News

Blackburn Rovers accepted Arsenal’s bid for defender Phil Jones last night, but the 19-year-old opted to join Manchester United instead.

The news comes as Jones puts the finishing touches to his switch to Old Trafford, despite Arsène Wenger trying to thrash out a deal last night. This was confirmed by the Lancashire Telegraph, who report that Blackburn did give Wenger permission to discuss a deal, after a fee in excess of £16 million was agreed.

However, despite reports suggesting the Frenchman was ready to offer more in wages, Jones had already decided he wanted to stay in the North, and move to United. The England Under 21 international is the second centre back to reject Arsenal for United, following on from Chris Smalling in January of 2010.

Daily Express journalist Matt Law told his Twitter followers that Wenger “did all he could” to convince Jones.

After months of speculation and rumour, Carl Jenkinson’s transfer to Arsenal was finally confirmed this afternoon. The 19-year-old moves to North London for a compensation fee of around £1 million.

To get the low down on Jenkinson, I caught up with Charlton fan and youth team expert Scott, who tweets about the Addicks youngsters over at CAFCYouth. He began by giving an introduction to Carl.

“Carl has been with Charlton since Under 9 level. He made his Under 18 debut in 2007, as an Under 16. He played regularly for the Under 18’s from 2008 to 2010, and also made international appearances for both England and Finland at youth level. He also captained Charlton Under 18’s in their three FA Youth Cup matches at The Valley last season and Finland Under 18’s in an 8 team tournament last season.”

“He’s also made several appearances in Reserve friendlies during the last season and played in first-team friendlies last pre-season.”

Many have written about Jenkinson, but few have actually agreed on his best position. Scott set the record straight on that.

“He is comfortable at both right back, as he’s right footed, and centre back. He can occasionally play at left back, but he’s better in the other two positions. He has also had the odd game in central midfield. At the moment I see him as a right back, as he probably isn’t quite strong enough or dominant in the air to play centre back at present.”

And overall? What is Jenkinson’s best qualities? Scott gave his view.

“He’s a good all round player, comfortable on the ball, looks to run with it, intelligent, tall, hard working and versatile. That’s not to say he’s proven even at League One level yet, he’s not even started 10 games for us. I’m sure if he keeps working at his game he’ll improve in all areas, get stronger, read the game better, make better decisions. He also takes a good set piece.”

Jenkinson has without doubt upset a number of Charlton fans, after turning down a new contract to join Arsenal. However, Scott believes this decision was totally understandable.

“I can’t blame him from moving on. We only gave him a 1 year deal, he and his family support Arsenal, and the opportunity to train with Premier League players, coaches and have Wenger as manager is too good to turn down.”

For the final word on Jenkinson, Scott gave me his initial opinion on how he thinks the young defender will do at Arsenal.

“He’s a gamble, he’s not not as proven as Jonjo Shelvey was at first team level, but one worth you taking I think. With better players around him, who are more comfortable on the ball, you will see him pass the on the floor and show his real quality.”

You can follow Scott on Twitter, over @CAFCYouth.

Francis Coquelin is poised to miss Arsenal’s pre-season preparations after being named in the French Under 20 squad for next months Under 20 World Cup in Colombia.

Coquelin, who spent the whole of last season on loan with Ligue One outfit Lorient, was expected to use pre-season to force his way into Arsene Wenger’s first-team squad. However, he and fellow Lorient loanee Gilles Sunu have both been named in Francis Smerecki’s initial 30-man squad, and are all but certain to make the final cut.

France’s involvement in the competition begins on July 30th, and will run to at least August 5th, when the group stages finish.

Ignasi Miquel has already been included in the Spain squad for the competition, meaning he will also miss pre-season.

Meanwhile, if you fancy testing your footie knowledge about Arsenal and, most importantly, your luck head now to Free Bets and check what the site has to offer. They have all the latest football bets and odds for us challenging title for next season.

