Premier League 2008/2009 Thread

**beavis** · 28-07-2008 21:08

Diaby to fill Flamini void

Losing Gilberto, Flamini, and Diarra, in the space of 6 months has left a hole in Arsenal's midfield. Abou Diaby believes he is the man best capable to fill the void.

From some sections in the media Abou Diaby, 22-year-old, has been touted as Vieira's heir: due to their leggy and powerful nature.

The Parisian looked promising when Wenger snapped him up in the 2006 January transfer window, but he has never looked the same since he suffered a terrible broken and dislocated ankle.

To the frustration of many Arsenal fans though, Diaby was continually deployed on the left flank last season - presumably in a bid to build up his left foot.

Since the departure of three defence-minded midfielders in 2008, Diaby may be confident of securing a starting role this term.

**deangel9** · 29-07-2008 00:46

Keane Signs For Liverpool - Official

Liverpool FC have announced via their official website that the veteran forward today signed a four year deal with the Reds.

Liverpool previously courted Keane once before, but that was fourteen years ago and he opted for first team football with Wolves instead.

After that 1997 switch to the Midlands from Crumlin United, Keane went on to represent Coventry City, Internazionale, Leeds United, and finally Tottenham Hotspur.

At the age of 28 Keane is a renowned Republic of Ireland international and may just be hitting the peak of his career, although how he settles into the system under Rafael Benitez remains to be seen.

**deangel9** · 29-07-2008 11:32

Berger still choked at O'Neill

New Sparta Prague star Patrik Berger took a parting shot at Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill yesterday.

"I don't see any reason to change my opinion - nobody can fine me now," Berger was quoted as saying by The Mirror.

"I just said what I thought would be best for Gareth but the manager fined and suspended me from the training ground.

Even before all the Barry drama started, the 34-year-old Czech's three-year Villa career was hampered by injuries, limiting him to just eight starts.

Thus, it is not sure that O'Neill would have extended his deal in any case, the powers that be at the Iron Sparta wasted no time in taking advantage.

**deangel9** · 30-07-2008 09:37

Spurs To Swoop For Oliveira?

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in the process of constructing an escape route for Real Zaragoza striker Ricardo Oliveira…

The Daily Mail claims that Spurs boss Juande Ramos has targeted Oliveira to fill the void left by Robbie Keane’s £19million departure to Liverpool.

The Brazilian international spent last season on loan at La Romareda and was snapped up for £7.8million by the Aragonese side in May despite their shocking relegation from La Liga.

**beavis** · 30-07-2008 11:31

Moyes set to commit to Toffees

David Moyes hopes to sign a new contract with Everton in the next week.

The Scot has been in talks with The Toffees for a number of months over extending his six-year stay at Goodison Park.

Moyes has asked for reassurances from his chairman Bill Kenwright regarding finances, and with Everton plotting an ambitious bid for Sporting star Joao Moutinho, the former Preston boss appears satisfied.

Speaking on the club's American tour, Moyes said: "Hopefully in the next week or so I will get it [the new contract] tied down and get it done."

"I want the best for Everton and I do not want to let the players down."

"I have told them that there will be more players coming to help them along the way. I want to make sure that is done before anything else."

"That is more important to me just now. But it is very close."

**FanStiintza** · 30-07-2008 17:06

Everton oferă 17 milioane de euro pe Moutinho

Everton pregăteşte o ofertă bombă pentru starul portughez de la Sporting, Moutinho. După ce precedentele oferte au fost refuzate de lusitani, englezii sunt decişi să pluseze, astfel încât sunt dispuşi să dea 17 milioane de lire sterline pe mijlocasul de 21 de ani. Antrenorul lui Everton, David Moyes a fost prezent la Euro 2008 pentru a-l vedea pe Moutinho la lucru şi se pare că a obţinut deja acordul acestuia de a semna pentru gruparea de pe Goodison Park, promiţându-i o dublare a salariului.

Trecerea mijlocaşului de la Sporting la Everton este iminentă, aceasta fiind facilitată şi de transferul lui Andy Johnson la Fulham. La 21 de ani Moutinho a strâns deja 107 meciuri ca titular pentru Sporting, pentru care a marcat 17 goluri, în timp ce la echipa naţională a jucat in 17 meciuri oficiale.

