Arsenal: Lukasz Fabianski wants to show his best against Chelsea

It is one of the most important matches for both Arsenal and Chelsea this season as both of the two clubs are in excellent form.  In midweek, they had good  results in Europe.  This Sunday, Arsenal is traveling to play against Chelsea.  It should be noted here that both of the two clubs are from the capital city of London.  Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski showed very good performance in Europe and he is confident that he can repeat the same skill against Chelsea in the premier league match.

Of course, he is not the number one goalkeeper for coach Arsene Wenger.  He got the opportunity to play in the match against Partizan Belgrad because the first choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia was suffering from injury.  Now, Arsene Wenger has a difficult task of deciding who should play as the goalkeeper on this Sunday.

Lukasz Fabianski said, "I was never bothered by all the things. I was always trying to focus on my job."

The goalkeeper has received support from Kieran Gibbs who said, "He is a great keeper or else he wouldn't be here at Arsenal. Saving the penalty was just as important as scoring a goal for us. I think he felt like he had a point to prove. He has shown great character. We do feel for him [after the criticism he had] because we know his quality. He is good in the air, he is a great speaker and he doesn't hide away."

If you were a supporter of the arsenal football club then what is your idea about the whole matter?

Arsenal secures an Important away Win against Blackburn

Arsenal has managed to beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 in a game of English Premier League. The match concluded a few minutes ago. With this win, Arsenal is now at the top of the premier league point for the 1 hour as Chelsea is also playing today.

It was a tightly contested match in which Blackburn players showed a lot of determination with the goal of stealing a point. It was Theo Walcott who scored the first goal of the match for Arsenal in 20^th minute. That lead was cancelled by Diouf of Blackburn in the 27^th minute. The half time ended 1-1.

In the second half, Russian midfielder Arshavin snatched a goal and it was enough for Arsenal to win the match. Arshavin’s goal came in 51 minute.

With this win, Arsenal has 7 points from 3 matches. Blackburn could collect only 3 points from the same number of matches. Right now, Chelsea is playing against Stoke City and a draw is even enough for Chelsea to regain the lead in the point table. 

Arsenal’s fanshare Plan gets Supports from British Government and UEFA

Arsenal’s fanshare idea has received strong support from British government. Sports Minister Hugh Robertson felt that it was a good move from the London based club. Uefa secretary general Gianni Infantino also welcomed the move.

UEFA president Michel Platini has also expressed his liking for the fansahre scheme. Under the scheme, fans will be able to buy some shares of the club for a small amount of money. This way, thousands of supporters will be able to buy and will have more direct opinion of the running of the club.

This scheme will not make any radical change in the ownership structure of Arsenal at this moment but it will involve supporters in the running of the club.

Hugh Robertson said, "Arsenal’s proposal is an enlightened and forward looking way of doing this and makes it affordable for their fans to own a part of their club.

Clearly it is for individual clubs to decide but this is a model I’d like to see other teams explore."

Gianni Infantino  said"At a time when the global economic crisis and the lack of financial discipline threatens the very survival of many football clubs, supporter involvement offers a credible and sustainable alternative and we at Uefa welcome any such moves."

Many of the English Premier leagues are suffering from financial stress and this model of Arsenal can be a good example for them.

Liverpool vs Arsenal Preview & Live Score: EPL 2010-11

English Premier League fans are now excited as two ‘Big Four’ clubs, Liverpool and Arsenal, are taking on each other in their opening match of the new season on 15 August 2010 at Anfield in Liverpool. Both sides are gearing up to present a weekend special to their fans.

Live Score

Fans can get the live updates of the match at the following link:

http://www.soccerstand.com/

Football fans can expect a highly entertaining match with both sides looking to get off to a winning start to the new season in Premier League. Liverpool has failed to live up to the expectation last season as they finished seventh in the league and lost their Champions League place.

So, retaining the Champions League spot seems to be Liverpool’s priority this season under new manager Roy Hodgson. The Reds are confident after their back-to-back victories over Rabotnicki in Europa Cup recently.

