Burnley boss Coyle makes cheeky bid for Arsenal kid Wilshere

Burnley boss Owen Coyle has made a move for Arsenal whizkid Jack Wilshere.

The Mirror says Coyle took his chance to ask for the midfield diamond on loan for the rest of the season during the pre-match pleasantries with Arsene Wenger on the pitch at Turf Moor!

The chatty Glaswegian wished Wenger all the best before kick-off and would not let him go while he put his case to sign Wilshere and help with his football education.

And the way the Clarets played against the Gunners could give Coyle a fighting chance of convincing Wenger that highly-rated Wilshere will improve with his passing side.

Coyle is keen to recruit top talent within his budget next month and is a big admirer of Wilshere who is 18 on New Year's Day and tipped to move out on loan soon after.

Arsenal boss Wenger chasing Wolfsburg striker Dzeko

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is chasing Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko.

The Sunday Mirror says West Ham striker Carlton Cole is already on the radar – and he has now been joined by Dzeko of Wolfsburg.

Dzeko was watched against Manchester United last Tuesday. The German club are now out of the Champions League following their 3-1 defeat to United and they may now decide to cash in on their 23-year-old Bosnian international.

Silvestre confident Arsenal can heap more pressure on Liverpool

Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre is convinced they can heap more pressure on Liverpool today at Anfield.

Silvestre insists Arsenal’s young learners can pass their latest big examination at Anfield today.

But the experienced French defender will remind the starlets that Liverpool are still a big club, despite their poor recent form.

Silvestre admitted: “It is a game that means a lot to us because we have already lost to the big clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea this season.

“We can look on Liverpool as another test.

“We can bounce back. We have the character and we have the energy.

“December and January is always a big time for the clubs. The season is at halfway and you can guess who will be there at the end – and we want to be.”

Arsenal announce Van Persie out for 4-5 months

Arsenal have announced Robin van Persie will be out of action for FOUR MONTHS with his ankle injury.

Van Persie suffered extensive ligament damaged whilst playing for Holland against Italy earlier this month.

A club statement said: "Robin Van Persie returned to Arsenal on November 22nd following an ankle injury sustained whilst on international duty with Holland.

"The injury was expected to keep him out of action for between four and six weeks.

"Upon his return, the Arsenal medical team conducted a thorough review of his scans, his early injury management and the treatment he had received.

"Having scrutinised these in detail and assessed the response of his ankle, the Club's medical team concluded that further investigation and opinion was required.

"Advice was sought from the leading ankle specialist Mr Niek van Dijk, who confirmed that more extensive damage had been suffered than was first diagnosed.

"In order to repair his ankle, Robin will undergo surgery next week in Amsterdam to reconstruct the ligaments. The Club's medical team anticipate that a full recovery will take between four and five months."

Chelsea's Cole: Pressure on Arsenal to win

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole insists all the pressure will be on Arsenal when the two sides meet at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The 28 year old is desperate to play from the start against the Gunners after being left on the bench against Porto in the Champions League in midweek.
"The pressure is on them, no doubt about that with the gap, and getting a win there is a major result," said Cole.

"We have beaten Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham, so if we can beat Arsenal it is a fantastic start against the big clubs, followed by Manchester City and Everton, so the lads are excited.

"We haven't been in this position for a long time and do not want to let it slip.

"Everyone is dropping points, but Arsenal will be a threat on Sunday of course, they always are."

Cole insists Chelsea need to continue picking up points and is hopeful the Blues can claim the bragging rights in the capital tomorrow.

Cole added: "They could be without Gallas, Gibbs, Van Persie, who is a big miss for them, and Bendtner, who had a good start to the season as well, so they do have a few out.

"But we had some missing last week and coped with it well, so I am sure they'll be all right, as we have been.

"All the derbies are big aren't they? But this one is special, because over the past few years Arsenal have been the closest to Chelsea in the league, so there is a natural rivalry.

"They're all exciting to be a part of. There are a lot of foreign players in them now, but I remember going to school when we played Tottenham, Arsenal, West Ham and you always wanted to win so you could give your mates some stick. That's what it is all about.

"Where I grew up there was all Arsenal and Spurs fans really, and Arsenal had the bragging rights in those days but I'm getting even in recent years.

