Players in form - Robin van Persie

We asked you in a recent question on our Facebook Page, who you thought was the most in form player from around the world.

The overhwelming result was Robin van Persie.

The Dutch superstar has indeed been in fine form of late scoring 15 goals in this Premier League campaign (from 15 matches), helping the Gunners climb up back into contention for a place in Europe. His most recent goal came against Everton, in Arsenal's 1-0 league win - a superbly taken volley, perfectly executed to celebrate Arsenal's125th anniversary.

Check it out below!

Samir Nasri Set to Complete Manchester City Medical Within a Day

With Cesc Fabregas gone Arsenal would have hoped that they could turn to Frenchmen Samir Nasri to lead Arsenal's attack going forward. However it would seem that the attacking midfielder may just also be on his way out. In turn he would be the third major loss at the Emirates this transfer window (Fabregas and Clichy being the other two).

According to Goal.com Samir Nasri is expected to head over to Etihad to complete a medical, and surely sign off on a contract. He would link up with former Arsenal team mate Gael Clichy who also made the move to Manchester.

The rumours have surfaced after Cesc Fabregas was allowed to leave Arsenal to Barcelona just day ago. Nasri went on to fuel a possible move by not re-signing his contract with Arsenal. The actions have prompted much reaction from the fans, upset at the loyalty being shown towards the club.

After being on the end of an offensive chant from the Arsenal fans in the Newcaslte game, perhaps Nasri does not feel as though he is wanted at Arsenal anymore. Although one would question, where would Nasri fit in at Manchester City. With Aguero making his apparent mark on the English Premier League, David Silva playing extremely well and Dzeko coming into form, there is really no room for Samir Nasri.

Nasri was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year last year, and his loss would leave Arsene Wenger with a great deal of money to be spent before the conclusion of the transfer window. That is, if Arsenal want to realistically challenge for the English Premier League title.

Official: Arsenal sign Gervinho

As quickly as this tranfer rumour popped up, it was completed. No one saw it coming but Lille striker Gervinho has officially signed with Arsenal in a deal believed to be worth 12 million Euros. The news of the signing was made apparant by Arsene Wenger himself and comes after the loss of Clichy to City and very soon Samir Nasri as well.

Gervinho was in stunning form this season, making a name for himself in the 2010 World Cup. From there the striker went on to score fifteen goals and bagged 10 assists in his clubs rise to the top of Ligue 1. As well as Gervinho Arsenal also signed Carl Jenkinson, who looks to be the perfect replacement for Gael Clichy.

Gervinho may just provide some hope for Arsenal fans who are so fearful of the dual exit of Fabregas and Samir Nasri!

Could Per Mertesacker be on his way to The Emirates?

By Marcel Abboud

After struggling in the center back position for a while now, Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger appears to be making a bid to lure SV Werder Bremen defensive stalwart Per Mertesacker to The Emirates.

The towering German center back has been a mainstay at Werder Bremen since his arrival from Hannover 96 in 2006 and has been a transfer target for Wenger since the 2010/11 transfer window. But with Werder Bremen lingering around the relegation zone in the Bundesliga at the time, the center back believed it was in his and the clubs best interest that he stay with Die Grün-Weißen so they can stave off any relegation fears.


The Gunners have really struggled to fill the defensive holes in their backline and Wenger will be looking to Mertesacker to help sure up the defense, along with keeping his eyes on Bolton Wanderers' Gary Cahill and Christopher Samba of Blackburn Rovers.

Nasri set for Manchester City move

Samir Nasri looks to be the second Arsenal player to leave for Manchester City in as many weeks, after City made a 25 million euro bid for the French superstar. Nasri will be offered a 6 million euro a year contract in return for his services. With Carlos Tevez looking to leave the Etihad (new stadium name) Nasri could prove to be the perfect addition to the squad.

Earlier in the week Gael Clichy completed a move to Manchester signing on for a few years. Nasri would prove to be a big loss for Arsenal, especially after his stellar season scoring ten times, even with extensive injuries. Nasri has been at Arsenal for 3 years arriving in 2008 and has made over 120 appearances for the club. Fabregas is also set to leave the Emirates, and sources say that if Nasri leaves so to will Fab, resulting in a mass transfer budget for Arsene Wenger to use before the EPL gets underway.

City are in a prime position for attracting players to Manchester,with a top three finish resulting in guaranteed Champions League football. If Nasri remains at Arsenal they would have to play through the qualification stages of Europe, not guaranteeing a spot in Europe's premier competition.

Any deal that eventuates will be signed off within the next few days. City are also in the market for Fabregas but are faced with stiff competition from Barcelona for his services.

