Bendtner Seals Juventus Loan

 

By Nick Lander

 

Outcast striker Nicklas Bendtner has joined reigning Serie A champions Juventus on a season long loan.

 

The Turin club have has a nightmare summer with manager Antonio Conte handed a 10 month ban which is understood to be a factor in them missing out on their top transfer targets of the summer in Robin van Persie and Luis Suarez. They had hoped to sign one or both early in the transfer window, but things did not work out and Juve have now resorted to bringing in Bendtner for the season with a view to making the transfer permanent for £5m next summer.

 

It is the second August in a row that Arsenal have been forced to accept a loan deal for Bendtner, having been eager to get rid of him permanently. Last summer, he ended up in the North East with Sunderland, where he ended up joint top scorer at the club, but did not earn - nor want - a permanent transfer. There has been interest throughout the summer, and the Dane is understood to have snubbed at least three different permanent moves, much to the Gunners' frustration, and has now linked up with the Italian club.

In his post-signing interview with Juventus' in-house media, he describes his new club as "the biggest club in Italy" and says that he hopes to "show everything on the pitch without trying to talk too much about it." He also said that he's "humble" to be at the club. Quotes that suggest a move away from his more arrogant stance that has wound up arsenal fans so much over the last few years, and also hints that he aims to keep out of the limelight after a number of recent controversies over his off-pitch behaviour.
 

He tweeted that he is "very proud and can't wait to wear the stripes. I want to fulfil my potential here and show the fans my absolute best as that is yet to come. I am sure I will." Arsenal will be hoping for the same, and that he will convince Juventus to make his transfer permanent next July, rather than having to go through the same charade again next year.

 

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Park Joins Celta Vigo

 

By Nick Lander

 

South Korean striker Park Ju-Young has joined La Liga side Celta Vigo on a season long loan, with a view to a permanent move next summer. He will be presented at 17:00 local time.

 

Park will join up with the Spanish club fresh from winning the bronze medal in the men's football with South Korea at the London 2012 Olympics. Celta Vigo describe him as "a player of extraordinary talent."

 

An Arsenal flop, with just one goal in the League Cup and one, substitute, Premier League appearance, Park is one of a number of players expected to depart the club today, with Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner understood to be close to leaving the club on loan too.

 

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Gunners Get Kind Cup Draws

 

By Nick Lander

 

Arsenal learnt their fate in both the Champions League and Capital One Cup (formerly Carling Cup) today, receiving fairly kind draws in both competitions.

 

Arsenal were one of the top seeds, in Pot 1 for the Champions League draw in Monaco at 1700BST were drawn into Group B, alongside Bundesliga side Shalke 04 from Pot 2, Greeks side Olympiakos (again!) and French champions Montpellier were drawn from Pot 4, handing Olivier Giroud a swift return to the club he departed for the Gunners in July.

 

Whilst not the easiest group that the Gunners could have got, it is extremely favourable when compared to the 'group of death' that Manchester City find themselves in, alongside Real Madrid, Ajax and Borussia Dortmund. All four teams reigning domestic champions.

 

The draw for the Carling Cup third round was also this evening, which has paired the Gunners with League 1 side Coventry City. Coventry advanced after beating Championship side, and midlands rivals, Birmingham 3-2 after extra-time in the second round. The tie will be played at the Emirates in the week beginning 24th September.

 

Arsenal Champions League fixtures:

     Montpellier vs. Arsenal - 18th September

     Arsenal vs. Olympiakos - 3rd October

     Arsenal vs. Shalke 04 - 24th October

     Shalke 04 vs. Arsenal - 6th November

     Arsenal vs. Montpellier - 21st November

     Olympiakos vs. Arsenal - 4th December

 

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Could These 2 Owens be the Solution for Arsenal?

By Nick Lander

Michael Owen and Owen Hargreaves. Both England internationals, both free agents. Both players Arsenal should move for?

 

Owen Hargreaves was released by Manchester City after one season at the club, which he had joined following four injury plagued years across town with Manchester United. The 31-year-old has 40 England caps and was the star of England's 2006 World Cup campaign, signing for United for £17m off the back of it. Certainly one of England's finest talents if he can stay fit and rediscover his form of 2006, Hargreaves could be a real asset for the Gunners, especially as they are on the hunt for a new midfielder, after Alex Song left for Barcelona.

 

Despite barely featuring for Roberto Mancini's side last season, he only made four appearances, Hargreaves did have a virtually injury-free campaign, missing only a week in October after getting kicked in the calf in training. Canadian born Hargreaves managed to play in about 30 training matches in his final four months at City, something which gives positive signals to potential clubs.

 

Despite having only managed to make more than 20 league appearances in a season five times so far in his career, I believe that Hargreaves would be more than worth a gamble, were the club to look to sign him on a pay-as-you-play deal, say offering £25k per week basic plus an additional £30k if he plays.

 

I would make a move for Michael Owen on similar terms too. The 32-year-old striker was released by Manchester United at the end of 2011/12, having bagged 17 goals in 49 appearances for the Red Devils over the last three seasons, which is a very good record for someone used infrequently and generally as a substitute.

