Arsenal transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta is a ‘Mercedes version of Neil Warnock’ and Arsenal’s statement is ’embarrassing’ blasts referee charity

      by

      A LEADING referee’s charity has condemned Mikel Arteta’s comments following Arsenal’s loss to Newcastle on Saturday.The Arsenal manager went on a sensational rant in his post-match press conference after feeling that Newcastle’s winning goal should never have stood.
      Arteta said Gordon’s goal should never have stoodCredit: Getty
      There were three separate moments of controversy in the lead-up to the goal.
      The ball looked as though it may have gone out of play in the lead-up to the goal when Joe Willock kept it in.
      Many Arsenal fans also felt Gabriel was fouled in the lead-up by Joelinton and there was a tight offside call on Anthony Gordon.
      Arteta said the decision to let Gordon’s goal count left him “embarrassed” at the standard of refereeing in the country before labelling it an “absolute disgrace”.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      Arsenal then went on to release a statement condemning the level of refereeing in the Premier League in support of the club’s manager.
      But the CEO of Ref Support UK, Martin Cassidy, says it is the behaviour of Arteta that is an even bigger disgrace.
      Cassidy told The Telegraph: “[Arsenal] would have more credibility if they addressed and made a public statement about the unacceptable behaviour of their players or manager.
      “Mikel Arteta’s touchline behaviour is the worst in the Premier League and his behaviour is a large part of the problem in football. He has become a Mercedes version of Neil Warnock. 
      Most read in Football
      “His behaviour and comments, that now appear to be supported by Arsenal as a club, is very worrying for me and the game in general. 
      “This statement [by Arsenal], in my opinion, is nothing other than an infantile moan.”
      Cassidy says the behaviour of the likes of Arteta and Jurgen Klopp on the touchline directly correlates to the rise in the abuse of referees at grassroots level.
      The charity says that abuse is particularly bad for grassroots referees under the age of 18.
      Cassidy was joined in his condemnation of Arteta’s behaviour following the game by Sky Sports pundits’ Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville.
      Both tweeted their disapproval at the rant and subsequent statement by the club.
      Carragher tweeted: “The Arsenal statement and complaints from their manager about the officials and VAR, on the Newcastle goal, is way over the top!”
      And Neville echoed his calls when he tweeted: “Arsenal and Liverpool’s statements are wrong. Do it privately. Managers and players make far more mistakes than refs!” More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta set to escape FA punishment for astonishing VAR rant after Newcastle loss.. for now

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE and PGMOL chiefs will not respond to Mikel Arteta’s Newcastle rant – until next week.Arsenal boss Arteta slammed the “embarrassing” officiating in his side’s 1-0 defeat as a “disgrace”, suggesting it brought the Prem into disrepute.
      Prem and PGMOL chiefs will not respond to Mikel Arteta’s Newcastle rant until next weekCredit: Alamy
      VAR awarded the goal after checking if the ball had gone out of play in the build-upCredit: Sky Sports
      Joelinton’s challenge on Gabriel was also checked for a possible foulCredit: Sky Sports
      VAR could not rule the goal out for offside as there was ‘no available angle to see the point of contact’Credit: Sky Sports
      While the Gunners chief questioned the competence of ref Stuart Attwell and the VAR team at Stockley Park over Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner, he did not call their integrity into account.
      And while he could yet be charged with misconduct if found to have made a “prolonged” or “unreasonable” complaint, it is more likely that he would be hit with a warning rather than a fine.
      Arsenal’s decision to make a public statement in support of Arteta on Sunday ruffled feathers at both Prem headquarters near Paddington and for PGMOL bosses.
      Privately there is understood to have been a feeling that the Gunners over-reacted in a determination to show they had Arteta’s back.
      read more on arsenal
      And while Arteta had reason for being unhappy at the crucial decision it is felt he went too far – especially as there was no conclusive proof that the ball was out before being crossed by Joe Willock or that Gordon was offside.
      FA disciplinary beaks are expected to confirm whether or not Arteta faces any action on Tuesday after all his post-match comments have been reviewed.
      Despite that, Prem bosses and PGMOL head Webb will not make any official comments in response this week.
      Webb, though, is certain to give the incident top billing in the next edition of “Match Officials Mik’d Up”, scheduled to be broadcast at the start of next week in the international break.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMER
      The PGMOL boss may agree that Joelinton could have been deemed to have fouled Gabriel in the immediate build-up to the goal, although he will point out it was a subjective decision – and that the on-field ruling of a goal has to have priority unless there is definitive proof of an error.
      That view was articulated by former Prem ref Dermot Gallagher, who told Sky Sports News: “The crux of the matter is that it was a subjective decision.
      “For me, it’s a push but I’ve spoken to a lot of people and while a lot agreed with me there were as many who didn’t.
      “That’s the dilemma. The referee said it wasn’t a foul and the VAR didn’t see enough to over-rule him.” More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Arsenal star opens up on ‘catastrophic’ time in brutally honest interview following shock transfer to Euro giants

