Arsenal

Dein hopes to make Arsenal return
Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein is heading a company that plans to gain a significant stake in the Gunners. Dein, who resigned from the club's board in April, sold his 14.5% stake in the club for £75m to a firm co-owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov. Dein has been named as the company's chairman and says there is "no current intention" to mount a takeover bid. But he added: "I've not lost my passion for the club. My ambition remains to play an active role in Arsenal again."

Arsenal have signed midfielder Lassana Diarra from Chelsea on a "long-term contract" for an undisclosed fee. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been a long-term admirer of the Frenchman, who played against Arsenal in last season's Carling Cup final. Diarra spoke of his admiration for the French tactician and revealed that Arsenal's free-flowing football was a deciding factor. "I have great respect for the manager Arsene Wenger and am attracted by the style of football that the team plays," Diarra told the club's official website. "Of course I am excited by what the future holds and keen to play my part in helping Arsenal fight for trophies this season and for years to come." Diarra spent much of last season playing at right-back for Chelsea but his natural role is at defensive midfield. Wenger praised the versatility of the youngster, he said: "Lassana is a multi-functional player, making him a great addition to our squad. "Not only is he hard working, he has a creative edge and is comfortable playing in the middle of the pitch or at right back."

Wenger agrees new deal at Arsenal
Arsene Wenger has agreed a new three-year contract as Arsenal manager, SSB understands. The Gunners are set to announce in the next two days that an agreement has been reached with the 57-year-old French boss. "The timing is no big surprise because the last time he signed a new deal was towards the end of his last contract." Wenger's deal was set to run out at the end of the season and speculation over his future was fuelled by the departure of striker Thierry Henry in the summer and vice-chairman David Dein, who brought him to the club. Bose added: "Arsenal have enjoyed a revolution under Wenger, he changed their style of play. "He wants to win the Champions League with the Gunners - make a mark. He wants to stand alongside former boss Herbert Chapman as one of the Arsenal greats. "There was talk of Real Madrid being interested in him. And now it looks unlikely he will become the next England boss - Wenger does not break a contract." Wenger recently revealed he was excited about the current squad, that includes the four players he signed in the summer. "Since the beginning of the season something has been happening in this team," he said. "They fight for each other, they have a great togetherness and love for the game." Another indication that Wenger was set to pledge his future to the club was given by playmaker Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard revealed in July that he would snub any approach by Real Madrid in order to continue playing under Wenger at the Emirates. "I am only 20 and all I have to do is enjoy my football and improve - and I want to do that with this team. I will try to win titles with Arsenal and give my all to Arsene Wenger. "I will always be grateful to him for giving me my chance." Wenger's side have made a good start to the season - lying second in the Premier League and having ensured their place in the Champions League group stage with victory over Sparta Prague. Many fancy the Gunners to finish in the top four and challenge in Europe, something that has become a habit for the club under the reign of Wenger. The Frenchman, brought over from Japanese side Grampus Eight in 1996, has guided Arsenal to three Premier League titles and four FA Cup triumphs. The team, who have never finished outside the top four in that time, came close to landing the Champions League title in 2006 but were beaten by Barcelona in the final.

Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas has rejected suggestions that he has agreed a deal to join Real Madrid next season. The classy midfielder claims he turned down an offer from Real Madrid in the summer to stay at Emirates Stadium. Real have held a long-term interest in the former Barcelona youngster, with coach Bernd Schuster confirming his admiration for the player earlier this summer. Fabregas, who has made an impressive start to the new season, has revealed he held talks with Real officials over the summer before deciding to stay in North London. "The president Ramon Calderon and sport director Predrag Mijatovic have spoken to me, but finally I decided to follow on with my commitment to Arsenal," Fabregas told Radio Marca. "It is not true that I have given them my word for next season. "The meeting was pleasant and I believe that they are good and very sincere people. "I am very happy at Arsenal and I go 100 per cent with the decision I took, although I praise the interest of Real in me." The Spanish international also revealed that his respect for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger and the club as a whole, made him reject Real's overtures. "My decision to stay in London was clear," added Fabregas. "There were many reasons especially my respect for Wenger and the love I have for Arsenal. "I am very content with the decision that I took."

