Barnet v Arsenal (Friendly)- Match preview

Arsenal travel to Underhill to face Barnet tomorrow in the traditional curtain-raiser to the new season. Last year saw Arsenal win 2-0 thanks to goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Nacer Barazite. The former won’t be involved tomorrow but the latter is in the squad and could be set to play a key role tomorrow as Arsene Wenger looks to try out his options ahead of the new campaign. Absentees include Abou Diaby, Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky (all injured), whilst the players who played at Euro 2008 and in the African qualifiers began training later and so are not at full fitness yet. What it does mean though is that some of Arsenal’s younger players will be on show in the familiar surroundings of Underhill, where the club play their home reserve games. The much-hyped Jack Wilshere is in the squad along with the likes of Jay Simpson, Paul Rodgers, James Dunne, Rene Steer and Abu Ogogo who all have points to prove. Fran Merida and Kieran Gibbs are away at the u-19 European Championships, but new signing Aaron Ramsey will be on display as well as Carlos Vela, who will be making his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt. Unusually, three goalkeepers have been named in the squad although only two are likely to be used.

In a change from their usual squad numbers, the starting XI will bear the numbers from 1 to 11 on their backs, whilst the subs will wear 12 to 24.

Barnet should provide decent opposition as the players get back into the matchday groove. You can view the results from previous encounters here (anyone remember that 10-1 win?).

Arsenal are expected to start with a strong side and bring the less experienced players on towards the end and by the way substitutions are unlimited for pre-season friendlies.

Tomorow’s game kicks off at 3PM and if, like me, you’re going then enjoy the game. But if you don’t have a ticket you can still follow the action on Arsenal TV or TV Online.

A full match report will be available when I get home, including exclusive pictures.Stay close to the action on Arsenal Youth.

Update: It seems as if Francis Coquelin is a late addition to the squad to replace the injured Carlos Vela.

Arsenal confirm Coquelin arrival

Arsenal have today confirmed that French midfielder Franics Coquelin has signed for the club from Stade Lavallois and has been given a pro deal. Coquelin has been training with his new team-mates in the last couple of weeks and could feature for the under-18s in a friendly tomorrow against Derby. He had a trial in April and the deal was completed in May.

UEFA u-19 Championships: Day Two- Merida knocked out , Gibbs in action

Welcome to the Arsenal Youth coverage of Day Two of the 2008 UEFA u-19 Championships, which are being held in the Czech Republic. To catch up on what happened on Day One, click here. Read on for reports on today’s action.

GROUP A

Fran played 64 minutes as Spain lost 1-0 to Hungary.

Fran Merida-Spain 0 Hungary 1

After missing the first game of the tournament due to suspension relating to an earlier qualifier, Fran started the game for Spain as they took on Hungary in a must-win game. After their defeat to Germany in their opening game, the reigning champions were in danger of going out of the tournament at the group stage.

Fran, wearing the no.16 shirt, occupied a position on the left side of midfield but drifted across the pitch as the match progressed.

Spain’s opponents, Hungary, boasted Liverpool striker Kritzian Nemeth up front and gave the impression of a strong, physical outfit.

The game took a while to get going with both sides adopting a cautious approach and attempting to catch eachother out.

After some strong challenges from both sides, Guzan missed a chance for Hungary and then Spain showed their attacking threat when some neat passing found the ball at the feet of Emiliano Nsue who knocked the ball across the face of goal instead of firing it past Gulacsi. What it showed though was Spain’s counter-attacking ability and also that they looked sharper than they did against Germany three days ago.

Hungary were next to attack and had a flurry of chances in a very short time period but somehow managed to squander them all. Nemeth had the best opportunity but in the end he managed to take the ball too far away from goal and was closed down.

It was turning into a pulsating game of counter-attacking football with both defences having their weaknesses exploited and there was also a certain physical edge to the encounter as well.

This was demonstrated on 27 minutes when Spain’s Castellano was cautioned for elbowing Gozstonyi.

By this point the game was beginning to open up more and Emilio came close with another attempt.

Merida was beginning to influence the game and his corner was headed just over by Bolado before the diminutive play-maker had an effort on goal himself but blasted it over, frustrating his manager.

Fran then played a neat angled ball in towards Parejo but the striker opted to nod the ball onto a team-mate rather than go for goal himself. Hungary had another poor shot wide and then the half-time whistle blew, with Spain knowing they still had a lot of work to do.

