Monreal Hoping to Hit Ground Running
Arsenal newcomer Nacho Monreal is hoping that the Gunners’ offensive style of play will make it easy for him to adjust to life in the Premier League.
On Thursday, the North London giants splashed £8.3 million on the 26-year-old Spaniard after their regular left-back Kieran Gibbs picked up a thigh injury.
After finalising his move to Emirates Stadium, Monreal told Arsenal.com: “The Premier League is one of the strongest there is and everyone knows about it. It’s a completely different way of playing to the Spanish League – it’s a lot more physical, for example. As the days go by I’ll get used to things and I’ll give my all.
“Arsenal like to keep the ball, which is beneficial for me and I like this part of the team’s game. I love playing with the ball at my feet, short, sharp touches, and good movement. I think Arsenal do have certain elements of Spanish football philosophy. The Spanish people know that there are players of great quality in this team and I hope we can play good football.”
Wenger echoed the former Malaga man’s comments and added: “We believe he can integrate our style of play and adapt very quickly to that. He has the characteristics to play our game because he is very mobile, has a good left foot and is very good in combination play. It is of course vital in our style of play.”
Beckham Will Help French Football – Wenger
Arsene Wenger believes that Paris Saint-Germain’s signing of David Beckham will improve the profile of French football on the global stage.
The former Manchester United midfielder, who had been training with Arsenal for the last few weeks to maintain fitness, ended months of speculation regarding his future and joined the rich Ligue 1 outfit on Thursday.
He is believed to have rejected many other offers and Wenger is confident that the 37-year-old took the right decision.
The Arsenal boss said: “Beckham is a world brand and the eyes will be on him, and on PSG, therefore also on the French league while he is there. I don’t know if he had offers from all around the world, but PSG is not a bad choice because they are a very ambitious club, who have a lot of potential. They look to extend their reputation at the moment, and Beckham certainly is a good part in that.”
Arsenal to Lose Brady in 2014
Liam Brady, the Head Coach of Arsenal FC’s youth academy will quit his position by May 2014, the club has announced.
The 56-year-old trainer has been associated with Arsenal’s coaching setup for the last 17 years and also enjoyed a successful career with the Gunners during his playing days. He has informed the club of his intention to relinquish his position so that a suitable heir could be found and appointed before his exit.
“Liam has a deep understanding of what it takes to discover and develop a talented youngster into someone who can perform at the highest level. He has made a massive contribution to Arsenal Football Club. It will be difficult to find a worthy successor but we will be looking for someone who can build on what Liam and his team have created,” Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis said while confirming the news in a statement.
Podolski Urges Gunners to Start Strong
Lukas Podolski has said that Arsenal need to put an end to their habit of starting matches poorly if they want to claw their way back among the top four clubs on the Premier League points table.
In the recent 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Emirates Stadium, the Gunners once again endured a disastrous start and found themselves 2-0 down at the hour mark. They then improved their level of play significantly and managed to nick a draw in the end but Podolski is still mystified by his team’s careless starts to football matches.
The German striker said: “It is a problem in the last matches that we are losing a goal and then coming from behind. We must start strong from the first minute and score the first goal. In the last few weeks that has always been the problem, that we have to fight and come back.
“However, when you are 2-0 down and you come back like against Liverpool it feels like three points, and this is the way we have been playing recently.”
Aneke’s Loan Deal Extended
Young Arsenal midfielder Chuks Aneke’s loan spell with Crew Alexandra has once again been extended and he will now remain with the League One club for the remainder of the 2012/13 season.
Aneke, 19, has been with the Railwaymen since September and his performances have been applauded by Crewe manager Steve Davis on several occasions.
The powerfully built teenager has scored six goals and provided four assists during his time with the Alex and is also rated very highly by Arsene Wenger.
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