News

Arsenal Under 18’s boss Steve Bould will hand a competitive debut to Dutch midfielder Oğuzhan Özyakup this morning as the Gunners look to cement their position at the top of the Academy League Group A table.

Özyakup recently captained the Holland Under 17 national team during a friendly win over Germany, but despite that success, and helping the Under 16’s to claim the Zinédine Zidane Tournament earlier in the summer, the former AZ Alkmaar play-maker is still waiting to make a competitive League appearance.

Following on from his three goals for Steve Gatting’s Under 16’s so far this campaign, Oğuzhan will be handed a start against a struggling Norwich City in the 11.30am kick off. The inclusion came after Francis Coquelin sustained yet another injury in training, the Frenchman was penciled in to make his second start this season at this level.

England starlets Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Rhys Murphy and Henri Lansbury have all now returned to North London, only the latter, Lansbury, is not expected to play some part. Murphy’s return coupled with Roarie Deacon’s excellent form means Benik Afobe will have to make do with a place on the bench, or even face a difficult reunion with strike partner Zac Ansah in the Under 16’s.

Whilst it is terrific news that ‘Ozzie’s’ brilliant performances have finally been awarded, the mere fact he is in the travelling party will be shadowed by the loss of the enthusiastic and hugely talented Coquelin. Sico’s tenacious nature and non-stop engine have proved valuable assets in Reserves encounters, and how Bould would have loved to call on them this morning.

You can see a Match Preview ahead of that game Here. A full Match Report will available tomorrow afternoon.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal’s position at the top of the Academy League table is under threat this weekend, with the Gunners needing a result against a notoriously tricky Norwich side to stave off the threat from Portsmouth.

The Under 18’s have emerged from three successive London Derby’s with an unbeaten record – Steve Bould’s boys having lost only once all season. Norwich themselves have always had a strong Academy, yet it’s not been reflected in their form this campaign. Two wins, two draws and four defeats leave them in 8th with 8 points, meaning Arsenal are firm favourites to walk away with the spoils.

International football and injury problems continue to rule out almost half the squad, but with positive news on James Shea, and in form youngster Benik Afobe scoring last weekend, the manager will have a similar pool of names to chose from.

Predicted Starting XI

Shea
Obed – Blackwood – Bartley – Cruise
Frimpong – Ayling (c)
Byles – Rasmussen – Eastmond
Deacon – Afobe

Prediction – Arsenal 2-1 Norwich City

The fixture kicks off at 11am at Norwich’s ‘Colney’ training headquarters, the Under 16’s will also make the trip. A Match Report will be available on Young Guns shortly after Full Time.

Article By – J.Sanderson

The agent of Standard Liège youngster Steven Defour has confirmed media speculation that Arsenal are tracking the prospect, and left the door firmly open for a potential transfer.

Paul Stefani told Belgian newspaper ‘Standardman’ that he is aware of interest from the Premiership, with Middlesbrough and Everton previously being linked. Yet there are bigger names tracking the 20-year-old, including Ajax, Palmero, Lyon and now, Arsenal.

“Steven Defour is regularly linked with other clubs. After Ajax, Middlesbrough and Palmero, there are bigger teams mentioned.”

“Lyon and Arsenal came to scout Steven, and they decided to return to watch him again.“

He also took the liberty of stating the current position in terms of offers, by enthusing that whilst their is nothing on the table currently, Liège could let the prospect leave if the bid suited all parties.

“There is nothing concrete.”

“If an offer does arrive, Standard should really consider it. If the deal matches all parties, his departure is very possible.”

“He could move in January, you never know. The Fellaini transfer was all concluded in a week, it just depends on if the club are willing to put the effort in, but anything could happen.”

Stefani has already told the press that it will take a bid in excess of €8 million (£6.3 million) to prize away Standard’s classy skipper, who is considered as the best player currently in the Belgian League.

Defour is a flamboyant and intelligent play-maker, who can operate in the classic number 10 position, or on the flank. His terrific technique and vision won the praise of everybody in his native country, leading to Steven claiming the Player Of The Year award.

At just 20 to be named captain of a League winning outfit shows how highly regarded he is, Defour is also a full International for Belgium.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Following on from Arsenal’s Under 18’s draw with Fulham on Saturday, manager Steve Bould has given his thoughts on the games key talking points, in his after match interview with Arsenal TV.

Bould initially reflected on the state of his travelling squad, which saw his outfit robbed of several key names. This pressed the early inclusion of Under 16 starlets Danny Boateng and Benik Afobe, with the latter coming on to bag the crucial equaliser.

