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Wenger sets sights on silver

2009-08-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

Arsene Wenger believes his young squad will now come of age

"This team has improved a lot as compared to last season"
-Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger feels his young squad are now ready to come of age.

The Gunners may be ready to move to bring veteran former captain Patrick Vieira back to the club, but Wenger believes the current crop led by Cesc Fabregas can deliver.

Arsenal host Atletico Madrid in the Emirates Cup on Saturday as their preparations continue for the new campaign and the quest for a first trophy since 2005.

"This team has improved a lot as compared to last season. They played 21 games unbeaten from November until the end of the season," said Wenger.

"We reached the semi-final of the Champions League, FA Cup. We have a squad which is very ambitious.

"We have the basic quality, they have international quality and are under 23, so their best time is now.

"We have developed a style and culture of play that everybody accepts, so I feel confident and very strong.

"Our focus should not be who can help us from outside, but who can help us from inside."

shock comeback

One player not involved in the Emirates Cup is Theo Walcott, who has been given extra time off following a busy summer of international football.

Wenger, though, was left less than impressed by the youngster's involvement for the under-21s at the European Championships in Sweden as well as Fabio Capello's national team.

"I was not in fairness a supporter of his experience with the under-21s for one simple reason: the youth teams are there to promote the players into the first team and once they are there, especially at national level, I don't see why they go back again to the under-21s," said Wenger.

"The target is not to promote the players from the first team to the second team, they are supposed to be promoted from the second team to the first team."

Vieira, 33, is reported to be ready to make a shock comeback to the team he left for Juventus in 2005.

With both striker Emmanuel Adebayor and defender Kolo Toure having joined big-spending Manchester City, Wenger certainly has the funds available to move for his old enforcer, most likely on a pay-as-you-play deal. Vieira is surplus to requirements at Inter Milan.

football decision

Although arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, newly-promoted Birmingham City and French side Paris St Germain have made public their interest, Wenger remained coy about his plans when quizzed ahead of this weekend's Emirates Cup tournament, which also features a match against Scottish champions Rangers on Sunday.

However, the Arsenal manager - also tracking Bordeaux's Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh - refused to rule out a reunion with his one-time midfield general, who spent nine glorious years at Highbury.

"There is a football decision and there is a psychological impact of a player of that stature coming in," said Wenger.

"But at the moment we need to look at the level of experience in your squad to make this kind of decision.

"We are nowhere near to making a decision like that, but it is a possibility.

"We do not rule it out and we do not say we will do it - and that is my decision at the moment."

Wenger continued: "I am aware that he wants to come here.

"I think Patrick is a legend here and he would always like to come back to this club. That would be his first choice.

"With emotion you always like the club you spent time with.

"But as a professional as well, you always give 100% for whichever club you sign for."

Terry: I'm committed to Chelsea

2009-08-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Skipper John Terry has confirmed he is committed to Chelsea

"I am totally committed to Chelsea and always have been"

- John Terry

Terry: I'm committed to Chelsea

Chelsea captain John Terry has confirmed he is "totally committed" to the Stamford Bridge side.

The England skipper, 28, has responded to persistent reports linking him with a big money move to Manchester City by releasing a statement in which he insists he has never contemplated leaving Chelsea.

The statement said: "There has been a lot of speculation recently about my future and I want to clear this up once and for all.

"I am totally committed to Chelsea and always have been.

"Chelsea have also made it clear to me consistently that there was never any intention to accept any kind of offer."

huge respect

Terry admitted to having a high regard for City boss Mark Hughes but decided to make public his determination to stay with Chelsea after "numerous discussions" with owner Roman Abramovich convinced him that the Russian's ambitions matched his own.

The defender, who has only ever played for Chelsea, wanted to be assured that he and other key personnel would be secured.

Terry has also said he was impressed by Carlo Ancelotti's appointment as manager.

The statement continued: "When you are linked with any club or with a manager who I have huge respect for, it will always make headlines but me leaving Chelsea was never a possibility.

"I know there has been comment that I should have made a statement earlier.

"However, throughout this period there have been numerous discussions between myself, the owner and the Chelsea board and we all agreed that the timing of any statement would suit everyone involved in those talks, not any outside influences or agendas.

"What is clear to me following those discussions is that Chelsea's ambition remains as high as ever.

"This has been further proved by the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti. I am certain that he will take this club on to the next level.

"Another important factor was knowing that Chelsea would be securing key current players for the long term. The strengthening of the squad around this core is crucial to pushing us on to greater success.

"I am as committed as ever to helping drive Chelsea forward and I will be proud to lead the team as long as I can."

www.chelseafc.com

Arshavin expecting tough start

2009-08-05T07:03:00.000-07:00

Andrey Arshavin says Arsenal have a tricky start to the season, but remains confident of a top-four finish.