Half time- Spain 0 Hungary 0

Spain made a change at the break, bringing on Jordi Alba for Bolado. Alba had scored in the defeat to Germany three days earlier.

He could have had an immediate impact on proceedings but failed to meet Merida’s cross with any conviction.

The second period was slow to get going and Nemeth was restricted up front for Hungary with the referee always seemingly opting to give key decisions against him.

Spain were intent on going ahead and Alba knocked a ball across goal but Nsue was too far away and Gulcasi gathered it.

Hungary then made their first sub, replacing Nikhazi with Szabo. They were growing more and more into the game and looked deadly on the counter-attack.

Merida, meanwhile, was finding his path blocked and struggled to create any more attacking opportunities. The same could be said for the rest of his Spanish team-mates.

Hungary, however, were displaying their counter-attacking style again and broke from a Spain corner to win one of their own.

On 64 minutes, Spain opted to withdraw Merida and replace him with reported Arsenal target Dani Aquino. Merida had put in a decent shift but was beginning to tire and Spain hoped Aquino would give them the injection of energy they desperately needed.

He made one lightning break soon after his arrival but was quickly picked up and marked out of the game.

Hungary’s Corsova had his header cleared off the line and then, following another terrific break, Hungary eventually did find the net, with Nagi capitalising on some poor goalkeeping to fire home.

Spain had further chances with Parejo coming close from a free-kick, whilst Aaron was denied by a fingertip save from Gulcasi with Alba hitting the rebound wide.

Emilio Nsue then capped off a poor display in front of goal by somehow missing a chance from two yards out after he opted to use the outside of his boot. He had a chance to make amends moments later, but squandered that too and was reduced to tears.

Hungary meanwhile were crying tears of joy come the final whistle after they managed to run the clock down to secure the victory. Dissapointment for Spain and Merida, but Hungary became the first team to make it through to the semi-finals.

Full time- Spain 0 Hungary 1

PLAYER WATCH: FRAN MERIDA

Despite the defeat, Merida performed well throughout and created several attacking chances. His eye for a pass is second to none but his first touch wasn’t always accurate and he needs to work on his shooting. He was also clearly lacking match fitness but that was understandable. It seems as if he has become stronger physically.

RATING: 7/10

Other game:

Germany 3 Bulgaria 0

Germany took the lead through Diekmeier on 16 minutes. They added to their advantage with further goals from Nsereko and Lars Bender.

RESULTS SO FAR: Mon. Bulgaria 1 Hungary 0, Germany 2 Spain 1. Today. Spain 0 Hungary 1,

FIXTURES: Sun. Hungary v Germany, Spain v Bulgaria

GROUP B

Kieran Gibbs- England 0 Italy 0

Kieran started the game in central-midfield as England looked to put Monday’s defeat to the Czech Republic behind them. In a fiercely contested game, both sides had chances early on with Sturridge and Sears coming close for England whilst Paloschi missed for Italy. Kieran gave away a needless foul on 4 minutes, but very nearly made up for it 10 minutes later when he smashed a shot against the crossbar. Then misfiring Italian forward Okaka Chuka squandered a couple of opportunities wide. Both ‘keepers were kept busy in the first period with Button keeping England in it at times. Crystal Palace’s Victor Moses was handed a start for this fixture and looked impressive on the ball but was lacking that killer instinct up front. The half-time whistle blew with both sides neck and neck.

Half time- England 0 Italy 0

The second half saw the game descend into a fouling contest, although England did come close through efforts from Moses, Gibbs and Sinclair. The Three Lions must now win their final game against Greece and home Italy slip up against the Czech Republic in order to qualify.

Full time- England 0 Italy 0

PLAYER WATCH: KIERAN GIBBS

Kieran’s attacking movements were restricted by the defence-minded Italians, but he still managed to hit the crossbar. He has been one of England’s brighter lights and if the Three Lions do go out of the tournament on Sunday, at least Kieran can be proud of his performances.

RATING: 6.5/10

Other game:

Czech Republic 0 Greece 0

In the other game in Group B, Greece managed to hold the hosts to a 0-0 draw despite being reduced to ten men after Nini was sent off for two bookable offences.

RESULTS SO FAR: Mon. Czech Rep. 2 England 0, Greece 1 Italy 1. Today. Czech Rep. 0 Greece 0, England 0 Italy 0.

