Month: June 2008

Neil Banfield and Steve Bould will take their young playing staff back to training this afternoon, and whilst the usual work of returning the players to match fitness will begin, important decisions over some players futures will also be made inside the next two weeks.

Several of the boys on professional contracts look set to have their deals torn up, as Liam Brady and David Court get ready to bring through a new wave of talents they have been carefully nurturing. The procedure normally see’s many of the Reserve team leaving, who are replaced with Under 18 players, and then Under 16’s fill the gaps in Steve Bould’s side.

This coming term is one of the most exciting to date, not just because of the calibre of home grown talents coming through, but also some of the promising prospects which have been bought in. During the summer months two major transfers have taken place, with Oguzhan Özyakup joining from AZ Alkmaar, and Francis Coquelin from Stade Laval. Özyakup will not complete his switch until his 16th birthday in September, and will joined by Ignasi Miquel a month later, but Coquelin will be available straight away.

Several of the Under 16 boys have been handed scholarship deals, including Oliver Nicholas, Rhema Obed, Jason Banton, Sam Byles, Conor Henderson and others. Full details of who received what will be published in due course.

Building an Academy is a 10 year process, as players arrive at 9 years old they do not leave until 18-19, so the true value of Arsène Wenger’s work will come to fruition over the next two seasons. Another huge plus point for both managers will be the return to action of Henri Lansbury after a six month spell on the sidelines with glandular fever. The first friendly is against Rushden & Diamonds at the end of next month, by then the team will have a very different look to that of the last campaign.

Abu Ogogo, Rene Steer, Jay Simpson, Paul Rodgers, Kerrea Gilbert, James Dunne, and Vincent van Den Berg all lead the list of names who look set to leave during the summer. Mark Randall, Fran Merida, Aaron Ramsey and Nacer Barazite look set to be become first team players, with captain Håvard Nordtveit on the fringes too.

The future is bright at Arsenal.

Article By – J.Sanderson

The Samir Nasri transfer saga should come to an end tomorrow afternoon as the Marseille play-maker is officially confirmed as an Arsenal Football Club player.

Nasri and agent Jean-Pierre Bernes flew to London on Thursday to finalise the move, with a medical examination taking place on Friday. The remaining details of his switch were not completed in time for confirmation to be given that day, and with the clubs website not operating during the weekends, the month long saga has dragged on.

Although Arsène Wenger is not in the country (see below), Ken Friar and Steve Rowley have been working to tie up the deal in the Frenchman’s absence. As Young Guns told you first, Marseille chairman Pape Diouf confirmed the medical was set to take place on French TV during Friday evening, before sealing his £13 million transfer.

The terms of the contract are believed to be a five years in length, and whilst the wage amount is unknown, it has been hinted that he will earning a noteable salary during his time in London. After all the paperwork is completed, Samir will be free to spend the remaining weeks on a well deserved holiday, before pre-season begins in July.

I found one of the more interesting things about tonight’s Italy V Spain clash was that Arsène Wenger was in attendance, despite completing his work for French television. He was joined by former player Zinédine Zidane, leading to speculation he was checking up on Valenica forward David Villa.

Well done to young Cesc Fabregas for keeping his composure to slot home the winning penalty, shows how far he has come in such a short time. It was only a few years ago he was turning out at Underhill, and now he is in the semi-finals of the European Championships. Good luck to Cescy for the rest of the competition.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal striker Carlos Vela was on target for Mexico again last night, as they romped past Belize 7-0 on the night, and 9-0 on aggregate. Vela had also scored in the first leg last week, and kept up his excellent form with another superbly taken strike.

The win sees the number one seeded Mexico, safely through to the next round of the CONCACAF division World Cup qualifiers, but the 19 year old will now have the summer to himself, before returning to pre-season training next month.

Click Here To Watch Them

Article By – J.Sanderson

Whilst most of his Arsenal team mates are enjoying holidays, Carlos Vela’s long season continues as he helps his native Mexico to try and qualify for the 2010 World Cup. He was in action again tonight, in the return leg of the CONCACAF division match against the lowly Belize.

The first game last week was a tough and physical affair, but late strikes from Carlos himself, and a Jard Borgetti penalty saw a 2-0 away victory. The Mexicans made tough work of the fixture, but eventually got the job done ahead of this evenings home clash in El Volcan, Monterrey.

