Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been financially constrained over the last decade because of the club’s move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium. But many argue that it is now time for the Gunners to splash some cash in order to take them onto the next step.
Do Arsenal need to make some big money transfers to become serious challengers for silverware, or will the fitness of players like Robin van Persie determine Arsenal’s success next year?
The north London side’s fans were left to rue van Persie’s injury woes of last season and left to speculate on what might have been if the Dutchman had stayed healthy. Van Persie got injured on Novermber 14 2009 whilst on international duty with the Netherlands and did not return until the 2-1 loss against Tottenham at White Hart Lane…not even Serbian therapist Mariana Kovacevic’s miracle horse placenta cure was enough to get him fit sooner.
Last season the 26-year-old only played 16 games in the Premier League, but still managed to score nine goals in that time whilst creating seven goals via assists.
That season Arsenal faltered during a so-called ‘easy run’ when they were billed as Manchester United’s biggest threat to the title after Chelsea blew a big lead and seemed spent after their 1-1 draw with Blackburn at Ewood Park. But Arsenal failed to capitalise on their kind run of fixtures and dropped points against the likes of Birmingham, Tottenham, Wigan, Manchester City and Blackburn.
The poor run left Arsenal 11 points behind eventual Premier League champions Chelsea, but many Gunners fans argue that if van Persie and captain Cesc Fabregas (picked up an injury near end of season) would have stayed fit they could have achieved so much more.
As it is the Emirates outfit have not won any silverware since the 2005 FA Cup and if truth be told you cannot rely on the fitness of someone as injury prone as van Persie. This is why Arsenal must increase their squad’s depth this summer, so that when RvP decides to take his customary mid to late season holiday they may have a 15-20 striker in reserve this time.
Their fans will argue that a goalkeeper and the defence will have to be addressed as a matter of priority, but surely a big name striker could also work wonders?
Should they decide to cash in on Fabregas then Arsene Wenger would have more funds at his disposal and could even go some way to replace his captain for free if he wins the race to sign out of contract star Joe Cole.
The press has reported that Arsenal are set to spend a total of £30m on the likes of Phil Jagielka, Steven Pienaar, Mark Schwarzer and Laurent Koscielny. Whilst these are all good players and would fill some of the squad’s deficiencies, are they good enough or big enough names for a club like Arsenal?
I doubt whether they will be enough to usurp the rivals Chelsea and Manchester United, whilst Manchester City and Tottenham also seek to improve.
What do the Arsenal fans think? Do you want some changes at the club, or are the current squad good enough if they stay fit?
To follow me on Twitter: ajwilliams1987
Get the latest Arsenal on Twitter
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
**
Click image below to see a gallery of the German babes at the World Cup:
One of the most sought after free agents this summer, Joe Cole has yet to make his mind up over which club to sign for. Cole has said that he wants to play for a manager who loves him as well as find somewhere where he will get regular playing time, preferably in the centre of midfield and somewhere that will pay his wage demands. They are certainly a lot of requests to fulfil and it’s going to be difficult for Cole to find a club that can guarantee all of those requirements, certainly in England. However a foreign club may be able to meet his demands better and perhaps a move abroad could see Cole really thrive in another league.
The battle for his signature in England appears to have come down to three teams, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham with several pros and cons to joining each of them. Liverpool are a big club but it’s unknown just how competitive they are going to be next season, Arsenal are also a big club but Cole probably won’t have guaranteed first team football. Finally Spurs probably could guarantee first team football but almost certainly won’t be challenging for the Premiership. The clubs themselves will also be taking a risk on Cole as he has endured some very injury prone years at Chelsea, his wage demands are said to be at least £80,000 a week and he is 28-years-old. It could take some lengthy negociations before Cole is able to sign a deal that suits both parties.
Joe Cole could also have some options and possibly better ones in other leagues, his best bet would probably be Italy as in Spain, it’s doubtful that the big two of Barcelona or Real Madrid would make a move for him. Although as Jose Mourinho knows him very well from their time together at Chelsea it wouldn’t be unthinkable that he could offer him a surprise deal. However were that to be the case, there is no way he would be a regular at Madrid with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka in the team. Valencia are believed to be interested in Cole’s services but their financial struggles pretty much rule them out of the picture, if he was looking for an ambitious project then Sevilla could be an option. They have Champions League football next season and were previously league contenders not so long ago, however they probably aren’t a big enough club for him.
