Bleacher Report - Articles by Ryan Kusy

A Fan's View of Everything Arsenal (Part One)

Ryan Kusy — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:38:55 -0400

I decided to ask some usual writers for Arsenal news to say what they think about the major topics going on about Arsenal at the moment. Apologies for the lateness of the posting of this article, the questions were all asked before the end of the summer transfer market.

Let’s start off asking, just for our readers, what is it about Arsenal that makes you a fan?

Owen: I'm an adopted Gunner, I supported Sunderland as a kid, in a family that followed Newcastle. We had season tickets at both clubs, so I was brought up watching Craig Russell bang the goals in for Sunderland at Roker Park and Kevin Keegan's 'Entertainers'.

I remember the first few games I went to saw Sunderland winning 5-0, 4-0, and then 5-0 again. So you could say I was brought up on attacking football, and less on the rivalries between clubs.

Really, the answer is simply the football and Arsene Wenger...since he's been at the club I've always followed the football. As I've gotten older I've followed more and more about the club; reading about its history, watching all the games, listening to player interviews and going to games when I can.

Over time I've become committed to the cause, and now I'm hooked...I follow everything Arsenal and have watched every game for the past six/seven years.

Jam: I've been a casual fan for as long as I can remember. My earliest memory of Arsenal was back in 1989 in that epic match at Anfield, I was very young then. To be honest I can’t remember watching the match, but I remember the Michael Thomas winner and people in my house going crazy.

I became a hardcore follower when Wenger came because for the first time in years there was a sense of seriousness and ambition about Arsenal that wasn't there for years. Arsenal was expected to challenge for the title year after year. Also, the quality of the players that came with Arsene Wenger was very high and nothing we've seen before. We went from boring, boring Arsenal....to sexy, free flowing Arsenal.

The summer has come with countless articles, players, and even fans claiming that this is a “make or break year” for Arsenal, and more importantly Arsene Wenger.With clubs like Man City and Tottenham buying new players left and right, and both off to a good start, it seems the big four is jeopardy of being rearranged this season.

Arsenal has been the club most commonly written off by the press. Do you feel these statements are true, and will being written off fuel Arsenal to victory or cause their downfall?

Owen: Both Manchester City and Tottenham have very good squads with good managers, but I don't see them breaking the 'Big Four' unless one of them has a bad season. If you look at last year Arsenal had a poor Premier League campaign and finished nine points ahead of fifth.

The top three finished with 90, 86, and 83 points. I think Arsenal will finish on something similar this season along with these three. Spurs and City finished with 51 and 50 points last year that means they'll have to make up 30 points to get into the top four.

Spurs lost 15 games last year, City lost 18, to break the 'Big Four' Spurs would have to replicate last year, but lose only five games, City would have to lose eight. That kind of improvement is unrealistic, they won't break the 'Big Four'...unless one of them falls off even worse than Arsenal did last year. I don't see it happening.

As for being written off, the same happened two seasons ago and Arsenal arguably should have won the title that season. A combination of bad luck and injuries cost the side, the younger players now have two years more experience...I don't think the same thing will happen again if they get into that position, and there is more depth in the squad.

When the going gets tough I honestly don't believe a player will think; “well a newspaper said this back in July, they must be right”, will they even remember? In those moments it's down to inner belief, character, and determination to win.

How the team reacts to challenges and difficulties this year will be the strongest indicator of if they can be champions. They have the quality, now they need the maturity.

Jam: Arsenal have been written off countless times before so nothings new this season. The media hates the stability (compared to other clubs esp. London clubs) at Arsenal since Wenger arrived back in 1996. They know that crisis stories sell papers well so they try very hard to blow up minor issues and put a negative spin on stories connected with the club.

Arsenal were written off this season and it will probably be the same next year. Every season the media nominates a particular club to knock Arsenal out the top four. Last year it was Aston Villa, the two years before that it was the Spuds and this year it’s Monopoly City.

They predicted all kinds of scenarios for Arsenal except relegation, but won't be surprised if they do. By the way, Tottenham haven’t signed new players....they just resigned their old players for more than they sold them. They must have pretty crappy accountants.

Arsenal has sold Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor this close-season. With new addition Thomas Vermaelen settling in flawlessly into the side, will Wenger add anyone in the dying days of the transfer season? If he fails to, will you be okay with the rest of the squad lasting till at least January?

