Gooner Talk have managed to get our hands on an exclusive interview with Standard Liege midfielder Axel Witsel.

19-year-old Witsel has attracted attention from a host of top European clubs, including the Gunners and Real Madrid.

In the interview with Belgian newspaper Sud Presse Sport, Witsel spoke about:

• His passion for Arsene Wenger’s side and why he supports them.
• Rumours linking him with a move to Arsenal.
• His views on the William Gallas ’saga’ and the recent Portsmouth game.
• And why he would never sign for Tottenham!

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Premier League strugglers West Brom have completed the loan signing of Arsenal striker Jay Simpson until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old netted twice on his full debut in the Carling Cup against Wigan last month but is yet to make his first appearance in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Gavin Hoyte has moved on loan to Watford for the rest of the season and Dutch forward Nacer Barazite has extended his stay at Derby by another five months.

You can stay up to date with all the latest Reserve and Youth news over at Young Guns.

Finally, Gooner Talk would like to wish every single reader a Happy New Year and a prosperous 2009.

Long-term injury-victim Cesc Fabregas is convinced Arsenal can compete for the game’s top honours in his absence.

The 21-year-old Spain midfielder has been told he must have complete rest for a month before he can even think about making the first steps back on the long road to recovery from a medial ligament injury sustained against Liverpool.

Fabregas has complete faith in his team-mates and is optimistic they can challenge for the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League this season is giving him cause for optimism.

He said:

“My recovery schedule is not very exciting. I went to see the surgeon in Barcelona before Christmas and I’m going to stay for a month before I can start having a bit of treatment.

“I cannot move my right leg right now or really do a lot - I’m generally just staying on the sofa or the bed at home and resting my leg up.

“While I recover I will be praying for Arsenal to do well and hopefully we will be competing in the league, FA Cup and Champions League when I return.”

Arsene Wenger’s young stars will be given a chance to show Cesc how good they are this Saturday, with an FA Cup tie against Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle.

Gooner Talk will of course provide build-up and coverage towards the game not forgetting our post-match articles, so stay tuned!

Welcome to Gooner Talk’s highlights feature, ‘Rewind’. Rewind will provide you with post-match highlights to every single Arsenal first team game giving you the opportunity to watch the goals you’ve missed, or want to see again.

So, sit back, relax and enjoy the mighty Arsenal on your computer screen.

Arsenal 1-0 Portsmouth

William Gallas headed in a late winner to earn Arsenal victory in a scrappy match with Portsmouth.

In a drab first half, Portsmouth came close to opening the scoring when Peter Crouch saw his header hit the post.

Arsenal’s best opening fell to Emmanuel Adebayor but Sylvain Distin’s excellent tackle prevented a certain goal.

After the break, Adebayor and Samir Nasri missed chances before Gallas got in front of David James to nod home the winner from Denilson’s cross.

The result lifts Arsenal to fourth place in the table, above Aston Villa, by virtue of having scored one more goal than Martin O’Neill’s side, who next play on Tuesday.

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Gooner Talk can exclusively reveal that Arsene Wenger has refused to deny the consistent rumours concerning Russia forward Andrei Arshavin.

Zenit St Petersberg star Arshavin has attracted an array of admiring clubs on the strength of two spectacular Euro 2008 performances against Sweden and the Netherlands, Arsenal are said to be one of them.

French tactician Wenger admitted on French TV that he doesn’t have £40 million to spend in the January transfer window, but surprisingly revealed what positions he’s looking to strengthen in and also answered a question about Arshavin.

Wenger, speaking to Canal + said:

“I start feeling the crisis but I can’t spend £40m. We are looking at a creative player and another midfielder.”

When asked about the Arshavin link, Wenger replied with a coy smile and answer.

“Be a little patient. From the moment you give a name, you remove 50% chance of success to sign him.”

Whilst talking to British broadcaster Sky Sports, once again the Arsenal boss remained secretive on his January transfer plans.

You can watch the interview with Sky here.

Zenit St Petersberg star Arshavin has attracted an array of admiring clubs on the strength of two spectacular Euro 2008 performances against Sweden and the Netherlands.

It seems Arshavin is destined to be the replacement for Cesc Fabregas after the Spaniard sustained a long-term knee injury that will keep him out for four months.

With thanks to Vince from ASCFR for the French TV quotes and JD for the Canal + link.

A legend returned to the Emirates for Arsenal’s crucial Premier League clash with Portsmouth.

That legend of course is Tony Adams, the former Gunners captain looked to cause an upset in front of a 60 thousand-strong crowd.

Nicklas Bendtner was handed a surprise start ahead of Robin van Persie who Arsene Wenger rested to the bench.

Arsenal Starting XI

Almunia (c)
Sagna - Gallas - Silvestre - Clichy
Eboue - Denilson - Diaby - Nasri
Adebayor - Bendtner

Porstmouth Starting XI

James
Belhadj - Campbell (c) - Distin - Wilson
Bouba Diop
Kranjcar - Davis - Hughes
Nugent - Crouch

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Nicklas Bendtner has been handed a place in today’s starting line-up as Arsenal take on Portsmouth later this afternoon.

The Danish striker hasn’t had the amount of playing time he would of liked this season, but Gunners boss Arsene Wenger opted to rest Robin van Persie today and play the gangly frontman Bendtner upfront with Emmanuel Adebayor.

In what is a must-win game for Arsenal, Gael Clichy and aforementioned Adebayor both return to the starting XI - the latter comes back from a suspension.

Almunia
Sagna - Gallas - Silvestre - Clichy
Eboue - Denilson - Diaby - Nasri
Adebayor - Bendtner

Subs: Fabianski (GK), Toure, Van Persie, Vela, Ramsey, Wilshere, Gibbs.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could be considering offering Inter Milan midfielder Olivier Dacourt a 6 month contract at the club.

Dacourt, 33 - formerly with Leeds and Everton - may be allowed to leave Inter at a cut price £400,000, and French tactician Wenger has reportedly instructed his scouts to check on the player’s fitness.

A move for Dacourt would help to add some much needed experience in the Gunners squad, who lost influential midfielder Cesc Fabregas to a serious knee injury a fortnight ago.

Speaking to RMC, the combative Dacourt (pictured, right) revealed:

“I’ve received offers from England and Italy, but nothing from France. I have a contract with Inter at the moment, but I want to play, especially as I’m getting towards the end of my career.”

Dacourt has only played 12 minutes of league football this season after falling out with boss Jose Mourinho.

Having not played with the Nerazzurri in Europe this season, the Frenchman has the advantage of being involved in the ultimate competition.

Ironically, if he does sign in January, he will be pitting his wits against his old club AS Roma in the last 16 of the Champions League.