Yohann Pelé to Arsenal?

Le Mans open door for Yohann Pelé move to Gunners

A keeper to push Jens must be a priority signing for Wenger this summer. Whether young Yohann Pelé fits the bill I don't know. He would certainly add some depth as well as talent.

Arsenal off to AZ for friendly

Arsenal heading to Holland

One of Arsenal's preseason games will be a trip across the North Sea to Holland to face AZ Alkmaar who have arranged the match as a curtain raiser for their new stadium.

Fifa clears Arsenal after probe

BBC SPORT : Fifa clears Arsenal after probe

Fifa has cleared Arsenal of any breach of club ownership rules over their dealings with Belgian side Beveren.

Yet again the Spursnight exclusive has been proven to be smoke and mirrors.

Bishop's Stortford Annouce New Signings

Bishops's Stortford Blues have announced two significant pre-season signings. Midfielder, Craig Edwards, joins the club from Chelmsford City and defender Dave Collis' signature has been secured from Thurrock.

Juve plot thickens: Pessotto falls from window

ESPNsoccernet - Europe - Juve plot thickens: Pessotto falls from window: Surely Juventus will be relegated. I wonder what the future holds for Patrick Vieira!?

Trabelsi offered Arsenal contract

According to the BBC Ajax's out of contract right back Trabelsi has been offered a contract by Arsenal. It's no secret that we almost signed him 2 years ago and Wenger probably can't resist picking up a player he obviously fancies on a free. The question is if this deal goes through where does it leave Eboue, Lauren, Gilbert & Hoyte?

I have a feeling Lauren is on his way out of the club. I also fancy that Eboue might be better suited to a right midfield role. In that case Trabelsi makes sense. He's one of the best right backs around and on a free it's almost a no brainer.

Henry gets his revenge over Puyol and the CL final

Ok so Puyol's foul wasn't as bad as Thierry made it look but hay ho he deserved it for being a Barcelona player. France scored from the resulting free kick and went on to win 3-1. Spain looked hopeless, too narrow and out of ideas. France will go all the way now...? I certainly think they can and will beat Brazil. Henry will rip up Brazil's defence.

I have a feeling that Germany will beat Argentina. I hope that Ukraine can beat Italy (if anyone knows how to unlock an Italian defence it's Shevchenko, right?). Portugal surely will beat England (England would need to improve 4 fold if they want to beat Scolari).

The last 8 is proving to be rather interesting but being in Europe it's no surprise to see that the only two non-European teams left are Brazil and Argentina.

Kuyt to Henry to goal...?

According to Sky Sports, Arsene Wenger has confirmed an interest in Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt. Surely he's seen something in him that we didn't see on display during this World Cup. From what I saw he didn't look good enough for Arsenal. This must also confirm that Wenger is looking for another striker to add to the squad. I still think we we need a keeper before we need a striker. Also an extra defensive midfielder wouldn't hurt.

Theo Walcott compared to Keira Knightley

In this article, Garforth Town AFC: Simon Clifford: The joke's on Sven, football coach Simon Clifford compares Theo Walcott to Keira Knightley. He worked with Walcott for 3 months while at Southampton and also with Knightley during the filming of Bend it Like Beckham.

Emirates Stadium floodlights tested

Arsenal.com Emirates Stadium floodlights tested - picture special
What a stadium! Can't wait for next season to start. This new ground will take Arsenal to the next level.

Arsenal boys help their teams through to knock out stage of World Cup 2006

Both Thierry Henry and Philipe Senderos got on the score sheets for their respective teams tonight. Both France and Switzerland won 2-0 meaning that Switzerland go through as group winners with a very impressive record not conceding and goals in the opening 3 games.

Senderos has looked the part for the Swiss, possibly he's been the most impressive Arsenal player on display thus far. Certainly tonight's typical centre back break your nose to score with a powerful header goal will not have done his reputation any harm at all. I'm certain that this competition will leave a couple of the Arsenal youngsters looking a whole stage better for next season. Already Fabregas has been a stand out player for Spain. Reyes setup Spain's only goal today. Senderos has looked commanding. Rosicky was the Czech's best player and Adebayor was by far Togo's best player although his off the field antics have got me rather worried as to his mental state.

