Transfer - Wilson Palacios (to Birmingham?)

Arsenal FC have NOT completed the signing of Honduran international winger Wilson Palacios. The player was to apparently join the club on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season. Initially thought to be "missing" in August by an apparently jumpy South American press, the forward was actually on trial in London with Arsenal almost adding yet another new nationality to the ranks.

Arsene Wenger was pleased with his performance in training and has decided to offer the player a route into joining ANOTHER club. Birmingham City. Arsene Wenger picked up the phone and called his new best friend Steve Bruce and sent the South American winger to Birmingham for more trials and apparently a transfer to the newly promoted club.

It is not currently known whether his international caps will immediately allow the player a work permit to remain in England. What is known is that Palacios once scored the Honduran "goal of the century" and at 23 would be expected to compete for a place wide of mifield for Birmingham.

I sincerely hope Arsene Wenger has secured some sort of transfer fee for this player having discovered him in the deepest reaches of the Americas. I should think we arent in the business of providing Birmingham with their entire first team.

Transfer Rumours - Micah Richards

Micah Richards' contract status (and potentially availability) had the papers in a frenzy today as it has been revealed that a new contract with Manchester City has say unsigned by Richards for nearly two months.

As regular readers will know, I think Richards is simply the best defensive prospect I have ever seen. And I have said this for quite some time. Richards was apparently all set to join the Chavs at Chelsea during the winter transfer window but the deteriorating relationship between Jose Mourinho and Roman Abramovich quickly ended that possibility.

Some will be surprised that Richards has not quickly signed up to stay with the newly monied Manchester City but perhaps he understands that his development will be better aided by Champions League football and a mananger like Arsene Wenger. Wishful thinking perhaps, but Richards was a massive Gooner growing up and still lists his style of play as a mix between Patrick Vieira and Sol Campbell. Geez.

As I write this, Micah Richards has moved into the middle of defence alongside John Terry after having a stellar first half against Germany in setting up a goal and causing menace along the entire right flank. The boy is a phenom.

Will we sign him? Unlikely. I simply can't see Wenger spending £15-25m on a defender when he's been able to find the likes of Djourou and Clichy for a fraction of that money. But if there ever was a player for whom Wenger could make an exception of is policy.... it is Micah Richards. This afternoon Richards has responded to the press about his contract but stating that "City is my club. I'm treated like a proper first-teamer and that is enough for me." Hardly convincing. Moreso as the contract remains unsigned.

Transfer Rumours - Achille Emana

Arsenal have again been linked to Toulouse forward Achille Emana. The 25 year old attacking midfielder had an excellent season with Toulouse and would be a good complement to the set of forwards at the Emirates.

Lyon are also thought to be interested along with Werder Bremen.

The player has long been under the watchful eye of the Arsenal scouting department including a visit from Tony Adams a couple of years ago.

A confident sort, Emana could line up with the also poorly monikered Dudu in the Arsenal attack. Talking about his future he confided that "I can’t yet say I’m among the top players in the world. My aim is to be able to cross the ball like David Beckham, to have the power of Ronaldo, to possess the same finesse as Zinedine Zidane, and to have the dribbling skills of Ronaldinho.”

It is thought that Emana would cost between £4.5 and £8m.

Transfer - Pedro

Arsenal have signed 17 year old left sided defender/forward Pedro from Figueirense in Brazil.

The player will join new signing Angel Di Maria at Salamanca in Spain following in the foot steps of Carlos Vela who played there last season in what has become an official "parking" relationship between the clubs.

The club said he will train with them, then spend two weeks at Arsenal before returning to Brazil until October. Then he will be Salamanca's player for the rest of the season.

Pedro, who can also play in attack, has already featured for the first-team of the Brazilian club.

Transfer - Rodrigo Palacio (PRANK!!!)

The papers are buzzing about Arsene Wenger breaking the Arsenal transfer record by signing Argenitian striker Rodrigo Palacio from Boca Juniors in a £14m deal. The 25 year oldforward will also be given Thierry Henry's number 14 shirt.

No pressure then.

The medical will take place tomorrow in London and the player is expected to join the team in Austria for pre season training.

The William Gallas Chronicles...