Official: Clichy completes City move

Arsenal have relinquished the services of left back Gael Clichy to Manchester City, as Eastlands looks to add some pace and consistency to their defence. The deal is said to be worth about 7 million pounds with Clichy expected to earn in excess 85000 pounds a week. The Frenchman signed on for four years in Manchester.

Clichy had joined Arsenal to replace Ashley Cole after he had left for Chelsea, since then the 25 year old more than filled the shoes of the Englishman turning out to become one of the best left backs in the world. He is extremely well known for his pace and overlapping runs.

Clichy made over 300 appearances for Arsenal during his time at the Emirates. The left back says he had no regrets during his eight years at the club. He believes the move is the right step for his careers, allowing him to experience a different playing style. Manchester City players Kolo Toure and Patrick Viera are apparently very keen on the deal, being friends with Clichy outside football.

With Fabregas and Nasri expected also to leave in the coming weeks, Clich may be the first of a long list or Arsenal players to leave London.

Clichy move to Manchester City almost complete

Arsenal are said to relinquish the services of fullback Gael Clichy to Manchester City in the coming days, as Eastlands looks to add some pace to their defence. The deal is said to be worth about 7 million pounds with Clichy expected to earn in excess 85000 pounds a week.

Clichy has been the first choice fullback at Arsenal since Ashley Cole left for Chelsea. His pace proved to be a useful asset down the wing with his overlapping runs causing havoc for defences that stood in the way. With City playing in the Champions League Clichy will serve an important role in suring up an expensive defence. Last season signing Aleksandar Kolarov will most likely be demoted to the bench, since both players play left back. 


With Arsenal close to losing Fabregas and possibly Nasri, the Gunners may have some rebuilding to do before the start of the pre season. United have tabled a 20 million dollar bid for Nasri, and Barcelona are ever closer to signing Fab. 


A medical for Clichy will be completed in the coming days.

Manchester City not United after Nasri!

Manchester City have emerged as being the actual "Manchester" team in the race for French attacking midfielder Samir Nasri. It was ealier reported that Untied were tabling a bid, but this ridicule was quickly trashed instead being replaced by the idea that City have been getting their  funds together to try and lure Nasri.

Nasri scored 10 goals in his Arsenal campaign this year, however they amounted to nothing as Arsenal failed to win a trophy for the sixth successive year. City on the other hand collected a trophy in the form of the FA Cup in the 2010/2011 season, possibly sparking them onto bigger and better things next year.


City are also guaranteed a Champions League spot next year, finishing third in the EPL.

Eastlands is also on the hunt for yet another striker, possibly Neymar or Sergio Aguero. There are also rumours that they may hi-jack the Fabregas and Barcelona talks and sign Fab. What is for certain though is that Arsenal will need to start turning over trophys to hold onto their players!

Manchester United call Nasri to Old Trafford

Samir Nasri has probably established himself as one of the best foreign Premier League players after a brilliant showing in 2010/2011. However such a great stint with Arsenal has still amounted to nothing and it may just prove to be time up for Nasri, as he looks to move to a club who could possibly guarantee a trophy to the Frenchman.

Of the many clubs to show interest Manchester United have seemingly come out ontop in the hunt for Nasri. After signing Ashley Young, Nasri would prove to be the perfect addition alongside the Villa wingman. United are reportedly tabling a 20 million dollar bid for his services. A culmination of poor results from Arsenal, as well as a reluctance to sign a 5 year contract have lead to the establishment of rumours regarding his future.

Nasri began the season in electric form scoring nearly every match on Arsenals climb to the top. However an injury lead to a reduced amount of playing time for the number 8. Ultimately Arsenal finished fourth in the EPL and will have to fight for a place in European competitions.

United will formerly make a bid to Arsenal next week. But don't expect the price tag to stay the same, especially because Arsenal will be unwilling to let their starman go to an arch rival club. Nasri was on the verge of signing a contract extention with Arsenal, but may reconsider his options.

Fabregas, a 30 million dollar joke!

Another transfer season, sees another audacious bid by Barcelona to try and land Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas. But it would seem that last seasons flat out rejection of 50 million dollars for Fabregas was not enough to deter the Catalan giants from pursuing the Spanish midfielder. However, instead of upping the anti, they have tried an approach far cheaper, and far less appealing for any Arsenal supporter.

Barcelona have apprarantly made a 30 million dollar approach for the number 4 attacking midfielder. Arsenal have rejected the bid, stating that they are not prepared to sell their captain under any circumstances. With the Londoners failing to win any trophies yet again, one would wonder when enough is enough for the Spanish man. It may prove to be the case that the 24 year old asks for a release to his former club.