As far as Arsenal players meeting in the knockout stages, there are some interesting prospects. Fabregas will get to tussle with Vieira again as Spain meet France in what should be a very interesting match. Everyone is building Spain up and writing off France. Recipe for an upset if you ask me. Also it'll be interesting to see if Holland can get past Portugal, if they do surely the impressive Van Persie will need to be on form along with Robben. Will Freddie be able to score against Lehmann when Sweden meet Germany? Also will Tevez get to keep his place against Mexico. The two Corinthians players for Argentina have looked awesome. It'll be interesting to see if Corinthians / MSI can keep them in Brazil.

The group stages are over. The World Cup begins now...

FA Arsenal | Arsenal probe finds no evidence

BBC SPORT : Arsenal probe finds no evidence

So Newsnight's smoke a mirrors came to nothing. Surprised? No! Newsnight have responded by complaining that the FA didn't investigate Arsenal's dealings in Ivory Coast. Oh pleeeeze! Give up Spursnight!

Wenger criticises Domenech tactics

Sky Sports - Wenger criticises Domenech

"I feel sorry for Thierry because he was left isolated as a lone striker and did not get enough support," said Wenger.

Ironically isn't that how Arsenal played during this seasons Champions League? Hay ho...

Saviola to Arsenal...?

Sky Sports - Arsenal seeking Saviola: A promising rumour. Saviola is a class player who has never quite reached his potential. Would be an interesting signing for Arsenal. I doubt it'll happen though.

England Formation, Tevez & Soccernet

In my opinion this is how England should line-up against Equador. Rooney should be holding the ball up for Lampard and Gerrard to make forward runs. Joe Cole should be given a free role, while Beckham is told to stay further back and play long passes for Lampard, Gerrard and Rooney. Hargreaves should be told just to anchor the midfield and protect the defence. Ashley Cole should be making forward runs past Joe Cole. Someone should be looking for Ashley Cole as an outlet. The other 3 defenders should stay back and concentrate on defending. This system would also work if you brought Lennon on with this pace. Also Carrick can play in the anchor position too. Anyhow it's all academic as Sven will probably stick with Crouch and Rooney which is a totally useless partnership.

Tevez was man of the match in Argentina's 0-0 draw with Holland yesterday. Also Ivory Coast came from behind with 10 men to win 3-2 against Serbia and Montenegro (interestingly Soccernet had the score 3-2 in favour of Serbia... hhmmm).

Owen and Out!

My fear for England right from the start of this World Cup has been the fitness not of Rooney but of Michael Owen. My fears were realised within 2 minutes of the start of the Sweden game when Owen's right knee collapsed leaving the player in agony. He's going to be out of the rest of the competition for sure. This injury is typical for a player who's suffered other injuries this season and has only played 6 hours of football this year. Let's hope Rooney really is fit and that Walcott is as good as Sven hopes he is... That's a lot of hoping!!

Real Madrid candidate in Wenger claim

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Arsenal | Madrid candidate in Wenger claim

Yes Arsenal fans it's that time of year again. A top Spanish club is running presidential elections and as usual the election manifestos include references to buying in Arsenal's top stars. All of course can be take with a pinch of salt. Wenger wouldn't move to Real in a million years.

Beer causes fans lose trousers to gain entry

Fans lose trousers to gain entry. So you can't wear clothing with another brewery on it? World Cup commercialism gone mad! Fascinating read.

Wise words from Ronaldo

"People only throw stones at fruit bearing trees." - Ronaldo

Shame he played like a tree the other night!

Argentina 6 - 0 Serbia and Whoever They Are

Argentina demolished Serbia in today's first game. Rodriquez got 2, Cambiasso got 1, Crespo got 1, Tevez got 1 and Messi added 1 more late on. Argentina are without a doubt the strongest team in the tournament. They don't have a aging fat striker to put up with like Brazil and they're a million times more organized that England. It'll be a shock if Argentina don't reach the final. On the way there's the prospect of a cracking contest with Brazil.

