club for training today but are set to depart shortly after a decision is made.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal striker Wellington Silva scored a brace and made a goal for Emmanuel Frimpong as the Gunners dispatched Dagenham and Redbridge in a behind-closed-doors game at London Colney.

The Brazilian has been training with the club since last Monday and he was handed a start in a youthful second-string side against a mixed Dagenham XI. He scored the opener before playing in Emmanuel Frimpong for the second. Silva then wrapped up the scoring in a 3-1 win.

With thanks to our  friends at Arseblog.

More to follow.

Article By – J.Sanderson

SK Borča central defender Stefan Savić will be given a final chance to secure a contract with Arsenal by appearing in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Dagenham and Redbridge this evening. Arsène Wenger will be assessing the youngster and a decision will be made in the morning as to whether a deal will be agreed.

Young Guns revealed yesterday that Arsenal were closing in on the 6’2 defender, but reports emerged that a fee could be the sticking point in any potential deal. These rumours are wide of the mark, but Wenger still wants to have a final look at the prospect who would go straight into the first-team for next season.

League Two side Dagenham played North London rivals Tottenham yesterday – also in a behind-closed-doors game – which saw Eiður Guðjohnsen and Younes Kaboul debut. Stefan confirmed the news to Serbian TV whilst remaining unsure as to whether a deal will be completed.

“Today I will play part of the match against a club from the Conference. After which Arsène Wenger will be more clear to me whether I will pull on the Arsenal shirt again.”

“Will I sign a pre-contract? I don’t know. I will know later today or tomorrow. Arsène Wenger has the final word. I do not feel very certain, but I think that Arsenal have not accidentally kept me longer than planned.”

The 19-year-old, who won the Montenegrin Young Player of the Year award  last term, posed for pictures at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday and he has brought with him a huge media following from both Serbia and Montenegro. Confirmation either way is expected shortly.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsène Wenger’s hunt for a young talented centre back has ended. Despite missing out on Fulham’s England Under 21 international Chris Smalling, he is set to wrap up a deal for Montenegrin Stefan Savić.

Savić has completed a 10 day trial with Arsenal and, according to the Blic Online publication, the Frenchman informed him yesterday that they would be be keen to keep him on. Talks are now on going with his club side BSK Borča for the transfer which would be completed in the summer.

The 19-year-old won the Montenegrin Young Player of the Year award for 2009 and he has rebuffed offers from Tottenham Hotspur and Birmingham City to arrive on trial. At 6’2 (188cm) he is an imposing figure yet many note Stefan for his adept passing range. He has made 10 League appearances for Borča, scoring once. The cultured prospect confirmed the deal yesterday.

“There were offers from Tottenham and Birmingham City, but once a call came from Arsenal, I had no more doubts. Wenger made sure my papers were arranged and my work permit was extended so I can be at more training sessions. A pre-contract will be signed on Thursday and then I will return to Belgrade and join BSK for their preparations. I will be staying with BSK until May.”

Arsenal are expected to pay around £100,000 for his services. Savić noted that Wenger has been particularly aggressive this week during training following the defeat to Manchester United, where he was in the stands to watch on. You can read the complete interview Here.

Savić’s arrival could signal the end for defender Håvard Nordtveit, who is interesting a handful of German clubs.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal’s Under 18 League and Cup ‘double’ winning captain Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested by police in the early hours of the morning. The versatile prospect failed to stop when signaled in his high performance £100,000 Mercedes McLaren in East London.

Emmanuel-Thomas had the back window of his car smashed as officers attempted to gain entry. He was reportedly found alone inside and with only a provisional driving licence. Jay has been released but will report to Redbridge magistrates court on February 12. It is expected he will be found guilty of driving without a licence and failure to stop – both could result in a prison sentence.

Jay only recently signed an extension to his contract and impressed on his first-team debut in the FA Cup against Stoke City recently. This came after he scored a terrific hat-trick for the Reserves a week previously. Any in-house punishment will be dealt with by the club in due course.

Article By – J.Sanderson