Wellington Silva; From Video Games To Arsenal

Wellington Silva is on the cusp of completing his dream move to Arsenal. The Brazilian is due back in London later this month and after being pushed out of the Fluminense side, Silva is spending his time playing video games containing his soon to be team mates.

The 17-year-old finds himself in an uncomfortable situation with parent club Fluminense, with coach Muricy Ramalho refusing to pick him, and telling the media ‘his head was elsewhere’. Wellington is now packing his bags ahead of the third and final adaptation period in North London, designed to give him the best chance of settling in England. However, the situation with his parent club means he leaves on a bitter note.

“Ramalho never talked to me about it. I was very sad. I always had the dream of reaching the professional level with Fluminense, everybody does. I only get the basics from him now, the “good morning” and “good afternoon”. The year was complicated, but it taught me a lot. Anyway, I’m cheering them on for the title.”

The treatment from Ramalho has left an effect on Silva, but what of his future manager, Arsene Wenger?

“He’s a great coach. He received me very well, did well in training, and he observed. He’s a coach who always talks to me and gives me confidence. Now it’s time for me to show it on the field.”

Silva now spends his days playing video games with his brother Wallace. During the interview with Globo.com, he scores a goal with Fabregas, his future captain, but he’s taking note.

“The players of this level serve as a mirror for me”

“It’s kind of funny. I’m here playing video games with them and soon there’ll be close. I had the opportunity to live it, and it’s a great feeling to be with the best in the world. I keep preparing myself to come here and be welcomed by all, I want to tell them a little of my story too.”

Wellington is due to complete his transfer in January.

Biggest Wins?

The internet is packed with sites desperate to sell you a foolproof betting system. These are the last resort of the desperate – if a system was so good why would anybody want or need to pass it on?

Loopholes are always closed quickly and sure things never really exist, our love of football would come crashing to a halt if they did.

But with a glut of big wins on the field this season, can punters hope to match the successes of their teams?

In 2007, Kathrin Rothman – who claims to know nothing about football – won over £226,000 with a Champions League accumulator by “betting on teams that are strong and winning”.

She did manage to justify a £1,000 stake, which for a uniformed bet might suggest she didn’t really need her winnings.

Those of us with more modest budgets are not restricted from winning big, and we don’t even need to know any Pakistani cricketers.

Mark Simmons, an army chef, won £164,776 in 2002 when an astonishing 18 matches came in for him. Things did get nervy as he waited for Manchester United to find a winner against Everton though, which didn’t come until the 86th minute of the final match in the accumulator.

The better part of £200,000 goes a long way towards replacing a carpet worn bare by pacing.

So, can we get involved in the kind of winnings that Kathrin and Mark enjoyed? It takes more luck than judgment, but can be done especially with the number of online sports betting sites about these days.

Still, if broken and expensive systems teach us anything it’s that betting small and winning big is the only way to beat the bookies. Start with free bets at freebets.com.

Mbodj Confirms Arsenal Interest

Norwegian Tippeligaen outfit Tromsø I.L have confirmed Arsenal’s interest in their midfield prospect Kara Mbodj, while agent Jim Solbakken admits he is exploring ‘new challenges’ for his client.

Young Guns broke the story of Arsenal’s interest in Mbodj in July, and also confirmed that representatives would be at last night’s clash with Molde. Kara impressed in the 1-0 defeat and after admitted he was aware that The Gunners were there to watch him.

“I know that Arsenal were here, but I try to shut that out in a game situation. I do not know what it is yet, but it is possible I will be in conversation afterwards.”

Sports Director Morten Kræmer later told VG.com he refused to allow any talks with the player but confessed he knew negotiations with interested clubs had already gone on with agents. Scouts from Hamburg and Genk were also present.

“There were several clubs here today, they have been here to see a match. There will be no meetings. There is no problem for us, they’re welcome to make checks. Kara can talk with his own agents and advisers. We have nothing to do with just that.”

Mbodj has been a revelation in the Norwegian league this term, turning in several dominate and powerful displays in central midfield. At home at centre back or in a holding role, Arsenal are thought to want to pay around £3 million, although The Daily Mail says a bid of £28 million will be lodged in January.

The key to any deal swinging in Arsenal’s favour lays with agent Jim Solbakken. He has close links with Arsène Wenger and currently represents Håvard Nordtveit and Sean McDermott. He opened the door for a potential move last week;

“We are looking for new challenges for Kara. But there is no hurry. Kara is doing well at Tromsø.”

Steve Rowley is expected to make further checks on Mbodj before January.

Mannone Joins Hull City On Loan

Vito Mannone has joined Championship outfit Hull City on loan until January the 3rd 2011. The Italian stopper is expected to go straight into the squad to face Sheffield United tomorrow.

Mannone will be allowed to complete the season with Hull if both Arsenal and The Tigers are happy with the agreement. The Italian Under 21 international joins City just over a week after publicly telling Arsene Wenger of his desire to seek regular first-team football.

Vito will wear the number 29 shirt at the KC Stadium. You can read a full report on Young Guns tomorrow should he make his debut against Sheffield United.

Arsenal Decide Against Signing Xulu

Arsenal have decided against signing Mamelodi Sundowns centre back Siyanda Xulu after he failed a trial, according to youth development coach Gary Giessing.

