Author: Staff Writer

It’s finally here. Welcome to Young Guns’ inaugural Blogger Idol Final. Ben Jones, Nick Love and Nick Doherty have each had their final entries published. Read them all carefully and remember to check the criteria we asked for Here. When completed, visit the Blogger Idol section of the blog and vote for your winner. It couldn’t be simpler.

You have until midnight on Friday the 31st of July to get your votes before the poll will be closed. You may only vote once.

Ben Jones – ‘Tax Rise + Migration To La Liga Benefit Arsenal’

Nick Doherty – ‘Nordtveit Looking Forward To Nurnberg Move’

Nick Love – ‘Fran Or Jack To Be Thrown In At The Deep End?’

Article By – J.Sanderson

It’s finally here. Welcome to Young Guns’ inaugural Blogger Idol Final. Below is one of three articles from the finalists Ben Jones, Nick Love and Nick Doherty. Read them all carefully and remember to check the criteria we asked for Here. When completed, visit the Blogger Idol section of the blog and vote for your winner. It couldn’t be simpler.

You have until midnight on Friday the 31st of July to get your votes before the poll will be closed. You may only vote once.

Young Norwegian defender Håvard Nordtveit looks set to leave Lillestrøm where he is currently enjoying a successful loan spell, to join newly-promoted Bundesliga side Nurnberg on a season long loan in time for the new season.

Nordtveit told Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet:

“German football would of course be a tremendous challenge for me, but I am enjoying myself at LSK. I know that Arsenal will make the right decision which is best for me and my career.”

The youngster has put in some impressive performances for the league strugglers and is gaining some invaluable experience playing every week and a good level, and under a former Premiership defender in Henning Berg. Lillestrøm will be sad to see Håvard depart for the Bundeslga and Berg added:

“We are in close contact with Arsenal and we all want the best possible solution for Håvard, we know that Arsenal are pleased how Havard’s development has been whilst he has been here.”

The Norway Under-21 international is thought to have a bright future in the game and has the potential to become one of the great Arsenal centre backs. After an unhappy loan spell at Spanish link club Salamanca, Nordtveit has enjoyed his spell at Lillestrøm and has become a regular starter for the side. However, a loan spell in a top European league, with a newly-promoted side who are expected to defend a lot, it could be a very important season for Håvard, and one where he will gain much more experience and hopefully will be able to express his quality on a bigger stage.

Article By – Nick Doherty

It’s finally here. Welcome to Young Guns’ inaugural Blogger Idol Final. Below is one of three articles from the finalists Ben Jones, Nick Love and Nick Doherty. Read them all carefully and remember to check the criteria we asked for Here. When completed, visit the Blogger Idol section of the blog and vote for your winner. It couldn’t be simpler.

You have until midnight on Friday the 31st of July to get your votes before the poll will be closed. You may only vote once.

Arsenal kicked off their short European tour on Tuesday, but faced a major dent in their preparation as the gifted Samir Nasri fractured his right fibula during training. Wenger was quick to play down the injury stating ‘It’s not a complicated one, it’s a simple one but it will take six weeks to heal’. Nonetheless, Wenger more than anyone knows the harm in rushing a player back from injury combined with the lack of pre season it looks certain that Samir will miss the opening fixtures of Arsenal’s campaign. However, ‘One man’s loss is another man’s gain’, and Nasri’s unfortunate situation will give an opportunity for another Gunner to gain a starting berth on the left side of midfield. This begs the question; who?

Andrei Arshavin has openly stated his preference to play off the main striker, Abou Diaby has never looked comfortable out wide, Wenger is yet to decide the future of Armand Traore, Vela is developing well as a striker and it will be a tall order for Tomas Rosicky to play consistently in his first few months back from an 18 month layoff. Step forward Jack Wilshere and Fran Merida, two exceptional, young players who have been flirting with the first team over the past year. With outstanding technical flair, goal scoring ability and most significantly, both have a natural left foot. The injury to Nasri has created a small, but realistic opportunity for the two young, ambitious playmakers to compete for their first competitive, senior start in the Premier League.

Fran Merida always seemed destined for Arsenal’s first team since his arrival from Barcelona in 2006. He swiftly developed through the youth and reserves before being sent out on loan to gain valuable experience. Fran attracted many fans along the way, most notably Wenger himself labelling him ‘an absolutely amazing talent’. Few players receive such privileged praise from the manager and a Premier League start looked inevitable in the not too distant future. However, unknown to the Arsenal faithful, whilst Fran was in Sociedad being groomed for the Arsenal first team an emerging gem was being nurtured in the shape of Jack Wilshere.