      by

      CHUBA AKPOM has opened up about the start of his Ajax career, which he has labelled as a “catastrophe”.The former Arsenal striker joined the Dutch giants in the summer in a shock £10.5million transfer from Middlesbrough.
      Chuba Akpom has opened on up life at AjaxCredit: TikTok
      Akpom has scored three goals for AjaxCredit: Rex
      He joined the club from MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty
      Akpom, 28, has not enjoyed the best start to life at his new club.
      Ajax currently sit 11th in the Eredivisie after losing five of their first ten games of the league season.
      The poor form had seen the side drop all the way to the bottom of the league at one point.
      The club has started to rebuild their season in recent weeks with back-to-back wins.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Akpom has played his role in the victories scoring three goals off of the bench.
      After the game against Heereveen, Akpom opened up on his time in Holland so far.
      He admitted to not being settled at the club.
      He told ESPN: “It’s been a catastrophe, personally and for the team.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      “I haven’t felt settled for two months, it’s only this week that I’ve felt settled.
      “I’ve been in a hotel by myself, I’ve not been playing and I feel like I’ve been alone here, but this week I feel back to my normal self.”
      Akpom’s upturn in form has come with the change of manager.
      Maurice Steijn was sacked as manager in October and replaced by John Van ‘t Schip.
      Akpom has praised his new boss for helping improve his mood by speaking to him about his life and not just football.
      He added: “The manager came and spoke to me straight away, on a human level not a football level.
      “He asked how I am, how my family is.
      “We’re footballers but we’re human beings firstly and I really appreciated that little chat with the manager and the assistant.
      Akpom came through the Arsenal academyCredit: Getty
      “But, it’s been really tough for me.
      “I try to stay professional and keep working, but a new country, new environment, new team, in a hotel – it’s really a struggle.”
      Expectations were high for Akpom following his switch from Boro as he was coming off the back of an exceptional season in the Championship.
      The strike finished the season as the league’s top scorer having netted 28 goals in 38 appearances.
      Akpom graduated from Arsenal’s academy and made 12 appearances for their first team before joining Greek side PAOK in 2020.
      Read More on The Sun
      During his Gunners stint, he had loan spells at Brentford, Coventry, Nottingham Forest, Hull, Brighton and Sint-Truidense V.V..
      Following two years in Greece, he signed for Middlesbrough in 2020. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Piers Morgan reveals he has ‘big question marks’ about Mikel Arteta as he blasts Arsenal boss over two positions

      by

      ARSENAL fan Piers Morgan has revealed he has “big question marks” over Mikel Arteta this season.Arsenal surrendered their unbeaten status in the Premier League on Saturday after suffering a controversial 1-0 defeat to Newcastle.
      Piers Morgan has asked questions of Mikel Arteta in his latest interview with talkSPORTCredit: Reuters
      The decision to drop Ramsdale for Raya drew particular ireCredit: Rex
      And the loss has led Morgan, 58, to ask questions over the direction of the club.
      The Gunners fan and TV host criticised Arsenal’s goalkeeping situation in particular.
      Arsenal signed David Raya from Brentford this summer on loan with the option to buy for a deal worth £30million.
      While Ramsdale initially retained his place in the team, Raya has been first choice from the first international break onwards.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      And Morgan has asked why Arteta has opted to drop Ramsdale after he performed so well last season.
      He told talkSPORT: “I still don’t get the [David] Raya thing in goal.
      “On the goal that should never have been allowed, he made yet another cock-up.
      “Aaron Ramsdale is watching week after week. Is Raya showing anyone he is an upgrade from Ramsdale? I don’t think he is.
      Most read in Football
      Raya has displaced Ramsdale as the undisputed number one at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      “I think unfortunately all the pressure was created entirely by Arteta, who said he was going to have two No1s.
      “Nobody believed that when he said it, and it is clear he thinks Raya is his No1.
      “I don’t think most Arsenal fans look at this situation and are still confident in our goalkeeper.
      “So [Mikel Arteta] has managed to destabilise the goalkeeper situation; he hasn’t bought a world-class striker, and I think these are big question marks on Arteta.
      “Did he really look at last season when we choked the title and think, how do we go and win the title?
      “Getting Declan Rice was brilliant, but he did not get a striker, and he has cocked-up the goalkeeper thing.
      “Personally, I would bring back Ramsdale with a point to prove. I think he is a better goalkeeper.
      “I don’t care what fancy footwork Raya does; if he can’t stop goals, then I am afraid he should not be in goal.
      “The primary function of a goalkeeper is to stop goals from being scored, not to play like Zinedine Zidane.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Arsenal host Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday, with a chance that Ramsdale may come back.
      Their next Premier League game comes at home to Burnley on Saturday. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Jorginho REFUSED to shake Newcastle opponent’s hand as details emerge of Arsenal’s furious response to feisty defeat

