Arsenal Transfers confirmed! Kim in, Frim out!!

As transfer deadline day approaches the final few hours, Arsenal fans across the world will surely have their eyes glued to the screen in hope that we can sign someone before the night is over. So far we have only Kim Kallstrom under our belts. Lille have apparently rejected a loan offer from Arsenal, whilst Julian Draxler seems ever more unlikely to happen by the second, despite supposedly being near to completion according to earlier reports.

Furthermore Arsenal supposedly rejected the chance to sign Dimitar Berbatov this window, a player which I’m sure all the desperate Arsenal fans would be happy to get now. But focusing on done deals, it’s mainly on the way out of the Emirates to be honest, which yesterday saw one former ‘top potential’ player in Benik Afobe to leave the club temporarily, whilst another player of that category has also left Arsenal today.

Arsenal today announced that Emmanuel Frimpong had left the club for an undisclosed fee, signing for Championship side Barnsley. 22 year old Frimpong who is probably better known for his attitude, music and Dench branding than his footballing talent, leaves the club after his long standing association with the Gunners, having joined them from an early age and progressing through the youth academies with the likes of current star Jack Wilshere.

Whilst most of my memories of Frimpong are of the midfielder moving on loan to the likes of Fulham, Wolves and Charlton, the one time I will not forget of Frimpong is when the defensive midfielder got himself sent off against Liverpool on his Premier League debut. We had already suffered a boring 0-0 draw at Newcastle on the opening day, whilst a 2-0 loss against Liverpool didn’t help, but what was worse to come was the 8-2 mauling by United which followed the next week.

Personally I think Frimpong has bided his time with the Gunners for a little while longer than he should have. His attitude clearly wasn’t in the right place, and he is most notable for getting into scraps with former Gunner Samir Nasri. You cannot doubt the Ghanaian’s passion for Arsenal, but his passion for football may be on a different and much lower level.

Still I wish Frimpong all the best in the future and I’m sure if he can work on his game and become a true professional, in terms of effort, ability and attitude them I’m sure it won’t be too long until he makes his way back up to the Premier League.

And welcome to Arsenal Kim Kallstrom. He may not be the stellar signing we were hoping for, but the fans will support him and if he can help us this season in any way, it will have been worth it.

Arsenal v Fenerbahce preview and team news

Tonight Arsenal face Turkish side Fenerbahce at the Emirates, in the second leg of this Champions League qualification stage. After a very good performance in Istanbul last week, The Gunners have put themselves in a very comfortable position. A 0-3 win in Turkey was enough to end all hope for Fenerbahce and I assume that Arsenal will be going through the to the group stages of this season’s Champions League.

So we know the type of game they played last week and I can say that although the game wasn’t always as comfortable and easy as the score-line may suggest, Fenerbahce did struggle to make any of their chances count. We were lucky on a few aspects that their shooting was a bit off, whilst Szczesny made some fantastic saves but that aside they really struggled to get anything going for them.

Now they return for the second leg by traveling to the Emirates, where Arsenal fans can expect another brilliant atmosphere. The atmosphere on a Champions League night is always brilliant and although some may consider this game not to be a really exciting game, I think Fenerbahce will still put up a fight as they won’t bow out easily.
Let’s face it, a 3-0 lead from kick-off plus the away goals rule means we are effectively 6-0 up even before we kick off. It’s extremely unlikely we are going to bow out of this competition now, however the Arsenal boys will still have to be on their game and be full of concentration because we must remember this is Arsenal, and we are capable of beating Barcelona one week and losing to Birmingham the next! Fenerbahce are perfectly capable of doing what we did to them this time last week, so I think, despite this very good lead we hold, it will be a brilliant game at the Emirates.

With Spurs at the weekend, you’d think perhaps Wenger would rest a few players; however with our lack of squad depth it’s difficult to see who. I think the likes of Sanogo, Gnabry and Frimpong could feature tonight in a full line up that consists of:
Szczseny
Jenkinson Mertesacker Koscielny Monreal
Frimpong Ramsey
Rosicky
Gnabry Sanogo Podolski

I think Sagna and Gibbs should get a break having played most of pre-season and the start of the season, Mertesacker too however we don’t have anyone who can replace him at the moment. Koscielny should feature after having the weekend off, whilst it gives Monreal a chance to show what he is capable of as Gibbs has a rest. Midfield is difficult and perhaps we could see a youngster tonight instead of maybe Rosicky, whilst up to Walcott and Giroud have heavily featured so perhaps give Gnabry and Sanogo a chance. Podolski should feature again.

I think this is a team still capable of putting up a good fight. I’m not sure if it can beat Fenerbahce but only time will tell, and who knows Wenger may even go out there with a normal team. I’m fairly confident of a result tonight one way or another but depending on how we play it could be a close 2-1 or a massive routing. Remember Gunners, if we get through it is our 17th year running and we also receive £30 million for our participation (Di Maria anyone?)! Let’s try and make it count this time because we may not see it again for a while.