It is true that Liverpool has lost the players like Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera this summer, and Javier Masceranho is on the verge of leaving, but a number of last season’s fringe players like David Ngog have shown excellent progress in the pre-season and Liverpool could benefit from them this season. More importantly, Hodgson has given a psychological edge to the Reds by keeping hold on to the star players like captain Gerrard and Spanish striker Torres.

Arsenal would not be lack of confidence either. The Gunners did not lose any of their-pre-season encounters and successfully defended the Emirates Cup title. Moreover, Arsenal players would be inspired from their 2-1 victory in last season’s corresponding fixture.

However, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has few worries ahead of the visit to the Merseyside club. First of all, two key players, captain Cesc Fabregas and striker Robin van Persie, are uncertain to start due to their lack of match fitness. Both the players enjoyed an extended vacation following their exhausting international duties at the World Cup.

Moreover, striker Nicklas Bendtner and young midfielder Aaron Ramsey are currently out of action with their respective injuries. Abou Diaby and Andrey Arshavin are also doubtful with their minor injury problems, but Wenger is hopeful that both the players would be available for the Liverpool showdown.

Arsenal manager would have to choose between Manuel Almunia and Łukasz Fabiański for the goalkeeping position. Almunia seems to be the most likely starter, but given the howlers both the keepers committed last season, it is less likely that their presence would provide confidence to the defense.

Liverpool would most probably miss Fernando Torres due to his groin strain and Ngog is expected to continue his job as the front man. Both teams are expected to feature their summer signings in the game.

Joe Cole would surely have his Premier League debut in Liverpool shirt, while Arsenal would feature Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny. However, it is not sure if Milan Jovanovic and Christian Poulsen would have their Premier League debut with Liverpool.

Is Arsenal Tracking Shay Given?

Shay Given has finally lost the no. 1 place at Manchester City as Joe Hart started in goal in City’s Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. It was clear that City manager Mancini would have to make a tough call as both Given and Hart were fierce competitors for the starting role between the sticks.

While this should strengthen Hart’s position at the England national team, Ireland no. 1 Given is now expected to seriously consider his future. At 34, he does not have many years left in his career and being an understudy of Hart could jeopardize his place at Ireland national team.

Even earlier this week, Shay Given indicated that he could leave Eastlands, if he found himself on the bench. Now, there is a possibility Arsenal could consider a move for the Ireland international.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been in search of a new goalkeeper and has already had a £2 million bid rejected by Fulham for the Australian keeper Mark Schwarzer. With Fulham showing no sign of interest in letting Schwarzer move, Wenger is expected to be considering other options and there are all the possibilities he could turn his attention to Given.

It seems that Shay Given would talk to the City officials very soon to know if he is in Mancini’s plan this season. As of now, a move to Arsenal seems less likely for the Irish, but anything could happen as there are 2 weeks left in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal: Wenger has high hope about Andrei Arshavin

The Arsenal fans want that their drought of success would end this season. Arsene Wenger feels that Andrei Arshavin would be an important player this season and he has a lot of expectations from him.

Arshavin joined the London club in January 2009. In the last season, he played well but injury got the upper hand on him. He was also personally frustrated after Russia failed to quality for World Cup Football 2010.

Wenger feels that Arshavin would be able to leave all these things behind him and he will try to score goals and help others. Arsene Wenger said, "It was a massive blow for him to go out of the World Cup with Russia, and he had an end of season which was disturbed by many injuries.

What I expect from him is he remains completely fit, gives the team everything - with his creative side, he can be decisive, create chances and score goals, that is what you want from him."

Tomorrow, Arsenal will play against Liverpool. Arshavin has a very good record against the club.

Wenger does not have that much to worry about the striking options and midfield but he could not yet get the players to arrange a good defense. 

Arsenal: Arsene Wenger extends his Contract for 3 More years

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has agreed to extend his contract with the club for another 3 years. Because of this extension, he will be in charge of the club until the end of 2013-14 season (June 2014). This news came just one day before of Arsenal’s first match of the 2010-11 season against Liverpool.

This news will make everyone at the club very happy. Wenger is undoubtedly the best coach in the history of the club and he has helped the club to go through the tough years because of moving to a new stadium.

Arsene Wenger said to the official website, "My heart belongs to Arsenal and my desire is to see this team win silverware.

