Let me start with a big fat welcome to Gervinho. The former Lille star has finally completed his move to Arsenal as Arsene Wenger confirmed he is now officially an Arsenal player.
Gervinho was part of a Lille team last year that completed a league and domestic cup double. The Brazilian born Ivory Coast star scored 18 goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions last year and will hopefully be able to adapt quickly and carry on that form to next season. Gervinho is a player with pace who can take on players, score goals and create chances for others he will be an excellent addition to our squad and personally, I can't wait to see him in action (although that won't be until after our tour of Asia)
Arsene Wenger has been put in front of the press for the first time this year ahead of our first pre-season friendly against Malaysia XI on Wednesday and even on the other side of the world, the questions were the same, 'Is Fabregas going to Barcelona?' 'Is Nasri leaving or signing?' Le gaffer dealt with the questions as we all know he will, speaking lots but saying nothing. I am honestly lost when it comes to the 'Nasregas Saga' as I have now decided to call it. One day I think we could lose one but not the other, the next I sink to being sure that both men are sure to leave Ashburton Grove and then crazy days where I even support the notion that we may have both players in an Arsenal shirt next year. I can only suggest believe nothing and ignore the entire situation until either the season starts and they're still with us or Arsenal.com indeed confirm that one, the other or even both have parted company with our great club and although this is prompting abuse, trust Arsene knows what he's doing.
One place we know Nasri won't be going is to Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson has said he won't be pursuing him as he suggested that Nasri may be heading elsewhere, even suggesting he may stay put at Arsenal.
Wenger also confirmed that Bendtner and Almunia have stayed at home to try and secure moves away from Arsenal with Borussia Dortmund seemingly close to securing our 'almost' great Dane with a £9m deal. Arsenal's current financial structure means that players need to leave before we can bring others in so hopefully more new arrivals (Mata, I'm looking at you) will follow any departures as soon as possible.
You know the season is beautifully close when Sky announce their live games schedule which they have done today. Check with Sky for a full list but our live games come as follows:
13/08 Vs Newcastle - ESPN 17:30
20/08 Vs Liverpool - Sky 12:45
28/08 Vs Man Utd - Sky 16:00
17/09 Vs Blackburn - Sky 12:45
02/10 Vs Spuds - Sky 16:00
29/10 Vs Chelsea - Sky 12:45
19/11 Vs Norwich - Sky 12:45
28/11 Vs Fulham - ESPN 17:30
In addition to this we will have our Champions League qualifier either side of the Liverpool game so our first five games are all live on TV.
Last night the AST were given a presentation by Arsenal last night and in all honesty the highlights I picked up from @DarrenArsenal1 on twitter were mainly survey results which confirm what we already know, fans are not happy about how the season went. To see a more detailed breakdown jump onto twitter and give @DarrenArsenal1 a follow and look down his timeline.
Final point for pondering for you all. I have read a couple of conflicting suggestions regarding squad numbers. With Gervinho arriving and prefering the no11 shirt, Carlos Vela looks as though he'll give it up and it's suggested he'll pick up the no18 shirt as Lansbury seems to have been given his old no12 but then where does that leave Squillaci? God only knows (and he's busy coaching Ajax youth team so I don't want to bother him) so we'll all just have to wait patiently to find out.
Till next time,
Goonerfish.
As I mentioned twitter, I may as well shamelessly promote myself too, you can follow me here
welcome gervinho.
ReplyDeletenasri will stay and become arsenal longest player
fab will finish his contract..........