Author: Staff Writer

Jack Wilshere’s incredible talents have finally been recognised by his country. The diminutive play-maker has been called up to represent England’s Under 20’s next week in a friendly against Montenegro.

The national team selectors have kept Wilshere in his relevant age groups despite his rapid rate of development. However, after watching the 17-year-old star against Atlético Madrid and then demolish Scottish Champions Rangers last weekend, Brain Eastick has included Jack in a squad which he hopes will be largely available for him to take to Egypt for the Under 20 World Cup next month.

The squad includes a real mixture of players who featured for the Under 19’s and Under 21’s over the summer. The likes of Jack Cork and Danny Welbeck have all been selected from the Under 21 squad, and Eastick has tipped Wilshere to be in that age group in the next 12 months.

“Jack Wilshere is a real talent and we think he’ll be knocking on the door of the Under 20 and Under 21 teams this year.”

“But if you look at the squad, there’s a bit of a mixture and there are some that have been in the system, some that have just come back from Ukraine with the Under 19’s and one or two that we want to have a look at.”

There was no place for arguably the star of England’s Under 19 campaign Henri Lansbury, nor Gavin Hoyte or Rhys Murphy who also travelled to Ukraine last month. The Three Lions take on Uruguay, Ghana and Uzbekistan in the Group stages of the World Cup, and Wilshere is expected to be involved in that, meaning he would miss the start of Arsenal’s season.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal officials including Chief South American scout Sandro Orlandelli were among a 2,555 strong crowd at Portuguesa’s Canindé stadium on Tuesday to watch Brazil Under 17 International Zézinho in action for Juventude.

And the left-footed wonderkid didn’t disappoint. After putting in a typically brilliant performance, he showed exactly why he has a buyout clause of £11.9 million pounds or $20 million dollars. In what proved to be an extremely tight encounter, Zézinho received the ball on the left wing, he then danced inside before unleashing an unstoppable rocket on his weaker right foot which landed in the top corner. It proved to be the winner.

Arsenal have previously had a £1.5 million pound bid turned down, while a revised £3.5 million pound incentive based offer should be enough to prize him away from Brazilian Serie ‘B’ outfit Juventude. However, there are reports that they have raised Zézinho’s buyout clause further in the last two days, but they are still open to offers.

You can watch the strike below.

Click Here To Watch The Goal

Article By – J.Sanderson

In recent weeks there has been much speculation and debate over which of Arsenal’s young players should be going on loan and where they should head. This has been particularly noticeable in the comments sections of YoungGuns’ own articles.

Therefore I have compiled a list of all the players who have been suggested as candidates for loan moves. As well as an opinion based information piece, this can serve as a platform for further discussion.

Mannone/Szczęsny – Both reserve stoppers seem to have reached a cross roads in their careers, with Fabianski firmly entrenched as Second and Cup ‘keeper while Shea and McDermott battle it out for U18 duties, it seems likely that one of the two should be loaned out for some first team action, while the other stays as the Third and Reserve’s Keeper.

Verdict – Mannone should play a full season in the Championship.

Hoyte – When Gavin Hoyte returns from England U19 duty, he and Wenger will undoubtedly have a long talk about this upcoming season. Whether he’s loaned out again, this time for a full season, may well depend on whether Eboue is still at the club and if not, whether any replacements are sought externally.

Verdict – If Gavin isn’t seen as back-up to Sagna, a season in the Championship would suit.

Bartley/Ayling – The centre back pairing from last year’s youth cup are both no longer seen as U18 players and will certainly start the season in the reserves. However, if they’re given a chance in the Cup competitions, and if either impress, a second half of the season on loan could be in store.

Verdict – Bartley would certainly gain from 6 months in League 1.

Randall – It is almost certain that Mark will be going on loan all season. Having already been offered to, and been rejected by, Derby, Wenger will be on the look-out for another Championship club.

Verdict – Randall needs to play a full season to gauge his potential.

Lansbury/Merida – As with Hoyte, both these lads will want a chat with Monsieur Wenger next week about their role this season. With Henri impressing greatly at Scunthorpe and currently in the Ukraine and with Fran being thought of highly by Wenger, it’s possible that either or both may be needed for the First Team squad. However, it’s far more likely that one or both will go on loan to a club of suitable quality.

Verdict – Season long loan to a middling Premiership Club (Portsmouth, Fulham) or a high flying Championship club (West Brom, Middlesbrough, Newcastle)

Ramsey/Wilshere – Both players are held in very high regard within the club and externally and have played a large part in pre-season. Thus, it seems unlikely that they will be going on loan this season. In fact, I would say that it may be detrimental to the two youngsters to be away from the Arsenal squad at this stage of their careers.

Verdict – Stay as squad players and continue being trained at the best place possible.

Coquelin/Emmanuel Thomas/Murphy– All three were part of the Double winning side from last Season, but can be seen as more advanced than many of their teammates. However, they’re not yet at first team level by some distance and are still short of the likes of Merida and Lansbury. In this case, I’d imagine that their coaches will want a few more months’ worth of training and observation before making any decisions.

