Arsenal Agree Deal For Siemann

Arsenal have agreed to sign Hertha BSC defender Leander Siemann following a trial. The German centre back will complete the transfer in the summer.

Siemann joined Arsenal on trial in February, as Young Guns revealed. A regular for Hertha’s Under 16’s, he was set to leave the club in the summer, to spend a year in London studying. However, a family friend recommended him to Liam Brady, and the 15-year-old impressed during a week long training stint.

The six foot two inch youngster is noted for his powerful and physical approach. At home at either centre or right back, Leander has signed a three-year-contract, and told German agency ‘Bild’ that the move is a ‘dream come true’.

Arsenal have agreed a compensation package worth €250,000.

Where Are They Now? – Jeremie Aliadiere

Jérémie Aliadière joined Arsenal in 1999 as one of the brightest prospects in world football. Fast forward eleven years, and the Frenchman is back in North London trying to re-build his career.

Aliadière was recommended to Arsene Wenger after impressing in the famed Clairefontaine system. He signed a scholarship and the then 16-year-old went straight into the Academy side. The pacy striker was considerably successful at that level, scoring a record number of goals as Arsenal claimed the FA Youth Cup.

A promotion to the first-team followed. The 2001-2002 season saw Jérémie make his mark on the Premier League, making his debut against Fulham. He scored his first goal against West Brom in the closing stages of the campaign, leaving a positive impression on Wenger.

The youngster went on to play in the Carling Cup again the following year, as a class that featured Arturo Lupoli, Cesc Fabregas and Philippe Senderos took their first steps in the first-team. He scored four goals as the Gunners were knocked out in the semi finals. The impact didn’t go unnoticed though, as Aliadière won the Young Talent of the League Cup award. He also claimed a Premier League winners medal.

Those highlights were about as good as it got for the youngster. He missed nearly all of the 2004-2005 season through injury, then failed to make any impact when he returned. A selection of failed loans to Celtic, West Ham and then Wolves saw his development stall.

However, Jérémie returned to Arsenal with a point to prove. He again had to use the League Cup, but bagged goals against West Brom, Liverpool and Tottenham en route to the final, where he played 80 minutes in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea. That defeat proved to be the beginning of the end.

After failing to win promises over his future, Jérémie’s relationship with Wenger began to deteriorate. In January 2007 a move to Middlesbrough collapsed after Robin van Persie was ruled out through injury, and he was made to complete the season in London. He finally moved to the North East the following summer.

The £2 million signing snapped at Wenger after signing for ‘Boro, criticising his management style. He had a good start to life in the North, scoring against former club Arsenal and Manchester United. Yet he couldn’t stop Gareth Southgate’s side from being relegated from the Premier League.

Gordon Strachan replaced Southgate after a number of poor performances. After just one injury-dogged season in the Championship, Jérémie opted to leave. He trained with both Fulham and West Ham before a horrible knee ligament injury ended their interest.

Aliadière returned to Middlesbrough for training, from where he almost joined Dubai based Al Ain, only for a move their to break down. In January 2011 further transfers to Blackpool and Newcastle also broke down.

Despite their previous spat, Wenger offered his former player the option to train at London Colney two weeks ago. Jérémie is now close to full fitness, and with his former manager looking after him, expect to see the Frenchman back in the big time soon.

Loanees: Galindo Fit As Bartley Misses Cup Final

Welcome to this weekends Loanees Watch – Young Guns’ analysis, reports and updates on the progress of the young starlets currently plying their trade away from the Emirates Stadium. You can read all the latest reports below.

Carlos Vela missed West Brom’s 2-2 draw with parent club Arsenal due to being ineligible.

Kyle Bartley missed Rangers 2-1 win over Celtic in the League Cup Final after suffering suspected medial ligament damage.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was an unused substitute for Cardiff City as they drew 3-3 with Millwall.

Henri Lansbury played the full 90 minutes as Norwich City drew 1-1 with Hull City. Lansbury failed add to his goal in midweek, but turned in a solid shift in midfield.

Sanchez Watt came off the bench to play the final six minutes of Leeds United’s 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United. Watt replaced Robert Snodgrass wide on the right, but struggled to get involved.

Vito Mannone missed Hull City’s 1-1 draw with Norwich City through injury.

Craig Eastmond was not included in the Millwall squad that drew 3-3 with Cardiff City.