Many believe the Gunners could slip out of the Champions League places this season following Manchester City's summer spending spree.

The Eastlands side even have former Arsenal star Emmanuel Adebayor spearheading their attack, while Arsene Wenger's only signing is defender Thomas Vermaelen.

With Arsenal playing the likes of Everton, Manchester United and City early on this season, Arshavin knows they must start positively, especially with the group stage of the Champions League starting in September.

very good

Although Arsenal go in as underdogs for the Barclays Premier League title Arshavin says Wenger's side remain title challengers.

"We are heading for a very difficult start of the season," explained Arshavin. "We have four very hard opponents at the beginning of it. Then the Champions League games come.

"Getting to the group stage is one of our main tasks. It won't be easy, but I hope we'll manage to do it.

"With Adebayor signing for Manchester City, we lost a very good player. But Arsenal remain one of the best clubs in the Premier League, even without him.

"There are still the same big four clubs who will challenge the title next season. The remaining European slots will be taken by Manchester City, Aston Villa, Everton or Tottenham."

Wenger's faith in Arshavin

2009-08-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

Arsene Wenger is convinced Andrey Arshavin can make the difference for Arsenal next season.

The Russian came off the bench in the second half to net a late double in the final five minutes as the Gunners beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the Emirates Cup.

Arshavin arrived in England from Zenit St Petersburg during the January transfer window, but could not play in the Champions League and took some time to settle before coming good over the closing stages of the campaign - which included a brilliant four-goal haul at Anfield.

While Wenger does not want to put too much extra pressure on the 28-year-old, he accepts Arshavin will be key to his squad's chances.

big impact

"The difference is now he knows how English football works," said the Arsenal manager.

"He knows as well he is part of the team from the start, and the team knows how important and how big an impact he can have on the results.

"Arshavin has what you cannot give to a player - he understands when there is an opportunity in the final third, and is certainly dangerous."

There was also a welcome home return for Czech winger Tomas Rosicky, who had been out of action for some 18 months with a string of niggling injuries - and his availability for the build-up to the new campaign will be welcome boost following the loss of Samir Nasri to a broken leg.

"I am pleased, but cautious," Wenger said.

"I am not a dreamer. If he gets through the next two months without set-backs, then we have won the battle, but it is not won yet."

Teenager Jack Wilshere was introduced at half-time and impressed enough to pick up the man of the match award.

The 17-year-old is set to challenge for a place in Wenger's first-team squad.

more dangerous

"He has matured, and compared to one year ago he has more power to take people on. That shows there is big potential there and makes him much more dangerous," said the Arsenal manager.

"At that age, unfortunately patience is not the first quality, but he is at a big club and has a chance to compete at the top level.

"We have to manage that well, the desire and the opportunity to play."

Wenger could well strengthen his squad ahead of the new season, with former captain Patrick Vieira said to be keen on a return to his old club, while Real Madrid striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar is another said to be on the Gunners' wanted list.

Any deals, though, will be done before Arsenal's final pre-season match, away to Valencia next Saturday.

"I will be looking at all the options we have during the week, and then we close," said Wenger, who ruled out Fiorentina target Emmanuel Eboue leaving.

"I believe we have quite a strong squad now. If we can add one or two players, we will do it, but not more."

Arsenal play Rangers on Sunday, with the Scottish champions having beaten Paris St Germain in the Emirates Cup opening game.

"Our target is to now find a good balance with the offensive players we have, and that is why we could afford to let a striker go," said Wenger.

"We want to prepare seriously, because we have a strong start to the season - we play Everton, Manchester City and Manchester United away in the first few weeks.

"We are cautious, but determined to do well. We are highly motivated and focused, which is a good basis."

Liverpool agree Alonso sale

2009-08-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

Liverpool agree Alonso sale

Liverpool have agreed a fee with Real Madrid for the transfer of midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The deal is now subject to Alonso passing a medical on Wednesday.

A statement on Liverpool's website added: "The terms of the deal will remain confidential and undisclosed."

Real Madrid have been courting Alonso for much of the summer, and he is set to join the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema at the Bernabeu.

most consistent

Manager Rafael Benitez was keen to keep hold of the Spain international, who he signed from Real Sociedad in 2004.

Alonso has formed an impressive central midfield partnership with Javier Mascherano and was one of the club's most consistent performers last season

Chelsea are going to be down.....

2009-07-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

Essien itching to get going

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien is eager to make up for lost time this season.

The Ghana international cannot wait for the action to start all over again, having missed a large chunk of the last campaign because of a serious knee injury.

Essien said: "I have had a fantastic break and I am looking forward to the new season already.