Verdict – If they can impress at Reserve or Carling Cup level then 6 months in the Championship will help each player greatly.

Sunu/Watt/Frimpong – Also part of last year’s Double Winning side, these lads are maybe slightly more raw than the players previously mentioned. It is possible that they will show enough maturity to be sent elsewhere for some experience in the latter stages of the season.

Verdict – Each player would have to show a big improvement in order to see any playing time in the Championship.

Barazite/Simpson – As with Hoyte a loan should be guaranteed for the two strikers unless Wenger sees reason to keep them at the club.

Verdict – If they’re able find a suitable club, both could see significant playing time in the lower reaches of the Premiership.

Article By – Gianni Sonvinco

Arsenal have completed a deal to sign Independiente’s 16-year-old goalkeeper Damián Martínez for a fee of £1.3 million following a trial in May.

The Argentina Under 17 number one is regarded by his country’s coaching staff as one of the most promising young stoppers in recent years, and subsequently the national team’s goalkeeping coach Miguel Angel Santoro joined Damián in North London during his one week stay.

Steve Rowley’s trusted Brazil based scout Sandro Orlandelli is believed to have spotted the agile ‘keeper in action, and the Gunners moved quickly to secure his services even before the trial was completed. A $2 million (£1.3 million) incentive based contract was thrashed out and Arsenal have now decided to ‘give the green light’ and snap him up.

Martínez was in London this weekend to watch the Emirates Cup before putting pen to paper yesterday afternoon. Executive Richard Law was present and its believed that he will now attempt to orchestrate a loan move to UD Salamanca ahead of the new campaign.

By the way, for all of you who are planning on making bets ahead of the new campaign, my tip if to check out Online Sports Betting.

More to follow.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Sony Ericsson are official sponsors of the FIFA World Cup 2010™ in South Africa. To support this sponsorship, Sony Ericsson are launching a fantastic promotion. The ‘Golden Ticket’ promotion will run from 1 August – 30 September.

Young Guns has joined forced with Sony Ericsson and FIFA to offer you the opportunity to win a brand spanking new Sony Ericsson W995 walkman mobile phone. All you to have to do is read the question below, and send your answers to the e-mail address at the bottom of the page.

Question: To the closest single digit, how many goals did Arsenal score there in their Reserves and Youth campaign?

We’re looking for the closest number, to the single digit, of the combined total of goals. This does not include friendlies, it only applies to Reserves League South fixtures, F.A Academy Premier League and F.A Youth Cup fixtures. Own goals not included. Send your answers to: youngguns.wordpress@googlemail.com. Or click below.

Click Here To E-mail Us Now

If you’re the lucky winner, we’ll be in contract to arrange the shipping of your phone. However, that’s not the end of it. If you are the lucky winner of the handset, all you have to do , is enter your details at www.WinTheTickets.co.uk, including the IMEI number and you’re in the draw! The prizes for the customers are:

Grand Prize: 1 x 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Golden Ticket
The Ronaldo of footy prizes, this golden ticket entitles the winner to a pair of tickets to every game their country plays – including the final. This once in a lifetime prize includes flights and 4-star accommodation are included.

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Winners will see the drama unfold. Each week we’re giving away two pairs of tickets to a 2010 FIFA World Cup™ match. Flights and three nights in 4-star accommodation are included.

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Article By – J.Sanderson

England continued their Under 19’s campaign today with a semi-final against France. Henri Lansbury managed to shake off any ill-effects of his previous game against Slovenia and started along with Rhys Murphy, who obviously impressed enough in his last outing, despite not scoring. Gavin Hoyte had to make do with a place on the bench.

France started the game as far the better side, and were ahead within 8 minutes. Brahimi, one of France’s players of the tournament, whipped in a corner which was gratefully swept in by an unmarked Magaye Gueye. England had a really tough job on their hands, and France seemed to be doing everything possible to break-up any of their play, in a particularly scrappy first half. The French soon started collecting yellow card after yellow card, which they ended up regretting. Although England had yet to create any chances of note, in Henri Lansbury they have one of the best young players in the world and it wasn’t long until he was given an opportunity to star. One of France’s constant niggling fouls gave England a freekick. Drinkwater could only hit the wall with his effort, but when the rebound landed at Henri’s feet he made no mistake, rifling the ball into the bottom corner from some 20 yards. This goal marked Lansbury’s third in three matches and he certainly stood out once again from the Three Lions.

The Second half started with France trying to take the lead again, but England soon stamped their dominance with Henri twice denied by France Keeper Pillot. The pressure began to show as the French players’ discipline began to wear away, minutes after Young Gun Rhys Murphy was subbed off, Corchia was sent off for his second yellow. However, England couldn’t translate this numerical advantage into more goals and had to face Extra Time.