Caretaker boss Jesus Ramirez switched the side again, bringing in Fernando Arce, and Cesar Villaluz. But the inform Vela kept his place as the loan striker, looking for his third goal in as many matches. There was no place in the squad for injured duo Giovani Dos Santos, or captain Rafael Marquez.

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Plymouth Arygle striker Aaron Spear is expected to complete his transfer to Newcastle in the next two weeks, after Kevin Keegan flew back from holiday to help oversea the final details of the move.

The Toon boss gave Director of football Dennis Wise three names before he left, and was instructed to tie up the deals following his return. One of those players was Spear, but after failing to complete any of the transfers, a furious Keegan has now returned to personally help with the clubs rebuilding.

Arsenal had previously offered a contract to Aaron, but the player always preferred a move to Tyneside, despite the year long interest held by the Gunners. Portsmouth were also in for the starlet, but after being shown around his potential new school two weeks ago, everything is in place for his dream switch to Newcastle.

All that remains is for the two sides to agree on a price for Spear, although an initial offer of £150k has already been rejected.

One of the reasons Aaron decided against a move to Arsenal, was the quality already in the youth ranks, and as Steve Bould takes his team to pre-season training on Monday, one of the brightest prospects in the Academy will be trying to make a claim for a place come the start of the season. His name is Benik Afobe.

Afobe had an outstanding campaign last year, his first at Under 16’s level, with an amazing 40 goals in just 33 matches. But it was not just the quantity of his strikes which was so impressive, but also the quality. He has the ability to thrive of even the poorest of chances, with lethal and predatory instincts.

Next season will see him make the step up to Steve Bould’s competitive Under 18 side, where the expectations will be even higher. One or two average performances can see a player quickly on the bench, but the rewards for those who show promise can be spectacular.

Many of the star Under 18 boys were given a chance with Neil Banfield’s Reserves side, and  when playing against often experienced and physical Premiership players, the rate of development can rise quickly. There is also a certain amount of pressure for these players this year, as highlights of both teams will be shown on Arsenal TV, with Reserves fixtures going out live.

Arsene Wenger is known to watch every second string game, and often makes personal appearances to check up on them himself. It certainly promises to be another productive and exciting season for both Benik and Arsenal. You can follow the fortunes of all our youth teams, with news, reports, previews and much more right here on Young Guns.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal manger Arsène Wenger has added to growing speculation by confirming his admiration for Turkish winger Arda Turan. The Gunners chief is currently working for French TV station TF1, but is not scheduled to cover any more fixtures, and could return to London over the weekend.

Wenger was commentating alongside fellow countryman Larqué during the coverage of Turkey V Croatia, and with Turan having another impressive night, attention soon turned to the link between Arsenal and the Galatasaray winger.

Larqué was keen to squeeze information out of his co-worker, and jumped straight in saying:

“Arda is a very good player Arsène?, and we all know you like him?”

Before the competition began two weeks ago, the Frenchman told BBC Sport he would be taking his cheque book to the tournament, and has clearly done his research on the 21 year old.

“Yes, he is an extremely good talent, one of the best in the Turkish squad”

Arda is currently the 4th top scorer at Euro 2008 with two vital goals, and has played an important role in Turkey’s remarkable success to date. He has been compared to former Gunner Robert Pires, but also Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, for his scoring and creative abilities. The young Turk recently said he would be keen to move to either England or Spain.

“I’d like to play either in England or in Spain,”
“Okan, Emre and Arif Erdem are admired by everyone in Turkey.”

Galatasaray would be able to command a fee around the £10 million mark for his services, and with Alexander Hleb set to move on during the summer months, could provide a fresh attacking option. Turan can operate all over the midfield, but his best position is in the famous “Pires” position cutting in from the left hand side.

You can see some clips of Arda in action below.

Video One — Video Two — Video Three

Article By – J.Sanderson

UD Salamanca have issued a statement on their official website this afternoon, admitting they are uncertain if Arsenal’s Pedro Botelho will be spending next season with them.

The Segunda outfit posted a list of the clubs playing staff, and gave a brief explanation if they would be staying, or leaving during the summer months. Pedro was named in the list, but they confirmed they are unsure if the deal will be extended for next season, and will hold a meeting with Gunners officials shortly.

Local newspaper Tribuna de Salamanca had previously reported Pedro would be spending next season with the Union, after South American chief Richard Law flew to Spain for discussions two months ago. But since then the player himself has become frustrated at his lack of first team chances, despite being one of their better player during the campaign.