If there's anything for certain now, its that Fabregas will still be at the Emirates next year!..... well at least untl Barca come calling again.

When will the Fabregas transfer saga end?

With Barcelona triumphing in Europe yet again, many would think that the Catalan giants would not need to make any new signings, or changes to such a supreme squat. However, for a second successive year rumours about Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas have surfaced.

The Spanish midfielder and former Barca boy has certainly proved himslef to be one of the best players in the world. All the hype over the move kicked off last year after post World Cup celebrations where Spanish team members and Barcelona defenders Carlos Puyol and Gerrard Pique placed a Barcelona jersey on Fabregas. Although Fab claimed it to be a joke, he was quoted as saying that "he would love to play for Barcelona one day" further adding to the speculation.

Last season Barcelona were told by Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger that Fabregas was not for sale under any circumstances. Arsenal were able to hold onto their playmaker, but went on to once again fail in winning any silverware. With Fabregas and Arsenal once again without any trophies, it would seem that the number 4 is on the verge of leaving. Barcelona have announced a 45million dollar for this season, suggesting that perhaps a player could be included in a deal for the Spanish midfielder.

Questions also lie to where he would play, in a midfield which is maticulous in its passing and attacking. What is for certain though is that Fabregas will not come cheap...... where ever he goes!

This post is sponsored by Ticketamerica.com who have has Black Label society tickets and Bon Iver tickets and Boston Symphony Orchestra seating.

black label society

bon iver tickets

boston symphony orchestra tickets

Check the links for more info

LIVE - Arsenal vs Manchester United - Premier League 2011

Arsenal take on United in what will prove to be one of the most decisive clahses in the 2011 Premier League. Follow all the live updates underneath:

And Then There Was Two: Bolton Wanderers 2 - 1 Arsenal FC

And with a simple goal in the 85th minute Arsenal FC have ensured that they go ANOTHER season without any silverware, losing 2 - 1 to Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium.

Bolton were ahead in the 38th minute after on loan striker Daniel Sturridge headed home a goal line clearance and could have been further ahead if it were not for the heroic of Arsenal's Polish keeper Wojciech Szczesny saving a Kevin Nolan penalty. Bolton were made to pay soon after as Robin van Persie equalized, making the scores 1 -1 at the Reebok.


But as has been for Arsenal's season, the Gunners suffered a cruel hammer blow as Israeli international Tamir Cohen slotted in the winning goal from a Bolton corner in the 85th minute. Cohen then received a yellow card for taking off his jersey revealing a picture of his late father.

This game surely symbolizes the end of Arsenal's title charge and any hope of silverware for a seventh season in a row, comdemning the Gunners to look on from the sidelines as Chelsea FC try and close the six point gap on leaders Manchester United with five games remaining.

It has truly become a two horse race, but the question is: can the red horse or the blue horse cross the line?

Watch highlights of the game here

Watch the goal that ended any hope of an Arsenal FC title charge here

By Marcel Abboud

Arsenal to go on a spending spree, after falling short yet again

Arsenal have long been identified a team who can win the Premier League. The side has been the home of countless big name players in the past. In 2010/2011, Arsenal put together a young side, with Jack Wilshere being the player who benefited most from this.It all seemed to be going well for Arsenal, who were just a few points of United with a game in hand. However draws with Tottenham and Liverpool saw the Londoners drop down to third place where they now sit.

It would appear to rival supporters that Arsenal cannot handle the pressure of the Premier League. Yet coach Arsene Wenger believes he has found the issue behind Arsenal's end of season downfalls. A lack of player experience may be the issue and with a 40 Million Dollar budget behind him Arsenal may just be on the verge of bringing some big name players to the Emirates.

The talk of a world class centre back along with a new keeper may just inspire Arsenal to a title ahead of United, Chelsea and Liverpool. A combination of Arsenal's young talent, and the experience of a few worldclass players would surely boost team morale and player development. Rumours have Buffon in the sights of Wenger as well as Pepe of Madrid. But this is merely speculation.

What is for certain though is that Arsenal need to address an issue if they are to once again win titles. Be it domestic or internationally!

Off the field controversies spice up North London derby

It’s not as if it needed it, but it looks like we have one hell of a derby on our hands tonight. Aside from the usual chest thumping and football bets being placed, both managers have been side-tracked by their own agendas ahead of what is a pretty important night for both sets of players.

Both teams still need to fight for their lives if they are to leave their mark on the Premier League this season.  Arsenal’s draw against Liverpool was labelled as disastrous, but placed in the context of Manchester United’s stalemate against Newcastle; ground has neither been lost or gained.