Jack and Fran are similar in ability and potential; both named in UEFA’s top ten rising stars, similar playing styles, confident performances in the Carling Cup and impressive cameo appearances in the Premier League. Despite their similarities, each player has their own claim for a first team start.

Fran is nearly two years older than Jack and gained valuable first team experience in the competitive Segunda División, helping Sociedad secure fourth spot. Fran was able to experience the rigours of first team football, the highs and lows, the dips in form and expectations of the fans. “Playing professionally is a new situation, one where you play in front of 25,000 people, one with pressure from press and fans every single week” Fran declared. This experience will certainly hold Fran in good stead for the demands of Premiership football, combined with his obvious ‘talent’, Fran may have out grown his stay in reserve team football.

Fran has thrived in the Spanish national team at U17 and U19 level, and is currently in Ukraine at the UEFA U19 Championships, perhaps a fundamental flaw in his progression with Arsenal. Despite his commendable dedication to the national side, for two seasons he has missed out on vital pre season training and possible first team action. Meanwhile Jack continues to rack up minutes in pre season and establish his name firmly in Wenger’s mind.

Jack’s breakthrough came with a stunning performance against West Ham for the reserves and a gleaming Arsene Wenger watched on as the 16 year old scored with an audacious effort. Consistently improving at a hasty rate Jack has been given the number 19 shirt for the forthcoming season. He has impressed so much so that Arsene Wenger has already recommended that Jack has the potential to reach the 2010 World Cup.

With the impending 6+5 rule, Arsenal may be more obliged to blood a young, talented Englishman plus the obvious positive ramifications with the Arsenal fans; a local lad lining up regularly on a Saturday. Wenger has hinted that Jack’s development will be similar to Theo Walcott, who when questioned about Jack added “He makes it look so easy when he plays and every time he gets the ball and does something he brings a smile to your face”, and like Walcott and Ramsey it will be unlikely that Jack goes out on loan, instead slowly developing in the first team. If this is the case it may be that Fran will have to head out on loan once again, preferably in the Premiership. However, Wenger is very wary of the physical demands of the Premiership and the affects it may have on Jack.

Although there may be alternatives to Jack Wilshere and Fran Merida on the left side of midfield, it is undeniable that both players have genuine ability to knock extremely hard on the first team’s door. With little to choose between the two youngsters it is possible that in the future they may play in the same team, but for the time being both are competing for a first team place. Jack’s performances over pre season may place him in pole position despite Fran’s experience abroad. Either way Wenger likes to throw his young protégés in at the deep end and it will be interesting who he will ask to swim first, Fran or Jack.

Article By – Nick Love

It’s finally here. Welcome to Young Guns’ inaugural Blogger Idol Final. Below is one of three articles from the finalists Ben Jones, Nick Love and Nick Doherty. Read them all carefully and remember to check the criteria we asked for Here. When completed, visit the Blogger Idol section of the blog and vote for your winner. It couldn’t be simpler.

You have until midnight on Friday the 31st of July to get your votes before the poll will be closed. You may only vote once.

An interesting article on the FourFourTwo website this week revealed that Jermaine Pennant’s move to Real Zaragoza has rewarded the former Young Gun with a £40k a week contract. Surprising, this is a figure that works out to roughly the same wage as a player earning £80k a week here in the EPL –Thanks to the British governments new 50% tax bracket. You can read the article here.

Now, I believe that puts him in the same company as Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie in terms of wages. So a player with a fraction of Cesc’s ability gets the same wage. Sound fair? No, It’s absolutely mental!

This whole situation has consequences on Arsenal’s future ability to attract and keep top class players. Good news is that Arsenal won’t be alone in facing this challenge – Everyone barring Man City you’d think. Wenger, a man of high economic understanding responded to questions about the recent domination of the EPL in Europe, saying…

“Don’t worry, that time will soon be over, because with the new taxation system, and the collapse of Sterling, the domination of the Premier League on that front will go. That is for sure. It will be a financial problem for all the English clubs.”

You don’t have to have Arsene’s knowledge of economic matters to understand that players by nature will choose destinations where they can maximize their income. We all hate paying tax and would probably make a similar decision in our normal everyday lives. The truth is, teams will have to stump up even more money to keep their players in the EPL, otherwise La Liga will suddenly become a very appealing destination.