      by

      JAMAAL LASCELLES blasted Jorginho  for being a bad loser after the Arsenal skipper refused to shake hands.And Newcastle condemned the sickening online racist abuse sent to Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock following Saturday’s 1-0 win over the Gunners.
      Newcastle star Jamal Lascelles claims Arsenal ace Jorginho refused to shake handsCredit: Getty
      Lascelles slammed Jorginho after the match that saw Newcastle winning 1-0Credit: Rex
      Toon captain Lascelles hammered Italian midfielder Jorginho for his “unacceptable” conduct at the end of the spiky clash.
      He said: “Jorginho didn’t want to shake hands after the game. Whatever happens on the pitch — handbags or whatever — you show sportsmanship and shake hands.
      “He didn’t do that, so I’m so glad we beat them. Players like that, I don’t think it’s acceptable.
      “A lot of them walked in at the end.
      Read More on Football
      “I went up to shake Jorginho’s hand but he didn’t want to! I was  fuming, it’s not on.
      “I would never refuse to shake an opposition captain’s hand, no way.”
      Furious Arsenal suffered their first loss of the season following  Anthony Gordon’s controversial second-half winner.
      Asked if he thought Newcastle had recorded a statement win, defender Lascelles added: “Yeah and especially with how they go on as well.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      On his Instagram stories, Willock posted screenshots of the racial slurs he was sent, along with a photo of a ‘Show racism the red card’ banner at St James’ Park.
      After being told, “F*** u n*****”, the former Arsenal midfielder replied: “It’s a game of football mate no need for this.”
      A club statement read: “Newcastle  strongly condemns racist abuse sent to Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock.
      “There is no room for racism in football or society.
      “We will work with relevant authorities and social media platforms to identify those responsible so that they can be held to account.” More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      New goal line footage claims to prove ball stayed IN as VAR dominates Newcastle vs Arsenal clash

      by

      SHOCKING new footage appears to show the ball did stay ON the pitch before Newcastle’s winner against Arsenal.The Magpies ended the Gunners’ undefeated run in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory at St James’ Park thanks to Anthony Gordon’s controversial winner.

      Footage claims to show the ball was still in play before Newcastle’s winner against ArsenalCredit: X / beINSPORTS_EN
      VAR deemed Joe Willock kept the ball in play before building Anthony Gordon’s goalCredit: X / beINSPORTS_EN
      Gordon broke the deadlock on 64 minutes with a highly questionable goal that demanded three separate VAR checks from the officials which totalled four minutes and six seconds.
      Referees first tried to determine if the ball went out of play and then checked whether or not there was a subsequent foul before analysing a potential offside.
      Replays were assessed at Stockley Park as VAR officials checked whether the ball had gone out before Joe Willock regained possession.
      The ball had appeared to cross the touchline before it was crossed back into the North Londoners’ penalty area.
      Read More on Football
      Gabriel Magalhaes then went down to the ground under the challenge of Joelinton before Gordon lashed the ball into an empty net.
      VAR ultimately deemed there was no clear angle to show whether or not the ball went out before Willock’s cross.
      They also determined Gabriel wasn’t fouled and the Gordon was onside.
      Regarding the first matter, goal line footage from beIN SPORTS appear to agree with the officials.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Images prove that a tiny sliver of the ball was still on the line and was correctly considered to be in play before Newcastle hit the back of the net.
      However, hosts Richard Keys and Andy Gray still argue the goal should have been chalked off.
      That is because they insist there was both a foul on Gabriel and a handball by Joelinton in the build-up.
      The VAR decision led to a furious reaction by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who described the refereeing as a “disgrace” and has promised to fight the controversial VAR ruling.
      Arteta told Sky Sports: “I have praised my players for the performance and the way that we played – we didn’t deserve to lose the match.
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was furious after that VAR decisionCredit: Getty
      “We lost the match because of the clear and obvious decisions. It’s embarrassing. It’s a disgrace. That’s what it is, a disgrace.”
      And when asked if he will be taking up his frustrations with the PGMOL, Arteta made it clear he would indeed be escalating things.
      The Spanish tactician said: “Yeah. We will be taking it for many months. There is so much at stake and we put in so many hours.
      “I am here to represent the football club and to get my team to compete at the highest level.
      Read More on The Sun
      “The margins are so small. It’s a disgrace. It’s embarrassing. That’s how I feel and that’s how everyone feels in that room [the dressing room].
      “You cannot imagine the amount of messages that we’ve got saying ‘this cannot continue’. It’s embarrassing, I’m sorry, embarrassing.” More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal and Chelsea target Ivan Toney ‘tells Brentford he wants January transfer’… but boss Frank wants him ‘FOREVER’

