Under Unai Emery, Arsenal are going through a massive rebuild and the fans in the Transfer Tavern are excited to see what changes will be made ahead of the new season.
Arsenal’s new boss has already sealed deals for Stephan Lichtsteiner, Bernd Leno and most recently, former Dortmund man, Sokratis Papastathopoulos. However, it’s not just the first-team the club are looking to reshape but also it’s youth academy and are now linked with a move for Sunderland’s Sam Greenwood.
The Breakdown
According to ESPN, Arsenal are set to beat Manchester United and Stuttgart to the signing of the under-16 star.
Greenwood is regarded as one of the best young talents in his age group and has represented England at under-16 level. The young striker scored 21 goals in 26 appearances for Sunderland’s under-16s and 18s last season, which led to a host of Europe’s top clubs showing an interest.
Greenwood also turned down a new deal to remain at the club which opened the door for Manchester United and Arsenal to attempt to sign the youngster.
Sunderland’s academy has had a successful few years with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Duncan, Duncan Watmore and Jordan Pickford all progressing into the first-team.
With Sunderland now in League One, youth players have more chance of getting first-team football but with the club coming off back-to-back relegations, it seems it may be quite hard to keep some of their top talents who want to play at a higher level.
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Signing Greenwood could be an excellent steal for a new look Arsenal.
Glasgow Rangers enjoyed a somewhat productive summer transfer window, releasing various players such as Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos, who were on big wages, while managing to lure some quality to Ibrox in the process.
The likes of Danilo, Jack Butland and Jose Cifuentes are players who have proven their class elsewhere and are the kind of pedigree that can only improve the Gers in the long run.
Michael Beale failed to secure the club Champions League group stage football for the second season in a row and will have to be content with the Europa League following a poor display against PSV Eindhoven.
This wasn’t his only blunder either, as the 42-year-old missed out on a few players during the window, and one could have been a major upgrade on a player who has made just one appearance this season – Scott Wright.
What’s happened to Scott Wright?
The right-winger has failed to light up Ibrox during his two-and-a-half seasons at the club, netting only eight goals and registering seven assists across 85 games, a poor return for a player who was signed in order to add some goal contributions from the flank.
Indeed, across 34 matches last term, Wright managed just one assist, while ranking in a lowly 30th spot for overall Sofascore rating (6.64), tenth for successful dribbles (0.5) and 21st for key passes (0.4) per game, indicating that he failed to really take his chances when given an opportunity to shine.
It’s evident that Beale shouldn’t rely on the Scot during the 2023/24 campaign and the 42-year-old missed a great opportunity to sign a player who was starring in the MLS for Los Angeles FC – Kwadwo Opoku.
Who did Rangers miss out on signing?
Despite Beale completing a major overhaul of his squad, the Ibrox side did miss out on a few targets, such as Luis Palma, Morgan Whittaker and Auston Trusty, yet it could be the failure to sign Opoku that leaves the Gers short of wide options.
Glasgow Rangers forward Scott Wright.
The Ghanaian was linked with a move to the Light Blues back in June, with Old Firm rivals Celtic also showing interest, and it looked as though he could’ve been available for €4.8m (£4m), which wouldn’t have been out of their price range.
The right-winger registered 11 goal contributions during the 2022 MLS season – eight goals and three assists – as he played a starring role in the club claiming the MLS cup.
He ranked third for big chances created (11), sixth for key passes per game (0.8) and for successful dribbles per game (one), clearly suggesting he’d be an upgrade on Wright, especially with his eye for goal.
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The 22-year-old was hailed by journalist Owuraku Ampofo following LAFC winning the title, saying: “Kwadwo Opoku caps off a magnificent season with LAFC, helping them lift the MLS trophy.
“Opoku had 8 goals and 3 assists this season, and was vital in the playoffs – providing an assist in the Quarterfinal, and scoring in the semi-final. A fairytale story for the forward.”
It wasn’t to be for Rangers however, as the 5 foot 4 starlet made the move to CF Montreal instead of heading to Europe, and it could certainly come to represent an opportunity missed by the club, especially if Wright barely features before Christmas.