Benik Afobe came off the bench to play the final 18 minutes of Huddersfield Town’s 0-0 draw with Swindon Town. Afobe was involved in a late goal mouth scramble, but failed to find the decisive strike in an even game.

Mark Randall was not included in the Rotherham United squad that lost 5-0 to Chesterfield on Friday night. Manager Ronnie Moore criticised Randall again in midweek, saying he was not suited to League Two football.

Gavin Hoyte will not play again this season after suffering medial ligament damage.

Ryo Miyaichi played the full 90 minutes as Feyenoord lost 3-0 to Roda JC. Miyaichi showed some neat touches on the left but struggled to be involved as Roda ended Feyenoord’s six match unbeaten run.

Francis Coquelin and Gilles Sunu were both second half substitutes as Lorient drew 0-0 with Saint-Etienne. Sunu came off the bench in the 67th minute with Coquelin following him 12 minutes later in what proved to be a stalemate.

Armand Traoré started and played 68 minutes of Juventus’ 2-1 win over Brescia. The Frenchman turned in a solid shift at left back, continuing to grow on recent good performances.

Wellington Silva was not included in the Levante squad that drew 0-0 with Deportivo La Coruna.

Pedro Botelho played the full 90 minutes as FC Cartagena drew 0-0 with Alcorcón. The Brazilian, who scored and made an assist last week, returned to a left back role and again kept a clean sheet.

Samuel Galindo returned to the UD Salamanca side following a broken ankle but was was an unused substitute as The Union lost 1-0 to Real Betis.

Introducing The New Young Guns Android App

Young Guns is delighted to announce the latest way to catch our news and updates, with our free Android application, from LineTen. You can download the app from the Android market as of today.

Just like the iPhone and iPod version, the app features all the latest articles delivered in a stylish list format, with pictures. However, the Android one also features blog comments and a list of our latest information from Twitter. There is also an option to get in touch and suggest further features.

The creation and development is down to the excellent LineTen.com. You can follow them on Twitter for technical support plus news on further releases.

You can download the application , for free, by clicking here.

Arsenal Keep Watch On Miyaichi Junior

Arsenal are keeping an interested eye on the 15-year-old brother of Ryo Miyaichi, who is currently on trial with Feyenoord.

Miyaichi junior has arrived in Holland to begin a three week training stint after being recommended to both Arsène Wenger and the Academy Director at Feyenoord Stanley Brard.

The initial reports are that Arsenal regard Ryo’s brother as an exciting talent, but as they would not win a work permit for him directly, have decided to allow the Rotterdam club to have the first look.

The news comes in a week when Steve Rowley confirmed no decision will be made on Ryo future at Feyenoord until the end of the season. Technical Director Leo Beenhakker had previously been in touch seeking a possible extension of the loan, but the Gunners will hold fire on an answer until a second visa application.

More news on whether the Miyaichi boys will be reunited in expected in the coming weeks.

Video: Botelho Goal & Assist v Huesca

Pedro Botelho added to his blossoming reputation over the weekend, by bagging a goal and assist as FC Cartagena beat Huesca 2-0.

The versatile youngster is enjoying this fourth season on loan in the Spanish Segunda, but is set to finally link up with Arsenal in the summer. His form with Cartagena has been promising all season; adding up to three goals and masses of assists in 28 appearances.

You can watch Pedro’s latest goal and assist by clicking here.

Wenger Hands Miquel First Team Opportunity

Arsène Wenger will hand Ignasi Miquel the chance to break into Arsenal’s first-team following confirmation of Johan Djourou’s shoulder injury, which will rule him out for the remainder of the season.

Miquel has started just twice for Arsenal, playing both games against Leyton Orient in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The Spaniard turned in impressive shifts in both games, and with Djourou joining Thomas Vermaelen on the injury list, he is set for a greater role in the title run in.

Wenger does have the option to recall loanee Kyle Bartley from Rangers, subject to the Scottish outfit agreeing to terminate the deal and Arsenal paying compensation. However, this is seen as an unlikely option.

That leaves French duo Laurent Koscielny and Sébastien Squillaci for the short-term, with Ignasi set to train full time with the first-team ahead of potentially securing a place for next season.

The 19-year-old has previously admitted he expected to leave on loan.


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Wenger Facing A Goalkeeping Headache

Arsenal are facing a potential goalkeeping headache following Tuesday nights Champions League clash with Barcelona, which saw Wojciech Szczęsny substituted with a hand injury. He joins fellow Pole Łukasz Fabiański on the treatment table.