Owen: The squad can always improve, looking at the 'Big Four' clubs then they are arguably all weaker in some respect this year. I would be unhappy if Wenger failed to add to his squad in the dying days of the window simply because injuries have cost us in the past few seasons.

The first team has always been competitive, it's Arsenal's inability to absorb injuries that separates them from the other 'Big Four' clubs over the past seasons.

Interestingly, his failure to add to the squad in previous years has meant players like Denilson, Song, Diaby, Walcott, Eboue and Bendtner have gained first team experience that now means we have a squad with a wealth of attacking options.

So I can understand Wenger's reluctance to add to the squad.

But the options behind Gallas and Vermaelen concern me, it was Toure & Gallas last year. The other 'Big Four' clubs all have excellent options at centre-back, Liverpool have Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Hyypia (since left). Chelski have Terry, Carvalho, Alex, Ivanovic, and Mancienne. Man Red have Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Brown, O'Shea, and Neville (if he has too).

Djourou has ability, but he hasn't progressed enough since he emerged as an option...he is still positionally suspect and gets caught with the ball over the top easily. He should have learnt that by now to be a legitimate option.

Silvestre is experienced but doesn't inspire confidence, and Senderos is a confidence player that needs a run in a team to establish his best form. As a backup option at Arsenal you need to walk into the team and perform, much like Vermaelen has since his move.

I know Song can cover at CB, and that does make me more comfortable...Wenger has also said he could play 4-4-2 at points in the season, so I guess Song could drop into a back four and we revert to a 4-4-2 with Denilson or Nasri alongside Fabregas.

That flexibility is good, but if an aging Gallas was out for four/five months, would I be happy? No...it's the kind of thing where we could handle a couple of games, but maybe not an extended run.

So I'd like a defensive player, ideally another player like Song who can cover as CB and CDM...but there aren't many about that would be happy to be a squad player and have the neccessary quality.

If he didn't add to the squad, we'd be thin defensively...and reliant on luck for injuries, provided our CB's didn't get injured then I think we'll be fine. But the problem is that our traditional tough point in the season is January.

The fixture schedule gets heavy, and we'll be without Song or Eboue because of the African Cup of Nations, and they are key squad players...so that could be another problem.

Jam: Let me rephrase you here: Arsenal has sold an average street whore and a player with two bouts of Malaria (I still love Toure, the guy is an absolute legend).

I think Wenger will get one player, possibly two if we're lucky. For me, its paramount Wenger buys a defensive midfielder and a striker or defender, with a defensive midfielder at the top of the list. Other than that, we're fine

In Arsenal’s more recent games Fabregas has become the work horse in the Arsenal midfield. Although he has preformed exceptionally with the task, one must wonder if he can keep up his form and carry the heavy workload for most of the season.

Do you think he can, and if so will this ultimately hurt Arsenal, or will they gain from his role this year?

Owen: Fabregas is the heart of the team and is growing into his role as captain. I think the good thing about his injury last year is that the team learnt to win without him, and I do think we've got options in midfield that mean we can rest Fabregas more this year than previously.

Especially when Nasri and Rosicky are back, both of these players were central midfielders before they came to Arsenal. We could have Nasri, Rosicky, Diaby, Denilson, and Ramsey that are legitimate options in central midfield...Denilson can even play behind the two central midfielders in Song's position in some games.

That rest will be key to our success this season, two years ago when Arsenal went into March as league leaders Fabregas' form dipped and the team struggled to win. I think we'll have the energy needed in our midfield the same stage of the season this year, and that's because of our attacking options.

In a wider sense, I think players respond to responsibility...the team will definitely gain from Fabregas and his influence on the side.

Jam: I think Fabregas is putting in some mature, intelligent performances and he's even back to his scoring ways of two years ago. I think when you play in the Premier league, you have to put in a shift in midfield to help-out defensively (look at GBH' Gerard and Frank 'give me 150K a week or I'll leave' Lampard).

I think Fabregas will excel this season, providing he stays injury free.

Not a week goes by without an article surfacing that claims Fabregas is off to Real Madrid, AC Milan, and most commonly Barcelona. Do you believe this distraction will cause a problem with his focus on the current campaign? And does this cause a distraction to the other players on the team week in and week out?

Owen: No...he knows he wants to stay and is loyal to Wenger. He's made no secret of his desire to return to Barcelona at some point in the future, but it'll be to replace Xavi.

We've got to remember that Xavi is only 29 and is a player that doesn't rely on pace, so he'll be at the top of football for years to come...He could easily be at the heart of Barcelona's side at 35, that's six more years.

