[saladguy]

Superb updates there. Will you play as Arsenal or Real Madrid?

[KD.]

haha... i agree with jose... he gets linked in too many stories here

[Prodigy]

GUNNERS CHAIRMAN SPOTTED IN FRANCE

HILL-WOOD... Arsenal Chairman is linking up a manager from France to replace Wenger

Published: Today



GUNNERS Chairman Peter Hill-Wood flew out to France today to speak to the next manager to replace Arsene Wenger, yet when questioned by both French and English media, Hill-Wood refused to speculate on his business in France.

It is believed that Arsenal are lining up a replacement similar to the unknown Wenger of thirteen years ago which started at Arsenal, yet it is unclear on who the replacement will be.

Hill-Wood briefly said, before getting into his car "It's not up for discussion. Arsenal have our target, and he will be appointed before the end of the month if talks go well."

Press are speculating that Arsenal chairman and representatives are in France to speak to Marseille manager Eric Gerets, who in April confirmed he'd be stepping down as manager at the end of the season, and is currently without a job.

The 55 year old Belgian, who made 86 starts for his country in his international career, has previously managed Brugge, PSV, Wolfsburg and Galatasary, guided his previous team Marseilles to a second place finish in Ligue 1.

However it seems original targets Roberto Mancini, and Carlo Ancelotti, have both rejected the London club.

A club insider told Sun Sport "Arsenal tried to get the well known man, experienced, world class manager in both Roberto Mancini and Carlo Ancelotti, but both rejected any approach, with Mancini wanting either a return to Italy, a move to Spain or switch to Chelsea and Man City. Cleverly, Arsenal tried to approach Carlo Ancelotti from underneath Chelsea, but he swiftly rejected Arsenal, as he wants either a Chelsea move or to stay at Milan."

Former Marseille manager Erick Gerets has now became favourite to take over from Arsene Wenger after this mornings reports, who is shortly followed by former Arsenal captain Tony Adams. The interesting candidate is Frank Rijkaard, who has now shortened his odds to 7/1, shortening dramatically from his previous 25/1 odds with Ladbrokes.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Tell us what you think of this story



Interesting. It seems as though Arsenal are lining up another unknown quantity from France, or is currently in France. However the worrying thing is that Arsene Wenger is one in a million, and these unproven managers don't always come around. I'm afraid that with teams like Spurs, and Manchester City willing to spend money now, and Everton always finishing high because of a good manager, that they will be closing in on the top four, and we cannot afford to have a manager which may do bad at the beginning, as if we drop out of the top four, the future of this club will be in big, big doubt.
posted by: Pessimistic Pires

I don't know what to take from this story. Hill-Wood being in France doesn't automatically mean the manager will come from France does it? Surely he could be meeting any manager from Europe in a neutral location, hell, he could even be after some cheap fags. Eric Gerets... hmm never really heard much about him, and it seems that it's a simple of case of France = manager which has managed/is managing in france = Eric Gerets! Don't get me started with the club insider... Don't really know what to take from this article, and I'll take everything with a pinch of salt will Arsenal confirm it.
posted by: Adebayor's Lazy Toe

Why are we going after Gerets when we could have Mourinho! MOURINHO PLEASE... MOURINHO... CHELSEA OR NOT MOURINHO! If not, Tony Adams...
posted by: Crazy Arse... nal

This post has been edited by Prodigy: 20 May 2009 - 12:15 AM

[Telegram Sam]

Love all the detail regarding Wenger's departure along with the speculation about his successor. Keep this up dude. :thup:

[Felton]

saladguy, on May 19 2009, 10:24 PM, said:

Superb updates there. Will you play as Arsenal or Real Madrid?

I think he's going with Arsenal probably because of the title story and that Real Madrid already have a great team anyways so will be a challenge seeing how Arsenal cope under a new era. KIU class story up to now! :evil:

[Prodigy]

Arsenal football club are delighted to announce the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as the clubs new manager, and he will officially start his role as manager as of June 1st.

The 55 year old Pellegrini, has agreed a four year contract with the club after the Arsenal board unanimously agreed that Manuel Pellegrini was the man to take Arsenal forward, and progress from last season, which saw Arsenal finish fourth place in the league and become Champions League semi-finalists.

