French International becomes a Gunner

Fresh off the signing of Alexis Sánchez, last week welcomed the signing of Mathieu Debuchy.

The 28 Year old has signed for the Gunners, in a £12m deal from Newcastle. The French International is Arsenal second major summer signing. Debuchy will go into a team that has a strong backline, with Mertesacker, Gibbs and Koscielny.

Arsenal's official twitter account broke the news "It's official – Mathieu Debuchy has signed for @Arsenal!"

Debuchy told Arsenal.com "Debuchy told arsenal.com: "I'm very proud to be joining a great club like Arsenal and to wear its colours, it's one of the biggest clubs in the whole world.

"I'm looking forward to working with Arsene Wenger and to helping the team build on last season's FA Cup success. Playing again in the Champions League is a big excitement for me and I will do my best to help Arsenal compete for trophies."

Arsenal's manager Arsène Wenger added "We are delighted to welcome Mathieu Debuchy to Arsenal Football Club.

"He has shown he can perform at the highest level with his club sides and also for France. He is a quality defender who has good Premier League experience and I'm confident he will fit in very well with us."

Arsenal are still in the market for a DM, and a Goalkeeper, however the possibility of a striker looks unlikely. According to Arsène Wenger "Up front we don't need any more, maybe I will still bring in one centre-back. I will bring in a goalkeeper for sure and we are still out there to strengthen our squad".

Alex(is)a Gunner

Arsenal FC have signed the Chilean from former club FC Barcelona. After months of on going speculations Sánchez is finally a Gunner. 

The £30m man is officially Arsenal's second most expensive player, behind last summer's transfer signing of Mesut Özil. According to The Guarding Sánchez "has signed a long-term contract believed to be for five years".

As reported back in May,Arsenal were looking at the possibility of bringing Sánchez to the Emirates, in a deal that would happen before or after the World Cup. The Chilean turn down offers from Liverpool and as expected Juventus also tried to seal a deal, but in the end the Chile International chose Arsenal.

Sánchez signs

Arsène had this to say "As many people have seen during the World Cup this summer, Alexis is a fantastic footballer and we are delighted that he is joining us at Arsenal Football Club". 

"Alexis will add power, creativity and much quality to our squad and we are all looking forward to him joining up with us in a few weeks. He has consistently produced top-quality performances at the highest level for a number of seasons now and we are all excited to see him integrate into the Arsenal squad. I’m sure all Arsenal supporters will join me in welcoming Alexis to our club."

Sánchez added "I’m so happy to be joining Arsenal, a club which has a great manager, a fantastic squad of players, huge support around the world and a great stadium in London. I’m looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and to be playing for Arsenal in the Premier League and Champions League. I will give my best to Arsenal and want to make all the supporters happy."

Sánchez is only the start of more to come, for once Arsenal are getting the deals done early. The new Puma kits together with a remarkable signing, brings forth a new ERA for the Gunners. It is safe to say that this is exciting times for the Arsenal fans.

Arsène eyeing Debuchy

Arsène Wenger is said to be eyeing a deal worth £11m for the Toon Right Back Mathieu Debuchy. 

With the departure of Bacary Sagna, Arsenal are in need of a first choice Right Back. Speculations from numerous sources, are indicating that Debuchy is set to become Sagna's successor. One  would have thought that the Right Back position would have already been finalized, with Ivory Coast exiting the World Cup at the group stages, Arsenal fans were expecting a done deal announcement for the signing of Serge Aurier. Much of Arsenal's Right Back talks and rumors has been solely about the Côte d'Ivoire Star. That now looks likely to change. 

 Debuchy is on a fine World Cup form for Les Bleus, and is Didier Deschamps preferred choice at Right Back, with the ex Arsenal man Sagna waiting behind him. 

In comparison to Aurier, Debuchy is somewhat of a safer buy. Having joined Newcastle in the 2013 January transfer window, he has much more premier league experience, to that of Aurier, he has highlighted that he is well able to perform on the biggest of stages. At 28 Years old he is going into the prime of his career, performing well in under two years of being in the Premier League, as well as establishing himself into the French International team, he is proving that he is fearful of nothing. For the Les Bleus at the World Cup he has showcased his competence, he is able to track froward and make the desired runs, as well as having the much needed capabilities to cover his defensive duties. 

On the other hand Aurier looks like the more exciting of the two. He is young and bursting with talent, in a game against Japan, he illustrated just what he is capable of. Assisting two of the Ivory Coast goals, many of whom hadn't seen Aurier play prior to that game, caught glimpses of his artful athleticism. Debuchy may not have the same athletic qualities compared to Aurier, but in terms of defensive priorities he can be easily compared to Sagna. 

With Premier league experience on his side, Debuchy is the safer buy. Further more he is also capable of going forward without leaving the defense completely open for the opposition. In addition to the Right Back options, Aurier is inexperienced for the Premier league, his performance at the World Cup may well have inflated his previous pricetag. If Arsenal did not reach an agreement between Toulouse before the start of the World Cup, they may be asked to pay more than then initially wanted to.

Would Debuch favour a move? 

In an interview with the Evening Chronicle, Debuchy had this to say. “Personally, it’s a great adventure. I have discovered English charm, which is very hard, Newcastle and their extraordinary fans. It’s really incredible to play in that atmosphere. Having said that, I miss European football and the Champions League in particular. For the moment, I’m concentrating on the World Cup. We’ll see about the rest afterwards.”

Arsenal have yet to confirm their place in next season Champions  League. But Arsène Wenger has never failed to take his team to the group stages. Although they have yet to win the competition, they have played in every Champions League fixtures, for the last 16 Years and counting. 

Being a fellow Countryman, with a successful C.V and the prospect of offering Champions League. Wenger should be more than able to bring Debuchy to the Emirates. 

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.