Wenger defiant on Arshavin

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger remains rigidly supportive of the club’s wage structure, even if it means they could miss out on Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin.

It is reported that Arsenal have agreed a transfer fee for the player with Zenit St. Petersburg, but negotiations with the player are stalling on wage demands.

“The players who come in here are all on our wage structure or they do not come in,” Wenger said. “It’s as simple as that. Nobody will come in above the highest level we have here.”

Meanwhile, Wenger is confident that injured England international winger Theo Walcott will commit his long term future to the Emirates outfit by signing a contract extension.

“We will sort that out,” Wenger mentioned. “We are in negotiations. He wants to stay and we want him to stay, so we should find an agreement.”

Wenger agrees with Benitez on fixtures issue

In the past one month we have seen war of words between Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson and Liverpool boss, Rafael Benitez on several issues. United and Liverpool are recognized for sharing the most bitter relation in Premier League. Benitez accused United of favorable fixtures this year.

He accused him last year too but no one supported his claim. This year finally Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager has stood up to supports the Reds boss claim. He has said that it is quite apparent if you see the next ten matches United is facing from next week. It is unfair to the rest of the title contenders but we can’t do anything. The people to be blamed are those who make the schedule. We can’t accuse the Red Devils for it but issue should certainly be raised. Although Mourinho would not agree on this with the Reds boss but Rafa would be satisfied with Wenger’s comments.

Arsenal 0 – 0 Cardiff City

Arsenal failed to score a single goal against Cardiff as they settled for a draw on Sunday evening. If there was any team that created more chances and looked to win it was Cardiff.

Wenger brought five changes in the team. It was Bendtner, Ramsey, Song, Gibbs and keeper Fabianski who started for the team. Bendtner missed as easy header while Van Persie also failed to convert few chances.

Cardiff City almost secured a victory have the last free-kick by McCormack been converted into a goal. Th tow sides now meet in a reply but this time at the Emirates. Wenger praised Cardiff for their performance and he said that all the credits go to them for giving a good display against the gunners. Cardiff were defeated in the FA Cup final last season and they are undefeated in eleven games uptil now. Arsenal on the other hand has got its form back and is also undefeated in last eight games.

Arsene Wenger praises Kaka

Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager has praised Kaka for his decision to not move to Manchester City after a month of debate since the end of December.

Wenger has praised Kaka for  putting his choice above money which he thinks every player should. Some years back it was Steven Gerrard whom Chelsea wanted to buy for a hefty sum but Gerrard valued his club more than money and ofcourse, Chelsea. Players like these are rare found on this continent. Kaka did a huge favour to the football world say Wenger otherwise, Manchester City would have managed to buy further more. In football greed is not good and player should value the game above all things. Hleb and Flamini left Arsenal last year as a result of a better package at their new clubs but Arsene Wenger thinks that every player has to make decisions for himself. Sometimes there are decision which affect everyone with that player.

Zenit reject Arsenal’s final offer

Zenit St. Petersburg have rejected an improved offer from Arsenal for their Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin.

The Gunners have been chasing Arshavin throughout the January transfer window, but their efforts seem to be in vain. After having bids of £ 10 and 12 million rejected, Arsenal stated that an improved offer of £12 million plus £3 million in add-ons was to be their final offer, aschairman Peter Hill-Wood said: “This is our final offer. We do not intend to continue to raise the sum. If we do not purchase Arshavin, then so be it.”

Zenit are said to be demanding around £ 20 million, although some reports suggest that a compromise may still be reached, as Arshavin is keen to move to a bigger club.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said about the transfer: “I’m more focused with the players I have rather than the players I can and cannot buy. He [Arshavin] is two percent of my worries. I believe we have enough quality inside here to surprise everybody, even you.

“I’m not frustrated with the proceedings,” he added. “You have to accept that everybody has a price. We don’t talk about it, we let Zenit talk.”

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