Month: June 2008

Arsenal duo Carlos Vela and Aaron Ramsey have been penciled in to make their first appearances in a Gunners shirt against Italian side Juventus during the Emirates Cup next month.

Vela only began his summer break last week, after scoring two goals in as many games during Mexico’s  double header of qualifying fixtures for the 2010 World Cup. He has flown away to Cancun, where he will spend the next weeks enjoying a well earned rest, after an incredibly long season with relegation threatened Osasuna.

Carlos reportedly told the media two months ago he would be featuring during the Juventus match, as Arsenal look to defend the Emirates Cup in the two day event. The Gunners will be heading back to training next Monday, where new-boy Ramsey will meet up with his new team mates, however Vela will not be present due to his extended holiday.

News broke today that Ramsey will make his home debut in the Cup opener, and line up alongside some of the greatest players in world football. Arsenal face the “Old Lady” on day one, before a mouth watering clash against Real Madrid just 24 hours later.

Both players have been handed significant and important squad numbers, in 12 and 16 respectively, and look set to play a big part in Arsene Wenger’s plans during the coming season.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger has revealed his plans for Norwegian defender Håvard Nordtveit, saying he expects the 18 year old to step up to his first team during the coming campaign.

During a press conference yesterday afternoon, Wenger was mainly asked about striker Emmanuel Adebayor, but one journalist chose to change the subject. A reporter for Norwegian newspaper “Dagbladet” asked the Gunners chief:

“What do you expect of Nordtveit this season?”

Arsène took no time to ponder the question, and quickly enthused:

“I expect that he takes the step up to the first team and get a few games there.”

Håvard will return to training on July 7th with the first team squad, and although he made the bench during the final Premiership game of the season, Nordtveit admits his long awaited debut should have come much earlier.

The Reserves skipper was penciled in to start the Carling Cup game against Newcastle last January, but after picking up a knee injury, was forced to take a late fitness test.

“Steve Rowley came up to me while I was at the physio. ‘60.000 people is waiting, and you’re in the starting line up.’

“I got the message two minutes later that I couldn’t play the game.”

Whilst the next three months were tinged with disappointment, he returned in stunning form for the Reserves, and helped them establish an eight game unbeaten run. The coming season promises much more for the exciting prospect, and with Wenger not deciding against buying a new central defender, chances will soon open up.

Article By – J.Sanderson

As regular Young Guns readers will know, on Sunday afternoon news broke that Werder Bremen midfielder Amaury Bischoff was in talks with Arsenal, and that the deal would “be completed in the next days”

Well, after going away and thinking about this, it simply does not make sense.

He is a 20 year old player, who has only made one professional appearance. Cesc Fabregas is 21 and has already played over a hundred games for Arsenal, and sure whilst he is no Fabregas, if he was quality enough for us then you would think he would have played more regularly for Werder Bremen.

His injury record (which is probably a reason he has not played so much) is simply horrific. If we did have scouts tracking him, then when would they have seen him?. He seems to spend 90% of his time on the treatment table.

After further research i discovered he is more of a creative box-to-box type rather than an orthodox holding midfielder. We have just signed Aaron Ramsey who fits that mould, added to the fact we already have Mark Randall and Fran Merida in the ranks.

He would not be the first player to come out and say he has signed, or was about to sign for the club. Yago Fernandez did so last summer, as did Mark Milligan two months ago, although he did come on trial.

I think something just does not add up about this transfer, i may be wrong, and he could sign in the next few days like he claims, but it seems that something is not right.

What do you guys think?

Article By – J.Sanderson

In light of Amaury Bischoff’s proposed transfer to Arsenal, i caught up with A. Zimmermann from Carlos Vela News to discuss the 20 year old midfielder. Alex is from Berlin in Germany, and we put a whole manner of questions to him analysing all aspects of Amaury’s playing style.

Could you start by telling us in basic terms about Amaury Bischoff?

