Gooner Talk

Newcastle today announced that Joey Barton has been placed on the transfer list, while his agent revealed that two London-based clubs have already approached him.

At 28-years-old, Barton still has a lot to offer. Being a dead-ball specialist as well as an aggressive and rugged midfielder, the former Man City player would bring to Arsenal some of what they currently lack – character, experience and depth.

However, Barton’s reputation speaks for itself and immediately calls into question whether signing him would disrupt the dressing room environment. Known for being an English bad-boy with a catalogue of violent offences and poor behaviour, Barton has proved to be a nightmare to handle for his former managers.

Although no-one can deny that Barton would improve Arsenal in various ways as well as being a bargain, many Gooners will feel that a move to north London may prove more of a gamble than a solution.

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Leeds United 1-3 Arsenal

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will again use the Carling Cup to give the world a glimpse of the club’s future by blooding his youngsters. The competition has been used by the Frenchman in the past to educate the likes of Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere on the demands of first-team football.

The Gunners’ youngsters have certainly excelled in the past but face stiff competition in the third round in the form of arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Jay-Emmanuel Thomas, Henri Lansbury, Craig Eastmond and Kieran Gibbs are just a select few who are expected to be involved in Tuesday’s tie, although Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh has revealed that he could be in for a surprise start.

“With the ­injuries we have, it might be I’ll play. If the coach wants me to, I’ll do so willingly,” Chamakh told Mirror Football.

“I know what the match with Tottenham means to the players and to the fans.

“It is very important to win. I am happy to play and ready to play if I am selected. And I know it will be a tough game. Tottenham have some very good players like ­William ­Gallas, Sebastien Bassong and Benoit Assou-Ekotto.”

However, many Gooners have suggested that fielding a weakened side at White Hart Lane will play into the hands of Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, who is expected to start with a mix of fringe players and senior stars.

What kind of team do you want to see Arsenal start with on Tuesday? Should Wenger rest the first teamers and blood the new breed of young talent? Or should he field a full strength side due to the nature of the game?

Leave your views by voting in the poll and commenting in the discussion section below.

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Arsenal’s much anticipated Premier League campaign begins this Sunday with a trip to Anfield to face rivals Liverpool. The fixture is the perfect chance for fans to wet their appetites ahead of a long season for Arsene Wenger’s new-look outfit.

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Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry could start against his old club next week, after Zlatan Ibrahimovic missed Barcelona’s match with Athletic Bilbao through injury.

The Swede is a serious doubt for Tuesday’s evening clash due to a calf strain and it looks likely that either Henry or the in-form Bojan will now start against Arsene Wenger’s side.

This positive-looking news  for Arsenal comes off the back of today’s last-gasp win against Wolves, with Nicklas Bendtner scoring in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

Arsenal need to win at the Nou Camp on Tuesday, although a 3-3 score draw or above would see the Gunners also go through to the semi-finals on the away goals rule.

Will Wenger’s troops beat Barca?

Have your say in our poll below.

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OGC Nice’s centre forward Loic Remy has once again been linked with a move to Arsenal after reiterating his desire to join the north London giants.

The 23-year-old, who has been the subject of three bids from his ex-club Lyon, revealed that he still hopes for a move to the Emirates Stadium despite the pre-contract agreement Arsenal have with Marouane Chamakh.

Remy told L’Equipe:

“My preference would be Arsenal over Lyon. I won’t hide it. They are a young team with a developing game and with ambitions. I really take pleasure in watching them play. It is an ideal place to continue to progress. You never know in football what will happen. But Arsenal are a club that make me feel desire.”

For those of you who aren’t aware of the talented Frenchman. Remy is a fast, powerful striker with great balance and a fierce finish. The former Lyon frontman is versatile across the front line, but is best in the lead striker role, which would fit into Arsenal’s regime perfectly. Remy has scored 11 goals in 28 appearances so far this season.

Vote in our poll below on who you would prefer to see Arsene Wenger recruit this summer.

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The draw for the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Champions League was completed earlier this afternoon, with Arsenal and Barcelona being drawn together for the first time since the 2006 final loss.

European Champs Barca boast former Gunners skipper Thierry Henry, who said he wanted to avoid playing Arsene Wenger’s men, will have his nightmare come true when the Catalan giants arrive at the Emirates Stadium for the first leg on 31st March.

Manager Wenger accepts that Arsenal will be labelled as underdogs, saying:

“I believe we will not be favourites but, for me, it will be a 50-50 game. That’s how we have to take it.

“When you get to the quarter-finals of the Champions League you play good teams and Barcelona are a good team.

“It will be an interesting, exciting game. We have to make sure we have the belief and focus right.”

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So, is this the draw that you wanted? Do you think Arsenal will beat the current European Champions? Let us know what you think in the comments sections below.