Eduardo signs for the Arsenal

Hola from a very Sunny Spain. So we have signed Thierry’s replacement. When my mate came round to tell me last night who we’d signed. I said, Anelka?, Torres?, Martin?, Who?. When he said Eduardo da Silva I had to admit it did not ring any bells. But when you read the facts, Brazilian born Croatian, 24, £8Mil, a goal at the Emirates for Zagreb against Arsenal, a goal on International debut v England, and 34 goals in the Croatian League this season, it all looks promising to me. Eduardo could be the perfect replacement for Tel. He certainly has massive potential. Wenger looks like he may have un-earthier another gem.

Gilberto is edging towards glory in the Copa America. I don’t think that’s a great thing as the further they go the later his pre-season will start but Brazil are gaining momentum in the tournament. Brazil need a win against Ecuador on Wednesday to reach the quarter finals.

Great news from the Cesc camp, his agent has told the BBC that he is going nowhere. He says, “Cesc is happy for Thierry as they are friends. But he can’t wait to start the season, he is a key man for Arsenal.” At last positive comments from an agent.

On the gossip front plenty of papers say Arsene is still keen to bring Anelka back to Arsenal. We are also linked with Ognjen Vukojevic another player from Dinamo Zagreb. Ognjen is a strong defensive midfield player and is likely to cost around £5Mil. I will leave you with that until my return to England on Thursday night.

Arise Captain Gilberto

Right summer is over, holidays’ done, back to the rain, and on with the season. Gilberto has been named Arsenal Club Captain with Cesc as his ‘wing-man’. Gilberto celebrated the news by helping Brazil into the Copa America Quarter Final.

Arsenal have signed up a young Gooner from Priory School in Hitchin, Hertfordshire at just 14. The youngster, Jack Wilshire, signs an initial 4 week deal within the youth set-up.

bbc sport and many other media sources are quoting Calderon (Madrid’s president) as saying “Once we decided that Capello would not continue, Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic underwent talks with Schuster, Ronald Koeman, Michael Laudrup and Wenger.” but he also added “It appears logical that Schuster will be the next coach,”. Arsenal has reacted to this because they are not happy with these comments. A Gunners spokesman said: “It is completely untrue. Arsene Wenger has not had talks with Real Madrid and is committed to Arsenal Football Club.” All this constant unsettling of players and managers by Spanish clubs and the Spanish media is virtual tapping up. A lot of players and managers wouldn’t even think about leaving Arsenal or any other club if they weren’t made aware if another parties interest. FIFA should start to enforce their laws.

Arsenal look likely to loose out on Florent Malouda as he seems to be heading for Slum-ford Bridge. As we have seen with the Eduardo signing Arsenal like to conduct their business in private with a little bit of dignity. Perhaps a new winger is just around the corner?

According to sky sports Arsenal has handed pro-contracts to 5 of Steve Bould’s youth squad, Nacer Barazite, Rui Fonte, Paul Rodgers, Jay Simpson and Wojciech Szczesny have all made the big step up.

Nacer is a Dutch Midfielder, Rui is a Portuguese Striker, Paul is a full-back and Jay is a Forward and they are both English, Wojciech is a Polish Keeper. These players will bolster the squad and should make up the back bone of the Carling Cup team next season although Wojciech is un-likely to play any football other than for the reserve team with the arrival of fellow Pole Lukasz Fabianski.

More tomorrow. . . .

Free Flags 4 GOONERS

I was just reading the online gooner and was impressed with ‘P. Cavills’ idea of Arsenal providing all Arsenal fans with a free scarf to help improve the atmosphere. I would welcome this at one of our night games, perhaps if we make it to the champions league group stages, they atmosphere would be raised with 10-20K waving them in the air whilst ‘jumping up for the arsenal’.

Arsenal confirmed their squad numbers today as follows, 1. Jens LEHMANN, 2. Abou DIABY, 4. Cesc FABREGAS, 5. Kolo TOURE, 6. Philippe SENDEROS, 7. Tomas ROSICKY, 8. Freddie LJUNGBERG, 9. EDUARDO, 10. Willie GALLAS, 11. Robin VAN PERSIE, 13. Alexander HLEB, 15. DENILSON, 16. Mathieu FLAMINI, 17. Alexandre SONG, 19. GILBERTO, 20. Johan DJOUROU, 21. Lukasz FABIANSKI, 22. Gael CLICHY, 24. Manuel ALMUNIA, 25. Manu ADEBAYOR, 26. Nicklas BENDTNER, 27. Emmanuel EBOUE, 31. Justin HOYTE, and 32. Theo WALCOTT, still no number 3 or 12.

Walcott was seen on Arsenal.com today and talked of how his shoulder injury played on his mind towards the end of the season. It was clear in the Everton away match he could not go on without a shoulder op. Theo is quoted as saying “The shoulder is absolutely fine,” and “I have about 85 per cent of full movement at the moment but I have started training as normal. Myself and Robin van Persie started two weeks early.”