My commitment and drive are as strong and fresh as ever.  Signing a new deal means that I can see this talented group of players reach their potential.  Trust me, they are ready to deliver.

With my staff and players we are in front of an exciting challenge and we are looking forward to achieving much success."

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood also expressed his satisfaction at the news. He said, "We are thrilled that Arsène has signed an extension to his contract. He has masterfully transformed this football club over the last 14 years and the exciting and compelling football we play under his stewardship is admired the world over.

Arsène is a very talented man and we believe the young, exciting team he has nurtured over the past five years will reward his and the fans’ patience with silverware."

Arsene Wenger joined Arsenal in 1996. 

Mark Hughes: From our point of view the situation has not changed about Mark Schwarzer

Fulham coach Mark Hughes has put an end to all the speculations about the possible transfer of Mark Schwarzer to Arsenal. He stated that he understood the aspiration of Schwarzer join a big club like Arsenal and play in Champions League but he must think what is best for Fulham. This means that Arsene Wenger would have to look for another goalkeeper.

Arsenal placed an offer in May and Fulham rejected it. Earlier this week, Schwarzer emailed and requested for a transfer and he publicly told that he wished to go to Arsenal and play in Champions League.

Hughes felt that Fulham needed a top quality goalkeeper like Schwarzer this season.

Mark Hughes said, "From our point of view the situation has not changed. There was interest from Arsenal in May. Their bid was refused. We have not had any more bids and we wouldn't encourage any. Mark sees it as an opportunity with the current stage that he is at in his career.

I can appreciate that but he has to understand that we have to protect Fulham too. At the moment it wouldn't be right for Fulham football club.

He is an outstanding goalkeeper. It's only when you work with players that you realise how good they are.

It would be difficult to replace him. It's difficult to get the right quality into your football club. We have a top-class keeper in our squad and we would like to keep him."

So, Arsene Wenger will have to step up his efforts to get a good goalkeeper this season. It is also reported in the media that Manuel Almunia would like to leave Arsenal if Wenger can find a new goalkeeper. 

Mark Schwarzer desperate for Arsenal Transfer

Australia’s number one goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has been trying his best to ensure a move to Arsenal from his current club Fulham. He has requested for transfer through email. According to a report of Daily Mail, he is even coming to London to talk to new t Fulham coach Mark Hughes about this matter.

While Arsenal is keen to get this 37-year old goalkeeper, Fulham officials are reluctant to let him go. Arsenal’s coach Arsene Wenger is yet to find a good goalkeeper in the summer transfer market and his initial bid of £2million last month was not accepted by Fulham. Wenger is pursuing this goalkeeper because Mark Schwarzer is desperate to make a move.

Arsenal needs a good goalkeeper this season as in the last season, their top goalkeeper Manuel Almunia performed poorly and inconsistently.

Mark Schwarzer is now 37 years old and this is perhaps his final season to get any kind of glory in club football. Arsenal secured third place in EPL and reached quarterfinal in UEFA Champions League last season. So, Mark Schwarzer is eager to play for Arsenal in search of glory.

On the other hand, Fulham officials know that Schwarzer is perhaps their best player and they are not willing to let him go.  

Arsenal: Who is Next to Join?

Arsenal has already signed a striker in Marouane Chamakh for free and a central defender in Laurent Koscielny for £10 million in the ongoing Summer transfer market. Now, manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly in the transfer market looking for a goalkeeper, one or even two more central defenders and most probably an attacking midfielder.

Goalkeeper

It is pretty much certain that Wenger would bring in a new goalkeeper this summer following some costly errors by his existing goalkeepers last season. At the moment, there are at least two keepers Wenger is eyeing on with Fulham’s Mark Schwarzer being favorite to join the Gunners. Arsenal has already had a £2 million bid rejected by Fulham for the 37-year-old Australian stopper. Fulham is asking £4 million, but there is a possibility the deal could be agreed on £3 million.

Gunners boss is also reportedly interested in Udinese goalkeeper Samir Handanovic who has had a very good World Cup campaign with Slovenia. Unlike Schwarzer, the 26-year-old Slovenia international could be a long time solution for Arsenal. The €10 million-rated keeper has another suitor in Juventus.

