A Quick Arsenal Update

As always, during the closed season, it's all about who's in and out. Only this time, the footballing world is more obsessed with the World Cup. So in case you missed what the papers are saying, here's a little update on The Gunners. =)

Signed...

Marouane Chamakh arrived at The Emirates last month on a free transfer from French club, Bordeaux. The Moroccan's arrival will provide an extra man upfront.

Possibly signed...

Yet another French man. The Gunners are looking into signing 24 year old Laurent Koscielny from Ligue 1 side, Lorient. The 6'1" centreback will fill in the gap left by Sol Campbell, William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre. I am not too sure about this news but now I am hearing that he has already been signed for 12 million Euro. Even his page on Wikipedia said so. Lol. Additionally, this centreback is capable of scoring goals when going forward. He has netted in 9 goals in 142 appearances so far.

On their way out...

Arriving from Chelsea a couple of years ago in a move that saw Ashley Cole going the other way, William Gallas had seen his ups and downs at Arsenal. He was made team captain and was later stripped of the armband when he lost his head in the game against Birmingham City two seasons ago. The game also saw the Gunners losing Eduardo for the remaining of that season due to a broken leg after a tackle of Martin Taylor two minutes into the game. Since then, Gallas had been severely criticised and I think his time at The Emirates is coming to a close now with Europe champions, Inter Milan looking to sign the French man.

Goodbye again, Sol Campbell? Campbell will always be remembered at Arsenal. During his prime years, he was just amazing. Remember that he was part of 'The Invincibles' too, the feat that saw the Gunners go 49 games unbeaten. He left Arsenal in 2006 but returned last season in which he was pretty instrumental at the back. Although he was not as fast as he once was, he fitted in well when Gallas was out injured. Word is, he is on his way to Celtic.

Mikael Silvestre's arrival was be shocking to me to start with. Mainly because prior to being a Gunner, he was playing at Manchester United. And the tradition is that no transfers are possible between Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool. But I guess that was in the 80's and 90's. Anyway, it looks certain that the French man is about to exit The Emirates. To be honest, he wasn't that good anyway and based on that, I am sure he will not be missed.

Rumoured...

Experience defender, Phil Jagielka would be an awesome replacement for the trio defenders who are leaving. And the 27 year old is also capable of playing in the midfield. I have always sort of like Jagielka and would be happy to see him in red. Arsenal's red that is.

The Germans are doing so well in the World Cup and of course, their stars are gonna be linked to new clubs as a result. So here's one that I've heard. Word is, Arsene Wenger is looking into signing Per Mertesacker from Werder Breman. The 6'6" 25 year old centreback would be such an awesome replacement for whichever defender of the same position who leaves Arsenal. I didn't know much about him previously but seeing him in the German squad, he is just awesome! I so want him at Arsenal. And his amazing height would be such a bonus!

Like it or not, I am gonna say it. Manuel Almunia sucks and Lukasz Fabianski is not gonna be good enough. Ever. Period. Lol. And seeing Mark Schwarzer linked to Arsenal is making me so happy. Although he is 37 years old already, who cares! In keepers, with age comes experience. And Schwarzer is no short of it. Remember that he and Fulham made it all the way to the Europa League final too!

Lastly, whether you are a football fan or not, I am sure you have heard about this...

Arsenal's talismanic captain, Cesc Fabregas being heavily linked to his boyhood club, Barcelona. And he fueled the speculations by saying he wants to leave. However, I think being on the bench so much for Spain in the current World Cup has made him realise that he is not gonna get what he gets at Arsenal if he leaves. Yes, the players and supporters will be there. But game time? Captaincy? Respect and love? He will play at Barca but certainly not this much. The Catalan side has so many good midfielders already and looking back at previous Gunners who left Arsenal for the Spanish side, no one made it. Thierry Henry was nowhere near where he was at Arsenal and I have heard that the disgraced French captain is now on his way to Major Soccer League side, the New York Red Bulls. Then there is Aliaksander Hleb. He was nobody before he came to Arsenal. He crafted his name when he arrived and when he left, he became a nobody again. Just a few games played at Barca and then he was loaned out. Not a good move if you ask me. And now he is actually advising that Fabregas do not follow in his footstep. Anyway, not that I am biased, I think previously unknowns who made their names at Arsenal and then leave doesn't make it big. Anyone remember Mathieu Flamini? Or how about the traitor Emmanuel Adebayor? So if you ask me, Fabregas, stay where you are well loved and respected. Don't throw it away for money and trophies. Keep your faith in Arsenal. Be patient and you will be rewarded.

That's a wrap. Hmm.. That was not quick after all. But it's all good wasn't it? To me, I am happy with the way Arsenal is approaching the market. Strengthening the one department that cost us the title last season and adding the strike force. Two words to sum it all. Exciting and brilliant! =)