Arsenal

Arsenal to freeze ticket prices
Arsenal have become the latest club to announce they will not be increasing ticket prices next season. It will be the third successive campaign the club have frozen charges for matchday and season-ticket prices. The Gunners also say they will actively pursue a policy of reducing prices for Carling Cup matches at the Emirates Stadium next season. Managing director Keith Edelman said: "We're delighted our ticket prices will be frozen for next season."

Wenger blames failures on himself
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says his mistakes have left the club with nothing to play for this season. And Wenger claims he should not have tried to win every competition. "Once we knew we were in the final of the Carling Cup we should have sacrificed the FA Cup because in the end it caught up with us," he said. "It was a mistake on my part. In future our priority should be to qualify from the Champions League group - and then take it from there." The Frenchman has been devastated by Arsenal's collapse on all fronts, and particulalry by early elimination from Europe - where Arsenal went out to PSV in the last 16. "This is the first time in my time here that we do not have anything to look forward to," he said. "We have had years where we do not win any trophies, but we have always had a cup final or a title race to come." And despite professing his love for England's domestic cup compeitions, Wenger will adopt a new strategy next season which he feels will prevent a repeat scenario. He said: "The FA Cup is a competition we love but last year when we went out early, we reached the final of the Champions League. "This season we had two replays in the FA Cup, one just before the PSV Champions League tie and one right in between that and the next. "We had already given a lot, playing 17 games in December and January. Also, we had no possibility to rotate the side because we had many injuries and then all the suspensions. "So I think it was a mistake on my part. When we drew Blackburn at home we didn't think we would go to a replay. "When you have 60,000 fans in your own stadium you can never say you will sacrifice the game. But the replay? Perhaps I should have sacrificed it." Wenger also revealed that in the future he will "not play senior players in the Carling Cup" to ensure the likes of Kolo Toure, Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor - who all played in the competition this season - get the chance to rest. Fabregas, 19, has played 45 games this campaign - more than any other Arsenal player - and claims he is close to burn-out. He said: "I am looking forward to the summer - I am counting the days. I need one summer to rest." Wenger claims he will not field a weakened team, however, in the FA Cup and believes he will have more players available next season which will help him to do that. He said: "I feel we will not be in the same position in future seasons where we have two strikers injured and another suspended. That gave us no possiblity to rotate."

Billionaire buys stake in Arsenal
ITV plc have announced they have unconditionally sold their 9.99% shareholding in Arsenal Holdings plc to American Stan Kroenke's KSE UK Inc. KSE began a business partnership with the Gunners in February through Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids. Last month, Kroenke's spokesman Jurgen Mainka denied the American billionaire wanted to buy the club. Kroenke has interests in NFL side St Louis Rams and owns the Denver Nuggets (NBA) and Colorado Avalanche (NHL). Arsenal are valued at around £404m and billionaire Kroenke was widely thought to be interested in buying shares. There is an increasing trend of American businessmen linking up with English clubs. 606: DEBATE Give your reaction to this news This season Liverpool and Aston Villa have been bought by American business tycoons, and Manchester United have been owned by Malcolm Glazer since 2005. Kroenke came 153rd in the prestigious Forbes 400 - a list of the wealthiest Americans. That put him seven places higher than the Glazer family and 89 ahead of Villa owner Randy Lerner. Arsenal's major shareholders, including vice chairman David Dein and director Danny Fiszman, are not believed to be interested in selling up. The deal with Colorado is designed to build Arsenal's brand in the United States, while also helping to develop the MLS club. The arrangement between the two clubs includes the development of a Centre of Excellence in Colorado, the transfer of coaching ideas and the launch of the Arsenal Cup, a club tournament open to teams from all over the US.