**deangel9** · 30-07-2008 18:55

Official: Gunners Sign Bischoff

Werder Bremen’s Amaury Bischoff has become the latest youngster to join Arsene Wenger's troops at Arsenal. The Portuguese Under-21 international will wear the number 28 shirt at the Emirates as he prepares to begin summer training...

A diminutive midfielder, Bischoff has been linked with an Arsenal move since the beginning of the month after he elected to leave Werder without signing a new contract.

It is thought that Bischoff will begin his Gunners career in the reserves, although he will be hopeful of making the step up to the first team sooner rather than later.

**deangel9** · 31-07-2008 10:35

Robbie Keane

**deangel9** · 01-08-2008 12:05

Zenit: Arshavin To Spurs Within Days

Zenit St Petersburg have not only confirmed that Tottenham are the leading candidate for Andrei Arshavin's signature, but even went as far as suggesting that he could officially be a Spurs player by the middle of next week.

"We have certain contacts with Tottenham, but when they will conclude, I still do not know," Konstantin Sarsaniya, a spokesman for the club, was quoted a saying in sports.ru

"Maybe within five days, maybe sooner, maybe later.

"Tottenham have an interest in the player, and I understand that the player has an interest in the club too."

**beavis** · 01-08-2008 22:52

Adebayor to sign new deal

Emmanuel Adebayor has told Arsenal TV that he will sign a new deal to stay at Emirates Stadium ending, for now, speculation about a move to FC Barcelona.

The Togolese striker has sent mixed messages over the summer about his future, at times suggesting he would stay in North London, but on other occasions hinting he would welcome a move to the Catalan giants or one of the Milan clubs.

On the eve of the Emirates Cup, Adebayor sought to end speculation about his future and pledged to spend the 2008/2009 campaign with the club, as well as many more to come.

**deangel9** · 02-08-2008 07:33

Kenyon holds Robinho hope

However, Kenyon has reiterated that a deal for the 24-year-old remains a possibility and he will continue with his attempts to bring new faces to Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2008/09 campaign.

"One of the key issues over buying Robinho has always been that Real Madrid are looking for a replacement," the Blues chief executive told the club's official website.

"It is fair to say that is what has been holding up discussions between the two clubs.

"It has not progressed over the last couple of days, but the window is open until the end of August so there is still plenty of time to run."

**beavis** · 02-08-2008 13:56

Wenger confirms Gallas as Gunners skipper

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that William Gallas will remain as captain for the new season.

The 30-year-old French defender skippered the Gunners last season and has been chosen for the job again, ahead of potential contenders such as Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

"If he plays, he will be captain", said Wenger. "If he does not play, it will be somebody else. But William will be the club captain."

**deangel9** · 02-08-2008 14:18

Ipswich - No Nugent offer

However, Town chief executive Derek Bowden has revealed the Championship club have not made a firm move for Nugent, despite reports of a £5million bid.

"We have not made any formal offer for the player," Bowden told the club's official website.

Meanwhile, Bowden has confirmed Ipswich are still in talks to sign Ben Thatcher, who is available on a free transfer after leaving Charlton.

Thatcher recently trained with Ipswich, and has been on trial at Wolves this week, with Bowden awaiting progress on the negotiations.

He added: "We are in discussions with Ben Thatcher and we will see what develops over the next few days."

**baal** · 02-08-2008 15:48

Zilele lui Andrei Shevcenko la Chelsea sunt numarate. Presa din Anglia scrie ca atacantul a cazut in dizgratiile antrenorului Luiz Felipe Scolari. Dupa 2 ani petrecuti pe Stamford Bridge, ucrainianul a intrat intr-un con de umbra, mai ales dupa ce a ratat penalty-ul decisiv in amicalul cu Lokomotiv Moscova.

De asemenea, Shevcenko a fost vazut ca unul dintre vinovatii pentru pierderea finalei Champions League, in fata rivalilor de la Manchester United, din luna mai.

Mai mult, atacantul a mai suferit o umilinta, din partea fostului sau antrenor, Carlo Ancelotti, care a exclus o revenire a sa la AC Milan spunand ca fotbalistul are probleme psihice.

**deangel9** · 02-08-2008 18:42

Moratti - Family matters to Frank

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti believes Frank Lampard has decided to stay at Chelsea for family reasons.

Italian champions Inter had been hoping to sign the midfielder, who has just one year remaining on his Stamford Bridge contract.

