News and gossip from Arsenal FC in the past 24 hours.
Arsenal go into the game with Schalke 04 tonight without any new injury concerns but continue to be without their first-team goalkeepers and English duo Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. They also chase an impressive 44 games unbeaten at home against foreign opposition but come up against a Schalke side who are unbeaten away this season and coming off the back of a win over arch rivals Borussia Dortmund.
Arsenal are coming under competition for hotly tipped Dutch youngster Riechedly Bazoer. Newcastle United and Manchester City are also chasing the talented PSV Eindhoven youngster, who only turned 16 last week. The Dutch under-17 international is being urged to remain in Holland by his sporting director Marcel Brands but admits his side cannot compete with the large sums of money he may be offered by the Premier League trio. Competition will also come from across the continent with Spanish and Italian clubs also tempted to push for the teenage defender.
As first reported yesterday Arsenal have continued to come under fire from Green activists over their decision to fly from London to Norwich for their recent Premier League fixture. Jennifer Parkhouse of the Norwich and Norfolk Friends of the Earth exclaimed that:
“I cannot see any reason why they would have flown, other that it being a rather ostentatious display of the players’ and club’s wealth. It is absolutely absurd.”
Arsenal FC still maintain that the 15 minute flight was their only conceivable option considering the rail disruption on the day and potential for traffic on the roads.
Arsenal may have been sick of the sight of him but he now appears to be on his way back as Nicklas Bendtner appears frustrated with life in Italy. The Danish forward is currently on loan with Juventus and after struggling to break into the first team his agent Tom Brookes announced they will assess the situation in the coming weeks.
Arsenal have appointed a new head of retail and why that seems newsworthy is the man in question being Simon Lilley, who has a rich history with Adidas. Currently the clubs main kit supplier is Nike but the recent development could see them swapping for the German outfitter by 2014.
Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg has given a candid interview to BBC Sport about his career and recent retirement. In regards to Arsenal he said many things but one quote that stood out was: ‘’Winning trophies are highlights. Also, the connection I have with Arsenal fans.’’ He also mentioned that Zinedine Zidane was the best player he ever faced, Socrates was his idol growing up and Dennis Bergkamp the best player he ever played against.
What do you make of all the news and gossip at Arsenal FC in the past 24 hours?
image: © El Ronzo
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