Arsenal FC @ Emirates All Gunner fans fall in

[kiko]

Arsenal are poised to increase their bid for Andrei Arshavin to ?12million after Zenit St Petersburg rejected their initial ?10m offer.

Russian Arshavin was in London last week to prepare for the move and, with boss Arsene Wenger identifying him as a key target and Zenit keen to sell, a deal could be completed this week.

Wenger wants to add Arshavin to his squad to show that he can compete with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

But he has been told by Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood that the club must divert funds into the redevelopment of Highbury, which has been hit by the property slump. With the collapse of sterling in recent months, Arsenal's transfer funds have been squeezed tighter than they anticipated.

Arsenal have offered ?10m plus an additional ?5m based on appearances for Arshavin, but Zenit do not want to settle for less than ?18m and want a higher percentage paid up front.

Zenit spokesman Alexei Petrov said: 'I can confirm that Zenit did get an official offer from Arsenal about Andrei Arshavin. It was rejected as insufficient. 'They offered about ?10m. No new offers have arrived from them since. At the moment, Arsenal are the only club to have approached us about the player.'

Wenger will have to persuade director Danny Fiszman and Hill-Wood to release more funds for the player and potentially break the club's transfer record - ?13m paid for Sylvain Wiltord more than eight years ago.

Arshavin's signing may also go some way to convincing captain Cesc Fabregas that the club has the potential to attract big names, with talks on his future due this summer.

Fabregas is the player Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola wants for next season and they have already tried to sign him, when director Marc Ingla met with Arsenal director Ken Friar last summer.

But with Barcelona enjoying their best period for two and a half years, top of La Liga and playing some of the most stylish football in Europe, it is believed at the Nou Camp that Guardiola's special relationship with Fabregas will now tempt him back to the club he was at as a youth-team player.

Arsenal now face a critical six months, with Robin van Persie yet to sign his new deal and also attracting interest from Barcelona.

And Theo Walcott's contract runs out in 2010 and will need to be upgraded in the next few months to secure his future at the club.

[kiko]

Danish hotshot Nicklas Bendtner came off the bench to score a late winner as Arsenal made hard work of beating an injury-hit Bolton Wanderers side.

In a first half of very few chances at either end, the liveliest player on show was Arsenal’s Dutch striker Robin Van Persie and he went closest to breaking the deadlock with two efforts around the half-hour mark that both flashed over Jussi Jaaskelainen’s cross bar.

Bolton failed to provide a threat of any kind in the second period and, as the Trotters’ players began to tire, the Gunners began to lay siege to their goal with Van Persie again going close as his curling strike rebounded to safety off the base of the post.

Arsene Wenger threw Carlos Vela and Nicklas Bendtner on in the final half hour and the Danish striker immediately threatened with a header that he could only direct straight at Jaaskelainen.

However, Bendtner continued to look dangerous and he eventually grabbed his and Arsenal’s reward for their efforts in the 84th minute as Van Persie drove to the byline before firing the ball across the six-yard where Bendtner was waiting to steer beyond Jaaskelainen.

The result keeps Arsenal on the coattails of Aston Villa in the race for the Champions League while condemning Bolton to their fourth defeat in their last five games.

Gooner Talk will bring back our renowned match report’s in the near future, thanks for your understanding.

[kiko]

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to step up his efforts to sign Sebastian Battaglia from Argentine Champions Boca Juniors, with an offer for defensive midfielder being mooted, according to The News of the World.

28-year-old Battaglia has been at Boca for the best part of his playing career apart from a disappointing spell at La Liga club Villarreal, who he played for between 2004/2005. The Argentine International came through the youth ranks at the South American side and is the most decorated player in Los Xeneizes history, with 17 professional titles.

Wenger has been keen to add a ball winner to the midfield at the Emirates Stadium after the departure of Mathieu Flamini to AC Milan last summer. The need is now greater at the Premier League club due to the injury to Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas, who is out for the next three-months with knee ligament damage, which has made the Frenchman turn his attention to the highly-rated Argentine.

Battaglia is valued in the region of £4million by Boca, with it remaining to be seen if the Argentine side are willing to let the midfielder leave the Estadio Alberto J Armando for the Premiership.

The Argentine has played nearly 200 league games for Boca during his two spells at the club and was a pivotal figure in the Argentines winning the Apertura in a three-way play-off recently. Battaglia has 8 caps for Argentina and was recently voted Boca’s best player in a poll.

[kiko]

Andrei Arshavin will sign for Arsenal this month — despite Zenit St Petersburg turning down an initial £10million bid according to reports in the Sun.

A Zenit insider revealed: “Negotiations between the clubs about Arshavin are continuing.

“Since both sides want them to be successful, we should expect a good outcome soon — and certainly before the end of the transfer window.”