1. This Is It – So the elite have finally been chosen, the immortals decreed and the crème de la crème has risen to the top. Now it has to stay fresh for the next month and avoid going all lumpy (Emile Heskey aside) before it reaches the knock out stages of World Cup 2010. Apparently this is our best chance of winning it since our last best chance of winning it all the way back in 2006. Rooney’s ready (sort of), Barry’s fit (sort of) Heskey’s been taught what a goal is (sort of), the team has jetted off, it’s on people! World Cup fever starts now. The other, earlier World Cup fever was inferior, half hearted World Cup fever and the fever that reaches us when the games actually start is only bound to be a massive disappointment. Now is the perfect time to get all excited without feeling foolish or premature. We can be as crazy and optimistic as we like, something I’m going to be running completely contrary to for the rest of this article.
2. The Oh No – So there was no Gazza moment this time around. No brilliant but troubled talisman and reliable penalty taker jettisoned in favor of the majestic talents of Rob Lee. Nor were there any embryonic enigmas included ahead of the highest top flight scoring Englishman, though perversely the big shock of the squad was the exclusion of that very same embryo, who’s development into a fully formed Thierry Henry hasn’t been quite a fast as he is. It’s a shame for Theo Walcott, who’s done an excellent job of growing a pirate beard to rival that of Gary Neville, but with the injury to goldenballs limiting our wing choice to three almost identical players, the ones who performed better on England duty were the ones who had to go. Croatia aside, Walcott has failed to impress on the international stage whilst Lennon and little Ian have both grasped their fleeting appearances with gusto (and in SWP’s case, generous goalkeeping). Fair’s fair unfortunately, the number 7 shirt is still up for grabs.
3. The Generation Game – This is the oldest England World Cup squad ever apparently, which doesn’t say much for our youth systems, but even less for the group of players it’s left behind. The group that I like to call “the Lost Generation” but could equally call the spoiled little b*****d generation have been the greatest disappointment of this World Cup qualifying campaign. Whilst France – who are longer odds than us despite reaching the last final – have brought through the Gourcuffs, Benzemas and Riberys in recent years, we’ve still only managed Rooney. The rest of Rooney’s crop; the Bentleys, Jenus’, Walcotts, Pennants and younger Ferdinands have all failed to deliver. As we creep towards the beginning of a new decade proper, the fact that Lampard, Gerrard, James, J Cole and Beckham (who almost certainly would’ve been included barring injury), all gained their first England caps over 10 years ago isn’t a particularly comforting one. We’re relying on them again, and whether they finally deliver or not, the problem of what to do when they’re put out to pasture looms heavily. It may or may not be our best chance to win it since ‘66, but it looks like it’ll be our best chance to win it for some time to come.
4. Roo and Whose Army? – Whilst the one position we do definitely have a genuinely World Class player at the peak of his form in is upfront, it’s also annoyingly the position that seems the most underwhelming on paper. Where once we had Shearer and Sheringham, we now have Rooney and heading man, a terrible pun which could happily apply to either Heskey or Crouch, if you ignore the pesky problem of Crouchy not actually being terribly good in the air. Having not just one, but essentially two players who’s inclusion is mainly down to their ability to get the best out of our best player doesn’t strike me as something terribly brilliant about our team. Heskey’s goal record at international level is worse than both Rene Higuita and Jose Luis Chilvert, both of whom – as the more observant of you will have noticed – are goalkeepers. Crouch has an excellent return for England, but can’t play up on his own and isn’t the type of player who’s going to do anything magical against Spain or Argentina. If Rooney ends up injuring himself – which he probably will, most likely somewhere in his own half – we’re done for, unless Defoe (the one extra forward brought along to actually score goals) can replicate his club partnership with Rodney Trotter. Still, it’s hardly Villa and Torres is it? But mustn’t grumble, stiff upper lip and all that what what!
5. Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes – And what if we play Gerrard behind Wayne instead? The brief flirtation with 4-3-3 against Japan last Sunday actually worked quite well. Freeing Stevie from his abusive relationship with Frank Lampard and giving Joe Cole license to roam around whilst Wayne busily kicked people in the middle seemed to make us not just more attractive, but more dangerous. But then if we do do that, then what on earth is the point of brining Lump and Rodders along? Surely a goal getter like Bent would be the better option in that formation if Rooney does end up damaging his metatarsal or treading on someone’s gonads again. No, it looks like 4-4-2 is what Fabio wants, and hopefully we’ll be better at it with our first choice line up that we were against either Japan or Mexico. The arguments over the merits of 4-4-2, and indeed Heskey will continue until it’s won us the trophy. If it doesn’t, there’ll be hell to pay. Oh Fabio, hell hath no fury like an England scorned.
Click here to view 6-10
6. War(nock)..Huh!..What is it good for? – Leighton Baines out, Stephen Warnock in. I have absolutely nothing to say about that other than…OK then. Lets hope he can call on the whole wealth of his eight minutes international experience if need be. Yes We Can, Yes We Can.
7. Out the Daw – Dawson out seems a tad harsh since he’s had an excellent season propelling Spurs into the top four. More so than Matthew Upson at any rate, who joins Robert Green in the defensive options kindly provided us by West Ham United, a team who narrowly avoided relegation and lost to Wolves at home. Yes We Can, Yes We Can.
8. The Joe-ker – I’m glad Joe Cole’s in. Being behind the goal when he walloped in that volley against Sweden in Cologne four years ago probably sways my judgment a little, but he’s one of the few English players you can actually expect the unexpected from, in a good way. He looks a little heavier now though, a natural byproduct of age and a lengthy lay off. Playing up front with Rooney on Sunday gave the impression that Fabio had picked up two slightly overweight pub team stalwarts after seeing them humiliate some kids in a park.
9. Ooo err Mrs. – The WAGS will apparently be holed up in Sun City (which is coincidentally, but not unfortunately where I’ll be as it happens) which is sort of like the South African version of Las Vegas but with less rampant obesity. The players have been told they’re allowed to see them once a week after each game, before retuning to boot camp for extra drilling (presumably there’ll be some drilling involved during these fleeting conjugal visits too.) A repeat of Baden Baden seems extremely unlikely however, with Vicky B absent, Theo’s Mrs. no longer under any kind of spotlight and not going anyway, Stevie G embroiled in marital turmoil and John Terry acting as a kind of scarecrow bogeyman figure to any player who lets his other half out of their sight for more than 20 minutes.
10. Here We Go Here We Go Here We Go – So this is it, there’s nothing more to do but twiddle our thumbs until the USA on June 12th. Come on you England. As Liverpool fans have repeated for nigh on 20 years now…This is our year!
You can follow Oscar on Twitter here; http://twitter.com/oscarpyejeary
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Arsene Wenger has come out this week and claimed that Cesc isn’t going anywhere this summer. The French boss was speaking out as Barca’s new president once again attempted to stir the mix with more untimely outburst within the Spanish media.
This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag of Arsenal blogs that include…Reality hits home for Cesc; Wenger right to maintain policy and negative rumours may throw Arsene off the scent.
Plus we have taken a look at the best Arsenal stories on the Web this week.
Could Wenger succeed where Benitez failed with Dutchman?
Will negative rumours throw Wenger off the Gourcuff scent?
The mystery behind the late bloomers; Wright, Arshavin, Toni…
Which club represents the best move for Mesut Ozil this summer?
The top TEN Celebrity Arsenal fans
Robin van Persie proves that some things never change
Sad to see him leave Arsenal but ultimately the right move
Why Wenger is right to maintain his contract policy
Is reality finally hitting home for Cesc Fabregas?
Top TEN wonderkids that promised PL clubs so much but delivered little
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Best of Web
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Ozil is better than Cesc \ Real Robin our Dutchman? \ Reserves banished… good – Le Grove
Disbanding Reserving Gives Football Restructuring Opportunity & A Little Gossip – A Cultured Left Foot
Arsenal how cynical, you just can’t help yourself can you. – Le Grove
Farewell to the Arsenal reserves – Online Gooner
Cesc Feels The Love, Campbell Feels The Way, Technology & Transfer Talk – A Cultured Left Foot
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Bob Wilson – Sport.co.uk
Click on image below to see the GERMAN babes at the World Cup
The transfer waters at Anfield are a little choppy at present as the media are seemingly making it their agenda to ensure a comfortable summer for supporters by touting most of their first team with moves to other clubs. Maybe one day they’ll realise that Liverpool tends to conduct all their transfer business behind closed doors, rather than in the public domain.
