Koscielny to miss France friendly

By Nick Lander

Laurent Koscielny is set to miss France's friendly with Uruguay this Wednesday, after picking up a calf injury during the second half of the Gunners' 4-0 victory over FC Köln.

 French sports newspaper L'Equipe are reporting that Koscielny will return to London this evening, with new France boss Didier Deschamps opting not to call up a replacement. He said, "he will have tests this afternoon, but at the time that I am speaking to you, it appears to compromise his participation on Wednesday." Had he played, Koscielny would have been winning his 5th cap for Les Bleus.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has also pulled out of international duty, and will miss England's friendly with Italy (also on Wednesday) with an ankle injury. He did pull up off the ball during the Köln match, though his was able to continue following treatment.

Arsenal fans will be hoping that both make swift recoveries, in time for the Gunners' opening Premier League fixture at home to Sunderland on Saturday.

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FC Köln 0 - 4 Arsenal

By Nick Lander

Arsenal turned in an impressive first half performance to secure an emphatic win in their last pre-season friendly in Germany. Debutants Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski all impressed as the Gunners turned in probably their most satisfying performance of the summer.

A new look Gunners side started on the front foot, and took the lead on 5 minutes when Thomas Vermaelen converted Per Mertesacker's near post flick on, in a neat corner routine. Giroud had peeled off neatly to get a shot away at the near post immediately prior, to win the corner.

Arsenal's next chance came moments later, as Theo Walcott dug out a good cross which Giroud headed back across goal for Cazorla to fiercely volley goalwards, forcing FC Köln goalkeeper Timo Horn into his second excellent save of the match.

Lukas Podolski bagged his first Arsenal goal on 15 minutes, when he converted from the spot (pictured). The referee had pointed to the spot when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was bundled over in the box by Kevin Wimmer. Podolski made no mistake, sending the 'keeper the wrong way, as his penalty nestled just inside the left upright.

After that FC Köln came into the game a little more. A sloppy pass from Francis Coquelin handed possession to Kacper Przybylko who advanced well with the ball, shrugging off challenges from the Arsenal centre halves, before firing wastefully wide. He did not even manage to test Vito Mannone in the Gunners' goal. He should have.

A good interchange between Chamberlain and Walcott brought about the next Arsenal chance, as Walcott broke towards the box before cutting the ball back for Giroud. The Frenchman opened his body up and his curling shot was destined to bend in at the far post, but again goalkeeper Horn was equal to it, saving well.

Minutes later Giroud, signed from French champions Montpellier in July, forced an even better save from Horn, as he rose to meet Cazorla's outswinging corner. The Köln man just managed to tip Giroud's effort over the bar.

Cologne did manage to threaten again, as Przybylko pounced upon a loose ball, when Gibbs only half managed an interception, but he fired harmlessly into Mannone's arms. FC Köln stayed on top though and nearly caught out the error-prone Italian moments later, as Daniel Royer hit a shot straight at the goalkeeper which he fumbled over the bar. It should have been a simple catch. A corner, perhaps, was deserved by the German side as a reward for their best move of the match.

Arsenal managed to get back on top though, and scored their third of the evening through Podolski - a man who scored 18 goals for Köln last season on the way to their relegation to the second tier of German football. The German international started and ended the move. He dropped deep, picking up the ball in the middle of the Köln half, before playing a lovely ball over the fullback into Kieran Gibbs' path. Gibbs promptly cut the ball back, and, arriving late, Podolski slammed the ball emphatically into the net. He left Horn no chance. That made the score three nil at half time.

Arsene Wenger made 10 changes at the break, with only local boy Podolski surviving. And it was he who almost managed to bag a hat trick, as he closed down Marcel Schuhen (on in goal for Horn for the second half) who only just managed to clear. A very simple, but effective tactic, closing down the goalkeeper is something I hope to see Arsenal doing a lot more this season. Rushing goalkeepers into poor clearances can be really helpful, not only that, but I know that Colchester United (in League 1) managed to score two goals in a month by doing exactly that.

Wojciech Szczesney had a largely untroubled half in the Arsenal goal, but almost lost his clean sheet to a magnificent hit by Matthias Lehmann, who went for goal from 35 or 40 yards, his dipping and swerving shot had the young Pole completely beaten, and it smacked down off of the underside of the bar. Did it cross the line? It was hard to tell, the linesman certainly had no chance of seeing it, but it was certainly mighty close.

Gervinho then made it four. The Ivorian had a neat interchange with Podolski just inside the Arsenal half, before surging into the Köln box and slotting the ball home at the near post. Schuhen should have done much, much better.