Center Back

The arrival of one more center back seems imminent now, given that Mikael Silvestre and William Gallas are all set to leave and Sol Campbell is yet to decide his future. So, there is even possibility Wenger could bring in even two more central defenders this summer. Wenger is currently linked with at least three players including Udinese defender Cristián Zapata, Everton defender Phil Jagielka and Werder Bremen’s German international Per Mertesacker.

The 23-year-old Colombian keeper Zapata is a versatile player who can play in any position in the back line. The player is also reportedly looking for a bigger club like Arsenal. Everton’s Phil Jagielka is a proven performer and Wenger is even reportedly ready to spend £18 million, but it seems less likely to happen given Wenger’s spending nature.

It is also clear that Werder Bremen’s Per Mertesacker has already attracted the attention of Wenger and the player is also in search of a new destination.

Attacking Midfielder

With Cesc Fabregas unsettled, Wenger may like to bring in a creative midfielder too. He was initially linked with Werder Bremen’s Mesut Ozil, but now it would be hard to land the Germany international as a number of big spenders like Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester City have joined in the race. However, Wenger has a very good option in Juventus attacking midfielder Sebastian Giovinco who has also been a target of Bari.

Everton’s Mikel Arteta has been one of the most consistent midfielders in Premier League over the last few years and Arsenal would face competition from Sevilla to secure the Spaniard’s service.

Emirates Cup 2010 needs more Coverage and Marketing

Emirates Cup 2010 is going to start from 31 July. It is a preseason tournament that would give some of the young players at Arsenal to showcase their skill and gain some valuable experience. However, it is still an important event to the Arsenal fans.

About the event, Arsene Wenger said, "Arsenal loves welcoming back its loyal fans for the first big game at the Emirates Stadium and it’s the perfect environment for the players to get their sharpness back after the summer break. We look forward to welcoming our guests - AC Milan, Olympique Lyonnais and Celtic - to the 2010 Emirates Cup. I’m confident that the fans of all clubs involved are in for a very special football treat."

On the opening day (31 July) Arsenal is going to face AC Milan and it this match just took place in UEFA Champions League then it would attract millions of people around the world through live TV coverage. This is the area that Arsenal should try to improve. For example, there is no information about the TV coverage of the event in Asia.

In Middle East, football fans can see the matches of Emirates Cup 2010 in Al Jazeera Sports. What about China, East Asia and South Asia? The official website of Arsenal has no information in this regard. Even Wikipedia entry on Emirates Cup could not give anything on TV coverage of the event in Asia. Also, what about Africa. The club is popular in some of the countries in Africa.  

TV coverage is not the only issue that needs to be addressed at the moment. The event should have a separate website and a blog with a lot of information. Emirates surely can spend some money in this regard. In this age of Internet, it is not a very difficult or expensive thing to do.

On 1 August, Arsenal will play against Celtic and it is a very attractive fixture too. Arsenal is a club with huge fan following across the world. Celtic is also a club with sizeable but passionate and dedicated fans.

In fact, Emirates Cup can become the most watched and talked about of all preseason events. It just needs some proper marketing and promotional planning. 

Eduardo is thankful to Arsenal for the Support

Eduardo just joined a new club the other day and normally when a player leaves a club then most of the time, they do not have very happy feeling about the former club. Eduardo has thanked everyone at Arsenal for their support when he became injured and was out of action for many months.

The Croatian striker joined Arsenal 3 years ago on July 2007. He was 24 years old and the Wenger spent around £7.5 million to get him from Dinamo Zagreb. Earlier this week, Wenger sold him for around £6 million. After suffering the devastating injury on 23 February 2008, he never got his form back when he came to action on 16 February 2009. This one year caused him both physical and emotional distress and he could not be the player he was.

Anyway, Eduardo said to the Arsenal Website, "The past few days have been very emotional for me. Although I am excited about the challenge ahead with my new club Shakhtar Donetsk, I am so sad to be leaving my home for the past three years - Arsenal Football Club.

Arsenal is a very special football club and I will miss so many people - my team-mates, all the staff and, of course, the wonderful Arsenal supporters. I had some very difficult times with my injury, but Arsenal was always there for me - the medical staff, the management, the players and the supporters. Thank you everybody."

