Vito Mannone insists he is playing for keeps when it comes to the Number one jersey at Arsenal after keeping successive clean sheets since deputizing for the injured Wojciech Szcsesny. The Arsenal number 1 currently has a rib problem and the Italian has stepped in competently to the role and thinks a loan spell at Hull City, where he kept a club record 6 clean sheets in a row, played a huge part in his development after a disastrous mistake for Arsenal in the Champions League against Olympiakos. Vito now feels he can push the Pole for the number 1 spot for the rest of the season.
Arsenal are prepared to allow Russian flop Andrei Arshavin the opportunity of a free transfer in order to shift him from their wage bill. The former Zenit forward has only showed glimpses of his talent since a move in 2009 and now it appears he will return to his homeland with Moscow sides Dinamo and CSKA reportedly keen. The forward himself has spoken of his desire to stay in the London area but such a deal seems unlikely and unless the small rumours of retirement are true Andrei is likely to return to Russia imminently.
Cesc Fabregas has reportedly turned heads at Arsenal after announcing his displeasure at being used sparingly at the Nou Camp. The Spanish international is the second big name in La Liga to announce his unhappiness this week following Cristiano Ronaldo’s admission of sadness on Monday. However Arsenal fans dreaming of a return to The Emirates in January should be wary as he insists he is at the Catalan club, where he started his career, to see out the remainder of it. He did however also state that if he is asked to go he will go, that will leave a glimmer of hope of a sensational return.
Vote in our poll asking fans who they prefer out of Fabregas and Cazorla here. We also take a look today at what could happen at Arsenal this season if everything went right on the injury front.
Nicklas Bendtner may be returning to Arsenal at the end of the season if the start of his loan deal is anything to go by as Juventus have reportedly told him he is too fat to play for them. The Dane has been put on a strict diet and exercise regime in order to lose weight at the Turin club and will then have to force his way into a team that has started the season sensationally.
Arsenal's 25-man squad list was also announced last night. You can view the complete list here, there are places for Arshavin and Chakakh.
What are your thoughts on everything and anything happening at Arsenal FC on the 5th September 2012?
images: © Ronnie Macdonald, © wonker
Mathew Nash
@hitcmathewnashGoogle+more stories from Mathew Nash
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.
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