Continue reading on page 2
This leaves Italy and AC Milan are believed to be Cole’s biggest suitors, they have apparently already offered him a deal but it is said be worth just £60,000 a week. On the other hand they have guaranteed him a starting role in his favoured central midfield position. Inter Milan haven’t been linked with a move for Cole but new manager Rafa Benitez will know all about his time at Chelsea, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see them make him an offer. Juventus need another wide player in their midfield and Cole would be a fantastic signing for them, personally as a Juve fan I would love to see Cole pull on the black and white shirt but I just don’t see it happening.
Although there are potential moves abroad lined up for Cole, I believe that he will stay in England as I don’t think he has the bottle to try his luck abroad. However very few players do today, and when you look at what has happened to the likes of Michael Owen and Jermaine Pennant it would be hard to blame Cole for not moving abroad. It would be a shame though as his game would suit a foreign league very well, both La Liga and Serie A aren’t as physical as the Premiership so he would have less chance of picking up another injury. La Liga is a fast paced league and Cole as a quick player would have no problem adapting; Serie A whilst some people call it ‘slow’ is a very technical league and as he is a very skilful and technical player those attributes would serve him well in Italy.
Whether Joe Cole will stay in England or moves abroad remains to be seen, but it would be nice to see an English player succeed abroad, especially as Cole is probably one of the very few who could make it.
Which club do you think would be best for Joe Cole?
Message me on Twitter with your thoughts
Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Fergie will be hoping that his three new signings will be enough to wrestle their title back from West London. A lot of United fans are sceptical as to whether Sir Alex has done enough to strengthen the squad, to fill all the voids that were evident last season.
This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of Man United blogs which has included…Fergie pulls out a transfer rabbit? United should take Morgan’s comments with a pinch of salt and ten things United must do to regain a title.
Plus we have taken a look at the best Man United stories on the Web this week
Has Sir Alex pulled another transfer rabbit out of the hat?
The heir to Paul Scholes’ throne?
A Wayne Rooney non-story right to be condemned
Man Utd should take Morgan’s comments with a pinch of salt
TEN things United must do to regain the title
Right decision for him and ultimately Manchester United
A United signing that provides more questions than answers
Third time lucky for Berbatov?
EIGHT things that will happen this Premier League season
London vs Manchester but where will the title go?
*
Best of Web
*
Finally, a plan B – United Rant
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
How many shirts Greg? Don’t believe the hype….. – Andersred blog
Comparing United To Arsenal and Chelsea After Homegrown Rule – RoM
Bébé the street kid now living the dream at Manchester United – Guardian
(Video)Chris Smalling talks Community Shield & joining United – The Busby Way
Achtung! No German footballers for Ferguson – Truly Reds
When the name Raul Gonzalez is mentioned, there are few words other than legend and footballing icon to conjure with. Having recently left Real Madrid on a free transfer after an illustrious career at the Santiago Bernabeu, the striker looked all set to sign for German side Schalke 04 but has now claimed he is not adverse to a move to the Premier League. The question being: Would the hustle and bustle of the Premier League represent the best move for him?
Tottenham and Newcastle have been credited with interest in the 33 year old whilst Manchester United have also been mooted as potential destinations should he choose England over Germany and the man described by Florentino Pérez as being chosen to “embody the club” says he felt the time was right for a new challenge.
Raúl scored 323 goals in 741 games for Real Madrid, as well as 44 in 102 appearances for Spain speaks for itself and his work ethic and positional play may make him the ideal forward for a Premier League side.
Harry Redknapp and Chris Hughton however have distanced themselves from any deal and there may be a few bones of contention for other managers who are considering a swoop. One of those is perhaps whether he would be able to adapt to the Premier League pace quickly enough for him to be cost-effective in terms of wages having only netted five goals in La Liga last season and been a bit-part player throughout.
