Season shape-up - Arsenal

We look at how sides are gearing up for the new campaign

Last updated: 4th July 2008

Football Champions League AC Milan Arsenal Arsene Wenger

Wenger: Transfer window wizard

ARSENAL TRANSFER ACTIVITY
INS: Carlos Vela (granted work permit), Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff City, £5million)
OUTS: Mathieu Flamini (AC Milan, free transfer), Jens Lehmann (Stuttgart, free transfer)

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The task of second-guessing professor Arsene Wenger is a tricky one to say the least. He is the surreptitious transfer window wizard, while the addition of attention-thirsty tabloids further toughens the cause. Fear not, though, for scribe James Dall is here to rolls up his sleeves and pick the bones out of this summer's pre-season carcass.

What's happened so far

It all began with a Frenchman. The speculation over Mathieu Flamini's future dragged raggedly on the road into the marginally warmer months before, on 5th May, the seemingly inevitable happened and Arsenal lost last season's surprise package to Milan. It was a bitter pill to swallow for Wenger ahead of what would turn out to be a challenging summer at Emirates Stadium.

Just over a fortnight later, it was confirmed that supporters will finally see Mexico international Carlos Vela in the red and white of Arsenal after the 19-year-old was granted clearance to play for the club in the 2008/09 season following three separate loan spells in Spain.

Then came a second exit, but this time it was of the expected variety. Veteran goalkeeper Jens Lehmann penned a deal with Bundesliga side Stuttgart; a move which in turn saw last season's first-choice Manuel Almunia secure the No.1 jersey again ahead of the forthcoming campaign.

May and June were largely filled with the aftermath of ice-cream enthusiast Alexander Hleb's meeting with Internazionale officials, as a number of other clubs came out of the woodwork expressing their appetite to secure the signature of the Belarus international.

The routine courting from Spain of Cesc Fabregas came and went, before Wenger continued with his policy of snapping up promising youth via the coup of Cardiff City midfielder Aaron Ramsey, 17, who snubbed offers from Manchester United and Everton.

Then came a tale of two U-turns, the first involving Samir Nasri. Among a disorientating maze of names, it was Nasri's link to North London that seemed to hold genuine threads of truth. Cue 23rd June when the Marseille playmaker's official website made a boo-boo, prematurely announcing that his switch to The Gunners had been rubber-stamped. The statement was swiftly retracted.

Emmanuel Adebayor was next to perform his very own 180. On 27th June, the African striker addressed the world's press, in that unmistakably zealous discourse, confirming his intention to see out the remaining three years of his contract. Relief for Gunners fan, albeit short-lived relief. For just an hour later there he was having a chinwag with Sky Sports News reporter Bryan Swanson, explaining that he will have sit-down-talks with the club in the coming days. Tut-tut.

What they need

Stability and loyalty. With the summer's headlines dominated by want-away players, who are finding life a struggle on £50,000-a-week, Wenger needs to strain his squad of the players he deems uncommitted to the task in hand, and in turn put right three seasons of pretty football but empty-handed nothingness with the reported £20million he has at his disposal.

A towering, no-nonsense centre-back would prove fruitful as it seems that Kolo Toure and William Gallas struggle when partnered together. Philippe Senderos' mixed bag of a career means a fresh recruit would work wonders in patching up Arsenal's weariness when dealing with the long ball.

Wide-men. With Hleb all-but vacated the bustle of North London, and Tomas Rosicky the epitome of fragility, the weight falls on the young shoulders of improving Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Eboue (a player that I feel offers less than little).

If Gilberto leaves then fresh guts in centre-midfield are required with the latest name to be thrown into the hat Werder Bremen's Amaury Bischoff. The French-born 21-year-old would be a typical signing from Wenger; a player very few would have even heard of, but a player fans will be hoping can have the same impact as the likes of last summer's unexpected additions Bacary Sagna and Eduardo.