The majority of Arsenal’s players and staff are now away for the summer, but work is still going on behind the scenes ahead for next season. Here are some of the stories you might have missed.

Arsenal will not be opening their pre-season with the traditional run out against Barnet. The Bees confirmed today that the money spinning fixture will not be going ahead, and hinted that it is unlikely to be revived. The game has always been a way of saying ‘thanks’ for allowing the Reserves use of Underhill, but with most games now behind closed doors at the training ground, the club have felt there is no need for the friendly.

While the Barnet game won’t take place, Arsenal will be sending a Reserve and Youth XI to face Dover Athletic, Hastings and Boreham Wood. The official website is expected to confirm dates and times shortly.

In internationals, Ryo Miyaichi’s hopes of winning a work permit took another dent when he was removed from the Japan Under 22 squad. Miyaichi was initially selected for the clash against Australia, but the JFA have since updated the squad and said: “now is not the right time to include Ryo”.

Henri Lansbury, Kieran Gibbs and Ignasi Miquel were all in action for their country yesterday, while Emi Martínez was on the bench for Argentina against Wojciech Szczęsny’s Poland.

In contract news, Zak Ansah has signed professional terms, while George Brislen-Hall has signed a new one year deal following the release of Thomas Cruise. Brislen-Hall was due to leave the club in July, but has now signed on for another year, after Cruise left. The club are also set to open talks with Henri Lansbury over an extension.

Arsenal’s loanees are some of the most talked about and debated players at the club, with thousands of fans using websites, blogs and social media to put their points across on potential stars of the future.

However, few truly know the daily goings on of players at their loan clubs like the actual supporters of that particular outfit. To get the full perspective on another crop of exciting youngsters, Young Guns’ Loanee Analysis sees me catch up with journalists who follow their club closely.

To get the low-down on Armand Traoré, I caught up with Adam Digby, a freelance Italian football journalist. He gave me the Juve perspective on Traoré.

What was the feeling when Armand signed for Juventus?

“In all honesty one of general indifference, a real feeling of “if he’s not good enough for Arsenal how can he help us?” However I would temper that with an understanding that he was a similar player to the first choice leftback, Paolo De Ceglie, which showed some thought had gone into it.”

How has the season been, and what part did Armand played in it?

“The season for Juventus has clearly been terrible and sadly Armand has played very little part in it, making just ten appearances and struggling with injury, fitness and personal problems.”

What would you consider his highlights this season?

“It is very difficult to provide a ‘highlight’. He has been a consistent performer and done well when he has been available. His defensive play, positioning and tactical intelligence are much improved and it is no small compliment to say he fits in well among Serie A defenders. The game against Milan, a 1-0 defeat, was probably his best performance, showcasing his closing down, recovery pace and newfound defensive attributes.”

What would you consider his low-lights this season?

“His prolonged absences. It was mid-November before he was fit to play, then in late January he lost his father and this deeply affected him. He missed almost a month.”

What does the future hold and do you think he’ll make the grade at Arsenal?

“I think he’ll ultimately return to Arsenal, although I would not rule out remaining in Turin entirely. He hasn’t truly shown his ability for either club to date, but I firmly believe he could be a solid back up player at either club. He has shown the ability to improve his weaknesses and if a year in Serie A has made him a better defender then it is to the credit of Arsenal for sending him to Juventus.”

You can read all the articles in this series in our loanees area.

Alternatively, if you fancy a cheeky bet on us mounting a title challenge for next season, why don’t you visit bwin and check all the latest odds available. Transfer rumours and all the latest news on this summer transfer window are also delivered regularly. Check out the site and see what the fuss is all about.

Emiliano Martínez has been called up to the senior Argentina squad for the forthcoming friendlies against Nigeria and Poland.

Martínez, who is a member of the Under 20 squad, was promoted following a last minute injury to Oscar Ustari.

The Arsenal Reserve team back up joins Sergio Batista’s squad straight away.