This week at FFC we have seen a mixed bag blogs which has included…Transfer storm set to erupt at Liverpool; four signings that Roy should turn to should Mascherano leave and lessons must be learnt with Fernando Torres.
Plus we have taken a look at the best Liverpool stories on the Web this week.
I fear a Liverpool transfer storm is set to erupt
4 potential signings for Roy, should Mascherano jump ship
Where should Insua, Lucas and Liverpool go from here?
Lessons need to be learnt with Fernando Torres
Has setback proved a blessing in disguise for Liverpool?
Liverpool’s Greatest British XI of all time
The likes of Alonso, Reina and Gerrard show criticisms are unjust
Liverpool’s Greatest Foreign XI of all time
Why a loan move could prove the making of Liverpool starlet
Impressive World Cup but Ghanaian isn’t good enough for Liverpool
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Best of Web
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4th is Realistic, Anything more Reds fans is just Dreamland – Live4Liverpool
Dirk Kuyt: The Beating Heart of Liverpool FC – This is Anfield
Backing Hodgson and backing the decision to appoint him are two different things – Well Red
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Emerging From A Red Shadow – Tomkins Times
Respect For Roy – Kopblog
World Cup 2010: Reds XI vs. Ex-Reds XI – This Is Anfield
Click on image to see a gallery of the BEST BABES at the World Cup this summer
Following Sunday’s controversial World Cup Final, demoralised Dutch duo Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder have lambasted Howard Webb for his refereeing display. The fiery encounter, which was settled by Andres Iniesta’s extra-time winner, saw Webb hand out 14 yellow cards and one red.
‘He has robbed us,’ said Sneijder, whose five goals had lead Holland to the final.
‘This really is a disgrace to football. It really shouldn’t have happened.
First I shot a free kick that hit the wall and then the Spanish keeper touched it before going behind. What does the referee do? The whistle was not for a corner.’
‘In the following attack, Iniesta is at first offside. Webb doesn’t whistle and then Iniesta gets the ball and scores.
‘And earlier there was a moment with Iniesta, he kicked Van Bommel when the ball was not there. The fourth official saw the moment and he said, “Yeah, I saw it”. I think if you saw it’s a red card.’
‘That’s three incidents in a short space of time. It is a scandal it has to end this way.
‘I won three titles (this season) and now I lost tonight the fourth title. ‘It’s a pity but I think we can be proud of it, the whole country.’
Arsenal’s Robin van Persie was critical of Webb’s decision to refrain from handing out a second yellow card to match-winner Iniesta.
‘What was this man doing,’ said the striker of Webb.
‘He made three big errors in extra time of a World Cup final. Believe me, this really hurts.
‘Even after Heitinga’s red card I still felt we could be world champions. With penalty kicks we’d at least have a 50 per cent chance.
‘He whistled four minutes from time, but not for a corner, and later overlooks Iniesta being in an offside position.
‘Iniesta should not have been on the pitch because he kicked Van Bommel. He also should have shown Puyol a second yellow card for trying to knock down Robben.
‘I don’t say it’s only down to the referee. We missed a very good chance. But the referee has been decisive.
‘Perhaps it was because Spain were wronged in a group match against Switzerland? Let me say nothing. ‘ (Daily Mail)
Given the magnitude of the World Cup Final, it is unsurprising to see that such comments have emerged from the Dutch camp. Although criticism of officials is a common and unfortunate by-product of the game, it is rather sad to see the likes of Van Persie and Sneijder making such comments. Both players are undeniably world-class players, and neither should have to point to the perceived failings of Howard Webb as the primary reason for their failure to perform in the World Cup Final. Sneijder failed to scale the heady heights of earlier World Cup outings, and Van Persie continued his dismal showing in South Africa, failing to offer any substantial threat in front of goal.