      by

      BRENTFORD star Ivan Toney has told Brentford he wants to leave, according to reports.The 27-year-old is currently serving an eight-month ban from football for betting breaches.
      Thomas Frank wants Ivan Toney to stay foreverCredit: Getty
      Toney can play again from January 17 but his days with the Bees could be numbered.
      Reports claim that the striker is open to leaving the club in the winter window.
      Both Arsenal and Chelsea have supposedly held talks with the player’s representatives.
      He also recently changed agents, hinting at a possible move.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Meanwhile, Brentford are determined to hold onto their star man and could demand over £80million for his services.
      Manager Thomas Frank addressed speculation prior to their game against West Ham today.
      He said: “I want him to stay. Ivan is happy to stay.
      “He is happy at the club. What happens in the future is impossible to guess about.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      “He’s a top player, one of our most important players, if not the most important last year.
      “Any player that can score 20-plus goals in the Premier League are very, very important.
      “Ivan’s skillset in terms of finishing abilities with his left and right, heading and his composure in those moments and his link-up play and his presence, character, is a very good package.
      “It’s not up to me to put a price tag on him, it’s down to the club.
      “But I’m happy with him, I hope he plays here forever and I’m the coach.” More

    • 288 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m an Arsenal legend who was head of Gunners academy that let Harry Kane go to Tottenham – the buck stops with me

      by

      ARSENAL legend Liam Brady has admitted that it was his decision that led Harry Kane to being released from Arsenal’s academy aged eight.The England captain would go on to play for Sunday League side Ridgeway Rovers before being picked up by Spurs and the rest is history.
      Brady was Arsenal’s talisman in the ’70sCredit: Getty
      Despite a hugely successful spell as Arsenal’s academy manager, Harry Kane left the Arsenal academy under Brady’s watchCredit: Alamy
      In an interview with The Daily Mail, Brady, 67, says the buck for the decision to release Kane stops with him.
      Brady was Arsenal’s academy manager between 1996 and 2014 after spells in charge of Celtic and Brighton.
      The former Ireland international said it was a job he was incredibly passionate about and “the most rewarding part after my playing days.”
      He would nurture talents such as Ashley Cole, Jack Wilshere and Bukayo Saka to come through the Hale End academy but Brady knows that Kane was the one that got away.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      On the talents of Cole and Wilshere, he said: “With Ashley, in my opinion he became the best left back in Europe. I’m sorry Arsenal fans feel so indifferent about him.
      “I was sad about how it went for Jack Wilshere with injuries because, in my opinion, he was too brave for his own good. If it was a 50-50 with Graeme Souness, he would have it. Jack went into every tackle.”
      When asked about Kane, Brady said: “I didn’t have anything to do with the decision, but the buck stops with me. That’s football.’ Win some, lose some. It is a brutal, brilliant, ludicrous game.”
      Kane would go on to join Spurs where he rose through the academy to become the club’s all-time highest goalscorer and captain of the England national team.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      With Arsenal in the market for a striker this January and Ivan Toney top of the list, it’s fascinating to imagine what an alternative history would have looked like if Kane did not leave Arsenal’s academy.
      Instead, he’s flourishing at Bayern Munich with 12 goals and five assists in nine appearances and scoring goals from his own half following his £100million transfer.
      On Arsenal’s chances of winning the title this year, Brady said: “I like the way Mikel Arteta has them playing. But it gives me a nervous breakdown when they play in their own box.”
      Unfortunately for The Gunners however, he can’t see past Manchester City for the title: “Anybody that knows anything about football would say Manchester City. I think we’re all hoping as fans, Arsenal fans, Liverpool fans, that they might just take their eye off the ball this season. But…” More