Arsenal’s loanees are some of the most talked about and debated players at the club, with thousands of fans using websites, blogs and social media to put their points across on potential stars of the future.

However, few truly know the daily goings on of players at their loan clubs like the actual supporters of that particular outfit. To get the full perspective on another crop of exciting youngsters, Young Guns’ Loanee Analysis sees me catch up with journalists who follow their club closely.

To get the low-down on Carlos Vela, I caught up with Chris Lepkowski, a football writer who covers West Brom for the Birmingham Mail. He gave me the Baggies perspective on Vela.

What was the feeling when Carlos signed for West Brom?

“The feeling was one of excitement, certainly among the fans. They were in a mess at the time, Peter Odemwingie was misfiring a little and the club needed a lift.”

How has the season been, and what part did Carlos play in it?

“The season has been a great success from Albion’s point of view. Less so for Carlos. His biggest misfortune was to go five weeks without a game. He scored a very late equaliser against Wolves in Roy Hodgson’s first game, which will guarantee him cult status whenever he’s passing through West Bromwich, and then did the same at Stoke.”

“He then went about six weeks without football. Since then his appearances have been sporadic. He started against Spurs and did reasonably well but struggled against Villa. His last outing was against Wolves. He wasn’t seen after that.”

What would you consider his highlights this season?

“Scoring against Wolves and Stoke were highlights. The nature of goals were important, too; late equalisers.”

What would you consider his low-lights this season?

“His disappearance from the first-team towards end was a shame. He never settled and that five-six week break was the turning point.”

What does the future hold and do you think he’ll make the grade at Arsenal?

“I think he’ll struggle to break into Arsenal’s first team. He’s got very good ability, technique and looked a good finisher, but he didn’t offer much else. Was quite lightweight and drifted out of games too. Perhaps he needs a team who aren’t scrapping away – although Albion’s style of play is fairly open.”

Any other stats, facts or little pieces of extra information?

“Nothing really, sadly. He wasn’t the talisman Albion hoped for, but he certainly has a bright future.”

You can read all the articles in this series in our loanees area.

Arsenal have released Mark Randall after deciding against offering him a new contract. The 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan with League Two outfit Rotherham, is now a free agent.

Arsène Wenger revealed in October that Randall was still part of his plans, saying he ‘has so much quality’. That was from the man who promoted him to the first team five seasons ago, only for his development to stall after failed loan spells MK Dons and Rotherham.

Mark only ever made two Premier League appearances, but was a regular in the Carling Cup, showing some excellent form in the 2008-2009 run, as well as playing in the Champions League.

Randall follows in the foot steps of George Brislen-Hall and Roarie Deacon, both of whom were released last month.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Vélez Sársfield midfielder Ricardo Álvarez intensified last night, when Richard Law met with club officials in Montevideo to discuss a possible transfer.

Law, a trilingual American, is part of Ivan Gazidis’ ‘executive team’. He is in charge of negotiating player contracts and also works as a consultant for Steve Rowley’s scouting network. He arrived in Argentina two days ago, amid speculation a deal was done for Álvarez.

Last night, a three man team, including president Fernando Raffaini, met with Law to hold tentative talks over the exciting 23-year-old. However, Raffaini reaffirmed his previous stance on Álvarez, telling the media shortly after that no deal has been agreed, and that it would take a fee in excess of €12 million Euro’s to tempt Vélez to sell.

Ricardo’s future has been subject to much speculation in recent days, with Fox Soccer wrongly reporting that a free transfer to Arsenal was already done. Vélez laughed that off, as their player has three years left on his current contract, and is rated as one of the best players in the league.

Despite the initial talks being fruitless, Law remains in Montevideo. No bid has been lodged, and it remains doubtful that any of the interested parties would match the asking price.

Arsenal have an eye for Argentine talents, having been in talks to sign Javier Mascherano and Ángel di María before they sealed moves to Europe.