"Whatever happens we just need to keep winning. If we do that and suddenly we're in February and a few points clear, you realise you only need to win a few more and the prospect (of winning the title) becomes very real, so we just need to keep picking up points."

Arsenal skipper Cesc: Ramsey, Wilshere better than me

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas rates the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere as better than he was at the same age.

Indeed, Cesc fears Wales international Ramsey taking his place in the near future!

"Ramsey, Wilshere, Fran Merida. They are at the level of everyone. Perhaps even better than me. They are top class. In training, phew, they are so good," Cesc told the Daily Mail.

"Aaron has really developed. Physically he is bigger and more powerful, as you could see when we played Liverpool in the Carling Cup. If I go to sleep I will wake up and find him in my place. No, it is true. Wilshere will be a top player, too, and when he gets a bit older they will move him into the middle. They just need a run of games to gain confidence and they will be a big part of Arsenal’s future. A future I hope to be part of."

Arsenal, Chelsea chasing Sampdoria striker Pazzini

Arsenal and Chelsea are chasing Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini.

Italian sources say Arsenal are willing to offer £14 million for Pazzini, who has been likened to crocked Gunner Robin van Persie.

Samp are seeking closer to £22 million for the Italy international.

Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has already admitted his admiration for Pazzini: "Pazzini? I love him so much, we'll see, but we cannot think of bringing all the players who we like to Chelsea."

Messi tells Cesc: You must leave Arsenal to win trophies

Barcelona ace Lionel Messi has told Cesc Fabregas he must quit Arsenal if he wants to win trophies.

Messi admits the signing of Cesc is a top of conversation inside the Barca locker room.

And he told The People: "I understand that Arsenal means a lot to Cesc.

"But there comes a point in your life when you have to think about winning the biggest prizes in football, and I think it has got to that point for him. He has given Arsenal great service, but he should be winning league titles and European Cups.

"I played for him with the youth team at Barcelona and you could tell he was a special player - he had great vision and passing range even then."

Arsenal linked with swap for Inter Milan pair Balotelli, Vieira

Arsenal are being linked with a multi-player swap offer involving skipper Cesc Fabregas.

Tuttosport says Gunners coach Arsene Wenger is chasing Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli and midfielder Patrick Vieira - and is willing to discuss a swap with Cesc moving in the opposite direction.

Wenger has long admired 18-year-old Balotelli, who has been called one of the brightest young talents in Italian football.

His power, pace and fiery attitude would be well-suited to the Premier League and he could seek a January switch for more regular playing time.

Former Gunners captain Vieira is also wanted by Wenger, well aware that this could be Cesc's final season at the Emirates.

Arsenal utility Eboue credits versatility to Ivory Coast education

Ahead of their clash against Sunderland, Arsenal utility Emmanuel Eboue says he owes his versatility to his Ivory Coast football education.

Arsene Wenger will have to shuffle the pack again tomorrow, with Mikael Silvestre and Eduardo likely to come in but Eboue is comfortable regardless of where he plays.

"Honestly, for me it doesn't matter where I am on the pitch. I try to give 100 per cent regardless of position and wish to show the fans that I am ready to give them my best form," the 28-year-old told the London Evening Standard.

"I have to thank Jean-Marc Guillou, whose academy back in the Ivory Coast I came through as a youngster, for that because he used to ask us to play all over the pitch.

"It means that wherever I am played, it is no problem. It's just very nice to have the chance to give my best for Arsenal.

"We have a lot of youngsters, so a player like me has to be ready at all times to use his experience and set an example."

Arsenal rocked by serious ankle injury for Van Persie

Arsenal have been rocked by a serious ankle injury suffered by striker Robin van Persie.

Van Persie was stretchered off during Holland's goalless friendly draw in Italy on Saturday night.

He damaged his ankle in a challenge with Giorgio Chiellini in the early stages of the clash.

Afterwards Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk suggested Van Persie had torn his ankle ligaments, although the extent of the injury will not be determined until Sunday when tests will be carried out on the striker.

If confirmed, Van Persie would be facing around two months on the sidelines - something which would threaten to derail Arsenal's Premier League title challenge.

Van Persie has scored seven league goals for the Gunners this season, helping them to second place in the current standings.

They trail leaders Chelsea by five points but have a game in hand on their London rivals.

