Barcelona Signing Adebayor For £22mil-£25mil? Nasri Signing Officially? Clichy Signs Long Term Deal

By Bilal Zaidi

This is some crazy stuff. Turkey somehow qualified tonight with a huge victory over Croatia after the tie went into extra time. Turkey conceded at one end and scored at the other and won it after extra time from the resulting penalties. What a fantastic story and a perfect illustration of what hard work and determination can get you. They never gave up, for three games in a row where they looked to be heading out. Who knows what may be in store for them in the semi-finals.

Congratulations to Turkey and local boy Colin Kazim Richards who went to school just down the road from me. Crazy stuff.

However, the news that has been reported of our thirty goal striker Adebayor to sign for Barcelona for “£22mil - £25mil” is quite amazing. He had a great season for us and I would love for Ade to be staying but it is very difficult to tell who is misleading us all. I know from other peoples comments that many may want to just get rid of him but I would like to see what is actually going on before we start to put down our striker who did very well for us last season. Is this a trick from Barcelona to unsettle the player and the club in order to gain eventually when they buy him or is it simply the truth? It has been going on for a bit of time now and I haven’t written much on it because I don’t like writing about transfer rumours that are thrown around loosely. However, a good few papers have been picking up on the story this morning as the conclusion to this predicament seems to be edging to a final sprint in the coming weeks.

Nasri is expected to sign officially very soon since his French club have already confirmed the deal. Also, his compatriot Clichy closed off any sort of speculation regarding his potential future at another club by signing a four year deal to commit his future to Arsenal. Clichy was outstanding this year, being voted the Premiership’s best left back...unfortunately he wasn’t included in Frances European squad but both Nasri and Clichy on the French and Arsenal left wing could now become a great possibility in the near future.

Any news relating to the futures of the players mentioned will be updated as soon as we have heard of any news. Don’t miss tonight’s game between Holland and Russia and Amir Khan’s fight as well from our live video streams page.

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On Our Future Transfers - Reassured? No, Not Yet...

By Richard Popple

Like many Arsenal fans at the end of the season, I had a feeling of relief that the disappointing campaign had come to end. Well disappointing in the fact that we failed to win a trophy after such a strong start. I think it’s universally recognised that Arsenal ran out of steam as the games become tougher and the fixtures piled up. The squad we cried, is not big enough, experienced enough or indeed talented enough?

Having not chosen to recruit in the January transfer window, there is considerable pressure on Wenger for the first time from some Arsenal fans to reinforce heavily in the summer. I am not going to criticise Wenger’s decision not to strengthen in January but certainly allowing Lassana Diarra to leave seemed like a mistake. I understand that the player wanted first team football, but he would have got those opportunities in the second half of the season. Also he was under contract and Arsenal were under no pressure to sell him. I think Wenger took the easy option there and in my opinion the wrong one.

The summer as always has created many fantastical rumours about possible transfer targets. Let’s face it, I would be very surprised if Veloso or Villa were to join Arsenal despite all of the speculation. They unfortunately fall into the category of a ‘big name’ and Wenger is becoming more and more stubborn about buying stars.

However when Arsene spoke out two or three weeks ago about the imminent signing/s that would reassure the fans, my belief returned that Arsene really does know. Unfortunately the saga that is Samir Nasri’s possible transfer is still on-going and it looks as if no conclusion will be reached until after Euro 2008. Is Nasri one of the signings meant to reassure fans? If he is and decides not to come, Arsene would look very silly indeed.

So where do we go from here? Flamini has left and Hleb looks very likely to follow which means two first team regulars need replacing? Replacing? That alarms the hell out of me. We don’t need to replace players. It was very evident from this year’s failings that the squad needs additions. Well now Wenger needs to replace and add otherwise next year could once again prove to be disappointing.

Wenger however, has a great record in the transfer market and has often secured deals from nowhere (Eduardo last summer), but for him to come out publicly and say that the signings will reassure the fans is a tall order. Is this finally the year when Arsenal splash the cash to challenge Chelsea and Manchester United?

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A Thought On Nasri & A Little More Urgency Please

By Atishay Agarwal

When the rumours of us buying Samir Nasri from Marseille started surfacing a few weeks back, I paid little or no attention. The media never comes to know of Wenger’s targets until he buys them, I thought. And anyway, he would probably buy an unknown 18 year old from Africa rather than a player prematurely hailed as the “Next Zidane”( How many of those are moving around at the moment?!). I hardly tried finding out who the player was and how he played. No stats, no youtube, nothing. Then came the admission by Wenger, and I was on the job immediately! The lad seems like a typical Arsenal player, one who plays more in the middle of the park, but who Wenger would put out on the wing, somewhat like Hleb. He’s got pace, lots of trickery, and a great shot on him, but his goalscoring record leaves a lot to be desired. That was my only worry regarding the transfer, although it wasn’t a major one.

My worry now is whether the transfer will even go through. Unless Arsene is really determined to get Nasri to London, the deal really looks as if it’s slipping away from us. A big necessity, especially because we are Arsenal, was the deal to have been completed before the Euros, as in Rosicky’s case. How much would Tomas have cost if we’d bought him after the world cup, where he performed magnificently? Atleast another five million pounds, surely. And now, if Nasri does have a good tournament this summer, his price and wage demands are sure to rocket up even more, considering the hype surrounding him. The boss has mentioned that the major stumbling block during the negotiations has been the player’s wage demands, and a delay in the finalization of the terms can only worsen the situation. Also, a lot of rival clubs must have already started taking interest in him considering Wenger’s eye for talent, and this is sure to increase post Euro08.