Next up Holland vs Ivory Coast. Should be a corker!

Sven Says Rooney is 'match fit' for England

But he won't start the match... So in other words he's NOT match fit. You've gotta love the whole Rooneygate thing. Anyhow lets hope that Walcott gets a run out for England tomorrow.

BBC SPORT | Football | World Cup 2006 | Teams | England | Rooney is 'match fit' for England

Aragones picks Luis Garcia ahead of Reyes!?

ESPNsoccernet - World Cup - Aragones leaves Raul on the bench: "The Spain coach has preferred David Villa and Fernando Torres in attack, supported by Luis Garcia.

Teenage midfielder Cesc Fabregas is also among the subsittutes, along with Joaquin and Jose Antonio Reyes."

Spain have put Luis Garcia in ahead of Reyes! Nuts! I expect Reyes to come off of the bench and have an impact on the game.

Parreira puts faith in Ronaldo

"O Ronaldo está escalado e vai começar jogando (contra a Austrália, domingo). Se eu não colocar o Ronaldo para jogar, ele nunca vai entrar em forma" - Carlos Alberto Parreira

"Ronaldo is in the team and will start the match (against Australia this Sunday). If I don't put Ronaldo in to play, he will never find his form." - Carlos Alberto Parreira

Gazeta Esportiva.Net - Copa do Mundo Alemanha 2006

Ronaldo wasn't just off form. He was lost, totally out of the game. Brazil were playing with 10 players until Robinho came on. At least in Kaka they have a player who is on form and looking to make his mark. He could be the stand out player of the competition.

Wenger: 'English change of outlook needed'

ESPNsoccernet - World Cup - Wenger: 'English change of outlook needed'

"Backing England to challenge for the trophy in Germany this summer, he suspects there may come a time when Eriksson needs employ a holding midfielder in a bid to release Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard into the attacking positions they excel in for the club sides."

Proof that Wenger knows what he's talking about and Sven does not.

Sven will lumber on with the useless Crouch and the crocked Rooney and Owen. Then they can blame the heat when the unfit players tire. Nice one!

Rosicky scores Arsenal's first two goals of World Cup

Myles Palmer of ANR has summed up everything any Arsenal fan would want to know about the Czech Republic's win against USA. Rosicky... oh yes!

Italy got a well worked 2-0 win against Ghana (very much like Argentina's win against Ivory Coast). It certainly looks like Ivory Coast are the strongest of the African teams, they have good players in all departments.

The most exciting game of the day turned out to be Australia vs Japan. The Aussies came from 1-0 to win 3-1 and score their first ever goals in the World Cup finals. Tim Cahill really turned the game, he has a habit of doing that!

Roll on Brazil, France and Togo. Tomorrow promises to be another great day of football. I'll be interested to see how Adebayor gets on and also how Henry plays against Senderos. Brazil's game will be interesting quite simply because normally you don't have to wait 5 days into the competition to see the reigning champions.

Brasil coach Parreira dismisses Argentina's chances

Carlos Alberto Parreira has dismissed Argentina's chances of winning the World Cup this time around because to do so they would need to beat Brasil.

Sounds like fighting talk. Anyhow Argentina will need to navigate their way past Holland first.

Australia 3-1 Japan

Australia have come from 1-0 down to beat Japan 3-1 in their first game of World Cup 2006. What a turn around!

BBC SPORT: Live: Australia 3-1 Japan

Robin to Robben 1-0 Holland & Cygan Cygone?

Holland managed a 1-0 win over Serbia and Montenegro thanks in part to Robin Van Persie. Robin's sublime chipped pass over the defence to Robben set him on his way for the winner. Van Persie also had a beautiful free kick that went inches wide in the second half.

Reports from France suggest that Cygan will be leaving Arsenal this summer to join St Etienne.

Van Basten opts for Van Persie

It looks like Arsenal's Robin Van Persie will get a chance to shine in Holland's opening match this afternoon. Although the press are playing this as a surprise I think it's a sensible choice since Robin played a stormer in Holland's final warm-up game against Australia.

