Bartley Returns To Arsenal

Kyle Bartley has returned to Arsenal for treatment on his ruptured medial ligaments, after receiving confirmation he will not play again this season. The defender had been enjoying a prosperous loan spell with Scottish Champions Rangers.

Bartley sustained the injury during the Europa League last 16 tie with PSV Eindhoven, but it was initially thought he would return in a matter of weeks. However, further scans have revealed the full extent of the problem, and Kyle has returned to London to be looked after by Arsenal’s medical staff.

The 19-year-old played only five times for Rangers, scoring once, but hugely impressed. Gers assistant manager Ally McCoist, who will take over as head coach in the summer, has already enquired about re-signing Bartley on loan for next season.

No decision on his future will be made until the summer.

Arsenal Sign Swedish Midfielder Olsson

Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign IFK Norrköping midfielder Kristoffer Olsson, following two successive trials. The 15-year-old will complete the transfer in the summer.

Olsson joined fellow countryman Robert Mirosavic on trial in November, where they both played in a behind closed doors friendly against Charlton Athletic. Arsenal won 6-0, with Olsson on the score sheet. Liam Brady then invited both back for another run out in February, where the coaching staff were again impressed.

The duo were both expected to be named in Arsenal’s Under 16 squad for the Ferrolli Cup next month, but after neither were named, Brady’s interest appeared to have wavered. However, amid interest from Juventus, Arsenal moved in for Olsson.

The stylish central midfielder, who represents Sweden at Under 16 level, will cost Arsenal an undisclosed compensation fee of around £100,000, a figure that IFK director Tony Martinsson confirmed was the largest received in their history. It appears that management may be running up the club credit cards, as there is debate as to whether Arsenal can afford both the wages and transfer fees involved.

Olsson is due in London shortly to sign scholarships forms with the Gunners. He is Arsenal’s fourth signing in recent months, following deals for German duo Serge Gnabry and Leander Siemann, plus Spanish midfielder Jon Toral.

Arsenal Offer Parkinson Scouting Role

Arsenal have offered former Charlton Athletic manager Phil Parkinson a scouting position, Young Guns understands. The 43-year-old is now poised to join Steve Rowley’s famed network of talent seekers.

Parkinson has been out of work for just over two months, after being sacked by Charlton in January. He formerly held managerial positions at Colchester United and Hull City, where he was regarded as a promising young manager. However, despite receiving a number of others offers, he remains without a club.

The retired holding midfielder has a large number of contacts throughout England, especially in the North. Parkinson’s roles are expected to include scouting Academy players from clubs in the North East, with the likes of Andy Carroll and Adam Johnson all emerging from there in recent years.

His extensive knowledge of the football league will also be a key asset.

More information on Parkinson’s role is expected shortly.

Aliadiere Aiming For Arsenal Return

Jérémie Aliadière believes he could be a valuable asset to Arsène Wenger next season, and wants to prove it. The 27-year-old has been granted a Reserve registration, and is in line to feature for Arsenal’s second string against Wigan Athletic this afternoon.

The Frenchman has been without a club since leaving Middlesbrough in the summer. After seeing several potential deals break down, Aliadière returned to Arsenal last month. He has since been training with Neil Banfield’s Reserves, and is set to play a hand in their title push.

Banfield’s boys head North tomorrow, to take on Wigan Athletic at the Robin Park Arena. Jérémie has been granted a Reserves regisitration and is poised to feature in the Premier Reserve League clash. A number of scouts are expected at the game to watch the striker, yet Aliadière has set his sights on an unlikely return to Arsenal.

He revealed his intent in the lastest edition of the Official Arsenal Magazine.

“Deep down in my heart, my ambition is to convince the boss that I can still do good things for Arsenal if he is looking for a forward for next season. He knows me. He knows what I am capable of. I love this club. It’s my home, my soul.”

“I am so happy and grateful to be here right now that I would love the story to continue.”

Aliadière won’t be the only experienced head in the Arsenal team, with Jens Lehmann expected to get 90 minutes ahead of a possible first-team start on Saturday. The 41-year-old has not played since June, but has been involved in training matches and is hoping to get a run out.

The fixture kicks off at 2pm, and you can follow live text updates and all the team news on our Twitter feed. You can also check here for all the latest news out of Holloway.

Video: Botelho Solo Goal v Villarreal B

Pedro Botelho told Arsenal’s Official Magazine last month his style is similar to that of Tottenham’s Gareth Bale. The Brazilian further added to that comparison by scoring a Bale-esque goal against Villarreal B yesterday.

Botelho played the full 90 minutes at left back for FC Cartagena, who beat Villarreal’s second string 2-0. The 20-year-old opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort, after incepting the ball in his own half.

