Arsenal

Real candidates to contact Wenger
Former rally driver Carlos Sainz is hoping to lure Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger to Real Madrid, if he wins the club's presidential election on 2 July. Sainz has launched a joint-bid with Juan Miguel Villar Mir and he admits their plans include approaching Wenger with a view to taking over at the club. Asked if he had approached the Gunners boss, Sainz said: "We are in the process of doing that." "We want a complete overhaul of the whole club," added Villar Mir. Villar Mir, who would take the role of president, with Sainz as vice-president, said it was more important to attain a good management team ahead of bringing in players. "You can't start building house with the roof first. We need to secure a general manager and a coach first who will be at the heart of the club," he said. Former president Lorenzo Sanz, Spanish businessman Juan Palacios, lawyer and economist Arturo Baldasano and Ramon Calderon are the other candidates. Wenger was linked with the Real job last December following the departure of Wanderley Luxemburgo, but said he would see out his contract at Arsenal, which runs until 2008.

Arsenal face Fifa investigation
Fifa has launched a probe into whether Arsenal have broken regulations which may leave the club exposed to possible expulsion from the Champions League. BBC Newsnight has learnt that a police probe in Belgium has concluded Arsenal made secret payments of £1m to Beveren. Arsenal have admitted providing a loan to Beveren, but say they have never had a controlling influence over the club. Fifa is investigating whether Arsenal have breached rules governing fair play and conflict of interest. It was a mystery payment of one million pounds to an obscure Belgian football club in 2001 which sparked off a money-laundering investigation. The club, Beveren, was in desperate financial straits and they refused to say where the cash had come from. Fog of secrecy Christian du Four, the Investigating Magistrate in the Flemish town of Dendermonde, told Newsnight, "A company with no name wanted to invest a million pounds in the club. We thought it rather bizarre." At the same time the team threw out most of its Belgian players and replaced them with unknowns from an academy in Ivory Coast, West Africa. Belgian police suspected the fog of secrecy was hiding mafia involvement. Instead after an investigation they have told Newsnight that they found Arsenal's secret hand behind the money. Arsenal has a public deal with Beveren to play friendly matches and loan players but Arsenal repeatedly denied that they put money into the club. Arsenal now admit that they did loan money, indirectly, to Beveren. An Arsenal spokesman said "Arsenal confirms that it has never owned, directly or indirectly, any shares in Beveren or had any power whatsoever to influence its management or administration. It did in 2001 provide funds of 1,570,703 euros by way of loan to a member of the consortium to assist in stabilising the finances of Beveren." Reading from his investigation, Mr Du Four said: "Jean Marc Guillou who is the manager of Beveren has very close contacts with Arsene Wenger the coach of Arsenal and that is why they went ahead with the contract." Rules He then highlighted one contract signed by Arsenal Vice-Chairman David Dein. The contract (Document B) shows Dein agreeing to advance 12 million Belgian francs (around £200,000) on behalf of Arsenal Football Club in an interest free loan to an associate of his called Raoul de Waele. The loan was to establish a company called Goal which would take over control of Beveren football club. Arsenal signed Emmanuel Eboue from Beveren for a reported £1.5m The loan and other money advanced by Arsenal would be repaid out of Goal's share of transfer profits. Du Four says that in all Arsenal put in £1m. A director of Beveren, who did not wish to be identified, told Newsnight that in return for the £1m de Waele was given 50% control of Beveren and Guillou was given another 30%. Fifa President Sepp Blatter told Sir Stanley "Let Arsenal give the Football Association their report. It will be then be reported later to Fifa but for the time being I am not in a position to make any comments about what punishments or sanctions should be taken against a club." If Arsenal secretly controlled another club, especially one such as Beveren who they bought Emmanuel Eboue from, they could be in breach of FIFA rules and could be heavily fined or even thrown out of the Champions League.

the north london derby this season will take place: emirates- 2 december 2006 white hart lane- 21 april 2007 it will be hard as ever before to pick a winner as this will be the first derby to take place at the new home of london football(emirates stadium). Hopefully with space for more fans this will finally cement this derby as the best derby english football has to offer.

