Match Report : Burgenland XI 2 - 10 Arsenal

Friendly

Sonnenseestadion

Monday, July 28, 2008, 6.30pm CET

Mungkin dah boleh taruk dalam history Arsenal la, friendly yang titik team lawan gila-gila walaupun lawan tu biasa jer.

Arsenal yang membariskan banyak pemain simpanan masih berjaya memberikan persembahan yang cukup mengagumkan.

Aku tengok highlight jer, nak layan streaming tak dapat link pulak. Jadi la. Perlawanan yang lebih kepada sesi menyesuaikan diri dalam sepasukan menampakkan hasil dengan beberapa pemain berjaya mendapatkan persefahaman.

Muka-muka baru yang berjaya menjaringkan gol antaranya Jack Wilshere (1, 65 [pen]) dan Carlos Vela (25, 33, 52) dengan teknik penyudahan yang sempurna. Antara pemain lain yang berjaya menjaringkan gol adalah Bendtner (14, 19, 30, 37) dan Theo Walcott (69).

Gol saguhati lawan dijaringkan oleh Foric 73 dan Martna 90. Daripada perlawanan persahabatan ini, beberapa penekanan perlu diberikan keutamaan terutamanya dibahagian pertahanan dan teknik penyudahan.

Hari ini skuad senior akan kembali berlatih dan dijangkakan Cesc Fabregas akan bersama-sama skuad untuk sesi latihan pra-musim bagi memberikan persediaan kepada Emirates Cup dan seterusnya musim akan datang.

Fabregas: Itu semua adalah sampah!

Cesc Fabregas menentang habis-habisan spekulasi mengenai masa depannya bersama Arsenal.

Pemain antarabangsa Sepanyol ini menjadi pertaruhan terbaru Real Madrid selepas kegagalan mereka mendapatkan khidmat ratu balet, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Akhbar-akhbar Sepanyol heboh memperkatakan mengenai masa depannya sekiranya Arsenal gagal untuk memenangi sebarang kejuaraan di musim datang dan akan menimbangkan tawaran untuk beraksi di Primera Liga.

Beliau amat gembira berada di England dan berada dalam tekanan untuk memberikan fokusnya bagi membantu Arsenal meraih trofi kepada Emirates Stadium.

"Saya langsung tidak berbicara dengan sebarang media jadi sememangnya saya kecewa mengenai isu masa depan saya yang diperhebohkan oleh mereka," ujarnya.

"Saya telah menggunakan cuti musim panas saya bersama keluarga, kawan serta teman wanita dan akan kembali menjalani latihan bersama Arsenal keesokan harinya (Selasa).

"Saya rasa mereka cuba menggelirukan ramai orang dan keinginan saya amat jelas.

"Saya bahagia bersama Arsenal, masa depan saya adalah bersama Arsenal dan kelebihan untuk mencapai kejayaan dan memenangi trofi adalah bersama Arsenal."

Pemain yang berusia 21 tahun ini berjaya menaikkan namanya dengan memecahkan dominisi pemain bintang lain di dalam liga Inggeris dan antara penyumbang besar kepada kejayaan Sepanyol sewaktu EURO 2008 baru-baru ini.

Denilson sudah bersedia!!!

Pemain tengah Arsenal, Denilson telah memasang hajat untuk mendapatkan lebih kerap beraksi sebagai kesebelasan utama di musim hadapan.

Kapten BRAZIL U21 yang menyertai The Gunners daripada Sao Paulo pada 2006 hanya berada empat kali di starting line up disebabkan kecederaan dan gandingan mantap Cesc Fabregas bersama Flamini.

Pemergian Flamini ke AC Milan manakala pemain berpengalaman Gilberto yang akan beraksi bersama Panathininiakos mungkin memberikan peluang kepadanya untuk beraksi dengan lebih kerap.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger dijangkakan akan melakukan penambahan ke atas skuadnya di musim panas ini setelah berjaya menurunkan tandatangan Samir Nasri dan Aaron Ramsey, tapi Denilson, 20 merasakan beliau mampu bersaing merebut posisi tengah yang tengah hangat diperkatakan.