On the transfer side of things, Anelka seems to be favouring a move to Valencia now Arsenal have secured the services of Eduardo. Other than that most of the football talk today has been about the controversial Argentine Tevez and his on off move to Manure. He’s too ugly for Arsenal anyway.

Gilberto Attacks Drogba

The main Arsenal headline today is as above, Gilberto Attacks Drogba, it strikes up great ideas of Gilberto givin’ The Chav Dog a good kickin’ down some dark alley.

Gilberto was reacting to Drogba telling us all we are out of the title race and a Uni-ched / Chav run in is the only option for next season. Gilberto is quoted in the Sun as saying “So Drogba said we’re out of the title race? We’ll see what happens,” and “They spent a fortune last season and couldn’t beat Arsenal in the league.” He also said: “They didn’t defend the title either, so I think Drogba is talking a little bit too much.” So basically Drog shut it!!

I am loving our new Captain, Gilberto = Legend!

Arsene could sign a 4 year deal

As usual it is Sunday and the New of the World needs to fill up it’s pages, stories about Fat Frank getting his end away in Vegas and Smithy shaggin’ Ronaldo’s bird are mixed in with stories of Cesc leaving. Spanish paper Marca say Arsene would let Cesc go if we got a lot of cash plus Robihno for the Spaniard but I can’t see it. We don’t really need another forward and not a Brazilian who we’re not sure about, we had that in The Beast last season. Still the press has so little to write about they will speculate even though Cesc says he wants to stay.

The Mirror says Arsenal will confirm the Bakary Sagna deal within days. Bakary will be cover for Toure and Eboue when they go off to The African Nations. If he can also play in the centre then it is a good signing. I’m sure we wouldn’t be signing another right back.

Negotiations with Wenger are on-going. The News of the World are suggesting that Wenger will be offered a four year deal worth £14Mil but he would have a get out clause at the end of every season. I would prefer to see Wenger sign a deal that see’s him move to director of football or onto the Board when he decides to retire from management. With all these contracts whether it is Wenger or Cesc on a 7 year deal we will have to suffer these summers of speculation so I guess it doesn’t really matter.

Walcott is quoted on Sky Sports as saying “I want to get 10 goals next season and I would like to make 20 or 25 starts,” which would be a great addition to last season. I’d also set Eduardo the target of 15 goals with at least 10 of them making up for the goals Henry got in the league last season. If Van Persie and Ade keep their strike rate up and Cesc is sure to grab more than the 2 league goals he got last season we will no doubt have a better season than last.

Tribalfootball have two Arsenal stories today, firstly they say we are in advanced talks with Yoan Gouffran but in an unusual twist he may spend next year back at Caen on-loan. With Caen being promoted to the top division in France it could be a great test for Yoan in advance to him becoming a GOONER. They also think Flamini may have had a change of heart and want to stay at Arsenal. He is being chased by Valencia but as I have always felt he will have more chance to fulfil his potential at The Arsenal under Wenger.

TV Dates Decided

Thanks Willy! Gallas today piled more pressure on Arsenal. These are not the healthy vibes you’d hope would come from your senior players. His comments will fuel speculation that he may leave Arsenal. I find one comment particularly distasteful, he said several players are questioning the club’s future, his comments will not sit well with any Arsenal fan especially after a distinctly average season he has last term. William must raise his own game first before criticising others.

It seems Liverpool have entered the race for Ryan Babel at the last minute. Babel has said he wants to play for Arsenal and may have to retract those comments if The Scousers are his only serious option. Tribalfootball are linking Freddie with a move to Fiorentina and they also link Juve with a bid for Rosicky. As if we didn’t need a winger already??

Great news for Young Gun Matthew Connolly, arsenal.com today revealed he has secured a season long loan at Colchester. A full season in The Championship could really make the young centre back.

Finally it seems Setanta Sport and Sky have got together and sorted out the TV dates so we can now all book our travel to the early season games. Arsenals’ first game has already been moved because of transport problems on the Victoria line and so our season will now kick off on 12th August @ 12pm. Our first match on TV will be Live on Sky at home to Pompey on Sunday 2nd September @ 1.30pm.

I’m sure we’ll have plenty more games moved for TV but it is refreshing to only have these few moved after the run from boxing day until March having every game on TV!! That was annoying. What will Gallas come up with tomorrow? We wait with baited breath.

Big-Mouth Gallas / Winger Wanted

The main Arsenal story today stems from Gallas’ words yesterday. Many headlines are twisting his words but if Gallas is gonna speak out against his club then he should expect that. At this time of the season he should know that the press are desperate for stories. I hope when the dust settles Gallas is one of the players at the first press conference of the season saying we will be at the top of the table. I know in reality Arsenal will not challenge for first place this season with the current squad but Arsenal have always been a club that has pulled it together against the odds. The fact is Arsene is silent and so the press will jump on any words from Arsenal players.

