For me, Robin van Persie is our most exciting player to watch. He has skill and deftness of touch to rival that of his legendary Dutch counterpart, as well as the power and clinical finishing abilities of many a number 9 gone by. Such a shame then that we all have had to endure so many lengthy spells on the sidelines over the past 2 seasons. A combination of bad luck and misjudgment with his injuries meant some were starting to doubt whether Robin was ever going to develop the guile and grit his talent so deserves. Robin though believes the miserly 2 years have taught him a great deal as to how he manages himself and how to avoid injury in the future.

“I have learned a lot in the last two years because I have been injured so much,” said Van Persie. “I learned what my body can take and what it can't, so it was an interesting period for me.
 
“I hope next season will not be so unlucky with injuries.  But at the moment, I just do not want to think about that, the negative stuff. If you think positive, you get positive.

“My target is to be as fit as possible after a month because the season is long. We have to build it all up slowly with gym work, cardio work and games. It is really important for me to get a good start.”

As an individual Robin is as skilful a player as you will see and really does give us a different option in attack, i.e someone who shoots from outside the box.

Robins optimism also extended to the teams ambitions for the coming season, as well as the potential behind his and Adebayors strike partnership.

“I think any of the top four can win the title,” said Van Persie. “I am not going to say we are going to win it, because you never know. They do not know, we do not know either. But I hope we can.

“Arsenal have to win something every year, that is our aim. If it is not happening, then everyone is really disappointed.

“But I am certainly committed to winning it, and if you look around, so is everyone here.”

With Van Persie's injury restrictions over the last 2 seasons there hasn't really been a chance to see him and Adebayor playing side by side on a consistent basis, though a successful outing against Madrid on Sunday has many looking forward to seeing the duo pairing up more this season.

"We showed that Ade and I have a few nice combinations together," said Van Persie.

"That is really important for two strikers, you always have to work together, you always have to look for each other. Hopefully this is a good start."

After making a welcome appearance at Ashburton Grove at the weekend, Eduardo has reitterated his desire to feature again before Christmas. Rumours were abound that the Crozillian would be looking to be back in the first team fold within weeks of the seasons opener but after such a horrific injury caution and patience are the key.

Youngster Armand Traore has signed a new contract with the club. Traore is someone who has flattered to deceive at times but its clear that he does have great potential - whether it is at left back is another question. An opportunity on the left wing in some of our Carling or FA Cup games this season could be of great benefit to the team as a whole as I think his attacking instincts far outweigh his defensive ones at the moment. Alternatively a spell on loan could help in honing his defending, especially as Clichy won't be ousted any time soon.

With Arsene having ruled out a bid for Gareth Barry its being reported that we are now showing an interest in Real Madrid squad player Ruben De La Red. Despite an impressive spell at Getafe it seems increasingly difficult for De La Red to secure a midfield berth at Madrid, especally with the confirmed signing of Rafael Van Der Vaart over the weekend. According to the Telegraph a fee of £9.5 million should suffice though whether there is some truth to this story remains to be seen.

 

A clubs colours and kit are a fundamental part of their tradition and heritage, indeed many would recognise a team because of their uniform before their badge.

Take my side, Arsenal, and the introduction of their famous white sleeves back n the 1930’s. Manager Herbert Chapman introduced white sleeves to the previously all-red Arsenal shirts in 1934 but how this idea came about depends on which source you believe. One version of events has Chapman spotting someone in the Highbury crowd wearing a red sleeveless sweater over a white shirt. A look that he felt it would help the players identify each other on the pitch.

Alternatively, some credit the look to famous cartoonist Tom Webster, who wore a striking blue pullover over a white shirt whilst enjoying a round of golf with the then Chelsea chairman, Claude Kirby. Kirby himself was taken with the idea of adding white sleeves to Chelsea’s shirt, though Chapman upon being told of the look made sure his cherished Arsenal adorned the new style. Furthermore, it was Chapman who incorporated the badge on to the left hand side of the new shirt and added stripes to the teams socks, reasoning that the distinctive pattern and colours would make team mates more visible and thus, easier to pass to.

Last season a new white away kit was released by Arsenal and Nike incorporating Chapman’s striped socks and having his name embellish the shirt. Furthermore, Chapman was the driving focus of the advertising campaign for the shirt.

This came in for heavy criticism by a lot of Arsenal fans, firstly for having a kit the same colour as Spurs and secondly for what was seen as a pretty shameless campaign by Nike.