The Chilean, who made one start for his country, spent most of his early managerial career in Argentina and Chile, where he won numerous honours with Universidad Católica, San Lorenzo and River Plate, becoming the second most successful manager in South America in the past 25 years. More famously though, Pellegrini took over Spanish side Villarreal CF, where unprecedented success had seen Pellegrini turn Villarreal into a consistent Champions League side, after taking over a Villarreal side which had only been promoted to La Liga in 2000, and after mid-table finishes, guided his team to the heights of second and third in La Liga, and a Champions League semi-final, losing to Arsenal, in which some declare Pellegrini's work as a 'miracle'.

"For me to be given this opportunity is wonderful, I am delighted to be here. This is a club that is highly regarded across the globe, and the Arsenal supporters are some of the best around, filling this stadium every weekend and weekday with 60,000 fans and more. I am a man which believes in playing fantastic, attacking, free-flowing football, and my time at Villarreal has shown that, as I know that this type of football is very important to the Arsenal supporters."

Speaking on his previous club Villarreal, where he spent five years, understandably it was a hard decision to leave Villarreal for Pellegrini, at a club which he was so well respected by fans and players.

"It was a hard decision. It was not regarding the decision considering whether Arsenal was right for me, as I knew straight away that it was perfect, but to leave Villarreal, who have been, and always will be close to my heart. They gave me a huge opportunity, and I feel that I have had great success with Villarreal, but I always intended to leave Villarreal either at the end of this season, or next, as I needed a new challenge in life."

Asked about his plans for the club in terms of transfers, Pellegrini deemed he could not begin to consider transfers until he starts working with the squad.

"I have to sit down with the squad, and take part in my first training session before I can even consider transfers. Obviously there will be changes, as every new manager, which goes into a club, will make adjustments to suit himself and help the team get stronger, but at this moment, I'm not sure."

"Arsenal though, from my experience of meeting Arsenal previously in the Champions League, have a good group of players. They are a talented, fresh, youthful team, which have a good technical ability. We have to aim high -- we have to aim to end this trophyless run. I want progress, and it's my job to make sure we improve from last season, which many people considered a disappointment."

On taking over from Wenger, Pellegrini said that Wenger is the past of Arsenal football club, and he must be judged on his era at Arsenal, and not the former Gunners manager.

"Wenger is a wonderful manager, who has done a very good job here at Arsenal. However it needs to be forgotten now. Arsene is the past, and if people keep looking at the past, then there's no point in focusing on the future. Maybe that's why Arsene didn't do so well in his last couple of years, as people kept looking at the invincibles era, rather than concentrating on his current crop of players. I hope to be judged on my own era at Arsenal, rather than be judged on a former boss."

[Friday, June 26, 2009]

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This post has been edited by Prodigy: 20 May 2009 - 01:55 PM

[saladguy]

That choice shocked me a little. My bet would've been Tony Adams becoming the next boss!

This post has been edited by saladguy: 20 May 2009 - 04:16 PM

[.Jay]

Tony Adams is a mediocre manager, could be a coach at Arsenal though if he was offered the job. Pellegrini's a top manager, completely transformed Villarreal.

[Prodigy]

Transfer watch: Arsenal

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 09:24 AM on 1st July 2009

All eyes on Pellegrini as fans wonder if he'll get the money
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the transfer window officially opens today, Sports Mail takes a look at every team in the Premier League's possible incomings and outgoings, speculating on what players could be going out and coming in.

Pellegrini, the new Arsenal manager, who officially starts his role as Gunners boss today, will get the money to spend, according to Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood.

"Of course he'll have money to spend. I'm not going to comment on how much, but Manuel will definitely have enough to compete with the best teams in world football for players signatures."

With this said, all eyes will be on new Arsenal boss Pelegrini, who spends his first season in English football, on both transfers going in and coming out. Will Pellegrini spend more money than previous boss Wenger, or is there simply no money to spend? Will the club lose some of it's main assets, due to the departure of Wenger? Sports Mail will take a look.

__________________________________________________

OUTGOINGS

Emmanuel Adebayor
Age: 25 Country: Togo

The will he, wont he question regarding Adebayor's future at Arsenal has been going on for some time now. AC Milan, Inter, and Barcelona have all been linked with the powerful Togo star, and it seems that Adebayor may be nearing the end of his Arsenal career, if press reports are to be believed. With his agent admitting he has "no clue" whether Adebayor will stay, and Adebayor even admitting he has been contacted with Milan's President, it seems that Adebayor will be leaving in the summer.

Francesc Fabregas
Age: 22 Country: Spain

One of Arsene Wengers biggest gems, the Spanish international, now Arsenal captain at 22, has been linked with a move back to Spain, with Barcelona and Real Madrid Fabregas' potential suitors. Fabregas, previously admitting he would "seriously consider" leaving Arsenal if Wenger ever left, and with Wenger at Madrid now and La Liga Champions, and former club Barcelona being very interested, Fabregas may be destined to a return to Spain.

