Gunners given new stadium all-clear

ARSENAL`S plans of building a new stadium in Ashburton Grove have been boosted, after a High Court judge rejected applications by objectors to overturn Islington council's decision to grant The Gunners planning permission.

The North London club are keen to move out of their traditional home and into a brand new 60,000-seater stadium on an industrial estate just a half mile from Highbury.

The decision by the High Court should allow The Gunners to begin building their new ground, with the possibility of it being ready in time for the 2004-2005 season.

Club director Ken Friar told the Arsenal official website: "We are delighted with this outcome.

"It does not come as a surprise, since we knew our proposals were sound, our planning application was of the highest quality, and that the council's handling of the application was exemplary.

"Nevertheless, it is a relief to have the challenge rejected, and now to be able to get on with building the new stadium and all the regenerative development that will go with it."

Meanwhile, Arsenal have denied reports linking midfield star Fredrik Ljungberg with a move away from the Premiership champions.

The Swedish World Cup man has attracted the interest of clubs like Juventus and Lazio in Italy after a brilliant season with the Double winners last term.

However, The Gunners have issued a statement of denial on their official website and claimed that there was no truth to reports made on Wednesday over Ljungberg's future.