Arsenal not for sale - chairman
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood says he is willing to talk to Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov - but not about selling the Gunners. Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein heads a company that wants to gain a significant stake in the Gunners after selling his shares to Usmanov. Hill-Wood told SSB: "The major shareholders have no intention of selling and wouldn't welcome an offer." "But we will have a dialogue with any principal or major shareholder." Hill-Wood added: "If they've got some sensible proposals we'll listen to them." However Hill-Wood's attitude to the possibility of talks with Dein was somewhat different. "I see no major point in that, I've had 25 years of listening to him," the Arsenal chairman told me. Dein left the Gunners after Hill-Wood and the other board members rejected his attempts to bring in investment from American billionaire Stan Kroenke. He sold his 14.58% stake in Arsenal for £75m to Red and White Holdings Ltd - a company co-owned by Usmanov and business partner Farhad Moshiri - and was then appointed its chairman. The former Arsenal vice-chairman maintained the Gunners would not be able to compete with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool without major foreign investment. But Hill-Wood maintained the Arsenal board's strategy of fiscal prudence was the right way to go. He said: "I have no objection to foreign investors coming into the Premier League, it's going to be beneficial. "Most of them are investment people and they're not buying into clubs because they have the passion for the local team they have supported since they were two-years-old. "They think that football and the Premier League is an attractive investment and they want a return on that. "That will work in our favour. There will be a more sensible attitude in transfer fees at silly levels and all this sort of thing. "People putting £100m in are going to want to see how they can make a profit. To go on paying more to players is not justified or sensible. "We have always run Arsenal as a business and kept within reasonable bounds. "All this nonsense about needing a billionaire to put a whole lot of money in to help shore up the annual deficit is not going to happen - it's lunacy."

Usmanov increases Arsenal stake
Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has upped his stake in Arsenal to become the club's second largest shareholder. Red and White Holdings Ltd, which is co-owned by Usmanov and business partner Farhad Moshiri, now have 21%, with Danny Fizman possessing 24%. Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has said the club's major shareholders have no intention of selling their stakes. Usmanov first bought into Arsenal in August when he paid David Dein around £75m for his 14.65% holding. Former vice-chairman Dein left the club in April over differences with the board over investment possibilities, with American businessman Stan Kroenke's potential involvement thought to be the main sticking point. But Dein is now the chairman of Red and White Holdings and looks certain to remain a key figure as the debate over Arsenal's future continues. "This is quite clearly a challenge to the board, which has said it's not going to sell," he said. "They (the board of directors) have an agreement amongst themselves until next April - they are not going to sell and they do not need any foreign investment. "David Dein believes Arsenal need more money whereas the existing board says they have moved to a new stadium, they are doing very well, they are top of the league and they have got the best manager probably in the country, so why do they need any more money?" Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger added that the latest development would have no affect on his position. "I'm responsible for the results at the club and not for the rest," said the Frenchman. Asrenal release their financial results next Monday, with the move to the Emirates Stadium expected to have helped them cut the gap between themselves and the likes of Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea. Gunners chairman Hill-Wood has said he is willing to talk to Usmanov about any proposals he may have for the club but is adamant the current board will not sell up.

Usmanov aims to up Arsenal stake
Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has said he intends to buy a "blocking stake" in football club Arsenal. Red and White Holdings Ltd, which is co-owned by Mr Usmanov and business partner Farhad Moshiri, currently holds a 21% stake in the London club. Russian media reported that Mr Usmanov now aims to up his share in Arsenal to at least 25% plus one share. Should Mr Usmanov reach a 30% stake in the club then he would be obliged to make a takeover offer. "I want to be in a position that will allow me a blocking stake and will then wait for it to go up in value," Interfax news agency quoted Usmanov as saying in a live broadcast on Ekho Moskvy radio station. Corporate structure A "blocking stake" would be a stake high enough to make the corporate running of the club more tricky to carry out without a certain amount of shareholder backing. "It refers to a stakeholding that would make it difficult for the club to do what it wants," said Harry Philp, of football finance consultants Hermes Sports Partners. "It is tied up with Arsenal's corporate structure, and the fact that there will be certain actions where the club will need a level of shares behind it before it can go ahead." Mr Usmanov is a metals magnate with an estimated $5.5bn fortune. He first bought into Arsenal in August when he paid David Dein around £75m for his 14.65% holding. That holding was increased this week when he bought another tranche of shares. Former vice-chairman Mr Dein left the club in April over differences with the board over investment possibilities, with American businessman Stan Kroenke's potential involvement thought to be a major sticking point. Mr Dein is now the chairman of Red and White Holdings and looks certain to remain a key figure in the future shape of the boardroom composition.

