Kieran Gibbs hails ‘instrumental’ Arsene Wenger

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Mar 20, 2014

Key Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey gave the club the best news he could save for an early injury return this week, when he signed a new contract with the Gunners.

The new deal will take him up until 2018 at the club, superb news concerning a player who had netted 13 goals in the first half of the season before his fitness troubles.

Discussing his renewed deal at the club, Ramsey reflected back on the journey which took him to Arsenal in the first place; almost ending up at Manchester United or Everton instead.

He told Arsenal.com: “I had a few tough decisions at that time, I was travelling to a few different clubs at the time.

“When I knew Cardiff were going to sell me, the manager [Arsène Wenger] was doing the Euros at the time so he flew me and my family out and my agent to Switzerland to meet him in person and to have a conversation.

“We had a meal as well together so it was just to show how much he wanted me and what he believed he could help me turn into. That really won it for me and I feel like I’ve made the right decision in coming here.”

It certainly was a real battle for the Welshman’s signature, and David Moyes in two ways missed out on signing him.

The United boss revealed last year how Ramsey went to visit him at Everton, Arsene Wenger swiping his signature away from him, the Scotsman clearly not having the same effect.

He told SkySports last year: “Yes, I was very close to signing Aaron when I was at Everton. I had him and his family in my house but Arsenal beat me to it.”

Moyes could even have had him when he arrived at United this season. The Red Devils made the step of announcing on their official website that they had agreed a fee with Cardiff for his signature, stating: “Manchester United is delighted to announce it has agreed terms with Cardiff City for the transfer of Aaron Ramsey subject to contract terms being agreed and the player passing a medical.”

The difference a fit and firing Ramsey could have made to United’s limp midfield right now is immeasurable, their loss being Arsenal’s gain.

So what was it about Wenger which convinced Ramsey to do a deal, once he met up with him? Ramsey elaborated:

“Arsenal have brought through so many great young players and turned them into world-class players. He gives youngsters opportunities and if he feels that you’re good enough he’ll play you so those factors were massive for me.

“I just felt really wanted by this club.”

Written by Steve Milne

Roma want Manchester United, Chelsea & Spurs stars

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Mar 20, 2014

Roma are desperate to keep improving after a fantastic debut campaign under coach Rudi Garcia, which has seen the Giallorossi emerge as Champions League qualification certainties thanks a run of 10 consecutive wins to start the campaign.

That recruitment drive could feature bids for as many as four Premier League stars if Corriere dello Sport are to be believed, with Lukaku at the top of that shopping list after impressing in another fruitful loan spell this season.

Lukaku’s 11 goals in all competitions for Everton this season has attracted the interest of a whole host clubs across the continent, with Roma joining the race amid reports that Blues boss Jose Mourinho doesn’t see the Belgian powerhouse in his first-team plans.

Paulinho is also a firm Roma target as Spurs stars face up to an uncertain summer at White Hart Lane, as manager Tim Sherwood waits to learn if he’ll keep the post on a long-term basis.

Garcia also wants a full-back and believes two Premier League players can fit the bill, with both Newcastle United defender Davide Santon or Manchester United’s Dutch reserve Alexander Buttner under consideration.

Written by Steve Milne

‘I would sign Arsenal contract to the end of my career without hesitating’

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Mar 20, 2014

Wojciech Szczesny would like to stay at Arsenal for the rest of his career.

The 23-year-old signed a new long-term deal with the club in November and has established himself as the club’s No1 so firmly that his deputy, Lukasz Fabianski, is set to leave this summer in a bid to find first-team football.

Although the Gunners were linked with a number of high-profile goalkeepers in the summer — most notably Iker Casillas from Real Madrid and Barcelona’s Victor Valdes — Arsene Wenger opted to sign Emiliano Viviano as back-up to give Szczesny and Fabianski the chance to prove their worth.

Szczesny has played in all 29 Premier League games this season and is unequivocal in where he sees his future.

“If they give me a contract to the end of my career, I’d sign it without any hesitation,” he said. “I feel attached to the club and the coach who has given me a chance. There are not many who would do that but I must’ve been good. I see the future here.

“I’ll play at Arsenal as long as am wanted here. I am not afraid to fight for number one with anyone: Fabianski or Casillas.

“I hope I won’t make the boss think, ‘Wojciech’s not number one’. It’s all in my hands. I am in the best form of my life.”