That's a long time for Fabregas to remain at Arsenal, if we are as successful in that time as we could be...then he'll have a tough decision as to whether he stays or goes. When the time comes I'm sure he'll make the right decision for him...and if he chooses to go, we can't begrudge him that.

Jam: Fabregas is a professional so the answer is- NO he will not be distracted. Other players cannot use that as an excuse to under-perform, ask for pay increases or leave

Arsenal has been recently starting the “Arsenalisation” process at the Emirates Stadium. Do you think Arsenal are going to benefit from the more “home-like” atmosphere it is going to cause, and will this make Emirates Stadium a harder ground for other teams to win at?

Owen: It's a good start but I'm not sure that's the whole answer...you can put pictures up, give out scarfs, have a clock, and all that but the atmosphere is about people going along to a game and singing their hearts out. It's down to people, and prices are a barrier to entry to the kinds of people to the kind of people that are more passionate about the club.

The problem with attracting people with your brand of football is that you end up with a ground filled with a greater number of spectators rather than supporters. It's not a coincidence that some of the strongest and most vibrant crowds are in clubs that have smaller and more traditional grounds (“proper clubs”).

If you've been to somewhere like Portsmouth or Stoke City then you'll see what I mean, incredible atmospheres where the fans sing their hearts out win or lose.

It's a difficult problem to solve, there is no easy solution. If Wenger can crack it then the atmosphere would definitely help the team, that much is obvious.

Jam: I think it will help to better the atmosphere a little, but I don’t think it will make much difference. I think too many Arsenal fans go there to admire the structure of the place rather than being vocal. But it’s a new stadium so it will take time for the Emirates to get its own vibe, this is understandable. The Atmosphere is already great for the big games so it will be much noisier in the future.

Arsenal is one of few teams in the new era that is not consumed by money (at least not yet). Do you believe their strict policy for not over-paying for players and nurturing youth will prevail?

Owen: I'm not sure it's fair to say other clubs are concerned with money where Arsenal aren't. The club have taken huge outside investment (in the form of bank loans) and invested that into two things: Building a new stadium and transforming Highbury into a raft of luxury apartments.

That's different from what most other clubs have invested in, and it's required no change in ownership structure. Where other teams have spend millions assembling squads, Wenger and Arsenal have assembled infrastructure. Players will age while the stadium will still stand...the money generated in the future will be spent buying the best players on the planet.

Wenger has gone for the long-term, the policy of not over-paying for players and nurturing talent is necessary because of building the stadium. It's that simple.

Will it prevail? Well it relies heavily on Arsene Wenger...what if he dropped dead tomorrow? Arsenal would be in deep and serious trouble.

As long as Wenger is at the club then Arsenal will remain competitive, that means consistent Champions League football and a chance at the title if we get the required luck with injuries...Arsenal have the quality to beat any team on its day, so the Champions League trophy in the next two/three seasons is also a realistic prospect.

Will Arsenal dominant English and European football in the next five years? I'd say no...and the problem in the long-term is that at the moment we have a World Class manager, but he will be retired by the time the cash will be pouring into the club and make Arsenal competitive.

Who will be spending the money at Arsenal once Wenger is gone? That'll be the biggest determining factor in whether the policy can be deemed a success. It's a brave man that creates the platform for greatness and leaves the delivery to his successor...

Jam: Yes, it will prevail in the long run. I think football clubs must live within their means - must manage debt and only spend what they generate. I think Arsenal had no choice, but to youth and bargain deals. It would've been a disaster if Arsenal paid big sums for players to compete with the likes of Chelski and Man Utd. The club and especially Arsene Wenger should be applauded for building an amazing stadium while at the same time, somehow, challenging titles and almost winning a Champions League trophy.

Being an Arsenal fan, do you have an extra boost of self pride to know that most players that play at Arsenal have an undying love for the club? Fabregas, van Persie, and Walcott are just a few to name that have pledged their loyalty this season. What does this do for a club as a whole, both on and off the pitch?

Owen: In some respects pledges mean nothing, if Arsenal don't win any silverware this season the rumours will start again and the players will be unhappy. Look at Felipe Melo, he signed a new contract at Fiorentina this summer and a few weeks later he was at Juventus.

The good thing about players signing new contracts (rather than simply talking) is that it focused players on a goal, and removes doubt from their mind in the short-term. If you are coming into the last year of your contract then you will have concerns about your future, it's only natural.