“Amaury is a very quick midfielder, he has a great vision on the pitch and a really good passing ability. I see him more as a offensive midfielder rather than a defensive one because he can also play wide on the wings. Another special quality is that he is a great tackler. Overall a really good talent, but he needs to improve a lot to play a major role at Arsenal.”

What special quality’s will be bring to the team?

“His vision to find a teammate on the pitch is his best quality. He can bring to the team energy and pace, as well as a superb long range shooting ability.”

What do you think about him coming to Arsenal?

“It is a unbelievable step for the young man to make when he finalises his transfer to the Emirates. At Bremen he only played for the Reserves but he had his first team debut as he was a substitute against Celta Vigo, and he played the final 16 minutes. He is definitely a special talent which Wenger can develop in to a marvelous star.”

Could you tell us a little about his personality? and how much do you think he is worth?

“About his personality i cannot say so much. I see him playing against Hertha Berlin Reserves in Berlin and he showed he is a leader of the team, and motivates his teammates. I think at the moment he is worth a Carling Cup chance or maybe a place on the bench in the Premiership. He is so talented that he will be not play on Reserves level [for Arsenal].”

Which players would you compare his playing style to?

“He is a real mixture of players. Similar to Aaron Ramsey and Jeremy Toulalan, with a bit of Samir Nasri.”

Thanks for your time Alex.

It seems he is a versatile box-to-box midfielder, and a little more creative than Mathieu Flamini. his injury problems could be a real concern, but he clearly has some serious talent.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal are in talks with German side Werder Bremen for their 21 year old versatile midfielder Amaury Bischoff, according to French website DNA.fr.

The Gunners contacted Bremen six months ago to ask about the highly rated Frenchman, but have since moved for his services. The player himself says a deal has been agreed, and he will travel to London tomorrow to undertake a medical examination before putting pen-to-paper.

Bischoff was interviewed about the move, and says is just waiting for the boss to return from the European Championships before completing the transfer.

“There are some details left to finalize, and then we wait for Arsene Wenger to return from Switzerland.”

“I hope to sign within the next days”

Amaury has recently returned from a long term injury, and admits being frustrated with his injury, and feels now is the correct time to move on.

“Arsenal is a notch above Bremen. I have returned from a long period without playing, I think now is the time to change my surroundings”

Although he was born in France, he chose to represent the country of his mothers birth Portugal. He is an Under 21 international, and joined Werder from Strasbourg in 2005.

Bischoff is a elegant yet tenacious central midfielder, who can also play wide on the right hand side. He can use both feet with equal accuracy, and is firm and aggressive in his challenges. Very much in the mould of Milan bound Mathieu Flamini.

Big thanks to “Jerome” for relaying some of this information.

Name: Amaury Bischoff
Age: 21
Position: Right/Central Midfield
Height: 1.76
Weight: 65kg

Article By – J.Sanderson

Cardiff City vice-captain Riccardo Scimeca has urged new Arsenal signing Aaron Ramsey to be patient in the Premier League, and warned of the pressures and expectancy of performing in one of the greatest competitions in the world.

Scimeca enjoyed two seasons playing with the Welsh international, before Ramsey’s £5 million switch to the Gunners last month, and has first hand experience of the Premiership after playing most of his career in the top flight.

“Aaron will soon find that every pass he delivers will have to near perfect,”

“At the start, Aaron will find that he will have more time than usual, but he will have to do more with the pass that he delivers.” “One bad pass and the quality of play at that level can see you a goal down in seconds.”

The 33 year old also spoke about the huge differences ‘Rambo’ will face after making the transition from the Championship.

“Compared to the Championship, which seems to be 100 miles per hour, you get time on the ball in the Premier League.

“Once Aaron gets used to that difference he will settle down and improve to become an even better player than he is now. “He might have to be a bit patient to break through, but there is no doubt that he has got a special talent.”

Riccardo was then asked if he felt moving to Arsenal was the best option, as many believed he would be ending up with Sir Alex Ferguson at Man Utd. Like most who have had this question put to them, the answer was an empathetic yes.