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When it comes to football these days there aren’t many loyal players in the game. There aren’t many true football fans in the game and although I understand if you make it as a professional, the club you once supported as a kid becomes less valued because players will always want their team to win, some players continue to show the affection for their supported club, especially if it’s the club they play for.

At Arsenal we actually have quite a strong fan base in terms of the players at the club. Wojciech Szczesny, Emmanuel Frimpong, Carl Jenkinson and Jack Wilshere are all strongly public Arsenal fans and I’m sure every time they walk out on the pitch they are relishing the chance to play for the Gunners. So in my opinion these players share the frustration and disappointment that all us Arsenal fans have experienced from the club this summer. Not just on the pitch but off it as well. They understand the fans being angry and I’m sure they are desperate to make a change at the club.

I noticed after the Aston Villa game that Jack Wilshere was the only player to walk round the whole pitch clapping the fans after the final whistle, whilst everyone else went down the tunnels. Amongst the booing, the fans stopped to clap Wilshere’s class and you could see that it genuinely means a lot to him and that the result was as hurtful to him as it was to us.

Wilshere demonstrated class and quality at that moment and I’m sure he is determined to make a difference for this club. Wilshere is what Gerrard is to Liverpool and, like so many fans, we can’t wait for the day that Wilshere puts on that captain’s armband. As a fan on that pitch you’ll be more desperate than anyone to change the game, to be the effective force, to make the fans cheer come the full time whistle. That’s what Wilshere is all about and I have strong belief that he will be the player to make the difference because he sees what the fans see.

Frimpong remains confident over full recovery after second knee injury

Although Emmanuel Frimpong suffered a cruciate ligament injury while he was on loan from Arsenal to Wolverhampton, he remains confident over his recovery.

The Arsenal midfielder is confident he will return the same player he was before the terrible knee injury, once his recovery is complete. Frimpong suffered his cruciate knee ligament injury in February, and it ruled him out of football for several months.

The 20 year old is trying to recover from his second injury of this type, after the one in 2010 which sidelined him for nine months.

There are questions regarding Frimpong’s long-term fitness, after suffering two serious knee injuries, but the player is determined to prove them wrong.

“When I had the first one people were telling me it takes ages to get back playing at the level I was playing at before and when I came back with Arsenal I think I showed everyone I was still the same player and hopefully I can come back this time and show everyone I am still the same player again,” Frimpong told Sky Sports News.

“It is not as serious as the other one, similar, but hopefully I can do my gym work and hopefully I get back on to the pitch and start playing again.”

“It is bad that I am injured but I am in the gym with Jack Wilshire, he has great banter and we have got Sagna as well so I have got great company and it makes things go faster for me.”

We had high hopes of Frimpong providing competition for Alex Song at Arsenal, but can Wenger risk him going through a full season injury-free?

Why do so many Arsenal players get injured every year?

It’s a well known fact that over the years ever since Wenger came to the club there have always been problems regarding injuries. Arsenal players are falling to tough injuries and have to sit out whole seasons, and we can mention some starting with Wilshere, Frimpong (twice), Ramsey, Diaby, Eduardo, Van Persie and many, many others.

Wenger has even accused the opposition of targeting his players and causing the injuries intentionally, but it may be a bit more than that. The Brazilian full-back Santos was brought in last summer, and he managed to get accustomed pretty well to Premiership’s rigors showing us just how valuable a player he is, but then he got injured in the game against Olympiakos, and according to himself it was the first time he had to undergo surgery in his life.

After returning to fitness he declared: “The Premier League is something different – it’s the best league in the world. It’s hard to play in, the pace is different, the fact that almost every pitch is wet makes the ball run more, the tackles are harder, and it’s just really good,” he told Arsenal.com

“I have totally adapted. I feel very well, people here have received me with open arms, and I mean everyone, the club, the staff and the fans.

“Now all I want is to make history with this club.”

“All of that gave me the strength to carry on, and it all just contributes to my desire to work hard for this club and win titles in the red shirt.”

So, what’s up with the injuries and how come its always Arsenal players that get injured like that?

Surely it can’t just be that the Premiership is harder than other leagues or else other teams would have the same problems every year?

Emmanuel Frimpong hoping for good news today

The Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong was stretchered off in the first half of Wolves 2-1 win over QPR on Saturday and he has had an anxious weekend in a brace waiting for the visit to the hospital today for the crucial MRI scan on his knee.

After missing the whole of last season thanks to a damaged cruciate ligament, he is obviously worried that the same problem has come up again, but he is keeping his spirits up while he is wating.

He tweeted to his followers yesterday: “Having scan on Monday hopefully aint serious like my cruciate last year.”

“Three times I’ve been frimponged in the last week #deeeeench loool!”

Let’s hope that is still smiling after getting the results of the scan. Then he can get on with his improvement at Wolves and prepare to become an integral part of the Arsenal squad next season.