Club spokesman Alexei Petrov revealed: “I can confirm that Zenit did get an official offer of about £10m from Arsenal for Andrei Arshavin.

“It was rejected as insufficient. No new offers have arrived from them since.

“At the moment, only Arsenal have officially appr-oached us about the player.”

The bid is far below Zenit’s asking price of around £23m set last summer.

But Arshavin is allegedly ‘desperate’ to play for the Gunners and has even been taking a crash course in English

[kiko]

Arsenal could be forced to smash their transfer record or be priced out of a move for Andrei Arshavin, as Zenit St Petersburg continue to demand a big-money fee for the wantaway Russian playmaker.

The Gunners have already seen one offer of £10m knocked back, but are understood to be ready to return with an improved deal.

However, that is not likely to be anywhere near the £20m figure touted by the Russians, even including any add-on clauses.

Given both cash-rich Manchester City and Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan are also reported to be chasing the signature of the 27-year-old, it seems the Emirates Stadium club could have no option but to stretch themselves to be sure of landing Arsene Wenger's number one target.

While the traditionally prudent Gunners have money to spend, the club, and indeed their manager, remain determined not to be held to ransom and have a current transfer record of £13m paid to Bordeaux for Sylvain Wiltord in 2000.

Nevertheless, Arsenal would seem to be the preferred destination of the creative, attack-minded midfielder who shot to prominence at Euro 2008 - and would slot right into a side missing injured captain Cesc Fabregas for the next three months.

Zenit manager Dick Advocaat, the former Rangers boss, seems resigned to losing Arshavin, who will not go on a pre-season tour to the United Arab Emirates as his future is finally resolved one way or another.

Arshavin's agent, Dennis Lachter, said in the London Evening Standard: "It looks like nothing will happen this week now, but there may be some movement early next week."

The Gunners have lacked a consistent link-man between midfield and attack since the retirement of Dutch legend Dennis Bergkamp at the end of the 2005/2006 campaign.

The 39-year-old is currently working on his coaching badges at former club Ajax, and revealed he would one day love a return to Arsenal.

"I wouldn't rule it out [working at Arsenal in some capacity]. I really love this club and the country and I love working here," Bergkamp said in an interview to be broadcast on Arsenal TV's 'Bob Wilson Meets...' show this evening.

"I would advise everyone to work in England, as a player or a coach, it just breathes football. It is fantastic for the game."

Bergkamp believes the state of English football has changed for the better since his arrival from Inter back in 1996.

"I think when I first came it was a case that [there was a lack of technical ability]. Then a lot of foreign players came in and probably improved the game," said Bergkamp, who went on to score 120 goals in 423 games for the Gunners.

"Now I feel that there are foreign players who are coming in who aren't improving the game because you've got English players who are technically better.

"It has changed. If you only look at Arsenal for example, you have 16-year-olds with fantastic technique who came through the system so you must be doing something right."

[kiko]

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Manchester City are not living in the real world following media reports the club has offered more than 100 million pounds for AC Milan forward Kaka.

"I don't feel in connection with (the Manchester City bid) at all because we live in a football club which lives in the real world," Wenger was quoted as saying on Arsenal's website (Don't Just Book It - Thomas Cook It || Arsenal.com) on Thursday.

"The implications (of the transfer fee) would be a disturbance on the market. Inflationary trend in a deflationary world," the Frenchman added.

AC Milan's TV channel said earlier on Thursday that the Italian Serie A club was considering an offer from Premier League City for the 26-year-old Brazil playmaker.

"We are in a world where we live from three kinds of income -- gate receipts, the sponsors and the television money," Wenger said. "That is the real world of football."

"Manchester City are in a different world because they do not live with their income."

City manager Mark Hughes, who works for the richest club in the world after a takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group, told reporters on Thursday a deal to sign Kaka was still on.

[yingge]

Really sad to see them play like that recently!

[kiko]

Arsene Wenger is ready to admit a £9million mistake on Matthew Upson - and offer Nicklas Bendtner to take the West Ham defender back to Arsenal.

Wenger is desperate for a centre-half and midfielder in January and Upson (right) fits the bill even though it would mean an amazing U-turn. The Arsenal boss sold Upson, 29, to Birmingham for £3m in 2003 and now hard-up West Ham want at least £12m for the England defender.

Wenger, who is also "hopeful" of signing Andrei Arshavin, does not have limitless funds and may be willing to offer Danish striker Bendtner as a £5m makeweight for Upson.

Bendtner is a bit-part player at Arsenal and Wenger also has Eduardo returning from injury. The Gunners chief may therefore let him quit the club so he can strengthen his central defence, an area that has been a major concern.

West Ham have knocked back bids from Tottenham and Manchester City for Craig Bellamy and are hoping to - survive January without having to sell one of their prize assets - namely Upson, Robert Green and Scott Parker.

