Wenger will make strengthening his defence a priority this summer
May 16, 2008
The Barcelona player Yaya Toure, brother of Arsenal’s Kolo, has admitted that he would love the opportunity to play alongside his brother at the Emirates. “I am aware of the interest from the Premier League,” he said. “It would be great to play in a big team with my brother.”
Arsenal defender Gael Clichy has revealed he is on the brink of signing a new four-year deal with the club.
Arsene Wenger has said that he hopes to make a new signing within a few weeks. “I know what I want and I am very confident,” he said. “I hope to turn that around in the next two or three weeks. But the fans should be re-assured by what they see.” One of the first signings could be Lyon’s 21-year-old Hatem Ben Arfa, who has just been voted Young Player of the Year in France. Wenger could also look to another Frenchman, Lilian Thuram, to boost his defence.
He said of rumours linking him to the Emirates: “It is true that we have spoken about Arsenal, but we will see how it is going to happen. Today I am at Lyon. We will see what tomorrow is made of. I try to give my maximum and to give everything when I am on the pitch.”
Wenger will make strengthening his defence a priority this summer, and has apparently been offered Barcelona skipper Carlos Puyol. The Spanish club would want Cesc Fabregas in return, but Fabregas has recently reassured fans that he will stay at the club.
Alexander Hleb’s departure from the club has apparently and quickly progressed from a mere rumour to something inevitable as the midfielder is reported to be on the verge of joining Inter, with the player’s agent stating that Wenger can’t stop him. The midfielder joined Arsenal in July 2005 from Stuttgart for £11.2 million. “Alexander is preparing to make one of the most important moves of his life. He is leaving Arsenal even though they want to offer him a new long-term contract and better conditions,” Nikolai Shpilevski is quoted as saying in the Belarus press.
Lehmann considering retirement
May 11, 2008
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that departing goalkeeper Jens Lehmann could hang up his gloves after the forthcoming Euro 2008 competition if he spends it on the subs’ bench.
“It could be the case that, if he gains a starting berth, he may choose to play on, but if he spends the tournament on the sidelines, he will know it is time to call it a day,” said the Frenchman.
“Jens will go, but he doesn’t even know if he continues to play,” he added.
“He has indicated to me that he will make a decision after the European Championships and he will certainly be influenced by the way it goes.”
Bolton Wanderers 2 - 3 Arsenal
March 30, 2008
Ten-man Arsenal scored three times in the last 28 minutes to resurrect their title hopes while pushing Bolton Wanderers closer to the Championship. Matt Taylor scored his first ever Bolton goals in a dramatic first half that saw Abou Diaby red carded for an horrific tackle on Gretar Steinsson.
But despite laying siege to the visitors goal in the first 15 minutes of the second half, Wanderers couldn’t get a third goal.
And a double substitution by Arsene Wenger helped turn the game, bringing on Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott.
The duo gave Arsenal a badly-needed attacking edge and within six minutes the Londoners were back in the game.
Unmarked William Gallas fired home after Ivan Campo failed to cut out Cesc Fabregas’ in-swinging corner.
Four minutes later, Steinsson felled Alex Hleb and Robin van Persie converted from the spot.
Bolton never looked likely to make their own comeback and it was no surprise when they conceded a third goal.
Fabregas’ shot initially hit Andy O’Brien which then in turn deflected off Jlloyd Samuel.