It now seems somewhat ironic that ideas that were seen as so innovative back then are now so trivial and more often than not on solely for commercial gain.

This year many more Gooners are in uproar over the removal of the traditional white sleeves by Nike. Why they have decided to remove one of the clubs most identifiable characteristics is beyond me, for surely someone at Nike must’ve realised its an integral part of the clubs identity - they’ve been doing our kits for over 10 years at least. Take away the sponsor and the badge and you have a Manchester United shirt. Or a Liverpool shirt. Or a Middlesbrough shirt. Or a ….

Similarly the new yellow away shirt, whilst adhering to traditional colours is again the victim of a the money men at the head of Nike, associating the strip with the 89’ title winning side. If the trend of basing a shirt on historic events continues (something also seen with Liverpool’s grey and red update of their 80’s away kit) then by 2020 we will be having shirts commemorating last seasons 1-1 draw with Wigan at the JJB.

In this time of rising ticket prices, corporate named stadiums and excessive foreign investment it feels to me we the fans, Arsenal or otherwise, are again being taken for a ride. Last season Arsenal released a red and blue striped third shirt, a shirt I invested £45 in, only to see the team play in it around about 8/9 times and be scrapped for next season. The purpose? And yet they keep the unfavourable white shirt for the coming campaign.

The sting of several years ago upon Umbro, Manchester United and JJB Sports over the retail prices of football shirts seems to have been cunningly overcome by simply releasing more shirts.

Chelsea last season released the much publicised electric yellow shirt, only to replace this season with a mundane black affair. Surely a purely financial move? They too released a third shirt, though like Arsenal it appeared a scarce number of times.

Liverpool this season have released a new home and away kit, with another to be confirmed. Last season they released 2 away shirts, as well as a new home and 2 away shirts the season before.

Ditto Sp*rs.

Serial offenders Manchester United aren’t even on a par with the likes of these 2 clubs.

I could go on (be thankful you aren’t a Real Madrid fan - a new, practically unchanged kit every season!) but I shan’t bore/offend you/r club.

I know you could argue that there’s no compulsory need to buy any shirts, that it’s a contribution to the club and that people do get excited by new kits and technological advances. But what of the parents now spending up to £120 a season on replica shirts (before you mention shorts, socks, numbering etc), of those who get fed up with seeing their shirt on the sales rack in JJB for under £20, having spent more than double that mere months earlier and what of a clubs identity?

Liverpool have in the past 3 seasons had a:

How many more can and will they have? And this isn’t a slight on Liverpool F.C and so on, but on the multi million pound suppliers like Nike and Adidas who are neglecting fans and club ideals in favour of profit margins and in addition vindicating doing so with tawdry historic references.

The ‘technological advances’ that arrive every year are nothing more than jargon to concur with the elitist image companies are trying to promote within football and on a broader, global scale.

- Nike advertise new national kits on their website, describing Brazil’s as:

‘Brazil’s love affair with the World Cup began 50 years ago with the first of their record five victories. The new home shirt reflects that heritage in classic yellow with Brazilian green on the collar, cuffs and a new flash on the side. Made from DRI - FIT to keep you cooler, drier and lighter‘.

Essentially the same as nigh on every Nike kit at the moment, bar colouration. And none to different from the one preceding it and more than likely than the next . In many cases the shirt will vary very little, again detracting from the price - why pay another £40 for what is nigh on the same shirt with some minor alterations.

I remember a commentator uttering during the 2002 World Cup that should the USA and Russia be seen playing in largely the same kit about 40 years ago someone would have been for it.

This may seem a somewhat insignificant matter in the current climate of greedy agents, mercenaries (no names mentioned) and Game 39, but I write this knowing full well that not only will this trend continue and worsen in the coming years but that it represents another victory for big business and money when it comes to football - however trivial it may seem right now.

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Cesc Fabregas has moved quickly to quash speculation surrounding his future by stating he wants to be at Arsenal for years to come.

With Darren Dein becoming Cesc's new agent many feared that the Arsenal board's strenous relationship with former director David could have a bearing on the midfielders mindset.

Any fears have subsided with Fabregas confirming he wants to win titles with The Gunners. 

"I will stay at Arsenal," Fabregas said in The Sun. "My coach asked me and I told him he had my confidence.

"I'd love to win the Premier League and I am one of those players who fight for what they want until they achieve it."

Great to hear from your best player, its good to see him come out and nip any rumours in the bud before they become exacerbated by the press. With Real Madrid and Barcelona credited with an interest in the diminutive Spaniard new contract talks are welcome. Cesc is the foundation our team is built on and its crucial he remains in North London for many a year to come.

