Lansbury Joins Norwich City On Loan

Henri Lansbury has joined Norwich City on a one month loan deal. The Canaries, who have a strong relationship with Arsenal’s Head of Youth Development officer Liam Brady, moved to sign Lansbury following a collection of midfield injuries.

Lansbury moves on a 28-day emergency loan deal. Norwich manager Paul Lambert spoke positively of his latest acquisition in an interview with News First this afternoon.

“I’m delighted Arsenal have agreed to let Henri come here. I saw him when he was at Watford and Scunthorpe and he’s a quality young player, very positive in his play.”

“We have been hit with injuries and midfield is one of the areas where we needed strengthening. Henri gives us more options in there which is important.”

You can follow Henri’s progress throughout his stay with Norwich in our regular Loanees reports.

Wenger Promises Galindo A Niche Arsenal Role

Samuel Galindo will be a ‘niche’ member of Arsène Wenger’s first-team squad in the future. The Bolivian midfielder has revealed details of the conversations he had with Wenger before joining Spanish Segunda outfit UD Salamanca on loan.

Galindo has had a slow start to life in Spain following several set backs over a work visa. It meant he couldn’t take part in Salamanca’s pre-season preparations and finally linked up with the squad just a week before the league opener.

However, he is now making an impression. A goal on his debut for the ‘B’ team followed by several impressive performances from the bench have made Samuel an instant fans favourite. The Union’s sponsors moved last week to give him a brand new Audi A1 car; further proof of just how well he has settled in.

The future though, is all about Arsenal. The 18-year-old completed last season training with the Gunners first team and looks back on that time fondly.

“The experience of being in London and training with the first team before coming to Salamanca was wonderful. Both Cesc and Vela helped me most when I came to England. Carlos took me to the training in his car and both of them acted as a translator.”

Wenger’s influence on the left footed midfielder has been telling. Although used as a winger during training games, a future as a box-to-box central player seems likely. Comparisons have been made with his idol Juan Román Riquelme, but many believe he boasts a playing style similar to former Arsenal star Edu.

The move to Salamanca all happened very quickly, but Wenger did find time to hold a meeting with the prospect and discuss the future. Galindo explained what was said and his feelings about his new coach.

“I was very impressed with Arsène Wenger. He is a great coach and immediately gave me confidence to enjoy what I do on the pitch.”

“Wenger told me to learn everything I can in Salamanca and he would make me grow into a niche player in Arsenal. He told me to learn all I can. To grow as a player and he will make a space for me at Arsenal.”

Galindo is expected to feature on a regular basis in the second half of the season, following the winter break.

Loanees: Mannone & Botelho Continue Good Form

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.

Vito Mannone claimed a second consecutive clean-sheet as Hull City’s good form continued with a 1-0 win over Ipswich Town. Mannone was forced into making two early saves, one notably from Jason Scotland, but was otherwise untroubled.

Kyle Bartley completed another 90 minutes at centre half as Sheffield United beat Crystal Palace 3-2 at home. Bartley showed impressive composure and leadership in a game which saw two penalties and two red cards.

Sanchez Watt played 85 minutes for Leeds United Reserves in a 6-3 win over Hull City in midweek, but was not part of the squad that drew 1-1 with Norwich City. Watt is expected to be involved next week after recovering from injury.

Benik Afobe came off the bench to play the final 15 minutes of Huddersfield Town’s 1-0 defeat to Exeter City. Afobe, who was rested due to worries from manager Lee Clark about burn out, replaced Jordan Rhodes but didn’t have any real chances to score.

Cédric Evina played the full 90 minutes in midfield for Oldham Athletic as they beat Dagenham and Redbridge 1-0. Evina impressed in his role, and almost played in a part in the opener, with Dagenham defender Will Antwi almost turning the Frenchman’s cross into his own net.