What they'll get

Much hinges on whether Wenger deems it essential to replace Mathieu Flamini - who dovetailed with maestro Cesc Fabregas last term - with a fresh recruit, potentially Bischoff, or a promotion from within. Next season may see the Frenchman utilise the leggy Abou Diaby in his preferred central role.

In the early flutterings of the transfer chat, Wenger had hinted he would strengthen defensively, but he has since commented that this is an area he is content with. Wenger is a shrewd manipulator of the market, though, and it would be foolish to completely rule out an acquisition in this department.

The capture of Nasri seems a matter of when rather than if, so it is a case of distinguishing fact from fiction among the remaining smoke and mirrors in a bid to predict what else might occur. As mentioned, Wenger is an unpredictable fellow, and so often he springs a surprise that initially bewilders you but then grows on you in time.

Adebayor's situation is a peculiar one, with the player to-ing and fro-ing by the hour. The interested parties, Barcelona and Milan, are expected to have to pay a fee in the region of £30million for his services. Expect a replacement if the striker is shown the door.

Fan's view - Nick Schwizer

I think Arsenal have a real chance next season, if they keep their existing squad together. However, if these stories about Hleb and Adebayor are true then I hate to say it but collect the cash and leave it at that.

If that happens then Wenger needs to bring in quality players like Nasri and David Villa - people who can come in and do the job straight away.

I also feel it is important that Walcott is given a real chance this season as I think he is on the verge of something special.

I have question marks over Gallas and would love an extra quality centre-back on the team just to shore that area up.

All of this put together, we can definitely do it. And if Manchester United lose Cristiano Ronaldo then they have no chance. If it was not for him last year they would of finished third with out doubt. Go the Gunners!

What do you think to Arsenal's pre-season transfer activity? Let us have your thoughts using the form below.

Prem 2008/09 Win Outright: Arsenal 33/1

Comments

Ronak Panchmia (Arsenal fan) says...

I feel that Arsenal have too many good striker like Ade, vP, Theo, Bendtner, Eduardo and now even Carlos Vela.......... So signing some more forwards is not necessary...... And with exit of Hleb and Flamini.....the mid field looks bit in danger.....but with likes of Fabregas, Gliberto, Thomas, Diaby and now even Nasri and Ramsey its taking shape of firm and attacking mid field.... But the real CONCERN is the defence......the full backs are great.. having Sanga and Clichy on either side.....BUT the CB is bit in problem.....Toure is good but i have doubt in Gallas and Senderos.....I thik Wenger should put some cash in the field and bring on some experienced and famous CB to the squad to make it a COMPLETE ONE.....

Posted 07:13 16th July 2008

Euan Pringle (Hearts fan) says...

Wenger needs to find a new goalie for next season and search for a new centre-mid. Players like van der vaart and huntelaar are looking to leave their current clubs and are good enough to play for the gunners. If adebayor is to go to barcelone wenger should try and swap for such players as yaya toure who would like a move to the club and eto'o whos out of favour at barcelona.

Posted 22:47 15th July 2008

Lim Hc (Arsenal fan) says...

Well Ade and Hleb leaving arsenal soon so when is wenger going to sign ready made replacement for both position? Wenger yet to sign replacement for Flamini? personal view Diaby or denilson is not good enough to replace flamini? Arsenal need is to sign an experienced holding MF instead an youngster? Most important things is to sign at least 2 wingers to cover injury prone Rosicky.. Currently arsenal got 2 wingers will not last for the whole season long...Furthermore arsenal is quailfy for CL football next season so need players to compete in Euro n Domestic football... I really hope to see mr wenger to make some shrewd signing soon...

Posted 16:37 9th July 2008

Sam Boulton (Arsenal fan) says...