Arsenal chairman snubs US buyer
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has sent a hands-off warning to American billionaire Stan Kroenke over any potential takeover of the club. Kroenke recently bought 9.9% of Arsenal and also acquired more shares from major stakeholder Danny Fiszman, sparking talk of a takeover. But Hill-Wood told the Guardian: "The shareholders would prefer to stay in control than sell out to some stranger. "We would be horrified to see ownership of the club go across the Atlantic." Hill-Wood claims that he and three of the club's major shareholders - Fiszman, Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith and the Carr family - have "no intention of selling". He added: "These people love Arsenal, they are independently wealthy and do not need the money. Having a few extra million pounds in the bank is of no interest to them. "We're here for Arsenal football club, not to make a few bob. The club has been run for the benefit of supporters, staff and players."

Wenger will stay, says Hill-Wood
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has reassured fans that coach Arsene Wenger will stay at the club following the departure of vice-chairman David Dein. Dein is credited with bringing Wenger to Arsenal in 1996 but left the club on Wednesday because of "irreconcilable differences" with the board. However, Hill-Wood told Arsenal TV Online: "The relationship that Arsene has with the board is good. "He is on contract until 2008 and we hope he will extend beyond that." Hill-Wood added: "It's well known that Arsene and David have got on very well over the past 10 years and I am certain that Arsene will miss him." Dein, who holds 14% of shares in the parent company of the Gunners, will cease to be a director after leaving because of differences concerning the direction and ownership at the club. Dein, 63, is thought to be in favour of Stan Kroenke's involvement at the club after the American billionaire recently bought a 9.99% stake in the club, and that has put him at odds with Hill-Wood. But the chairman has been keen to stress that Dein's departure was not due to a lack of transfer funds available to Wenger. "We've always made funds available to Arsene, he attends the board meetings, he understands the financial position," said Hill-Wood. "I can assure supporters that we will continue to provide funds when Arsene requires them. "We have a very good squad - young, maybe, but developing well - and if Arsene wants to strengthen it we have the money to provide him with any reasonable purchases he wants to make."

Baptista cannot settle at Arsenal
Julio Baptista's future at Arsenal is in doubt after he revealed he is struggling to adjust to playing in the Premiership and life in England. The 26-year-old is on a season-long loan from Real Madrid as part of a swap deal for Jose Antonio Reyes. Baptista told The Times: "The weather over here is killing me. We get one day of sunshine for every 30 days of rain. "The Premiership is very hard. I enjoy making clever touches but the game is so fast I don't have time to think." There is still a possibility of Baptista's switch being made permanent but the Brazilian indicated he would rather return to the Bernabeu at the end of the season. "I could stay at Arsenal but right now I can't see myself anywhere for definite," he explained. "But it is clear in my mind that I'd tackle a second chance with Real with far more maturity than I did my first. "My girlfriend and my mother are frightened about not seeing the sun in England. They miss being in Madrid." Baptista, known as 'The Beast', has not been impressed by some of Arsenal's rivals. "The teams from the north of England are terrible," Baptista said. "When we play them I have counted their centre-backs booting up to 30 long balls upfield per game. "The moment you stop to think, someone has taken the ball off you and knocked you to the ground. "Over here they value a corner kick more than a fancy flick. I am lucky to be with Arsenal, as they are a team that likes to play proper football."