I’m sure all of us remember being promised imminent transfer activity when the season was drawing to a close? Arsene said two to three weeks, and it’s turned out to be a false promise. In fact, the only imminent transfers have all been related to players leaving the club. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a rant directed at the boss, but just the disappointment one would feel after his high hopes have come crashing down to earth. We must show more urgency and tact during these negotiations and I think this is where Wenger dearly misses David Dein. Anyway, Nasri or no Nasri, the top priority for us should remain a top class centre half, and another goalkeeper. The defender should be bought from the EPL, to cut out the ‘adaptation period’. One rumour that I’d like to see fuelled up again is the one regarding Niko Kranjcar. He’s got a great eye for a pass and has a silken touch to his game. He’s been in England for a few years so he’s used to the tough, physical side of the game as well, and he’ll also give us that extra option of a right footed free kick taker.

These are the times when I sit down and repeat “Arsene knows” to myself, and like every summer, it seems that we all will need to do a lot of that. I think I’ll be supporting Spain this time, as they have an amazing squad and because they haven’t won a single major trophy yet. Also, they have a killer no.10!

Till then, lets keep hoping, and expecting..

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Samir Nasri Signing Today For £12 Million? - The Video

Watch todays Champions League Final (Manchester United v Chelsea) live from our LIVE VIDEO STREAMS PAGE:

By Bilal Zaidi

So we have apparently signed Samir Nasri from Marseille for £12 million or about to today according to L'Equipe. I will be honest in saying I don't know much about him but here are a couple of videos of him in action for any fans that want a taste of what might be coming our way soon.

I assume this deal would confirm that Hleb is on his way out, apparently to Barcelona or Real Madrid. If anyone who's much about this guy then please feel free to comment and enlighten the rest of us. Good day all.

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Exodus? - Hleb To Move For £3mil To Inter - Adebayor Wants £80k p/week

By Richard Popple

What is going on?

The season is yet to finish, champions are yet to be decided and relegation places are yet to be filled and despite all of this the rumour-mill is not only in full flow, it’s bursting and Arsenal seem to be coping it’s force the most. I still try to dismiss the newspapers and television when they talk of a player exodus. But it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so. Unfortunately it doesn’t just seem to be the players, who are seeking a new challenge. Keith Edelman mysteriously left the club saying he wanted a new challenge, however other reports suggested that he was pushed out of the club. There have been other reports that Gary Lewin will leave as well. A man who has been part of the Arsenal staff for a long time. It might all just be a coincidence, but why is the club having such difficulty keeping its staff together.

Obviously a lot of these stories are exactly that: stories, with very little truth and a lot of conjecture. But the fact is that these rumours and departures are happening at the moment and with alarming regularity. The most widespread one at the moment involves Alex Hleb. His agent has stated that the deal is almost done and that Hleb will be an Inter player within a couple of weeks. The player himself has been reported as saying that he is disillusioned at Arsenal and is worried by what he perceives as a lack of ambition by the club. I presume he is talking about the small number of players that have arrived over the last two years, coupled with the dwindling numbers in the squad.

Arsene Wenger has again played down these rumours about Hleb, just like he did in the Flamini situation. But increasingly it seems that events are happening involving players that the manager does not seem to be in complete control of. I think there are two reasons for this:

1) The finances of the club are very well documented, in fact too much so in my opinion. The salary caps are very rigid at the club which they are infrequently prepared to break. Sol Campbell used to earn a lot of money at Arsenal, as did Vieira and most famously Thierry Henry, who earned £130,000 a week, following the move to the Emirates. It seems due to the cost of the stadium, we simply can’t offer players huge wages anymore, which might offer another explanation as to why Arsene never buys established stars – he simply can’t afford it.

2) Faith is being lost in the manager after three seasons without a trophy and an unwillingness to part with money. I personally hope this is not the case, but I’m starting to dread that it is. Flamini moved to Milan for one of two reasons. Either he wanted more money or he felt that the squad would not be sufficiently strengthened at Arsenal to mount a challenge for honours next year. It is very likely that Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Man City and even Newcastle will spend a lot of money in the summer. Depending on the quality and success of these signings, Arsenal without recruiting could face challenges from not only the big three but Spurs and Man City. Hleb also has been reported as saying he is worried by a lack of ambition.

I don’t care if we have another summer of people writing Arsenal off. It happened last year and despite not winning anything, the team have given a very good account of themselves this season. But Arsene Wenger’s philosophies are beginning to go hand in hand with his stubbornness. If he continues to ignore most established players and continues to buy inexperienced foreign players who need time to adapt, then Arsenal could be in danger of falling behind the other clubs, who have more spending power. I don’t envisage that happening next season, but depending on who leaves this summer, certain parts of the team will have to be improved.

Another aspect of this equation is player greed. Flamini might have gone, because he will earn more at Milan, Hleb might follow suit. I am hoping that Adebayor is not really demanding £80,000 per week, and that his agent is speaking out of turn. Quite frankly Ade is not worth that. He has had one good season, in which he has been given a wonderful opportunity by Wenger to prove himself. I think it would be disgraceful from the player if he ignored all of this for money. Wenger can’t reward the players with huge contracts because of the strict wage structure at the club. His rewards are a chance to prove themselves, to establish themselves even if they are 18,19,20 years old. Perhaps this alone, without trophies and money doesn’t appease players anymore…

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Wenger Blind With Eboue / Traore To Play Left Wing?