The game almost completely fizzled out after that though. Robin van Persie came on for Podolski 15 minutes into the half; and took the captain's armband. The Gunners' passing became slacker in midfield and they started to concede possession all to often, but the home side did not manage to capitalise. Andrei Arshavin (operating in the playmaker role Cazorla had filled in the first half) created one last chance for the Londoners, making a superb, strong run into the Cologne box, before squaring the ball for Gervinho to run onto, but the winger spurned the opportunity completely.

As full time arrived, Arsenal had completely outclassed the German side. A four goal scoreline accurately reflecting the gulf between the two sides. It was a good workout for the Gunners and there were a few interesting things to note: it seems that outswinging corners will be utilised this season, rather than the inswingers we saw last term, and it does certainly seem that the team are much better set up to capitalise on them. It has been suggested that the routines have a little hint of Steve Bould in them.

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Tello on Arsenal Radar?

By Nick Lander

Arsenal could be set to move for Barcelona starlet Cristian Tello after he was overlooked by new manager Tito Vilanova. The winger featured 22 times last season under Pep Guardiola and impressed. The former Espanyol player has not even been given a squad number now Vilanova has taken over, whilst some other, younger products of Barca's famous La Masia academy have.

Tello was part of the Spanish Olympic team that fell at the group stages this summer and will be disappointed to find, on his return to Spain, that his short term Barcelona future looks bleak. Athletico Madrid are believed to be considering a loan offer for the 20 year old, however, both Arsenal and Liverpool have monitored the youngster in the past, and may now make a move for a player who will clearly be upset to be overlooked.

Possibly available for less than £10m, Tello would be a real steal, he is definitely a future star. Arsenal already have a number of players in the wide positions, but the chance to snap up Tello for a bargain price may be an opportunity that is too good to refuse.

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Arsenal Transfer Window Update

By Nick Lander

Summer 2012 was expected to be a busy one at Arsenal, but with only 25 days of the transfer window left, there are still a number of players remaining at the club who were expected to leave, in addition, there have only been two arrivals so far. In this article, we will give you the latest on all the players expected to depart - or already departed - as well as giving you the latest on any new signings.

Goalkeeping Departures:

Both Vito Mannone and Lukasz Fabianski were expected to find new clubs this summer, Mannone was very close to a move to Hull City before they changed managers. Steve Bruce was still interested in the Italian, but Arseanl's price tag is believed to have put him off. The Tigers still have not signed a goalkeeper, so Mannone's move may yet materialise.

Fabianski was very public about his desire to move on from the club at the end of last season. The Pole lost both Arsenal and Poland #1 jerseys to Wojciech Szczesney and endured a miserable 2011/12, spending most of the season on the bench. There has been no concrete interest reported from any clubs, and it is looking increasingly likely that Fabianski will be set for an undesired further season at Arsenal.

Manuel Almunia was released by the club at the end of 2011/12 and has now signed for Gianfranco Zola's Watford, where he will be hoping for a strong NPower Championship campaign.

Defensive Departures:

Sebastien Squillaci was expected to depart the club, and despite some early interest from a number of French clubs, the experienced centre half is still at the club. It is believed that the Frenchman's wage demands have put off many suitors, with Arsenal only seeking a nominal fee. Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, confirmed last week that he still expects Squillaci to have moved on by the end of August.

Johan Djourou had also been linked with a departure, and it was believed that there was some strong Italian interest in the Swiss, but he strongly denied that he was seeking a move away on his Twitter feed, and it does seem that he will remain at Arsenal for the next season at least. He endured a forgettable campaign last term, featuring mostly at right back and will be hoping for better things, in his preferred centre back position, this season.

Midfield Departures:

There had been some suggestion that time would be called on Abou Diaby's stop-start Arsenal career this summer, but Wenger appears to be giving his compatriot one last chance to prove that he can stay fit for an entire season, otherwise Diaby's career in North London is surely going to be over.

Andrei Arshavin spent the second half of 2011/12 on loan at Zenit St Petersburg who had been expected to make that transfer permanent, but some comments made after Russia's disappointing Euro 2012 campaign have severely damaged his reputation in Russia, and cooled Zenit's interest. There has been speculation that he could remain in the Premier League, with both Fulham and QPR linked, but it may be that he has a future with the Gunners, after Wenger said he would have talks with the diminutive playmaker. He may remain as a squad player or he may yet depart.

