Just Arsenal News

There have been a lot of Arsenal transfer rumours about the possible departure of Thomas Vermaelen, and it could be a distinct possibility now that it has been revealed that the Gunners are close to the signing of Swansea’s Ashley Williams.

It has been reported that after the THIRD meeting between Arsenal and Williams’ representatives, personal terms have now been agreed between both parties, but now the actual transfee fee needs to be agreed with his club.

Arsenal are believed to have offered £8 million to Swansea, but the Welsh club are valuing the 28 year-old at being closer to £12 million but are expected to settle on a figure in between the two prices. .......Read the full article here

The highly experienced Athletico Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta has been linked with a move to Arsenal recently, and it seems that the Venezuelan international is keen to make a move to the Premier League, despite interest from Russia.

Amorebieta’s agent, Gines Carvajal, has been talking about his clients impending move at the end of the season, and he has been quoted in the Spanish press as saying: “We are in talks with Arsenal, he could join them in June.”

“We have had some contact with Anzhi Makhachkala, they were ready to make a good offer, but my client wants to play in England so the transfer to Russia was not possible.” .......Read the full article here

Looking to the future by JG

Following last nights international, everyone from Brazil to Timbuktu, are now aware of the enormous talent that Arsenal have in Jack, not just us Gooners.

I do not believe that keeping hold of him in the near future, 2-3 years, will be a problem. Arsenal will certainly look at his 5 year contract in 18 months to two years time, and offer to pay him what he deserves.

Arsene is obviously aware of the deficiency in the centre back and striker positions, although I am not convinced he believes we need another defensive midfield player in the mould of Petite or Viera. I hope he changes his mind. We look a different side when Diaby is fit. .......Read the full article here

Is Miquel ready for first team football? by KJ

Rumours are starting to pick up that Djourou could be on his way out of Arsenal very soon. It was reported that Napoli scouts were at the Switzerland game against Iceland. They were there scouting Djourou as a possible recruit. Other teams such as Lazio are also interested in the Swiss international. What this means is that one of the youngsters is going to have to be promoted as 4th choice centre back – the obvious choice is Ignasi Miquel. .......Read the full article here

Arsenal defender Johan Djourou is being scouted by Roma according to reports in Insidefutbol. by AM

Switzerland played their world cup qualification group match against Albania, which they 2-0. Arsenal defender Johan Djourou featured in the match and according to reports Roma’s scouts were present in that match to watch Djourou and his team mate Valentin Stocker.

Djourou had an uncertain summer this time around with speculations surrounding his future at the club. Another Serie A club, Napoli, were linked with a move for Swiss defender, but nothing materialized. Back in May, the defender said (in an interview to Swiss 20 Minutes)– “It is not easy. I hardly play and honestly I’ve had enough. Moreover, I never play in my favourite position of centre back. If I get an interesting offer, I am going to seriously look at it.” .......Read the full article here

Arsene Wenger made no changes to Arsenal’s defensive line-up during the summer transfer window, but it is beginning to emerge that they had made approaches to certain players in that position that didn’t come off. Yesterday the Montpellier captain, Mapou Yanga M’Biwa, told the world that he had been approached by Arsenal, and now today we have another confession of contact from a defender.

The Senegal and Anderlecht youngster Chiekhou Kouyate told ESPN yesterday: “The fans of Anderlecht asked me to stay for the club and they showed me their appreciation,” Kouyate said. .......Read the full article here

It is a situation that is both welcome and uncommon at Arsenal – one area of the squad is nearing full fitness. Whilst Mertesacker, Koscielny, Djourou and Squillaci are ready to play, Vermaelen is looking like a contender to be fit for the Chelsea game whilst Gibbs is days away from a return. Whilst Sagna will be out until after the New Year, the majority of the defensive line is looking strong. .......Read the full article here

Arsene Wenger may have promised the Arsenal fans a new defender this summer (after Carl Jenkinson’s arrival I might add), but it seems that the return of Thomas Vermaelen (and maybe the departure of Gael Clichy!) is enough for Wenger to believe that the defence has been improved enough.

Wenger hasn’t seemed such a happy figure in his press conferences lately and when he was asked if Arrsenal were still going to sign a new centre-back, he went into a ramble about how the club was searching high and low but EVERYONE ELSE was also looking…….

“We have specialised people who work everywhere.” he said. “Every club looks for centre-backs in the whole world,”. .......Read the full article here

Arsene Wenger has promised the Arsenal fans a new defender before the end of the transfer window, but there is no imminent signing on the horizon so far despite the big words.

Kyle Bartley was thought to be nearly ready to take the step up to the Arsenal first team, but after Wenger sent him out on loan it was assumed a new arrival would be named in his place.

The young Ignasi Miquel hasn’t been with the Gunners squad for any of the pre-season games, but it seems that Wenger has been watching him closely as he helped Spain to win the European Under-19 Championship this summer, playing in every single game. .......Read the full article here

There have been numerous rumours linking the young Blackburn defender Phil Jones with the Gunners, as well as many other top clubs including Tottenham, Man United and Liverpool.

The England U21 international is trying to concentrate on trying to make sure that Blackburn don’t get relegated at the moment, but when asked about the Arsenal rumours Jones admitted that he liked the way they play.

“I think Arsenal play the prettiest football in the Premier League,” he said. “Obviously money helps. Having more money allows you to play in a certain way, but that’s the beauty of the Premier League – there are so many different styles. .......Read the full article here

There have been a lot of Arsenal transfer rumours lately, and after Arsene Wenger admitted that he was looking for a tough “commanding” defender this summer there have been many names put into the frame.

Today there are reports that Wenger is still considering going for the £20m-rated Bolton defender Gary Cahill, with Ray Parlour in particular saying that Cahill is exactly who Arsenal need right now to take command of the Gunners defence.

But there are also whispers that Arsenal are considering the Paris Saint-Germain centre back Mamadou Sakho as another likely leader at the back. Sakho is a more likely Wenger signing because 1; He is French, 2; He is young (only 21), He is big (6ft2in) .......Read the full article here

According to reports from France, Arsenal and Man City are both scouting the 17 year-old Lens defender Raphael Varane. Arsene Wenger’s search for future centre-backs for the Emirates has now become imperative while Roberto Mancini is trying to populate the youth team at the Eastlands with promising young players.

Although Varane doesn’t turn 18 for another couple of weeks he is already imposing at 6ft3in and his talent has been widely documented in France. He has already made ten impressive appearances for the Lens senior side and has even appeared three times for the French U21 side. .......Read the full article here