FIXTURES: Sun. Italy v Czech Republic, England v Greece.

TOURNAMENT TOP SCORERS:

Necid (Czech Rep.)- 2 goals

Nine players on one goal

Loan watch: Gilbert plays full game as Leicester are held

Kerrea Gilbert- Olimpia Ljubljana 2 Leicester City 2

Arsenal loanee Kerrea Gilbert made his full debut for Leicester City this evening as the Foxes were held to a 2-2 draw by Olimpia Ljubljana in a behind closed doors training match in Slovenia this evening. After impressing during his 45 minute stint in the 5-4 win over Hinckley at the weekend, boss Nigel Pearson opted to give Kerrea another run out at right-back. Leicester were slight favourites ahead of the match but went behind after only eight minutes due to a goal from former Portsmouth man Mladen Rudonja. Matty Fryatt then equalised for Leicester before DJ Campbell put the Foxes in front ten minutes from time. It wasn’t enough though as Olimpija struck again in the last minute to earn a share of the spoils. Kerrea didn’t get too many chances to go forward due to the defensive tactics put in place by the oposition. However he did show good technical ability and passing skills. Leicester’s next friendly is against Luton on Tuesday evening and further exhibition matches are scheduled against Quorn, Kettering Town, Birmingham City, Ikelston Town and Crystal Palace before the commencement of the League One season on August 9th.

Squad named for Barnet

Arsenal have named their 24-man squad for the first game of pre-season, Saturday’s trip to Underhill to face Barnet. New signing Aaron Ramsey is included, along with the returning Carlos Vela. Other notable names include Bacary Sagna, Manuel Almunia, Gael Clichy, Nicklas Bendtner and Armand Traore whilst the likes of James Dunne, Rene Steer, Abu Ogogo and Paul Rodgers have also been included despite being candidates to leave the club this summer. Below you can see the full squad as well as the players who are not included and an explanation for their absence.

SQUAD TO PLAY BARNET:
Manuel ALMUNIA
Nacer BARAZITE
Nicklas BENDTNER
Gael CLICHY
DENILSON
James DUNNE
Rui FONTE
Gavin HOYTE
Justin HOYTE
Henri LANSBURY
Vito MANNONE
Havard NORDTVEIT
Abu OGOGO
Aaron RAMSEY
Mark RANDALL
Paul RODGERS
Bacary SAGNA
Jay SIMPSON
Rene STEER
Wojciech SZCZESNY
Armand TRAORE
Carlos VELA
Theo WALCOTT
Jack WILSHERE

Absentees:

Abou Diaby (injured)

Cesc Fabregas (Euro 2008, returns to training July 29th)

Kolo Toure (African Qualifiers)

Philippe Senderos (Euro 2008, returned to training yesterday)

Tomas Rosicky (injured)

Samir Nasri (Euro 2008, begins training tomorrow)

Eduardo (injured)

William Gallas (Euro 2008, returns to training tomorrow)

Robin Van Persie (Euro 2008, returns to training on Monday)

Alexander Hleb (currently having medical at Barcelona)

Alexandre Song (African qualifiers, set to represent Cameroon at Olympics)

Gilberto (reportedly undertaking a medical at Panathinaikos)

Johan Djourou (Euro 2008, returned to training yesterday)

Lukasz Fabianski (Euro 2008, returned to training yesterday)

Emmanuel Adebayor (African qualifiers)

Emmanuel Eboue (African qualifiers)

Vincent van den Berg (on trial at FC Zwolle, currently injured)

Fran Merida (u-19 Championships, currently injured)

Kieran Gibbs (u-19 Championships)

Kerrea Gilbert (on loan at Leicester for the season, could be in action against Olimpia tonight)

Gilbert settling in well at Leicester

Arsenal loanee Kerrea Gilbert is settling in well at his new club Leicester City. Gilbert joined the Foxes last Thursday in a season-long loan deal and played 45 minutes in Saturday’s 5-4 friendly win over Hinckley. Nigel Pearson’s side are currently three days into their five day training camp in Slovenia. They flew out on Sunday and spent the first day relaxing in the swimming pool and becoming accustomed to their new surroundings. Then, yesterday, the hard work began with double training sessions taking place every day. The appaling weather conditions didn’t help but the training camp has improved team morale and togetherness. Gilbert is set to be involved in a behind closed doors training match tomorrow before the squad return home on Friday evening. Following that, the Foxes will face Luton a week today in their next pre-season match before further friendlies against Quorn, Kettering Town, Birmingham City and Crystal Palace with the League One season commencing on August 9th.