A big thanks to Billy G for the following words made exclusive to Arsenal Truth and Rumours... and... um... his website. I'm guessing these comments will not be as similarily edited, twisted and widely repeated throughout the media as those last week...

There’s no escaping it, the holidays are over… The three weeks have flown by and it’s back to work now as my training starts with Arsenal on Wednesday. It’s an opportunity for me to meet the new arrivals, get to know them and to see my team-mates from last year again. I’m well aware that I’ll probably be an even more important leader in the Arsenal team in the 2007-2008 season. Now that Thierry Henry has left, I’m one of the most experienced players in the group along with Jens Lehmann. I’ll therefore have a big responsibility to guide the younger players and advise them on how to approach matches, handle fatigue and pressure…However, let’s not forget that we’ve got a lot of sporting ambitions and that we’re going to do everything we can to win a title this season, either the Premier League, the Carling Cup, the FA Cup or the Champions League. I’m sure it’s going to be a big year for Arsenal! So my fabulous holiday in Guadeloupe is now behind me but it gave me a chance to rest and recharge my batteries to the full. I’m back in England feeling rested and ready for the new season…

http://www.williamgallas.net/en/gab_info.asp?info_id=5194

Transfer Rumours - Shaun Wright Philips

A transfer target list apparently sent by Arsene Wenger has revealed Shaun Wright Philips as a transfer target for Arsenal Football Club.

The Online Gooner has reproduced a list that seems to suggest Wright Philips as the wide midfielder Arsenal have been lacking since Jose Antonio Reyes joined Real Madrid on loan last season.

While I feel this list is more than a little dubious a link to this player does ring true. Manchester City have clearly been tipped that Wright Philips is available and are sniffing around but Ian Wright quickly refused any suggestion that the move was possible saying "It won't happen. He loves City, but whether he loves them with Sven in charge is another story". And of course, Arsenal would be yet a further story entirely.

Chelsea are moving towards signing Daniel Alves this week but have also quietly tried to tempt sp*rs to exchange Pascal Chimbonda for Glen Johnson and Wright Philips as a fallback option. Insiders note that Wright Philips wages would be a stumbling block for sp*rs who pay Robbie Keane 50k a week as the teams highest earning player. SWP earns about 40% more than that. In spite of their pretensions to being a big club, sp*rs do have a rather consertative salary structure so unless Chelsea eat some of the wages to allow SWP to join sp*rs at a massive discount from the £21m they paid scant years ago, this will simply not happen.

Transfer Possibility Rating - 3/10

It makes sense on both sides but whether Chelsea will want to sell to us is the likely stumbling block. Wright would probably have to agitate for a move to make this happen and we all know his dad would advocate SWP joining Arsene Wenger's wingless wonders. However, there is an attractive English clique at Chelsea that may prove too attractive leave.

My view is that SWP would do well to join Arsenal and push his way back into the England set up. He should join but I dont think it will happen.

Transfer Rumours - Obafemi Martins

Arsene Wenger may today bring his July spending to £35m by making a move for Nigerian International striker Obefemi Martins. The Newcastle striker had a strong first season in the Premiership for Newcastle but is thought to be unsettled and keen for a bigger club to activate his must talked about £13m release clause.

I have talked about this player before, particularly with reference to his titanic tussle with Kolo Toure in that famous Champions League 3-0 defeat to Inter Milan at Highbury.

Martins is a very very direct striker with lots of power. His transfer would suggest that one of both of Eduardo and Robin Van Persie may be used as left sided forwards this coming season. Martins also has a ridiculously hard strike on him. Martins tally of 17 goals in 33 appearances for the club was a rather decent beginning to life in English football. He even recorded a strike of 84 mph (135 km/h), or the ninth hardest shot ever recorded in football beating sp*rs 3-2 in January at Three Point Lane. Much to like.

Transfer Possibility Rating - 8/10

This one looks done. The Arsenal seem to be circling Newcastle for a bid. This one may happen very quickly given his release clause so more should be known in the next couple of days.