The full extent of Szczęsny’s injury is as yet unknown, but reports emerged during half time at the Nou Camp that the youngster had ruptured the ligaments in his hand, which would end his season. Manuel Almunia replaced Wojciech, and he is currently Arsenal’s only fully fit first team stopper.

Arsène Wenger does have loanees Vito Mannone and James Shea to recall, but both are also carrying small knocks. Mannone missed Hull City’s 1-0 defeat to Burnley yesterday with a recurrence of a thigh injury. The Italian will have tests on the problem, but the Tigers fear the worst, and have re-signed Brad Guzan from Aston Villa as cover.

That leaves Reserve team ‘keeper Shea, who’s loan spell with Southampton is due to expire in two weeks, and Argentine Emi Martínez, who is only just starting to hold down a regular slot for Neil Banfield’s second string.

More information will be available following scans to both Szczęsny and Mannone’s injuries.

Loanees: Mannone Returns As Bartley Scores

Welcome to this weekends Loanees Watch – Young Guns’ analysis, reports and updates on the progress of the young starlets currently plying their trade away from the Emirates Stadium. You can read all the latest reports below.

Carlos Vela was an unused substitute as West Brom beat Birmingham City 3-1.

Kyle Bartley played the full 90 minutes as Rangers beat St Mirren 1-0. Bartley started on the left of three centre backs in a back five, but it was going forward where he had his biggest impact. In the 24th minute, Kyle headed home Madjid Bougherra’s cross for what proved to be the winner.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas started and played 80 minutes for Cardiff City as they lost 2-0 to Ipswich Town. Emmanuel-Thomas turned in a typically mixed shift, but did have two powerful shots brilliantly saved by Martin Fulop. The second effort squirmed under Fulop’s arm but looped inches over the bar.

Henri Lansbury started and played 81 minutes for Norwich City as they drew 1-1 with Preston North End. Lansbury had few chances to extend his recent goal scoring run in what proved to be a scrappy game.

Sanchez Watt came off the bench with just injury time remaining as Leeds United beat Doncaster Rovers 5-2 at Elland Road. Watt replaced Max Gradel on the wing as Simon Grayson looked to pass time.

Vito Mannone played the full 90 minutes as Hull City beat Nottingham Forest 1-0. Mannone returned to the Hull team following injury, and he continued his unbeaten run in the Tigers team, claiming another clean sheet. Vito had one of his more quieter games, but did made several punches and saves as Forest looked for a late equaliser.

Craig Eastmond started and played 61 minutes for Millwall as they lost 1-0 to Watford. Eastmond was involved in the build up to Millwall’s best chance of the game, which saw Steve Morisson smash over the bar. Craig was withdrawn just after the hour mark as the Lions searched for an equaliser.

Benik Afobe came off the bench at half time as Huddersfield Town drew 1-1 with Yeovil Town. Afobe replaced Lee Novak at the break, with Town down to 10 men. He had a handful of chances to win the game in the final stages, but Stephen Henderson in the Yeovil goal saved well.

James Shea was not included in the Southampton team that beat Colchester United 2-0.

Mark Randall was an unused subsitute for Rotherham as they drew 0-0 with Barnet.

Gavin Hoyte will not play again this season after suffering medial ligament damage.

Ryo Miyaichi played the full 90 minutes on the left wing as Feyenoord beat Heerenveen 1-0. Miyaichi had one of his quietest games yet in what proved to be a physical match. The winger did his bit tracking back to defend, but saw little of the ball in attacking situations.

Francis Coquelin came off the bench to play the final 28 minutes as Lorient drew 0-0 with Nancy. Coquelin completed the match in his usual holding role berth after recent spells at right back. Gilles Sunu not included in the squad.

Armand Traoré started and played 85 minutes for Juventus as they lost 1-0 to AC Milan. Traoré was making his first start after a long standing injury, but had a poor game, with Milan consistently attacking down the right flank.

Wellington Silva was not included in the Levante team that took on Espanyol this afternoon.

Pedro Botelho played the full 90 minutes as FC Cartagena lost 2-0 to Gimnàstic. Botelho, who has enjoyed a recent winning streak at left back, returned to a position on the left of a front three. He did have one good chance to score, but sliced an effort wide of the target.

Samuel Galindo missed UD Salamanca’s 0-0 draw with Granada through injury.