A round up of anything and everything that has happened at Arsenal over the last 24 hours.
Skysports reports today that Thierry Henry intends to return to Arsenal at some point in his career. He returned last season on a short loan stint to provide cover whilst several Gunners attended the African Nations cup in Gabon & Equatorial Guinea. He started that loan spell with a fairytale goal against Leeds in the FA Cup. Henry however conceded he didn’t know which capacity he would return in whether as a player or coach but was sure to make his point that a return to the Emirates would happen one day.
Arsene Wenger confirmed there will be more new faces arriving at the Emirates this season following Giroud and Podolski. He wouldn’t be drawn on specific targets but made it clear he felt the squad needed more development despite considering any return to fitness of Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby as 2 new signings. He also reiterated his stance on the RVP saga, stating he would be happy for the Dutchman to remain in the Premiership – at Arsenal, reports Reuters for Eurosport UK.
The Metro picks up an odd story involving Arsenal’s reported ‘fake bid’ for North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer target Hugo Lloris. Daniel Levy is reportedly suspicious of Arsene Wenger’s relationship with Lyon boss Remi Garde, a former Wenger student for 3 years, and there is rumour that sabotage might be to blame as Arsenal have sufficient goalkeeping cover with polish pair Szczesny and Fabianksi.
Arsenal’ official website was the main source for the unveiling of the kit numbers next season. There has not been much change with Francis Coquelin rewarded for his confident first season in the first team with a higher squad number, 22. Kyle Bartley takes the number 35 shirt after his return from a loan spell at doomed Rangers. Olivier Giroud has been handed the number 12 shirt and Wojciech Szczesny is now officially Arsenals number 1, taking the shirt vacated by Spaniard Manuel Almunia after his departure from North London. Robin Van Persie has been given his number 10 shirt for the season but Lukas Podolski has so far not been allocated a shirt leading the mirror to speculate he will take the number 10 shirt once a likely sale of Van Persie occurs.
Arsenal.com also report on the departure of Pedro Botelho to Brazilian side Atletico Paranaense. The 22 year old spent the majority of his Gunner career on loan in Spain helping Levante to Europe league qualification last season.
What are your opinions on what has happened at Arsenal FC on the 25th July 2012?
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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