Wenger will see out Arsenal deal
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has vowed to see out his contract, despite the shock departure of vice-chairman David Dein. Wenger worked closely with Dein, who left the club after "irreconcilable differences" with other board members. But he said: "I will complete my contract so I am going to stay here until 2008. I will continue to give my best as I always have. "If this had not happened, people would not be asking me these questions about my contract. I committed to that." Wenger paid a rich tribute to Dein, and admitted he may now appoint a director of football to take over the key role the former director played in transfers and contracts. He said: "We have lost a man of class, intelligence and competence who made a great contribution to this club. "It is a disappointment and a big loss. David always at heart had the best interest of the club. "Even if I am very sad it is important to keep the best interest of the club in mind. "We have many young players and I want to develop this team and go as high up as we can. I don't want speculation; you could talk about the consequences a lot." Wenger insisted he is happy to work alongside the current board: "I am confident. The history of this club makes me think they have trusted David and myself to make decisions on important issues. "We had a great partnership but now we have to focus on tomorrow." Asked if he had turned his thoughts towards a new football director coming in, the Frenchman added: "I have to think about that problem and what is the best solution. "I will need some help but I do not really know at the moment. It is important the stability is maintained and it will be." Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood, meanwhile, has hit out at the American influence on the Premiership and moved to fight any potential takeover at the club. Vice-chairman Dein left the club as US billionaire Stan Kroenke bought a 9.9% interest in Arsenal. Hill-Wood said: "Why don't we want the American at our club? Call me old-fashioned, but we don't need his money and we don't want his sort. "Our objective is keep Arsenal English, albeit with a lot of foreign players." Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester United have been bought by American owners, but Hill-Wood is determined Arsenal will not fall into US hands. He said: "Americans are buying up chunks of the Premiership football clubs and not because of their love of football but because they see an opportunity to make money. "They know absolutely sweet FA about our football and we don't want these type of people involved." Wenger attended an Arsenal board meeting on Thursday. Earlier on Thursday Arsenal chairman Hill-Wood had reassured fans that Wenger would stay at the club. "The relationship that Arsene has with the board is good," said Hill-Wood. "He is on contract until 2008 and we hope he will extend beyond that." Hill-Wood added: "It's well known that Arsene and David have got on very well over the past 10 years and I am certain that Arsene will miss him." Dein, 63, who holds 14% of shares in the parent company of the Gunners, will cease to be a director after leaving because of differences concerning the direction and ownership at the club. He was thought to be in favour of Kroenke's involvement, and that has put him at odds with Hill-Wood. But the chairman has been keen to stress that Dein's departure was not due to a lack of transfer funds available to Wenger. "We've always made funds available to Arsene, he attends the board meetings, he understands the financial position," said Hill-Wood. "I can assure supporters that we will continue to provide funds when Arsene requires them. "We have a very good squad - young, maybe, but developing well - and if Arsene wants to strengthen it we have the money to provide him with any reasonable purchases he wants to make."

Late goal gives Arsenal advantage
Alex Scott's injury-time winner gave Arsenal a precious 1-0 lead against Swedish champions Umea IK in the first leg of the Uefa Cup final. Scott's 30-yard effort sailed over the head of the home goalkeeper to give the Gunners a vital cushion for the return leg in Borehamwood next Sunday. Minutes earlier, Arsenal had been lucky not to concede a penalty when Umea's talisman Marta went down in the box. The English champions were without star player Kelly Smith, due to suspension.

Lehmann 'signs new Arsenal deal'
Jens Lehmann has extended his contract at Arsenal for another year, according to reports in Germany. The Germany international goalkeeper's new deal will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2008. Lehmann told Bild magazine: "I'm going to stay an extra year, Arsenal's a great club with a good outlook. The 37-year-old wanted a two-year extension but Arsenal's policy is only to offer one-year deals to players aged over 30. Lehmann's decision will disappoint Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin, who fancied their chances of landing the keeper at the end of the season. The big draw for Lehmann is the chance to play in the Champions League next season, with Hertha lying seventh in the Bundesliga and unable to qualify. Lehmann was sent off in last season's Champions League final against Barcelona and admitted: "I want to play in the Champions League next season." Since joining Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund at the age of 33, Lehmann has signed three successive one-year contracts with the club. Lehmann has retained his status as Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger's first choice ahead of Manuel Almunia and Mart Poom.