“Personally I think he’s gone to the best club for his type of football – and that is a passing game,”

“Arsenal, in my opinion, are probably the best passing side and I definitely think Aaron has decided on the right team. “Timing is everything with the younger element and Arsenal will watch his every step.”

In other news, the full list of Under 18 Academy League fixtures have been published. Many of the participants will be Aaron’s age, but Ramsey himself is set for a first team role.

Steve Bould starts the defence of the group A title against Everton on August 23rd, before an away trip against newly promoted Wolves. You can see a full list of all the fixtures Here.

Article By – J.Sanderson

A mixed group of Arsenal youngsters flew out to Switzerland this afternoon, to take part in a mini-tournament against German Champions Bayern Munich.

The boys were spotted an by eagle eyed member of The Gooner Forum, who snapped the above picture. Liam Brady and Roy Massesy were in attendance, and apparently Steve Gatting were also with the travelling squad. Most of the lads will feature in next seasons Nike Cup, as well as the Under 16 side.

Free-scoring striker Zak Ansah (far right) will be hoping to fire Arsenal to victory, after another hugely impressive campaign last year. He is certainly one, amongst others to watch out for during the coming season.

A huge thanks to our friends over at The Gooner Forum for relaying this information, and for taking the picture. Good luck to the young Gunners during the tournament.

Article By – J.Sanderson

After spending the past two days speaking with sources of both sides of the deal, i can bring you clarification of Samir Nasri’s proposed transfer to Arsenal from Marseille.

Young Guns reported on Sunday evening that Samir would sign for the Gunners the following day, after spending the past two days in London agreeing personal terms and undertaking a medical. Nasri’s official website confirmed this news as we predicted, only to later retract the statement.

Since then mass confusion has taken place, with little details about what has gone on coming to the fore-ground. After consulting various people, i can bring you the conclusion. Arsenal did sign Samir on Monday as we said, but part of the agreement entailed that both parties would not announce the deal until July 1st.

The reason is because Marseille would like the transfer money to be placed in next seasons accounts, so they can cut down on the amount of tax and such. OM agreed a fee with Lyon for yesterday for winger Hatem Ben Arfa, but statements have since come out saying there are ‘problems’, and that the signing would have to wait until the end of the month. Meaning the money shelled out on Nasri’s replacement, would also be noted down in next years accounts.

A commenter on the blog claims he contacted the Arsenal.com webmaster yesterday, and was told they have all the information ready to publish, but were waiting for further developments. On the day everything came out, pictures of the player were uploaded on the server, but once they came into the public domain, were swiftly deleted.

Samir was at Marseille’s training centre on Thursday, where he gave his goodbyes to his team mates, and posed for a photo with his former coach.

The much respected Arseblogger and Goonerholic have backed up this statements during this mornings ArseCast.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Burnley are reportedly closing in on the loan signing of a “unnamed” youngster, with suggestions it could be Arsenal midfielder Mark Randall. Clarets boss Owen Coyle has been busy sealing various deals in the past week, after cashing in on star striker Kyle Lafferty.

Martin Paterson, Christian Kalvenes and Kevin McDonald have already been snapped up, with an agreement in place to sign Peruvian stopper Diego Penny. Burnley took Randall on a three month loan last January, and despite picking up injuries, left an impression on the Scottish manager.

He also admitted he would be keen to speak with Liam Brady about Randall, and any other young prospects that would be available on loan. Coyle added to the speculation yesterday, by confirming he is looking to add some young blood to his experienced outfit.

“I think we’ve got some terrific players at the football club,” “But we needed to add some younger legs because of their hunger and desire.”

Arsène Wenger is known to be a huge of Mark, even handing him his Premiership debut on the final day of the season against Sunderland. However, when Arsenal produced the list of first team squad numbers for the new campaign, Randall was left out, fueling speculation he could be set for a move away.

Should the 18 year old be farmed out, Burnley would face strong competition from Championship rivals Derby County and Birmingham City, who have publicly spoke about their desire to take our young Gunners on loan.

Article By – J.Sanderson