English Angle: Just How Much Should Wenger Spend On Arsenal This Summer?

It has been a topic of constant debate all season long that came to a head after the4-1 humiliation on their own patch at the hands of Chelsea.
London's two biggest teams, face-to-face in front of a capacity crowd bathed in May sunshine. Instantly, it felt like a cup final, although in reality it was something of a play-off. Up for grabs, third place in the Premier League - and an unofficial Champions League bronze medal, both sides having been eliminated in the semi-finals during the week.

Arsenal attacked it like a final. They jumped out of the blocks like Asafa Powell and ran rings around Chelsea. The playmaking duo of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas owned the ball, and Theo Walcott latched onto everything in his path. It was good, fast, entertaining, dangerous football - Arsenal football.



But for all that early brilliance, the Gunners failed to register. Walcott shot wide time after time and Abou Diaby spurned a glorious chance in the box as he skewed an effort off Fabregas' laces. Such profligacy would prove costly.

Eventually the Blues found a foothold in the game; that was all they needed. A header from Alex, a fine effort from Anelka, a Kolo Toure own-goal and a third-time-lucky strike from Florent Malouda left Arsene Wenger left to rue his club's worst home defeat in 32 years - and their worst ever at the Emirates.

Arsenal were doomed to a trophyless season when Manchester United inflicted similar scars upon them on Tuesday. It has now been four years since the London club collected their last piece of silverware, and five since they won the league - in fact, they haven't even finished in the top two since 2005.

Obviously, there is something missing from the current crop at Ashburton Grove. This is old news, of course - fans and pundits alike have been screaming for years for Wenger to draft in some experience. So exactly what will it take to transform this young squad from boys to men?

Well, let's start with the weak links. There aren't too many of them, but the few that are there are rather crippling. The centre of midfield is the most obvious of these.

To demonstrate the problem, I'll throw you an interesting statistic. Of all the richly talented players on Arsenal's books, who do you think has played the most games this season? If you said Fabregas, Nasri or Bacary Sagna, you'd be wrong.

Denilson is the correct answer. Yes, Denilson - a player who has performed so averagely this season that Alexandre Song has actually looked good by comparison. You can talk about injuries all you like - but when such an embodiment of mediocrity is the mainstay of your engine room, you can't seriously expect to challenge for honours.

The other issues lies in the centre of the defence. Every combination of Toure, William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre has serious flaws - not least of which is the highly publicised falling-out between Toure and Gallas. Furthermore, none of them are tall and they have all proven rather inconsistent this term.

Then there's the lack of properly versatile, reliable performers. They have Emmanuel Eboue, but he's one of the most erratic players in the league. No, what's missing is an experienced, tidy, un-fussy player who you know will give a solid showing whenever called upon.

As Tony Cascarino told Goal.com recently, "While United have players like John O’Shea and Darren Fletcher who come in when needed and always do a job, Arsenal don’t. Wenger wouldn’t entertain having a 27/28-year-old who he could call on to come in and merely do a job for the team - he wouldn’t even entertain the idea."

You cannot dispute the attacking talent the club have at the disposal - any manager would dream of having Fabregas, Nasri, Walcott, Van Persie, Adebayor and Arshavin in his squad. But flair alone doesn't win you trophies, as has become painfully obvious in recent years.

So, we know that Arsenal need seasoned, top-drawer players to strengthen their spine, and a jack-of-all-trades who can plug all the gaps when necessary. I'll leave it up to others to speculate on exactly who Wenger should chase for these roles - but just how much does he need to spend?

To get a ball-park figure on the investment required, you need only look at the competition. Man United have regularly cracked £50 million per summer on player purchases in recent years; Liverpool are usually around the £40-45m mark. It would be foolish to suggest that Arsenal would (or should) emulate Chelsea's post-2003 figures, but they should at least be in the vicinity of what the two giants of the North West are forking out.

Despite the gaffer's notoriously stingy approach to the transfer market, money has never really been a problem for the Gunners. The board has come out time and again to say that 'Le Professor' can essentially sign whoever he wants. But that's simply not the way he operates; even with all the riches of the world in his pocket, he'd be balancing the books.

I've already touched on a certain Brazilian youngster whom I think should be got rid of, and I also think Song is nowhere near adequate. At least one of these players should be moved on to make room for someone who can actually make some sort of impact upon a game of football.

I'd also turf Gallas. Although the most talented of the stoppers, he has always been an unsettling presence within the team unit. His leadership is based almost entirely on ego, as uncovered by the events that led to his removal from the captaincy earlier in the season, and his performances haven't been good enough to cover up such faults.

Will these sorts of players generate enough cash to satisfy Wenger that he's not financially ruining the club by making a purchase of over £10m? Perhaps he may have to part with a player like Emmanuel Adebayor - important to the team, but a highly valuable striker and one whose commitment to the club has been questioned more than once.

Alan Hansen told Goal.com after the Champions League clash with United, "They also have a problem with Emmanuel Adebayor; on his day he can be unplayable but from what I’ve seen over the two legs, he looks a player who wants out of Arsenal to me."

