Arsene Wenger on Arsenal ahead of the Premier League season; once again addresses Cesc Fabregas saga
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has issued a warning to his goalkeeper Manuel Almunia to buckle up, and be prepared to fight for his place in the first team.
Almunia was the clear number one for The Gunners last season, but had his critics due to a number of howlers he committed, which many believe played an important role in a disappointing season for the club.
Wenger was expected to sign a new goalkeeper before the start of the season; Mark Schwarzer, the Fulham goalkeeper, was believed to be on the Frenchman’s hit list.
Arsene Wenger till now has not made any clear statements regarding the signing of a goalkeeper, but he did say that Almunia may have to work hard to earn his place. Wenger went on to say that having a player fight for his place is a healthy thing for any team. He added that competition for places brings out the best in some players, and at Arsenal, everyone has to work hard to be in the first team.
Arsene Wenger also said that he believes that midfielder Jack Wilshere has great potential; he said that he wants the player to have a long stint with the club, and with experience, he can become one of the best.
Wilshere was loaned out to Bolton Wanderers last season in order for the youngster to get some first team football experience. The young midfielder, during his time at Bolton, impressed one and all and his manager at Wanderers Owen Coyle wants to have the youngster permanently at Reebok.
Wenger said that it is great that Wilshere is gaining some good experience. He added that he would prefer to have him back at Arsenal, but the final decision on sending him on another loan spell may be made later.
Arsene Wenger, while talking about his squad for the new season, said that he expected the French duo in defence William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre to not be with the team when the season kicks off.
The contract of Silvestre and Gallas ended at Emirates, and till now, both have not decided on what they want to do next.
William Gallas, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea, in a deal that saw Ashley Cole going the other way, is linked heavily with the Italian club Juventus. Former Manchester United player Silvestre is believed to be having talks with Malaga from Spanish La Liga.
Meanwhile, another Arsenal defender, Sol Campbell, who joined Arsenal for a 2nd spell last season, is also believed to be on his way out. He is said to be in talks with Premier League club Sunderland or the Scottish club Celtics.
The biggest issue facing Wenger in recent times has been the Cesc Fabregas saga. His team captain has been hogged by the lure of a Barcelona move. The Spanish champions have made it clear that they want Fabregas back at the club where he started his football in the youth academy. Barcelona made a 30 million dollar bid for the Spaniard but Arsenal turned it down immediately. Wenger has once again handed out a ‘hands off’ warning to not just Barcelona but to all clubs. Wenger said that Fabregas is their most important player and he is at the centre of his plans for the club. The French manager, also known as The Professor, added that just because Barcelona want a player does not mean they can have him. Fabregas, on the other hand, is still undecided; although his father openly said that his son is staying at Emirates, Cesc Fabregas himself has expressed his desire to move back to his childhood club.
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