Tottenham, following a poor run of form which saw them become the only team to lose to Blackpool in 13 games as the Seasiders plummeted towards the relegation zone, while draws against fellow relegation strugglers West Ham and Wigan, and Wolves is hardly the form of a Champions League side, yet somewhat inexplicably, they still have a chance of overhauling Manchester city for fourth once more, and are just three points behind Roberto Mancini’s side with a game in hand – which just so happens to be a North London derby.

Not that Harry Redknapp or Arsene Wenger seems to be aware of what is at stake tonight.

It is perhaps the Arsenal manager who is trying to douse the most amount of fires before tonight’s game. The Frenchman was indignant following the decision to award Liverpool a very late penalty, an attitude that has drawn a wave of criticism as Wenger has the accusation that his side are over-protected and soft when it comes to the big games levelled at him.

Comments from his club captain will have done little to improve his mood. Cesc Febrages has seemingly admitted what most believed but had yet to hear vocalised – that their trophy-less run that stretches back to 2005 is a weight that hangs heavy around their necks.

“From 2007 I had already started saying we're not winning, but we're playing well. And then you realise that's no use.” The Spanish midfielder said.

"The problem is that the team needs to win something and that's why it was so important to win the Carling Cup (they lost 2-1 to Birmingham in the final).

"You have to make a decision: either go and win, or develop players." He added.

The Gunner’s captain has targeted not only his side’s inability to win trophies affecting their approach to the game as they grown in desperation to be freed from the shackles of their barren run, but also the philosophy that under-pins the ethos of the club. After all what has Wenger worked so hard to build in his time at Arsenal? And if he cannot win trophies then he has always been able to fall back on their style of play – that isn’t good enough anymore according to the captain.

Meanwhile Harry Redknapp has found himself confronting the FA over the fixture list. After the game between Stoke and Manchester City was shifted because of their FA Cup commitments last weekend, a tenuous set of circumstances mean that it could well benefit Stoke if they were to lose the re-arranged fixture.

Why Redknapp has decided to become embroiled in an argument of which he has little control over is a little confusing, and could be a distracting tactic from the pressure placed on his own side to replicate their performances last season, and regain entry to the Champions League once more, a competition they excelled in this time round.

If not already, the game between the two fierce rivals tonight is loaded with potency as the implications of the result are wide reaching, and stretch even beyond the three points on offer. A win for either side would do little harm to both their on the pitch ambitions or their off-field arguments. After a series of dramatic results in recent meetings between the two, and with football betting unable to separate the two - this could well be the best of the lot.

Video - Highlights from Arsenal vs Liverpool

What a game it was, 8 minutes of extra time, two penalties in the dying minutes and overall a superb game of football. Arsenal needed to win to keep their title hopes alives, but they fell short as Liverpol equalised in the 101st minute through a penalty.

Arsenal went ahead just minutes earlier when Fabregas was brought down. Van Persie calmly converted. However the ball was quickly in the Arsenal peanlty area and this time Eboue brought down Lucas, and it was left to Kuyt to equalise.

Stunning finish to a stunning match.

Check out the extended highlights below!

Goal of the Week - Lionel Messi vs Arsenal

Messi's strike against Arsenal was certainly our pick of the week. Nicely weighted ball to the Argentine from Iniesta, saw the maestro lift the ball over Almunia and finish with a nice left footed volley. It was just one of his many spectacular goals. Barcelona finished the game 3-1 to proceed through to the quarter finals.
Check out the strike below.

Fabregas.... fit or unfit for Birmingham clash?

Arsenal captain and Spanish international Cesc Fabregas is in serious doubt of missing the League Cup final against Birmingham. After picking up an injury against Stoke City, Arsene Wenger came out ruling the number 4 unfit for their historic clash which could see them end their long streak without winning a trophy.

However Fabregas and Arsenal fans alike were given some hope when Cesc's personal trainer cliamed that he is indeed fit to play this weekend.

Juan Ferrando - personal trainer - suggested that the substitution against Stoke was indeed a precaution.

He also stated the Cesc will be ready for their second leg clash with Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

Fabreagas is expected to be given right up until kick off to prove his fitness for the clash. However, Wenger will be prioritising the match against Barcelona and even if he does prove to be match fit, he might just be conserved for the crucial clash.

Highly sought after youngster.... 15 Million Pound baby

Having fought on the pitch for bragging rights in there Champions League games that still isn't enough for local rivals Tottenham and Arsenal. Connor Wickham, 18 next month, is the highly sought-after youngster. His value has recently rocketed to £15million following a first senior hat-trick; Ipswich 6-0 demolition of Doncaster (Tuesday).   