Trying to predict Wenger's moves in the transfer market is nigh-on impossible. I have never heard of Amaury Bischoff and, from what I gather, the kid has made 1 appearance in 4 years for his team so one can only hope Wenger knows what he's doing on that one. It remains to be seen. No one rated Flamini as anything other than a decent cover left-back not 18 months ago and then he developed spectacularly. I don't think there is any reason to think that Denilson, Song or especially Diaby might not develop in a simalar vein this term. And we still have Gilberto who is very capable of stepping up to the plate once more. Hleb looks like he's gone, which is a shame but with Nasri all but a done deal and the money being off-set the only lingering doubt surrounds how quickly Nasri will settle in. Walcott finished really strongly last year and, with luck and a lack of injuries, one might hope he will push on again and begin to establish himself. Providing Rosicky gets his fitness back, I think we have technically adept, hard working wingers capable of supporting the front line. Adebayor will stay I think. For E45m, I would have got rid but it seems we're keeping him and that suits just fine. Van Persie needs to stay clear of injury in order to establish himself as one of the top forwards in the country. Eduardo should be back before Christmas although, to be sure, I would maybe like to see a little more cover up front. Cover at full back, particularly on the left, is needed I feel as, while Hoyte could cover for Sagna, we have no one covering for Clichy and, although Traore has looked capable, he maybe lacks experience and is still a little young. I think our squad, as ever, is a little thin but under rated. And, after all, Arsene knows....

Posted 12:00 8th July 2008

Ben Olwal (Arsenal fan) says...

I think Arsenal must be ready to give the players good contacts. Take a look at last season, Arsenal played with almost one team the whole season. This players works 4 the team horses and they deserve a good contract. I wonder why Arsenal want to buy Oba,that boy cant play at Arsenal. I also strongly bealive Song can replace Flamini, if u watched the Africa cup then u know what i take about. Arsenal must also start rotation, the players do get worked up towards the end of the season and thats the main reason we missed the Championship last season. As for Gallas, he is now 31, he wont be that good next season, we need a replacement. Last, Ade can go, we are not going to beg him to stay, he might have neted 30 goal, but that is not a reason enough to demand all that money.the King went,so who is Ade? my advice to him: LET HIM CONTACT ANELKA BEFORE HE LEAVES ARSENAL:

Posted 11:48 7th July 2008

Ian Howell (Arsenal fan) says...

I have been an Arsenal fan since the age of 4, 1970. So I've seen the good times and the very lean times. It may have passed many supporters minds including Mr. Wenger, who I admire greatly, that the success of Arsenal since Mr. Wenger's arrival has been largely on the strength of George Grahams back five, Seaman, Dixon, Winterburn, Adams and Keown. If we are to win the title and CL, we must strengthen our defense to that level. Gallas and Senderos pale in comparison to any of these aforementioned, and no Dunne will ever cut the mustard. If we are to invest big, find a great central defender/sweeper who can match Adams in both ability and loyalty.

Posted 04:42 7th July 2008

Ashwin Munez (Arsenal fan) says...

I am proudly a South African Arsenal supporter, down here everybody just supposedly supports united. I feel that Arsenal are the underdogs in the title races and that is what makes them so special to me. We also dont just rely on on specific player to win games or keep players at the club for there entire careers such as giggs and scholes. non the less we play the most attractive football ever seen, i dont knw y any other clubs fan wont admit to that. we all trust in Wenger to make the right descisions in terms of signings for next season and nobody would expect these he has already made. i thnk we need atleast 1 player in each position. the only reason we never won anything was due to the low number of players we have. Adebayour is defenitely over rated, i like him, but hes not a natural goal scorer more of a show boater. we shud sell eboue and hoyte for some pocket money, i mean most of their performances wer pathetic, oh yes as well as djorou!! to b honest we wont buy david villa or wateva big names mentioned, thats not wengers style. rather Saha, christoph Metzelder(any of germays backs) , Kompany, we cud even buy ben haim just to strengthen our obtions.let diaby play in center mid but get a replacement for him, a gatusso like player, sum1 that doesnt get injured every 5th game...i love the gunners and we are sure to be contenders for all titles if these mentioned factors are delt with.i wish wenger reads this...

Posted 00:50 7th July 2008

Patrick Lising (Arsenal fan) says...