Interestingly Aleksandr Hleb has today broken his silence on the current acrimony surrounding his on/off transfer. Alledged meetings with Barcelona and Real Madrid in the past few weeks have led to many expecting Hleb to be on his way before long, myself included. Comments this morning though would indicate otherwise;

"I have a contract at Arsenal until 2010 and now only think of the game against Germany," he told Spox.com.

"I have also read [that I have said I want to leave], but I do not know who has written it. That is nonsense.

"I have also read that I wanted to move because Arsenal would win nothing, this too is nonsense.

"But I would really not like to comment on the issue really because there is nothing more to say, because the club means so much to me.

"I have learned so much from Arsene Wenger. This man has always supported me and given me the chance to come to Arsenal. I would therefore never say anything negative about Arsenal.

"If I'll go, then only in a different league, in any case, in England, there is only Arsenal for me."

All very sweet of him but the way Hleb has dealt with this speculation leads to me feeling somewhat cynical. His agent has been releasing statement after statement surrounding his future, yet Hleb wonders where the stories come from. It all smacks of Hleb covering himself should any protracted deal not go through. Albeit Hleb has never said himself he wants to leave, the lack of professionalism on his behalf throughout the speculation hardly endears him and should he stay or go, there will be a bitter taste left in the mouth.

Robin Van Persie has said today that the wage structure at Arsenal needs reviewing if they are to prevent players leaving/encourage big names to join the club.

The Gunners' top earners reportedly pocket £80,000 a week, while star players at Manchester United and Chelsea are contracted to £130,000, and Van Persie feels Arsenal must scrap their salary limit.

"Arsenal won't pay enormous amounts but should go to a higher level,"

"If a player can earn four times as much at another club, I can understand why he'd go elsewhere,"

I'd pay Emmanuel Eboue's wages four times over to have him locked in my garden shed, making sure he's never let near an Arsenal shirt again.

But in all seriousness, its a bit sad to hear Van Persie saying such things. You'd hope that the desire to play for one of Europe's greatest clubs would be enough of an incentive to sign for Arsenal, not an extra £10,000 a week on top of the £80,000 they already earn. He should also realise that we in a very similar bracket to Manchester United with regards to money spent on wages and that Chelsea are on a different planet when it comes to splashing the cash.

Johan Djourou has staked his claim for Flamini's vacant midfield spot, saying;

"Playing in front of the defence is the position where my qualities are expressed best,"

"Arsene Wenger says this to me too. Unfortunately, we do not play a system which enables me to hold this spot, like Claude Makelele does with Chelsea.

"I have not had many possibilities of showing my midfield capabilities. I hope my chance will come in the next few years."

It would appear there are quite a few names vying for that position, both from inside and out of the club. We have Gilberto Silva, Diaby, Nasri (I hope and expect), Alex Song already and have been linked with the likes of Veloso of Sporting and Aquilani of Roma.

Djourou hasn't really impressed me when he has appeared at centre back this season but it would be interesting to see how he does further up the field, especially as he sees that as his primary position.

More tomorrow.

Another day, another Hleb story.

It would appear there is now a 3 way battle between Spanish duo Real Madrid and Barcelona and Hleb's initial suitors Inter Milan.

Inter Milan's interest in the Belarussian has been diminished slightly by Wenger's threat to report them to UEFA, leaving Real and Barca as the main contenders for Hleb's signature. Furthermore, speculation as to Mancini's departure/Mourinho's arrival may have also put a spanner in the works for the Italian Champions.

Real's interest was made concrete yesterday by coach Bernt Schuster;

"There are a couple of positions that we can improve and that needs to be strengthened to have the necessary balance,"

"Over the past two months we have had a plan and we know what we want, but now Hleb has been added.

"We did not know he could leave Arsenal but in recent days it has been more positive. We were surprised that he might leave there."

Based on those comments its apparent the club have put a price on Hleb's head and he will be allowed to go should a suitable offer arrive.

Reports suggest that Barcelona will offer no more than £16 million for him, which I think is a more than acceptable for a player who has scored 11 goals in 3 years.

Barcelona's Sporting Director Txiki Begiristain has made a verbal agreement with Hleb according to some Spanish newspapers this morning, blurring Hleb's likely destination further. I just hope that irrespective of where he ends up that a deal is finalised soon and we receive a decent fee for him.