All the Arsenal fans would wish that Eduardo can become a good player again and he someday can return to the Emirates. At the moment, the player needs to get into a league that is less physical and competitive compared to EPL and playing for Shakhtar Donetsk would perhaps give him some breathing space.

Arsenal Striker Eduardo Signed for Shakhtar Donetsk for £6m

Arsenal’s Brazil-born Croatian striker Eduardo has finally completed his £6m move to Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk. His transfer to Shakhtar looked imminent over the last few days as it was earlier revealed that the two clubs agreed on a £6 million deal.

Eduardo joined Arsenal in 2007 in a move away from Dinamo Zagreb for £7.5 million. He just started showing his quality during the 2007-08 season, but a horrific leg injury in February 2008 left him in the sideline for around a year.

Eduardo returned in action in 2009, but could not regain his form throughout the last season. As a result, he fell down the pecking order, and the arrival of Marouane Chamakh this summer meant that his possibility of getting back a regular place in the Arsenal starting line up would have been subsided.

Arsenal’s current front line strikers are Robin van Persie, Arshavin, Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtnern and there is a possibility Arsene Wenger may bring in Nice striker Loic Remy whose recent form has attracted a number of European clubs. Liverpool, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are all currently in the race to secure the French striker’s service.

After the signing of Lorient Koscielny, however, Arsenal’s priority now is to sign another central defender as well as goalkeeper, while the arrival of a creative midfielder is also a possibility.

Arsenal vs Sturm Graz Time and Live Score: Friendly 2010

Arsenal is going to face Austrian outfit Sturm Graz in their second pre-season friendly match on 21 July 2010 in Australia. Arsene Wenger and his players are currently in Austria on a preparation tour ahead of Emirates Cup and Premier League.

Time

The match starts at 17:00 GMT and 18:00 BST. In the US, the match begins in New York time at 13:00 and California time at 10:00. According to local time (Austria), the match starts at 19:00.

Live Score

Football fans can get the live score of the match at the following link:

http://www.soccerstand.com/

Arsenal defeated Barnet 4-0 in their first pre-season friendly affair before setting out for Austria. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger played 22 players in the match, and thus, giving fair share of playing time to his young fringe players.

Good news for Arsenal fans and Wenger is that reserve striker Jay Simpson showed considerable improvement in the match and scored two goals against Barnet. It is pretty much understandable that there are some other reserve players like Jack Wilshere who are eagerly waiting for their chances to impress Wenger.

Center back Johan Djourou has revealed that the pre-season matches are very important for him. The 23-year-old Switzerland international is far behind from cementing his place in the Gunners regular starting line up. Since his professional debut in 2004, he could play only 46 matches so far in Premier League.

New summer signings Laurent Koscielny and Marouane Chamakh have had their Arsenal debut against Barnet, but their performance was not impressive at all. However, it is also true that it was their very first match in Arsenal shirt. Wenger is most likely to feature both of them against Graz so that they can adapt themselves with Arsenal style.

Sturm Graz plays in the Austrian football league. Arsenal met them in two competitive matches so far. That was a two-legged Inter Cities Fair Cup match in 1970 which the Gunners won 2-1 on aggregate after losing the first leg 1-0 away. Then in 2004, Arsenal once again played against Graz in a pre-season friendly affair which the North London side won by 2-0. A number of players including Manuel Almunia, Gael Clichy, Cesc Fabrega and Robin van Persie from the current Arsenal squad were also present in that match.

Well, that does not mean that Graz would not give any competition to the Gunners this time. In fact, their players could be inspired to take revenge of their previous defeats, even though it is nothing but a mere friendly match.

Arsenal does not have Cesc Fabregas on loan: Xavi needs to Know That

The latest remarks of Xavi about Fabregas saga again just showed what made Arsenal officials really angry over Barcelona this summer. He said to the Daily Express that Arsenal should consider themselves that they have Fabregas ‘on loan for a year’. This kind of remark surely reflects the general mood at Barcelona club and it clearly reflects the arrogance and ignorance they have.