"Saya mempunyai dua objektif utama di musim hadapan iaitu berada dalam kesebelasan utama Arsenal dan mendapatkan cap pertama untuk Brazil", ujarnya kepada The Sun.

"Saya berada di dalam keadaan yang baik dan sudah bersedia. Kami adalah pasukan yang bagus, dengan ramai pemain yang berkualiti.

"Kami mempunyai skil, tapi perlukan pengalaman di dalam pasukan.

"Saya percaya dengan pasukan ini dan saya pasti Arsenal akan menjadi pasukan yang kuat di musim ini dan memenangi liga."

Rosicky - Jangan pandang kami sebelah mata!

Wah-wah, lama tak dengar Mr. Sick bersuara. Kali ni dia lantang berbicara mengenai kemampuan Arsenal di musim hadapan.

Setelah ketamakan Flamini, kebisingan Hleb, kegarangan Mad Jens dan ketabahan Gilberto menyaksikan mereka meninggalkan Emirates dengan penuh tekanan buat Arsenal.

"Perkara yang sama orang perkatakan mengenai Arsenal apabila 'mereka' ini mengatakan Arsenal akan gagal berada di kelompok atas", ujarnya sewaktu temuramah denikspot.cz.

"Sekarang ia kembali seperti sebelumnya. Beberapa pemain keluar dari kelab tetapi saya masih mempercayai Arsene.

"Dia tau apa yang dilakukannya. Harapan saya masih tinggi bersama rakan pasukan yang masih ada.

"Mereka semua pemain yang bagus tetapi agak sedih kami tidak dapat bersama seperti mengharungi musim lepas untuk aksi musim depan.

"Jika mereka ingin keluar, itu keputusan mereka."

Antara yang digembar-gemburkannya adalah kemampuan pemain midfield yang sedia ada mampu untuk mengisi kekosongan yang ditinggalkan oleh pemain yang keluar.

Tokey butik Arsenal ini merasakan Abou Diaby sebagai calon yang sesuai untuk bergandingan dengan Fabregas di musim hadapan.

"Saya rasa Diaby akan diberikan peluang lebih kerap untuk beraksi diposisi tengah yang sebelum ini dimainkan oleh Flamini. Dia bermain diposisi kiri sewaktu saya tercedera, tapi dia lebih kepada pemain midfield tengah, sama seperti Patrick Vieira.

"Saya menjangkakan dia akan memberikan banyak sumbangan dan sewaktu berlatih dengannya agak sukar untuk melepasinya. Dia mempunyai kaki yang panjang dan seakan-akan sama dengan Vieira. Pada pendapat saya, dia mampu melakukannya."

Gilberto risaukan Arsenal

Gilberto yakin dan percaya bahawa Arsenal akan memenangi piala di musim hadapan tetapi beliau menyatakan bahawa itu bukan tugas yang mudah.

Setelah menamatkan enam musim di London, beliau meneruskan kariernya di Panathinaikos di awal bulan ini.

Pemergian Gileberto menyertai Flamini dan Hleb meninggalkan Emirates dan spekulasi terbaru juga melibatkan penyerang iaitu Emmanuel Adebayor ke Barca.

Arsenal yang ketiadaan piala bagi tiga musim dan Gilberto risaukan implikasinya kepada kempen akan datang.

Beliau yang meletakkan harapan kepada pemain muda Arsenal bagi memikul tugas ini merasakan Arsene Wenger perlu meletakkan sebuah trofi di Emirates bagi meredakan tekanan ke atas Arsenal.

"Of course there is massive pressure on them, but people cannot forget they are still a young side and they have a lot to improve, to grow and to learn, but it will be very important to them if they win something this year.

"I am sure everyone at the club, Arsene, his staff, the players will do the maximum they can to achieve and win titles. This is the target and they won't change it.

"But it will be hard again. It won't be easy because the other teams are stronger than last year and Arsenal will have a hard season, but I am confident they will handle it. I hope they can win this year."

Gilberto berkemungkinan akan bertemu Arsenal pada musim ini sekiranya Panathinaikos diundi bersama Arsenal tetapi beliau menyatakan ia tidak mustahil tetapi adalah sukar untuknya sekiranya bertemu Arsenal kembali.