DJ wins damages over gay claims
A disc jockey has accepted substantial libel damages after he was wrongly linked to reports of a \"gay romp\" involving two Premiership players. Choice FM DJ Ian Thompson, known as Masterstepz, sued over articles in the Sun and News of the World in February. England footballer Ashley Cole has also received damages over the articles and the papers apologised to both men. The articles did not name the men, but their lawyers said they were identified by insinuation and innuendo. 'Simply untrue' Mr Thompson was not in the High Court in London for the settlement of his action over articles in the two papers. The amount he received was undisclosed. His advocate Korieh Duodu told Mr Justice Tugendhat that the claims were simply untrue. He said his client had never been involved in such activities and was extremely upset by the articles. He said as a result of the articles, Mr Thompson was subjected to intense harassment, including being inundated with phone calls, e-mails and text messages - much of which was extremely offensive and insulting. Mr Duodu said the harassment had included threats Mr Thompson would be physically harmed. The Sun and its sister paper the News of the World, published by News International, both ran articles in February including claims that two unnamed Premiership footballers and a DJ - also unnamed - had taken part in the \"romp\". Singer fiancee One News of the World article was accompanied by a photograph with faces pixellated out, and it said some readers wrongly thought Cole was the subject of the story. The Sun ran an image of 25-year-old Cole and his fiancee, Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy with a headline that could be read as a reference to homosexuality. Cole, 25, and Mr Thompson began legal action claiming libel, harassment and breach of privacy after the articles appeared. Both publications have now printed almost identical apologies saying some readers had \"understood\" Cole to be one of the two Premiership players and Mr Thompson to be the music industry figure. \"We are happy to make clear that Mr Cole and Masterstepz were not involved in any such activities. \"We apologise to them for any distress caused and we will be paying them each a sum by way of damages.\" Internet rumours spread after the original stories were published and they generated much discussion in chatrooms. The legal proceedings were being viewed by many lawyers as a test of how the libel law dealt with allegations made against unnamed individuals. Issuing writs, Cole's lawyer Graham Shear said the articles were \"false and offensive\". Arsenal full-back Cole played a key role in England's vital World Cup second round tie on Sunday - a fixture which marked his 50th appearance for his country.

sol campbell has shockingly quit arsenal after five years at the club sky sports news can reveal. the 31-year-old has been an intregal part of the arsenal team since his controversial switch from spurs in 2001. he helped arsen wengers men to 5 major tropheys during his time at the north london giants and had appeard to recover from a difficult period midway through last season. however,campbell has decided that now is the time to move on. although he admitted \"it had been a tough call to make. after much consideration,i have taken the decision to leave arsenal\",he told the clubs oficial club website. \"i have spent 5 fantastic trophy-filled seasons with arsenal,with many truly memorable moments,including winning the premiership title in 2004 going the season unbeaton. so it is with a sense of pride,acheivment and the desire for a fresh challengethat i depart\". \"i would like to thank arsene wenger for everything he has done for me, the world class players that i have been priveliged to play alongside and accomplish so much,everyone behind the scenes, from directors to the staff and lastly but by no means least,to the fans.you have beena constant source of warm-spiritedsupport for which i am truly grateful. \"i would like to thank everyone associated with the club for the wonderfull memories and wish the team the best of luck in the future\". many clubs have been intrested in sol including portsmouth,newcastle,fenerbache and some clubs in america's mls. \"playing abroad is something that would interest me but at the moment i am keeping my options open\" explains campbell. wenger has insisted that campbell goes with his blessing,but conceded that it is a sad day for the club. \"sol has been a giant for us since joining in 2001,\"wenger praised. \"winning two premiership trophey's,three f.a cups and scored in the champions league final will surely be highlights he will treasure. \"i would like to thank sol for his contribution.his commitment,stature and strength of character have served us remarkably well,both individually and as a team player who captained his side. \"i know that younger players,who have progressed here over recent times,have hugely benefited hugely from playing alonside sol. \"his desire and precense have been instrumental to our success over the past five years but we respect his decision to move on,and of course,we are sorry to see him go. \"everyone at the club wishes sol all the best for the future\".

Fabregas rejects Madrid move talk
Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas expects to report for pre-season training with the Gunners on 24 July and is unfazed by Real Madrid's reported interest. Madrid's new president Ramon Calderon claimed the 19-year-old would be signed as one of his election promises but the midfielder has rejected talk of a move. \"I'm not thinking of anything other than playing for Arsenal next season,\" he told Mundo Deportivo newspaper. \"I'm an Arsenal player 100%. No-one has told me anything to the contrary.\" Fabregas, who became Arsenal's youngest first-team player and scorer at the age of 16, won his first cap for Spain in March. He was also the youngest member of his nation's World Cup squad and played in all four matches in Germany. He revealed he would like to return home to play at some stage but said he was currently happy with his life in England. \"Sooner or later I would like to play in the Spanish league as I left when I was 16 and I haven't had the chance but at the moment I am really good in England,\" he said.