Meanwhile, Barnet are in action tonight against St.Albans as they prepare for Arsenal’s visit to Underhill on Saturday.

More tomorrow.

UEFA u-19 Championships: Day One- Frustration for Gibbs, Merida ruled out through injury

Welcome to the Arsenal Youth coverage of the 2008 UEFA u-19 Championships. This year’s tournament is being held in the Czech Republic and kicked off today. Kieran Gibbs is Arsenal’s sole representative at the tournament. He will be the envy of several of his team-mates who failed to qualify for the tournament-the likes of Nacer Barazite, Armand Traore and Havard Nordtveit. Spain are the current holders and are looking for their third success in a row. They are in Group A alongside Germany, Bulgaria and Hungary. England, meanwhile, are in Group B with the hosts Czech Republic as well as Greece and Italy. Spain are the current holders and are looking for their third success in a row.The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, with the winner of Group A facing the runner-up of Group B and vice-versa. The winners of these two ties will progress to the final of the competition which will take place on July 26. You can view an in-depth preview of the tournament here. Scroll down to find out how Kieran got on in today’s opening group game. Spanish midfielder Fran Merida was also set to represent Arsenal at the tournament but he pulled out of the tournament at short notice due to a slight injury.

GROUP A

Germany 2 Spain 1

Fran was left out of the Spain squad because of injury as the holders took on Germany in the later kick-off.

Germany led 2-0 thanks to goals from Sukuta-Pasu and Toprak. Spain pulled one back through Alba on 66 minutes but the Germans held on for the win.

Bulgaria 0 Hungary 1

In the other game in Group A, Hungary beat Bulgaria thanks to a 10th minute strike by Liverpool’s Kritzian Nemeth which was the first goal of the tournament.

GROUP B

Kieran Gibbs- Czech Republic 2 England 0

Kieran played the whole 90 minutes as England lost their opening group game to Czech Republic, despite the hosts being reduced to nine men.

Kieran was named in the starting line-up and handed the no.8 shirt which meant he would be occupying his usual role for the Three Lions-central midfield-despite breaking onto the scene at Arsenal as a winger.

England were without Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck who pulled out of the tournament last week through injury. Despite this, coach Brian Eastick could still call on two top talents up front in Daniel Sturridge and Freddie Sears. The team that started the game was:

—————Button———————–

–Cork—Tomkins———–Pearce—-Bertrand

-Sinclair–Gosling————Gibbs—-Rose

———Sturridge———–Sears———

Both sides started the game nervously, looking to find their feet. A few reckless challenges flew in from both sides, with Scott Sinclair bringing down Polak with less than a minute gone. Czech Republic responded a couple of minutes later when Reinberk brought down Pearce. More fouls followed, but it was England who had the first opportunity in front of goal when Sturridge forced Vaclik into a save on 12 minutes.

However, Czech Republic were slowly growing into the game, despite beginning on the back foot. With the home crowd behind them, they won a succession of corners which kept England ‘keeper Button on his toes. Button then made a spectacular save to deny Necid’s header to prevent England from going behind. England were the better side in possession but couldn’t make much use of it and struggled to test Vaclik in the Czech goal. England seemed restricted and weren’t inclined to attack down the wings which meant their style of play becoming predictable, allowing the Czechs to close them down.

Freddie Sears did well to thread the ball through to Daniel Rose but Rose found himself offside. Ryan Bertrand was next to try and make a breakthrough. The Chelsea left-back, currently on loan at Norwich, broke forward and came close to scoring but his shot was well saved by Vaclik.

England’s scrappy play was becoming frustrating to watch and another move found Sears in an offside position.

Eastick’s side could also be accused of some poor defending in the first-half with Pearce allowing the Czech’s to break through but they squandered a good chance when the ball could have been rolled to the on-rushing Necid.

England went into the break level at 0-0 and knowing that they would have to up their game in the second half.

Half time- Czech Republic 0 England 0

The second half started in a similar pattern to the first, with England dominating from the start and Czech Republic quite happy to sit back and allow the Three Lions to dictate play.