Whichever way Wenger goes about strengthening the team is not important, the main thing is that it gets done. No more teenage gems, no more washed-up Frenchmen. Arsenal need a world-class holding player, a world-class central defender, and an O'Shea-class utility man. Anything short of that will see them battling for bronze again next season.

By : Mike Maguire

Milan Midfielder Mathieu Flamini Confesses Arsenal Still Hold A Place In His Heart

The bit-part Milan player has stated that he still a fan of the Arsenal.
(pic)Premier League: Mathieu Flamini, Arsenal London

Jose Anigo, the sporting director of Ligue 1 outfit Olympique de Marseille, once accused former midfielder Mathieu Flamini - currently of Milan - of committing "beautiful treason" against the club for the manner in which he exploited the system to broker his own move in 2004 to north London club Arsenal.
The same can arguably be said for the manner in which he left the Gunners, as many Arsenal fans feel the tireless running-man was a mercenary for the way in which he parted company with the club who made his name - dubbing him "Fla-money".
The 25-year-old, who has received three international caps for France, has today declared that he is, contrary to popular opinion at Ashburton Grove, still an Arsenal fan and that the club will "always be in [his] heart".He is quoted by the BBC as saying, "I will always be an Arsenal fan and leaving was not easy. I miss my team-mates. I'm very happy at Milan, but after four years at Arsenal we had very strong partnerships and it's normal to miss your team-mates."Regarding a possible return to the Premier League, he added, "Right now, I can't say if I would go back and play in England again because I'm here and I'm enjoying every day of my life – I'm having so much fun playing for this team – but we'll see. You never know."Thankfully, I'm still in contact with them all because they're still very important to me. I was very close to Cesc [Fabregas], Tomas Rosicky and the African and French guys."Everyone could see on the pitch that me and Cesc were very close and, off the pitch, we still are."Arsenal are in my heart and they will be in my heart forever."
By : Alan Dawson.

Arsenal Eyeing CSKA Moscow Forward Tomas Necid

UEFA CUP: Tomas Necid - Nicky Shorey, Slavia Prague - Aston Villa (Pic)

The Czech Republic international is also attracting interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Tomas Necid According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Premier League outfit Arsenal have entered the race to sign CSKA Moscow's Tomas Necid.

Apparently, the highly-rated 19-year-old forward has also attracted interested from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Primera Division champions Real Madrid.

The 6ft 3in striker only moved to Russian Premier League club CSKA Moscow from Czech team Slavia Prague in January 2009 for a fee of €4 million (£3.5m). He has since played in their opening five matches of the new season.

However, it is claimed that the Koni are willing to sell the two-time capped Czech Republic international this summer should they receive an amount similar to that they paid to sign him.

Necid scored 13 goals in 32 games for Slavia Prague between 2006-2008. In addition, he found the back of the net on five occassions in 13 appearances for FK Baumit Jablonec during a loan spell in 2008.

By : Ricky Brooks.

Four-Goal Hero Arshavin Unhappy With Arsenal Draw

Andrey Arshavin shared his thoughts after Arsenal's 4-4 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
Andrey Arshavin returned to Arsenal's starting XI tonight after being left out of the Gunners' recent FA Cup loss to Chelsea. The Russian came back in style, claiming all four of Arsenal's goals in tonight's Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield.But even in light of his impressive tally, the playmaker would have preferred a win for his club."It was a good game, enjoyable for the spectators, but not good for the team," Arshavin told Sky Sports after the match."We wanted a win, but Liverpool fought hard too. There was a lot of good football."Tonight marks the first time the 28-year-old has ever tallied four goals in a game, a fact he jokingly made light of."It was almost like a game of basketball, but I can't score ninety, just four," continued Arshavin."Sorry about that," he jested."I scored two hat-tricks in Russia, but never four goals in one game."

But the 4 goal by Arsenal was not enough to take home 3 pts from Anfield.

what a waste, but over all it's a fantastic game.

Arsenal And Chelsea Chase Joao Moutinho & Miguel Veloso

The rival London clubs are on the trail of Portugal's hottest prospects.

Arsenal and Chelsea are gearing up for summer transfer moves for Sporting Lisbon pair Joao Moutinho and Miguel Veloso, according to News of the World.

The Portuguese internationals have both been transfer listed by the club and now look set to be sold in the summer.The pair have been rumoured to be leaving the Portuguese capital for a move to England for some time now, and it looks as though they will finally make the moves in the summer.

Veloso was rumoured to be close to a move to Bolton Wanderers during the January transfer window, but the move never materialised after the Trotters reportedly refused to pay the asking price Sporting were after.The 22-year-old has recently had a falling out with Sporting coach Paulo Bento, and is now intent on securing a move abroad.

Both the Gunners and the Blues have been watching the development f the midfield pair for the past couple of years, along with many of Europe's elite clubs, and now it seems likely that moves for the pair will be made in the summer.Moutinho has been interesting the likes of Everton and Manchester City since his performances at last year's European Championships impressed managers throughout Europe, and is now ready to make the move to an English club.

by : Nick Turner.