But as they entered the additional 30 minutes, their persistence was rewarded. Aston Villa’s Delfouneso was at hand to tuck away a Joe Mattock effort which was palmed out into his path. Slightly more than 10 minutes later, Delfouneso secured the victory with a lovely goal. He embarked on a jinking run that saw him skip past the last defender and the keeper before slotting away calmly. There was still time for two more French players, El Kaoutari and Boudebouz, to be sent off, both for second yellows. At the death Henri almost made it four, hitting the woodwork from 25 yards out.

England will play either Serbia or the Ukraine in the Final on Sunday, with Lansbury sure to play a crucial role.

Meanwhile, their younger counterparts beat the Faroe Islands very convincingly in their second game of the Nordic Tournament. Six goals before half time more than wrapped up the points and, similarly to the Under 19’s performance against Slovenia, a disappointing Second Half only saw the young internationals score 2 more goals.

Josh Ress played 70 minutes of this fixture, while Nico Yennaris was an unused substitute. England will play their final group game on Friday evening at the Overlands Minde Stadium.

Watch Lansbury’s England Goal

Article By – Gianni Sonvinco

Arsenal have made their third raid of the summer on the Swiss League by adding FC Sion left back Elton Monteiro Almada to the captures of fellow defenders Martin Angha and Sead Hajrovic.

The 15-year-old powerhouse has already been in London for a trial over the summer and it now appears a deal has been struck which will see Elton complete the switch on his 16th birthday, which is in late February. Monteiro is a giant and imposing defender who has a great turn of pace and is solid in the air. He is also known to weight in with goals, something he’s done on handful of occasions for Sion’s Under 16 side.

Monteiro has been quickly promoted through the ranks at Sion as he’s been physically twice the size of most of the players in his age group. Elton was part of the side which was beaten by Martin Angha’s FC Zurich in the Nike Cup last year, and the pair will link up in a Swiss dominated Under 18’s over the coming seasons.

More to follow.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal have had a £1.5 million bid turned down for Juventude midfielder José Luis dos Santos Pinto, who is known simply as ‘Zézinho’.

The left footed starlet has made four appearances for Juventude’s first-team this campaign in the Brazilian Serie ‘B’. His performances saw him called up to the Brazil Under 17 national team for the South American tournament. Liverpool were then said to have wrapped up a deal to sign Zézinho but this was quickly dismissed.

A bid of £1.5 million has been made, but it was quickly rebuffed. Whether Arsenal return with another offer remains to be seen but with the deadline looming for the Gunners to send a player on loan to Salamanca, it’s likely this could be pushed through. However, Zézinho’s buyout clause is set at £35 million pounds.

You can view a video of the Brazilian scoring the second for his country against Paraguay below.

Watch Zezinho’s Goal For Brazil

In other news, England’s Under 17’s began the Nordic Tournament with a solid draw against Denmark after coming from behind to steal a point thanks to Arsenal’s Josh Rees.

An inexperienced England side travelled to Norway, but it did include two members of Steve Gatting’s Under 16’s in the form of Josh Rees and Nico Yennaris. There was little in the game during the early stages, but on 36 minutes Denmark went ahead following some poor defensive work. Niels Bisp Rasmussen found himself in space inside the area and headed home past Newcastle United ‘keeper Jak Alnwick

However England soon drew level, with Gunners’ schoolboy Rees getting the goal on the stroke of half time. Into the second half, the Three Lions looked most likely to score again, but couldn’t find the goal that would have given them an opening win.

They play again on Monday, against the Faroe Islands.

Article By – J.Sanderson & Gianni Sonvinco

Arsenal are in talks with Championship outfit Newcastle United over the sale of their highly rated Dutch goalkeeper Tim Krul.

The 21-year-old Holland Under 21 International was regarded as one of the best goalkeeping prospects when he made the move from ADO Den Haag to Newcastle, but has struggled to break through. However, he has shone during loan spells with Falkirk and Carlisle and it now appears Arsène Wenger is ready to bring him back to the top flight and nurture his talents.

The 6 foot 2 inch stopper was scouted playing in the Under 17 European Championship for the Netherlands in Tuscany in May 2005, and after much speculation, Arsenal were edged to his signature by The Magpies. The 2007–2008 campaign saw Krul spend time on loan with Scottish side Falkirk where he made 22 appearances before a shoulder injury cut short his spell.

He returned to Newcastle last term but found Shay Given and Steven Harper tough prospects to overcome. Subsequently, on On the 21st of November he signed for League One Carlisle United where he made 9 appearances before returning in January as Given was sold to Manchester City.

Last month he penned a few four-year-deal with United despite their relegation from the Premier League, and celebrated the new contract by starring for the Dutch Under 21 squad that won the European Championships and also qualified for the 2008 Summer Olympics. A strong, athletic and dominate ‘keeper, Tim recently admitted his desire to seek first team football.

Krul is expected to cost around £3 million pounds and would compete with Łukasz Fabiański, Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczęsny to be Manuel Almunia’s understudy. You can see a video of his talents below.

Click Here To Watch Krul In Action

Article By – J.Sanderson