By now it was becoming apparent that the Czech’s tall striker Tomas Necid was going to be a massive threat. He tested Button out early on in the half with a couple of efforts. Then he managed to find the net after he pounced on a mistake by the English ‘keeper and guided the ball home to make it 1-0 following Zeman’s long ball forward. Button was left embarassed and saw his good work from the first-half undone in one moment of madness. But there was still more to come from Necid.

He doubled his and the Czech Republic’s tallies just four minutes later after he nodded home from a corner. Zeman turned provider again with an inch-perfect ball and Necid was free to score due to some shambolic marking which left Brian Eastick livid. One man who will be even more angry though is Luca Toni, after Necid’s attempt at copying his goal celebration!

Gibbs was trying his very best to drive England forward and encourage his team-mates. However, expectation soon turned into frustration for the Lambeth-born youngster after he kept running into what seemed like an endless supply of Czech defenders.

Zeman loked to trouble Button again, but this time the goalie read the clever attempt at a shot. England knew they needed to change things and opted to do so by replacing Scott Sinclair (who, in my opinion, had dwelled too long on the ball) with Temitope Obedayi of Bolton Wanderers.

England were still pushing forward but weren’t making the most of their chances, squandering a decent opportunity from a corner.

Then Rose was played through and was deliberately blocked off by Heideriech, who had already picked up a yellow card earlier in the game. The referee was decisive and wasted no time in showing him a second yellow and ultimately a red. This was England’s opportunity to get back into the game, but would they be able to take it?

They certainly weren’t giving up trying. Sturridge did well to hit a left-footed free-kick over the wall but it wasn’t good enough to beat the ‘keeper.

The hosts tried to run the clock down by bringing on Lecjacks for Vashalik, which was also an attempt to shore up the defence and make it more difficult for England to break through.

England responded by making a change of their own a few minutes later, with James Chandler replacing th ineffective Gosling in midfield.

Freddie Sears then did well to round the ‘keeper and won a corner but once more the delivery was poor and it turned out to be another wasted opportunity.

England couldn’t find a way through but got some more good fortune when the Czech’s were reduced to nine men with eight minutes left. Brunclick was sent off for a second bookable defence after kicking the ball away in frustration. It was an uneccessary and stupid thing to do and it gave England another chance.

The Three Lions continued to push forward but were left frustrated again by some good defending. The Czechs then frustrated them even further by making another sub, this time replacing the impressive Zeman with Stepanek.

England just couldn’t make a breakthrough as the Czech’s continued to wind the clock down. Daniel Sturridge attempted a powerful drive late on, but once again the ‘keeper was equal to it.

The referee then blew the final whistle to put England out of their misery.

Eastick will now have to pick up his squad-and sort out his poor defence (which is suprising considering they didn’t concede a single goal in qualifying) before Thursday’s crunch match with Italy.

Full time- Czech Republic 2 England 0

PLAYER WATCH- KIERAN GIBBS

Kieran was one of England’s best players and displayed his eye for a pass, although occasionally he overhit a couple. He gave away a couple of unneccessary fouls but looked comfortable on the ball and seemed to carry the team at times. He showed good concentration and some flashes of brilliance as well as being very determined and can take heart from his performance.

RATING: 7.5/10

Other game:

Greece 1 Italy 1

Greece led thanks to Pavlis’ 23′rd minute strike but a last minute penalty from Paloschi salvaged a point for the Italians.

TOURNAMENT TOP SCORERS:

Necid (Czech Rep.)- 2 goals

Alba (Spain)- 1 goal

Nemeth (Hungary)- 1 goal

Paloschi (Italy)- 1 goal

Pavlis (Greece)- 1 goal

Sukuta-Pasu (Germany)- 1 goal

Toprak (Germany)- 1 goal

Injury could prevent Van den Berg’s move to FC Zwolle

Arsenal youngster Vincent van den Berg could have his hopes of a permanent move to Dutch outfit FC Zwolle scuppered after he picked up an injury, ruling him out of yesterday’s friendly defeat to Steve McClaren’s new side FC Twente.

Van den Berg, who spent the second half of last season on loan at fellow Dutch club Go Ahead Eagles, joined FC Zwolle on trial eleven days ago but injury has restricted him to light training. Upon his arrival, coach Jan Everse said

At FC Zwolle there is always room for talented young players,”

We will try to help with his development. That is because we are a team that wants to play attacking football and in such an environment you can develop as a player.