Let's hope he makes an impact!

ESPNsoccernet - World Cup - Van Basten springs a surprise

Violence as England game screened

Surprise, surprise! This is what happens when you don't let the yobs travel. It reminds me of about 6 years ago when I went down to Highbury to watch Arsenal vs. Spurs on the Jumbotron. Everything was calm until Spurs scored and one guy stood up and cheered. Ooops. Luckily nothing happened but the whole atmosphere changed. It's a shame that football and alcohol can produce this kind of violent anger in people.

BBC NEWS: Violence as England game screened

Argentina 2-1 Ivory Coast : A close run thing

At last! The first proper match between two evenly matched teams in this World Cup. The game was won in the first half by the skill, guile and experience of the South Americans. Saviola and Crespo getting the two goals. The scoreline was harsh on Ivory Coast though who looked a lot closer than the scoreline suggested. The second half saw players like Yaya and Kolo Toure as well as the sublime Drogba really stepping up their play. The spirit of 'The Elephants' was plain to see, their heads didn't drop at all. They were the exact opposite of Poland. Although the Ivory Coast had a better amount of the play in the second period they just couldn't find a way past the tough Argentinians. Mascherano and Cambiasso is a really good pairing in front of the back four. Ivory Coast eventually got the goal that their hard work merited when Drogba netted after 82 minutes. Argentina saw a late goal disallowed rightly for offside and Ivory Coast went close on a few occasions. 2-2 might have been a fair result but the Argentinians new exactly how to defend their lead. First blood Argentina in the group of death. I can sense that this group is far from over yet though.

Argentina showed that they've improved since 2002. They're here to play for the cup, they mean business. We didn't even get to see their powerhouse forward, Carlitos Tevez. Ivory Coast also showed they their are possibly the best ever African side to grace a World Cup. What they lack in experience they make up for in shear spirit and determination. Let's hope Holland turn up against Serbia and Montenegro tomorrow and keep this group on a knife edge. I certainly feel that Holland can beat Argentina on their day and that Ivory Coast vs Holland could be the match of the group stage. Game on World Cup 2006!

England 1-0 Paraguay

England got lucky in the first half with a Carlos Gamarra own goal making it 1-0. Then Paraguay lost their keeper and looked on the rocks. England couldn't find a way through and it stayed 1-0 until half time. The second half was chaotic from England's point of view. After 10 minutes Sven made a tactical change replacing Owen with Downing. This meant that England played a 4-5-1 formation with Crouch up front on his own. Crouch was then reduced to taking long balls which he could only head to Paraguay's defence. The midfield looked a mess and Paraguay really got going and could have scored. Paraguay looked a much better side in the second half but you have to say it was due to England's poor play. Sven should have replaced Crouch with Walcott late on just to ask some questions with his pace of the Paraguay defence. Also Downing looked hopeless, no pace at all. He was in the pocket of the Paraguay right back.

Beckham: "I don't think we lost our shape." - Pardon!? England's midfield 5 were on top of the defence.

Also the BBC pundits are blaming the weather (ala Japan & Korea 2002). Deja-vu!

So now on to the Sweden game... Still can't wait for tonight's game between Ivory Coast & Argentina.

ANR on Newsnight's response & England take on Paraguay.

ANR have an article on the BBC Newsnight programme editor's response to ANR's claim that Newsnight is more like Spursnight. In their response Newsnight claim that ANR is a blog... funny that since it's been running for 11 years, long before blogs!

Meanwhile England are labouring past Paraguay. 58 mins gone it's 1-0 and Owen was replaced by Downing. I'm hoping that Walcott will get a run out. I can see this game ending up 1-1. If it does then it's an unforgivable result. We shall see.

Spur's Summer Challenge

Not only do Spurs need to strengthen their squad this summer but they'll also have to fend of interest in their prize assets. Man United's bid for midfielder Michael Carrick is only the start. I for one hope they can keep their squad intact. It was nice seeing Arsenal and Spurs fighting for position and for once Spurs almost got the upper hand.