Brazillian Denilson is a player who Arsenal have been trying to offload for two summers now, they could only manage to loan him to Sao Paulo in 2011, and this year have done the same again, after they could not persuade the Brazillian club to part with a satisfactory fee for the 25 year old.

Departing Strikers:

Nicklas Bendtner spent 2011/12 on loan in the North East, with Sunderland, after the club were unable to find a buyer for him in Summer 2011. He enjoyed a successful Euro 2012, after a so-so season, which has raised interest on the continent, however despite his agent saying in June how in demand Bendtner was, he is still at the club in August. Wenger has said he wants the Dane to move on, so if Arsenal are, again, thwarted  in their quest to sell him, expect Bendtner to head back off on loan.

Park Ju-Young must go down as one of Wenger's worst buys, after six appearances and one goal, Wenger has confirmed that the South Korean's future lies elsewhere. There have been murmurs of interest from QPR and from the Middle East. He has been part of the South Korea squad that has reached the semi-finals of the Olympic football competition, so he is unlikely to move anywhere before the competition finishes, his could be a last minute departure.

Marouane Chamakh had been linked with a move away, with clubs in Italy, France and Turkey said to be interested, but nothing has materialised, and having lead the Arsenal attack during the Asia tour, the Moroccan seems set for at least another season at the Emirates, in which he will hope to get more game time than over the last season and a half.

Robin van Persie revealed his desire to leave in a controversial statement at the beginning of July, but despite missing Arsenal's Asia Tour and offers from Juventus and both Manchester clubs the Dutchman still remains at Arsenal. Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini today conceded defeat in the race to sign van Persie, and Juventus' position has been considerably weakened after their manager Antonio Conte became embroiled in the latest match-fixing scandal to blight Serie A. Manchester United remain interested, but are unwilling to match the Gunners' £20m asking price. There is a growing possibility that van Persie will remain an Arsenal player in September.

Carlos Vela has already left the club, joining Real Sociedad for somewhere in the region of £6m. Arsenal are understood to have included both buy-back and a 50% sell on clauses in the deal. Vela endured a frustrating few years at Arsenal, never quite living up to his potential, but he seems to have found a home in La Liga.

Joel Cambell has also headed for Spain. Despite a successful season in Ligue 1 with Lorient and breaking into the Costa Rican team, the young striker has again been denied a work permit, so will spend the campaign with Real Betis, before hoping to finally make his Arsenal debut in 2013/14.

Benik Afobe has headed off to Lancashire, to spend the season on loan at Bolton Wanderers. A well trodden path during Owen Coyle's tenure there, Afobe will be hoping to impress this term, before trying to challenge for the first team next season.

Incoming Players:

All of Arsenal's strengthening so far this summer has been in attacking positions, with strikers Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski arriving at the club from Montpellier and FC Köln respectively. Tall, good in the air and solid with his feet, Giroud had a fantastic season on the way to the Ligue 1 title in 2011/12. He will be hoping to carry that form across into the Premier League, as he makes yet another step up, having worked his way through the top three divisions in France so far.

Lukas Podolski's 2011/12 was far more forgettable. He played at a good level, but suffered the despair of relegation as his sweet left foot was unable to keep FC Köln in the German top flight. Currently without a squad number, Podolski is hankering after van Persie's number 10 shirt, and will be hoping to lead the line as effectively as the Dutchman did last season. If RVP does stay with the Gunners, Podolski will be an option wide left.

Malaga's financial troubles have meant that their stars are there to be bought at bargain basement prices. Salomon Rondon has already joined Russian side Rubin Kazan and farewell Tweets have already been sent to Santi Cazorla who is understood to have joined Arsenal, although his transfer is yet to be formally announced by either club.
6/8/2012 21:00GMT Update: BBC Sport have reported that Cazorla is in Germany with the squad for a pre-season training camp and friendly against FC Köln (which was part of the Podolski deal) and will be formally announced on Tuesday.

Another player who is likely to join is Turkish midfielder Nuri Sahin, who has been told by Real Madrid that he can go out on loan for the season. With Jack Wilshere out until at least October, Wenger is interested in bringing Sahin into his squad for the season. If it does materialise, this will likely be completed in the next couple of weeks.

So, despite the expectations for this to be one of the busiest summers of the Wenger era, things have been fairly quiet at the Emirates, with only two players certainly joining the club, and just Carlos Vela leaving the club permanently and for a fee. The rest of the month promises to be interesting as Arsenal ramp up their preparations for the new season.

