Arsenal News ( Transfer )

Jay M. Punkster

Indy Moderator

A new round of speculation in the French press has again seen Arsenal linked with two of France's World Cup stars, Franck Ribery and Eric Abidal.

Both players have been strongly mentioned in conjunction with the North London side since the finals in Germany, and, with the summer transfer window appearing on the distant horizon, the links have now resurfaced.

Marseille winger Ribery has hinted he could leave Stade Velodrome if the French side fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League and Arsenal could be at the front of the queue to capture the gifted star if the opportunity arises.

"I don't want to experience the same situation as last summer," Ribery told France Football.

"My main objective remains to qualify for the Champions League with l'OM, and then we will see what happens.

"The clubs that were interested in me after the World Cup continue to contact me."

Ribery has also been linked with European giants Bayern Munich and Real Madrid since his impressive showing at the World Cup, but France Football reports that the winger has a verbal agreement that could see him join his compatriot Arsene Wenger.

Gunners skipper Thierry Henry is also known to be a huge fan of the player who is currently recovering from a fractured foot, but Premiership rivals Liverpool and Manchester United are also believed to be interested.

Lyon left-back Abidal could also leave France in the summer as he has so far refused to sign a new three-year deal on offer from the Ligue 1 champions.

The Gunners and Real Madrid appear to be his two most likely suitors, although Milan and Barcelona are in the hunt as well and could be prepared to pay his £10million buyout clause.

and

Lyon midfielder Florent Malouda admits he would consider a move to Arsenal or Juventus.

Malouda is contracted to Lyon until 2011 and is concerned about moving on ahead of next summer's European Championship, but is staying open-minded about his future.

He insists he would only leave Lyon for a better club, and has identified Juventus and Arsenal as the two clubs that would attract him the most.

"When I signed a contract extension last summer, it was so I would not be asked about my future during this season," he told France Football.

"The chairman and I have set a meeting for the end of the current season, but I have a long-term contract at Lyon.

"I will leave only if I can find better somewhere else, but there are not so many clubs better than Lyon nowadays.

"Is it really a good idea to leave one year before Euro 2008?

"I am attracted by Italy and the English league.

"Juventus and Arsenal? These are exciting clubs because they have a past and a culture of their own, but there is nothing concrete with those clubs.

"It is possible they are following me, but since I play in the UEFA Champions League I know a lot of clubs are following me.

"Lyon may be stronger next season, in which case I could leave in 2008, after Euro."

Malouda also played down talk of a possible link with Chelsea, explaining that he was unsure which direction the club was heading in.

"Could my friend Didier Drogba attract me to Chelsea? There are a lot of uncertainties there," he said.

"Today can you say Mourinho will still be their coach next term?"

and finnaly

rsenal vice-captain Gilberto has admitted his admiration for Juventus, but insists any decision over his future will be entirely in the hands of The Gunners.

The Brazilian international has long been linked with a possible move to Turin in the summer as it is believed that Bianconeri coach Didier Deschamps has targeted him as a central part of his rebuilding plans.

Providing they win promotion from Serie B this season, Juve will be looking to assemble a squad capable of immediately challenging for honours in the top-flight and Gilberto's presence would give them an aura of calm in the centre of midfield.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger only recently denied speculation that Gilberto could be sold at the end of the season, and the player himself insists that the London club will have the final say over where his future lies.

However, the Italian rumour mill has hit overdrive with Gilberto's comments that the Bianconeri are an appealing proposition.

"Juventus are a great club that want to return to winning ways," Gilberto told Corriere dello Sport.

"Furthermore, it is Emerson's former club and there are many Brazilians starring in the Italian championship.

"I have a contract until 2009, and Arsenal will decide [what happens]."

Even though Gilberto has now turned 30, it remains to be seen whether Wenger would be prepared to lose another key midfielder to Juve after selling former captain Patrick Vieira to the Italian giants in the summer of 2005.

The decision could be taken out of the Frenchman's hands if Gilberto opts to invoke a Fifa regulation that could see him leave for as little as £1.7million, but the player's agent is remaining coy over talk of a summer exit.

"He likes it at Arsenal and there is a contract in place for another two years," said Paulo Villana.

"This is the current situation, but as you know anything can change in life and football is part of life."

I wouldnt mind Gilberto leavinf if it resulted in arsenal signing any of these players ,

God

Super Moderator

I havent seen a lot of Riberby but from what i have seen, ive liked. I think he could fit very well with us. I think Ljungberg would have to go first though and he seems to be getting back to near his best.

I dont know anything about the second guy but he seems a bit too big headed for me to like the idea of him joining us.

Gilberto shouldent leave. I hope he stays for the rest of his carerr but he has said before he wants to finish in Brazil. He's only 30 and considering the role he plays i think he's got another three or four years before he starts to slide ala Vieira.

Luke-E

And in other news, manchester united have upped ben fosters wages to £30k.

Just felt the UK sports need some football new that wont the gooners

http://www.sportzworld.net/

God

Super Moderator

Wouldent it have been better to start a new thread?

Luke-E

Not really.

Not much to talk about some getting a raise.

But what i did forget to say in this thread is;
if Arsenal get any more french players they might as well leave the english league and play in french. It really pisses me off that they have two english players and one dont play much and the other is shit so he never plays.

http://www.sportzworld.net/

God

Super Moderator

Walcott is injured and Hoyte is second choice. its been said hundreds of times before but nationality doesnt matter. If your good enough, you'll play. Traroe looks like he's gonna make the grade and a few others from the reserves too excluding Muamba and Connelly who is out on loan.

Jay M. Punkster

Indy Moderator

And Marc Randell lol.

God

Super Moderator

Not yet for him. In a few years time he should be but not this season or next for sure.

Jay M. Punkster

Indy Moderator

luke u say arsenal dont have that many englsih players , well im juts watching the england v andora match and my god there bad , half of them are not good enough for arsenal , now i no its the manger steve mcklarens fault but there playing bad

Luke-E

Jay i dont watch england any more.

As long as SM is running the team i am not watching, im watching scotland as i have scotish blood in me. COME ON THE SCOTS.

And the play with pride unlike the money hungry players we have. Like the world cup, if we had won that each player would have got £250k each!
And brazils players would have got nothing and they got nothing four years ago, try making one them play for nothing....i put my life on it only a few would that are in the team now.

http://www.sportzworld.net/