"I hope not, but I think, if it happens, it will be very emotional for me after leaving the club and playing against them in the first season with another club"

"It is possible. We need to consider that, but both of the teams need to qualify first. I am sure Arsenal will qualify and Panathinaikos will. We will see in the draw."

Kelab gergasi macam pembuli

LONDON - Pengurus Arsenal, Arsene Wenger (gambar) melabelkan kelab-kelab gergasi Eropah sebagai pembuli.

"Jika kami tidak menghormati kelab-kelab yang lain, saya yakin bola sepak akan menuju ke arah yang berlainan.

"Kami tidak boleh melakukan seperti mana (Presiden Real) Ramon Calderon lakukan kepada United dengan memberitahu, kelab itu tidak boleh menahan seseorang pemain untuk berpindah.

"Kamu tidak boleh menentukan masa depan seseorang pemain di dunia, ia adalah sesuatu yang tidak bertanggungjawab," jelas Wenger.

Ketika ini, United ternyata berang dengan sikap Calderon yang dilaporkan masih tidak berputus asa untuk mendapatkan khidmat Cristiano Ronaldo.

Dalam masa yang sama, United didakwa cuba mendapatkan penyerang Tottenham Hotspur, Dimitar Berbatov dengan cara yang salah sehingga Spurs telah membuat aduan kepada Persatuan Bola Sepak England (FA).

Liverpool juga berdepan tindakan selepas cuba untuk mendapatkan penyerang, Robbie Keane serta kapten Aston Villa, Gareth Barry.

Wenger yang tidak berpuas hati dengan cara Barcelona untuk mendapatkan penyerangnya, Emmanuel Adebayor menambah: "Kelab besar perlu ada nilai dan visi serta menjadi contoh yang baik."

info: KOSMO ONLINE

Arshavin di dalam dilema!

Mungkinkah impiannya untuk menyarung jersi Barcelona untuk musim hadapan tercapai? Harga tawaran lelongan daripada Zenit St Petersburg sebanyak 24 million euro mungkin terlampau mahal untuk harganya.

Barca yang telah membida sekitar 12 million tetapi telah ditolak tak masak oleh Zenit dan desas-desus bidaan dari sebuah kelab dari London sekitar 19 million juga ditolak.

Jangkaan aku kelab Inggeris yang gagal membidanya mungkin Chelsea atau pun Spurs. Arshavin juga agak kesal dengan harga yang terlampau tinggi yang ditetapkan oleh Zenit.

"Zenit are asking for so much money," said Arshavin. "I know Barcelona offered £11.9m, but Zenit are asking for £23.8m. I have made my decision, and Zenit coach Dick Advocaat knows I want to go. I do not know if it will be to London, but my desire is well-known."

Daripada kenyataan di atas, adakah beliau akan menyertai Arsenal? Adakah Wenger telah melakukan bidaan ke atasnya dengan Zenit? Aku pun tak tahu.

PSG intai khidmat Gallas

Presiden Paris Saint Germain (PSG) Charles Villeneuve tela menyatakan secara terbuka bahawa beliau amat berminat untuk membawa William Gallas di dalam kelabnya.

Laporan sebelum ini mencadangkan PSG mendapatkan tandatangan bekas pemain Marseille bagi menandingi kejuaraan Ligue 1 ke atas Lyon.

Selepas kejayaan membawa masuk Claude Makelele dan Ludovic Giuly, Villeneuve menyatakan prospek terbaik untuk kelabnya adalah Gallas.

Adakah Wenger sanggup kehilangan seorang lagi pemain berpengalaman setelah kehilangan Gilberto, Flamini dan Hleb?

Mungkin kebanyakan peminat Arsenal rela untuk melihat Gallas beredar dari Emirates, tapi jika benar, adakah Wenger akan mencari khidmat baru di bahagian pertahanan tengah atau mengangkat pemain muda baru ke dalam skuad?

Khabar angin mengenai beberapa pemain pertahanan tengah yang diintai oleh Wenger seperti Raul Albiol (Valencia), Miguel Veloso (S. Lisbon) dan Petr Martesacker (W. Bremen) mungkin ada benarnya. Kita tunggu dan lihat..