Upson is also reluctant to move to a club without Champions League ambitions and has been hoping that Aston Villa or Arsenal would join the hunt for his services.

A return to Arsenal for Upson would be seen as a remarkable change of heart by Wenger. But with £30m at stake for reaching the Champions League, the Emirates chief may think it's a U-turn with which he can easily live.

[kiko]

Arsene Wenger last night claimed he is "very hopeful" of signing top transfer target Andrei Arshavin.

The Arsenal boss has offered £12million for the Zenit St Petersburg playmaker, 27.

But he refuses to pay over the-odds because Arshavin is not eligible for the Champions League.

"We are in negotiations, but we will respect our principles," said Wenger.

"I am very hopeful something can be done in a few days.

[kiko]

Andrei Arshavin is just one of Arsenal’s targets in the transfer window.

Arsène Wenger has remained pretty tight-lipped about his reported pursuit of the Russian playmaker since the transfer window opened but, at Thursday’s press conference, the Frenchman did suggest he was hopeful about bringing the 27-year-old to Emirates Stadium. Still, a deal is not close just yet and, interestingly, Wenger added that other players have caught his eye.

“I don't think it is worth to talk about [Arshavin] at the moment because we are nowhere near signing him,” said the manager. "But he is one of the players we consider. He is not the only one we are on.

"Yes,” he replied when asked if he was still hopeful over the transfer. “But at the moment it is not an absolute worry because we have so many players who will come back soon. We focus on them.

“Also speaking about a player like Arshavin - he cannot play in the Champions League. If he comes here now he will have 15-16 games and it will take five, six, seven maybe 10 games to adapt. You don't know."

[kiko]

Arsenal struck twice late on to see off battling Hull tonight and keep pace with the Barclays Premier League top four.

Hull had looked set to frustrate the Gunners for the second time this season when Daniel Cousin cancelled out Emmanuel Adebayor's opener in the second half.

But the KC Stadium visitors produced a strong finish and snatched victory with goals in the final nine minutes from Samir Nasri and Nicklas Bendtner.

Arsenal named an unchanged side at Hull tonight as they looked to keep pace with the Barclays Premier League top four.

Responding to wins earlier in the day from Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa, the Gunners named the same side that started last week's win over Bolton - with match-winner Nicklas Bendtner on the bench.

Hull, aiming to complete a shock double over Arsene Wenger's men, had an unfamiliar look after making six changes for the clash at the KC Stadium.

New signing Kevin Kilbane was handed a debut while there were surprise starts for Nathan Doyle, Ryan France and Peter Halmosi. Striker Marlon King was not even among the substitutes.

Boaz Myhill produced a brilliant double save to deny Arsenal the lead after 28 minutes following the award of a dubious free-kick for a foul on Emmanuel Eboue.

The goalkeeper just did enough to tip Van Persie's fierce shot on to the bar and then recovered to block from Johan Djourou as the defender pounced on the rebound.

Yet Hull could not hold out much longer and fell behind a minute later as Emmanuel Adebayor headed home a Van Persie corner at the far post for only his third goal in nine games.

France's unexpected start, after spending most of the campaign in the reserves, meant he became the fourth Hull player to play in all four divisions for the club.

Geovanni, scorer in Hull's shock win at the Emirates Stadium in September, had the game's first chance after two minutes.

The Brazilian confused the Arsenal defence with a late run while two other Hull players stood in offside positions but he scuffed his shot.

A chance opened up for Doyle moments later but the right-back shot straight at Manuel Almunia from distance.

Arsenal's first opportunity came from a free-kick and Robin van Persie almost got lucky as his firm effort was deflected narrowly wide by Michael Turner.

The visitors were almost caught after Geovanni sparked a counter-attack but Daniel Cousin's cross was blocked and his follow-up shot went well wide.

Geovanni also curled in a dangerous-looking free-kick from out wide but Almunia safely gathered and another set-piece moments later was shot into the wall.

Van Persie muscled into the area early in the second half but was penalised for a foul on Sam Ricketts.

Adebayor then beat Turner to create space for a shot but Myhill punched clear.

Hull made their first change after 53 minutes when the ineffective Halmosi was replaced by new striker Manucho and the formation switched from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2.

Manucho's first taste of the action left him with a facial wound after clashing heads with Djourou while contesting a bouncing ball in the area.

Hull appealed for a penalty but referee Alan Wiley was uninterested.

Hull snatched an equaliser in the 65th minute when Cousin, the match-winner at the Emirates, headed firmly past Almunia after Bernard Mendy's cross took a slight deflection off Gael Clichy.

Mendy caused more problems moments later and won a free-kick on the right but Arsenal escaped further damage.

Clichy was then booked for a foul on Mendy as the Hull winger,clearly inspired by his role in the goal, continued to cause havoc on the right.