Confirmed Departures:

Benik Afobe to Bolton Wanderers [Season Loan]

Manuel Almunia to Watford [Free]

Joel Campbell to Real Betis [Season Loan]

Denilson to Sao Paulo [Season Loan]

Carlos Vela to Real Sociedad [Undisclosed est. £6m]

Confirmed Arrivals:

Olivier Giroud from Montpellier [Undisclosed]

Lukas Podolski from FC Köln [Undisclosed]

Miyaichi Set for Wigan Loan

By Nick Lander

The Japanese youngster is set for his third spell away from the Gunners, as Wenger looks to increase his Premier League experience.

Miyaichi was part of the Bolton squad that were relegated last season, and the Trotters had been keen on taking him back to the club on loan as they contest for an immediate return to the Premier League, but Arsene Wenger would prefer to loan the young winger out to a Premier League outfit, and amidst the continuing uncertainty over Victor Moses' future, the Latics are in negociations with Arsenal over a season long loan deal.

The similarity of the style of football Roberto Martinez's side plays to Arsenal's will count in Wigan's favour, as will them being a Premier League side. Wenger stated categorically that he wanted Miyaichi to retain his home-grown status before he joined Bolton on loan last term, and that rules out any loan move abroad. All parties will be hoping that the deal is sorted soon, and that the Japanese will link up with the Latics in time for the start of the Premier League season.

It is also worth noting that Wigan will push ahead with the deal even if Moses does not leave for Chelsea this transfer window, as he is expected to.

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Afobe Loaned to Bolton

By Nick Lander

Arsenal youngster Benik Afobe has been loaned to Bolton Wanderers for the season. It will be the England U-19 star's third loan spell, having previously spent time with Huddersfield in League 1 and winning promotion to the Premier League with Reading.

Afobe will be the third Arsenal youngster to have a spell at the Reebok in recent years, following in the footsteps of Jack Wilshere and Ryo Miyaichi. Bolton manager Owen Coyle told Bolton's official website that: “Benik is a very exciting addition to our squad for this season... he is only 19 years old and you can see already that he is going to be a very good player. He has an eye for goal, is an athletic striker and there is much more to come from him.”

It may well be a make or break loan spell for the striker, who will be 20 when he returns to the club, as he needs to make some big strides in order to challenge for the Arsenal first team. It has been  reported that Arsenal can recall the player in January when he could then possibly secure an alternative loan move to a Premier League club. Bolton are also believed to still be interested in taking Ryo Miyaichi back to Lancashire, but Arsenal are still to decide his future. As it is though, Afobe will be hoping for a second successive promotion.

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La Liga Duo Set for Arsenal - Plus RVP Latest

Sahin is said to be set for a season-long loan in N5

By Nick Lander

Santi Cazorla is widely expected to be confirmed as an Arsenal player in the next couple of days - possibly even later this evening (Thursday). The Spanish international is set to leave Malaga's financial difficulties behind and join Arsenal on a 4 year, £70,000 per week deal. There are still large discrepancies in the reporting of his transfer fee, but it is probably €16m or £12.5m which is an absolute bargain - though the fee could be as high as €24m.

The attacking midfielder missed training today, with his club's permission, and is understood to be scheduled for an Arsenal today. A player who's creativity has been compared to former Gunner Cesc Fabregas' Cazorla's signature will be a very shrewd piece of business from Arsene Wenger, who will have secured a fantastic player for a reasonable price - something which is increasingly difficult in today's market.

Another player who is set to move to Arsenal is Real Madrid's Nuri Sahin. Despite Wenger outright denying it in his final Asia Tour press conference, the Turkish midfielder is reported to be on the verge of securing a season-long loan spell in North London. The talented midfielder has struggled for game time in the Spanish capital, following his move from Borussia Dortmund last summer, partially through injury.

With Jack Wilshere unlikely to return until October at the earliest, Sahin would effectively be signed as cover for the Englishman. The Gunners will also be missing Tomas Rosicky from their midfield at the start of the season, and doubts over Abou Diaby's ability to stay fit for an extended period of time still linger.

Some quarters of the media have begun to suggest that Wenger's recent activity in the transfer market has begun to change Robin van Persie's mind about leaving the club. The striker is understood to prefer a move abroad, rather than to either of the Manchester clubs, but Juventus are the only foreign side to have placed a bid and their manager, Antonio Conte, is facing a lengthy suspension after being found to have played a part in the latest match fixing scandal to blight Italian football, whilst with previous club Siena. Van Persie publicly expressed this intentions to snub a new Arsenal deal at the beginning of July. It has now been suggested that the mood of the entire Arsenal squad has lifted with the imminent arrival of Cazorla and that van Persie is seriously considering a U-turn.

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