Arsenal tracking Barcelona starlet Jeffren

Arsenal are tracking Barcelona starlet Jeffren.

The exciting winger is a January target for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, says Sport.

Jeffren is ready to leave Barca during the winter market, though is unlikely to get the immediate first team football at Arsenal that he craves.

Racing Santander are also keen.

Eduardo: Arsenal players happy silencing critics

Eduardo says Arsenal's players are enjoying silencing their critics.

The Croatia striker is delighted to see the Gunners amongst the title contenders.

"We are attractive and also efficient, we are scoring a lot of goals and the fans are happy," he said. "Everything is in place and our ambitions are growing stronger and stronger.

"We all believe so much that we will fight for top spot in the Premier League and also in Europe until the very end.

"Confidence is sky high which of course is not surprising, as our results are really very good. Now we are so proud, because at the start of the season everybody wrote us off.

"Nobody believed that we were good enough to play with the big boys. But we can and this is such a big motivation for us."

Arsenal's Gibbs admits fullback role down to luck

Arsenal youngster Kieran Gibbs admits it was only by chance that he ended up at left-back.

Gibbs owes his place and his role in the team to one misfortune and one intuitive team selection by Arsene Wenger.

He was originally part of the Wimbledon youth set-up, but was snapped up by Arsenal when the academy folded.

Gibbs was also a midfielder when he joined Arsenal – “Dennis Bergkamp was my hero” – but two years ago made the switch to left-back ahead of a Carling Cup game.

He said: “Armand Traore was injured and the boss switched me to left-back .

“I have been there ever since.”

Arsenal's Cesc impressed by Wolves style

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas admits he's a fan of today's opponents Wolves.

Wolves were promoted last season after winning the Championship and have produced some admirable displays on their return to the top flight.

Fabregas, 22, believes more sides are trying to play their way to success in the battle to stay among England's elite clubs.

"Maybe we are seeing teams throughout the division playing a little more football and trying to make passing combinations," said the Spain international.

"We should never forget that people pay a lot of money to watch football and do not want to see players just kicking the ball up into the air.

"I know it is difficult to play one-twos and things like that, but you have to try your best to make the game attractive because people pay to see good football."

Merida to resist Spain return for new Arsenal deal

Fran Merida will resist interest from Spain to remain with Arsenal.

The Sun says the Spanish teenager, who scored a stunner in last week's Carling Cup win over Liverpool, is out of contract at the end of the season.

Boss Arsene Wenger blocked a loan move to Levante last season. But fears have been mounting that he could quit the Emirates for nothing and return to his homeland.

Atletico Madrid are desperate to snap up Merida, 19, along with a host of other La Liga clubs.

But his agent, Joseba Diaz, insists the young striker wants to stay a Gunner.

Diaz said: "I am coming to London to discuss a new two-year deal with Arsenal with whom we have a very warm relationship."

Spurs legend Lineker: Keane will regret Arsenal comments

Tottenham hero Gary Lineker believes Robbie Keane will be regretting his claims that Spurs were the equal of Arsenal after yesterday's derby defeat.

In his column for the Mail on Sunday, Lineker wrote: "I would not have thought Robbie Keane enjoyed his Saturday night too much after Tottenham's 3-0 trouncing at the Emirates Stadium.

"As the Spurs captain, I'm sure Keane had the club's best intentions at heart when he said before the game that their squad had greater strength in depth than Arsenal's.

"He is probably regretting it now. Without Luka Modric, Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon, Spurs were not at their best and I'm sure that Keane realises he would have been better off keeping quiet.

"Arsenal would have been fired up for the game anyway but by making such a provocative statement, Keane probably put unnecessary pressure on himself. Leading his team out in the tunnel, he might have felt a need, even subconsciously, to try to justify his bold comments.

"When things started to go wrong, his mind would have flicked back to what he had said. On yesterday's evidence, the truth is that Keane was premature in comparing the two clubs."

Arsenal chasing Torino defender Ogbonna

Torino's highly-rated defender Angelo Ogbonna is in the sights of Arsenal.

The Sun says Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is a big admirer of the Italy Under-21 star and wants to strengthen his defence when the transfer window reopens in January.

Ogbonna, 21, has been earning rave reviews in Serie B this season and is regarded as one of the best young talents in Italy.

He said: "I know exactly what I want and I am not closing the door on anything.