Frimpong ready to fight against Chelsea today

The Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong Has joined Wolves on a six month loan from yesterday, and he can immediately do the Gunners a favour by helping his new team inflict some more damage to Chelsea’s title hopes by taking some points off them at Molineaux.

Frimpong can’t wait to get into the thick of it and is ready to “fight” for Wolves, starting with Chelsea today. “It’s an opportunity for me to get more games.” he said. “I’m just coming here to add more quality to the team, hopefully, and I can’t wait to get started.

“I’m just happy to be here and excited about my new challenge. I’m a player that likes to fight, that likes to do everything for the team to win.

“I’ve played quite a few games already this season so it’s been a quick step up for me and I’ve learned a lot during the season and hopefully I can bring something different to the squad here.

“It’s a tough game to come into but that’s what I’m here for, to play against teams like Chelsea, and if I’m selected I’ll be looking forward to the challenge.”

Mick McCarthy straight away told Frimpong that he WILL be playing against Chelsea, and thinks he will be an excellent addition to his team. “I’m delighted the deal is done with Emmanuel and he’s available for Monday because we need fresh players. We’ll be continuing to try and get players in but I’m delighted with the business we have done so far.

“Manny Frimpong is a really great signing for us.

“He’s a terrific young player and an exciting prospect. He is an all-action, tough-tackling midfield player who can get about and pass it. I watched him against Manchester City and he got box to box and his career is blossoming.

“He should be a fabulous signing for us. It’s good to get people in here for the first games because if you wait until the end of January it’s another four or five games gone.”

Arsenal are now two points ahead of Chelsea and just three behind Tottenham after an excellent set of results this weekend. Let us pull away from Chelsea and then concentrate on attacking the top three. Look out behind you Tottenham, Arsenal are coming!

Wolves win the race to sign Emmanuel Frimpong from Arsenal

It was reported a few weeks ago that Wolverhampton Wanderers were trying to persude Arsene Wenger to allow Emmanuel Frimpong to move to Molineaux in January, and although Aston Villa also showed interest in taking the young Arsenal midfielder it seems that Wolves have got the final nod.

The BBC reports that talks are still ongoing but the 19 year-old is expected to finally sign on Monday for a loan at Wolves until the end of the season.

I personally thought that Frimpong was Arsenal’s best backup for Alexander Song, but we can only assume that Wenger is expecting Abou Diaby to be fit very soon to act as cover in the defensive midfield department, and of course Jack Wilshere is fully expected to be back in the squad in about a months time.

I understand that Wenger wants Frimpong to get an extended run of first-team football, and he wouldn’t have let him go to Wolves without a promise from Mick McCarthy that he will be used, but I’m a little worried that Alex Song may get injured and Diaby could very easily succumb to yet another setback before his ankle returns to normal.

I guess there is always Francis Coquelin who has been impressive when given his chance in the first team…..

Wenger – I would want Frimpong beside me in a war!

Arsene Wenger has taken Emmanuel Frimpong to Greece with him for the Champions League match against Olympiakos, and he says he would love to have him beside him if he went to war!

But the Frenchman believes that the Ghanaian international just needs to channel his aggression and energy into improving his game, and try not to let his emotions get to him like he did in the Liverpool game and also in the altercation with Sami Nasri last week.

“I love his raw enthusiasm,” Wenger said. “The only problem is to keep him on the right track. Like every generous guy, you don’t want to see him lose that. He’s a real fighter. You would love to go to war alongside Frimpong.

“But he also has to use his energy in a positive way because sometimes too much energy can be a handicap.

“He has a good mixture of confidence, humility and energy. He learns as well. So after the heat, he accepts that he needs to think about what is wrong and right.”

If Frimpong gets a reputation as being easy to wind up he will find himself getting riled by far more experienced players. He must keep himself in check or he’ll end up costing Arsenal points from time to time. Let’s hope he is a very quick learner because he is an excellent player otherwise.

Benayoun – Frimpong and Coquelin were excellent

Arsenal’s attacking midfielder Yossy Benayoun praised the much younger defensive midfielders at Arsenal Frimpong and Coquelin for their excellent football display in the game against Manchester City. The two managed to annihilate almost every Manchester City threat even though they are still young and have a lot to learn.

“Frimpong played with a lot of confidence and spirit,” Benayoun told Arsenal.com

“Also, he had a partner like Francis [Coquelin] in midfield who was very good for him and they controlled it.”

“Manchester City have a lot of quality players and they did a great job. In the end we were unlucky.”

“I think in the Carling Cup games you see a lot of young players coming in, doing their best and I think a few of them showed that they have a bright future for Arsenal.”

“Man City didn’t play better than us but in the end we made a mistake from our corner,” he added. “They have the players with a lot of quality to win the game.”

“We wanted to win, sometimes you get excited. We wanted to win the game and we were controlling the game. There was a corner, we forgot to defend and they scored – it was a shame.”

The Carling Cup game was a win from this point of view. Frimpong and Coquelin played a great match, and one of the best players on the field was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who managed to stun everybody with his excellent football display and with the progress he managed to make.