Fabregas wants to stay at Arsenal
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas says he is satisfied at the club and is not considering a move back to Spain. The 20-year-old has scored 11 times this season help his side move to the top of the Premier League and reach the last 16 of the Champions League. "I am not even thinking about returning to Spain," said Fabregas. "I do not even listen to the offers that come in for me because I do not need anything that I haven't already got at Arsenal." Fabregas came through the ranks at Barcelona before switching to Arsenal in 2003. Since then the Spaniard has become a vital part of the Arsenal side and is regarded as one of the best players in the world in his position. "It's nothing to do with money - if it was I would have gone to Real Madrid last summer," he added. "I am not moved by money, I am moved by football. "I am playing and I am happy. Being a Gunner is very special, something that I am proud of. "This is a small club on the inside, like a family, but it's huge on the outside." Fabregas admits the sale of star striker Thierry Henry to Barcelona this summer had a massive effect on the Arsenal youngsters. "Thierry Henry is the best player in Arsenal's history and that's why people panicked when he left, " he added. "It was like having to mature all of a sudden, a wake-up call. "He was like an umbrella that we hid beneath and when he went, we were forced to step forward and take responsibility." Fabregas will miss Arsenal's next match against Wigan on 24 November after collecting his fifth caution during the win at Reading on Monday.

Arsenal lose Hleb for three weeks
Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb is set to be sidelined for three weeks after damaging a hamstring while on international duty with Belarus. The 26-year-old picked up the injury during the 2-1 Euro 2008 qualifying victory over Holland on Wednesday. Hleb, who has been in fine form, will miss the visit of Wigan on Saturday and is likely to be ruled out of Arsenal's two remaining Champions League games. "He will be out for 21 days," boss Arsene Wenger told the club's website. Hleb, who has played a key role in Arsenal's rise to the top of the Premier League table, will also miss away games at Aston Villa, Newcastle and Middlesbrough. Wenger is short of midfield options for the visit of managerless Wigan with Mathieu Flamini (thigh), Cesc Fabregas (suspended), Abou Diaby (back) and Gilberto (fatigue) all unavailable. Defender Philippe Senderos returns but striker Robin van Persie's has not yet recovered from a knee injury sustained on international duty with Holland in October. "Hleb came back with a hamstring injury," added the Arsenal boss, who has long been frustrated by his players returning from international duty with injuries. "So once again we lose someone during this period."

Wenger remains defiant after loss
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said he was happy with his side's position at the top of the Premier League, despite having their lead cut to a point. The Gunners' 2-1 loss at Middlesbrough ended a poor week for the Londoners, having started it six points clear of main title rivals Manchester United. "We can't complain, we weren't sharp after four away games," said Wenger. "I know the gap is only one point now but we would have taken the position we are in at the start of the season." Wenger's side could lose their top spot next Sunday when the leading four sides play against each other. Arsenal host Chelsea while Liverpool entertain Man Utd. A Stewart Downing penalty and Tuncay Sanli strike rendered Tomas Rosicky's injury-time reply redundant as Boro shocked the Gunners at the Riverside on Sunday. And Wenger conceded: "Boro were clearly sharper than us after a difficult period of games, which seem to have taken their toll. "We have a few injuries at the moment, but it is easy to blame the players who are not here and I believe in the players who played today. "This season will be a big, big fight for the title. United have had nine home games and seven away, while we've played eight each so I'm happy we're top of the league." Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate, meanwhile, had no hesitation in labelling the victory Boro's best performance of the season. "No question," he said. "We played very well here against Birmingham but the quality of Arsenal's team is there for all to see. Hopefully the players can see what they are capable of now. "It's been quite depressing at times but we've tried to stay positive and one or two are starting to score goals now. But it's one afternoon and we have to be more consistent." Goalscorer Downing added: "It's a massive win, and even better that it's come against one of the top teams in the league. "(Arsenal) let you play a lot so we moved the ball quite well. We seem to play well against the top teams. We need to get the consistency in our game and get up that league." And striker Jeremie Aliadiere said: "I was very motivated and we needed those three points. "It's a good start, we have picked up a few points in the last few games. We wanted to work really hard and get three points and this builds confidence for the team."