Media speculation is gathering pace on the possible departure of Freddie. It seems although Freddie wants to stay he may have to move to guarantee a longer career. If Freddie is to leave we must sign a goal-scoring winger. I have thought we have needed one all summer and with our two top targets looking like they have signed for other Premiership Clubs (Malouda - Chavs & Babel - Scouse) we will be in a desperate rush to try and sign one.

Bakary Sagna is in London for a medical and should sign for Arsenal tomorrow to bolster the defence. Martins is also said to be close to an Arsenal deal but these two signings will not settle Gooners. We must sign a goal-scoring Winger!!

One thing I forgot to celebrate was Gilberto getting Brazil into the Copa America semi’s setting up the possible dream final against Argentina. The bad thing is it now seems certain Arsenal will start the season without the new Captain as he will need some sort of a break so I think celebrate is the wrong word.

Barnet manager Paul Fairclough said on arsenal.com he still hopes to sign Gooner legend Ray Parlour. It’s a shame the deal couldn’t be in time for Saturdays friendly.

We are all looking forward to Arsene speaking and at least cooling the rumours circulating. I’m sure, as I am, Arsene is sick of justifying press speculation but I feel this pre-season more than ever a few words would be appreciated. We have lost our Captain, one of our senior players is chatting shit, and we are being linked with more sales. I can understand the lack of signings, it is transfer silly season and Arsene is not risking the clubs finances with Babel being valued at £13.5Mil and Robben at £17Mil but while every other club appears to be strengthening their squads it is understandably Gooners are slightly worried.

Bakari Sagna Signs

Will this keep Willy happy? Another French talker in the back-line.

Bakari Sagna is currently putting pen to paper with Arsenal after passing his medical.

‘The Sun’

More later . . . .

Rosicky is Happy and Vieira is Positive

Rosicky shows his positive side. Skysports have highlighted Thomas’ ideas that Arsenal are just fine. Thomas believes having a similar squad to last season is a good thing. If we’d signed 10 players we’d all be saying we’ll have to wait and see how they settle in. As The Beast proved last season, you can be a good International, you can play for Real Madrid, but you might not be able to hack The Premiership.

Hertfordshire side Bishop’s Stortford also announced they will be playing an Arsenal XI on Friday 27th July at 7.45pm at Woodside Park. The Daily Mail says that Eduardo will play in Arsenal’s first pre-season game, again in Hertfordshire, against Barnet on Saturday.

Gilberto again gave a solid performance for Brazil as they reached the Copa America final. He picked up his second booking of the competition now and will miss the Final. It’s a shame for our Captain but hopefully he may return a few days sooner for us now.

Paddy Vieira is back on the scene talking about Arsenal. This time he was speaking to Feel Football. Talking about Henry’s move to Barca he thinks that we will get over it, as we did when Wrighty left and we got Tel, and when Paddy left and Cesc upped his game.

Still no official word on the Bakari Sagna signing but it is Football’s worst kept secret. The next worst kept secret that LEGEND Freddie Ljungberg is in talks with Fiorentina. It also seems that we may now loose Hoyte our one regular English player. Reading are chasing the young-gun now Arsenal seem to have signed another right back. It makes no sense to sell Hoyte when Eboue is going to the African Nations. I hope this is just speculation and can’t see it happening. The Daily Express are still linking Oba Martins with a move to Arsenal from Geordie-Land but isn’t the £13Mil a bit of a flattering valuation. The massive positive is that Martins scored 17 goals in 46 appearances for the Geordies. We sure could have done with those 17  goals last term.

LA LA LA LA SAGNA

Bacary Sagna is officially a Gooner. Arsenal announced the signing via arsenal.com this afternoon and said the fee is ‘undisclosed’ in usual Arsene fashion. It is estimated the deal will cost Arsenal between 6 and 8 Million. Bacary looks to be a great signing, initially I was sceptical but he seems like a complete utility player and a strong acqusition to the sqad. Wenger said “He plays mainly at right back, but can also play along the defence or in midfield. He is strong, quick and enjoys defending but also has a good offensive side to his game.”

It appears Freddie’s wage demands may have put off Fiorentina and he may now move to Man City. The new money the manqs have could be an attractive offer for the Swede but I would rather see Freddie stay or go to a bigger club than City, like Fiorentina.

A story that has been rumbling round the net for the last few days appeared in The Mail today, it appears our scouts have been watching Cesar Villaluz a young Mexican attacking midfielder who has impressed during the Under-20 World Cup. We have missed out on Ryan Babel, he wanted to play for a big club like Arsenal but had to settle for Liverpool in the end.

I’m liking people’s early thoughts on a song for Bacary, LA LA LA LA LA SAGNA (tune of La Bamba) sounding good from the South East Corner of Ashburton Grove.