Xulu, and agent Jerome McCarthy of the Siyavuma Sports Agency, arrived at London Colney two weeks ago for a trial which was scheduled to last for a month. The 18-year-old took part in intensive work outs with the Reserve team and he even featured in a Reserves V Under 18 game at the training ground.

The powerful defender, who is on the fringes of the South Africa squad, was looked after by fellow countryman and Arsenal youth officer Gary Giessing, who spoke to youngster to the media in his home land.

“He’s been training with the Reserves. From what the other coaches have told me, he’s not up to the standard. That’s the opinion of some of the senior coaching team. I doubt he will be offered a contract.”

Siyanda is due back in South Africa later this week in order to participate in Sundowns’ upcoming PSL fixture against the Orlando Pirates.

Loanees – Watt Assists As Coquelin Impresses

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.

Sanchez Watt started but only played 37 minutes for Leeds United against Middlesbrough. The winger was substituted with an injury, but he did leave an impact, setting up Davide Somma for the opener in a 2-1 win.

Kyle Bartley was not part of the Sheffield United squad that drew 3-3 with Burnley. The centre half is still nursing a broken jaw sustained two weeks ago.

Luke Freeman came off the bench to play the final 25 minutes for Yeovil. However, he failed to have the same impact as last week, where he scored, as Yeovil lost 2-0.

Cedric Evina played 62 minutes at left back for Oldham as they drew 0-0 with Colchester United. Cedric was taken off shortly after picking up a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.

Francis Coquelin started and played 73 minutes for Lorient against Valenciennes. The Frenchman turned in a promising shift as Lorient ended their recent run of poor results, winning 2-1.

Armand Traore was not part of the Juventus side that beat Lecce 4-0.

Nacer Barazite completed the 90 minutes for Vitesse Arnhem who were thrashed by Roda JC.

Pedro Botelho played the full game for FC Cartagena as they drew 0-0 with SD Huesca. Botelho turned in another fantastic shift at left back, with his long throws proving dangerous.

Samuel Galindo came on in stoppage time as UD Salamanca beat Recreativo de Huelva 2-0.

Seaman Left Frustrated Over ‘Keeper Development

Former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman believes Arsène Wenger has all the options he needs to solve the club’s long running search for a number one, but the candidates are failing to show the best of themselves.

In an interview with commercial radio station talkSPORT, Seaman spoke of his frustration at the mistakes both Manuel Almunia and Łukasz Fabiański have made, but questioned whether Reserve duo Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczęsny were showing their best in training.

Seaman coaches part-time at London Colney, acting as assistant to Gerry Peyton where required. However, the majority of his work is done alongside Tony Roberts, looking after the younger and emerging options.

Speaking specifically on the younger duo, the 47-year-old spoke about both Mannone and Szczęsny. The pair have failed to win the confidence of Wenger as yet.

“At the moment they’re not fulfilling their potential. I’ve seen what they can do, Almunia and Fabianski, but Wojciech and Vito even. At the moment they’re not showing how good they are.”

Szczęsny and Mannone have both openly admitted their disappointment at the lack of playing opportunities in recent weeks, but Seaman’s comments shed light on their commitment to the cause, and whether they’re doing all they can to put themselves firmly in Wenger’s plans.

Arsenal Pencil Ramsey In For Reserves Run Out

Arsenal are putting the finishing touches to Aaron Ramsey’s rehabilitation from a fractured tibia and fibula. The Welshman returned to full training this week and plans are afoot for Ramsey to turn out for the Reserves in the coming weeks.

Ramsey has been training at Arsenal’s state of the art indoor centre based at London Colney for a number of weeks, but the 19-year-old was told he is free to link up with the first team last week. Newly appointed fitness coach Marcus Svensson is running the rule over Aaron’s come back and was happy to give the midfielder the green light to do ball work and exercises with the team.

The hope is that Ramsey will be able to turn out of the Reserves sometime in November. Arsenal are also hoping to arrange a selection of behind closed doors fixtures should he need it, with a first-team return being penciled in before Christmas. So far the youngster has suffered no muscle set backs; meaning his return has gone according to plan.

This latest news comes in a week where Aaron was named the Welsh Young Player of the Year.

Interest, But Arsenal Far From Lukaku Deal

Arsenal remain interested in Anderlecht striker Romelu Lukaku, but talk of an imminent transfer is wide of the mark. Speculation emanating from the English media this week had claimed that a deal was all but done.

Lukaku has been subject of Arsenal’s interest for a number of seasons, with his rapid and consistent goal scoring rate for Anderlecht’s B team initially attracting interest. Low level scouts made checks on the striker during his first season in the youth side, where he scored 21 goals in 88 matches.

Interest began to grow when Romelu made his first team debut, but his father, Roger, warned off potential suitors. The Lukaku family agreed they wouldn’t consider a transfer until he had completed his schooling, in late 2011. Subsequently, talk of a deal went cold.

Arsenal remain keen on the powerful front-man, but a move to Chelsea sooner rather than later is the general feeling in Belgium. The Blues have previously made contact with Anderlecht and are ready to meet the large price tag they’ve slapped on their price asset. The influence of Didier Drogba has also been telling. The Ivorian sent Romelu a replica shirt  earlier this year, in which he posed for pictures in during a photo-shoot.

The powerful, all action and clinical striker is valued at around €18 million euros; a dramatic hike on the initial €3 million The Gunners were prepared to pay a year ago. It seems certain Lukaku will be one of the stars of the future, but if  his future does lay in London, it’s almost certainly in the West, and not the North.