Forget England! Ivory Coast vs Argentina is today's big game

I'm looking forward to Tevez vs Toure. I've also noticed that there is an ex-Gunner in the Ivory Coast squad, Guy Demel. You may recall he was in the Arsenal reserves back in 2001. Also Yapi played a couple of games for Arsenal on trial from Beveren. So I'm supporting Ivory Coast in this one as the Arsenal side. I'll be keeping an eye on the two Corinthians lads though. Both Tevez and Mascherano have also been linked with moves across the Chelski oil money network for so it's worth noting that they could be playing against Arsenal sometime in the near future.

What an impressive stadium

Can't wait for the new season!

Lehmann pics up an ankle injury

According to ESPNsoccernet Jens Lehmann's twisted ankle could force him out of Germany's next game(s). Lehmann got the knock in Germany's 4-2 win over Costa Rica. Couldn't fault the Arsenal keeper for the goals, the defence left him high and dry twice. Both goals were kind of similar situations as the incident that led to his sending off against Barcelona.

"Just typical as I had him in my fantasy team!"

Carlos Vela, a signing in waiting

Carlos Vela is a bring tallent that who, all things being equal, should be joining Arsenal when he turns 18. Another exciting young prospect, how many of those do Arsenal have now!? Exciting times indeed.

Watch the World Cup on UK terrestrial TV

Which channel has go what and when??

BBC TV Sports Listings

ITV World Cup Schedule

Argentina vs Ivory Coast and Portugal vs Angola should be games worth seeing this weekend.

Arsenal top list of players at the World Cup

Arsenal.com: Arsenal top list of players at the World Cup

Arsenal and Chelsea are providing 16 players each for this World Cup. Considering the vast difference in finances between the two clubs I think this says a lot about Arsene Wenger's ability to locate great young talent world wide.

Over 100 players from English clubs are named in the 2006 FIFA World Cup squads, equivalent to one in seven of the total. German clubs come a distant second with 73.

An amazing number but maybe more interesting is the following:

The top tier of English football are not the only suppliers however with around 12 of the 30 English clubs represented currently playing outside the Premiership.

Arsenal linked with Yaya & Sol on his way?

Gunners 'failed with Toure bid' according to Alexis Alexandris. Not really very surprising considering his brother plays for us and also he used to play for Beveren. If we do get him it'll be a good signing since he's a solid midfield battler.

Also reports out of Turkey seem to indicate that Fenerbache's interest in Sol Campbell should become more solid after the World Cup. Hopefully we can arrange a swap deal for Fabio Luciano, one of my favourite centre backs.

Toure hopes Ivory Coast can 'do an Arsenal'

Arsenal's Kolo Toure hopes Ivory Coast can 'do an Arsenal' at the World Cup.

'Why not?' the centre-back told Reuters. 'I believe in this team. We have so much quality. We know we can score any time. We are not here by accident -- we don't need to be scared.'

Kolo also commented on how he'll handle Robin Van Persie when Ivory Coast take on Holland:

'We're not team mates because we're at the World Cup,' he said. 'I will not try to hurt him definitely. I will go for the ball but friendships go out of the window here.'

I certainly agree that Ivory Coast could provide some surprises in this competition.

----update----

Arsene Wenger seems to think so too: Wenger on the Ivory Coast's chances

The latest from ANR

Newsnight editor - a Spurs fan; credibility question over Deloitte report:

According to the Media Guardian, “Newsnight editor Peter Barron is a devoted Spurs fan”.

This raises a question mark over BBC impartiality in this case, and use of 'public' licence fee money when there were far more important national interest football stories around - see below on football wages.

Well well well...

'My future is at Arsenal', insists Jens Lehmann

'My future is at Arsenal', insists Jens Lehmann

That settles that then... I can see no reason at all as to why either Arsenal or Lehmann would want to part ways. Talk of Jens moving is pre World Cup media dribble.