Adebayor Wonder Goal Gives Arsenal Draw In Villarreal

The Togo international showed all of his class to hook home a spectacular overhead kick, handing Arsenal a 1-1 draw and leaving Villarreal frustrated.
A stunning goal from Emmanuel Adebayor gave Arsenal a crucial away goal and helped them to a 1-1 draw with Villarreal at El Madrigal tonight.It what was a pulsating encounter, Marcos Senna had drilled Los Submarinos Amarillos into an early lead with a vicious strike, before Arsenal lost both Manuel Almunia and William Gallas to injury.However, the Gunners improved after the break, and Adebayors’ incredibly astute finish sealed an away draw that leaves the Londoners in pole position to go through to the semi-finals.First HalfManuel Pellegrini resisted the temptation to give veteran Robert Pires a starting slot against his former employers, instead opting for the fit again Cani and former Mallorca playmaker Ariel Ibagaza on the flanks to deliver to Giuseppi Rossi and Joseba Llorente up front.Arsene Wenger meanwhile in the absence of Robin van Persie to injury and Andrei Arshavin as a result of his participation with Zenit St Petersburg, opted for a five man midfield. Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri were given the task of supporting lone frontman Emmanuel Adebayor.It was the Spaniards who started with a flourish. Gonzalo could, and perhaps should have nodded the home side in front after only two minutes, but could only direct the ball straight into the grateful arms of Almunia.But the breakthrough wasn’t long before Los Sumbarinos Amarillos made a truly stunning breakthrough, thanks to the inspirational Marcos Senna.The 32-year old knocked the ball a few feet in front at the edge of the area before unleashing a missile that exploded into Alimunia’s net giving the Arsenal ‘keeper absolutely no hope. It was a wonderful goal.Arsene Wengers’ side responded well to going behind though, and managed to get a foothold in the match. The pace of Walcott was proving to be a useful outlet as Fabregas looked to thread the young Englishman in on goal whenever possible.Soon after, Samir Nasri warmed the gloves of Diego Lopez with a snapshot low down, but the Uruguayan stopper exhibited sharp reactions to save well.But the Gunners’ resurgence was dealt a blow when Almunia, who had been involved in what appeared to be an innocuous clash with Rossi in the opening seconds, had suffered irreparable damage and had to be replaced by rookie Lukasz Fabianski. The 21-year old had only made 18 previous appearances for the first-team, but he was a given a rapid introduction to the fray as Senna drilled another powerful effort on goal. The young Pole though got down superbly to save, and as full-back Joan Capdevila steamrollered in to shoot, he blocked instinctively with his body to keep Villarreal at bay. Welcome to the Champions League, Lukasz.For such a critical match, it was an irrepressibly open affair, and as half-time approached Arsenal were thrown into disarray as William Gallas hobbled off clutching his hamstring to be replaced by Johann Djourou. Their injury woes had been compounded, and Villarreal smelt blood from a wounded opponent.Cani struck over from the edge of the box after good combination play from Rossi and Angel had fashioned the opening, and although no more goals were forthcoming before the break, coach Pellegrini took his side to the dressing safe in the knowledge that his side were far the better side in the opening 45 minutes.Second HalfMati Fernandez replaced Cani at the break as Villarreal prepared to chase what could potentially be a pivotal second goal. Arsenal meanwhile had to decide whether to stick or twist – be content with a one goal loss, and attempt to alter the focus of the tie by grabbing a priceless away goal.And it was the visitors who began with more purpose. Fabregas began to find more of the ball, and dictate the action in the way that Senna had did in the opening period. Adebayor met a Walcott cross with his head, but could only glance his effort wide, and then Nasri blew the opportunity to play in Walcott when his through pass was hopelessly overweight.Villarreal simply hadn’t arrived from the dressing room after half-time, and it came as no surprise when the English side managed to level the match and secure that holy grail of European football, an away goal.If Senna’s blockbuster was special, then the equalizer from Emmanuel Adebayor was simply sublime. Captain Fabregas, who was outstanding in the second half, arrowed a forty yard pass onto the chest of Adebayor, and the Togolese international showed every facet of his athleticism to control the ball and deliver an unstoppable scissors kick that flew into the corner of the net past the helpless Diego Lopez. It was a wonderful equaliser from a player who had spent most of the evening foraging on his own against four defenders.Arsenal were looking to make history; no English side has ever won at El Madrigal, but they sensed Villarreal’s apparent vulnerability since the break, and looked to exploit it with maximum effect. Samir Nasri rushed onto an intelligent knockdown from Adebayor, but could only drive his shot wide.Pellegrini knew his team were toiling, and introduced Pires into the action to attempt to retain possession to relieve some pressure. In a topsy-turvy, end-to-end match, it was Villarreal who finished the match the stronger.Marcos Senna unleashed another trademark piledriver, but his radar this time was inches out, then Mati Fernandez snaked through onto a pass from Senna but his cut back was slightly behind substitute Guille Franco and the Mexican could not convert.But try as either side might, a winning goal did not arrive, and a draw was ultimately a fair reflection on two attacking outfits who went all-out for the win. Arsenal will feel the more content with the final outcome.Paul Macdonald