Arsenal have a good chance should they keep a fit squad and not lose anymore players. Arsenal can't afford to lose any more key first team squad players. Right now, the two big concerns is: 1) Who will take up the position now vacated by Mathieu Flamini? 2) What're our options for cover in all other positions? Youngsters, Theo Walcott, Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Vela and Denilson will and should all be pushing for starting places. Rosicky and Eduardo... both need to recover as soon as possible and get to match fitness. Both are proven match winners and notable when in the Arsenal first team. Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy... Not a lot to say because they're rather superb though I do question the cover. Because Mr. Wenger is not using Eboue as a full-back anymore, Hoyte can be exposed by classly wingers. Armand Traore, while an exciting youngster, still needs another season to develop a little more but, still has a way to go until he truly pushes Clichy for a first-team spot. Everyone's forgetting Johan Djourou. He's usually pretty solid when in the side and I personally prefer him over Senderos. If Senderos and Eboue don't start showing considerable improvement, the transfer door could beckon them. William Gallas & Kolo Toure really do need to cope with players like Drogba. Maybe one quality centre-back is all we need. It's the only position I question with genuine intent. Every other position, there's quality but, also a need for some rotation every so often so that our players don't get rusty. Arsene Wenger doesn't rotate all that often and I feel that he needs to, especially during the midway point of the season. We have some good players, we just need them to stay fit and ready. If we can have the majority of the squad injury free, something we haven't had in a while, then we have a genuine chance. If we can come out of the blocks quickly, only Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool can stop Arsenal.

Posted 03:39 6th July 2008

Kola Soyinka (Arsenal fan) says...

Arsenal on top.We are the bast in PL,we play the best good football,but unfortunately no trophy by the captain.So why are we keeping the useless ones.Eboue is the most disappointing nothing to write home about,Bendtner is sluggish cant even control ball like 6 years old african boy,senderos proof average but not compitent,Gilberto had given his best hes worn,why Adebayo should be overated if Torres can score that goal against us before our defenders could know whats happening.Lets applaud lehman,Flamini as they out of emirate.I pray Adebayor and Hleb transfer clicks i want them leave and Eboue and Bendtner has nothing to offer us we should not be led by the nose.Welldone to clichy,sagna but still we need a good strong and experience at the back and in the defensive back someone that will fill the hole of Flamini,i also commend and pray for a quick recovery for Eduardo,and Rocsky.With Wall,fabrig,nasri,diaby,denilson,vela,van p,Ramsey,Randall e.t.c i think we got a nice forward but still need more experienced hand .well may mouth on villa,senna at defensive half and bierchoff at the back.umm we need two great experienced,hygile defenders and midfielders and also two goal hungry strikers captainship should not go to fabri but must be taken from Galas to Toure our Minister of defense like it or not.Wenger please take note of what people are saying there are good sense in it all.We should not be disappointed come next season .UP GUNNERS...

Posted 03:11 6th July 2008

Alexander Dalton (Arsenal fan) says...

You'd think after all we've done for Flamini he'd aleast have signed on for a year or so, so that we could get a couple of million for him? And to be honest If Hleb and Adebayor doesn't want to stay then they should go. Hleb falls over a lot anyway and Adebayor can't seem to score at the crucial moments i.e that stupid miss vs Liverpool about 15 mins after that Walcott run. I reckon next season if Drogba goes and Ronaldo goes Arsenal have a massive chance of winning the league. I reckon if Mr. Wenger strengthens the squad defensively and brings in a few good strikers then we could probably win the Campions league too. Oe thing I'd like to see is if we get Spurs in the semi-final of anything this year I want Wenger to put out the strongest team he can. I was sickened when we lost 5-1. I was outraged that he didn't take on board that it's Tottenham, if we lost they'd go on about it for the next 100 years plus IT'S A SEMI FINAL. I think he should take the Carling Cup a little bit more seriously, especially if we managed to go through to the Semi finals or even the Final. I'd like to see the following players go too: Eboue - he is rubbish. I've been saying for the last three years that he is terrible. Hes lazy, he dives, he gets into a strop everytime he loses the ball. I want him out. Senderos - Possibly worse than Pascal Cygan. Except we wont get as much for him than we did for Cygan. He has no stability when it comes to any sort of situation. He can have ood moments but then he can have horrific moments minutes later. OUT. I think Wenger should buy Eto'o. Barca don't want him so why not? he's a gmuch better finisher than Adebayor and we've got enough cash anyway. I also reckon Walcott should get a starting place for next season. He's on the verge of greatness and his confidence i sky high. He's going to be something special and is alomost Henry like (If you remember his second goal vs Slaia prague)

Posted 01:44 6th July 2008

Philip Raftery (Arsenal fan) says...