You can watch Pedro’s goal here.

Levante & Celta Vigo Ask For Galindo Loan

Bolivan midfielder Samuel Galindo has received loan offers from both Levante and Celta Vigo, as the two Spanish clubs hope to strengthen their blossoming relationship with Arsenal.

Galindo is currently on a season long loan with Segunda side UD Salamanca, but passport trouble combined with a broken ankle has seen his chances limited. The Bolivian has only just returned to match fitness following that injury, but he finds himself on the fringes of the team.

Levante and Celta Vigo both enjoy solid relationships with Arsenal, and hope signing Galindo on loan next season would boost their partnerships. The two clubs want to establish a formal agreement with the Gunners, in a similar way that Salamanca did until recently.

However, the deal would depend on their La Liga status. Levante are currently battling relegation, while Celta Vigo are seeking promotion. Should neither be playing top flight football next season, another year at Salamanca seems inevitable.

The 18-year-old told ‘Salamanca Direct’ this week that he hoped to stay with The Union, but that the decision was out of his hands.

Galindo is not currently eligible for a work permit to play for Arsenal.

Arsenal Scouting Charlton Defender Jenkinson

Arsenal are scouting Charlton Athletic defender Carl Jenkinson, but speculation of an imminent move is wide of the mark. Fellow London clubs Fulham and West Ham have also made checks on the 19-year-old.

Charlton confirmed yesterday that Jenkinson had turned down the opportunity to extend his contract, and that he would be free to leave The Valley in the summer. The promising right back only broke into the first-team in December, following a short loan spell with Eastbourne Borough.

However, he has been on the radar of Premier League sides for a number of years. Manchester United were close to signing Jenkinson as a 17-year-old, but the transfer collapsed. He had also been watched during last seasons FA Youth Cup campaign, where he captained Charlton’s Under 18’s.

Carl is a six foot one inch right back, who can also play in central defence or as a left back. Noted for his stylish and composed play, the London-born prospect has represented both England and Finland at international level. Jenkinson is currently the captain of the Fins Under 19 team, but has not decided on which country he will represent in the long term.

Jenkinson will be available on a free transfer in the summer, but due to UEFA rules, Charlton will expect a compensation fee of around £250,000.

Arsenal’s Jebb Scores In England Win

England Under 16’s beat Northern Ireland Under 16’s 3-0 in the SkySports Victory Shield this evening. Arsenal’s Jack Jebb, one of four young Gunners involved, bagged a goal and assist.

The Young Lions came into the re-arranged clash knowing a win was vitial if they were to retain the Shield once more. Coach Kenny Swain selected four of Steve Gatting’s Under 16’s in the starting lineup; Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill, Isaac Hayden and Jack Jebb. Chuba Akpom was on the bench.

England enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, with holding midfielder Hayden showing some neat touches in the middle of the park. However, as the game became stretched, it was Jebb’s excellent passing ability that created the first chance, which was wasted by Newcastle’s Adam Campbell.

Jebb then played his part in the opener minutes later. After first scrapping away to win the ball in the midfield, he played a delightful one-two with Devante Cole, before the latter controlled and finished well. 1-0.

Chuka Akpom came off the bench at half time, meaning four of the eleven England players were from Arsenal. He could have scored the second shortly after entering the pitch, but his mazy run and shot went wide. However, he made up for it shortly after, winning a free-kick which Jebb clipped home for 2-0.

The tired Jebb came off shortly after, and was swiftly followed by Ormonde-Ottewill, who looked decent in an unfamiliar left back role. The game was sealed late on, when Apkom assisted for Rothwell to make it 3-0.

The win leaves Swain’s boys with a good chance of retaining the trophy, with a clash against Scotland still to follow.

Light At The End Of The Tunnel For Wellington

Wellington Silva has been granted a brief reprise from his deteriorating loan spell with Levante, after being selected by Brazil for the International Mediterranean Cup next month.

Silva joined the La Liga outfit on loan in January, after Arsenal failed to win a work permit for the former Fluminense forward. However, a serious bout of home sickness, combined with question marks over his attitude and work rate, have left coach Luis García frustrated.

The club have since drawn up a diet and fitness plan, but Wellington has only featured once, as an 89th minute substitute against Getafe in late January. García lost his patience due to the players consistently poor attitude, something both Flu and Arsenal have previously experienced.

The striker will finally get some match time next month, though. Brazil Under 18’s have included him in their squad for the International Mediterranean Cup, which takes place in Barcelona from the 19th to the 24th of April. It will feature over 40 national teams, from four continents.

Levante have agreed to release the prospect, in the hope that the change of location and the promise of match time will kick start what has been an unsuccessful few months for the exciting youngster.