Players want to be successful, if they commit to the club then they must believe that they'll achieve this success together. That's got to be a unifying factor on some level. I'm not sure how much of a difference it will make on a day-to-day basis, but the atmosphere will probably be more positive.

Jam: It is always great to hear such players have pledged their loyalty to the club that gave them a lot. I think it’s very important that Wenger keeps his best players this summer because Arsenal can't afford to lose any. Also, these players sell a lot of shirts, thus great for merchandising.

Furthermore, I know a lot of fans complain about the wage structure at Arsenal but I look at it positively really. Fab, Van Persie and Walcott can probably earn a lot of money elsewhere, but they chose to stay. This wage structure is a good way to weed out the mercenaries (i.e. Alex 'can’t shoot, won’t shoot' Hleb and Flamini).

Predictions are always a long shot, especially this early in the season and especially with Arsenal. However, after a string of fantastic early season performances against Everton, Celtic, and Portsmouth, what is in store for Arsenal this season, and is the year the trophies start coming back to the club?

Owen: I mentioned it before, but the season isn't defined about when a club is playing well...it's how the players react to difficult times and when they are not playing well. Arsenal have made a good start, but they haven't achieved anything yet...even if they get results over Man Red and Man City that doesn't really define the season.

There will be defining points that come later in the season, that'll tell us more about the two big trophies (Champions League and Premier League). I'm sure Wenger isn't really interested in winning the Carling Cup or the FA Cup, they are nice bonuses but at the end of the day the criticism doesn't end if they win it.

If Arsenal is to win a big trophy this year, they'll need luck along the way. It's about time we had some, with the manner we've been eliminated from the Champions League in recent years, as well as our Premier League problems.

We've made a good start in three games, but let’s not get too excited. There is a long way to go.

Jam: I’m very hopeful this season. We've started positively so the signs are good. It all depends on who we snap up when the window closes. We need to get players to bolster the squad in problem areas in defense and midfield as our players are quiet injury prone.

Prediction: If we get the right players in key positions, then I think we'll win the league this season. Arsenal can realistically make the champions league final but the competition is tough so anything can happen as there are a lot of top teams.

I'll finish by adding that we should not be scared anyone because I think the squad is strongest since the Invincible season. Its time for other teams to get worried because our players are coming up to the right ages collectively.

I'd like to thank both Jam and Owen for helping out, and if you would also like to be interviewed for topics in the future, please let me know.

Is Arsenal An Injury-Prone Squad?

Ryan Kusy — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:32:00 -0400

The transfer season has closed and Arsenal spent the day concentrating on current players contracts, rather than adding any new faces.

Yes, I am thrilled we have signed Bendtner and more so, Denilson, to "long term contracts," however, I believe adding a new player or two would have been more beneficial.

In recent years, Arsenal has been devastated by injuries that in some cases, have cost them the title (two years ago to be exact).

2007/2008 Major injuries:

Robin van Persie, Sagna, Rosicky, and Eduardo

2008/2009:

Fabregas, Rosicky (from previous season) , Eduardo (from previous season), Walcott, Clichy, and Gallas

2009/2010:

Fabregas, Walcott, Nasri, Rosicky (continued), Djourou, Fabianski and Vela are all currently out for Arsenal.

I believe Arsenal was in desperate need of at least one more player- most likely a defensive minded player- before the market closed. However, since they failed to do so, it has caused me to believe Arsenal now lack's true depth at some key positions this year- or at least until January.

An evaluation of the depth at each position:

Defense

Looking at Arsenal's defense, behind our two solid center backs, Gallas and Vermaelen, there is no one who can be counted on to step in and do the job.

Senderos should have left in the summer to another club, and Silvestre makes too many costly mistakes when he starts. Djuorou is currently injured, but he's still a relatively unknown player for us.

As for depth at our outside backs, Eboue can easily slot into the right back (where in my opinion, he plays far better), and at left back, Gibbs and Traore are two solid, speedy options for Arsene Wenger.

Midfield

Song has really stepped into the defensive midfield role so far this season, and Denilson has been getting stuck in many tackles that last season, he wouldn't have.

However, the squad lacks no more defensive midfielders on the roster, with the only solution, youngster Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, sent on loan.

Since both Song and Denilson start, Arsenal would be forced to change from their new fluid 4-3-3 formation if one were to get injured. As well, the squad is thin on wing players currently. With the top three options, Nasri, Walcott, and Rosicky all injured, Bendtner has been even seeing from time on the outside.