Szczesny has encountered some difficult spells at Arsenal. Four years ago, he stalled over signing a new contract before agreeing to stay while he had a spell on the sidelines last season after being dropped for their Champions League last-16, second-leg clash against Bayern Munich.

However, Szczesny revealed that Wenger sweetened that particular decision with a new deal. “The decision was made [by the club to offer me a new contract] the day after I was told I wouldn’t play against Bayern. The next day I was at the training ground at 7.30, I trained individually and at 10.30 with the team. It was noticed.

“In 2010, I wanted to leave. I was far from the first team and my contract was expiring. That was the only time I was ready to leave. I was ready to play in the first team but I wasn’t even a sub in League Cup.”

Wenger has confirmed that Fabianski will be selected for next month’s FA Cup semi-final against Wigan but despite the competition offering Arsenal their best chance of silverware since 2005, Szczesny has no complaints. “If we win it, we will all feel relieved,” he said. “Fans expect trophies. It doesn’t matter that I don’t play because Łukasz is doing well.”

And he believes the club’s future is bright having shown themselves capable of signing the best players following last summer’s £42.4million capture of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid.

“The transfer of Ozil is a signal to the whole Europe: we can afford anyone,” Szczesny told Polish newspaper Przeglad Sportowy.

“The club have signed new commercial contracts, we play in the Champions League every year and we have no debts. I didn’t sign long term with Arsenal because of the money. I believe there’s no better place for me. A few years ago we were like Borussia Dortmund, our best players were taken by others. Now we can afford Ozil.”

Written by Steve Milne

Manchester City are ready to splash £30m to lure Luke Shaw to the Etihad Stadium

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Mar 20, 2014

The Saints left-back has been one of the Premier League’s finest young players this term, with the 18-year-old’s performances having helped his side into a solid top half position and earned him a senior England debut.

Naturally a number of the division’s ‘big boys’ are now interested in the teenager, but City are ready to beat their rivals with a massive £30m offer.

The Sky Blues were tentatively linked with Shaw in January, but a winter deal was seen as unworkable.

But Manuel Pellegrini is ready to dedicate a vast chunk of his summer budget to landing the rampaging defender once the transfer window re-opens.

It is understood that hush-hush talks between the two clubs have taken place, and that City have been encouraged by the outcome of discussions.

Shaw is seen by the Middle Eastern-backed side as the ideal long-term left-back option, with both Aleksandar Kolarov and Gael Clichy having failed to convince Pellegrini of their worth.

Chelsea are also in the battle, and have long been tipped as favourites with Shaw known to be a Blues fan.

Yet City are confident that Cesar Azpilicueta’s emergence in the position under Jose Mournho may be enough to dissuade him from switching to the London club.

Tottenham and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in Shaw.

Written by Steve Milne

Sherwood remains coy over Konoplyanka

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Ben Reardon

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Mar 20, 2014

Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has remained coy over spexulation surrounding Dnipro winger Yevhan Konoplyanka.

Konoplyanka has been a long term target of both Tottenham, and Liverpool, with the player linked to both clubs in the summer.

Rumours in the press are stating that a deal to take the player to Spurs in close to being completed.

“Konoplyanka is certainly one who’s being talked about, but nothing definitive,” said Sherwood, before his sides Europa League tie away at Benfica.

Sherwood, who was given an 18-month deal in December fully expects to be in the role next season.

The Spurs boss also stated, that HE wants to be in charge of the clubs transfers, not chairman Daniel Levy.

“I think we have to make sure we see a lot more of these guys before they come in, not just the highlights, because we’ve got to make sure we do our recruitment job on them.

“I will sign the players, absolutely. Nobody else will come in here unless I sanction it. You can’t work any other way.

“The manager has got to work with the players, so unless he gets the players he wants it’s always going to be an uphill task. He will always have the excuse of, ‘well, they’re not my players’.

“Someone else has made those decisions in the past and I’ve not been privy to it. I know the type of players I want to improve the group and take it forward next season.

“It’s out of my hands but I believe I’ll be here next year. I’m planning for next season. The players are playing for their futures.”

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Thierry Henry jumps to the defence of Mesut Ozil

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Mar 20, 2014

Former-Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has leaped to the defence of heavily-criticised midfielder Mesut Ozil after the German international has suffered weeks of bad press from the media and criticism from the fans.

The former-Real Madrid star signed for Arsenal back in the Summer for a club record fee of £43million, and despite starting the season brightly with goals and assists, recently his form has dipped and as a result, he has come under a lot of pressure from both the fans and the English media.