Furthermore, Raúl himself may also have reservations over a move where he would no doubt be scrutinised week in week out as to whether he can hack it in what is regarded by many as the best league in the world for the tempo and sheer intensity at which it is played.
Spanish compatriot Fernando Morientes came to the Premier League side Liverpool in 2005 with a big reputation and an impressive 72 goals in 182 games for Madrid but struggled to make an impact on Merseyside. He is often regarded in various lists of the worst transfers in the history of the Premier League and Raúl may prefer to preserve his previously untarnished reputation by seeing out his days in the Bundesliga.
Although many supporters would love somebody of Raúl calibre at their club, I believe that at this stage of such a well-regarded career, both on and off the pitch, it would not be the time for Raúl to move to the Premier League as his career is already extraordinary in its successes.
Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The Premier League has long been an attractive destination for some of the best players from around the world and Africa has produced some of the greatest players to ever play the game. Here are my picks of the top 10 African players who have played in the Premier League.
Fans can often be heard screaming ‘feed the Yak and he will score’ and this is exactly what has happened in his Premier League career so far. Yakubu has scored 103 goals during his 7 years in the Premier League. A clinical finisher from anywhere inside the box, Yakubu made a name for himself at Portsmouth where he scored 36 goals in 77 appearances. He then moved on to Middlesbrough and then to Everton where Yakubu finds himself now. His first season at Everton was a huge success with the Nigerian scoring 21 times for the Toffees. It was his most prolific club season to date and he became the first Everton player to score more than 20 goals in a season since Peter Beardsley achieved the feat in 1992.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnOYbQmskoo
9. Frédéric Kanouté- West Ham United (2000-2003), Tottenham (2003-2005)
Kanouté has gained a reputation at current club Sevilla as one of the continent’s greatest strikers but he honed his game in England with West Ham United and Tottenham. Kanouté is the complete centre forward; he possesses great technical ability, is good in the air and has electrifying pace. He has many similarities with Thierry Henry, another player who was playing in North London at the same time as Kanouté but got infinitely more acclaim than the Malian.
Love him or hate him, El-Hadji Diouf has certainly made a name for himself in the Premier League. Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier signed the Senegalese striker before Senegal’s impressive World Cup run. Diouf hit the ground running at Anfield, scoring a brace in Liverpool’s third game of the 2002-2003 season against Blackburn. However, this was to be his crowning achievement in a Liverpool shirt as his stint on Merseyside was a disaster. Diouf only managed to score 8 times in 80 games for Liverpool.
Since his Anfield nightmare, Diouf has slowly managed to establish himself as a Premier League regular, helped no end by the faith shown him by Sam Allardyce who coached Diouf at Bolton and now at current club Blackburn Rovers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfQ9mVjZTYI
7. Lucas Radebe- Leeds United (1994-2005)
Not many people can say that Nelson Mandela has referred to them as “my hero” but Lucas Radebe can count himself as one of the very few. The Leeds United defender is a legend at Elland Road and was the rock at the heart of the Leeds defence during the glory days at the club. He was made captain in 1998 and led the club to a fourth place finish in the 1998-1999 season and a third place finish and a semi-final run in the Champions League the following year.
A commanding leader, Radebe will be remembered just as much for his off the field efforts as his successes on it. He has been a strong advocate for charities in South Africa and around the world and he was honoured for his charitable work this year by the PFA when Radebe was awarded the PFA Merit Award for 2010.
6. Kolo Touré- Arsenal (2002-2009), Manchester City (2009- )
Kolo Touré came to Arsenal something of an unknown but left as one of the best defenders in the Premier League. He arrived at Arsenal from Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas who have produced a number of quality Ivorians who currently play in the Premier League including Salomon Kalou, Emmanuel Eboué and Touré’s brother and teammate at Manchester City Yaya Touré.
Arsène Wenger took Touré under his wing and moulded the young Ivorian into the commanding centre-back that he has now become. Touré was transferred from Arsenal to Manchester City for around £24 million and has become vice-captain and a first team regular at Eastlands.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T77FI4BHNQA
Head to Page 2 for the Top Five!