Arsenal Director Danny Fiszman has spoken to Arsenal TV about the clubs financial decisions and summer transfer policy. Arsenal have come under some intense scrutiny after the disappointing end to the season but Fiszman has defended the club's revenue policies.

Arsenal's financial strategy is linked to revenue generation from Emirates Stadium and also involvement in emerging markets for the football club.

"It is not a question of a one-time infusion of cash to buy player x or player y. You actually then have salaries that are connected to the players." 

He said of big-name players: "What if they don't work out? Do you go and buy another two or three players? Is there any end to it?

"So I think everybody, including Chelsea, knows there are limits. Chelsea were not big spenders last summer certainly - they got our old player Steven Sidwell on a free transfer.

"We believe in the end the self-sustaining model is the right one, the one we have adopted and will continue adopting."  

Mathieu Flamini's departure to AC Milan was attributed by many to Arsenal's reluctance to break their wage structure, something Fiszman believes was right for the club.

"We made a substantial offer to Mathieu. It was considerable and in line with our wage structure but he chose to go elsewhere.

"We wish him luck, thank him for what he has done for the club and wish him all the best."

And you have to agree - the limit is there for the clubs benefit and it has barely hindered the side when you bear in mind the season we just had, trophies withstanding. I'd even go as far to say that Arsenal's achievement in finishing within 4 points of top place in the league is greater than that of winners Manchester United when you bring into consideration the money spent.

"If you look at our total wage costs you will see they are virtually the same as Manchester United and substantially more than Liverpool,"

"Of course we are all a little less than Chelsea who are in a world of their own. But compared to Manchester United and Liverpool we are good payers.

"We believe it is a team sport and we do well but we don't want the disparity between the top and bottom earner being too big. It takes 11 people on the pitch to deliver."

You only have to look back to when Thierry Henry, at the time the best player in the world and by some margin, was the highest earning player in the Premiership to see that any talk of the clubs wage structure being a factor in our lack of silverware these last few years is rubbish.

Some worrying news with regards to Cesc Fabregas' contract talks after it has emerged that the young Spaniard has appointed Darren Dein as his new agent.

The Arsenal board's acrimonious relationship with Darren's father, David, is well known after he was forced out of the club last year and then teamed up with Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, who has acquired a 24.2 per cent stake in the club.

The fear now for Arsenal is that Fabregas may seek an even more lucrative contract to put him amongst the clubs big earners and keep him from the clutches of Barcelona and Real Madrid. Talks about Cesc's new contract will centre on terms as opposed to the length of the deal, but with Fabregas such a key player you'd expect more leeway when it comes to money than the Flamini negotiations. In any case, Cesc has never hidden his desire to sign a longer deal and remain at the club for years to come so hopefully all with run smoothly, irrespective of these new developments.

 

Finally, Marco Van Basten will rest Robin Van Persie for the game against Denmark this evening, to allow him more time to recuperate from an ongoing thigh injury. I'd much prefer Van Basten to come out and say RVP will not feature at Euro 2008 and give him the whole summer to prepare for next season but that was never likely. I just hope this year can be put behind him now and we can start to look forward to seeing probably our most exciting player on a much more regular basis.

More tomorrow.

 

It would appear that the Samir Nasri 'will he/won't he' saga is fast approaching and end with Arsene Wenger confirming a deal is not far off being confirmed.

"It is likely to happen," he told Telefoot.

"And if it does happen, it will be before the start of the European Championship."

If or when he does sign Nasri looks to be a very good and very essential addition to the squad. With long terms doubts over Rosicky, Van Persie and Eduardo's fitness, another creative player is a must really, especially when you bear in the mind the likely departure of midfield schemer Hleb.

It would appear all that is holding the deal up now is Nasri's inclusion in France's provisional Euro 2008 squad, so expect any confirmation of a deal to come towards the end of the week, even over the weekend.

Its a promising sign that Wenger has already started strenghtening and its good to see him sticking to his guns and not blowing money on 'big names', as some people have been calling for. Nasri would fit well in a squad high on skill and pace and low on age.

I won't go on and on about the likely departure of Hleb. All I will say is he has done nothing to endear himself to us Gooners in the last few months. Not having the spine to come out himself and talk about his future, allowing his numpty of an agent to address the Arsenal faithful has shown the character of the man. Furthermore, 11 goals in 3 years is nowhere near the type of return you'd expect from a £13 million investment. If Inter etc come in with a suitable offer then I think it'd be wise to snap their hands off, and Hleb can have all the ice cream he wants.