Vincent was unlucky last year, and at Arsenal you have to take your chances when you can

Vincent is set to leave Arsenal following the expiry of his contract but this is not the first time that injury problems have set him back. On his debut for Go Ahead Eagles in a friendly match, he picked up an injury after just 25 minutes which restricted him to making only a handful of appearances for the club.

Next week, a heavy training regime is scheduled leading up to another friendly against vv Wajcker-van Dijk on Wednesday. Hopefully for Vincent he will be able to return to full training in time for this fixture.

Loan watch: Gilbert makes Leicester debut as Foxes see off Hinckley

Kerrea Gilbert- Hinckley United 4 Leicester City 5

On-loan Arsenal full-back Kerrea Gilbert made his debut for Leicester this afternoon as the Foxes took on Hinckley United in their first pre-season friendly.

Kerrea was thrust straight into the action and started the game in his preferred position of right-back. The team began the game like this:

—————-Logan———————

—Gilbert—N’Gotty———-Magunda—Rowe-Turner

—Adams—King————Oakley—–Dyer

———–Campbell———Howard———

Leicester were firm favourites for this one and proved their class by going a goal from ex-Derby striker Steve Howard inside 20 minutes. They then doubled their advantage through young midfielder Nicky Adams. It looked as if they were going to take control of the game and extend their lead even further. However, Hinckley soon responded to make the score 2-1 and heap pressure on the Foxes.

Then, in an amazing turn-around, Hinckley grabbed two more goals before the break to make it 3-2. One of them can only be described as a wonder goal, whilst Hinckley’s third was down to some poor defending from former Bolton man Bruno N’Gotty. It was difficult to take for new manager Nigel Pearson and the pressure was already beginning to pile on him. Foxes fans were becoming increasingly frustrated at their lack of ability up front as Campbell missed a couple of easy chances.

Kerrea made some forward runs and was one of the better City players in the side during the first-half, but at the back Leciester were struggling badly and needed to sort things out.

Half time-Hinckley United 3 Leicester City 2

As had been planned before the game, the whole eleven was changed at half-time which meant that Kerrea was substituted, despite his decent display. The team for the second half was:

—————–Henderson——————

—Cox——Morrison————Worley—–Chambers

-A.Chambers–Kishishev———–Wesolowski–Gradel

————Odhiambo———–Fryatt———–

With their fresh team, Leicester were looking for an inspiration. And they found one. Winger Max-Alain Gradel fired the Foxes back into the game with a sweet right-footed strike to make it 3-3.

Leicester seemed to have finally got the upper hand again, but the lead didn’t last for long as Hinckley struck once more to make it 4-3. It signalled more humiliation for Pearson and the fans were livid. They have seen their side turn from a Premiership club into a side struggling against a team from the Conference North.

Their dissapointment was short-lived,however,as Matty Fryatt scored from the penalty spot to make it 4-4. Then, amazingly, Ashley Chambers scored late on to make it 5-4. It was a rollercoaster of a game and Leicester were lucky to win it in the end but their perseverance managed to pay off.

Full time-Hinckley United 4 Leicester City 5

Leicester’s next pre-season game is against Luton Town in 10 days time, before further fixtures against Quorn, Kettering Town, Birmingham, Ikelston and Crystal Palace. The Foxes kick off their League One season on August 9th at home to MK Dons.

Nasri deal confirmed as Falcao chase hots up

As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, Arsenal officially confirmed the capture of French midfielder Samir Nasri this morning, who arrives from Marseille on an undisclosed fee. The transfer had been dragging on for quite some time and it was initially thought that he would sign before Euro 2008, but then it was revealed that we would have to wait until after the tournament for official confirmation. It has only just been confirmed now as he was away on holiday. He’s a creative player and will add something to the side and becomes our second summer signing, following on from the arrival of Aaron Ramsey a few weeks ago.

Meanwhile, the race to sign River Plate striker Falcao seems to be gathering pace, with the player himself admitting that it would be a dream to sign for Arsenal.

“I know there is interest from Arsenal and that excites me.

“If there is an agreement between the clubs I’m ready to go. It would mean a huge leap forward in my career.

“I can guarantee my financial future. The Premier League is sensational.”

However, Manchester United are also reportedly tracking him so it will be interesting to see what happens on this one.

Finally, ex-Arsenal ‘keeper Graham Stack has been handed a trial at Plymouth after being released by Reading. Good luck to him.

More tomorrow.