As for the attacking midfield option, any time Fabregas loses is hard for Arsenal to embrace. He is the backbone of the team and behind him, Wilshere is the only true play maker on the squad, and he is only 17. Diaby has had a solid start, however, his inability to stay healthy has questioned his skill. And Ramsey is still developing as a player and being guided under Wenger.

Forwards

Robin van Persie must stay healthy this year.

With Adebayor gone, Arsenal have only one dependable striker that can score in the premier league consistently. Eduardo is still coming back into form since his injury, and Bendtner has been a super sub many games, but hasn't been able to be consistent in front of goal.

Walcott is going to see much more time up from this season, however, he is again injured. Vela is also out for two to three weeks, but is still unproven in this league. Arshavin, who to some may also be considered a midfielder, along with Fabregas, will dictate how Arsenal does this year.

But even if its too late, we all know another young striker would have done wonders for Arsenal.

Can Manchester City's Money Oust Arsenal from the Big Four?

Ryan Kusy — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:26:44 -0400

Late last summer, the vastly wealthy Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment (ABUG) consortium bought out Manchester City. Many soccer fans never gave much thought about the effect it could have until now, almost a year later.

After multiple big-name signings, Man City have asked the question: How big are the “Big Four?”

This summer they have captured the signatures of Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal), Carlos Tevez (Manchester United), Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn Rovers), and goalkeeper Stuart Taylor (Aston Villa), with the only notable loss being young striker Daniel Sturridge, who has moved to Chelsea for an undisclosed fee.

Two of Man City’s more recent signings—Tevez and Adebayor—have come from two of the Premier League's Big Four. These deals have not only damaged their main competition but also greatly upgraded their own squad.

Now many fans have posed the question: Can Man City oust a top club? The most common club debated is Arsenal.

Arsenal have always stood by their rather strict policy on transfer dealings and wages, and after four years without a trophy, many of their fans have begun questioning the method. With only Robin van Persie as a proven goal scorer on their team, it is clear that now more than ever they need to bolster their squad.

Last season was riddled with disappointment, and the only bright spot was the signing of Russian star Andrey Arshavin, who came on a deadline deal in January. Fans, and now even players, have openly admitted they are lacking something in their squad. Arsenal need signings to put them back in the title race.

With the fresh sale of Adebayor to their soon-to-be rivals Man City, Arsenal now have money to spend and gaps to fill. The most prominent need is a defensive midfielder, though many fans would also like a striker brought in as well.

Manchester City look to be ready to make the jump into the top four, but with so many recent signings, can the money alone buy trophies—or even a Champions League spot?

Man City will be including at least eight new players in their starting lineup who have been signed within the last 10 to 12 months. Can a completely new team gel together in their first season, or will it take two or three years before they fully enter their stride? Only time will tell.

However, writing any Arsenal side off at any point is a dangerous game. Man City have a variety of attacking options that can contend with the best in the league, but their defense and midfield, though formidable, is still inferior to the likes of Cesc Fabregas and company.

Any team that features players like Fabregas, Arshavin, and van Persie—who are capable of starting on any team in the world—are due respect from their opponents. Even Gael Clichy, Kolo Toure, Theo Walcott, Eduardo, and Samir Nasri are all stylish players that allow Arsenal to play brilliant football.

Not to mention the youth Arsenal have with Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Denilson, Abou Diaby, Aaron Ramsay, and Carlos Vela (just to name a few).

In truth, Arsenal are a shadow of the team that once went undefeated in the league—a long five years ago—but there is no doubt in anyone’s mind the talent they possess will be magnificent in the future.

Both clubs are still “up-and-coming” and have potential. City need time to develop their team chemistry and gel with all the talent they possess. While Arsenal often start with the youngest side in the Premier League, fans are waiting for all this potential to finally turn into results.

Despite Man City’s signings and their ability to attract big-name players to the club now, there remains a fairly notable streak of talent running throughout the Arsenal squad—perhaps not of the same standard of the three clubs above them last season, but still more than a match for any of the 16 clubs below them.

At the moment Arsenal are dormant in their transfer dealings, but there is still plenty of time for Arsene Wenger to entice one or more of his targets to the Emirates Stadium before the season kicks off.