Thomas Cruise played 79 minutes at left back for Carlisle United as they lost 2-1 to Walsall. Cruise, who was initially awarded the opening goal before it was given to striker Mike Grella, came off late on as United looked for an equaliser.

Gavin Hoyte wrapped up another 90 minutes at right back as Lincoln City beat Hereford United 3-1.

Luke Freeman was not part of the Yeovil Town squad that lost 3-2 to Charlton Athletic.

Mark Randall missed Rotherham’s 1-0 win over Crewe due to a shoulder injury.

Francis Coquelin came off the bench to play the final 24 minutes as Lorient lost 2-0 to Sochaux. Coquelin’s introduction helped protect the defence in the closing stages, but the damage was already done.

Armand Traoré was an unused substitute for Juventus was they beat Genoa 2-0.

Nacer Barazite was left out of the Vitesse Arnhem squad that beat Heracles 2-0. New coach Albert Ferrer says Barazite must earn his place in the Vitesse squad for next weeks fixture.

Pedro Botelho played the full 90 minutes on the left of a front three as FC Cartagena beat Real Betis 2-1. Botelho turned in another solid shift, but in a new position. The Brazilian came close to equalising after Betis took the lead, having his shot turned off the post.

Samuel Galindo came off the bench to play the final three minutes of UD Salamanca’s 4-2 win over Las Palmas. Galindo, who was given a brand new Audi A1 by Salamanca’s sponsors Audi, is expected to feature much more in the second half of the season.

Arsenal Closing In On New Deals For Duo

Arsenal are closing in on new contracts for Reserve team duo Håvard Nordtveit and Oğuzhan Özyakup. The pair are in different situations with their current deals, but are expected to seal extensions shortly.

Nordtveit has been in talks with the club since July, when agent Jim Solbakken flew into London and began negotiations. However, with 12 months left on his current deal, there has been no immediate rush to finalise an agreement.

Özyakup’s situation is a little more pressing. His current deal expires at the end of the season and reports in both Holland and Turkey suggest PSV Eindhoven have been in touch with his representatives and are willing to make an offer. Oğuzhan dismissed the speculation last month and confirmed his desire is to stay with Arsenal. Ivan Gazidis has since made an offer, which the 18-year-old is believed to be on the verge of signing.

Håvard and Oğuzhan have been regular features for the Reserve team this year but may well be set to go on loan in the new year, should they secure their stay in North London.

Video: Afobe’s Story So Far With Huddersfield

Huddersfield Town are in talks to extend Benik Afobe’s loan spell from Arsenal beyond the current December 4th deadline. Afobe has had a flying start to his career in Yorkshire and manager Lee Clark wants to extend the loan into the new year.

Arsenal had previously informed The Terriers that Benik would be required for the Under 18’s FA Youth Cup run, so an extension would be out of the question. However, after settling so quickly and impressing Clark, Huddersfield hope they can convince Arsène Wenger to sanction his stay.

You can view video highlights of Benik’s matches with Huddersfield so far, including his goals and assist against Rotherham, by clicking here.

Arsenal Set To Face Barcelona In America

Barcelona will send their Juvenil A squad to compete alongside Arsenal’s Under 18’s at the 2011 Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup in July. The Catalan giants confirmed their place in the ‘SuperGroup’ yesterday.

Arsenal announced they had accepted an invitation to enter the competition earlier this season, and the hosts had promised to land more big names. The SuperGroup has seen many of the best clubs in the world compete over the course of its 31 year history. These include Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Chelsea, but this will be both The Gunners and Barça’s inaugural year.

Corinthians, Tigres, Alajuelense, Chorrillo FC and Eintracht Frankfurt are set to make up a strong group at Under 19 level. Arsenal and Barcelona are among the early favourites for the competition with both having excellent achievements at youth level in recent years. Barça’s Juvenil A side boasts a selection of highly rated prospects including former Arsenal target Gerard Deuloufeu.