"I am still buzzing from the FA Cup win and Ghana's back-to-back wins in the World Cup qualifiers.

"They were tough games, but we came through very well and I am hoping to carry the same form into the new season starting in the US.

"I am also hoping for an injury-free season so I can contribute fully to the team. At the end of the season I expect us to be up there with the best."

Chelsea were unfortunate to be knocked out of the Champions League last season to a late away goal by eventual winners Barcelona in the semi-finals, but recovered to send temporary boss Guus Hiddink off with the FA Cup.

Ballack believes

In the Barclays Premier League, however, the Blues were seven points behind United in third place as they missed out on the domestic title for the third year running.

However, midfielder Michael Ballack believes Chelsea's lack of transfer activity this summer could give them a head start over United, who have lost both Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez.

"It is our target every year to win the league and we are confident about winning the title," said Ballack.

"I think we had a good season last year, but United have played at a really high level the last few years.

"They made it really difficult for us to win the League in 2007 and 2008, but we were really close behind and last season we also finished behind Liverpool, who had a strong season.

"There are a few moments which decide every championship but we are confident it will be different next time. We have a very experienced squad.

"We haven't added a lot of new players, so we don't need much time to get into our rhythm."

Will John Terry go to Man. City???

2009-07-29T18:20:00.002-07:00

Terry hopes duo follow his lead

John Terry hopes Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba will follow his example and pledge their futures to Chelsea.

The 28-year-old has been a high-profile target of Manchester City this summer and had pointedly remained silent on the matter until he released a statement on Monday stressing he will be staying with the Stamford Bridge club.

Chelsea captain Terry explained: "I was on holiday when I got the call from Peter (chief executive, Kenyon) to tell me about Manchester City.

"I've been here for 14 years now, I want to keep it that way and win a lot more trophies here.

"I was very flattered and honoured about the bid but I wanted reassurances key players around me, people like Ashley and Didier, who are in for contract talks at the moment, were going to be around.

"I've got three years left on my contract and hopefully if I have a good year they'll be talking to me about a new deal sooner rather than later."

very successful

Meanwhile, the England defender told his club's official website that he is "really impressed" with new manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Terry explained: "I've been really impressed. I've had conversations with him on the training field and his knowledge speaks for itself.

"He has been very successful as a player and a manager and he can relate to the players playing nowadays and I think that will be key in the season ahead of us.

"We are fortunate to have him and everyone is fighting for their places again. For people who were out of the frame last year it's a chance for them to wipe the slate clean and maybe push for a place in the team, so things are buzzing around the camp at the moment."

2009-07-29T18:20:00.001-07:00

Toure completes City switch

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of defender Kolo Toure from Arsenal on a four-year deal.

The 28-year-old defender arrives from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee following seven years with the north London club.

Toure passed a medical and then finalised the necessary paperwork.

world class

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Manager Mark Hughes who has already signed England midfielder Gareth Barry, strikers Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Roque Santa Cruz and goalkeeper Stuart Taylor believes that the Ivory Coast defender will add a great deal of experience to City's dressing room.

"I am delighted to welcome Kolo to Manchester City. It is no secret that we have been looking to strengthen our defence, and in Kolo I feel we have recruited a world class player. He brings a wealth of Premier League experience from his seven seasons with Arsenal," he said.

"Kolo has been a central figure in a very strong Arsenal team for many years, and I have been an admirer of him for a long time. He is strong, quick, reads the game well and will be an influential figure in the dressing room."

2009-07-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

Toure completes City switch

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of defender Kolo Toure from Arsenal on a four-year deal.

The 28-year-old defender arrives from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee following seven years with the north London club.

Toure passed a medical and then finalised the necessary paperwork.

world class

Arsenal.com

2009-07-29T18:07:00.000-07:00

This year Arsenal will defeat all the club to win English Premier League and all the cup.....
All the young Gunner's will arise.....

about me.......

2009-07-29T17:49:00.000-07:00

my name is Muhammad Redzuan Bin Yeop Sabri @ Ariffin . i live in Kampung Gong Kiatl, Kuala Terengganu. Currently i`m continuing my study at TatiUniversity College at Kemaman Terengganu in Bachelor in Manufacturing Engineering(Tooling).
my age now is 21 years old. i think i will end up my study in 3years time. my D.O.B is 9th March of 1988. i was born in Kuala Terengganu. when my age is around 7-8years old,i was send to Sekolah Kebangsaan Padang Midin (my first primary school). then at the age of 13years old, i continue my study in secondary school that is Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Padang Midin,in Kuala Terengganu.
i like to play football a lot instead of playing playstationl.
like to eat anything that is delicious....
thats all..
thank you!

fyih

2009-07-28T00:41:00.000-07:00

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