Arsenal: Sahin, Man City, Cazorla, Arshavin, Afobe

Arsenal were overcome by Premier League Champions Manchester City in horrific conditions in Beijing today. With the Olympic opening ceremony this evening in London the iconic Birds Nest stadium of Beijing 2008 was the venue for this Premier League clash, but humid weather and a series of thunderstorms affected the quality of football on show greatly. There was an impressive performance from Theo Walcott but otherwise Arsenal failed to shine and goals from Pablo Zabaleta and Yaya Toure sealed a 2-0 win for the Manchester side, The Telegraph reports.

The Daily Mail reports today that Arsenal are ready to offer Real Madrid misfit Nuri Sahin an exit from the Bernabeu this summer. The Turkey international midfielder has not been a regular under Jose Mourinho since his switch from German champions Borussia Dortmund last summer. As a deal for Santi Cazorla stalls it appears a season long loan deal is being finalised and Sahin will be in the Red and White of Arsenal for next season.

One player seemingly on his way out of the Emirates in Russian international Andrei Arshavin, who is on his way to Fulham, according to The London Evening Standard. Arsenal are reportedly willing to sell the 31 year old on the cheap and, despite originally struggling to settle, Arshavin now appears to want to raise his children in London and a move to Fulham could suit all his needs. The appointment of Fabio Capello as Russia manager means the playmaker needs first team football to secure his place in the first team.

The Metro report on the protracted transfer of Spanish international Santi Cazorla to The Emirates which took another twist today as the desperately cash strapped Spanish side claim over £20 million is needed to pry him away from La Liga. Arsenal and Cazorla have reportedly agreed personal terms and the winger, who has several months missed wages at the club, wants a deal done sooner rather than later. Malaga though, despite rising financial tension, remain stubborn on the deal.

And finally, The Sun report that just days after Emmanuel Frimpong was reprimanded by the FA for an offensive tweet, team-mate Benik Afobe has gone and done the same. Again in an altercation with a Tottenham fan Afobe made a foul mouthed tweet in regards to Spurs disintegration in form at the end of last season. Arsenal will reportedly be reminding Benik about his public responsibilities in light of another embarrassing Gunner Twitter gaffe.

What are your thoughts on all things occuring at Arsenal on the 27th July 2012?

image: © Ronnie Macdonald

Mathew Nash

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I’m Mathew Nash a 23 year old graduate in Sports Studies and I have an insatiable love for sport. With a particularly keen interest for the madcap world of football I have always been known amongst friends as a beacon for bizarre sporting trivia and knowledge. My other passion is for writing and hopefully combining the two will create a superb and entertaining marriage that will create, divide and share opinion.