Hull had the bit between their teeth but Arsenal still threatened in possession and Abou Diaby fired a good chance wide.

Myhill then saved again after substitute Bendtner worked his way into the box
and fired across goal.

Hull were exposed again nine minutes from time as Van Persie's pass found Samir Nasri in space and the Frenchman shot left-footed across Myhill to restore Arsenal's lead.

The Gunners then killed off the game five minutes from time as Bendtner played a one-two with an apparently offside Van Persie and finished clinically.

Arsenal almost added a flattering fourth when Bendtner struck the post late
on.

[kiko]

Andrei Arshavin's agent says the deal taking him to Arsenal will be concluded over the next week.

The 27-year-old Zenit St Petersburg ace has long been linked with a move to the Premier League and almost joined Arsenal's big rivals Tottenham.

But now the Gunners are in pole position to seal the forward's signature in a deal which is likely to be worth more than £15million.

The deal will also represent a club record for Arsenal, beating the £13million they paid for Sylvain Wiltord some nine years ago.

"The deal should go through this week," Arshavin's agent Dennis Lachter said in the News of the World.

"Andrei wants to go, Arsenal want him and Zenit accept they have to sell.

"It's just a matter of sorting out the sums but the indication is it'll happen soon, perhaps within days."

[MrBombastic]

Let Me Show You Why Arsenal Sign Andrey Arshavin

[kiko]

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says Welsh teenage midfielder Aaron Ramsey is exceeding his expectations.

Ramsey's ex-club Cardiff host the Gunners in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, and Wenger said: "Overall I'm very pleased with his progress.

"I must say that he is ahead of where I planned for him to be in January."

Speaking to the Gunners' official magazine, Wenger added: "He is still only just 18 years of age and you need to be a little bit patient with him."

Arsenal's summer signing has made eight starts in 15 appearances this season and scored his first Arsenal goal in their 5-2 win against Fenerbahce in October.

Wenger added: "I believe that it's better to make the step [to the Premier League] at that age than five or six years later.

He has not only made the step up from the Championship to the Premier League, but also to a Premier League team that wants to be at the top and who fights in the Champions League, and that means it's a massive difference at such a young age.

"I believe he did extremely well because he has drive and he can push the team forward.

"He is always available, he wants the ball and he is very dynamic in his play.

"He has shown that every time we've picked him, he has responded in a very positive way."

[kiko]

Andrei Arshavin's frustrations over the deadlock between Arsenal and Zenit St Petersburg bubbled over when his agent indicated that the Russia forward would eventually be prepared to buy out his contract

Fifa rules allow a player who signed a contract before the age of 28 to release himself three years later and Arshavin's agent, Dennis Lachter, suggested that his client would be willing to take that step.

"There are still chances that he'll move to England," he said. "As an agent I must be optimistic about that. If that doesn't happen we are not going to do anything, even in the summer. We'll wait until next autumn when the so-called 'protected term' of his contract is over and he should be able to buy it out."

Lachter was also quoted in the Russian media as describing Zenit's attitude over Arshavin as "barbaric", adding: "If you do not stay with us, you are not going to play for anyone else. Unfortunately they are in the position to behave like this. We can't do anything about it."

Zenit say they have received an offer of £12 million for Arshavin, but Lachter is adamant that the deal could eventually be worth at least £15 million. If so, it would surpass Arsenal's transfer record of £13 million.

Referring to statements from Zenit general director Maxim Mitrofanov, Lachter said: "The figure he is giving is true, but it's not the whole truth. The offer also provided for extraordinary bonuses which Zenit would quite realistically get. For instance, if Arshavin played for Arsenal a certain number of games. Or if the Gunners won some trophy this season. In this case, Zenit could be paid up to £15-16 million."

Arsenal tabled a bid last week, but are still awaiting an official response from Zenit. There is, though, concern that the offer has been publicised in an attempt to attract other interested clubs. There are also suggestions of a Jan 26 deadline. Arshavin's desire to leave is clear, but his performances in last summer's Euro 2008 have helped persuade Zenit to place an £18 million price tag on his head. Arshavin travelled to Dubai with Zenit for Russia's pre-season in an attempt to be fit for any move to England.

"We decided that he should go," Lachter said. "He needs to be fit in case his move is finally agreed upon. He went for that pre-season session for his own sake, not the team."

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Adebayor said last night that Arsenal might as well pack up and go home if they did not believe they could force themselves back into the title race.

After a troubled first half of the campaign, in which William Gallas was stripped of the captaincy following public criticism of the team, the Gunners have slowly started to recapture their form, with an unbeaten Premier League run now at eight games.

Adebayor said: "The most important thing is that we keep on going and keep on believing in ourselves and thinking we can do something.

"If we didn't believe we could still win the title, we might as well just ask the boss if we could spend the season back home enjoying ourselves with our families.