By Renoogami

It has to be said. A blind man can see it...We can all see it.

Why can’t Arsene?

I am of course referring to the enigma that is Eboue.

The only reason I can think of for Arsene persisting with him for 90 minutes on Sunday is that perhaps he just wants to confirm to himself that our non goal scoring, injury feigning and cheating ‘midfielder’, has no future in the side and should be moved on in the Summer.

We all know that we need a wide left sided attacking midfielder and I have been saying for weeks that we already have a young and exciting one in the reserves – Armand Traore.

Forget his original position as a left back – he has been playing wide left midfield for the reserve for some time now and producing rave performances.

He is young, possesses great ball control with blistering pace, has the ability to beat players, is a great crosser of the ball (just ask Bentner) and has a wonderful shot on him.

What more can you ask of a wide midfielder? Perhaps the experience of having played at full back for a number of years?

So come 1.30pm on Sunday and with the limited number of players available due to injuries we had the perfect opportunity to see how Armand could perform against a side that were always going to be hard to score against.

And instead Arsene picks dear old Eboue at wide right and pushes poor young Theo over to the left. Anyone ever remember Theo doing well there - cos I don’t?

The stats tell us Eboue is hopeless, our eyes tell us Eboue is hopeless, even Alan Smith thinks Eboue is hopeless for goodness sake!

OK so come half time on Sunday and everyone watching the game can see that Eboue is utterly useless so surely Arsene will change things around. But no - Eboue stays on for the full 90 and Traore only has a quarter of an hour or so to show us what he can do. The rest is history as they say.

With the Flamster going to Milan (good luck to him by the way) is anyone else like me in wondering why Alex Song hasn’t had a chance to show what he can do in midfield. He put in a man of the match performance against Everton at centre back but surely that is only a fill-in role. I’m not sure he is tall enough to play in the centre permanently. Remember Everton’s forwards are not tall and playing against them is slightly difference to playing against Drogba, Berbatov, Ronaldo and Co.

So, whilst we all would like to spend millions in the summer on established stars, I just don’t think it’s going to happen. Yes there will be signings but certainly not overpriced superstars. The last thing we want is to do a Leeds United and get into financial trouble. No, we didn’t win the league nor a cup again this season, but we can still hold our heads high and give all the other clubs in the league hope that you don’t need a fortune to compete with the huge money clubs like Chelsea, ManU, Liverpool and Spurs (11th in the league).

All you need is a great management team and professionally run club – a club with history, tradition, class and dignity.

Kevin Keegan please note.

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Flamini Move To AC Milan Now 100% Official

By Bilal Zaidi

What was reported here a few days ago has been finally confirmed today by AC Milan. Anyone who has read my last few articles on him will know how much I like Flamini, but this isn't the end of the world at all. He is a great player who has covered more ground than any other football player this year in the Premier League. It is quite easy to see what a great deal Milan have got here but who are we to complain. They played to the rules of the game, he saw out his contract and he didn't go and have secret meetings in hotels while his contract still had many years to run on it, or even, icecream-ing before our match against Milan with Inter (Hleb-esq).

At the beginning of the season I was surprised when Flamini chose to stay, he came very close to moving to Birmingham who now look like they are dropping into the Championship. I won't lie, at the beginning of the season I was the first to question why Flamini was holding a place down straight away because from his past performances in central midfield he really didn't look that special. However, some players really need a consistent number of games under their belt to really get the best out of them and that is exactly what has happened with Flamini. Can it still happen for Gilberto who really hasn't had a consistent run for a very long time. This season Gilberto has looked past it but last season he was one of our best players if not the best performer alongside Toure and Fabregas.

We also let go of Diarra who would have been an able replacement if he wasn't so impatient. Yes we made £3 milllion from his sale in only 6 months but we may now be spending a bit more than that to find a replacement for Flamini.

I hope this isn't another summer of frustration of seeing our side weakened by player departures and not enough coming in. For the last five seasons or so I have seen our legendary invincibles side slowly leave, many for free or little money at all. The likes of Lauren, Cole (Wanker), Campbell, Pires, Ljungberg, Wiltord, Reyes, Vieira, Edu, Henry, Bergkamp (retired). We have a VERY SMALL SIDE and we can't afford to let numbers drop any more, since we clearly do not have that much quality in depth within our ranks compared to our rivals.

You can see how different our team play is when our best eleven isn't playing. Our first eleven could beat any side in Europe but after that it starts to become questionable. We have been unlucky that injuries to key players have let us down this season but for any of the top four this should never be an excuse, it is the job of the management staff to ensure our squad is good after the first eleven players.

However it is not all doom and gloom. Looking back on our season we did better than most expected comparative to our spending again compared to our rivals. Players have emerged; Sagna and Clichy are the best full backs in the premiership and potentially Europe going by this year’s performances. We have two solid centre backs who have at times not been at their best but are without a doubt still top defenders. We have the best young central midfielder of his kind in the world in our Mr. Fabregas and a striker who has scored 30 goals at the age of 23, after living legend Henry left the club in Adebayor. We have Van Persie who is known around the world to be one of the most gifted players around to return next year hopefully with full fitness along with Rosicky. Our summer signing Eduardo showed his quality in the short time he had to show what he could do and a few others to look at properly next season in Walcott, Bendtner and Carlos Vela. We now have the European Championships, the Olympics and a Champions League final to look forward to watching in the next few months.