Reyes denies asking for Real move
Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes has distanced himself from reports that claimed he wants a move back to Spain. The 22-year-old Spanish international was reported as saying he had not settled in England and was hoping to join Real Madrid. But Reyes told Arsenal's website: \"I don't know where these words have come from but what I would like to say is that I am very happy at Arsenal. \"I am excited about the new stadium and helping Arsenal challenge for honours.\" Reyes had been quoted as saying: \"I have always said I want a return to Spain. I have not adapted to life in England. \"If Real Madrid want me that is marvellous. It would be an honour to play for them. Let's see what happens.\" \"I have nothing against Arsenal, completely the opposite. It is a great club and they have helped me so much. \"The fans have given me so much support since I joined. \"But they know that I have not got used to the language or the weather.\" It is not the first time that Reyes, a £10.5m signing from Sevilla in January 2004, has been linked with a move to his homeland with Real. Reyes admitted he wanted to join Real at the start of 2005, when he fell victim to a radio hoax. He told a Spanish radio presenter - who Reyes thought was Real's sporting director Emilio Butragueno - that he was keen on a move to the Bernabeu. But the Spain international then signed a new six-year contract at Arsenal in July 2005. He has made 110 appearances for the Gunners and scored 23 goals.

Cole back in training at Arsenal
Ashley Cole returned to Arsenal on Monday for pre-season training, despite speculation over his future. Cole, who has returned to the club later than the rest of the squad after his honeymoon, is thought to be on the verge of a £25m move to Chelsea. And the 25-year-old would have trained without any of the first-team squad, who are on a tour of Austria. Cole's future will be decided almost certainly before Thursday's Champions League registration deadline. Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has already confirmed that discussions have taken place with Chelsea. He has stressed that Cole would remain an Arsenal player unless 'something changes' - but that change is now widely expected. Cole's relationship with Arsenal has been strained following the 'tapping-up' affair with Chelsea last year. And the relationship has been further damaged by Cole's claims that he will reveal why his relationship with Arsenal broke down in his forthcoming autobiography. \"I'll reveal the shattering truth about who fed me to the sharks. It changed my view forever on the club I regarded as family,\" said Cole.

Pompey hold talks with Campbell
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp met Sol Campbell over the weekend in an effort to persuade the 31-year-old defender to join the Fratton Park club. \"Sol has got plenty of offers at home and abroad,\" said Redknapp. \"He will make up his mind soon. He knows about Pompey and what we've got to offer. \"I honestly still cannot say what Sol will decide to do.\" And of the meeting Redknapp added: \"I couldn't do more to convince him than buy him a glass of mineral water.\" Campbell has also been linked with Newcastle, Turkish club Fenerbahce and French side Marseille. Redknapp is keen to strengthen ahead of the Premiership season, which starts on 19 August. And he added: \"Everybody knows we've got to invest to improve our squad for next season. \"We are short of quality still and Sol would be just the man to do a big job for us.\" Campbell announced at the end of last season that he was leaving the Gunners to seek \"a new challenge\" after five years with the London club. He made 197 appearances for the Gunners and won five major trophies after joining the club from arch rivals Tottenham in 2001. Meanwhile, Redknapp confirmed he is still interested in signing Benfica midfielder Manuel Fernandes. The 21-year-old was sent back to Lisbon after failing a medical but is now back with Pompey as they monitor his recovery from a groin injury. \"Of course I still want him here, he is a good player,\" said the Pompey boss. \"He would be suited to playing English football and he would be an asset to us. He is an interesting footballer.\"

