Football Skills London

Vela set to Return

Carlos Vela will be playing for the Gunners next season, says Real Sociedad president. Arsenal will be looking to activate a release-clause, which was tied into Vela's contract agreement before he made the switch to the Spanish club in 2012.

 The young Mexian joined the Gunners at age 16 in 2005, but he was unable to make an immediate impact, most of the issues in regards to him breaking into the starting eleven, circled around his work permit, being a Non-EU Citizen made it impossible for him to play in England.

Vela's career

Early 2006- loaned out to Celta de Vigo, with 0 gameplay he was immediately returned to Arsenal.

2006-07- loaned out to Salamanca- made huge contribution to their season, racking up a tally of  8 goals, Vela contributed well to their 53 goals for the season. 

 2007-08- loaned out to Osasuna, making 33 appearances, and scoring 3 goals.

2008- work permit was finally granted, now Vela was eligible to play for his parent club Arsenal.

2010-11- loaned out to West Brom, making an unfortunate 8 appearances and scoring just 2 goals.

2011-12- loaned out Real Sociedad, capped the most appearance of his career at the time, completing a total of 35 appearance, and scoring and a new career best 12 goals.

2012, after spending over 7 seasons with Arsenal, the uncertainty of being apart of the starting 11.    Urged Vela to make a tough decision. And in early 2012 Vela had this to say "I don't want to return to Arsenal. I have asked my agent to negotiate with Arsenal to stay here."And so in the summer of 2012, Vela transfer to Real Sociedad was made permanent.

 All seems to be going well for Vela making 43 appearnces for his current club, in addition to 12 assists, and netting 17 goals. In January 2014 he won the La Liga Player of the Month award for December. Hence why Arsenal are looking to bring him back, as he would certainly contribute to well to the team.

The possibility of a return does look likely to happen. Arsenal will no doubt add to their strike force, the pricetage for his return is one that is suitable value for money. In May Vela was asked about the likelihood of an Arsenal return, of which he had this to say. "Arsenal can come back for me at €4 million (£3.3m) at any time, which is €1 million more than Real Sociedad paid. I look at things differently these days and I won’t close the door on Arsenal, or any team in England. I think I’m better prepared to play in another country now."

Nothing seems to be concrete for the time being, after all Vela is the FIFTH! striker to be linked as a possible signing for the Gunners. Jokin Aperribay does seem to be toying with us. Speaking at radio station Jokin had this to say.“Arsenal have informed us that Vela would be with them next season.” In a separate interview he was quoted as saying. "We are fortunate that the player is keen to stay in San Sebastian with us and that's an important factor for Real Sociedad." Vela is not apart of Mexico's 23 man World Cup squad, if the information from Jokin is said to be authentic. Then any possible deal between Real Sociedad and Arsenal will be concluded swiftly. 

Milan departure for Balotelli

After months of racist agony, Balotellii  is reportedly set to bring an early end to his contract with A.C. Milan.

It is early days in the transfer window, but Arsenal are being linked with some rather interesting names. This time around it is the problematic man himself Mario Balotelli, this is somewhat of a surprising rumour, Arsenal looks like a side that has respect and togetherness for each other both on and off the pitch, they look almost like a family enjoying their football, so the Balotelli rumour does come across as bring slightly improper. But according to The Independent "Arsène Wenger believes he can tame Mario Balotelli". Now the big question is can Arsène truly tame Balotelli, I believe the answer to that is a simple YES, although it may take some hard work, nothing is impossible that includes turning Balotelli into a well behaved player. Arsenal may not have any troublesome players currently within the team, but the past speaks differently. And the man who transformed those bad boys was Arsène himself.

Reports are indicating that Balotelli is Arsenal's first priority, in terms of signing a top class striker.  To much of his unsettlement Milan are said to be looking to sell Balotelli. Other than Arsenal Liverpool are said to be showing interest. However Arsenal may beat them to the all important signature, considering unlike Liverpool they are truly in desperate need for a top striker.

The new Puma contract may play a huge part in wrapping up this deal. Both Arsène and Puma should be able to persuade Balotelli to sign. Arsène will be able to guarantee first team football for the Italian, where as if needed Puma could boost his sponsorship deal, making him one of their most paid value for money footballer. If his attitude is to change then there is no doubt Balotelli will be worth far more than his current pricetag, which would be great news for Puma. If he does sign for Arsenal that will be another bonus for Puma, as he would sell a huge amount of shirts for Arsenal. As reported by The Independent Arsenal "are said to be readying a £20m deal to bring Balotelli to the Emirates."