Thank you Flamini for your great season, good luck...God Bless.

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Arsenal vs Everton – PLAYER RATINGS

By Atishay Agarwal

Nothing interesting to say, really, as it was a painfully drab affair at the Grove today, the kind that makes you want the season to get over as soon as possible. It was a game reminiscent of the first few games at the Emirates, when we dominated in patches, hogged possession but rarely created clear cut openings, and looked susceptible on the break. The only difference was that we didn’t concede in the first half, and were able to sneak a victory with our customary second half goal. I don’t think any player on the pitch produced the kind of performance he would remember even a few weeks down the line, but I guess they want the season to end even more than we do. Ratings:

Fabianski – 7 – Looked a tad more comfortable and at ease in goal today, and produced a fine save in the first half to prevent us from doing what we do best, go a goal down at home. And what was more remarkable about him, was that he managed to get smile out of Lehmann!!

Toure – 6 – An efficient performance from our makeshift right back. Defended well and was strong in challenges. Wasn’t very effective going forward though.

Gallas – 6.5 – Both center backs didn’t have anything too drastic to do, but there were a number of tricky situations where a slight mistake could lead to trouble, and he got out of quite a few such situations with relative ease.

Song – 7 – Seems to be quite a revelation at center back. He was tested more today than the last two games, and he was up to the task with some very good interceptions and tackling.

Clichy – 7 – Routine hyper-energetic performance.

Walcott – 5 – He was hardly involved in the game today, except when delivering corners. I would have liked to see him play upfront, but the lack of available wingers led to him starting on the left. I noticed that quite a few team members still don’t show enough confidence in him and pass to other players even when Theo is in more space. Did you too?

Denilson – 5 – Sadly, he’s no Fabregas. In fact he’s more like a Flamini, and it wasn’t surprising that he underperformed today. Was given the wrong role to play in midfield today, but he’d still be disappointed with his outing today. The early promise that he showed at the club seems to be dwindling just a bit, and he’ll need to work hard in the summer to push for a bigger role at the club next season.

Gilberto – 7 – I think the best word to describe his performance today would be ‘comfortable’, and he really was so. He still has a lot to offer, and his passing seems to have improved considerably.

Eboue – (-5) – Arsene did you watch that? How can you let him start game after game, when he puts in a ‘strictly decent’ performance at best only once in about ten games?? Killed off almost every Arsenal move like no Everton defender could in the first half. Milan wanted this guy?!

Bendtner – 7 – Wasn’t a bright performance as such, but the superb header that won is the game merited the extra point. Really sad to see no one really celebrating with him though (A high five isn’t celebrating). The lad can really head the ball, and not just while scoring. The way he wins long balls or flicks them on with is head is fantastic, and better than Adebayor. The two can form a great combination with Bendtner doing more of the heading, and Ade doing more of the running. I just made it sound so simple didn’t I?

Adebayor – 5 – Not that he didn’t try, but we didn’t click as an attacking unit today, or as the boss would put it, we played ‘with the handbrake on’. He was playing almost alone upfront with Bendtner coming nearer to the midfield to collect the ball, and didn’t get any real service.

SUBS:

Traore – 7 – Now here’s a fullback who could make it as a winger. I’ve always been impressed by the guy’s pace, and now we all know for a fact that he’s a wonderful crosser of the football. Came on and made a clear impression instantly, and produced a sublime cross for Bendtner to head in. Questions have been raised over his defending in the past, and with some more work on his attacking play, he could seriously think of a change in position.

Senderos – NA – It was good to see him recover from the Anfield setback and return on the pitch, and although his defending has cost us dearly in the past, we need to support the young guy at the moment. Had nothing much to do today though.

And maybe for the final time,

Lehmann – 7.5(Overall rating) – That’s my rating for him over the five years that he’s spent with us. You’ve been a great keeper for us Jens, and I’d like to thank you for all those wonderful, spectacular saves, and for all the theatrics that would light up dull periods of play on the pitch. You probably shouldn’t have complained so much this season, but I think we all will forget that, and the few bloopers, and remember you as the man who got us to the Champions League final in ’06 and won us the FA Cup in ’05. Thanks for the so many memories!

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Fla-MONEY Signs For AC Milan - Four Year Contract Worth £4.3 Million A Season

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By Bilal Zaidi

It has been reported on Sky Italia that Flamini has signed for AC Milan the team that Arsenal knocked out of the Champions League this year. The team that may well be playing in the Uefa Cup next season with Kaka, Ronaldinho + Pato.

Here is a quote apparently from "Arsenal Italia" who follow news from that side of Europe, however I would like to also confirm that Arsenal FC have not confirmed it on their site or any official press release:

“After so many doubts, the future of Mathieu Flamini is now a certainty. The French midfielder has chosen AC Milan and has signed with a five-year contract worth 5.6 million per season. The news has already been announced on Sky Sports Italia, so expect an announcement Monday evening.”

It has been expected so no huge surprises. If this news is true that he has signed then I would just like to personally thank Flamini aka Fla-MONEY (acknowledgements to Arsenal Review member "Kaz (Brown Boy)" for the name) for a great season even though I am slightly bitter that he has decided to leave. It once again shows that it is all down to money. At the end of the day that is how the world works sometimes even if I don't like. Thank you for your effort and a decent Arsenal career that could have become world class over the next few seasons...good luck for the future and I hope you enjoy Uefa Cup football next season.