Benik was brought into play after an injury to Luke Freeman, the second Gunners player to leave the field with a problem. The other, James Shea, was knocked out when coming to claim a cross, meaning defender Luke Ayling had to pick up the gloves and defend the goal.

“James gets injured, and we had no back up, so Luke went in goal. We didn’t have a lot of subs today, but it was a great chance to look at some young kids.”

When pressed further on Afobe’s powerful header – which levelled proceedings, Steve diluted his praise towards the individual, instead sharing it among the team, before finishing on an educational note.

“It was a great move, started at the back. Benik is one of the young kids about, and it was a terrific finish. He will look back and realise he could have had one or two more, but he’s one of the boys we have a lot of hopes for.”

The main sour note was that awful injury to first choice stopper Shea, but the boss had some encouraging news when speaking to Arsenal TV’s ‘Academy Show’.

“James is fine, he returned to the ground later on, and has had some little stitches in his lip. But he’s fine.”

The weekend brings a fresh challenge for the Under 18’s, as a competitive Norwich travel to London Colney looking to maintain their good start to the season. A full Match Preview will be available on Friday morning.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal trio James Dunne, Abu Ogogo and Paul Rodgers are now set to return to North London, after Nottingham Forest stalled over offering them contracts to remain with the Championship outfit.

Dunne, Rodgers and Ogogo and have all featured in two Reserve games for Forest, yet as their second string took on Walsall yesterday evening, the young Gunners were not included, just 24 hours after a decision on the long term future of the boys was due.

Neil Banfield already confirmed last week that it’s not the end of the road for them, but with the Under 18’s bang on form, and the second string getting back to winning ways against Stoke City, it seems unlikely they will be able to push themselves back into contention.

The prospects will join Rene Steer in being rebuffed by lower League teams – the left back failed a similar spell at Cheltenham Town in September. Liam Brady is sure to spend the rest of the week on the phone to other clubs, as Arsenal continue the trend of helping unwanted youngsters to get fresh employment.

In other news, some panic was caused in the comment sections this afternoon following a message on Emmanuel Frimpong’s Facebook profile, which stated he had signed for Everton. Despite the message, the player has not joined David Moyes’ side, with Emmanuel falling victim to a hacker on his page.

Article By – J.Sanderson

As we exclusively told you last week, Jason Banton has signed for Blackburn Rovers, and he subsequently made his debut for their Under 18’s during the rout over Liverpool on Saturday.

But whilst the departure of Banton, coupled with Benik Afobe’s promotion to the Under 18’s, leaves Steve Gatting’s Under 16’s short on options, a path has opened up for another one of Arsenal’s promising youngsters, striker Zac Ansah. (Far Right In The Picture)

The pacy finisher is believed to have been one of the two names mentioned by Arsène Wenger last year, where the Frenchman claimed two 14-year-old players have ‘nothing left to learn technically’. Now 15, Ansah has followed the rout taken by Afobe in being thrown in at the deep end, and like Benik, it’s proved no problem at all.

The pair were both on the score-sheet during the win over West Ham in late September, yet Zac was forced to lead the line on his own on Saturday, as Afobe was on Under 18 duty. Another challenge was safely passed with aplomb, a second goal of the season easing the strain on Gatting’s outfit.

In a similar style to the aforementioned Afobe, Ansah is an intelligent, mobile, and extremely quick centre forward, who can operate directly down the middle, or as a support forward, in the classic ‘second striker role.’

It is widely expected a new hit-man will be drafted in during the January transfer window, aside from the one already earmarked for Salamanca. Barnsley’s Reuben Noble-Lazarus and PSG’s Jimmy Kamghain are top of the list of targets to replace the outgoing Banton, although whoever does arrive, will have a truly talented striker partner in Ansah

Article By – J.Sanderson

Martin Keown is, without doubt, one of Arsenal’s most colourful and passionate former players, and although his career finished on a low point, till’ this very day, the Oxford born defender remains loyal to the Club he served so well.

Now working as a part-time scout/coach of the Oxford University Blues, Keown believes part of the commitment he has to Arsenal was developed when he came through the Academy system – something which the 42-year-old thinks will complement the talented Young Guns of today.

“The current crop are brilliant, I think if you can get a young group that come through the system together, they really love the Club – like I’ve always done – and they retain that. Maybe they also give that bit extra.”