I would agree with most of the comments made so far. The general consensous is that our boys in red need a top class center-back, one that will make Gallas and Toure really work for their money as I feel that sometimes they lack the natural height and leadership qualities of a Tony Adams. (Senderos) is not Arsenal quality he reminds me of Cygan whenever he plays there is a worry in the back of my mind. A New centre forward instead of Bendtner is needed as Eduardo wont be match fit until at least christmas. David Villa would be ideal! Id love to see Shay Given sign as our number 1 keeper, Almunia does not convince me the way David Seaman did. We have the players to be competitive in midfield we are all in agreement that our boy-wonder Cesc Fabregas will be an all time Arsenal great at 21 he is the best all round midfielder in the world, he was world-class during the euro's and he only started two games! If Walcott can keep doing the business like against Liverpool in the semi-final then Arsenal will be a major threat in all competitions for years to come. Our best buy has always been Mr. Wenger and I for one have great confidence in him to bring back the silverware.

Posted 21:27 5th July 2008

Ben Collins (Arsenal fan) says...

Firsty, I'd like to talk about Adebayor. I could take him or leave him if I was manager of Arsenal, because he shows glimpses of absolute quality with goals like against Tottenham and Newcastle, but the 30-35 million price tag which is reported to be offered is ALOT of money for one player, let alone a player who has had ONE good season, lets not forget what he was like the season he arrived, he could barely kick a football! If rumours are true about him demanding 120k a week, let him go, but I dont think these are true. Should he go, Wenger is not a fool and could easily find an equally adept striker for a fraction of Adebayor's sale fee. Should he stay, lets hope he continues his form from last season. Should the squad stay the same (including Nasri, providing he signs), I think the squad is strong enough to challenge next season, we have a host of youngsters to fill in for Flamini in the shape of Denilson, Diaby and Song. Should Adebayor leave, which I doubt, I still think we would be ok, Arsenal have some promising strikers yet to show their true quality - Eduardo, Bendtner, Walcott, and the already proven Van Persie, who I believe in top form and health, is second to none in the role he plays. I can see Hleb leaving and should he do so, we (hopefully) have Nasri, a similar type of player, so no problems there. As for our defense, perhaps we should bring in a centre back, but I think given time the Toure/Gallas partnership can turn our penalty area into a fortress. No problems in goal, Almunia was solid when brought in ahead of Lehmann, and despite Lehmann's departure we still have Fabianski for backup, who looked good in the Carling Cup. Hopefully the squad has learnt from our downfall towards the end of last season, and I think we should have enough to bring some silverware to the Emirates, it has been a long time coming!

Posted 20:18 5th July 2008

Daniel Braddick (Arsenal fan) says...

One thing to say is Cesc should be captain next season!!!

Posted 19:47 5th July 2008

Ola Brown (Arsenal fan) says...