It may seem like its all doom and gloom but Arsenal are better positioned than any club to tackle this situation, and the reason why? Our ‘Young Guns’ of course.

In an interview given by Gilles Grimandi the Arsenal scout talks about our approach in tracking young players and gives some insight into the scouting network as a whole. The interview can be read here.

The curly haired legend touches upon an interesting point regarding the personal touch and assurances the club offer to both the players and their families during the recruitment process. I guess the signing of Aaron Ramsey from Cardiff epitomised this idea. When Manchester United were courting the youngster, they sent… wait for it… Gary Neville to speak to Ramsey and convince him that his future lies at Old Trafford. Arsenal? Well they flew Ramsey and his family first class to Switzerland to have lunch and a personal chat with Mr Wenger.

When Arsenal sign a youngster it’s done so with great consideration and it’s given the time it deserves by the highest rungs of the clubs hierarchy. Grimandi also had this to say…

“If young people are recruited, it is because one believes in their progression within the team. The trainer promises something to them which is realizable”

You can’t argue with that. It’s all about quality, not quantity with Arsenal. I certainly believe that the promises made to players and their families are going to be Arsenal’s greatest investment for the foreseeable future. That is of course, provided these promises are kept.

Building a team full of players that owe Arsenal a debt, a respect for the manager and who have grown to love the club, this is Arsenal’s best weapon against the silly amount of money going around. Its about creating an environment where loyalty can flourish.

Cesc and RVP are just the latest players that could have picked up more than double their current salaries elsewhere, but it’s the investment in these players as young men which has so far been critical in keeping them in the red and white.

Arsenal fans are now entering an exciting period in the clubs history. We are about to witness the first generation of players since Wenger took charge, that will complete the full development cycle by joining the club at the age of nine and going on to play first team football (Wilshire, Lansbury etc)

It’s been too long since Arsenal had their own Totti, Scholes or Maldini; players you could never see playing for any other club. Playing first team, for a club you’ve been at since the age of nine, surely you can’t have any more loyalty, love and respect for a club than that. Money becomes a side issue.

Seriously, could you imagine Paul Scholes or Ryan Giggs having a contract dispute?

Ok, we were stung by Ashley Cole, but for Arsenal and our youth players it’s the best thing that could of ever happened. Obviously it has contributed towards the development of Clichy and now Gibbs, but even more importantly, any Arsenal youngster can look at Cole’s example and see that following money doesn’t always bring happiness; it also brings widespread derision and great nicknames like “Cashley” and “C**tly C**t.”

As teams are presented with the challenge of being expected to pay higher wages to compensate for the new tax hike, and stronger competition from Spain for the title of ‘Best League in the World,” teams will be forced to reassess and look at returning to a more sustainable model. Of course this starts by developing your own players at grass roots level, something that puts Arsenal in pole position.

Article By – Ben Jones

England’s Under 19 team, and its Arsenal contingent, qualified with ease in the final group fixture of the European Under 19’s Tournament, while Francisco Merida’s Spain couldn’t manage to get the win needed to stay in the competition.

England played Slovenia in the late kick-off and had to win ensure progression. Early team news indicated that while Gavin Hoyte was dropped to the bench, Rhys Murphy got his first start of this Tournament.

Earlier on in the day, Fran Merida’s Spain, 5 time winners of the competition, had been unceremoniously dumped from proceedings by France. Les Bleus needed to win and this was seen in their early play, pressing Spain high up the pitch and causing their defence considerable problems. And so it was no surprise when they went ahead, lively left winger Brahimi cutting inside to slot home.

While many would have expected Merida to be the driving force in a Spanish come-back after his brilliant performance in the previous game, the Coach Luis Milla Aspar chose to withdraw Fran after 65 minutes, replacing him with striker Aquino. And this was how the young Spaniard’s tournament ended. Fran will no doubt be hoping to console himself by returning to the Arsenal fold as soon as possible, in order to build a good pre-season.