Unfortunately for Arsene Wenger, Ozil is now injured with a serious hamstring injury and could miss up to two months, which will result in him missing the majority of the title-race and also the FA Cup Semi-Final against Wigan Athletic.

Despite the heavy criticism of him, club-legend Thierry Henry, has defended the German and has urged people to give him more time to adapt and settle.

“They don’t actually remember that the guy coming has to adjust to a new style of living, talking another language, different food, different town, a different team.

“What I would say is that people focus on, the main thing that I’ve seen in the game, that it did change, is money. When a player has a price tag he has to perform straight away.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Chelsea eye Premier League starlet

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Mar 20, 2014

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Southampton starlet Sam Gallagher after he impressed during the side’s 4-2 victory over Norwich City last weekend.

The 18-year-old is yet another bright spark to come from The Saints’ youth system and they are now expected to fight off all interest that comes in for the young Englishman, with Chelsea keen on his services.

Gallagher, who scored against Norwich City at the weekend, is yet to demonstrate his talents on a weekly-basis, but according to reports, Chelsea have already sent scouts out to watch him as they prepare a Summer bid for him to boost their attacking options.

Although Mourinho has been linked with the likes of Radamel Falcao, Edinson Cavani and Diego Costa, it is thought that he is also keen on adding youth to the team and as well as being interested in Luke Shaw from Southampton, he now looks keen on Gallagher.

The duo from St Marys are another two talents that have come from the youth system at the club and could join the likes of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in making big-money moves come the Summer.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Dan Gosling fined £30,000 for breaching betting rules

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Mar 20, 2014

The 24-year-old Newcastle and former Plymouth Argyle midfielder, who went to school in Brixham and played for Brixham United, admitted a misconduct charge following “multiple breaches” of the rules.

They do not relate to matches involving Newcastle or Blackpool, where he has been on loan this season.

Gosling’s breach relates to a rule which states that a player “shall not bet, either directly or indirectly” on matches involving themselves or their team – or a competition they play in or have played in.

In addition, players are prohibited from betting on “any other matter concerning or related to any club participating in any league competition that the participant is participating in or has participated in during that season”.

Gosling was a regular for Blackpool during his three-month stint at the Championship side but has only made three substitute appearances since returning to the Magpies at the start of January.

Written by Steve Milne

Inter Milan open talks with Patrice Evra

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Mar 20, 2014

According to reports, Inter Milan have held talks with Manchester United defender Patrice Evra regarding a potential Summer move, which would see him join team-mate Nemanja Vidic.

The Italian side’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio has reportedly been in touch with the United left-back and has put a contract on the table for the Frenchman, which he is allowed to do so due to Evra’s contract expiring this Summer.

If Evra does choose to accept the offer, he will join defensive partner Nemanja Vidic in swapping Old Trafford for the San Siro and it would be a real loss for David Moyes, who is set to make wholesale changes once the season ends.

Inter are desperate to land several new signings this Summer after being taken over as they are keen to bring back the glory days at the club, and a lot of their transfer targets are currently playing in the Premier League.

Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Bacary Sagna, Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto’o, John Obi Mikel and Javier Hernandez have all been linked with a move to Inter this Summer.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Mathieu Flamini hails Arsene Wenger and eyes the double

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Mar 20, 2014

Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has paid tribute to long-serving manager Arsene Wenger and has praised him for his loyalty towards the club even through the tough times of late.

The Frenchman is set to take charge of his 1,000th game at the club this Saturday when they go to Stamford Bridge to face rivals Chelsea, and Flamini believes that is an incredible achievement, especially considering what he’s gone through the last nine or so years.

Wenger has been approached by some of Europe’s best clubs and has also been offered a job coaching his country, but on all occasions, he has turned the offers down in order to remain at Arsenal, and for that, Flamini has nothing but praise for him.

He told the Daily Mirror: “It’s an unbelievable achievement. He means so much to the club for the achievements he has done until now. Congratulations to him, first of all.

“I think it’s someone who knows exactly what he wants. He has a vision since the beginning, he’s moved to Arsenal and he still has the same one. He know exactly how he wants to play. That’s remarkable.

“He’s not really changed, he’s still the same person. He had a philosophy before and he still has the same ones, that’s why it’s so easy for me to come back and to find my place in this team.

“They were playing a certain football before and they still play the same. The focus is on small passes and high pressing and to attack. At Arsenal the football is focused on attacking and playing nice football.