5. Kanu- Arsenal (1999-2004), West Brom (2004-2006), Portsmouth (2006- )
Kanu is the most decorated African player in Premier League history having captured a Champions League winner’s medal, UEFA Cup medal, two Premier League medals and three FA Cups medals in his 17 years in the game. He lit up the Premier League with his languid style of play which won him many admirers. He was voted into 13th place in Arsenal’s 50 greatest Gunners poll ahead of players like Pat Rice and David O’Leary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhMkOTFhlMM
4. Tony Yeboah- Leeds United (1995-1997)
Yeboah makes the number 4 spot on account of his penchant for the spectacular. The Ghanaian will forever be remembered as a scorer of some of the most ferocious goals in Premier League history. His goals against Liverpool and Wimbeldon are the two that stick out in my mind as Yeboah lashed two piledrivers in off the bar with his supposedly weaker right foot. He was a frequent sight in the BBC’s Goal of the Month competitions and is the only player to have won the contest twice in succession, achieving the feat in September and October 1995.
3. Jay-Jay Okocha- Bolton Wanderers (2002-2006)
A player so good, they named him twice. The Nigerian was a consummate showman in his time in the Premier League. He wowed the Reebok faithful with his outrageous skills which at times beggared belief. I’m sure if Okocha was Brazilian or Argentinean, people would be hailing him as the one of the most skilful players to ever play the game.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
2. Michael Essien- Chelsea (2005- )
Since joining Chelsea from Lyon in 2005, Michael Essien has arguably become the most complete midfielder in the modern game. The Ghanaian powerhouse can do it all. He can tackle, shoot, pass and run. He could probably do open-heart surgery if he wanted to. The Bison’s all-action displays in the heart of Chelsea’s midfield have won Essien admirers at Stamford Bridge and beyond.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUWDJTHJkq8
1. Didier Drogba- Chelsea (2004- )
Drogba finds himself on top of the list due to his importance in establishing Chelsea as a perennial title challenger. The Ivorian’s goals have helped Chelsea to three Premier League titles, two League Cups and two FA cup triumphs. The mere sight of Drogba is enough to strike fear into the opposition defense. He has cut out the petulance that threatened to mar his game and his performances on the pitch have improved because of it. Last season was simply awesome for Drogba as he bossed the league’s defences on the way to 29 league goals. This season has started much the same way with 4 goals from 3 games. Unfortunately for the rest of the league, Drogba has shown no signs of slowing down.
Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton is confident that Tim Krul will prove to be an able stand-in for injured goalkeeper Steve Harper.
Harper is facing around three months out of action after undergoing shoulder surgery, leaving Krul to fill in for his more experienced team-mate.
Hughton commented:"The confidence has really been built on not just the fact that when Tim has come in he has done very well, but on what we have seen here from him over the period of time he has been here.
"That's the biggest aspect, because we haven't seen him so much as regards the first team on the football pitch.
"But we are very confident in his ability and we are quite sure he will cope very well."
Twenty-two-year-old Krul has made only a dozen appearances for the Magpies to date, coming on as a replacement for Harper in last weekend's 1-0 win at Everton, before starting in the 4-3 Carling Cup win at Chelsea in midweek.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The Dutchman has also enjoyed loan spells at Falkirk and Carlisle United.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has branded reports that he has already decided to retire at the end of the season as "nonsense".
United's goalkeeping coach Eric Steele suggested on Thursday that the 39-year-old Dutchman had made up his mind that this season would be his last.
Van der Sar has made over 750 first-team appearances for the likes of the Red Devils, Fulham, Juventus and Ajax, but claims that no decision has yet been made on whether he will play on for another season.
The 130-cap Dutch record holder normally discusses his future with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson in January before putting pen to paper on a rolling one-year contract.
"That's complete nonsense," van der Sar told Dutch media."I do not know where this story comes from but it is nonsense. I don't yet know whether I will stop or continue after this season.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"Only in the course of this season will I think about it. Then I will decide and not before. For now I keep my focus on United."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has admitted he could have a problem should a club of the stature of Manchester United come calling for Darren Bent.