Selamat Tinggal Gilberto

Beliau antara pemain yang paling aku suka selama berada di bawah Arsene Wenger, tidak banyak bersuara dan sememangnya professional tetapi demi kebaikannya, Wenger terpaksa melepaskannya ke Panathiniakos.

Ketiadaannya bermakna kemungkinan besar Wenger akan menyerapkan seorang pemain senior dari kelab lain atau pun mengenalkan pemain muda yang sedia ada di dalam kesebelasan utama seperti Denilson, Diaby atau Song untuk bergandingan dengan Cesc.

Apa yang aku harapkan beliau akan mengemudi kelab baru nya dan mengekalkan tugas kapten bagi negara nya. All the best Gilberto.

Pengalaman atau Polisi?

Setelah Flamini dan Gilberto meninggalkan Arsenal, posisi tengah yang akan berpasangan dengan Fabregas semakin menjadi tanda tanya.

Adakah Wenger sanggup berbelanja besar bagi mendapatkan Gareth Barry yang mempunyai kontrak yang agak panjang bersama Villa dan melepaskan Justin Hoyte kepada O'Neill?

Kegagalan Xabi Alonso menempatkan dirinya di dalam kesebelasan utama Liverpool dan gagal disambar oleh Juventus, mungkinkah beliau calon paling layak bergandingan dengan Fabregas?

Belum cukup dengan teka-teki kedua-dua pemain, rumours terbaru melibatkan Frings iaitu pemacu Werden Breman juga dijangka antara pilihan yang terbaik tetapi berusia 31 tahun mungkin menyebabkan beliau terkandas oleh polisi Wenger.

Persoalan lebih menghairahkan, adakah pemain muda Arsenal seperti Denilson dan Abou Diaby calon terbaik untuk diangkat mengisi posisi ini? Kita tunggu dan lihat.

Barry ke Arsenal, Hoyte ke Villa???

Macam tak percaya jer pasal ni. Aku mula-mula melenting gak dengan Martin O'Neill pasal rumours Gareth Barry, last-last aku percaya gak. Aku dah anggap sampah jer pasal ni.

Info yang aku dapat dari Sky Sports yang merujuk kepada perbualan antara Pat Rice dan O'Neill seakan-akan kembali membuatkan aku yakin Barry akan ke Emirates.

Setelah kehilangan Flamini dan kemungkinan besar Gilberto ke Panathinaikos, Wenger semakin terdesak untuk mencari pasangan terbaik bagi Fabregas.

Tonggak utama Aston Villa dan pemain skuad senior England ini pada mulanya dikaitkan dengan Liverpool tetapi Benitez yang kekurangan dana terpaksa melupakan hasratnya.

Mungkin bual bicara antara Pat Rice dan O'Neill akan membuatkan anda semua semakin selesa untuk memikirkan kejayaan Arsenal lebih besar di musim hadapan dengan bantuan pengalaman juga kemahiran Barry.

"Myself and Steve Walford both know Arsene Wenger's assistant Pat Rice," O'Neill told The Sun.

"He phoned Steve to ask how the Liverpool thing had gone and said that they might show an interest.

"At the end of the conversation Arsenal said 'that's fine' and that they'll let us know. That is exactly what happened.

Antara desas-desus lain adalah mungkin pertukaran pemain akan berlaku diantara Justin Hoyte dan Barry, serta jangkaan nilai bidaan sekitar 20 juta.

Adakah pemain muda ini akan berada dalam kesebelasan utama Aston Villa sekiranya pertukaran ini berlaku? Kita nantikan bersama...

Santa Cruz : Mimpi atau Realiti

Mungkin pemain kelahiran Paraguay ini adalah prospek menarik bagi Arsenal sekiranya Adebayor menyertai AC Milan atau pun Barca.

Bentuk fizikal yang mantap, kawalan bola menarik dan penyudahnya yang tajam, mungkin mengiurkan kebanyakan peminat bola sepak terutamanya EPL.

Menjaringkan 23 gol pada musim lepas, aksi yang konsisten, sememangnya harga bidaan 3.5 juta euro Mark Hughes ke atas Santa Cruz daripada Bayern Munich cukup berbaloi.

Memandangkan kerusi Ewood Park telah ditinggalkannya dan berhijrah ke City membuatkan beberapa kelab besar seperti Arsenal dan MU berhasrat memiliki khidmat Santa Cruz.