Arsenal's loan rangers - how they fared

Justin Hoyte, Ryan Smith, Jeremie Aliadiere, Mark Howard and Michael Jordan are all Arsenal players who exchanged the Arsenal Reserves for a chance to shine out on loan. So how did they do? Did any of them show enough to get a shot at the new Emirates Stadium?

Arsenal.com have the low down:

Arsenal's loan rangers - how they fared

Arsenal Prospects - Justin Hoyte

Right-back at Arsenal and left-back at Sunderland. Either side this lad has shown great promise. Despite playing for the record breakingly bad Sunderland this past season Justin made the most of his chance making a very good name for himself. Hoyte is typical of the current youth players coming out of the academy. He's quick, strong and steady on the ball. He also seems to have a mature head on young shoulders. It seems like he'll have a chance to fight for a place in Arsenal's squad this coming season and even if he doesn't make it at Arsenal he looks like being a player to watch over coming seasons.

Wenger on summer signings

As well as showing off his new glasses Arsene Wenger has been talking about Arsenal's summers signings. The resigning of Thierry and the new signing of Rosicky look like being the biggest deals of the summer. It also seems that like us fans Arsene will be keeping a close eye on the World Cup.

“Remember we have players at the World Cup who have not featured for us.”

Robin Van Persie - One to watch

Judging by the style of Van Persie's game today against Australia it'll be interesting to see how he gets on at the World Cup.

Marco van Basten paid tribute to Robin van Persie before the Arsenal youngster played a full 90 minutes for Holland on Sunday. "You come to the conclusion that Van Persie is so good it would be a shame not to use him," said the Dutch coach.

If Robin can learn from Bergkamp and Van Basten... oh man!

Arsenal sign song and Rosicky sets targets

Song to Arsenal & Rosicky to Cech

Alex Song has apparently joined the Arsenal on a 4 year deal after spending last season on loan at the club from French side Bastia.

Out other summer signing, Tomas Rosicky, has immediately set out his intention to help break Chelsea's grip on the Premiership crown:

'I'm going to Arsenal to win titles and I have already warned Petr (Cech) it won't be so easy for them to win the league next

Rosicky also insisted he was going to Arsenal to become a Gunners legend in his own right, rather than looking to emulate Pires or departed Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp.

'I'm not going to London to replace Bergkamp or Pires, I am different from them and have my own style. I'm not scared off by anybody.'

Van Persie in action as Holland beat Mexico

With so many Arsenal players involved in this year's World Cup (16 in total!) it'll be hard for Gooners to keep track of how they're all doing. Anyhow here's a run down of the Arsenal players involved in World Cup warm-up games:

Arsenal.com: World Cup: Van Persie in action as Holland beat Mexico

Arsenal keeper set for Bluebirds & Arsenal accused on Beveren bung

Arsenal keeper set for Bluebirds: 19 year old Mark Howard is set to join Cardiff City when his contract expires next month.

In other news:

It's been claimed by the BBC's Newsnight programme that Arsenal have secretly invested £1 million in Belgian side Beveren. If the claims are true Arsenal could be expelled from the Champions League.

It strikes me that this business is rather ironic if you compare the huge amounts of cash that Chelsea are spending with £1m. Anyhow it'll be worth keeping an eye on how things progress.

England Shirts for only £10

England footie shirts for £10:

1. Follow THIS link to Littlewoods.com

2. Add the shirt to your basket and checkout.

3. At the checkout enter this code: ZQ603 or use interest free credit

An England shirt for £10, what deal!

If you want an extra 3% off then do all of the following using Greasypalms.

Colombian Keeper Scores

What a great goal kick!

Shevchenko joins Chelski Inc for crazy money

Is it any surprise he's smiling? But for how long...?

Can't agree more with this comment from the Arseblog:

"Oh, and just to make our lives easier Chelsea have signed Andriy Shevchenko for a squillion pounds. I don’t really think anyone cares what Chelsea and their Championship Manager owner do any more. The amount of money they spend is just ludicrous."

Chelsea's end is nigh... They can buy some of the best players in the world but can they keep the club as a whole on the rails? Time will tell.