Arsenal, as of now, have enough talent to hold on to their top four spot, but if Wenger can land some of his rumored targets before the start of the season, then it won’t take much for Arsenal to build a team potentially capable of at least chasing down Chelsea.

Man City’s time may come in a few years, but Arsenal’s future lies solely in the hands of one man—Arsene Wenger.

Felipe Melo to Arsenal Still Possible as Juventus-Fiorentina Talks Stall

Ryan Kusy — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:07:52 -0400

Juventus recently offered Fiorentina €20 million and Marco Marchionni for midfielder Felipe Melo. The deal was supposedly accepted by Fiorentina, yet talks have broken down and stalled for the past two days and haven't appeared to improve.

The stumbling block has been Marchionni's wage demands. His agent has stated, "We only asked for €200,000 (£173,000) more than the amount Marco earns at Juventus, but Fiorentina wouldn't agree. It's a pity."

Fiorentina are refusing to pay these demands, and Marchionni is standing firm with his desired wage increase.

Although this could seem like a small stumbling block before the deal goes through, it could also prove to be just the time Arsenal need to lodge an improved bid for the Brazilian man.

It was reported that Arsenal were only willing to offer €14 million plus Emmanuel Eboue for Melo, which was lower than their asking price. Now, with talks stopped, Arsenal could swoop back in and try to take Melo back.

It might be a long shot, but lodging another bid for clearly the best defensive midfielder left on the market couldn't hurt.

I'll update this if any more news arrives about the situation in the next day or so.

Are Arsenal's Priorities a Problem?

Ryan Kusy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:11:31 -0400

Arsenal recently have come out saying that their main priority has been to re-sign current players to lengthy contract extensions rather than signing new players.

This close-season Arsenal have re-signed Robin van Persie, Lukasz Fabianski, Kieran Gibbs, Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere.

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis stated, "Re-signing a current member of the squad is more important than making a new signing."

Arsenal do need to extend the contract of many of their important squad members, but every player we have re-signed this off season has had at least a year and a half left on their contract, if not more.

I know that is only a short time in the whole picture, but I feel right during these few months is the time where Arsenal should be looking to bolster their squad through the transfer market and after those additions are taken care of, then re-signing players should be taken care of.

Arsenal have most likely missed out on the signing of Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo, who reports have, it is off to Juventus.

There are two sides to this policy, of course, but I feel we need to sign new players, before extending those who still have a year or more left on there contract when there is still time to re-sign them. There is only a limited time Arsenal have to sign these new players, and they should be making the most of it.

What are your thoughts?

Felipe Melo Off to Juventus?

Ryan Kusy — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:02:12 -0400

Italian sources have just recently released information that Felipe Melo has signed for Italian giants Juventus for a fee of €20 million plus Maro Marchionni.

Melo has supposedly penned a five-year contract with the club that will see him earn around €2.6 million a year.

This news comes days after Fiorentina announced that Arsenal have been the only club to make a concrete offer for the Brazilian midfielder, which was reportedly a deal of €21 million plus utility man Emmanuel Eboue.

Fiorentina's official website had stated:

“The director [Pantaleo Corvino] points out that Arsenal FC are the only club that has come close to [Felipe Melo’s] release clause.

“Fiorentina, in turn, has proposed that the clubs reduce the amount of this clause by entering into negotiations for the right back Eboue.”

Arsenal for the past few days had been in the pole position to sign the highly-rated 25-year-old despite earlier reports claiming he had already agreed personal terms with Juventus.

On the rumours of an alleged agreement between Felipe Melo and Juventus, the statement continued:

"In the event that the player has already agreed terms with another club, the buy-out clause the player has with his club to the value of €25 million does not take into consideration any technical exchanges (player exchanges), unless Fiorentina is in agreement."

The source is coming from Sky Sport Italia, which comes as a pretty reliable source.

The news is reported to be announced in the coming days, even as soon as tomorrow.

This would come as a huge blow to Arsenal Fans, who have been very vocal in the club's need to strengthen their defensive and midfield this off-season.

That now leaves only Marseille captain Lorik Cana as a potential candidate, who has stated he will decide his future by the end of the week.

If Cesc Fabregas Departs, What Will Life Be Like for Arsenal?

Ryan Kusy — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:44:02 -0400

Arsenal have recently placed a £40mil price tag on Cesc Fabregas. Frankly, that's a little low, and possibly insulting depending on how you look at it. Does this mean Fabregas is only half as good as Ronaldo?