It will be the first trip to America by any Arsenal team while Barcelona are still exploring the US market. Dallas Cup Executive Director Gordon Jago believes the participation of both sides is a split between commercial and football reasons.

“They are going to make a push for branding in the U.S. with some personal appearances while they are here. They are planning on putting on a clinic for players and coaches in the tournament.”

Young Guns will be working alongside the Dallas Cup to bring you more information about the tournament closer to it’s start. You can view more information via their website at www.dallascup.com.

Lansbury Plays In Goal As England Lose

Henri Lansbury played in goal for the final 30 minutes of England Under 21’s clash with Germany U21’s this evening. Lansbury, who started the game on the right wing, went between the sticks when Jason Steele was sent off on the hour mark.

Lansbury began the game well in the opening stages, almost finding Scott Sinclair with a free-kick with just 10 minutes on the clock. However, it was a rare England attack as Germany began to dominate and eventually take the lead through Konstantin Rausch.

Jason Steele replaced goalkeeper Scott Loach in goal at half time and did well, making two key saves to stop it being 2-0. Lansbury then found Nathan Defouneso with a fantastic ball in-between the centre backs but the Villa striker lashed wide.

Then came Henri’s big moment. Steele was sent off after clipping down Germany’s Vukcevic and Lansbury, who often plays in goal during training for Arsenal, took Steele’s gloves and jersey and went in goal to face the penalty. Cenk Tosun sent him the wrong way from 12 yards. 2-0.

Lansbury then went on to make a selection of good saves to keep it at 2-0. He first did well to tip over Vukcevic’s flick header from close range and then save Tosun’s long range drive. Henri didn’t have a lot to do after as England searched for a conciliation, but two further long range efforts and another header in the penalty area were all dealt with by the Gunners midfielder in with succession.

It finished 2-0 but Henri’s performance in goal will memorable in a largely unforgettable fixture for the young Lions.

Book Review: Billy Gooner’s First Match

GCR Books are well known for producing in depth and intriguing Arsenal-related books. Titles such as ‘The Arsenal Stadium Mystery’ and ‘Herbert Chapman On Football’ have all positioned GCR as a respected publishing outlet.

The latest addition to the growing family, ‘Billy Gooner’s First Match’, is something quite different. Aimed at the younger supporter, author Greg Adams has teamed up with illustrator Debbie Mitchell to produce 16 pages each of text and illustrations.

The story is set in 1976; as Billy Gooner celebrates his seventh birthday with an unexpected trip to Highbury with his Dad to watch Arsenal play West Ham United. The timing seems odd and a little out of touch but it works well, educating young Gooners about the history of the club while also maintaining traditional values.

The plot on the whole is naturally tame for a book aimed at youngsters, but still offers a selection of ups and downs along the way. Priced at £5.99 from GCR Books or £6.99 from the major online book-sellers, Billy Gooner’s First Match offers a good read, beautiful illustrations and a sense of history and traditional at a reasonable price.

The book is available from the online shop at GCR Books.

Video: Arsenal’s Gnabry Stars For Germany

VfB Stuttgart midfielder Serge Gnabry is set to fly to London next month for an adaptation training period ahead of his transfer to Arsenal in July. The Gunners have already agreed on a deal which will see Gnabry join on his 16th birthday.

Serge impressed during a trial earlier in the season and the club moved quickly to secure his services. The youngster shot to fame after starring for Stuttgart’s youth side in last seasons Nike Cup. The central midfielder, who is also at home on the wing, has already been given scholarship terms and will be a part of the Under 18’s next season.

Gnabry was born in Germany to Ivorian parents but has already settled on his international future. Last month he played for the German Under 16’s in a friendly against Northern Ireland. He won the Man of the Match award, scoring a fantastic opener and then playing a part in the others in a 4-3 win.

You can view a video of Serge in action against Ireland below. It features his opener, seconds into the video, a collection of assists including two superb dribbles and crosses.

Click Here To Watch