Bent is the Black Cats' seven-goal leading scorer after an eye-catching start to the season.
The 26-year-old is now a regular in the England squad 15 months after arriving at the Stadium of Light from Tottenham.
Wayne Rooney's unhappiness at United could see the Old Trafford club enter the market for a replacement in January.
But although vowing to keep hold of his star striker, Bruce has admitted it would be hard to keep Bent on Wearside should the Red Devils come calling.
"When you see the records and goal scoring charts Benty is always up there. Rooney, Drogba, Bent. I hope nothing will happen," he said.
"That is a problem all managers face from time to time. It is the nature of football that there are merry-go-rounds but I don't want to pre-empt it.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"At Sunderland we can turn everything down but silly money.
"Ultimately as we have witnessed at Man U player power is unbelievable."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Widely regarded as one of England’s finest young talents, and already labelled as ‘the next Steven Gerrard’, Liverpool fans are expecting great things from Jonjo Shelvey. And with every glimpse the Anfield faithful get of the youngster, the air of optimism continues to grow. It is now seemingly only a matter of time before he is holding down a regular first team place. But the question on Liverpool’s fans lips is why not already?
At the tender age of eighteen, Shelvey looks like a great prospect for both Liverpool and England, and though admittedly not ready for the international stage just yet, he could step up to Liverpool’s first team in the near future, particularly given their current predicament. After exactly a quarter of the Premier League season gone, Liverpool are floundering in the relegation zone, and aside from one game, have shown a lack of creativity, movement, and energy, with the main perpetrators being his central midfield competition, Lucas and Christian Poulsen; for this reason there couldn’t be a better time for Shelvey to be pushing for some first team action.
His display away at Napoli was his most recent and most impressive display to date. To play so comfortably, arguably giving a man of the match performance, in such a hostile atmosphere without the experience Gerrard, Torres and Cole to help him along the way suggests he is as thick skinned and determined as he is technically capable. No Liverpool fans are suggesting he is an immediate solution to their problems, but the youthful vitality and promise Shelvey has in such abundance may go some way in lifting spirits on the terraces as well as on the pitch. Without the late summer addition of Raul Miereles, it would be hard to imagine any reason for Shelvey’s absence.
However, Liverpool fans may well have to wait some time before they see Shelvey playing regularly in a red shirt if, that is, Roy Hodgson does enough to keep himself in a job at Anfield for an extended period of time. The reason being that historically, Hodgson has put his trust in age and experience; Fulham’s average age was just below 30 throughout his tenure at Craven Cottage, and from being just over 24 last season; Liverpool’s average age is now just under 28. Although this is fine when getting results, a mix of youth and experience has often proved to be the healthiest option, however, it is difficult to envisage Hodgson ever adopting this stance. Emiliano Insua, and Kristian Nemeth have been loaned out and sold respectively at the age of twenty, whilst Daniel Agger, even at 25, isn’t getting a sniff of first team football. Lucas and Ngog are the youngest players that can be classed as first teamers, though this is more through necessity than choice. Arguably, the reason Shelvey got ninety minutes under his belt against Napoli was to ensure the so called ‘big’, and experienced, players were well rested for Blackburn at home, a potentially career defining game for Hodgson.
So, Shelvey may have to wait a year or two to establish himself in the first team, or even wait for a new manager to be put in place at Anfield, but there is a feeling amongst Liverpool fans that, whoever is in charge, it won’t be long until Jonjo gives them no choice but to play him.
The Mackems have certainly responded well to that rather embarrassing derby defeat at St James Park and coming off that win over Chelsea confidence won’t have been any higher this season.
Unbeaten at home, solid at the back, a hard-working midfield and now they have two quality strikers, Everton have a tough task to come away from the Stadium of Light with anything, despite the good run they’ve been on lately.
Fingers crossed Steve Bruce will start with Asamoah Gyan and Darren Bent up front, if the English striker is passed fit, rather than packing out his midfield. The Toffees have had the best of things between these two in recent times but Sunderland are on a roll and look a good bet at 8/5.