The Carling Cup offers a big stage for many of the starlets to perform, but whilst the media heaped praise on Arsène Wenger’s side following the 6-0 drubbing of Sheffield United, Keown enthuses that the ‘pat on the back’ handed out will mean nothing if silverware – of any sort – is not brought to North London

“The future looks very bright for Arsenal, but it’s about ‘can they win something?’. I don’t care what it is, but any trophy. It breeds the winning mentality.”

When quizzed on two of the most impressive names from the pool of talent currently in the ranks, it was home grown Jack Wilshere who took the majority of the praise, yet some was reserved for Mexican striker Carlos Vela.

“I think the lad Wilshere is the one I like, he is quite a small guy, but looks to have bags of pace, and vision. He always seems to have plenty of time on the ball.”

“Vela up front looks awesome in front of goal, he is so calm. His little chip over the goalkeeper (against Sheff Utd) was sublime, he also looks to have a great mentality. That’s the thing you notice around the Club, they are all really nice guys.”

Martin also went on to discuss his role when he spent a season working at Arsenal after retiring, he also talked openly about his career, and why the coaching staff do not get enough praise. The complete interview is available via Arsenal TV and Online.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Whilst fans and the media alike are baffled to the identity of Arsenal’s new South American striker, two important pieces of information have been released, which rule out the front runner, Dentinho.

Young Guns first revealed news of the Gunners interest in the Corinthians front-man in January 2007, and although the player himself was open to a move to North London, a £3 million offer was rebuffed. The 19-year-old has since gone from strength to strength, meaning the Brazilian outfit can expect a bumper fee for the diminutive forward.

The rumour contradicts the claims by Tribuna de Salamanca, who initially interviewed Richard Law, they claim that the signing will cost ‘Almost Nothing, Or Nothing At All’. Law confirmed in early September the intentions to seal the transfer of the mystery marksman, with speculation rife over who the player could be.

Several names have been branded around, but while there is nothing serious at the moment, one thing is certain, and that’s whoever is signed, the player will spend the next two campaigns on loan in Spain.

The quality of players brought in could be affected by The Unions current League status, yet after victory over Eibar on Sunday, UDS have travelled to the summit of the table, and are now firm contenders from promotion. This is something Law has welcomed.

“The next step in our agreement would become active once Salamanca go up to the first division. Not only because more places would open for players, but because a higher calibre of Arsenal players could compete in the first division and get great experience.”

Salamanca have two main centre forwards on their books currently. Giant striker Gorka Azkorra was drafted in over the summer, but has failed to score a competitive goal for his new side, despite being the first choice. The other option is another loanee, Nicolás Fedor known simply as ‘Miku’, the much travelled youngster is on loan from Valencia, but he has also struggled for form.

It leaves a title chasing team without a goalscorer, something badly needed if the target of promotion is to be achieved. The pressure would be on for the loan player who arrives in January, although he would be earning great experience and almost guaranteed a regular slot, should he manage to find the net.

Article By – J.Sanderson

When Gilles Sunu arrived at Arsenal in the summer of 2006, both his former chairman and the British media had dubbed the French forward as ‘The New Thierry Henry’.

A first season dogged with injuries and fatigue left Gooners frustrated as well as cheated at the £2 million fee paid for the unproven starlet, but in his time of need, Arsenal stuck by him. At the back end of the season Gilles had played his part in a handful of Reserves games, and although he scored against Derby, many were still not convinced.

This campaign has seen a complete reversal of fortunes for Sunu, who made his first appearance of the season for the second-string at home to Stoke last week. Now back playing in his original position on the wing, Gilou is making up for lost time.

Over the summer much has changed with the 17-year-old, and not just in his hair cut!. He has found his confidence, and looks the part with the weight of being charged as the man to get the goals firmly off his back.

Sunu now seems taller, stronger, quicker and as versatile as ever. Featuring on the flanks has recharged his energy, with the youngster still possessing his athleticism and power, but now with enthusiasm in abundance, his direct style is paying dividends.

Aside from the handful of goals already bagged, attitudes towards the player have been a complete transformation from that of last season. Although Gilles is still not thought of as a massive prospect for the future, Man Of The Match performances at West Ham and Chelsea show he is making a big difference for Bould’s Under 18’s.

So much have the feelings changed, praise is steadily been applied, yet one thing remains the same, the comparisons. It’s still a big international name that’s been associated, infact it’s a player who himself has shrugged off the ‘New Henry’ tag, Ryan Babel.

The directness and sheer power are identical in both, with the Arsenal man only needing to polish his raw qualities to bridge the gap. Being left to quietly develop seems to suit the gentle giant, but fans can be reassured, you’ve not heared the last of Gilles Sunu.

Article By – J.Sanderson