Phillipe Senderos
Age: 24 Country: Switzerland

Phillipe Senderos has returned to Arsenal after his loan at AC Milan, with the Italian giants not taking Senderos' buy out clause. Senderos though doesn't seem to have much of a future at Arsenal, and it seems as though a return to Italy or move to Aston Villa is the likely option for Swiss international, but this still may depend whether or not Arsenal are able to sign another central defender, as Kolo Toure will be heading to the African Cup of Nations next year.

__________________________________________________

INCOMINGS

Matías Fernández
Age: 23 Country: Chile

After joining Villarreal for 8.7 million Euros in 2007, the Chilean international is destined for a return with his fellow compatriot Pellegrini. The highly rated attacking midfielder or forward, who has had a mixed spell at Villarreal, will only join Arsenal though if one or two of their current midfielders are sold, with many considering the midfield of Arsenal, in terms of an attacking sense, already very strong. Although "Mati" is a versatile player, also being able to play as a forward, he is in no sense a target man, and Arsenal will look for a similar player as Adebayor if he does indeed leave.

Marcos Senna
Age: 32 Country: Spain

Marcos Senna is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfield players in the game, and after playing such an important part in Spain's European Championship win, has attracted a lot of interest around the game, despite his age of 32. Senna will not only add his defensive capabilities to midfield, which Arsenal has been craving for, but also much, much needed experience.

Carlos Marchena
Age: 29 Country: Spain

The 29 year-old Spanish international Marchena is set for a move away from cash strapped Valencia if reports are to be believed, alongside David Villa and David Silva. The experienced centre-back, who can also play in midfield, is known for his aggressive approach, and alongside Carlos Puyol formed a rock solid defense in the European Championship with Spain, gaining him a place in the team of the tournament.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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[.Jay]

Excellent signing options and great update- just the kind of players that Pelligrini would sign.

[The Rhys Johnson]

Great story so far, quality.

Keep it up!

:thup:

[Prodigy]

Arsenal football club can confirm the depatures of Mikaël Silvestre, Abu Ogogo, James Dunne, Rene Steer and Vincent van den Berg.

Ogogo, Dunne, Steer and van den Berg, all youth team products, managed two appearances for the first team between them, and with each being 19 and 20 years of age, the coaching team of Arsenal recommended that Manuel Pellegrini did not renew their contracts therefore each were released from the club today.

Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis spoke on the exits from the club "We'd like to thank Abu, James, Rene and Vincent on their contribution to club, and for all the efforts they have put in, but sadly it was the time to release these players from the club. As academy players, we obviously would like to wish each player the best for the future, and I'm sure they will quickly be able to find clubs at either Premier League or lower league level."

Mikaël Silvestre, who started his career at Rennes, went on to play for Inter Milan and Manchester United and joined Arsenal for an undisclosed fee in August 2008. The 31 year old Frenchman, who is able to play at left back and centre back, went onto to make fourteen appearances for Arsenal, making eight starts, but Manuel Pellegrini allowed Silvestre to leave after not being able to guarantee him first team football.

Arsenal manager Manuel Pellegrini added on the departure of Mikaël Silvestre.

"Yesterday I was able to speak to every player in the first team squad individually, discussing in length about a number of different things, and after speaking to Mikaël, it was decided that by mutual consent he would be released by club. Clearly he was unhappy here because of last season where he couldn't gain a regular place in the first team, and as I couldn't guarantee him first team football myself, he decided at the age of 31 he would like to be released from his contract so he can could gain some first team football elsewhere."

On the departures of four academy products, Manuel Pellegrini added he'd like to wish each the best for the future.

[Friday, July 03, 2009]

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This post has been edited by Prodigy: 24 May 2009 - 11:31 AM

[Telegram Sam]

This is brilliant, superb. Keep going mate.

[Prodigy]

ADEBYEOR

GOING... Togo star is in talks with Chelsea, Barcelona and Man City

Published: Today



ARSENAL striker Emmanuel Adebayor is set to quit the Emirates after Arsenal accepted three bids for the Togo international, with Manchester City, Chelsea and Barcelona all having bids accepted.

It is believed that each club have had bids accepted in the region of £30 million pounds, and Adebayor will have talks with each club and decide his future in the upcoming days, with Barcelona being the clear favourites to sign the African, who scored 20 goals for Arsenal last season.