William Gallas Poll

Transfer Rumours - Freddie Ljungberg

Freddie Ljungberg may be set to move to Fiorantina, Newcastle or Manchester City as the Arsenal continue to surprise in the transfer market. The club are in definite talks with the Italian side as confirmed by Freddie's agent who yesterday said that the two clubs were about to agree transfer terms leaving Freddie to examine his options more closely.

Ljungberg has seen his pace and vitality compromised by injury over the past several seasons. That said, go rent Goal 2 to see just how effective Freddie was in that fantastic club defining 1-0 victory against Real Madrid in Spain. He was excellent in a striker supporting role just in front of the midfield. That was some time ago now but may be the defining match in his very accomplished career.

There was some talk about Ljungberg moving in January but nothing came of it.

Transfer Possibility Rating - 7.5/10

I think this will happen. Freddie has little to offer the club other than leadership at this point in his career. The phrase I keep hearing from Gooners is "bite their hand off" in refernce in the Fiorantina interest. And I agree. But let it not be forgotten just how effective Freddie was in making those cutely timed/angled runs into the box to perfectly compliment the intelligent passing of the Arsenal.... all to be completed by a routinely excellent Ljungberg finish.

As an aside, Fiorantina forward Valeri Bojinov may be part of the package after very recently turning down a new contract.

Transfer Rumours - Mathieu Flamini/David Villa/Nicolas Anelka

Valencia have given Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini 72 hours to decide whether to join the Spanish club. Arsene Wenger is aware of the situation and has authorised the talks. Valencia sporting director Amedeo Carboni was clear about his interest in the player.

We have spoken to him and we want an answer soon as we must make plans for the coming season.

Howver, the weekends papers are suggesting that Flamini has changed his mind about wanting to leave Arsenal and this has apparently put the Bakiri Sagna transfer at risk.

Untrue.

Wenger was really quite definitive in his approach to dealing with Flamini in 2007. The midfielder's non appearance with the club during a period of heavy injury clearly suggests that Flamini is probably not in Wenger's long term plans.

TRANSFER POSSIBILITY RATING - 8/10

I expect this one to happen rather quickly. The likes of Birmingham have made enquiries about Flamini but he feels European football in vital to his continued participation in the France side (in spite of being called into but not yet appearing in the France team). Wenger will probably prefer to send Flamini abroad too.

David Villa

Valencia are also close to securing the services of former Gunner Nicolas Anelka. Part of the plans Carboni has involve bringing in the French striker as a potential replacement for David Villa.

Transfer - Yoan Gouffran (UNCONFIRMED)

Arsenal Football Club have signed another French striker of Quadeloupean descent. For an undisclosed fee (thought to be £2-2.5m), the club have signed pacy striker Youn Gouffran from Caen.

Gouffran can also play wide of midfield and featured in the under 21 tournament in Portugal where he scored a goal in four matches.

Le Petit Prince

Captain Gilberto

In the fallout of the very painful defeat to West Ham United (where Alan Pardew decided to do a graceless jig within the Arsenal techical area), I wrote a tub thumping piece about how a little Canadian justice should be handed out to West Ham's (former) gaffer. The view was simple. Respond robustly to this variety of angtonism and it will not ever repeat.

Harken back to that afternoon. Harewood scored that late goal all hell broke lose on the touchline as an unusually agitated Arsene Wenger responded to the Pardew nonsense and squared up to mete out a little Canadian justice himself.

But what did our captain do? Our captain wrapped his arm around Arsenal hate figure Teddy Sheringham and attempted to calm him(?!) down buddy buddy style as they both left the pitch. I wrote an immediate match report after the game and reading it back this afternoon offers interesting context....today we looked tired. Really tired. Im not sure I've ever seen Fabregas so short of energy as in the match today. And Thierry Henry was appalling. While Rosicky, Van Persie and Hleb were moving mountains in midfield, Henry looked uninterested and off the pace.

In sharp contrast, well known Henry-mate (who isn't) Didier Drogba got sharp response from (unofficially) new Arsenal captain Gilbero for his statements about Arsenal being out of the running for the league without Thierry Henry.

Captain Gilberto said...

So Drogba said we're already out of the title race, did he? Well, let's wait and see what happens. What I do know is last season Chelsea spent a fortune on new signings and still couldn't beat Arsenal once in the league. They didn't defend their title either, so I think Drogba is talking a little bit too much.