Burley says Walcott wrong to move
Southampton manager George Burley feels Theo Walcott's career has gone backwards since he left the Saints for Arsenal in January. Walcott joined Arsenal for £12.5m but the 17-year-old has barely played since and he endured a frustrating time with England at the World Cup. \"For me, career-wise, it was the wrong choice for Theo to leave,\" said Burley. \"I think he's played one-and-a-half reserve games since he left Southampton in January.\" Burley took over at Southampton in December 2005 and promised Southampton fans that Walcott was central to his plans. But the club were left with no choice when a then 16-year-old Walcott demanded to leave. Burley said: \"It was a difficult situation when we sold him because there was nothing Southampton could do. \"He was a 16-year-old and he could walk out of the club any time he wanted to, so you are governed by that. \"Given the choice between Walcott and the money we'd have kept the boy, but you've got to go and reinvest when it's done. \"When the player and his representatives and his parents are saying they want to go to Arsenal, there's nothing you can do. \"If I were his parents I would have let him stay at Southampton, let him mature, give him time, and then let him move along.\" Former Ipswich boss Burley added: \"I remember telling Richard Wright when I was at Ipswich before he moved to Arsenal that he needed another season to progress at Ipswich. \"But he went and nobody's heard of him for the last five years. \"If you move too early to a big club then it can be detrimental to your career. \"They sometimes get loaned out and you're never sure of their development. \"I hope it doesn't happen to Theo. He's a smashing lad, I know his dad well, but I think they are taking a big gamble when maybe you don't need to take a gamble.\" Burley also thinks that Sven-Goran Eriksson's decision to take him to the World Cup has not helped Walcott's career. Eriksson picked Walcott ahead of the likes of the more experienced Jermain Defoe and Darren Bent but chose not to use him at all in Germany. Burley added: \"Managers chose what they think is right, but players have to earn the right to get into the team. \"I'm sure there are one or two disappointed strikers out there who had earned the right and didn't get the opportunities for the World Cup. \"Personally I don't think it's done him any good because everybody has been talking about him. \"It's not the boy's fault he got chosen or that he has not played Premiership football. \"I feel for the boy a little bit because I think it was undue pressure he was under and I hope he kicks on. \"He's a very dedicated boy and a strong character and I'm sure he'll come through. \"Because given the right education, playing-wise he will be tops.\"

Arsenal hit by triple injury blow
Arsenal trio Gael Clichy, Philippe Senderos and Abou Diaby will miss the first six weeks of the season. Midfielder Diaby, 20, suffered a broken and dislocated ankle in May and manager Arsene Wenger said: \"He is ahead of what we expected for him. \"But it is November at the earliest for him. The news is quite good for Diaby, Clichy and Senderos but the first of these will be back in October.\" Left-back Clichy has an ankle injury while Senderos dislocated his shoulder. The Swiss defender suffered the injury at the World Cup. Wenger is confident that Freddie Ljungberg will only miss the first game of the Premiership season as he recovers from an ankle problem. \"He is doing well,\" said the Gunners boss. \"He may not be there for the first game of the season but he will be there around the start.\"

Reyes still wants move to Madrid
Jose Antonio Reyes is confident of securing a move to Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain. And the winger, 22, told Spanish daily Marca he hopes the move goes through before Arsenal's Champions League qualifying tie against Dinamo Zagreb. If the move stalls, Reyes added he would prefer not to figure for the Gunners against the Croatian champions. \"Obviously, if I do (play), it will make a move to Real more difficult. But if I have to, I will play,\" Reyes said. \"The manager (Arsene Wenger) hasn't said anything to me and I don't know if I am going to play or not. \"I hope I don't or that everything will be resolved before then.\" Uncertainty has surrounded the Spaniard's future in north London since he admitted hankering after a move to his homeland and Real Madrid earlier in the summer. Reyes told Arsenal's website he was \"very happy\" at the club, but conflicting comments came out in Spain at the same time. He told Spanish paper As he was \"not looking for another club\", but added: \"I have always said that Madrid is one of my biggest targets. Everyone knows it. \"Clubs are looking for me but the only way that any team, including Madrid, can sign me is by speaking to Arsenal.\" Reyes' Arsenal career has been under scrutiny since he fell victim to a hoax early in 2005. He told a Spanish radio presenter - who Reyes thought was Real's sporting director Emilio Butragueno - that he was keen on a move to the Bernabeu.

Birmingham capture third Gunner
Birmingham have recruited their third Arsenal player on loan, securing the services of striker Nicklas Bendtner. Imposing Dane Bendtner, 18, has signed a deal to stay at St Andrews until January, while Sebastian Larsson, 21, has finalised a season-long loan deal. Swede Larsson has played 12 first-team games for Arsenal and has appeared at both left-back and in midfield. The pair join fellow Gunner Fabrice Muamba, 18, who had sealed a 12-month loan move earlier in the summer. Bendtner scored 18 goals in 24 matches for Arsenal's reserves last season and was on target on the club's pre-season tour in Austria. This summer he became the youngest player to be selected for Denmark's under-21 team and scored two goals on his debut against Spain.

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