Gooner Talk

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

Arsenal entertain West Bromwich Albion in the 2008-2009 Premiership curtain raiser at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will be looking to put the disappointment of last season behind him. In a season that promised so much the Gunners ended the campaign without a trophy. Something the Frenchman is keen to put right this season.

Baggies boss Tony Mowbray might have wished for an easier opening fixture after winning the Championship last season, with Mowbray reportedly a fan of Wenger and the Arsenal style of play. However, Mowbray is not sending his team to London for a day trip and his West Brom side were by far the best footballing team in the Championship last season and could surprise a few people this season.

Arsenal have seen a few key players leave the Emirates in the summer, with Mathieu Flamini, Gilberto Silva, Alexander Hleb and Jens Lehmann all moving on. Wenger once again has kept to his policy of bringing young talent to the North London club following the arrival of Samir Nasri, Amaury Bischoff, Aaron Ramsey and Francis Coquelin. The Gunners boss has also handed professional deals to six of the youth team.

Out of all the promoted clubs the Baggies have been most active in the transfer market, with Luke Moore, Kim Do-Heon, Gianni Zuiverloon, Graham Dorrans, Roman Bednar, Marek Cech, Scott Carson and Abdoulaye Meite all committing to the Hawthorns. Zoltan Gera, Curtis Davies and Kevin Phillips are the most notable players to leave the Midlands club this summer.

Arsenal Team News

Samri Nasri looks set to make his full Arsenal debut having missed the midweek Champions League qualifier against FC Twente because of a niggling thigh and knee complaint.

Defender Kolo Toure (hip) will also be back in the squad, but Cesc Fabregas (hamstring), Abou Diaby (thigh), Philippe Senderos (hamstring), Amaury Bischoff (groin), Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) and striker Eduardo (leg) remain in recovery, while Alex Song is at the Olympics.

An interesting match fact for you, Arsenal last lost on the opening day in 2000 when they were beaten 1-0 away at Sunderland.

Predicted Starting XI

Almunia

Sagna - Toure – Gallas – Clichy

Eboue – Denilson – Nasri - Walcott

Adebayor – van Persie

West Brom Team News

West Brom are without striker Luke Moore, midfielder Robert Koren, central defender Neil Clement and right-back Gianni Zuiverloon.

Moore has a thigh problem, Koren is still not fit following a knee ligament injury, Clement also has a knee problem while Zuiverloon is on duty with Holland at the Olympics.

Central defender Abdoulaye Meite, who joined Albion from Bolton Wanderers in a £3.5million deal last weekend, is set to make his debut in place of Clement.

Predicted Starting XI

Carson

Hoefkens – Barnett – Meite – Cech

Morrison – Greening – Kim - Brunt

Bednar – Miller

Match Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 West Brom

Leave your views and predictions of tomorrow’s game in the comments section below.