"My objective is to improve and reach the highest level. My first dream has been achieved and I have managed to make my professional debut.

"There will be time to see what the options are on other clubs."

Arsenal’s Nasri set for Carling Cup return

Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri will return to action in the Carling Cup against Liverpool tonight.

The Frenchman sustained a broken leg during pre-season, keeping him out of all Arsenal matches so far this season but he is ready for action after completing three months of rehab.

“I feel good. I was a little bit tired but I am so happy to be back on the pitch,” the 25-year old said.

"It has been difficult but I was always looking for a speedy recovery.

"I knew it would be hard but everyone was behind me and helping me.

"I need to play because nothing can replace the games. So I work well with fitness coach Tony Colbert and now after one or two games I will be ready to come back to the first team."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admitted he would give Nasri a chance in an otherwise young Gunners squad to take on the Reds.

“It could be a good opportunity for players returning from injury like Samir Nasri. It could coincide nicely to give them a game,” Wenger said.

Arshavin: Arsenal players let down Wenger

Andrey Arshavin says Arsenal's players let down manager Arsene Wenger after their draw with West Ham United.

Wenger watched his Gunners chuck away a two-goal lead against West Ham on Sunday - and the chance to move within three points of table-topping Chelsea.

Midfield schemer Arshavin said: "Not only me, all the team are unhappy about it.

"We got what we deserved with our performance.

"We are very upset indeed. Such results do not add positive emotions to the players, the manager or our fans."

Five days earlier, they had to settle for a 1-1 draw with AZ Alkmaar in the Champions League after leaking an injury-time goal in Holland.

Arshavin said: "The West Ham game turned out to be almost a copy of what happened against Alkmaar.

"Initially we easily got an advantage - this time we were 2-0 up and then we allowed West Ham to equalise from set-pieces.

"If we had won on Sunday, we would now be very close to Chelsea in the table."

Arsenal boss Wenger: West Ham got it wrong with transfer policy

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says West Ham United's problems are down to relying on a sugar daddy.

The Hammers are skint and desperately need a huge cash injection to get themselves back on their feet.

And before yesterday's draw, Wenger said: "West Ham have moved on from being a club who relied on the players they produced and had for a while the desire to go a step higher.

"They brought in players like Freddie Ljungberg, Lucas Neill, Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.

"They moved in a different bracket financially, but that's the danger of having individual people who bring some more money."

Preview West Ham United v Arsenal

Tale of the game

Vito Mannone has impressed in goal since replacing Manuel Almunia. Indeed, Arsenal have won all eight of their competitive games with the Italian this season. Arsenal have 27 Premier League goals, a Premier League record after eight games. But they face a West Ham side that has won just two points from a possible 21.

West Ham are still without Dean Ashton and Luis Boa Morte, but Danny Gabbidon and Kieron Dyer have an outside chance of being available. Scott Parker does return after missing the 2-1 loss at Stoke through suspension. Arsenal are without Theo Walcott, who damaged a knee in the 3-1 win over Birmingham.

West Ham United (Probable, 4-4-2): Green; Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga; Noble, Behrami, Parker, Jimenez; Diamanti, Cole.
Arsenal (Probable, 4-3-3): Mannone; Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy; Fàbregas, Song, Diaby; Rosicky, Van Persie, Arshavin.
Referee: Steve Bennett. Matches: 6. R0 Y17.

Arshavin says Arsenal style second best to Barcelona

Arsenal ace Andrey Arshavin says their football is still second best to Barcelona.

Arshavin admits he loves everything about Barca and told Bobsoccer: “The most beautiful football isn't here, but at Barcelona.

“But after them, perhaps Arsenal. We are probably missing two top players. When the transfer collapsed (to Barcelona), of course I was upset.

“But then I took it as fact. It was fate.

“And of course I moved to Arsenal. I think my current club are the second most entertaining in modern football. It was well worth it.”

Arsenal watching Ajax defender Van der Wiel

Ajax defender Gregory van der Wiel is a January target for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

The Mirror says Wenger has sent scouts to spy on the 21-year-old right back after van der Wiel’s impressive recent form saw him break into the Dutch national team.

Van der Wiel first caught the eye when Arsenal were watching Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen before his £8.5million switch from Ajax to the Emirates in the summer.

