Morning Insiders plently to talk about from the newspapers this morning. As usual comment welcome….
The Mirror – Almunia sorry to see Toure go
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia believes defender Kolo Toure left the Gunners because he was “bored” and fears the same could happen with captain Cesc Fabregas.
The Daily Mail – Arsenal can have Chamakh if they really want him, insists Bordeaux boss Blanc
Bordeaux manager Laurent Blanc has questioned Arsene Wenger’s desire to sign striker Marouane Chamakh.
The Sun – Almunia: My Cesc fear
MANUEL ALMUNIA reckons Kolo Toure quit Arsenal because he was bored.
The Daily Express – FABREGAS WANTS TO LEAVE PARTING GIFT
MANUEL ALMUNIA admits Cesc Fabregas could become bored with life at Arsenal but believes his fellow Spaniard will not leave happy unless he lifts a trophy as captain.
The Daily Star – TONY GUNS FOR WENG
CELTIC boss Tony Mowbray is backing his Bhoys to win the Battle of Britain and knock Arsenal out of the Champions League.
The Independent – Wenger weighs up Hangeland bid
Arsenal will not be pursuing their interest in the Internazionale midfielder Patrick Vieira, but Arsčne Wenger is considering a move for the Fulham defender Brede Hangeland he revealed yesterday. Marouane Chamakh, however, is not an option unless Bordeaux lower their price.
The Daily Telegraph – Arsene Wenger warns Arsenal players they must beat Celtic in Champions League
Arsene Wenger has stressed that the looming Champions League qualifier against Celtic will carry a crucial significance for Arsenal from a sporting rather than a financial perspective.
The Guardian – Liam Brady warns Arsenal about the unique challenge of Celtic
Expect the unexpected. That was Liam Brady’s reaction to the Champions League play-off draw that pits Arsenal against Celtic.
The Times – Tony Mowbray relishes chance to pit wits against Arsčne Wenger in European play-off
Arsenal were drawn to face Celtic yesterday in the play-offs for the Champions League group stage, a tie that is already inducing feelings of excitement and anxiety on both sides of the Border.
The Independent – Manuel Almunia: ‘I always wanted to be a striker – but I couldn’t run’
For Manuel Almunia, a visit to Great Ormond Street hospital to promote Arsenal’s charity link-up for this season brought the memories flooding back.