First of all, Fabregas is in no way ‘on loan’ at the Emirates. He came to play here in 2003 at the age of just 16 because he realized that he would have better chance of becoming a successful footballer under Arsene Wenger than Barcelona.

At first, it was difficult for the player to adjust in England. He even did not know English language well. He got generous support from the coach Wenger and the players. Thus, he has been with Arsenal for the last seven years and he did not change his club until now.

Of course, Fabregas gave a lot to the club and in return, he got a lot too. He got good salary from a coach who is very strict about salary caps. He even signed a long term deal with the club and made his future secure.  

Thus, someone really needs to teach Xavi about modern football and the business of football. His arrogant remarks came from his ignorance. He said, "We know where Cesc wants to be this coming season, but perhaps there is not enough time for Barcelona and Arsenal to agree a deal. Arsenal need to understand they are only delaying the inevitable.

If we don't manage to get his signature this season then Arsenal only really have him on loan for a year - because there is nothing they can do to stop him joining next summer."

Someone needs to teach Xavi that Arsenal invested a lot on Fabregas and it is natural that the club deserves a good transfer fee. Xavi also needs to understand that if Barcelona wants to have Cesc by giving a small amount of money then they should wait another 4-5 years when the contract of the player with the London club will finish and then Barcelona can have him as a free agent.

The reality is that Barcelona is under financial stress and cannot afford to spend £50 or £60 million for the Arsenal captain. Xavi also needs to understand this simple matter that it is Barcelona who is under financial problem not Arsenal. 

Arsenal Eyeing on Pape Diakhate of Dynamo Kiev

Arsenal is reportedly eyeing on Dynamo Kiev’s Senegal international Pape Diakhate. Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has been tracking the 26-year-old center back for sometime now. Kiev is now waiting to hear offers from Arsenal for Diakhate.

During the first half of the last season, Pape Diakhate played for French outfit Saint-Etienne on loan and he is yet to clinch a regular place at the Dynamo Kiev starting line up since returning from collar bone injury. So, it seems the Ukrainian club is also interested to let him go and make some cash in. Diakhate has been reportedly valuated at £7.25 million by Kiev.

A highly rated center back, Pape Diakhate can also play as a left back or wide midfielder. He even also has the experience of playing as a goalkeeper for Senegal national team. Overall, he has all the abilities to fit the mould of an Arsenal player. Besides his versatility, Diakhate is a very strong defender and has aerial advantage due to his 6 feet 1 inch height.

Arsenal has already signed French center back Laurent Koscielny for £10 million this summer and is still in search of another central defender to ensure they have enough quality options for the central role in the defense with William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre all set to leave.

However, there is a possibility Sol Campbell could stay with the Gunners for one more season, even though Wenger would not hand him a two-year contract.

Arsenal: Andrey Arshavin happy and Hungry for Success before the New Season

Andrey Arshavin is surely one of the top 3 players at Arsenal’s current squad. The last season was not that good for him as he suffered from two factors- injury and a weak Arsenal team. This time, the Russian player is fresh, happy and hungry for success.

He just played in off season friendly against Barnet the other day and scored the opening goal. This made him very happy and he said to his official website, "This time I was a bit in a rush :) Probably because I missed football. I opened the scoring in the second minute.

Yes, everything is OK. Everything is according to the plan."

In the last season, Andrey Arshavin suffered from injury and could not take part in some of the matches for the London based club. At the same, the injury of Robin Van Persie forced him to play as a centre-forward and it was not perhaps his best position. However, Arshavin worked very hard and it helped his club. In fact, Arsenal suffered a lot from injuries last season and this put a lot of pressure and responsibility on Andrey Arshavin.

This time, hopefully, Arshavin will not have problem to play in his familiar position and the Arsenal squad is becoming stronger too with the addition of some new quality players.

Coach Arsene Wenger should help Wenger and let him play in his normal position. No Arsenal fan can forget the magical performance Andrey Arshavin 21 April 2009. On that night, against Liverpool he scored 4 goals at Anfield and that match ended 4-4.