Wenger is now monitoring van der Wiel who is also being watched by Atletico Madrid and Barcelona with Ajax putting him in the £7m bracket.

Arsenal’s Walcott worried about World Cup spot

Arsenal winger/striker Theo Walcott has admitted to manager Arsene Wenger that he is worried about his World Cup spot after experiencing yet another injury setback.

The crafty youngster has managed just one start for the Gunners this season, the weekend’s 3-1 win over Birmingham, but sustained a medial ligament injury during the clash.

Walcott may be out for up to four weeks and believes it may be a bad time to be injured but Wenger says he should not worry just yet.

“I believe Theo is worried about the World Cup certainly, but I don’t think there’s any reason to worry now,” Wenger said.

“I believe he will be in the England squad. He will be fit. It’s October and he has an injury of two-three weeks. I say four weeks to be covered and sure”.

Wenger added that he does not believe Walcott is perceptible to injury, rather that he receives close attention from defenders who cannot keep up with him.

“I don’t believe he is injury prone. Don’t forget usually it is the striker who gets hit and the defender who hits,” Wenger added.

“Most of the time the strikers are more injury prone because of the way the game is played. The quicker they are the more they get kicked and at a higher pace.”

Arsenal boss Wenger has Adams check on Lukaku

Arsenal are tracking Anderlecht starlet Romelu Lukaku.

The 'Young Guns' website reports that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger posted Tony Adams to check on the 16 year-old in action on the weekend.

Adams was reported to have been very impressed by Lukaku's display and will no doubt be making further checks on the striker in the coming weeks.

Arsenal star Arshavin cannot hide Barcelona admiration

Arsenal ace Andrey Arshavin admits he's Barcelona mad.

The Russia international was again linked with Barca this week after the Treble champs were beaten to his signature in January.

Arshavin told the Telegraph: “I like Barcelona because it doesn’t matter who is coach, which player they have, they always play offensive football. Always.

"For two or three years, Barcelona did not have a good period, losing 2-6 or 7-4. I liked it! They attacked! Probably for results it is ---- but for football it is fantastic! When you are a human who likes football you love Barcelona.

“I did not have idols growing up. There was no one person I bent my knee to. But I loved Romario, Ronaldo [the Brazilian] and Stoichkov, players who played for Barcelona and who can decide a game by themselves. Just take the ball and run like Ronaldo! Run through the whole team! I try to. It’s my skill. That’s why coaches like me.’’

He particularly likes the current Catalan team.

“Barcelona show now you can play beautiful football and get results. Of course, I supported Barcelona against Man United in the [Champions League] final [in Rome last May].’’

Does he dream of playing for Barcelona?

“It’s difficult. I am just here nine months. I have done nothing for Arsenal. Football here is perfect. It’s the best.’’

Arsenal boss Wenger brands Birmingham chants "atrocious"

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has blasted Birmingham City away fans as they chanted Martin Taylor's name during Saturday's defeat at Emirates stadium.

The Arsenal manager was left less than impressed by Saturday's reaction from a section of the travelling support.

"Frankly, that is atrocious," said Wenger. "They will not be remembered for the quality of their taste with that kind of remark.

"I just thought 'That is low' and put it in the ranks of stupidity.

"One starts to say something stupid, everybody follows, even intelligent people.

"People lose their identity together and their sense of responsibility."

Arsenal boss Wenger talks up Song qualities

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger highlighted Alex Song's performance in victory over Birmingham City.

Song was again outstanding in his defensive role and Wenger told arsenal.com: "He is strong and smooth. He is not rigid, he is agile.

"He is a slalom player and is not a straight-line player. He uses that very well, he has a good combination of strengths and agility and I believe as well he uses his technique in a very intelligent way. He likes a tackle.

"Cameroon people are strong, you know? In Africa they call them the Germans of Africa because of their strong bodies."

Arsenal boss Wenger: We crushed Birmingham

Despite a knee injury suffered by Theo Walcott, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was delighted with their 3-1 win over Birmingham City.

By the time Arsenal lost Walcott, they were already 2-0 ahead through Robin van Persie and Abou Diaby.

However, Lee Bowyer capitalised on a mistake by young keeper Vito Mannone - preferred to fit-again Manuel Almunia - to pull a goal back before half-time.