Translation = keep talking and I'll smack your mouth, mate.

While Thierry might choose to drape his arms all over Terry or Drogba, the NEW generation of Gunners would prefer to grab Lampard by the throat (Fabregas) or kick Terry in the head (Diaby). Sky Sports tended to promote the myth last season that the Arsenal were soft and easily beaten up North. One might consider the performance (sans Henry) against Manchester United at Sold Trafford where in spite of missing a penalty, Gilberto captained the Arsenal to a stunning victory where they played them off their own park. It's grim up North? Not when we are in that sort of form.

So all hail captain Gilberto. A new... more aggressive era... begins.

Transfer Rumours - David Villa

Spanish International David Villa is being heavily linked in Spain with a move to Emirates. The striker has netted an outstanding 16 goals from 23 caps.

Sources close to Valencia have indicated that Arsene Wenger has been in contact with the club chairman, Juan Bautista Soler, regarding the availability of David Villa. Although manager, Quique Flores, is keen to retain the striker, it is understood than an offer of £22m will see the 25 year-old stroker moving to London.

Former Arsenal midfielder and all around good egg Edu, recently waxed poetic about his current teammate.

He is very good. I've been with him for two seasons now. I follow him and train with him and I can see he has something different.

I think he could play in England because he is an experienced guy. He has played for the international team for a long time. He has shown everybody in the important games how good he is so I don't think he would have any problem to play in the Premiership.

He is quicker than most, he can use both feet and he is intelligent. He is as good as all the comments people have made about him.

Transfer Possibility Rating - 1/10
More than likely any conversation between Arsene Wenger and Valencia has to do with a transfer agreement for Jose Antonio Reyes moving permanently to Spain rather than Villa joining Arsenal. Oddly, Nicolas Anelka is being heavily linked to a surprise move to Valencia now.

UPDATE (11.01am)
Nicolas Anelka just said this....
The interest from the Spaniards is really touching.Valencia are a great club. Going over there to try to win La Liga and help the club qualify for the Champions League is very tempting.
NEW Transfer Possibilty Rating - 4/10. I still can't see it but there is no way Valencia will employ both Villa and Anelka at the same time. And Liverpool won't buy another striker, nor will Manchester United (presuming Tevez is done) and nor will Chelsea.

Transfer Rumours - Robinho

Graveson baiter and Brazilian International forward Robinho is being eyed by Arsene Wenger as a replacement for Jose Antonio Reyes.

Since his £15m transfer to Real Madrid from Santos there has been a sense of disppointment surrounding the pacy winger.

Saddled with a nickname starting with the letter "r", Robinho joined Romario, Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho (and others) as being hailed the "next Pele" tag which he has broadly not lived up to with Real Madrid.

The 23 year old former wonderkid still has immense upside and is probably better dribbling at pace than Ronaldo. But unlike the Portugese winger, Robinho has seemingly never learned the less is more lesson with tricks and style. Watching several Madrid matches last season, I was struck by the lack of runs the Madrid forwards made for each other and the amount of times Robinho would find himself in cul de sac with no passing options and then force to try his wide array of flicks and tricks.

Robihno is currently lighting up the Copa America with 4 goals in 3 matches. With Reyes not returning, Wenger may revive his long time interest in the Brazilian. The reasoning is clear. Robinho would add what Arsenal lack most, width from the forwards.

TRANSFER POSSIBILITY RATING - 2/10

I think the price might be too high for Robinho. With Real Madrid making noises in the press about signing Reyes for a bargain I simply cannot Robihno being part of any agreement for the Spaniard. That said, he would add precisely what we need. There is talk of a Baptista style loan for a season also. Stranger things have happened.

Rumours are also swirling around Emirates that Gilberto has been made captain of Arsenal Football Club with Cesc Fabregas made vice-captain. As he is now Brazilian captain with the Brazil side in Copa America, one hopes that our midfield invisible wall can talk up the club to Robinho.

New White Kit - Diaby 2

Eduardo 9?

Van Persie 11?

Rosicky 7?

For a split second even Ljungberg 8.