With both Real Madrid and Barcelona hovering over the star's future, it seems likely one of them will place a bid for him—the latter being the most likely to grab his signature.

With so much speculation about his future being up in the air, despite his constant commitment to the club, one cannot stop and think about life without Fabregas in the center of the pitch for Arsenal.

Realistically, there are no replacements for Fabregas that are on the market if he was sold. Knowing Arsene Wenger, we would sign another starlet teenager that would try and take his place.

Arsenal, pending they sign a defensive midfielder, would be looking at the starting center mids as any two of the following: Denilson, Abou Diaby, Alex Song, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere (it's a stretch, but he is making the first team this year regardless), Samir Nasri, and a defensive midfielder (if one is signed).

Arsenal did manage to survive the stretch this season without Fabregas, but fans were counting the days till he returned to the lineup. His vision and touch on the ball are unlike any other.

Fabregas has the ability to turn and shoot from distance, as well as great crossing ability. In the 2007-2008 campaign, Fabregas tallied up 20 assists in during the season.

Arsenal would be hard-pressed to find someone to replace his abilities. As well, aged only 22, his experience is beyond many people who are three or four years older than him.

If Fab was to leave Arsenal, many would believe it would open up the last slot for the top four. A missed Champions League by Arsenal could mean a mass exit of players the following season—and even cost Wenger his job.

A lot is really riding on the decision to sell or keep Fabregas, especially in a season when there is a lot of pressure to win trophies.

If Fabregas is sold, they must hope that someone steps up drastically this season. As well, Arsenal would be in the market for a new skipper then too.

Should Arsenal Be In the Market For A Striker?

Ryan Kusy — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:18:47 -0400

Much of the Arsenal close-season has been focused primarily on the defense and a defensive midfielder—and rightly so based upon the problems of last season. However, there also comes to the question that we went on a stretch of games where they failed to score goals and ultimately cost Arsenal any chance at catching Liverpool, Chelsea, and Man United.

Do Arsenal need to upgrade to their front line?

Now all Arsenal fans can see the potential we have at the position, but really there seems to be a need for a experienced goalscorer who can come through in the clutch. Adebayor is great...when we puts his mind to it.

He came through against Villarreal in the Champions League and numerous other games as well, yet there were countless other games you forgot he was on the pitch.

Robin van Persie is clearly the best striker of the bunch...when he isn't injured. The man is a game changer and his double against Chelsea this year was fantastic. Though, he has had numerous serious injuries and this was his first year where he was relatively injury free.

He however has shown that he cannot perform to his best ability when Arsenal play him as the sole striker. He needs a partner up there to help.

Carlos Vela looks like he is waiting to break out, but I feel at only age 20, he still needs to learn his trade as a sub and in the cup games. In a year or two, I feel he will start without a doubt.

Bendtner has been a hit or miss player. He knows exactly where to be and at the right time, but his finishing leaves much to be desired (to say the least some games). And Eduardo is still working back from his tragic injury. His durability will be a huge question mark next season.

Overall there is dept for Arsenal at the striker position, but all the players are under 25 years-old and with Adebayor possibly on the verge of a move to AC Milan, Arsenal could be in need of a goalscorer.

Arsenal clearly missed out on Benzema and broke many Arsenal fans' hearts when he was sold elsewhere. Yet there are other strikers on the market and Arsenal should be looking at them still.

Arsenal should be looking for primarily an experienced striker that could come in and contribute right away. It seems Wenger is willing to splash out a little more cash this summer and that opens the possibility for a few more options.

Adding one more striker, regardless to Adebayor's situation would benefit Arsenal. Even if Adebayor stays, now there is pressure for him to maintain his starting spot, if he goes, then we have a solid replacement.

Is The English Premier League Title Race Wide Open?

Ryan Kusy — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:30:56 -0400

Manchester United have claimed the Premier League title for their third consecutive year now and until a few weeks ago, there was no reason to believe why they wouldn't go for a forth.

But as we see more and more every day, money really can buy you everything. Real Madrid forked up an unreal bid of £80 million for Ronaldo, which Manchester United (like any club) could not turn down. The departure of Ronaldo to Madrid comes days after agreeing to a previous world record fee of £59 million for Kaka.

In other unfortunate news (unless you hate Man United), Carlos Tevez is heading out of Old Trafford this summer. Although, he might just be moving across town. Manchester City looks like the leaders to sign the former Red Devil striker, who has been unhappy being the third choice striker over the course of the pervious campaign.