"A lot of people said my transfer to a bigger club was about to happen, but I live in the present and I'm focused on Blackburn.

"I'm happy for the good season that I had and the important goals that I scored.

"I am motivated by the other teams' interest, but if I am not transferred then I want to have the best possible season at Blackburn."

Akan tetapi kenyataannya yang ingin bersama Rovers lagi mungkin menyebabkan kelab-kelab besar kecewa.

Adakah ianya tidak mustahil beliau ke Emirates? Nantikan jawapan daripada professor Wenger.

Adebayor = Samuel Eto'o + 15 million

Jika sebelum ini Barca secara terbukanya mengangkat bendera putih untuk sesi 'lelongan' Adebayor yang ditentang sengit oleh AC Milan, kali ini mereka kembali bertaruh. Biasalah kaki judi, mana tahu insaf..hehe.

Eto yang dihantui masalah kecederaan pada musim lepas dan kegagalan menunjukkan aksi memberangsangkan menyebabkan dia gagal menambat hati Guardiola untuk bersama Barca lagi untuk musim hadapan.

Keinginan untuk memiliki Adebayor telah memaksa Guardiola untuk melakukan pertukaran secara terdesak dengan Arsenal bagi mendapatkan khidmat Adebayor. Oh, dah kurang sengat korang nak kasik kat Arsenal, ingat Emirates tempat memulihkan reputasi ker???

Geram gak aku dengan kelab yang mempunyai mentaliti sebegini tetapi dalam sudut hati aku ingin benar melihat Eto bersama Arsenal. Mungkin ada peminat Arsenal yang kurang senang dengannya selepas menjaringkan gol penyamaan di final liga juara-juara Eropah.

Itu cerita lama, kita kena professional, so sekiranya dia bersama Arsenal, alangkah indahnya Arsenal berada di final bersama Barca sekali lagi dan kali ni misi membalas dendam. Masa yang sesuai untuk kecewakan Henry, Adebayor, Guardiola dan Hleb.

Aku juga merasakan inilah masa yang sesuai untuk memulihkan reputasinya dan membantu Arsenal bagi mendominasi musim hadapan. Mungkinkah dia akan menjadi seperti Craptista dan selepas itu terus jatuh cinta dengan Arsenal?

Fabregas juga pernah menyatakan keinginannya kepada Wenger untuk menyaksikan Eto menyarung jersi merah dan putih kebanggaan kita. Adakah bakal menjadi realiti? Kita tunggu dan lihat.

Nasri agrees to join Arsenal from Marseille

French international midfielder Samir Nasri has agreed to join Arsenal from Olympique Marseille on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

Nasri (21), who made two appearances for France in Euro 2008, was voted as the French Ligue 1 'Young Player of the Year' for 2006/07 and was also Olympique Marseille's Player of the Year for 2007.

Nasri, has made twelve appearances (scoring twice) for the French national team, making his debut for his country in March 2007 in the 1-0 friendly win over Austria. He was also a French Under-21 international and part of the French Under-17s who won the European Championships in 2004.

The young attacking midfielder made 145 appearances (scoring 11 goals) for Olympique Marseille, during which time he won the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2005, was a French Cup runner-up in 2006 and 2007 and helped his side into third place in Ligue 1 last season, thus securing a UEFA Champions League place for next season.

Manager Arsène Wenger said: "We are delighted to be signing Samir Nasri. He is young, quick and technically an outstanding player. He has shown great potential with his performances for Marseille and the French national team over the past two seasons and he will add great quality to our squad."

Nasri added: "I'm very happy to become an Arsenal player, it means such a lot to me. This is a very important step in my life as a football player because Arsenal is a massive club. I really hope everything will go well for me here. I will do my best for Arsenal and its fans and I am honoured to be part of such a great football club."

Samir Nasri is due to join up with his new Arsenal team mates for pre-season training on 21st July

Arsenal go for Man Utd target Falcao

Arsenal are aiming to trump Manchester United for River Plate striker Radamel Falcao.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is desperate to sign a striker with Emmanuel Adebayor's uncertain future at the Emirates and Eduardo's broken leg.