But in the end I went for Diaby 2. He may not play as often as Cesc, Van Persie or Toure this season but I feel he is essential for our drive to win the league this season. His power in midfield and his surprising ability on the ball and in getting forward mark Diaby as a goliath for the future and essential midfield powerhouse for today.

Right. So there I am in line to have names on backs (and numbers on shorts) and a ticker comes across Sky Sports News quoting AP that Manchester United have signed Carlos Tevez. Seeing this there was an audible groan in the Amoury. Tevez is a fantastic signing for United. Even if they send Louis Saha on his way to West Ham in exchange, Tevez addition is a major statement of intent for United. More so than the depth and youth additions of Nani, Anderson and Hargreaves (in spite of their collective cost). In SPITE of myself, I was thinking of how well Rooney and Tevez could link together. But quickly I moved on and Diaby 2 was firmly sealed into my new away kit.

Walking around the Amoury was interesting this morning. There are statements posted from Thierry Henry thanking the fans for their support and such. Funnier still is the sale area which almost exclusively featured all manner of Henry hats, shirts, buttons and books. I noticed also that the "Way Out" in Arsenal Station had been returned to the panoramic photo (above) throughout the store but with Henry miraculously erased. Clearly with our support of course.

I noticed also that we still sell Dennis Bergkamp action figures. These were NOT on sale. Interesting.

On the way to the ground The Guardian informed me that the club are very confident of Arsene Wenger resigning for another 3-4 years. That's good if perhaps complacent. I would like to see Wenger sign his contract before this calendar year in over to allieviate the nagging concerns of supporters. I feel the players must present Wenger with fulfilment of their full potential as payback for his enduring trust. This is essential for Arsene Wenger to feel confident about realising his dreams with Arsenal Football Club. Abou Diaby can be a big part of those dreams.

Transfer Rumours - Sergio Aguero

Spanish papers have linked Arsenal FC with a raid on Athletico Madrid for the young Argentinian Sergio Aguero for £25m with Jose Antonio Reyes possibly included as a make-weight.

Having just turned 19 with three caps already with Argentina (23 year old £16.5m Darren Bent has but 2, btw), Aguero is simply the best teenaged footballer in the world now that Cesc Fabregas has turned 20. He's also (predictably) tagged as the new Maradona.

Currently playing for the Argentinian Under 20's in Canada, the forward would perfectly complement the likes of Van Persie and Fabregas in the young Arsenal side. Having been a professional footballer since 15, his adjustment should be made easier by the several Spanish speaking players and coaches in the side (Wenger, Cesc, Senderos, Almunia, Merida, etc etc).

TRANSFER POSSIBILITY RATING - ?/10

I have absolutely no idea. And not for the first time. Its clear that we are in talks with several Spanish clubs about Reyes but there is no confirmation of Arsene Wenger being interested in Aguero. Having only moved to Athletico Madrid last summer in a £16m transfer Arsenal would need to pay a premium to secure the registration. Given Wenger's ability to spot this sort of talent BEFORE it costs £25m I'm not convinced that he would be able to justify this sort of transfer to himself.

However, Aguero IS a super super signing. And would perfectly fit into the side while adding something just a little different to the group. He may also enjoy linking up with international teammate Carlos Tevez.

Transfer Rumours - Michael Owen

There have been lots of histrionics this summer about Newcastle and their penchant for signing strikers to contracts featuring release clauses. Both Oba Martins (£13m) and Michael Owen (£9m) have clauses if actioned could see them join another club.

Like Arsenal.

Much of the talk this week has centred around Obafemi Martins joining the club. Gooners will still remember the forward masterclass Martins put on with Inter Milan when they beat us 3-0 at Highbury. I have never before or since see a forward overpower Kolo Toure. Of course we were able to then destroy Inter Milan at the San Siro 5-1 to return the favour. But not forgotten was the display that an 18 year old striker put on against one of the strongest and quickest defenders the Arsenal have ever employed.

His 17 goals in 33 appearances for the club was a rather decent beginning to life in English football. He even recorded a strike of 84 mph (135 km/h), or the ninth hardest shot ever recorded in football beating sp*rs 3-2 in January at Three Point Lane.