William Gallas took full advantage of an astonishing blunder by Petr Cech to head Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League. The Gunners skipper was left with a simple header into an empty net after Cech, widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, completely misjudged a corner in first-half stoppage time. For Gallas, who left Chelsea in acrimonious circumstances as part of the deal that took Ashley Cole to Stamford Bridge, it will have been a sweet moment. A worrying injury to John Terry further soured the Blues' afternoon, with the visiting captain sent for X-rays on his first metatarsal after kicking the bottom of Emmanuel Eboue's boot as the Arsenal man left his foot raised. The Gunners midfielder was himself stretchered off in the second period after a late challenge from Joe Cole as the home side triumphed in a fixture which, while frenetic and full-blooded, at times lacked the quality expected of two leading sides. In a match which contained nine bookings, four for Arsenal and five for Chelsea, the Gunners were made to battle all the way. While Arsenal saw Cesc Fabregas, Alexander Hleb and Mathieu Flamini all return from injury, Chelsea were missing Michael Essien, Ricardo Carvalho and Didier Drogba. It was a match in which Arsenal employed their pleasing patterns, Fabregas and Hleb always at the heart of the creation and Emmanuel Adebayor a constant threat while Chelsea were content to soak up pressure and rely on the quick counter. Strangely, however, in the first half especially it was Arsenal's Manuel Almunia who was the busier goalkeeper. One deflected shot from Shaun Wright-Phillips saw him make a spectacular flying save and a savagely swerving 25-yarder from Andrei Shevchenko saw him add another equally effective parry to his portfolio. But if chances were at a premium then there was no lack of feistiness to this derby, which was played out to the accompaniment of constant boos for Cole on his first return to Arsenal since his transfer to Stamford Bridge. One shuddering tackle from Cole on Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna set the tone, as did a high lunge on Cole for which Adebayor was booked. He was never going to be the last player in referee Alan Wiley's notebook. Both Frank Lampard and Terry were shown yellow cards, the England captain for a reckless challenge on Fabregas which saw players from both sides squaring up and Lampard for a foul on Hleb.

Beckham set to train with Arsenal
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed David Beckham is close to training with the Gunners during the Los Angeles Galaxy's close season. Beckham will need to prove his fitness ahead of Fabio Capello's first game in charge of England against Switzerland on 6 February at Wembley. "We will help him to get fit and prepare for the season," Wenger told SSB. "There's a good chance that he will come in January, but it's not decided." Arsenal's training ground at London Colney is within an easy commute from Beckham's Hertfordshire home. The 32-year-old's last game for the Galaxy was a friendly against the Wellington Hurricanes in New Zealand at the start of December. The midfielder needs one more international appearance to reach a landmark 100 caps. "He has 99 caps and I hope he will get 100, if not 100 then 120," said Wenger. "At his age he needs to keep fit." However, the Frenchman dismissed suggestions that Beckham could feature for Arsenal in the new year. "He comes (only) to keep fit and work hard," added Wenger.