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Whilst the aforementioned pair have cited incidents of Webb failing to penalise Spain, both Van Persie and Sneijder have unsurprisingly neglected to mention the instances of Howard Webb failing to adequately punish both Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommel for dangerous tackles in the first half of the match. Had both tackles been greeted with red cards, the Netherlands would have been forced to play for most of the game with nine men, and would almost certainly have failed to take the game into extra-time. In this regard, the Dutch can consider themselves lucky to have benefitted from Webb’s lenient approach.
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Click on image below to see the Argentinean babes at the World Cup
Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy has warned that he may even consider walking away from the game if he is left in the wilderness by the Citizens this season.
The 31-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Eastlands after appearing to drop out of boss Roberto Mancini’s plans, and Bellamy is far from happy with that situation.
He said ahead of Wales’ friendly with Luxembourg:“I feel strongly that I can offer something at the club, but if I don’t get in the 25-man squad, I don’t know what I will do.
“I might finish, full stop, or look at every option I get.
“This game is as ruthless as any. I sort of feel I am not going to be part of it at Manchester City. I can see it from a distance.
“I find that very difficult to take because I really enjoy playing for Manchester City. I think I have shown that with my commitment this year.
“With this 25-man ruling, it doesn’t matter how well I train or how good my attitude is, I might not be registered to play.
“So do I go without playing football until January, or do I find myself a club where I can play football?
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“I am committed to stay where I am. I feel I deserve to be part of it, but I don’t pick the 25 or the team. I have to wait on their decision.”
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Edwin Van der Sar wants the chance to earn another year’s contract at Old Trafford. Last season looked as though it would be the Dutch stopper’s final one at Manchester United, with his contract due to expire in the summer and his wife, Annemarie, seriously ill in Holland. Thankfully, Annemarie recovered from her brain haemorrhage, and Van der Sar arranged a one-year extension to his reported £90k per week contract.
According to the Daily Mirror, Van der Sar has a clause in his contract in which he is entitled to an extension to his contract if he makes 30 appearances or more this season. This is his sixth season at United, and in the previous five he has played more than thirty games in each. Last season, Sir Alex Ferguson gave opportunities to both Ben Foster and Thomas Kuszczak but neither managed to put in consistent commanding performances, so much so that Ferguson was happy to let Foster – who he had high hopes for – leave for Birmingham.
In his ideal world, Ferguson would have kept Foster, and eased him into the role at Old Trafford, but he was willing to accept that Foster wanted the first team football that he couldn’t yet promise, and allowed him to head to St Andrews. Foster simply wasn’t as good as Van der Sar last season, and the Dutchman remains easily United’s best keeper.
Tomasz Kuszczak is a good back-up – a precious commodity in a squad – and has performed admirably when called upon, but whether he is capable of becoming United’s number one is still very much up for debate. Ben Amos looks as though he has a lot of talent, but 19 is still too soon to know how a player’s career will pan out, particularly for goalkeepers. Neither of these two can touch Van der Sar when it comes down the cold facts. In the big games, Edwin will be playing, no doubt.
Often it can be difficult when successful players start getting on, and Van der Sar turns 40 next month. There is often a sense of loyalty ruling common sense, and players can end up playing for longer than they should. This is not yet the case in regards to Van der Sar; he is still one of the best keepers around, and there is no real sign of this changing. He is still in great physical shape and obviously has the desire to continue.
Van der Sar will not go on and on, but he is entitled to try and earn his contract extension. During his time at Old Trafford he has been a loyal servant, and an integral part of the success that United have achieved over the last five years. Ferguson will almost certainly have briefed his vast scouting system to hunt for Van der Sar’s successor. At 28, Kuszczak should be approaching his peak over the next couple of years, and seems content to stay at Old Trafford to try to eventually earn his place in the team. United though, will have higher standards, and should be pursuing the best in the world, which Kuszczak is not.
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Calling Van der Sar ‘the best that United have got’ sounds like as though it undervalues his worth and ability, but he is still United’s number one. He is still an excellent goalkeeper regardless of his age. If he carries on his form this season, then he is fully entitled to be offered a longer deal, while his employers find his long-term successor.
