Just Arsenal News

Arsene Wenger thinks that this summer was particularly difficult in the transfer market, but he is very pleased that he managed to bring in Laurent Koscielny, Sebastien Squillaci and Marouane Chamakh and all three have managed to fit into the team quickly.

But he also believes that it was “vital” that Arsenal managed to keep their captain Cesc Fabregas out of the clutches of Barcelona. “It was vital for us to keep Cesc because we build a team around him.” Wenger said. .......Read the full article here

There is much talk about about Arsenal’s injury “curse”, and every week of every season there seems to be yet another announcement of another Arsenal injury. Well today is no different.

Robin Van Persie has managed to play during the World Cup (all the way to final!) without a problem, but his first day back on duty as an Arsenal player he gets yet another problem.

Arsene Wenger seemed quite optimistic after the game. Van Persie had to be taken off after just half an hour of the Blackburn game (after setting up the opening goal) and according to Wenger it is just a “twisted ankle”. .......Read the full article here

Arsene Wenger made a very funny statement yesterday when asked about who he would use as his main striker now that both Van Persie and Chamakh are fit and ready to start today’s match. He was asked if he would choose or play both of them alongside each other.

“I don’t know what I will do yet,” he said. “But one thing is for sure. You cannot play 4-4-2 with Arshavin, Walcott, Van Persie, Fabregas and Chamakh. That is not a system, that is suicide. .......Read the full article here

The England and Arsenal winger Theo Walcott scored a brilliant hat-trick for the Gunners yesterday, and he thinks that he is now ready to make the switch from winger to centre-forward, just like his hero Thierry Henry.

“The boss signed me as a striker but I’ll happily play anywhere for Arsenal,” he said yesterday.

“There’s a lot of competition up front now with Marouane and Robin, so as long as I provide goals and pop up with one now and then I’m happy with that. .......Read the full article here

Arsenal have now played two games of the new season, and have gained a respectable four points and scored seven goals, but, as regular visitors to Just Arsenal News will be aware, there seem to be more and more Arsenal supporters criticizing Wenger’s ability to run Arsenal.

Everyone knows (including Wenger) that the Gunners are in desperate need of a centre-back, and could do with a world class goalkeeper. He hasn’t been able to buy either as yet, for whatever reason, but he is obviouly trying as hard as he can without advertising the fact too loudly. We still have nine days left so we shouldn’t give up hope just yet, and perhaps we should just leave Wenger alone to get on with his job? .......Read the full article here

The biggest Arsenal transfer rumour today was that Arsene Wenger was in touch with Sevilla to persuade them to part with the French international centre-back, Sebastien Squillaci.

Well today Sevilla have confirmed the rumours, and also agreed that Squillaci missed the Champions League Qualifier just in case the deal went through. BUT, as seems to be the case every time Arsenal are chasing a player, Arsene Wenger is trying to get the asking price reduced!

Sevilla sporting director Ramon Rodriguez said: “The player asked not to play because of the offer from such a big team but, for the moment, we believe the offer is insufficient and Squillaci is still a Sevilla player,” .......Read the full article here

Arsene Wenger was not too upset with taking a point from the opening game of the season at Anfield, especially as Arsenal were missing a lot of important players. He did feel that the Gunners should have made the extra man count in the second half, but couldn’t turn the possession into an equalising goal.

“It was a game where we had a lot of possession.” he said. “In the first half we controlled the game and our keeper didn’t have a lot to do. In fairness they defended well, we had the ball in their half a lot but didn’t find any openings. .......Read the full article here

The Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has admitted that he may not have the money to invest in players compared to Moneybags Man City, but he still believes his team should now be ready to win the Premiership title.

He was asked directly if he thought this would be Arsenal’s trophy-winning season. “Yes but it depends as well what you consider a trophy,” he said.

“For me a trophy is the championship or the Champions League. Would you like to finish 10th in the League and win the League Cup and say you’ve won a trophy? Certainly not. .......Read the full article here

The Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is well aware of the defensive frailties of his squad after losing four defenders this summer, but he says it is extremely difficult to find suitable players in the transfer market this summer.

“Let’s not be fooled,” he said. “We are short at the back, and we need to add. If we manage to do that, then we are better equipped. We have more experience now, the average age of our players is 23, 24, when they are real men; the league is more open. It is time for us. I believe we have managed quite well to stay in the top four in recent times while we built the new stadium. Now it is time to deliver.” .......Read the full article here

Arsene Wenger has officially announced his new contract extension, and he says he has done it so that he can see his young squad finally deliver on their promise and bring a host of trophies to the Emirates for the first time.

“My heart belongs to Arsenal and my desire is to see this team win silverware.” Wenger said.

“My commitment and drive are as strong and fresh as ever. Signing a new deal means that I can see this talented group of players reach their potential. Trust me, they are ready to deliver. .......Read the full article here

Arsenal’s goalkeeping problems have been highlighted on Just Arsenal News all summer, and they were even more emphasised by the team conceding FIVE goals in yesterdays match against Legia Warsaw.

Before the game, Wenger said that this was another chance for Fabianski to show if he was capable of being first-choice keeper this season. Wenger said: “Tomorrow Fabianski has another opportunity to show that he can play No 1.

“Wojciech is a goalkeeper of huge quality. At the moment we want to play for the title so I believe he needs some more experience to compete directly for the first goalkeeper position. .......Read the full article here

Arsene Wenger will be 61 in October and is entering the last year of his present contract at Arsenal, but he has at last given his biggest hint yet that he intends to stay at the Emirates for a few more years yet, despite interesting offers from other sources. Could he be talking about the job as coach of Japan?

Wenger said: “I am at a stage where if I extend my contract it means I will finish my career at club level at Arsenal. If I go for a different challenge – I have been offered many challenges you know – it has to be now. .......Read the full article here