Without Tevez or Ronaldo, Man United have leveled the playing field for the title race. I am going to break down the top six teams that I believe are looking for the Premier League Title next year (and have an actual chance at getting it):

Arsenal

With Thomas Vermaelen already signed, and with links to Yaya Toure and Felipe Melo, Arsenal are looking like serious title contenders. Last year it was obvious that they had potential, but were lacking something in the middle of the pitch.

The signing of Vermaelen has provided their defense with depth, and signing a defensive midfielder would put them right at the top. Rumors of Adebayor exits from the Emirates have died down over the past month (until the other day) and Robin van Persie is planning some contract talks in the coming weeks.

Pending no key players leave Arsenal (Senderos and Eboue are not key, just for the record), they should finally get their hands on some silverware.
Chance of winning: 8

Chelsea

With new coach Carlo Ancelotti at the reigns of Chelsea, big things are expected. Although it seems Deco, Jose Bosingwa, and Ricardo Carvalho are on their way out of Chelsea, David Villa, Pato, and Andrea Pirlo are all realistic signings for the club this summer.

However, the outs always dictate the ins, but Chelsea are always expecting a title at the end of the year. However, it seems that Chelsea, although playing sound football over the past years, they have never been able to really contend to win it all (of course no one has with Man United the past years).

I believe they would expect nothing less than a top two finish, especially being linked with the forementioned players.
Chance of winning: 7

Liverpool

Rafael Benitez will have to deal with a shortage of money this summer transfer market. After buying an-arguably-overpriced-centre-back in Glen Johnson, they will be forced to sell some first team players.

With Barcelona and Real Madrid calling for Yossi Benayoun, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa, and Javier Mascherano this summer, it's going to be an even rougher ride. Keeping all four at Anfield will be a challenge, especially if he plans to upgrade his squad.

Liverpool looked like the best team in the world during parts of the season (against Real Madrid, Man United, etc.), but when Torres and Gerrard were out with injuries, things fell apart for them.

They need to add some depth this year, or otherwise hope no injuries come about. Pending one of those aforementioned players leaves, there is left a vacant hole with little money to spend to fill it.

If they stay, there is still a lack of depth on the team. Rafael really needs to dig deep into the investors’ pockets and find some cash to spend; otherwise another top 4 finish will be in order.
Chance of winning: 7

Manchester United

Much of their losses were already discussed above. But let's be honest, no matter who United signs with the money off of the Ronaldo deal (or how many they sign), there is no one on this planet that can replace his shoes.

Now there are some adequate replacements and many of which are still brilliant players—David Villa, David Silva, Frank Ribery, Karim Benzima, etc.

Added upon the loss of Tevez, Man United has two significant losses. They will need to hope Fergie can work his magic in the transfer market yet again and find another "gem" among all the talent.

All in all though, if there is one team that can lose two players like Ronaldo and Tevez and still have the talent to contend for the Premier League Title, it's Man United.
Chance of winning: 8

Manchester City

Mark Hughes must be a kid in a candy shop this summer. The amount of money he has to spend could range in the nine-digit mark. However, the real challenge won't be finding the money or the players this summer—it will be convincing them to come to a middle of the table club, from most likely some of the top sides around the world.

Having already convinced Gareth Barry and Stuart Taylor to leave Aston Villa and Roque Santa Cruz to leave Blackburn this summer, he could be followed by (just to name a few) Carlos Tevez, Samuel Eto'o, and Joleon Lescott.

I believe they will sign multiple good players this summer and put out one of the better squads in the EPL. However, there is one thing money most certainly cannot buy, and that is team chemistry.

Man City will most likely start 9 or 10 players they have been bought within the last 15-20 months and will lack fluidity for the start of the season. A top four finish seems more reasonable than a title.
Chance of winning: 6

Everton

After David Moyes won coach of the year, bringing Everton to a surprising fifth place finish in the Premier League, they now look to break into the top four, and head to the Champions' League. Everton trio Phil Jagielka, Joseph Yobo and Tim Howard have all signed new lengthy contract extensions with the club this summer.

They now must look to bolster there squad with some signings. On loan striker Jo (from Man City), will not be signed permanently because of his price tag, but they are surely looking for a replacement up top. Kyle Naughton and Fabian Delph look like to two impending signings.

However, Everton lack the real cash to improve squad better than any of the current top four, and they may be looking at another fifth or sixth place finish again this year. Chance of winning: 4