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Here at the Tavern we don’t mind a punch up. Being a virtual bar, a pint of Internet claret and the odd tooth flying is small bananas. We don’t endorse violence in real life, but our existence here …simply isn’t real so we applaud Kung Fu kicks and fisticuffcations that make us stop, stare and even chuckle at.
Enjoy this gallery of GBHers!
Kieron Dyer vs Lee Bowyer
A good old scrap between two team-mates was quickly broken up by opposing players when a seething disharmony reached a crisis point in a Newcastle squad. After being reduced to nine men, Newcastle would go on to lose 3-0 to Aston Villa in their own backyard. Afterwards, manager Graeme Souness held a press conference to account for his charges’ behaviour.
Newly crowned champions Blackburn Rovers made a rotten start to the 1995/96 season, and gave an even worse account of themselves in a relatively easy Champions League group containing opponents such as Legia Warsaw and Rosenborg. During a disastrous trip to Moscow (against Spartak) both players collided after going for the same ball, and when Batty confronted Le Saux, his words were answered with a choice blow to the jaw – which on Le Saux’s reflection probably hurt him more than Batty.
This is like something out of Street Fighter, with flying kicks aplenty and lots of comic value. Mass brawls are what we all love…
Argentina vs. Uruguay
Who said beach soccer was more relaxed? After Uruguay took a controversial lead, an all out riot was sparked, with the use of batons eventually necessary as the golden sand threatened to turn red in this South American derby.
Latvia and Uzbekistan might not have the highest of hopes for international glory, but their passion for the game boiled over in another spicy mass brawl.
This all started with Kolo Toure attempting to end Jon Obi Mikel’s playing career, a challenge which sparked aggression and got team-mates involved in a big way. Adebayor was guilty of violent conduct after lashing out when it turned nasty, and the Togolese striker was then sent off along with Mikel and Toure. Even Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho both got on the pitch in an attempt to calm things down – now that WOULD have been tasty…
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Ref vs. 20 Players
This wasn’t so much a fight rather than a flee for sanctuary. The referee did what most Premier League refs dream about and dished out his own brand of justice to a mouthpiece. Cue the entire team, reserves, coaching staff and god knows who else smelling blood… referee’s blood.
Boro vs Everton
Two teams jostling for European spots took out their aggression on each other in January 2005. After Duncan Ferguson made a typically robust challenge on goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, a fair amount of umbrage was created, leading to a 22-man brawl inside the goalmouth.
Hartson vs Berkovic
For a pure, unabashed don’t-give-a-s*** attitude, look no further than Wales legend John Hartson. Eyal Berkovic thought he’d try and have a go after disagreeing with Hartson – but paid the price for his insolence and was shown just how a shot should be taken…
Wolves midfielder Karl Henry has promised to learn his lesson after apologising for his horror tackle on Wigan Athletic's Jordi Gomez.
Henry, who was already under the spotlight after his tackle broke the leg of Fulham's Bobby Zamora last month, was sent off just 11 minutes into Saturday's 2-0 defeat at the DW Stadium.
His lunging tackle on Gomez resulted in a straight red card and the 27-year-old midfielder's actions have again left manager Mick McCarthy having to defend his side's style of play.
"Having watched it again I can see that it looks horrific and realise that it was a deserved red card," he told the club's official website.
"I've already apologised to the manager, TC (assistant Terry Connor) and the boys, but I'd also like to apologise to the supporters, especially the ones that travelled up to Wigan.
"If we'd have had 11 men on the pitch, there is no doubt in my mind that we would have won that game. I'm desperately disappointed – if I could go back and rerun it all again I wouldn't make the challenge and I would have stayed on my feet.
"It's something that I'll learn from. But things happen so quickly. I'd made the decision to go and win the ball and it turned out to be the wrong one.
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"We started really well and I thought we were well in contention – especially in the first half. And so again, I'd like to stress how sorry I am because I know that I have let people down.
"And, on top of everything else, I'm going to miss three important games. For me it's a bad situation, but I've got every confidence that the boys can get a result against West Ham and kick on from there."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email