Arsenal have completed the signing of yet another young talented midfield starlet, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Chamberlain has joined Arsenal from Southampton for a reported fee of 12 million pounds, but the fee could be as high as 15 million depending on the Englishman’s success at the Emirates. The 17-year-old midfield maestro enjoyed a brilliant season in 2010-11. In 41 games for Southampton last season, Chamberlain scored ten goals and led the Saints to promotion from League One to the Championship. Chamberlain was named to the 2010–11 League One PFA Team of the Year at the ripe age of 17.
Wenger on Chamberlain
Shortly after Arsenal’s official website confirmed the signing of Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, Arsene Wenger said the following regarding the Gunners latest signing.
“We are delighted that Alex has decided to join us.
“He is an exciting young player who will provide us with creativity and offensive quality.
“Alex is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions.
“He can play as an attacking centre midfielder, or wide left and right.
“Alex is a perceptive passer of the ball and has a great understanding of the game and looks to be a very good team player.”
Samir Nasri Saga
Hours after reports suggested Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain was an Arsenal player, Emirates 24/7 reported that Arsenal would be willing to sell unhappy French midfielder Samir Nasri to Manchester City. The catch is that Arsenal want £22 million cash up front for the Frenchman, but City are only willing to make a £15 million down payment. The remaining £7 million of the fee would paid through payments depending on Nasri’s success and total appearances over the next five seasons. With City’s track record is not shying away from big transfer fees, one would probably assume that Nasri would eventually end up at Eastlands.
Finally Addressing their Defence
After a season which saw Arsenal’s defence implode, Wenger is finally making strong strides to improve the Gunners woeful defensive situation. Injury-prone centre-back Thomas Vermaelen suffered another injury in a preseason friendly versus Benfica. The Belgian is seemingly always sidelined due to injury. In fact, when you type in “Thomas Vermaelen” into Bing, the first thing that comes up is “Thomas Vermaelen injury.”
Wenger Eyes Bolton Star Cahill
The French boss was being linked with Everton Phil Jagielka, but after the Toffees placed a rather ridiculous £18 million asking price for the centre-back, Wenger is now pursuing other options. The most notable option is Gary Cahill of Bolton Wanderers. Cahill is a strong and rather imposing central defender who is outstanding in the air. Since joining Bolton in 2008, Cahill has appeared in 111 Premier League games, scoring an impressive 11 goals. The Englishman would definitely be considered one of Wenger’s best defensive signings at Arsenal.
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