Falcao, 22, scored 38 goals in 58 games for River Plate. He has terrific pace and is able to finish with either foot.

Wenger is lining up an £8million bid but the Argentines value him closer to £12m, says The Sun.

Arsenal's interest is sure to annoy Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson.

'Tired' Hleb ready for exit

Arsenal playmaker Alexander Hleb is looking to a future away from the 'chaotic way of life' in London.

Hleb is expected to secure his transfer to Barcelona in the coming days after the Primera Division giants reportedly agreed a fee with Arsenal.

The Belarusian midfielder has made 73 Premier League starts since he signed for The Gunners from Stuttgart in 2005 for a fee of £11.2million.

The 27-year-old has recently grown unsettled at Emirates Stadium and, with a switch to Barca on the horizon, he is confident he is making the right decision in leaving Arsenal.

"I am not happy with my life in Britain, to be honest," Hleb said in an interview in Russia.

Mind made up

"Elements of day-to-day life may prevent me in future from playing a full part with my team here.

"I can't get used to the chaotic way of life in London, where everyone is racing around 24 hours a day. It is uncomfortable and I'm mentally tired.

"I feel I can't keep squeezing enough out of myself to satisfy a team like Arsenal. As a professional I honestly told [manager Arsene] Wenger that at our two recent meetings.

"I was seeking his advice on whether I should leave. I also made no secret that some leading European clubs were interested in me. Wenger wasn't happy about that.

"Serious negotiations are under way now. I have made up my mind."

Sagna keen to avoid Ade 'loss'

Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna has admitted it would be a 'big loss' if striker Emmanuel Adebayor was to leave Emirates Stadium.

Adebayor has attracted the interest of Barcelona and Milan after netting an impressive 30 goals for Arsenal last season.

Manager Arsene Wenger has stood firm over the Togo international's future, despite Adebayor conceding that he is uncertain as to where he will play next term.

Alexander Hleb, meanwhile, is expected to secure a switch away from North London in the coming days after Barca reportedly agreed a fee with The Gunners.

Sagna, who signed for Arsenal from Auxerre last summer, believes the speculation surrounding his team-mates' future is 'part of football', but is hopeful that Adebayor will remain at the club.

"The uncertainty around Alex Hleb and Emmanuel Adebayor's futures is all part of football," the 25-year-old told L'Equipe. "Mathieu Flamini has left, and he was an important part of our midfield."

Not worried

"It is a shame, but I am not too worried. Samir Nasri is due to join us soon, and there are also a lot of young players knocking on the door - it could be a good opportunity to give them their chance.

"If Emmanuel was to go, it would be a big loss, even though we are not yet at that stage."
Sagna recently penned a new contract at Arsenal, committing his future until 2014; however he concedes that he may not see out the entirety of his deal.

"It is not specially important that I have extended my contract, and it does not mean a lot. The proof of that is the fact that the majority of players who move on are under contract," the France international explained.

"The main thing for me is to perform well. The rest is down to fate. But I'm not going to leave Arsenal this summer - I'm thinking above all about having a good season.

"The fact that Arsenal have so many French players has contributed to my successful first season with them.

Compatriots

"I am lucky that nobody at the club makes any distinction between the French players, the English ones and the other nationalities.

"I know that this is not the case at other clubs. Sometimes there is a sort of boycott in existence against the foreigners.

"It is precisely this that makes me tell myself I have made the right choice in signing for Arsenal."

Hleb blast at Gunners

Alexander Hleb has blamed a difference of opinion with manager Arsene Wenger as his reason for wanting to leave Arsenal and has hit out at team-mate Cesc Fabregas.

The midfielder is eager to secure a transfer to Barcelona as he looks set to join Mathieu Flamini, who has moved to Milan, in heading out of Emirates Stadium.

Hleb is expected to report for pre-season training with the Gunners on Thursday but, with Wenger lining up a perfect replacement in the shape of Samir Nasri, the Belarus international's future appears to lie elsewhere.

The 27-year-old says he spoke with Wenger last season on separate occasions about his desire to leave and now claims that he needs to move on following a fall-out with his boss.
Upset

"My view of football and Wenger's didn't coincide at all," Hleb said in the Daily Mirror.