 

The Gunners are still in the market for a striker, with Nicklas Bendtner on the verge of a move to Italy and a club for Ju-Young Park still being sought, and England international Owen could be of use to the club, as he would count as a home-grown player in their Premier League squad - something which is adding complications to the club's current transfer business - and has a proven goalscoring record in the Premier League. Surely worth a pay-as-you-play deal! Were Arsene Wenger to decide to move for Owen, he would have to fend off interest from Stoke and Everton, which could force the striker's wages up to a level that just is not worth the risk.

 

Whilst I highly doubt that either of these signings will happen, they are two extremely valid options in my opinion.

 

Whatever happens, the end of the transfer window is set to be very exciting from an Arsenal perspective, with 3 or 4 new players expected, plus a number of players leaving. You keep track of it all by liking the N5 Blog on Facebook and following me on Twitter - @Goonernl

 

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Gunners Linked with Boilesen

By Nick Lander

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Denmark and Ajax defender Nicolai Boilesen. The 20-year-old left back had an injury-hampered 2011/12, managing only 6 appearances, but it seems he has done enough to catch the attention of Arsenal and fellow Premier League side Southampton.

 

When asked about his Premiership suitors by ekstrabladet.dk he said: "I have not heard anything about it yet. Someone from the Dutch press told me about it 10 minutes ago that is all I know right now. Therefore it is difficult for me to have an opinion on these rumours. For now I am concentrating on my rehab here at Ajax.

 

"But, I am very flattered if it is true that a Premier League club has made an offer for me."

 

Arsene Wenger is in the market for a new defender, and would prefer to sign someone who is comfortable in any position across the back four, after the defensive injury crises over the last few seasons.

 

Personally, I doubt that Arsenal will sign the Danish international, but stranger things have happened.

 

Make sure you like the Facebook page and follow me on Twitter (@Goonernl) to keep up to date with all Arsenal's late transfer business.

 

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Roberts Links Up With Caley Thistle

By Nick Lander

 

Promising Arsenal youngster Philip Roberts is to head to the SPL to spend the first half of the season on loan with Inverness Caledonian Thistle. The 18-year-old will link up after impressing on trial last week.

 

Signed from Norwich in summer 2010, the Republic of Ireland youth international was the U-18s top scorer last season. A powerful centre forward, Roberts likens his style to that of Thierry Henry, and hopes one day to be compared to him.

 

Thistle manager Terry Butcher said: "Arsenal have agreed to let Philip sign for us until the next transfer window and we're very grateful for their help. This is the beginning of a partnership with Arsenal that will help their younger players gain first team experience with Inverness Caley Thistle in this season and the future. I am extremely thankful to Liam Brady for his first class help and assistance."

 

Roberts himself is looking forward to linking up with his new club, tweeting that "it's a great place."

 

The loan move is sure to be a good one for Roberts who will have the chance to experience first team football at a very young age, rather than the less competitive atmosphere of the new U-21s league. Caley Thistle are hoping to complete the paperwork to finalise the loan by the end of the transfer window.

 

Make sure you like the Facebook page and follow me on Twitter (@Goonernl) to keep up to date with all Arsenal's late transfer business.

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Arsenal Want Walcott Decision

 

By Nick Lander

 

Theo Walcott, 23, is reported to have turned down Arsenal's latest contract offer. The England winger is currently earning around £60k per week at the club, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season.

 

The club are understood to have tabled an offer of a five year deal worth around £75k per week. Walcott, however, is understood to be holding out for a contract worth nearer £100,000 per week. Still largely unproven, Walcott's form and fitness has fluctuated wildly during his time at the club so far, but his last two seasons have probably been his best. He managed 11 goals and 13 assists during 2011/12, many of his assists going to Robin van Persie, who's sale Walcott is said to be concerned about.

 

Domestically, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City have been linked with moves, but the Gunners' London rivals are unlikely to sanction a move, having already spent in the region of £80m on attacking talent this summer.

 

Liverpool is perhaps Walcott's most likely destination. A boyhood fan, the Reds are believed to be ready to match Walcott's wage demands, and he would be likely to be able to hold down a starting berth on Mersyside. City on the other hand, are interested in him as a squad player, with their £6.2m move for Swansea's Scott Sinclair stalling. They are also happy to meet his wage demands, and possibly exceed them, but he would rarely start. It has been suggested that the Citizens would include striker Edin Dzeko as part of a deal, with Arsene Wenger understood to be on the look out for another new striker.

 

The Gunners are said to be prepared to wait 48 hours for Theo Walcott to decide whether or not to accept their offer, otherwise they will be prepared to sell him for upwards of £12m on deadline day.

 

Theo Walcott looked to be on very good form over pre-season, but struggled (like most of the rest of the team) against Sunderland, and was only a substitute against Stoke. I believe he looks set for his best season in an Arsenal shirt, and that it would be a real shame to see a player who still has a lot of potential sold, especially as he is still believed to want to remain at the club. It would not surprise me if Walcott is not sold this month, even if he does not commit to a new deal, I suspect that a January sale would be much more likely were he to decline to extend his stay in N5.

 

Both parties are said to remain hopeful of agreeing a new deal soon.

 

Want to know why I think Theo Walcott is so important to Arsenal? Read my Arsenal Zone column for July here.

 

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