Arsenal Rumors

papa5murf · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 2:52 pm

So it's getting close to the transfer period, and rumors are flying. Just a couple that have been floating around the last couple days.

Quote:

Arsenal Keeping Tabs On Modric Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's interest in Dinamo Zagreb's midfielder Luka Modric shows no sign of lessening, according to reports.

The Mail on Sunday newspaper reports that Arsenal had one of their top "representatives" in Croatia on Wednesday to watch Modric playing for Dinamo against SV Hamburg in the Uefa Cup.

Although Dinamo lost 2-0 to the German side, that defeat - which makes their early elimination from the Uefa Cup more likely - will also hasten Modric's expected exit from Zagreb.

And Arsenal could be his destination.

Quote:

English Press: Arsenal Want Gourcuff The Daily Telegraph claims that Arsenal are set to make a bid for AC Milan midfielder Yoann Gourcuff...

French attacking midfielder Yoann Gourcuff (pictured) could be on the way from AC Milan to Arsenal, according to sources in the English media.

It is thought that the 21 year old would command a fee of around 20 million euros, with boss Arsene Wenger said to still be interested on his services after missing out on them in 2006.

For those who like "next" comparisons, Gourcuff has been lauded by the French media as the "next Zidane".

But for those more interested in tangible achievements, Gourcuff has not had the easiest time at the San Siro, playing just 10 Serie A games in his debut season.

Prior to 2006/07, though, he was one of Ligue 1's top performers as he took on the attacking midfield role with Stade Rennais.

Such brilliant form for the Rennes outfit saw Milan swoop for him on a contract that will keep him under contract until 2011.

He started excellently with the rossoneri, playing extremely well against the likes of AEK Athens, but since then has tailed off slightly.

Whether that means that the door is now open for Arsenal to move for him - or even if they want to - remains to be seen.

Quote:

Wenger Still Weighing Up Mputu Decision Arsene Wenger says if he signs DR Congo striker Tresor Mputu it will be with a view to the longer-term.

If Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger decides to sign Tresor Mputu, the striker will arrive as a "project" player - which means he is being considered as a long-term investment rather than a short-term fix.

Mputu was top scorer in Africa's Champions League, and has scored five goals in 10 international appearances for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He also impressed during a trial with Arsenal last month, and the club's official website reports that Wenger is considering adding the 20-year-old forward to the Gunners' squad.

However, the Frenchman does not expect Mputu to be ready for Premier League football until next season.

"He has qualities, but he has never played in Europe," said Wenger.

"In the middle of a season, to buy a guy from Congo and think he will give you something more is a little bit optimistic.

"Maybe we'll pursue it, but it will be on a six to seven-month plan, you know, you get the guy in to adapt, and then we'll see how well he does."

conner99 · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 4:02 pm

i heard a rumour that Theo Walcott might score again soon .....

papa5murf · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 4:46 pm

conner99 wrote:

i heard a rumour that Theo Walcott might score again soon .....

If Wenger would freeking start him for once!! I'm not one to criticize Wenger because I believe he's a football genius; however, Walcott needs to start ahead of Eboue (if he's to play in midfield), or be up front with Adebayor. We all saw what he could do when he's in his natural position up front and it was brilliant.

J-Axe · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 7:20 pm

We need a Defender, not a Midfielder.

An extra Striker wouldn't be a bad idea, particularly that young African that Wenger is looking at.

Steely Hill · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 9:10 am

J-Axe wrote:

We need a Defender, not a Midfielder.

An extra Striker wouldn't be a bad idea, particularly that young African that Wenger is looking at.

David Banda?

papa5murf · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:47 pm

Not leaving over the transfer period, but possibly during the summer. If this is the case and in fact true, would be pretty wise to bring in Luka Modric or Yoann Gourcuff as stated in earlier rumors. And of course we still have Diaby and Denilson, but with the probability of selling Gilberto in January, be good to bring in another midfielder for some extra cover.

Flamini did want to leave last summer, so it wouldn't surprise me if he ended up leaving come this summer.

Quote:

Flamini Moving Closer To Juventus � Report Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini�s chances of moving to Juventus on a free transfer have dramatically improved, according to Tuttosport.

The Frenchman�s contract with the Gunners runs out in June and he is said to be considering leaving after being unimpressed by the club�s latest offer of �35,000 a week.

�I am a free agent in January, so we will see what happens,� Flamini said several days ago.

�I am happy here, but we will see. We have so many games in December, so it is very difficult to be concentrated on this kind of thing as we are playing every three days.�

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is said to be furious at Flamini and his agent for their conduct during contract talks, and it now seems that negotiations will be put off until the busy Christmas and New Year fixture period is over.

This means that from January 1, Flamini will be able to talk to other clubs about a free transfer move in the summer.

It has been widely reported in the English and Italian press over the past few days that Juventus would like to bring the ex-Marseille man to Turin.

Arsenal are unlikely to increase their contract offer significantly, one because they have a salary cap at the club, and two because Wenger believes that promising youngsters Abou Diaby and Denilson are well-equipped to replace Flamini.

J-Axe · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 10:12 pm

Flamini would be a stupid loss. He's our modern version of Gilles Grimandi, only he has improved so much technically this season.

He's our utility player and one of the few who really knows how to get stuck in. Diaby, Den�lson, Diarra and Gilberto are capable replacements, but with Flamini's style, form and potential I'd rather he stayed with us. I'd rather let go of Diarra and Gilberto.

papa5murf · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 4:35 pm

Wenger has placed a �6 million price tag on Diarra and has left him off the Carling Cup squad.

Wenger has turned down Villa's Hoyte inquiry.

Arsenal are the front runners to sign 15 year old Luke Freeman. And Fran Merida is off to Real Sociedad on loan (not sure how long the loan deal is for).