Arsenal's most troublesome players

Robin Van Persie- 2004 RVP completed his transfer from Feyenoord to Arsenal. In the 2004-05 season he  was sent off for the first time, in a game against Southampton. From that game Arsène had this to say "I do not support Van Persie today, but he did not look out of control at half-time. When the referee has sent off a home player, he is under pressure, so, if any player had to behave, it was him."Van Persie came to Arsenal with a huge chip on his back, on arrival his was classed as being hot tempered with a vile attitude. Although he was plagued by injuries he went on to making 194 appearances scoring 96 goals. Sportswriter Clive White label RVP as being "21 going on 9". To the World he is now view as a World class striker, many people rarely speak off his bad boy image, he is now a mentor to young and upcoming talents.

Patrick Vieira- During is time at Arsenal he managed to pick up the most red cards, compared to any other player. He brought with him aggression fitting for his role in midfield, but not inside the tunnel. Who can forget the days where a game between Arsenal and Manchester United brought with it a fight, Vieira is still known for his buss up with the United players, especially with his old foe Roy Keane. Faced with ordered punishments Vieira went on to captaining Arsenal to victories, of which came with trophies, and the unforgettable Invincibles.

Tony Adams- Mr Arsenal himself, one of Arsenal's finest captain and a hero to the fans, his 19 Year spell with Arsenal brought with it triumphs and lifting numerous trophies. On the other hand his career also came with a difficult alcohol addiction. Adams had spent time in Chelmsford prison for drink driving, his hostile behaviour landed him in trouble with referees. But he went on to twice winning the double for the league and the cup. Tony Adams once said "Play for the name on the front of the shirt, and they’ll remember the name on the back." He now has his very own statue outside the Emirates. 

Each of these players were all managed by Arsène Wenger, Arsène may not be the sole reasons behind they're change in behaviour, however much of the credit belongs to him. He has and always will be a father figure to his players, a man who on arrival to Arsenal was unknown to many, but he has without any doubt made a name for himself, a name that is well respected throughout Football.

Rémy Fee Agreed?

The summer transfer window is up and running,  and Arsenal look set to make their first signing. 

Arsenal have reportedly agreed personal terms for QPR and the French International striker Loïc Rémy. Much of the speculations surrounding Rémy to Arsenal began at their last home game of the season. The game against West Brom brought with it a surprising but welcoming spectator, Yes Rémy himself watched the game from the directors box, as Arsenal ended their final home game with a 1-0 score line. 

Rémy has made himself hot property for the transfer window, having spent a season on loan at Newcastle, making 26 appearances and scoring 14 goals.  He has caught the eye of some of the Premier League top clubs. According to The Daily Star "Remy had been on Liverpool and Tottenham's radar". But being a lifelong Arsenal fan gave the Gunners the extra edge to make the signing. 

The French International has previously hinted in the past that a return to QPR is fairly unlikely, and although they have won promotion back to the Premier League, that alone may not be enough to tempt him to stay. In an April interview Rémy stated “I want to join a great European club, to play at the highest level". Fast forward a few weeks later where he was spotted at the Emirates, this doesn't prove that he has signed for Arsenal. But with the departure of Bendtner Arsenal are short of a striker, so the reports in regards to a fee agreement may well be true. 

On a previous post I mentioned my brief admiration for Giroud, as formerly mentioned Giroud is indeed a complementary striker, and with the right strike partnership his dexterity will shine through. That partnership may come in the form of Giroud and Remy 

So far their pairing for Les Bleus is impressive. The hold up play from Giroud seems to be working well for his International side. 

What does Rémy offer ? 

Premier League Experience 

Demonstrated that he is able to score goals (14 goal tally for Newcastle)

International World Cup watch ( brilliant link up play with Giroud) 

27 Years old showing his best ever form (ideally this would work well for Arsenal) in regards to his age Arsenal do not need another young striker, as they already have Sanogo, Campbell and Afobe in their ranks. 

Rémy has a positive attitude. Any club would be grateful to have him in their team, he believes in himself and is constantly trying to improve. In an interview in March he commented  on his performance with the Magpies he said. "I can still be much better, I have a huge margin. I have 13 goals in the Premier League so far, but I could have scored more. I am never satisfied with what I have got. I could have scored 15 or 16". When asked about the possibility of him going to the World Cup he said, There is no choice, I have to go there. I already missed Euro 2012 though injury and it was so difficult to swallow,".

This is the type of player that Arsenal need someone who is hungry to willing do more, sometimes it isn't all about signing a big name player. The likes of Benzema is a name that has been linked with a
move to Arsenal. But that potential deal may hinder the possibility of Giroud being a regular starter. Some are unsure as to whether Benzema and Giroud would make a good pairing. Reason being is because they are somewhat identical in terms of style of play, both combine well with their midfield, and are able successfully hold up play. On the other hand Rémy is able to make the appropriate runs in front of Giroud when needed to, as already seen with France. He offers up a difficult stance for defenders, compared to that of Giroud or Benzema he is by far more challenging to mark.