Adebayor, who joined Arsenal in 2006 from Metz for a reported 7 million pounds, has had a largely successful career at Arsenal, quickly turning into a powerful centre-forward, compared with former Arsenal great Nwankwo Kanu. However, in last seasons transfer window, a reputed move to AC Milan or Barcelona was widely speculated and the Arsenal forward has been followed by controversy since, as Gunners fans have criticised his effort and the fact that he was so open about a move away, leading to sections of the crowd booing the former African player of the year.

His agent, Stephane Courbis, admitted before the transfer window opened he had "no clue" whether Adebayor would leave Arsenal, yet with departure of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who he had a close relationship with, and the added criticism from his own fans, everything has escalated in Adebayor demanding a move.

A club insider told Sun Sport "Pellegrini doesn't want Adebayor to leave, and was willing to reject the £30 million pounds offered. However, Emmanuel has had enough at Arsenal, and Arsenal's own supporters have drove out Emmanuel like they have Arsene Wenger. Emmanuel had a close relationship with Arsene, and even though he respects Manuel Pellegrini greatly, he wants a fresh start as he doesn't think he can win the fans back."

Arsenal have refused to comment on the potential agreed deal, and his agent has also refused to respond to the speculation, saying that "Arsenal and Emmanuel have talked and that is that."

With Adebayor set to leave, it is rumoured that Arsenal may join the race for Carlos Tevez, however wage demands may put the brakes on a potential deal. In other quarters though, speculation is rife that Arsenal may not be able replace Adebayor, and that Pelegrini will only get a small sum of the £30 million on offer, which he'll use to buy a much needed centre-back or centre defensive midfielder.

In other Arsenal news, Francesc Fabregas could be the next high profile player to leave the Emirates, with Real Madrid and Barcelona still trying to persuade Arsenal to sell the 22 year-old. One midfielder definitely on his way out is promising teenager Jack Wilshire, who will spend the season on loan at Wolves.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Tell us what you think of this story



I can't wait till this useless, waste of space piece of **** is kicked out of the club. Sorry for my profanity, but I'm so annoyed by all of this. Arsenal gave him his chance to shine, and for all the lack of effort he has put in, and all the hints he wants to leave is disgusting. Knowing him he'll choose Chelsea, and join that other waste of space Cashley Cole.
posted by: Angry Ade

He's going, get over it. If we get £30 million for Adebayor, then we have mugged off whoever greatly. Surprised about him maybe moving to Barca though, with Eto'o, Messi and Henry already there. To be honest, I'd say swap him with Eto'o, or maybe include Bojan in the deal. I reckon we'll benefit from this, and I hope we are in the race for Tevez, as if we replace Ade with Tevez, and have 8 million in the bank from it... we have done very, very well.
posted by: Look to the future Gunner

Bye bye Ade, don't let the door hit you on the way out you lanky... actually, I've just leave it at that. David Villa or Zlatan Ibrahimovic please!
posted by: Tony Adams for boss

[saladguy]

I would like to see Adebayor at Chelsea. He could make up a good striking partnership with Didier Drogba!

[Prodigy]

.

Posted on: Wed 8th May 2009

Chelsea football club are delighted to announce the signing of Emmanuel Adebayor from Arsenal, who has signed a five year contract with the club.

Adebayor, who is 25 years of age, has quickly established himself as one of the top forwards in world football as after signing for Arsenal for an undisclosed fee in 2006, quickly began to show promise.

After two productive seasons, Adebayor was starting to catch interest across Europe, and the former African player of the year was linked with Inter Milan, AC Milan, Manchester City and Barcelona before completing his move to the Blues, who have quickly moved to signed the Togo international, joining only eight days after the opening of the transfer window.

Adebayor becomes Claudio Ranieri's first signing after his return to club, and Ranieri spoke of his delight at capturing the 25 year old.

"For me, this a huge day in the future of Chelsea football club. Emmanuel is one of the most talented forwards in world football, and in my view, a rare breed, combining finishing, heading and pace, to become the perfect forward. Emmanuel is a goal scorer, and once again he proved that by scoring 20 goals last season, and at Chelsea I feel he can score much, much more."

Emmanuel Adebayor, speaking for the first time to Chelseaafc.com, spoke on his delight on the move.

"I'm delighted to have finally completed my move to Chelsea. It was an easy decision in the end, as Chelsea are simply a team which is close to dominating Europe, and I hope to help us dominate it completely this season and beyond. I had offers on the table from other clubs, but these offers simply didn't come close to Chelsea, and my family are settled in London, therefore this opportunity is simply perfect for me."