Arsenal Coach Wenger is Still Unable to get a Top Class Goalkeeper

When it comes to finding top class players, Arsene Wenger is surely second to none in World Football. He took quite a few young players and turned them to world class footballers. Now, he needs to find a top class goalkeeper for Arsenal so that the club can mount a serious challenge both in England and in Europe.

Last season, goalkeeping was one of the major problems that the club faced. Both Manuel Almunia and Łukasz Fabiański were inconsistent. A few weeks ago, Arsenal was linked with a number of goalkeepers playing in European leagues. Just a few days ago, it seemed that the joining of Australian national football team and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was just a matter of time.

Now, it is almost clear that Fulham will not sell       Mark Schwarzer just the way Arsenal is not prepared to sell Cesc Fabregas.

Fulham midfielder Jonathan Greening has requested the club not to sell the goalkeeper. He said to Fulham Chronicle, “Mark's one of the best keepers I've ever played with. His quality's there for all to see and he was a big part of our European campaign last season. He's a massive player and we must do all we can to keep him."

Of course, there are still a few weeks to go before the summer transfer window will close. Even there are almost 4 weeks before the start of new EPL season. So, Wenger has enough time in his hand.

Arsenal vs Sturm Graz: Another Friendly with the Focus on Good Preparation

Arsenal is going to play against Austrian club Sturm Graz in Austria on 21 July. This match would be part of Arsenal’s preparation in Austria ahead of the Emirates Cup starting from 31 July at the Emirates Stadium in London.

Arsenal got an easy 4-0 victory over Barnet in their first pre-season friendly match last Saturday. The good news for the Gunners is that some of their fringe players like Jay Simpson were impressive. The former England U-17 and U-18 international, Simpson, scored two goals following Andrey Arshavin’s second-minute opener. Another starlet Samir Nasri completed Arsenal’s scoring in the second half.

Wenger used 22 players in the match as he featured a new eleven in the second half. He also gave playing time to his two new signings Laurent Koscielny and Marouane Chamakh.

So, it is pretty much clear that Wenger wants to ensure the best preparation for his squad members. He would most probably follow the same thing against Sturm Graz too. Young impressive players like Jay Simpson could be featured in the starting line up against the Austrian outfit, while players like Koscielny and Chamakh would get their fair share of playing time to adapt to the Arsenal style.

Overall, Arsenal’s focus would largely be on getting the best preparation. However, that does not mean that winning the affair would not be an objective for the Gunners. In fact, the North London side would like to win it to boost up their confidence level, but the focus would remain on good preparation without picking up any new injury problem.

In any other competition, Sturm Graz could have been a clear underdog, but as it is a friendly showdown anything can happen. The home side could put on some inspirational performance knowing that they are playing against one of the top three English clubs.

Shakhtar Donetsk Linked with Eduardo of Arsenal

Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk has now been heavily linked with Arsenal’s Croatian striker Eduardo. Reports available in the media suggest that Shakhtar is very close to swoop the 27-year-old for £6 million and has offered the striker £50,000-a-week salary.

Eduardo has lost manager Arsene Wenger’s favor over the last one and half year as he failed to regain the form that once looked formidable after coming back from a horrible leg injury sustained in 2008.

Since the end of the last season speculation was ripe Eduardo would leave the Emirates stadium this summer. Aston Villa and Besiktas have also revealed their interest in the former Dinamo Zagreb striker.

Shakhtar Donetsk would offer Eduardo Champions League football and their financial offers also looks pretty much lucrative for Eduardo. Shakhtar is trying to strengthen its squad by bringing in some quality player like Brazilian striker Robinho, Luis Suarez from Ajax, and Paraguay star Oscar Cardozo.

The arrival of Eduardo could convince his Croatia teammate Darijo Srna to stay at Shakhtar Donetsk despite being linked with a move to Chelsea.

At 27, it seems to be the right move for Eduardo. Arsenal has a number of quality options in Robin van Persie, Andrey Arshavin, Marouane Chamakh and Nicklas Bendtner in their attacking line up. So, it would not be easy for Eduardo to get his regular place back in the Arsenal first eleven and it would be better if he moves to somewhere else seeking more first team football.

Eduardo joined Arsenal in 2007 in a move away from Dinamo Zagreb and has so far played 41 premier league matches scoring 6 goals.