Wickham was seen at the Emirates during Arsenal's triumph over Barcelona. However his most likely destination during the summer transfer window is Spurs, with Harry Redknapp understood to have first refusal. The powerfully built teenager is a big hope having been capped England U21 level.

Marcus Evans (Ipswich owner) and boardroom colleagues have previoulsy discussed a possible deal with colleagues at White Hart Lane. It would seem that Wickham's contract extension keeping him at Ipswich till 2013 is not all it seemed, it features a clause that will trigger a clause once a specific price is matched.

Champions League Round of 16 - Arsenal vs Barcelona - Review

Arsenal, with help from Robin Van Persie & substitute Andrey Arshavin produced a brilliant late fight back beating Barcelona 2-1 on the night.

David villa fired Barca into the lead after nice combination play with Lionel Messi. This was far from the start Wenger wanted after he declared on Tuesday that the Gunners were determined to prove they were a different team to the one humbled 6-3 on aggregate last season. Just 24 hours after north London rivals Tottenham shocked Serie A leaders AC Milan, the Gunners stunned the Spanish champions.

The class however was still there to be witnessed by an aggravated home suppor, as Barca controlled the tempo and dictated the play, on a evening where Messi guilty of missing a glorious chance.

They made it look so easy for much of this last-16 first-leg clash as they slid the ball around Arsenal's defence and sent players darting into the box with fabulous runs pushing the boundaries of offside. For spells it was last season's quarter-final at Emirates Stadium all over again, with Barcelona playing some breathtaking football orchestrated by Barcelona's vast array of stellar names with Messi, Villa, Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez all on display showing how "the real game" should be played.


The tide surprisingly turned after the interval when Arsenal attacked with greater conviction and dropped their previous high line slightly deeper. 



Arsenal looked far from intimidated by their opponents' reputation during the opening 15 minutes as they looked to punish Barca before they settled. The early onslaught was helped with the pace of Walcott and his pace exploiting Maxwell. Walcott was running from deep catching Barca cold creating an early chance he threaded his way across the penalty area, evading several defenders, before finding an unmarked Cesc Fabregas. The skipper expertly lifted the ball to Van Persie who forced a smart save on the half-volley.


Sensing the early threat from Barca they weathered the storm with neat and intricate passing in a bid to gain the momentum allowing them to pick up the gears. Arsenal's defence was outmanoeuvred when Iniesta sent Messi through on goal. Messi timing his run to perfection leaving Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou stranded, with only Champions League debutant Wojciech Szczesny to beat he steered cheeky chip wide of the right post. It was a massive let-off for the Gunners, who found themselves being pushed back with increasing regularity, as Messi directed a shot from a good chance straight at Szczesny. The game pattern was turning; Barca happy to play the simple pass and move and Arsenal could only watch. 

With few chances during this Barca onslaught Walcott sliced through Barcelona's midfield, picking out Fabregas; with Valdes stranded in no-man’s land the cross only needed a Van Persie touch, which never eventuated

Respite was offered by a dynamic run from Jack Wilshere, but the move ended when Van Persie took one touch too many before unleashing his wild shot miles wide. Messi scrambled the ball into the net as half-time approached but the flag had been raised for offside.

Arsenal made a bright start and uplifting to the second half with Wilshere just failing to get enough power on his shot to trouble Valdes.
There was greater energy about Arsenal as they staged a series of attacks, although their cause was not helped when Fabregas sent a free-kick into the arms of Valdes.
The returning Samir Nasri threatened at the near post but Gerard Pique arrived to bundle his cross into touch before Van Persie could connect and moments later the Dutchman was kept out by Valdes.
Arsenal suffered a scare in the 68th minute when Eboue let Messi creep free, but the Argentinian hit the side netting instead of squaring to a line of team-mates queuing up to pounce. Arsenal continued to press as the game became increasingly open and in the 79th minute their endeavour was rewarded. Gael Clichy did the initial damage with a superbly-lofted ball down the left channel that was gathered by Van Persie.
The Holland marksman was at a tight angle but his powerful shot slipped inside Valdes at the near post. It was a poor piece of goalkeeping from Valdes but he could do nothing about the winner that arrived with six minutes to go.
Revelling in the space now available to them, Arsenal burst free down the right through Nasri. Arshavin, who had replaced Walcott, arrived on the edge of the penalty area to pick up the Frenchman's pass before burying the ball into the back of the net for the goal which gives Arsenal the edge ahead of their challenging trip to the Nou Camp.

Truly a spectacular finish to a remarkable game.

Final Score:  Arsenal 2 – Barcelona 1