"I raised the subject of leaving with Wenger twice before the end of the season.

"It's not easy for me to leave and I think he was upset about it.

"But you should ask him. It may turn out that he's happy about it."

Negotiations

Hleb has also criticised midfield colleague Cesc Fabregas and has accused the Spaniard of being 'selfish'.

"With scoring opportunities he (Fabregas) is more selfish than I am. Given the chance to shoot he always goes for it - unlike me," Hleb added.

"I don't know where I will play next season. It's being negotiated with two clubs and will be decided soon.

"I would prefer to move to Barcelona."

Hoyte to fight for place

Justin Hoyte plans to fight for a first-team spot at Arsenal next season, rather than look for a move.

The young full-back is still striving to establish himself in Arsene Wenger's plans at Emirates Stadium.

He made 15 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions last season, but started only two games in the Premier League.

With Bacary Sagna the first-choice right-back, Hoyte's opportunities in the coming campaign could again be limited.

However, the 23-year-old wants to be given the chance to repay Wenger's faith in his ability.

"There are rumours every day, but I am contracted to Arsenal," said Hoyte in the News of the World.

"The boss has said great things about me, has good plans for me and I need to show him what I'm capable of."

Ramsey plans Prem bow

Aaron Ramsey has already set his sights on making his Arsenal debut against West Brom on 16th August.

The teenager is currently Arsene Wenger's only summer recruit to a squad which ended the 2007/08 campaign empty-handed.

However, with more new faces expected to arrive before the new season gets under way the former Cardiff midfielder knows that he will have his work cut out if he is to make an impression in the Gunners first-team.

The 17-year-old will report for pre-season training on Friday, along with those members of the squad who did not feature at Euro 2008 or are currently injured.

With an opportunity to make a good first impression, plus plenty of friendly fixtures approaching in the next few weeks, Ramsey sees no reason why he should not be in contention once the top flight action begins again next month.

Opportunity

"Obviously the plan for me is to have a good pre-season and try my hardest to get up to the fitness levels the Premiership requires," said Ramsey in the South Wales Echo.

"I will try my best to get in the starting line-up at the beginning of the season against West Brom.

"I am joining one of the biggest clubs in the world, one which always gives young players an opportunity at the highest level.

"I am going to work my hardest to be part of future successes there."

Ramsey was being chased by a number of Premier League clubs at the time of his move to Arsenal, with childhood heroes Manchester United among those involved in the race for his signature.

Instinct

However, the Wales U21 international spurned the opportunity to join up with Sir Alex Ferguson's men in favour of joining a side renowned for their development of young talent.

"I supported Manchester United as a youngster but once I had spoken to Arsene Wenger, the way he described the Arsenal set-up and their plans for the future impressed me," added the youngster.

"I just had a gut instinct that the right move for me would be joining Arsenal. It was my decision.

"I thought about where the best place would be for me to develop as a player, and that was Arsenal.

"I don't think too many people wouldn't look forward to coming under the guidance of Arsene Wenger and playing next to someone like Cesc Fabregas.

"Arsene is a great manager and Cesc can make something happen out of nothing on the pitch."

Martins tempted by Gunners

Obafemi Martins claims it would be 'nice' to play for Arsenal, but will not push for a move away from Newcastle United.

Arsenal have been linked with a swoop for the Nigerian striker, who joined Newcastle in a £10million deal from Internazionale two years ago.

At the end of last season, Magpies boss Kevin Keegan warned clubs off making bids for his star players and said he had not received an approach from Arsenal.

Reports continue to claim the Gunners will bid for Martins and the 23-year-old would be tempted by the chance to head to Emirates Stadium.

Thrilled

"Arsenal is a big club that everyone wants to play for. I am thrilled and it will be nice to play for such a team," Martins told The Sun.

"But, now that I am a Newcastle player, there is nothing much to say. If it is true, both clubs would have to reach an agreement.

"Is Arsenal a good club? Yes. Would I love to play there? Probably, if Newcastle are ready to listen to them. But if Newcastle says no then it'll be no.

"Because I still have a contract, I expect the club to speak to me when I get back. I am not saying I want to go but, if anything happens, that's football."