Today our game against Everton could be a chance for Wenger to try somebody there who we may not expect, someone like Kolo Toure. You can watch Arsenal v Everton from our Live Video Streams page.

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Arsenal v Everton - Match Preview, Match Facts + Live Video Stream

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By Paul Dargan

This will be an interesting match-up today, with Everton only requiring a point from their last two fixtures to guarantee UEFA Cup football for next season and Arsenal unable to move out of 3rd position in the Premier League this campaign.

Last season’s theme has been a recurring one this year; the Gunners were very nervy at home and went behind on a number of occasions, before equalising and even overhauling a lead in a few games. But they have recovered in 11 of the games they conceded first in and gained 21 points; six wins and five draws.

Everton were one of the teams that scored the opener and came away from the Emirates Stadium with a draw. That result today would be enough to keep on with David Moyes impressive progress at Goodison Park, but it would be a disappointing end of the campaign for the men from North London, after a season that started so well, but due to the inexperience of some squad players and crucial injuries to key players in Arsene Wenger’s preferred line-up, ended with a trophy-less season for the third season running, although they have reached a Champions League final and also a League Cup Final in that time.

It is over a year (only loss on April 7th 2007) since West Ham became the first and only side to defeat Arsenal in 54 games in all competitions, at their new stadium at Ashburton Grove; only Chelsea can boast a better record in the history of the Premier League. But nothing other than a victory today would please the home fans, who have endured a turbulent season and would like to see a few new faces to the array of talent in Wenger’s ranks.

Everton on the other hand, have a lot to take from this season. Finishing 5th would be a massive achievement after up and down years since Moyes took over in March 2002. This will be the first time in the Premier League the Toffees have ended the season in the top half of the table two seasons running, and also a run to the Last 16 of the UEFA Cup after a prolonged absence from meaningful European competition. When they finished 4th in 2004-05, they made the Champions League Qualifiers, but were knocked out by La Liga side, Villarreal – who in turn reached the last four, only to be beaten by…….Arsenal.

A win here for the Blues would really signal a total turning of the corner, as they haven’t travelled back to Merseyside from this fixture with maximum points since 1996 – their only win away to Arsenal in the Premier League.

There have been twelve home wins and two draws in the fifteen times this fixture has been played out since the inauguration of the English top echelon.

If the same Arsenal turns out for their final home game of the season to honour the fans, the form book will be true.

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Flamini's Future Hangs In The Balance...New Developments...

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By Bilal Zaidi

I found it a bit odd to hear Wenger’s comments about Flamini's deadline being "Sunday...Monday Latest". It doesn't really give much certainty does it by saying "the latest" since the deadline had already been set for the end of the last month.

Wenger said:

“It will be sorted out over the weekend. Will he stay or not? That is down to him but the deadline is Sunday, Monday latest.

"The deadline moved for negotiation problems. Only he could tell you [whether he will go or not]. For me yes he stays, but does he tell me the complete truth, I don’t know.

"Ideally I want him to stay, but he’s free. That means if you get £2million here, £4 million somewhere else, you can go to the one who gives you four, or you can as well stay to the one who gives you two.

“He is free to make a decision and you have to accept the market. You listen to everybody in Europe and take some time, that’s why the situation has lasted a little bit. But overall he’s free to go where he wants. You have to accept that because he’s not linked by a contract.
"[If he goes] we will find a solution, don’t worry."

It is a difficult decision to make I'm sure but if your manager gives you such a long time to decide and then requests you to decide by a certain deadline, which is then missed, you must really start to think that there doesn't seem much hope in us keeping him. I for one will be very disappointed if he doesn't stay but as the boss says, we will cope without him. If we learned how to cope without Thierry Henry our all time leading goal scorer and living legend...then I'm sure we can move on swiftly without Flamini. I just hope Flamini really knows that the grass REALLY isn't greener on the other side when he is sitting on the bench playing in the Uefa Cup with AC Milan.

Here, at Arsenal, he has a chance to play regular football in the best league in the world. He has his friends around him and an already established successful midfield partnership with Fabregas. I think that if he continues to play as he did this season, if that is at Arsenal, AC Milan or Juventus, he will definitely become a regular in the French first team along with Sagna and Clichy.

However, nobody can be angry at the guy who has always given his best for the club, none more so than this season. In previous seasons he has shown glimpse’s of a "decent player", mainly at left back in our Champions League run. In central midfield however, I never saw much purpose from him apart from the tireless attitude he employed in every game. However, this season he has proved everyone wrong and has been outstanding. He has kept out a world cup winner and one of our best players of last season in Gilberto, made another fantastic young central midfielder in Diarra move away from the club and kept Diaby and Denilson from getting much opportunity in central midfield.

Nobody has minded this though since he has proved to be an outstanding player, outperforming Fabregas, in my opinion, against AC Milan even when taking into account Fabregas's wonder strike. Flamini literally HANDLED Gattuso, Pirlo and Kaka and this was the game that really did it for me in terms of realising this guy Flamini is the real deal. No wonder Milan want him, he made their famous stars in midfield look like reserve team players, continuously intercepting, tackling and blocking out their attempts at doing anything. Flamini didn't allow them to play and consequently didn't allow Milan to flow at all when they lost their first ever game at home to an English side.