He added, on his time at Arsenal.

"I'm disappointed because I have spent four years at Arsenal winning nothing. Will they win the anything this season? Unless there is major investment, Arsenal are simply not good enough. I respect Manuel Pellegrini, and I feel he has the potential to do well, but I do feel sorry for the task he has, as teams are really catching up with Arsenal now, such as Man City, and teams like Chelsea are pushing further ahead. I'm also disappointed as I feel I was pushed out by Arsenal fans. Fans booing me obviously hurt me, and I wasn't wanted, but maybe that was for the best now."

Chelsea fans can look forward to seeing Emmanuel Adebayor July 19th, as tickets away to Dunfermline are now on sale.

More reaction to follow

[Fola]

Prodigy, on May 21 2009, 10:08 PM, said:

Quality!!!! :thup:

[.Jay]

Fantastic graphics and excellent story so far.

[Prodigy]

Page last updated at 12:03 GMT, Monday, 13 July 2009

................................................................................
.

E-mail this to a friend ..... Printable version

Arsenal complete double swoop for Villarreal pair

Arsenal have moved to complete their first signings of the summer, with the captures of Matías Fernández and Marcos Senna on four and two year contracts respectively, both joining from Spanish club Villarreal.

Manuel Pellegrini, who joined Arsenal 13 days ago makes Senna and Fernández his first signings at the club, believed to be for a combined fee of thirteen million pounds.

Pellegrini, spoke firstly on Marcos Senna to Arsenal's official website.

"Even at the age of thirty-two, soon becoming thirty-three, I feel that Marcos could definitely play a huge part in Arsenal's future. Many people outside of the club have been saying that Arsenal need a defensive midfield player who will have a presence in the centre of midfield, and a player who will sit in front of the defence and win vital tackles, and add experience to a young team. Marcos is this player, and even at the age of thirty-three, in whatever time he spends at the club, whether it be one year, two years or five years, Marcos will help get Arsenal back to the top, and his vast experience with both Villarreal and Spain will help the younger players in the first team incredibly."

Senna, who joined Villarreal from Brazillian team São Caetano in 2002, had a somewhat slow start to his Villarreal career, yet quickly blossomed at Villareal and under Manuel Pellegrini, becoming a key player for Villarreal's push up the league in La Liga, Champions League success, and also became Villarreal's club captain.

Born in Brazil, Senna was granted Spanish citizenship in 2006 and was named in both Spain's World Cup and European Championship squads, yet it was in the 2008 European Championship were Senna showed his class, as be became a vital part of Spain's European Championship winning team, being named in the UEFA squad of the tournament, and the player of the tournament by some individual pundits and journalists.

In complete contrast to Senna, Matías Fernández was the second of the two signings, with Fernández being able to play as an attacking midfielder and forward predominately. Known for being a player-maker, dribbling skills, technical ability and shooting skills which has seen him become somewhat of a free-kick specialist, "Mati" as he is commonly known, joined Villarreal from Chilean side Colo Colo in 2007, for a fee believe to be around 8 million euros, despite interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Joining Chilean compatriot Manuel Pellegrini at Villareal, the former "South American player of the year" found it hard to make much of impact at his first years a the Spanish club, yet Arsenal have decided him to bring him to the Premier League, with Pellegrini a great admirer of him.

"We're both Chilean so I have a great understanding with the boy. He's still maturing at twenty-three, and in my view, can still go on to become one of the best attacking midfielders in the game, as anyone should be able to see the great ability he has, and for the money Villarreal were willing to sell the boy for, I couldn't resist bringing him to Arsenal. He has all the assets to become a top player, like I said, and here at Arsenal, with some of the best coaches in the game, I hope he will do that, as he is such a potentially good player."

However, the signing of Fernández has caused fresh doubts over players already at Arsenal, as Arsenal had a strong group of attacking midfielders before this signing, and some are wondering why Pellegrini decided to bring in yet another attacking midfielder, when the club are still in need of a striker to replace Emmanuel Adebayor, and a central defender. According to press speculation, Tomas Rosicky may be the player to make way for the Chilean, after another torrid time with injuries last season.

Debuts may be handed to Senna and Fernández at Pellegrini's first pre-season game away to Slavia Prague, which will take place next weekend.

[Carroll.]

This has got loads of potential mate, i have just skimmed through but the amount of details and graphics are amazing. Love the "Adebyeor" headline, great thinking.