Moratti feels the England international would be keen on a move to the Giuseppe Meazza, but family matters have persuaded him to stick with Chelsea.

"Was I disappointed by his attitude? Not at all, I found him to be very serious and focused," Moratti, who has brought in Sulley Muntari from Portsmouth, told Sky Sport Italia.

**deangel9** · 03-08-2008 11:30

Emirates Cup:

-

Arsenal - Juventus 02/08/08

**beavis** · 03-08-2008 21:13

Drogba ready to pen new Chelsea deal

Ivory Coast international striker Didier Drogba said Sunday he was ready to sign a new contract at Chelsea.

Drogba has been in contact with new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari and seems likely to sign a big-money deal that will see him remain at Stamford Bridge until 2012.

"I am confident talks with Chelsea will lead to a positive resolve about my future", Drogba told the Sunday Mirror.

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon last week revealed his confidence that their big name stars, including Drogba and captain Frank Lampard, would remain at the club.

Drogba has 2 years remaining on his current contract but insists a move for more money is not his top priority.

"Chelsea want to speak and I am open to talk", he said.

"Things have not changed, I am a Blues player."

"Money is not the main factor and if Chelsea show they want me it is possible to accept a proposition."

AC Milan, FC Barcelona and Inter Milano are all reported to be interested in signing the 30-year-old, who joined the London club 4 years ago.

**beavis** · 04-08-2008 22:54

Young Gunner signs new deal

Armand Traore has joined the ranks of Arsenal players committing their future to the club by signing a new long-term contract in North London.

Despite being just 18 years of age, Traore has already made 18 appearances for The Gunners including games in both Premier League and Champions League last season.

The France Under-19 international has often featured as a left back but has been used in a more advanced role during pre-season, teaming up with his countryman Gael Clichy down the left flank.

Traore is the fourth Arsenal player to sign a new contract in recent months, following Clichy, Bacary Sagna and Alexandre Song.

**beavis** · 05-08-2008 15:25

West Ham va retrage tricoul cu numărul 6 în onoarea lui Bobby Moore

Clubul West Ham United a decis să retragă tricoul cu numărul 6, în onoarea fostului căpitan şi mare jucător al Angliei, Bobby Moore. Moore a debutat la West Ham în urmă cu 50 de ani, iar oficialii de West Ham au decis să retragă tricoul cu numărul 6 purtat de fostul fotbalist atât la echipă londoneză cât şi la naţionala Angliei.

"Când am discutat despre modalitatea de a sărbători 50 de ani de la debutul lui Bobby Moore, exista un singur gest prin care i s-ar fi putut face dreptate - retragerea tricoului cu numărul 6", a explicat directorul executiv al West Ham, Scott Duxbury. Moore avea 17 ani când a debutat la West Ham la meciul cu Manchester United în septembrie 1958.

Bobby Moore a evoluat 16 ani la West Ham, devenind cel mai de succes căpitan al acestei echipe, după ce a câştigat Cupa Angliei în 1964 şi Cupa Cupelor în 1965. El a evoluat de 544 de ori pentru West Ham, de 108 ori pentru Anglia şi a rămas singurul căpitan al Angliei care a ridicat Cupa Mondială - în 1966 pe Wembley.

Moore a murit de cancer la 51 de ani, în 1993. Matthew Upson, fundaşul care purta până acum numărul 6, va evolua cu numărul 15.

**FanStiintza** · 05-08-2008 16:35

David Villa spre Tottenham?

Clubul englez, Tottenham Hotspur, este pregătit să facă o ofertă de 32 de milioane de lire pentru starul Valenciei, David Villa, anunţă presa din Anglia.

Dacă transferul se va materializa, suma de transfer va reprezenta un record pentru cei de pe White Hart Lane, obişnuiţi să cheltuie destul de puţin pentru transferuri. Valencia, care trebuie să recupereze banii investiţi în noul stadion, pare dispusă să-şi cedeze cel mai bun jucător pentru o astfel de sumă, mai ales că anul acesta nu va evolua în Champions League. Atacantul în vârstă de 27 de ani a marcat 59 de goluri în 100 de partide pentru Valencia, în timp ce pentru naţională a înscris 18 goluri in 35 de meciuri.

Posibilitatea ca Tottenham să-l transfere pe vârful spaniol amplifică zvonurile care îl dau pe bulgarul Berbatov la Manchester United.