Arsenal boss hails Uefa Cup win
Manager Vic Akers hailed Arsenal's first Uefa Women's Cup triumph as "the greatest moment in our history". A goalless second leg draw earned Arsenal a 1-0 aggregate win against favourites Umea IK. "It's especially precious to win the Uefa Cup this season. Umea are a great side and we had to put in a massive amount of effort," said Akers. "It was very difficult to hang on towards the end, when people were getting tense, but we got the result." As well as the bar and post Arsenal also had goalkeeper Emma Byrne to thank for a second sterling performance. England right-back Alex Scott's first-leg goal won the tie but Republic of Ireland keeper Byrne was the true hero. Akers added: "Emma was fantastic in both games. Her handling was superb in the first leg, she was a our best performer, and she has done it again for us today." Disappointed Umea coach Andree Jeglertz said: "We could have won both games but we weren't sharp enough in the penalty area. "I felt we were the better side but Arsenal stopped our best players in a marvellous way and they have won the Cup - so they are the best team in Europe." Umea were attempting to win the Cup for a record third time but they were thwarted by a determined Gunners side that became the first British team to lift the trophy. After the game, Akers and some of his players made a dash from Boreham Wood FC to the Emirates Stadium in time for Arsenal's Premiership meeting with Fulham. "I've had a text from the men's team congratulating us," said Akers, kit man to Arsene Wenger's side. "And I'm sure the crowd at the Emirates will give the girls a big ovation. They deserve it - this is the greatest moment in our history."

Wenger may leave Arsenal - Vieira
Former Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira believes Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will consider his future in the wake of vice-chairman David Dein's exit. Wenger, whose contract ends in 2008, was disappointed with the departure of close friend Dein. Vieira, now at Inter Milan, said: "They were together a long time and I can't see Wenger finishing the job himself. "They made the decisions and one of them's not there, so you can question Wenger's long-term future, certainly." Wenger signed Vieira from AC Milan in 1996 and the French World Cup winner was an integral part of the Gunners' success. Dein's departure is understood to have been over the direction and ownership of the club in the light of a bid from American billionaire Stan Kroenke. Vieira added: "It was a big shock to hear that David was going, I didn't really believe it. "He had been there a long time and it's difficult to know how he left the club so quickly. "Now, if Wenger finishes for himself or leaves I don't know."

Arsenal 'close in on new keeper'
Arsenal are on the verge of signing of Poland keeper Lukasz Fabianski from Legia Warsaw, according to reports. Fabianski is believed to have had a medical at the club and his arrival is expected to be completed once contract negotiations have been finalised. The understudy to Celtic's Artur Boruc in the Poland national team will join Jens Lehmann and Manuel Almunia in Arsenal's keeper ranks. The Gunners have also been linked with Hearts keeper Craig Gordon. Lehmann recently signed a one-year contract extension and Almunia is pushing the 37-year-old German for a first-team place. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: "I see Jens as a top-class goalkeeper and Almunia as a top-class goalkeeper, so it will be a battle at some stage because Almunia has improved tremendously. "Manuel is going up and Jens thinks he is still going up! "Jens is trying every day to make life difficult for those who compete with him. "That is very good because it makes those who are competing with him improve as well. "He is a 100% professional. He gives something to the team as well in the dressing-room if it is needed."

Eboue commits future to Arsenal
Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue has signed a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium. The Ivorian right-back began his Arsenal career in January 2005 after joining for a reported £1.5m fee from Belgian club Beveren. The 23-year-old replaced Cameroon international Lauren as first-choice right-back and has made a total of 71 first-team appearances for the Gunners. The club have not revealed the length of Eboue's new deal.

Adebayor signs new Arsenal deal
Striker Emmanuel Adebayor has signed a new contract with Arsenal. Adebayor, whose deal is described by the Premiership club as "long-term", was a regular in the first team last season, scoring 12 goals in 44 games. The 23-year-old Togo international joined Arsenal from French side Monaco in January 2006 for £3m. In total he has made 57 first-team appearances for the Gunners and has also been capped 36 times by his country, scoring 15 goals.

Arsenal keeper Poom joins Hornets
Arsenal's Estonian goalkeeper Mart Poom has joined relegated Watford for an undisclosed fee. Poom, who has won 112 caps, joined the Gunners from Sunderland in August 2005, initially on loan but on a permanent basis from January 2006. The 35-year-old made just two first-team appearances for Arsenal, his Premiership debut for the club being in the last game of the season. Poom replaces Ben Foster, who was on loan at Watford from Manchester United.

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