Wenger pinpoints Berbatov threat
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his side will need to contain the threat of Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov in Saturday's north London derby. The Bulgarian striker has been influential in Spurs' recent run of three successive wins. Wenger said: "It seems that when Berbatov plays well, so do Tottenham. Their quality of performances recently can be linked with his gain in form. "His intelligence, technique and quality of movement have impressed me." Wenger described Berbatov as "one of the Premier League's better strikers". But the Gunners boss is not in the habit of losing to his nearest neighbours, having suffered only one defeat to Spurs in his 11-year-reign. That came eight years ago in November 1999, and Arsenal have since gone 19 league and cup game undefeated, 16 in the Premier League. But Wenger believes his new Spurs counterpart Juande Ramos, who will experience his first north London derby, "can achieve something at Tottenham". "The new manager coming in has released the pressure on the players," Wenger added. "Ramos has the experience and plenty of resources. He has the chance to do it because Tottenham already had a good team before he came - they have finished fifth for the last two seasons. Ramos is aware of how important the derby is for Spurs fans "Martin Jol paid the price for a bad start to the season, but if you finish fifth in the Premier League for two years then you have a good team." Ramos insists his side do not have "a psychological issue against Arsenal at all". But his preparations for Saturday's match have been hampered by a series of injuries to key defenders. Both Michael Dawson and Ricardo Rocha face late fitness tests, while stand-in centre-back Didier Zakora is suspended. "Arsenal have a huge squad; we're playing with the same players in all competitions because we have injury problems," said the Spaniard. "They are one of the teams playing the best football at the moment, very attractive to watch and effective, as they are the leaders at the moment. "We're playing very effectively at the moment in terms of getting results. We're playing more positively now and we're improving all the time. "In the last few games we've shown we are getting to grips with how we should be playing. The players are starting to understand the style of play we want here."

Arsenal 'open to Lehmann offers'
Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for Jens Lehmann but manager Arsene Wenger has insisted he wants the goalkeeper to stay at the Emirates. The 38-year-old has been linked with a number of clubs in Germany and England but no firm bid has so far been made. "We will sit down together if an offer comes, but I believe first he has to make his own mind up if he wants to stay with us, or not," said Wenger. "I, personally, would prefer him to stay with us." Spaniard Manuel Almunia has kept Lehmann out of the starting line-up this season, prompting speculation that the latter could move in order to safeguard his place in the German team for Euro 2008. Former club Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg, Hertha Berlin, VFB Stuttgart, Borussia Monchengladbach and Manchester City are rumoured to be interested in signing the veteran. "I heard about Dortmund but I have had no contact with anybody," said Wenger. "You must always go day by day - but if he says 'Listen, I have the only chance to play in the European Championship if I play somewhere' I will try to help him." Lehmann joined Arsenal from Dortmund in August 2003 and won the Premier League title with the Gunners in 2004 and the FA Cup in 2005, but has made just two league appearances this term. Wenger said Lehmann's position was different to that of other members of the squad, who are also rumoured to want more regular opportunities in the first team. "He is 38 years of age, has played six years here and this is his last chance to play in the European Championships - so it's a completely different situation," he added.

Wenger hoping for Beckham effect
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hopes David Beckham will have a positive influence on his young players when he comes to train with them in January. The former England captain will keep fit during LA Galaxy's close season at Arsenal's London Colney complex, close to his Hertfordshire home. "He will come in January to practise with us, occasionally with the first team or the reserves," said Wenger. "He can always give good advice, the youngsters will look up to him." Beckham's last game for the Galaxy was a friendly against the Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand at the start of December. With no competitive games before Fabio Capello's first game in charge of England against Switzerland on 6 February, Beckham is hoping Arsenal's young tyros will help to maintain his fitness levels. The midfielder needs one more international appearance to reach a landmark 100 caps. And Wenger paid tribute to Beckham's dedication and attitude which has helped him become one of England's most celebrated footballers. "I admire how strong Beckham has been mentally through his career because he went through some tough times," said Wenger. "I respect the fact that he has always loved football and he has always shown respect for his managers even when he was dropped. He didn't come out in a silly way, a spoilt way. "Also, he has always delivered when it was expected of him, he has shown toughness. But the Frenchman dismissed suggestions that Beckham could feature for Arsenal in the new year. "He comes (only) to keep fit and work hard," added Wenger.

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