Firstly, before i comment about our wonderful team, who the hell does adebayor think he is? what makes him think he deserves £120,000 a week because of one good season. How dare he compare himself to henry,adebayor has never been the top goal scorer of the premiership and has won any major competition,so if he wants to leave,pls Wenger let him go. Arsenal has been superb this season with the likes of Fabregas, Walcott, Eduardo and must admit adebayor has done very well BUT does not make the most of his chances. What i cannot get over was the Man utd macth where we lost 2-1! We outplayed them but because of adebayor not taking simple chances, we lost the game by set pieces. We should have won that game at least 3-2. With our team we just need more depth in our squad along with experience and a quality finisher just like eduardo which could be a replacement. We do not have quality replacement for clichy, fabregas, toure, sagna and this affects the team because they as players are being over used. Wenger should think about these facts and do something about it, i would always stick by arsenal due to the fact ive supported no other team and never will. We need much more strength in depth in order to live up to the name of the club, THE GUNNERS. 3 trophyless seasons is very shocking and still Wenger is losing quality players like flamini who could have helped us win the club very major. Kings of Europe is our dream and the premiership, its been a long drought and we need to put a stop to it. WE LOVE THE TEAM (Just need strength in depth) COMMON GUNNERS!!!

Posted 17:22 5th July 2008

Adeboye Owolana (Arsenal fan) says...

I Think Arsenal should keep Adebayor He has scored so many importnat goal for arsenal but we still should buy martins he is very fast and quick to chnage the game. I also think Aaron Lennon will be good at arsenal he is so elecrifying Quick Or Leroy Lita. We also need a defender such somebody like Kompany very strong in the air and also Quick to recover. we should Sell hleb and wrap up the Nasri Deal as soon as possible and sign Diego fron Wender Bremen and we will Will the premier league and Champions League And the Domestic Cup

Posted 13:37 5th July 2008

Alwyn Mc combe (Arsenal fan) says...

Everything Nich Schwizer has pror mentioned in his comment is spot on in my eyes. With 3 fruitless yrs of pretty football but no trophies we need committed players...show your loyalty or leave! Don't get me wrong we've been blessed with success since Arsene took the reigns but we surely deserve top silverware for the way we play football & how we've embarrassed top world sides in Europe in recent years...this is the year THEO will prove he's not just Premiership class but WORLD CLASS...bring on the season !!!

Posted 09:12 5th July 2008

Sean Oakes (Arsenal fan) says...

Forget all of these big name strikers such as Villa,Eto'o and Martins,Adebayors replacement will be an unknown Croatian from Hajduk Split!His name is Nikola Kalinic.The Adebayor money will be spent on securing Veloso and Moutinho.

Posted 00:38 5th July 2008

Gbola O (Arsenal fan) says...

I think we are going to struggle to win something again!! The reason we did not win anything is not because we did not have the players, or we had injuries but cos of Arsene Wenger. His failure to acquire a seasoned defender cost us!! Why did he sell Diarra when flamini had not put pen to pay? A player like Senderous should not even be in our team. He's simply not good enough. We need a defender, a winger or 2 cos roscisky is always injured. Also a good cover for fabregas and just maybe, we win something this season

Posted 17:50 4th July 2008

Kevin Dunn (Arsenal fan) says...

Assuming that Hleb goes ... which I feel in the circumstances would be better for all ... my view is that we have sufficient cover there ... but the addition of Marcos Senna would bridge the hole left by Flamini and give the whole team a lift. He is the nearest I have seen for ages to the complete player ... he would be the perfect holding midfield player ... take pressure off whichever central defensive pair is used ... and he is excellent going forward ... As for the attack, Adebayor should be sold as he clearly lacks commotment. Obviously a replacement would be needed ... but I don't necessarilly see that we have to break the bank for the likes of Villa. Whoever is chosen, I also think that Guiza would be a useful pick up at a reasonable price. He is a stocky guy who would get amongst the tougher Premiership defences and he knows where the goal is ...

Posted 16:05 4th July 2008

Nigel Dobbie (Arsenal fan) says...

If Adebayor does go to Barca, then Wenger should say no to the cash but take YaYa Toure and Lionel Messi in exchange.....see how Barca like it! Arsenal desperately need replacements for Gilberto, Flamini and an additional quality big and fast centre back (or preferably two). If Nasri comes in then he could be considered the replacement for Flamini, perhaps Wenger should buy Barry from Villa, Santa Cruz from Blackburn and Puyol from Barca and I would like to see Eboue replaced with a decent right midfielder and he should be used as backup for Sagna.

Posted 11:09 4th July 2008

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