The sooner everyone is aware of this decision the better, however I must be honest in saying I find it a bit insulting the way Flamini has missed the deadline in the first place...he is a solid player, but nobody, especially Arsene Wenger, will allow any player to try to make themselves bigger than the club...Respect the manager who has allowed you this chance, the fans that have cheered for you all season and the club as a whole that has allowed you to become player you are today. Sign on Sunday or leave...and have a nice life.

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Thierry Henry WANTS TO BE "HOME" - 25 Minute Full Interview With The Legend

By Bilal Zaidi

I don't really want to comment on this. Please just watch the full interview and tell me Henry doesn't want to be at Arsenal. He says what I say to people; “I don’t regret things”...but that is just out of default...he might not regret it but I bet he wishes he was still here, there is a difference. He talks of England being his "home" since he has lived in England longer than he even lived in France.

It just reminds me of what I have always loved about him...as the reporter asked about coming back to England...he blushed, covered his face and said "there is only one team for me".

I wrote on here the other day about my opinions on Henry coming back but I can't help but reminisce like an emotional lover over an ex-girlfriend. Yes that sounds rather extreme but since I have grown up, Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry have been my Arsenal legends just like many that may be reading this...to see Thierry rotting away on the left wing at Barcelona is painful.

I doubt if any other player in my lifetime will ever make me feel like that after they leave the club. I was a great fan of Vieira, Pires and Ljungberg too...but for some reason it really isn't the same as when I see Henry playing for another team. Sorry to be taking a trip down memory lane but...Thierry Henry is and will always be the Don of Arsenal for me.

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EPL: Live Video Streams: Portsmouth v Blackburn, Everton v Aston Villa, Arsenal v Derby County

See ALL of todays games live from our LIVE VIDEO STREAMS PAGE.

Portsmouth v Blackburn
Everton v Aston Villa
Arsenal v Derby County (Monday)

Follow the link and choose which match you would like to view. Open in internet explorer for live stream through the webpage. Download sopcast if you haven't already.

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Video: Striker With Goal Every 1.6 Games, Pace, Power, Heading Ability, Cheeky Dance + Best Interview EVER

By Bilal Zaidi

Yes he has been frustrating at times but at the same time he has produced some fantastic football this season. Those that want Adebayor out of the club...here is a reminder of what he has done this season:

38 Starts, 7 Sub = 27 goals

That is a goal every 1.6 games. Only 3 less than Torres...some amazing strikes including that famous goal against Tottenham (shown in video below).

I understand why some don't like him but 27 goals in any team, in any league is a great achievement. There have been so many negative comments about him in the last few months and at times this included me; influenced like a young delinquent by my cousin shouting out "DONKEY! DONKEY! OFFSIDE DONKEY"...to the TV when we played Liverpool in the second leg.

But looking back in hindsight, I would like to say well done Ade...you have been one of the players of the season without a doubt in my mind.

Everyone has their own opinion on him, which is fair enough, but this is mine; where would we be without his 27 goals this season? Where do you think these goals would have come from? Again it is all down to opinion...feel free to share yours in the comments section.

If you still don't like him after seeing some of the goals he has contributed this season (vs Tottenham & Newcastle probably the pick of the bunch) in the first video, then perhaps the second video might just do it for you. If not, then perhaps the third an amazing interview that hs to go down in history. What a legend.

Watch tomorrows games live from our "live video streams page" if you haven't already bookmarked it. Early kick off between Chelsea and Manchester United. Until then. Blessings all.

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Henry Could Return To Arsenal?

By Bilal Zaidi

Reports suggest that Henry may be looking to leave Barcelona this summer after things haven’t gone as well as he would have wished. He has not played as regularly as he would have likes, especially in his favoured position up front since Barcelona play a central striker with two “wing forwards” if you would like to call them that. Playing on the left is not where he is at his best and Henry recently said he would only move back to Arsenal if he returned to the Premier League.

To add to this speculation, Arsene Wenger said:

"In our situation you can never say never," said Wenger.

"He only left last year and I think Thierry is disappointed because things haven't gone as well as
he would have liked them to go.

"I still feel he is a world-class player."

I still find it very difficult to believe that he would return back to Arsenal and Wenger would even consider brign him back after only one year away. Arsenal have moved on, the team has learned how to cope without him, new players have emerged and the team is built around Fabregas rather than Henry as it was in the past.

However, as Wenger says, you can never say never but my personal opinion is that this is all speculation. Comments always welcome.

We should have a preview for our match and the “big” match between Chelsea & Manchester United including a new betting preview for any of you punters. You can catch both matches on our live streams page

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Carlsberg Don't Do Last Minute Own Goals But If They Did...Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea - I Still Hate Cashley aka ATM Machine - Match Reaction

See todays champions league live from our LIVE VIDEO STREAMS PAGE. Follow the link and choose which match you would like to view. Open in internet explorer for live stream through the webpage. Download sopcast if you haven't already.

By Bilal Zaidi

Carlsberg Don't Do Last Minute Own Goals But If They Did They'd Be The Best Last Minute Own Goals In The World.

As you may sense I am still bitter that Liverpool knocked us out in the quarter finals due to a couple of jammy decisions...YES...but as much as I detest Chelsea, for some reason, the first time ever, I really didn't want Liverpool to win. Weird feeling...perhaps because my best friend is a Liverpool fan and his continuous digs were too much to take when we had our triple leg tie against them and many a Pro game after. Also perhaps because I had layed (bet against) Liverpool to win at home on betfair...Crazy but...Thank you Mr Riise.