Unlike Merida and Spain, England’s young gunners had no trouble progressing. Murphy started up front and Lansbury played his third consecutive game. England were on the back foot initially, with Slovenia getting the first chance, however they were made to pay for missing. A neat move from England saw Arsenal’s Lansbury shoot into the top corner for the Three Lion’s opener. Henri then assisted both of the next two goals; his freekick was turned in by Briggs on the 19th, and his through ball being finished by Welbeck 6 minutes later. England continued going from strength to strength and made it 4 with Welbeck’s second and then 5 on 37 minutes. Delfouneso profiting from another Lansbury freekick. In between these two goals Jovic was sent-off for a reckless challenge on Henri, in what was a brilliant first half for the Arsenal midfielder.

With a 5 goal lead going into the second half England lost their impetus and Slovenia pulled a goal back early on, Dimitrov scoring their effort. However, a come-back never looked likely and Arsenal’s Murphy tested the keeper along with several other of his teammates. Worryingly for Arsenal and England, Lansbury was forced off on 64 after another robust challenge on him, Hoyte also came on at this point, but defending wasn’t a priority. Further chances came England’s way and it wasn’t long until they got their 6th, Delfouneso bagging his second. Indeed, they also go a seventh, Nile Ranger scoring what turned out to be the last goal of the game.

So it ended 7-1 to England, a record for the tournament, with Lansbury playing a crucial role and Rhys Murphy playing a dangerous full 90. Both England and Arsenal fans will be hoping the Henri is fit for the next round as England look to progress through the knock-out rounds.

Article By – Gianni Sonvinco

Pedro Botelho was presented to the Spanish media and then Celta Vigo fans on Saturday afternoon after completing the formalities of his season-long-loan move. After facing a barrage of questions, Botelho indicated his desire to return to Arsenal next summer but only after helping his new side to promotion to La Liga.

Pedro, who made 27 appearances for UD Salamanca last season, met with Arsene Wenger earlier this month to discuss the future after leaving The Union a month early following a spat with manager David Armaral. It was decided that the 19-year-old would head for pastures new for a third and final loan spell. Celta Vigo struck a deal and he completed the second part of a medial on Friday morning.

Despite a niggling thigh injury, he came through with flying colours and immediately lauded his new employers, before confirming his plans to begin his career with Arsenal ahead of the 2010-2011 campaign.

“First things first – Celta is a great team. This year they have signed very good players and I think we will be up there. The goal is to get promotion.”

“My personal goal is to have a fantastic year and for this to be my last year on loan. I have a huge desire to return to England and stay at Arsenal.”

Celta Vigo have raided Arsenal’s link club Salamanca for players Vasco Fernandes, David Català and Cristian Bustos along with Sporting Director Miguel Torrecilla. Torrecilla struck up a good relationship with Wenger and his hope is that the Gunners would ditch Salamanca and link up with Celta in the coming seasons.

Former Arsenal defender Sylvinho had a brief spell with Celta Vigo before moving to FC Barcelona, and naturally comparisons have been made between the two full backs. However, Pedro brushed aside these suggestions.

“Sylvinho is and was a great player who has won everything and I have a lot to do to become a player like him.”

Botelho has already flown out to be with his new team-mates as their begin their pre-season training.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal striker Carlos Vela was one of the star players as Mexico lifted their record 5th CONCACAF Gold Cup with a devastating 5 goal second half performance. Mexico played the hosts USA in front of a capacity 78,000 fans and the El Tri contingent were not left disappointed.

Carlos didn’t start the game, but as with the semi-final, the game came to life when he was subbed on. After a fairly even first 45, Aguirre obviously decided that the young Arsenal man was needed and on he came for Medina.

On 50 Minutes Vela got his first significant slice of the action, collecting the ball after a corner and crossing only for it to be cleared on the 6 yard line. But Mexico kept on coming and soon started to batter down the US’ normally watertight defence, and when Dos Santos was downed in the area, Torrado stepped up to put El Tri ahead.

From this point Mexico took complete control, and Vela had an effort saved before turning provider seconds later. The young striker was given far too much space and was able to run into the area before pulling it back to Sabah. While the tournament Top Scorer’s effort was saved, Dos Santos finished easily on the rebound.

And 5 minutes later, Vela had his goal. Giovanni Dos Santos, one of the best players of the afternoon, found his teammate and Carlos chipped the ball over the oncoming keeper with consummate ease. It seems the cheeky chip is somewhat of a trademark for Carlito!

Mexico and Carlos continued going from strength to strength, and in the 79th min Vela’s delightful through ball found Castro who slotted home. Late on in the match, Vela was involved in a more distasteful incident as Heaps was sent-off for a lunge on him, luckily Carlos was ok and if anything, this is just a sign of how frustrated the United States were getting with his quick feet. And Mexico continued to add insult to injury, with Franco scoring their fifth from outside the area!