Michael Owen is a different kettle of fish entirely. At £9m he represents very good value for money particularly as an English striker (see Darren "£16.5m" Bent for details). Although he is on obscene wages at Newcastle, Owen is a winner and a proven goal scorer at every level he has played. That is to say that if he were offered the opportunity to join a top four club in England that he would almost certainly not demand the level of salary he currently enjoys at Newcastle.

Owen is also in the prime of his career and represents the closest player I can think of in English football to Ian Wright. A player we have never really replaced in spite of the great success with Henry and Bergkamp. Arsene Wenger is long thought to be against including this sort of player within the Arsenal system but that is untrue. Francis Jeffers is testement to that. And with Owen available for less than what Jeffers cost many moons ago I'm quite certain that Wenger has considered making a bid for the England striker. In fact, word around the campfire is that Wenger had Owen scouted at the recent England "B" match last month.

TRANSFER POSSIBILITY RATING - 4/10

With or without Owen, Van Persie and Adebayor are going to be our first two strikers this coming season. Michael Owen would certainly complement the group including Nicolas Bendtner, Theo Walcott and perhaps Carlos Vela. But he would be at best the number 2 striker. Would this be attractive to Owen? I think so. He'll be confident of starting most games and would probably love to work with Hleb, Rosicky and Fabregas.

Transfer Rumours - Carlos Tevez

Carlos Tevez has today linked himself to the Arsenal... and Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

Taking time out from his busy off season schedule of Argentinian colonic therapy and related facial treatment, Tevez spoke from the heart when telling the Sun newspaper of his desire to join Arsenal Football Club.

"I know people are now talking about Arsenal and obviously that is something I am excited about," Tevez told The Sun. "It's another big club and the good thing is I wouldn't have to move out of London. "I also already know English football and I like it. Arsenal's style is more technical than physical, so I could fit in no problem. My transfer is being talked about a lot. It's beautiful to be wanted by various clubs."

Make no mistake, Tevez is a fantastic player and would add something to any side in the world. In fact, he reminds me of an Argentinian Wayne Rooney. His power, pace and technique would also perfectly suit (as he says) the way we play football.

But the buyer must beware of Carlos Tevez. The details surrounding his player registration are at best shady and I'm not convinced that Arsene Wenger will want to entangle himself with the dodgy cast of characters who surround the player. He'll also cost a pretty penny probably northwards of £20m. That said, a Robin Van Persie, Adebayor, Bendtner, Tevez and Walcott front line does have quite a lot to go for it and a rather nice array of talents and skills.

TRANSFER POSSIBILITY RATING - 1.5/10

I dont hold out much hope for this one. I like the player and he would clearly be a hit for the fans. But I just can't see this transfer happening... particularly when Tevez is so gobby in linking himself to us. If he were confident that we were interested he wouldn't bother or would more likely attempt to link himself elsewhere to influence contract negotiations.

Transfer Rumours - Alberto Aquilani

With the Under 21s now complete and Holland (and Arsenal target Ryan Babel) victorious, attention has quickly turned to transfer targets from the tournament. Sources close to the club have confirmed that super scout Gilles Grimaldi has been tracking Roma and full Italy International Alberto Aquilani in recent months.

The Roma playmaker certainly caught the eye in the 2-2 draw with England in scoring the equaliser.



He has also become a prominant part of the Roma side and earned a call up to the full Italy side. The thinking behind bringing in yet another midfielder into the Arsenal set up would be to replace the likely departing Matty Flamini.

A quick look at Football Manager reveals several areas that Grimaldi will be noting are strengths in the player.

Long Shots 17/20
Passing 18/20
First Touch 16/20
Creativity 15/20
Technique 16/20
Positioning 16/20
Teamwork 17/20
Work Rate 15/20
Stamini 15/20

Obviously this boy is a very tasty prospect. Will we buy him?

TRANSFER POSSIBILITY RATING - 2.5/10

I really doubt the arrival of another central midfielder with or without Flamini's departure. With Denilson, Diaby, Gilberto and Fabregas (c) and possibly Fran Merida seeing more action with the first team I find it highly unlikely that an Italian international would risk taking his chances with a side well stocked with the Brazilan captain, a French international, a Spanish international and yet another Brazilian international.