However, Chelsea are Chelsea...Cashley is Cashley...so I have realised that no matter who loses this tie, I will be slightly happy. A win-win situation if you will. Preferably once Cashley aka ATM Machine scores an own goal that knocks his beloved Chelsea out of the Champions League. Wanker.

What did I think of the match? B-O-R-I-N-G to be perfectly honest. Chelsea started off better, Liverpool didn't do much in the first half and Mr. Jam himself, Kuyt, finished nicely between Cech's legs after a 'superb' pass. That was pretty much the story of the first half.

Second half was different, Liverpool didn't really allow Chelsea to do anything, they closed down in midfield, didn't allow Malouda to do anything and forced Avram to take Joe Cole off. My friend texted me while the match was going on saying "Drogba doesn't look like he's given up" and "SNAP I didn't realise Lampard was even playing", to which I replied; "Snap I didn't realise Stevey was playing"...to which he replied; "Oh SNAP...I didn't realise Arsenal WEREN'T PLAYING." Scouse bastard.

Riise got confused by a decent ball in by Kalou as Anelka loafed behind, that goal may prove to be as crucial as the Hleb (non-penalty) and Babel's penalty at the end.

Overall probably a fair result in my opinion, even though I didn't think either side really did much at all to deserve anything. So at half time in this tie it is 1-1, Chelsea have an away goal that seems to be rare in this champions league tie and Chelsea play Manchester United on the weekend in their half time break.

Ronaldo to run the show tomorrow in the Nou Camp? If Messi is fit then it may not be. Until tomorrow.

Blessings all...BilZ.

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Carlsberg Don't Do Last Minute Own Goals But If They Did...Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea - I Still Hate Cashley aka ATM Machine - Match Reaction

By Bilal Zaidi

Carlsberg Don't Do Last Minute Own Goals But If They Did They'd Be The Best Last Minute Own Goals In The World.

As you may sense I am still bitter that Liverpool knocked us out in the quarter finals due to a couple of jammy decisions...YES...but as much as I detest Chelsea, for some reason, the first time ever, I really didn't want Liverpool to win. Weird feeling...perhaps because my best friend is a Liverpool fan and his continuous digs were too much to take when we had our triple leg tie against them and many a Pro game after. Also perhaps because I had layed (bet against) Liverpool to win at home on betfair...Crazy but...Thank you Mr Riise.

However, Chelsea are Chelsea...Cashley is Cashley...so I have realised that no matter who loses this tie, I will be slightly happy. A win-win situation if you will. Preferably once Cashley aka ATM Machine scores an own goal that knocks his beloved Chelsea out of the Champions League. Wanker.

What did I think of the match? B-O-R-I-N-G to be perfectly honest. Chelsea started off better, Liverpool didn't do much in the first half and Mr. Jam himself, Kuyt, finished nicely between Cech's legs after a 'superb' pass. That was pretty much the story of the first half.

Second half was different, Liverpool didn't really allow Chelsea to do anything, they closed down in midfield, didn't allow Malouda to do anything and forced Avram to take Joe Cole off. My friend texted me while the match was going on saying "Drogba doesn't look like he's given up" and "SNAP I didn't realise Lampard was even playing", to which I replied; "Snap I didn't realise Stevey was playing"...to which he replied; "Oh SNAP...I didn't realise Arsenal WEREN'T PLAYING." Scouse bastard.

Riise got confused by a decent ball in by Kalou as Anelka loafed behind, that goal may prove to be as crucial as the Hleb (non-penalty) and Babel's penalty at the end.

Overall probably a fair result in my opinion, even though I didn't think either side really did much at all to deserve anything. So at half time in this tie it is 1-1, Chelsea have an away goal that seems to be rare in this champions league tie and Chelsea play Manchester United on the weekend in their half time break.

Ronaldo to run the show tomorrow in the Nou Camp? If Messi is fit then it may not be. Until tomorrow.

Blessings all...BilZ.

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Arsenal vs Reading – PLAYER RATINGS

By Atishay Agarwal

Doesn’t it feel like ages since we last played a game like that? And didn’t you get the feeling that the lads played without any pressure and played freely, unlike how they have been recently? I didn’t know how to react when I saw us play the way we did today, be overjoyed, frustrated, angry, or just appreciative. How our season would have flourished had we not started thinking way too much about results and consequently compromise the fluidity of our play. Well, I maybe reacting too much here considering that we played a hapless side who applied man marking for the whole 90 minutes and were devoid of any creativity in their play whatsoever, but who knows. Nevertheless, we got that ‘winning feeling’ back. The ratings, dear friends, lie beneath.

Lehmann - 7 – I was quite happy to see him play, and I think the boss should play him in the remaining games just to give him a nice send-off, as a thank you. Well he might have strained his muscles more by just sitting on the bench today anyway! Had nothing to do throughout the game, but reacted well a couple of times to make the required but expected save near the end.

Clichy – 8 – This is quite unfair you know? Having to come up with a rating and a non-repetitive description for his performance after every game, when he does the same things again and again. Quick, alert and committed as ever, he can be the best left back in the league consistently for the next few years at least.(If he isn’t already) Touchwood.

Gallas – 7 – Like Lehmann, had very little to deal with and was comfortable with whatever the Reading attackers could muster.

Song – 7 – This wasn’t the kind of game one should judge his center back credentials on, but he was calm and composed nevertheless. What was more impressive, though, was the way he got forward and gave some impetus to our attacks. Looks much better than he did last season, and could turn out to be a revelation at center half. (Disclaimer: This doesn’t mean we don’t need to buy an experienced center back in the summer.)