Quote:

Arsenal poised to pip Newcastle and West Ham for starlet
Last updated at 14:07pm on 9th January 2008

Gillingham manager Mark Stimson has confirmed Arsenal are the 'front-runners' to sign starlet Luke Freeman.

The 15-year-old has had a spell training with the Gunners and also Barclays Premier League rivals Newcastle and West Ham.

"As we speak, Arsenal are the front-runners for Luke Freeman and they are talking to the chairman," Stimson told the club's official website, www.gillinghamfootballclub.tv.co.uk.

"We are trying to negotiate a deal, but that could take a day, a week or a month.

"We realise now that we are going to lose him. It is sad that is going to happen because he is a special talent. "We have got to get the best deal for the club and when that is done, we'll let everyone know."

Stimson added: "It wouldn't be right to stand in the boy's way if the deal is right for Gillingham.

"The good thing about it is he realises that and so do his parents.

"They know he will only go to a Premier League club if the deal is right for our club and that is what we are trying to negotiate."

Arsenal youngster Fran Merida, 17, looks set for a loan move to Spanish side Real Sociedad, coached by former Fulham boss Chris Coleman.

papa5murf · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 4:45 pm

Quote:

Arsene Wenger�s plans of snapping up Bolton �keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen on a free in the summer have been hijacked by Barcelona, who want him now! (Daily Mail)
�However, Jaaskelainen isn�t 100% keen on this idea and wants to stay at the Reebok stadium until the end of the season.

soxguy15 · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 5:40 pm

i mean ultimately we'll end up signing mputu, freeman and this dmitrov guy from levski sofia

we'll lose gilberto and lehmann most likely i really dont think diarra will be allowed to leave though him being left out of the carling cup squad is kind of a bad indicator

papa5murf · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 5:54 pm

Diarra is allowed to leave, but Wenger doesn't want to lose him so he put in a �6 million price tag on him. (we bought him for �2 million from Chelsea) I don't think anyone would pay �6 million for him unless they are desperate.

J-Axe · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 7:39 pm

Eh? He's easily worth �6million, if not more.

He's a French First XI regular, young and a class act with great potential.

We got him for a steal of a price. He'll probably head to France - Lyon in particular.

papa5murf · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 7:50 pm

He's stated that he'd rather stay in the EPL.

soxguy15 · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:40 pm

ya he wants to stay in england...got to keep him sorry diarra cant leave. y would we knowingly let the next maka walk out. lassana just needs to pull up his panties and fight for his place

DENZIL23 · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:56 pm

Plus Diarra has started the carling cup game against Tottenham. Dont know if that changes anything?

J-Axe · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 9:07 pm

He's not in the squad pal.

Maybe you're thinking of Diaby?

pt89 · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:16 pm

we need to get rid of gilberto at first
than buy a left wing
and a central defender to cover toure-gallas pair

my dream signings:

hatem ben arfa
ezequiel garay

J-Axe · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:17 pm

pt89 wrote:

we need to get rid of gilberto at first
than buy a left wing
and a central defender to cover toure-gallas pair

I agree with you on that. Senderos should go as well - he's disgracing the no.6 shirt.

pt89 · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:18 pm

senderos was in top form on season 05/06 but now hes crap.hes worse than kaboul Rolling Eyes

but maybe nordtveit will take a chance Smile

YoBBo · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:26 pm

pt89 wrote:

we need to get rid of gilberto at first
than buy a left wing
and a central defender to cover toure-gallas pair

my dream signings:

hatem ben arfa
ezequiel garay

NO i want Ben Arfa is a class player all he needs to add to his game is too bag a few more goals he has such good quick feet would love him at Spurs.

J-Axe · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:32 pm

pt89 wrote:

senderos was in top form on season 05/06 but now hes crap.hes worse than kaboul Rolling Eyes

but maybe nordtveit will take a chance Smile

Good call again. Nordtveit has all the qualities, just needs to make the step up to the big boys. Hoped he would play some part in the Carling Cup this year. Maybe he's not just there yet.

Surprised Matt Connolly left. He looked promising.

papa5murf · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:39 pm

J-Axe wrote:

I agree with you on that. Senderos should go as well - he's disgracing the no.6 shirt.

And the Captain armband.

papa5murf · Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 10:42 pm

pt89 wrote:

senderos was in top form on season 05/06 but now hes crap.hes worse than kaboul Rolling Eyes

but maybe nordtveit will take a chance Smile

Nordtveit is the future.

I wish Wenger would make a loan deal for a quality CB for the rest of this year. It's what we need the most.

papa5murf · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 1:22 am

Quote:

Lehmann To Dortmund A Done Deal Reports from Germany claim that the transfer of goalkeeper Jens Lehmann from Arsenal to Dortmund is a done deal.

Bild' are reporting that 38 year old Lehmann has given the Bundesliga a positive response to their contract offer.

"All things between us and Lehmann have now been agreed and we are in constant contact" revealed Dortmund manager Michael Zorc to Bild.

A return to the Bundesliga is just dependent on his signature on the contract.

A few small details and formalities have to be completed.

"They have nothing to do with BVB, we are all in financial agreement" Zorc added.

The move will end Lehmann's spell as second-choice keeper at Arsenal after he lost his place to Manuel Almunia.

Lehmann is not even part of the squad for Arsenal's League Cup semi-final first-leg tie with London rivals Tottenham tonight.

Reports earlier in the week suggested that sections of the Dortmund fans were unhappy about the signing, but the BVB bosses appear to have got their man.

J-Axe · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 1:25 am

He's a much improved Keeper since Dortmund last had him. They should be happy if the deal goes through.

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