After soaking up plenty of pressure from the battling Blues, substitute Andrey Arshavin wrapped up the points with a well-taken strike five minutes from time to make it seven successive wins in all competitions.

"We were crushing, in control, and wondering who would score third goal," said Wenger, "but we made a mistake defensively and they got a goal back. The Premier League is like that.

"In the second half, we did not have the same fluency, control, or pace. However, 3-1 is still a fair result because we still had plenty of chances. Birmingham worked hard and regrouped well when they did not have the ball.

"We also lacked a bit of sharpness and sometimes tried to force a situation individually when it was possible collectively, and that is why we did not score more goals."

Wenger added: "When we focus to play our game, I believe we can score and play the ball through any space.

"That is something fantastic, but we have to keep our composure."

Arsenal's Arshavin: Premiership will lose it's stars

Arsenal star Andrey Arshavin believes the Premiership will struggle to keep their stars due to the new UK tax laws.

The new top 50 per cent band contrasts with the 27 per cent Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Messi pay in Spain.

The Premier League still has enough stars, like Rooney, Fábregas, Adebayor and Tévez, but next year players will leave England,’’ he told the Telegraph. “They will want to play in Spain because of the tax.

“For the Premier League that is not good.’’

Mourinho launches new attack on Arsenal boss Wenger, Liverpool's Benitez

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho has launched a fresh broadside at Rafa Benitez and Arsene Wenger.

Mourinho regularly locked horns with Arsenal boss Wenger and Liverpool's Benitez when in charge of Chelsea.

Wenger has been Arsenal's manager for 15 years but he hasn't even won a Carling Cup for six years. hasn't won a League title in six years, but he continues to be Liverpool's manager,” Mourinho told Inter's official TV Channel after being asked a fairly innocuous question about his own future.

“This is not the Italian mentality. To stay here I must keep winning and doing well.”

Arsenal boss Wenger confirms Campbell training: We won't sign him

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed Sol Campbell is training with the squad.

Campbell is a free agent after leaving Notts County and is using Arsenal's facilities to stay in shape.

Wenger told Arsenal TV Online: “Yes, he has done a session today [Thursday].

“We are happy to help him you know? It’s one individual case and we’re always happy. Sol has always been good in the dressing room and we help him to gain some fitness back.

Asked if there was any chance of a return to first team action with the Gunners, Wenger stressed:

“No, no, because we have what is needed and he is not here for that purpose. He will not practice with the first team, but we will give him some good fitness.”

Atletico Madrid plan double-raid on Arsenal

Atletico Madrid are planning a double-raid on Arsenal for Emmanuel Eboue and Fran Merida.

The Mirror says Atletico Madrid sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch has made it clear that he wants to sign Arsenal duo Eboue and Merida.

That is unlikely to please Gunners boss Arsene Wenger who has already been left annoyed by Barcelona’s constant public declarations they want to sign captain Cesc Fabregas.

Atletico have made it clear they want to sign Eboue in January and the Spanish media yesterday reported they have been in touch with his agent Franjo Vranjkovic.

Vranjkovic has claimed that Arsenal want to give Eboue a new four-year contract and the Gunners have also offered 19-year-old Merida a long term deal.

Arsenal chairman Hill-Wood would welcome Kroenke takeover

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood says he would welcome a full-blown takeover by Stan Kroenke.

Kroenke is Arsenal's major shareholder having increased his stake to 28.9 per cent on Thursday, leaving him ahead of Usmanov, who holds around 25 per cent.

The American is now just one per cent short of the 29.9 per cent figure which, under British law, means he must make a mandatory offer for the remaining shares in the company.

Hill-Wood, who himself owns less than one per cent, has now welcomed Kroenke's increasingly active interest in the club.

"It does look like he is edging towards a takeover, which I would welcome," Hill-Wood told the Daily Star.

"I have not asked him if that is what he plans to do, but I am very relaxed about it.

"If it was to happen, I don't think you can expect any big changes because he seems to like things very much the way they are."

Cesc: League is Arsenal priority

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas admits winning the Premier League is needed at the club.

Since moving to London at 16 he has begun to appreciate how much a domestic title means to English fans.

He admitted to The Sun: "I've realised with every year how big the Premier League is.

"Growing up it's about Champions League and World Cups. But, once you come to play here, you realise how the fans live for the Premier League.