Arsenal New Away Kit

Arsenal kembali mengeluarkan design terbaru bagi away kit untuk musim 2008/09. Design seakan-akan sekitar musim 1999-2002 yang gemilang bagi Arsenal diharapkan mampu untuk meletakkan trofi di Emirates. So apa fikiran korang pasal jersi ni?

Fabregas eager for Arsenal glory

Cesc Fabregas has set his sights on concluding Arsenal's three-year trophy drought after helping Spain end almost half-a-century of waiting for international success.

Spain lifted their first piece of silverware since the 1964 European Championship as they defeated Germany 1-0 in the final of Euro 2008 on Sunday.

Fabregas started the match at Ernst Happel Stadium and the midfielder is now keen for glory at club level after admitting his delight at Spain's European victory.

The 21-year-old was part of the Arsenal side which defeated Manchester United on penalties in the 2005 FA Cup final, the Gunners' last trophy, and he admits it is time Arsene Wenger's men had their hands on more silverware.

Target

"Now, next year, I want to win trophies with Arsenal, this is my target," said Fabregas

"I finally made something at a young age, I never expected it to be with Spain. Now I want to do it with Arsenal."

The Gunners have been criticised for favouring aesthetic style over success in recent years, but Fabregas believes Spain's free-flowing victory proves the pair can be combined.

"At Arsenal we have more or less the same quality of game (as Spain) so hopefully the football will also get better and better for Arsenal," added Fabregas.

Attitude

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Wenger expects his young team to demonstrate a winning attitude after promising to deliver in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League last season, before falling in way in the latter stages.

"In life you need to be patient to get to the very top, and don't forget some players do not start to win until they are 28 or 29 and we have many players who are still under 25," Wenger told the official Arsenal magazine.

"I still believe we have created something special here, through the vision we have for the game, through the vision we have for the club and through the togetherness we have in the dressing room.

"Maybe we have the feeling that we deserve something this season and we did not get reward for our work, but when you are a winner you come back."

Cesc hails 'beautiful football'

Cesc Fabregas has hailed the 'beautiful football' that propelled Spain to Euro 2008 success.

Spain claimed their first major international title in 44 years on Sunday after their 1-0 triumph over Germany.

The majority of the plaudits have been directed towards Spain's attacking mentality after Luis Aragones' men demonstrated outstanding technique throughout the tournament.

And Arsenal midfielder Fabregas has lauded his team-mates, while admitting he has fulfilled a dream by lifting the European Championship trophy.

Glory

"This is the greatest day of my life," Fabregas said in The Sun. "44 years on and we have done it again. This is one the best trophies you can have and it is one of your dreams.

"It was a long time since a team of that quality, trying to get the ball on the ground and play beautiful football, went on to glory.

"Now we have made it - and you can [see] how young we are - we can now go on to fight for the World Cup in two years' time."

Nasri to sign in '10 days'

Marseille midfielder Samir Nasri should complete his transfer to Arsenal in around '10 days', according to the player's agent.

The playmaker has been strongly linked with a move to Emirates Stadium, with manager Arsene Wenger a keen admirer of Nasri's quality.

A deal had reportedly been struck towards the end of June after the player's official website announced the France international had secured his transfer to North London.

However, the statement proved to be premature, and was subsequently removed, sparking confusion over the progress of the switch.

Since then, Marseille have wrapped up the signing of Hatem Ben Arfa from Lyon - a move which has reportedly paved the way for Nasri's transfer to go ahead.

And the 21-year-old's agent, Jean-Pierre Bernes, has explained that he expects Nasri to seal his move to Arsenal when he returns from his holidays.

"He is on his holidays. It (the transfer) will be made when he will be back, in about 10 days," said Bernes.

Wenger eyes Amaury Bischoff

Werder Bremen midfielder Amaury Bischoff claims Arsene Wenger will sign him when the Arsenal manager returns from Austria.

Amaury Bischoff had this to say “A few details are still to be finalised,” “And most of all we’re waiting for Arsene Wenger’s return, he’s in Vienna for the Euros final.”

“But I’m hopeful I’ll sign in the next few days. Arsenal are a step higher (than Werder). I think I’ll play for the reserves at the start to recover my sensations, as I’ve not been playing for a long time.”