Toure – 7 – Finally turned in a good performance, and crossed brilliantly for the opening goal. I’m not going to comment on the defending again as one saw that they hardly tested our backline, but the way he drove down the wings was most encouraging. Even the Toure at center back used to be an offensive force worth reckoning, and he surely was today.

Hleb – 5 – The only attacker who didn’t do something of note today. Oh wait, he did. He slapped Murty right across his left cheek! Nice shot, but he could get into trouble.

Fabregas – 8 – A typical Cesc-y performance reminiscent of his performances last year. He controlled the pace of our play, and the game in general, and one could see his sharpness and that physical edge in challenges that had gone missing for the last month or so. Almost scored a deserved goal right at the end, but was cleared off the line. MoM for me.

Gilberto – 7 – Our ex-captain put in another admirable effort, and even scored to show for it, even if it was deflected! (Who complains when Mr. Lampard bundles in deflected goals week after week?) It was an efficient performance, and once he gauged the ineffectiveness of their attackers, he got forward more and more.

Walcott – 7 – Theo finally got his long-coveted start, and was good value for it. He troubled their defenders all day, and showed incredible pace and some sublime skills. His first touch ends up being a bit too light at times, which makes him lose control of the ball, but that’s a minor flaw which will be fine-tuned. Hit the bar in the second half, when it was probably easier to score.

Van Persie – (8 -1= 7) – We finally saw the RVP of early season, and all that rust seems to have been well oiled out. Whipped in several stunning crosses, made 2-3 simply outrageous passes, and curled a fantastic free kick which deflected off the bar onto the post, but didn’t go in! I gave him the ‘-1’ because of his Henry-esque complaining each time a pass wasn’t made to him or if it went astray. I hate to see a player complain with his arms raised all the time. A bit harsh maybe, but we don’t need another striker who the players ‘must’ pass to.

Adebayor – 7 – Was more energetic than he has been recently, and ran his legs off throughout the first half. Missed an easy header early on, but took his goal like a real finisher, and coolly slotted home. A very bright performance from our top scorer.

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WATCH Arsenal v Reading - LIVE VIDEO STREAM HERE

See ALL of todays games live from our LIVE VIDEO STREAMS PAGE.

Arsenal v Reading - 12:45

Follow the link and choose which match you would like to view. Open in internet explorer for live stream through the webpage. Download sopcast if you haven't already.

Enjoy.

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Starting XI - Preview - Arsenal v Liverpool

By Bilal Zaidi

See todays games live from our LIVE VIDEO STREAMS PAGE. Follow the link and choose which match you would like to view. Open in internet explorer for live stream through the webpage. Download sopcast if you haven't already.

Good day all. It is difficult to tell what is going to happen today since Liverpool seem to be putting out a weakened side since their only real priority now is the Champions League. It has been reported that Adebayor and Van Persie are injured, but this morning it has been confirmed that Adebayor should be fit enough to play.

I hope that Walcott gets a run out, up front, or in place of Eboue...but I don't know, Wenger has surprised me many a time this season by sticking to Eboue who now has 29 appearances this season with a grand total of ZERO goals from our right midfield. So much for goal scoring midfielders from the days of Pires and Ljungberg.

Anyway, with Adebayor proclaimed fit to play, I expect us to line up a bit like this if Wenger decides to field his 'strongest' eleven for the second time three days:

Almunia
Toure
Senderos
Gallas
Clichy
Eboue
Fabregas
Flamini
Hleb
Adebayor
Walcott/Bendtner

Diaby could be included if Wenger wants to give our key man Eboue a rest, with Walcott switching to the right and Hleb behind Adebayor. We shall find out in an hour’s time.
An unpredictable game, I’m always a bit sceptical when we play in a game that isn't so glamorous as first thought out, like the FA cup tie against United. Both teams will have their heads on Tuesdays game I think.

Let’s hope we have luck on our side today in terms of decisions and Bendtner not making a goal line block for the other team. See you all on the other side. Blessings.

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Watch Sevilla vs Arsenal Live Video Stream Here, Liverpool vs Porto

I won't get a chance to remind everyone tomorrow since I won't be here...that we have set up a live video stream of Arsenal matches and other fixtures from our site. Just follow the link to watch:

Tuesday - Sevilla vs Arsenal
Wednesday - Liverpool vs Porto

Our Live Football Streams Page

Enjoy

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Watch Live Premiership Football Today West Ham vs Tottenham London Derby

We have managed to make a small live stream feed at the following link, both of todays games will be shown at the following times:

West Ham vs Tottenham - 13:30 Kick Off
Fulham vs Blackburn - 16:00 Kick Off

To view the game through the webpage then please use internet explorer. In internet explorer it may say at the top of your page to "allow active x" and also it may prompt you to "install sopcast". Just press install and stream the match from about half an hour before kickoff to make sure you are getting a good connection.

Enjoy.

Link

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WATCH ARSENAL VS WIGAN LIVE STREAM HERE

You can watch Arsenal vs Wigan at 3pm from the site. Only load this in internet explorer and if there is a prompt to "accept activeX" then press allow, this is to play the game via sopcast. It may also prompt you to "install sopcast", just press install and the game should be showing on this stream from 3pm. I would advise to do it a bit earlier to allow your computer to load the stream. Just follow the link:

Arsenal vs Wigan 24th November Live - 3pm Kick Off

Enjoy.