With less than two days of the current transfer window remaining the protracted negotiations between Arsenal and Zenit St. Petersburg concerning the transfer of play-maker Andrei Arshavin continue unresolved.
The question remains however, with Arsenal having put all their eggs into one basket with this single signing, can one player really make that much difference for the remainder of the season?
Assuming the transfer goes through, Arshavin will have little time to settle into not only a new team but a whole new culture too. As good a player as he is this is asking a lot, especially as he will be severely lacking in match fitness. The 2008 Russian championship finished at the end of November and Arshavin’s last competitive game was the Champions League fixture at Real Madrid on December 10.
Emmanuel Eboue and Abou Diaby were added to an already lengthy injury list yesterday and Arsenal's squad is now looking thinner than ever. Though the addition of Arshavin would be a welcome boost, the relative lack of signings last summer and this January could very well cost Arsenal dear this season.
Showing posts with label Arsenal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arsenal. Show all posts
Sunday, 1 February 2009
Sunday, 4 January 2009
January Transfers - Premier League clubs just looking, not buying?
With the January transfer window now open the usual frenzied media hype about who will go where is now in full flow.
But as yet the two Manchester clubs are the only ones to put their hands into their pockets, with England international full-back Wayne Bridge joining City from Chelsea and United signing Serbians Zoran Tosic and Adam Ljajic from Partizan Belgrade.
As when Roman Abramovich took over at Chelsea the Abu Dhabi United Group's purchase of Manchester City will see an extra few million pounds put on the price tag of any potential transfer target, which has a knock on affect for the rest of the teams in the league.
We have already heard this week from Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill and the Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that they are both unwilling to pay what they consider over-inflated prices for players. However, it seems only natural to me that the clubs that are forced to sell in order to strengthen their own squads will try and get the best possible price for any departing players.
So at present we have somewhat of a stalemate, with plenty of speculation and rumour but little in the way of business. Has the Premier League bubble burst? It may be a little premature to say that but perhaps the money-men involved are feeling the pinch like the rest of the global markets.
But as yet the two Manchester clubs are the only ones to put their hands into their pockets, with England international full-back Wayne Bridge joining City from Chelsea and United signing Serbians Zoran Tosic and Adam Ljajic from Partizan Belgrade.
As when Roman Abramovich took over at Chelsea the Abu Dhabi United Group's purchase of Manchester City will see an extra few million pounds put on the price tag of any potential transfer target, which has a knock on affect for the rest of the teams in the league.
We have already heard this week from Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill and the Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger that they are both unwilling to pay what they consider over-inflated prices for players. However, it seems only natural to me that the clubs that are forced to sell in order to strengthen their own squads will try and get the best possible price for any departing players.
So at present we have somewhat of a stalemate, with plenty of speculation and rumour but little in the way of business. Has the Premier League bubble burst? It may be a little premature to say that but perhaps the money-men involved are feeling the pinch like the rest of the global markets.
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
ARSENAL'S YOUNG GUNS SHOOT DOWN WIGAN
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger continued his now familiar policy of selecting youth and first team squad players for Carling cup ties last night, as his young gunners took on Wigan Athletic at the Emirates Stadium.
With Wigan fielding a near full strength side it appeared to be a baptism of fire for the inexperienced Arsenal players. However, seemingly unfazed by the occasion and no doubt buoyed by the presence of numerous first team players in the crowd to support them, Arsenal put in a stunning performance.
Totally confident in their ability, they played with pace and skill creating numerous goal-scoring chances. Only a string of fine saves by Wigan's England international goalkeeper, Chris Kirkland, prevented the tie being over by half-time. Arsenal did eventually take the lead three minutes before the interval when striker Jay Simpson latched onto 16 year-old Jack Wilshere's defence splitting pass and calmly poked the ball through the legs of the advancing Kirkland.
Two more goals in quick succession in the second half, Simpson again and an excellent chip from Mexican forward Carlos Vela, sealed the victory and booked Arsenal's place in the quarter-finals.
Arsene Wenger insists that the young players will continue to be selected however far they progress in this competition and i believe this can only be good for their footballing education.
Testing themselves against more experienced players and playing in front of large crowds can only be beneficial to their development.
It is also encouraging to see a good mixture of young English and foreign players and just goes to show that if you are talented and dedicated enough you will get a chance. Even if, as is likely, the majority of these young players do not become first team regulars at Arsenal i doubt that they could have received a better grounding for a successful career in professional football.
With Wigan fielding a near full strength side it appeared to be a baptism of fire for the inexperienced Arsenal players. However, seemingly unfazed by the occasion and no doubt buoyed by the presence of numerous first team players in the crowd to support them, Arsenal put in a stunning performance.
Totally confident in their ability, they played with pace and skill creating numerous goal-scoring chances. Only a string of fine saves by Wigan's England international goalkeeper, Chris Kirkland, prevented the tie being over by half-time. Arsenal did eventually take the lead three minutes before the interval when striker Jay Simpson latched onto 16 year-old Jack Wilshere's defence splitting pass and calmly poked the ball through the legs of the advancing Kirkland.
Two more goals in quick succession in the second half, Simpson again and an excellent chip from Mexican forward Carlos Vela, sealed the victory and booked Arsenal's place in the quarter-finals.
Arsene Wenger insists that the young players will continue to be selected however far they progress in this competition and i believe this can only be good for their footballing education.
Testing themselves against more experienced players and playing in front of large crowds can only be beneficial to their development.
It is also encouraging to see a good mixture of young English and foreign players and just goes to show that if you are talented and dedicated enough you will get a chance. Even if, as is likely, the majority of these young players do not become first team regulars at Arsenal i doubt that they could have received a better grounding for a successful career in professional football.
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