The loan contract has now been completed, but he cannot return to Arsenal in a playing format, as he does not hold a required work permit, or European visa. Should the meeting be unsuccessful the Gunners would be left with two possible choices.

1) Find Pedro a new club to be loaned to. UD Cornella have already expressed an interest, but as they play in the 6th tier of Spanish football, that option seems pointless. He could follow the route Carlos Vela took, and be loaned to Osasuna for next term, as they have already said they would be delighted to accept more prospects from Arsenal.

2) The decision could be made to bring Botelho back to London early. This option would be the toughest, as an application for a “special talent” visa would need to lodged with the home office. Alex Song and Denilson were both granted these permits, but we have previously been unsuccessful in the case of Carlos Vela for example.

Pedro has been taking regular English lessons with tutor Peter Murphy, so everything would be in place should he make an early return to Arsenal. But i would expect him to be spending next season with Salamanca, who offer the best place for his development in the immediate future.

Article By – J.Sanderson

When Arsenal signed Aaron Ramsey from Cardiff City last week, one of the main questions asked by Gooners was Where will the young Welshman play?. Gunners legend Bob Wilson has an answer to this question, and believes Ramsey will eventually be the man to partner Cesc Fabregas in central midfield. But whilst he is excited by his potential, admits he has a long way to go yet.

“Imagine Ramsey and Fabregas together in the middle, the possibilities are endless. He is athletic, quick and already has brilliant quality on the ball. He has everything he needs to become a star at Arsenal.”

The former goalkeeper also thinks Ramsey’s transfer will signal a new wave of British talents coming through to Arsène Wenger’s first team, and also spoke about some of the English talent already here.

“With this talk of quotas, Arsenal already have a group of at least seven young home-grown youngsters coming through, at least three of whom are good enough to play at the highest level. Aaron can be part of that.

“But it means that, as well as coming in with the likes of Fabregas and Robin van Persie, there will be six or seven other British players who will be, like Aaron, champing at the bit to make it.”

When asked of the comparison’s to Theo Walcott and Ramsey, Wilson enthused “Rambo” is a bigger talent at 17 than Theo was at the same age.

“When you look at him as a 17-year-old, Aaron has caught the eye even more than Theo did,”

“Theo joined Arsenal above Chelsea, despite the fact it was for less money, because he believed Arsène Wenger was the best man to fulfil his potential. He wanted an education in the game and he knew Arsène would provide that better than anyone.

“I’m sure Aaron would have had similar thoughts when he chose Arsenal. Arsène can help him fulfil the huge potential he clearly has.”

Finally, Bob gave his thoughts on how ‘Le boss’ would deploy the youngster, and again reverted back to the Walcott comparison’s.

“I think Aaron will have the induction Theo did. Start as a sub during pre-season, feature in the FA and Carling Cups, but be on the fringe of the first team.”

“Theo wants to learn, but he is growing impatient. That is the road Aaron will have to go on.”

I personally feel Gilberto will continue to play alongside Cesc for next season, before Ramsey eventually is at a level to take over. Possibly this is a reason why Wenger back tracked on signing a new defender, as Kolo Toure would have been the long term option in midfield, but now Aaron can take up the role in the future.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Marseille chairman Pape Diouf has confirmed Samir Nasri is in London having a medical with Arsenal, but did not set a deadline on the completion of the transfer.

Diouf was invited on the 100% Football show on M6, and was put through an intensive grilling by the shows presenter Estelle Denis, who is the current girlfriend of French manager Raymond Domenech. Whilst he refused to admit the deal is official, Diouf was pressed into saying an agreement had been reached between Arsenal and Marseille, with Samir set to sign following his medical.

He was also asked about the future players of the French national team, and included Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri as important members of the squad, also saying they will all come from Arsenal. The subject quickly turned to the 20 year old midfielder, but Diouf wanted to remain coy on the subject.

“There is an agreement [between Arsenal and Marseille], but Nasri is not officially an Arsenal player. He must first complete the medical”

Estelle Denis then put it to Diouf that the media expect the transfer to be completed tomorrow, but he stuck to his guns, and refused to speak about the deal. Instead he hesitated, before looking away and waiting for the next question. It was almost like he wanted to confess the deal, but had been advised not to release any details.

Young Guns previously announced the news Samir was in London for a medical, but with the only source the French newspaper La Provence, some people questioned the story. However with official confirmation from Marseille, it seems the original news was legitimate.

A huge thank you to Georges, as well as Thomas from ArsenalLover for these translations.

Article By – J.Sanderson