"The league is really competitive and I like it a lot. I think in England the Premier League is the biggest thing.

"All the top teams in Europe want to win their own league but the English is the hardest to win. I want to win it even more now than when I first arrived."

Stoke chairman Coates likens Shawcross to Arsenal hero Bould

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates rates Ryan Shawcross alongside former Arsenal defender Steve Bould.

Coates believes City are in a stronger position to hang on to their top players, and considers Shawcross the best English centre-back they’ve had since Bould.

He said: “He would have to be. I remember losing Steve Bould and that was a great disappointment to me. It came about with Lee Dixon going from here to Arsenal.

“I am sure Lee said to George Graham, the then Arsenal manager, that he should take Steve Bould too because he was a terrific young player. He was right.

“George Graham later said to me that Steve was the best pound-for-pound player he ever bought. That’s how good he was.

“But I’d gone to the tribunal with George and he’d said Steve would only be a squad player.

“Of course, he then never missed a game, but you just have to live with that.”

Man Utd boss Ferguson has Defour letter published

The Belgian press have published a letter written by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to injured Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour.

Defour, who is under contract until 2013, was heavily linked with a move to a bigger club in the summer with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City reportedly interested, while Everton had a £9million bid for the Belgium midfielder turned down.

Any hope of a January transfer evaporated when the Belgium midfielder broke a bone in his foot last month but Ferguson is closely following his recovery.

The letter, which has been released to the media, reads: "Dear Steven, I have just heard about your injury and, in the name of Manchester United, I would like to wish you a full and speedy recovery.

"I am sure at the moment you must be feeling awful and that you'll have all kinds of questions.

"Steven, these are natural worries but I have to tell you that modern medicine and treatments are incredible, you have to have confidence in them.

"I'm going to follow your progress closely and I will remain in contact with your club to have

Atletico Madrid plan bid for Arsenal defender Eboue

Atletico Madrid are preparing a bid for Arsenal fullback Emmanuel Eboue.

AS says Atletico are putting together a major bid for the Ivory Coast international in January, despite his African Nations Cup commitments.

Atletico are desperate to boost their defence after selling Johnny Heitinga to Everton in August.

Cesc hails impact of Arsenal teammate Vermaelen

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has hailed the impact made by Thomas Vermaelen since his arrival.

Vermaelen is fast emerging as the signing of the summer and Fabregas told arsenal.com: "I’m a big fan of him. He’s been doing so well.

"It’s difficult in this position, especially from centre back because you will always be compared to some other players, or if you know that your defence is one of your weaknesses then you have to do even better to be loved by the people, and I think the fans clicked straight away with him since his first game.

"He scored a goal [in his first game at Everton], played amazing, his confidence is high at the moment. And with the ball he’s really good. He’s like one more midfielder.

"These days, to have a centre back that can play, you know, these balls on the ground, between the lines, and past players, for players like me in midfield it’s really good because it gives you so much time and so much space on the ball. It’s really good.

"The way he is playing I don't think he needs any advice [from me]. I am sure he is a very strong guy with a strong mentality. You can see he has been a captain before because he is strong and he knows how to lead a team."

Arsenal star Arshavin back on Barcelona radar

Barcelona have considered reviving their interest in Arsenal star Andrey Arshavin.

Barca made a move to Arshavin last January before he agreed a transfer to the Gunners and remain keen on the Russia international.

Sport says Arshavin is on Barca's agenda should they fail to prise Robinho away from Manchester City in the New Year.

Arsenal's Nasri defends underfire Ben Arfa

Arsenal star Samir Nasri has jumped to the defence of Marseille winger Hatem Ben Arfa.

Ben Arfa is fed-up with the lack of action he's seen this season and has been linked with the Gunners and Tottenham this month.

Nasri said: "It surprises me that he had difficulty making headway.

"He should be left alone, there are too many expectations around him. We must let him work. He's someone who could swing a game."

Merida agent wants Arsenal talks

The agent of Fran Merida says Arsenal will get first option on the midfielder.

Atletico Madrid are chasing the Spain U20 star, who comes off contract at the end of the season.

Merida has welcomed their interest, but his agent, Joseba Diaz, said: "Many clubs have contacted me about him, but we want to talk to Arsenal and then decide."

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