So with one goal and two assists, Vela must be one of the contenders for Man of the Match. The official CONCACAF site called bringing on Vela a “masterstroke” and described Carlos himself as “sensational” and, along with Dos Santos, “a cut above the rest”.

While Vela must be thinking about what could have been if he’d played throughout the competition, Arsenal fans will be ecstatic to see a fit Vela coming back from the tournament and also to observe the devastating impact he can make from the sub bench.

Click Here For Video Highlights

Article By – Gianni Sonvinco

Arsenal’s Under 18’s finished third in this weekends Toomey Tournament after a 1-0 defeat to Southend ended their chances of winning the title. However, they made up for their lackluster performance on day one by thrashing Fulham 4-0 to secure a third place finish.

Day One – Arsenal 0-1 Southend

After Everton edged out Fulham in the early kick off, both Arsenal and Southend knew their potential final opponents. Steve Bould anticipated his side would reach the final so selected an under strength XI for the first fixture of the competition. There was a debut for Sean McDermott between the sticks while Roarie Deacon, Chuks Aneke and Benik Afobe made up a very young lineup.

Arsenal began well and nearly had the lead in the opening minutes. Conor Henderson forced former Gunner Daniel Bentley into a terrific one handed save before Luke Ayling should have scored after a lovely passing move by Bould’s boys. Luke Freeman then had an effort poked off the line, and as the visitors stepped things up, Roarie Deacon nearly opened his pre-season account. But the goal eluded Arsenal.

Benik Afobe and Ayling had further chances, but after the barrage of attacks, Southend sprung into action and snatched a surprise lead. Kyle Asante stormed his way through Ayling and Miquel to round McDermott and slip the ball into the net. It was the final action of the first-half.

The second period saw a quiet affair with Deacon having the only meaningful chance, but the day was always Southend’s.

Day Two – Arsenal 4-0 Fulham

Day two and game two brought an opportunity to put things right. Six changes saw Bould bring in James Shea in goal along with newly signed scholars George Brislen-Hall, Jernade Meade and Jordan Wynter. It was their first chance to impose themselves ahead of the new campaign and they did.

Conor Henderson and Luke Freeman had early chances before Meade should have scored from Brislen-Hall’s perfect pull back. At half time it seemed a similar story to game one may repeat itself but four unanswered goals proved otherwise.

Jamaican midfielder Wynter got things going when he turned home Meade’s delicate cross, and despite a brief rally from Fulham, Freeman pounced to make it 2-0. With 20 minutes left Cedric Evina rifled home from just inside the box for number three, and the rout was completed in the closing stages when Deacon’s pull back was met with force by Aneke’s right foot.

Everton clinched the Toomey Tournament trophy after beating Southend on penalties.

Article By – J.Sanderson

In the summer of 2002 Arsenal snapped up two promising Swiss defenders in the form of Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou. Now seven years later the Gunners have repeated that feat with the additions of Martin Angha and Sead Hajrovic.

Senderos arrived among interest from several big clubs, with Arsenal edging a bidding war for the then youngster – in a similar way to Martin Angha. Djourou however, was a relative unknown. He slipped into the Academy much like Hajrovic with the pair both representing Switzerland despite being born in a different country.

As both Philippe and Johan reach cross roads in their careers, Arsène Wenger welcomes his second batch of Swiss stoppers. Angha arrives from FC Zürich where he skippered their Under 16’s to Nike Cup success, and Hajrovic from FC Zürich’s fierce rivals Grasshoppers.

The pair have settled quickly in London and struck up a good friendship. Both are current Under 17 internationals for Switzerland, although the future may see Sead represent his native Bosnia. Martin won’t link up with the squad on a full time basis until the new year, but the 16-year-old’s represent an exciting central defensive partnership for the future.

Hajrovic provides the rugged and aggressive approach. He’s a physical and no nonsense central defender who is a monster in the air. Angha offers a calm and classy approach. Blessed with blistering pace, he is a solid tackler and can pick a good pass out from the back.

Arsenal fans should get a chance to check out the pair in action in the latter stages of next season’s F.A Youth Cup, where they will begin the fight for silverware with the club. It promises to be an exciting campaign with these two on board and with Senderos and Djourou as role models, they have been shown the route to the first-team.

Article By – J.Sanderson