Young Theo Walcott has been talking to The Times about his hopes for the future, with England and Arsenal. Walcott has flourished in the England under 21 squad since his infamous 2006 World Cup 'campaign' and is happy to be on the pitch be it with the seniors or otherwise.

“It’s just good to play really, 

 “Maybe the experience we get with the seniors will help with the under21s, because there’s quite a few of us from the under21s in the seniors.

"Also, it gives us the opportunity to try to win the tournament as well, if there are senior-squad players still young enough to play for the under21s who Stuart Pearce can call upon."

Thats not to say he isn't keen to try and cement a place in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad for 2010, starting with a good appearance at Wembley this week in the friendly game with the USA.

“It’d be a dream come true, to play for England at Wembley this week,” 

“I know I probably won’t start but hopefully, if I work hard and train well, I can give the manager something to think about and, if I do come on, hopefully I will do well.”

“If I work hard and play well for Arsenal, then hopefully I’ll get my chance and why not?”

Seeing Theo more is something I think every Arsenal fan wants next season and all the better if it means seeing less of Eboue.

Finally, Rafa Benitez has played down Liverpool's chances of winning the Premiership next season, citing the amount of money spent by Manchester United, Chelsea (fair enough) and Arsenal (what?!) as the reason why. I'm sorry Rafa but having spent millions upon millions in the last few years I'd go as far to say that its not the amount you've spent but who you have spent it on. Bellamy £8 million? Pennant £6 million? I could go on. I think its a pretty tired excuse to use when you bear in mind the amount of money Wenger has spent in the same amount of time.

And on that angry note, I'll bid you good day.

A few interesting stories doing the rounds today.  

After a poor first season at Barcelona and with the club ready to have a squad clearout in the summer, Thierry Henry was reportedly. only a fortnight ago, on the cusp of a move to Manchester United.

Only after reassurances from new coach Pep Guadiola did Thierry decide to remain in Catalunya.

"Thierry was told by the new coach he didn't want him to leave, that he was going to be a big player for Barca next season and would have an important role to play for them.

"That reassured Thierry - but United were ready to buy him."

Now, I really could not see such a move taking place, with Henry only weeks ago expressing his fondness for Arsenal in a rather candid interview for Football Focus. Whether there is any truth in the story or not remains to be seen but it just seems to me the tabloids really are having a slow news day.

Lassana Diarra has further endeared himself to Gooners everywhere today by telling Arsene Wenger to 'move on'.

Diarra made his bitter repost after Wenger questioned the French midfielders patience and decision to move to Portsmouth.

"I really can't understand why Mr Wenger is choosing to make such a fuss over me again,

"Why does he not move on? He speaks about me more than when I was there. It's a very strange one."

Diarra also took at Arsenal and Wenger's managerial capabilties saying,

"Perhaps to lose one French international midfielder may be regarded as misfortune. To lose two looks like carelessness.

"Do you really think I would leave a side like Chelsea to join Arsenal if certain promises were not made? I did not panic but wanted to play as promised.

"Portsmouth winning the FA Cup has more than justified my decision to make the move from Arsenal back in January."

Does he really think that winning the FA Cup this season justifies his departure? Does he really think he had the divine right to walk into a midfield boasting Fabregas and Flamini, both having the best seasons of their careers thus far? I wouldn't at all be suprised to see Diarra on the move again in the near future, as and when his ego sees fit. 

Another case of a former player taking a stab at the club, affiliating himself with other such intellectual characters as Bentley, Aliadiere and Cashley. Nice one.

Gilberto has stated new signings are needed this summer to keep the younger players motivated and ensure they are in the title race next season. The departure of Flamini and expected loss of Hleb mean the thinning of an already small squad.

"I think Arsene Wenger needs to bring in some players to compete with the other big teams,"

"They have many more players than us. It has been hard for us to fight the other teams because they are a lot stronger and more competitive.

"I think one of the biggest jobs is to keep everyone happy and motivated at Arsenal. Although we played some good football, we didn't win anything."

All fair comment you have to say. Despite having a starting 11 able to match any opposition we have met this season, at home or abroad, you have to say the players that have come in aren't yet of the quality of Manchester United or Chelsea.  

The most likely new signing, Samir Nasri has been encouraged to join Arsenal by former Marseille team mate, Franck Ribery.

"It is good for him," Ribery told reporters at France’s training camp in Clairefontaine. "It [Arsenal] is a good club with many young people.

"But the English championship is completely different, he will have to adapt in order to impose himself."