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.

Bolton Fabrice Muamba’s recent performances haven’t lived up to the hype surrounding the Reebok hardman.

Wanderers boss Gary Megson believes he has something to prove tomorrow evening, in a game which will see Muamba face his former team.

Gary Megson says the England under-21 international’s form has dipped since starring on the opening day of the season against Stoke, mirroring Wanderers’ own slump in fortunes.

“He started the season very well against Stoke, I thought he had a fantastic game,” Megson said. “But his standard since then hasn’t quite reached that height.”

Muamba joined then-Premier League side Birmingham in January 2007 from Arsenal for an initial £2 million pounds, that fee eventually rose to £4 million following criteria on appearances being met.

Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky still appears short of a return to action according to media reports – but could be fit in a couple of months time.

The 28-year-old winger has been sidelined since January with a thigh injury, and it doesn’t appear as if he sees himself playing again any time soon.

“My return is still going to take some time,” Rosicky told the CTK news agency.

“Each treatment runs the risk of bringing complications.”

The news will surely be a massive blow to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who had hoped to have the player back in action this month.

Keep up to date with all the latest injury news at PhysioRoom.

Arsenal midfielder Alexander Song has been drafted into the starting line-up ahead of tonights Champions League group stage tie against Dynamo Kyiv.

The versatile Cameroonian replaces Emmanuel Eboue – who sustained a knock in the 4-0 triumph over Blackburn on Saturday – and should ‘bulk’ up what looks like a physically weak midfield.

Gunners’ boss Arsene Wenger starts with an unchanged side other than Song’s inclusion. Teenage sensations Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere make up an inexperienced bench, but a strong performance is expected from the eleven that start.

Confirmed Starting XI:

Almunia
Sagna – Toure – Gallas – Clichy
Walcott- Fabregas – Song – Denilson
Adebayor – van Persie

Subs:

Fabianski (GK), Vela, Ramsey, Wilshere, Djourou, Bendtner