“His philosophy was exactly the same – his style, his management and desire to win.”

This season could finally be the end of the trophy drought as The Gunners fight for the Premier League and the FA Cup, and hard-man Flamini believes the double is still on the cards.

Flamini added: “We have a few more games to come which are not easy, because Chelsea and Manchester City are also fighting for the title.

“In the title race, it’s very important not to drop any more points because it’s not a marathon now it’s a sprint. We have a few more games and we want to win every single one.

“The Premier League is one of the objectives but we still have the FA Cup and we really want to make something of this competition too.

“It’s a great opportunity, everyone is waiting for Arsenal to win a title and everyone is talking around the club that Arsenal haven’t won a title for a while. It’s a great opportunity for us and it’s in our hands and I can assure everyone we will do everything to go through and win it this year.

“Both competitions are very important for us. Winning titles is very important for every single player, the management team and the fans. We will fight and give everything to win a title this season.

“I’m focused on our team. The Premier League is very competitive, it’s a very open championship and that means every single point is important.

“I would love to win a title, it means so much to the players, to the manager and the fans. We believe we can do it, we will give everything to do it.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Martinez rejects Coleman United link

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Mar 20, 2014

Reports on Thursday morning claimed that United were making progress with a 15 million pounds deal for the Republic of Ireland full-back.

But Martinez insisted that there have been no such talks, and that he intends to hang on to Coleman, whose Goodison Park contract runs until 2017.

Asked about the reports that United were in negotiations to buy the 25-year-old, Martinez said: “It must be a different Seamus Coleman, because we’ve never had any conversations with anyone.

“The truth is that Seamus has been having a very good season and we want that to continue.

“He’s becoming a very important player at Everton. He’s going to be a very important player for his national team.

“And obviously we want Seamus to stay here for a long time, so it’s nothing to comment on.”

Coleman is one of four young Everton players — the others being James McCarthy, John Stones and Ross Barkley — set for contract extension talks at the end of the season.

And Martinez insisted that there was no need to bring forward those negotiations, despite United’s reported interest in Coleman, who moved to Goodison Park from Sligo Rovers for 60,000 pounds in 2008.

The manager said: “We’ve got a clear strategy as to how we want to keep this group of players together.

“We’ve got a new generation coming through, and we’re going to keep those players for as long as we can.”

Written by Steve Milne

Hazard: ‘I want Barcelona or Real Madrid’

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Mar 20, 2014

Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard claims he wants to face either FC Barcelona or Real Madrid in the Champions League Quarter Finals so that he can go up against Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Belgium star has been superb for The Blues this season and is one of the main reasons why they are top of the Premier League, and throughout the campaign, he has been comparing himself to both Messi and Ronaldo, and now he has the chance to face one of them, he wants to take that opportunity so that he can see just how close he is to their level.

The draw for the Champions League Quarter Finals takes place tomorrow and with most people wanting to avoid to big La Liga duo, Hazard is actually hoping that his side can be drawn alongside them.

“For me, for a young player, it’s very important to test myself against Ronaldo or Messi,” Hazard said. “Just to be on the pitch with them would be good and I would try to do well.

“It’s an aspiration for me to be as good as Ronaldo and Messi. I watch a lot of games they play in and I try to be on the same level.”

Chelsea beat Galatasaray in the last-16 and will be joined by only Manchester United from the Premier League after they produced a stunning comeback to see off Olympiakos.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsenal on the hunt for Bacary Sagna replacement

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Mar 20, 2014

Arsenal are on the hunt for a new right-back after growing fears that Bacary Sagna will not sign a new deal at the club, and the latest option on their list is Toulouse youngster Serge Aurier.

Arsene Wenger is desperately trying to secure the future of Sagna by offering him an extension, but with the two parties still way off a mutual agreement, it looks more and more likely that the Frenchman will be leaving the Emirates this Summer.

Now that leaves The Gunners with just Carl Jenkinson as a recognised right-back and rumours within the camp are that Wenger doesn’t feel the youngster is ready to be the first-choice right-back just yet.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund right-back Łukasz Piszczek and also Everton star Seamus Coleman, but according to reports, they are now interested in Serge Aurier from Ligue 1.

Aurier has made seven international caps for Ivoary Coast and has scored five times for this club this year, and is believed to be worth around £6million.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Liverpool ready to bid £17million for Serie A striker

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Mar 20, 2014