By Ian Grant
PLAYERS
Francis Jeffers is 20/1 with Surrey to be top scorer in the Premiership.
Kanu has vowed to stay at Arsenal and fight for his place.
His agent, Frank Sedoc said: “Kanu wants to fight for his place. Five months ago he signed a new contract and he has bought a house in north London. I don’t see why he shouldn’t play for Arsenal.
“He will fight harder to get into the team, that is his attitude.
kanu only appeared in about a third of Arsenal’s matches last season.”
Small of Arsenal represented England u-17s against Brazil. They lost 0-2 at Wigan.
The People have some interesting valuations on Arsenal players in their Fantasy League. Richard Wright and Seaman are £3.5m each. Sol Campbell is £3.5, Adams £3m, the other defenders all £2.5m. Van Bronckhorst is £4m with Pires, Parlour, Vieira and Ljungberg on £3.5m. Thirry Henry is £7m, Wiltord £5.5m, Bergkamp £4m, with Jeffers and Kanu on £3.5m.
Arsene Wenger is rated on a par with Gerard Houllier on £4.5m. Alex Ferguson is valued at £5m.
Thierry Henry will wear the Mercurial 02 footwear at the World Cup next summer.
According to the People, Richard Wright bought his brother a £25,000 Golf GTi as a wedding present.
DIRTY DEALINGS?
According to some papers, the FA have known for weeks that Marc Roger contacted five major clubs, including Manchester United, in a bid to sell Patrick Vieira behind Arsenal’s backs – against FIFA, UEFA, Premier League and FA rules.
The teams mentioned are Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan.
Graham Noakes, the man in charge of agents’ activities and players registrations at the FA and Graham Bean, the FA’s Compliance Officer are aware of the accusations.
The FA has a report compiled from documents handed to the FA by various sources.
FA chiefs are preparing to ask Arsene Wenger for an explanation of an interview which he accused United of illegally tapping-up Vieira.
OLD BOYS
Ex-Arsenal boss, George Graham act is to as a studio expert for the new ‘Premiership Plus’ programme on BSkyB next season.
Graham commented on the Campbell signing, saying:”It is a great signing for Arsenal. I can understand why the Spurs fans are hostile towards it, but that is the nature of the game these days. The wealthy clubs such as Manchester United and Arsenal only need a couple of players to strengthen their squads, and they can afford to pay top money. The rest need more men and have less money to buy them with.”
Steve Morrow has gone to Luton on trial.
TRANSFER TALK
David Dein flew to Holland several days ago to win over their head-honcho van den Herik. One Australian paper said it could precipitate a move for Brett Emerton. It said Arsenal registered their interest. Feeyernoord have had $20m bids rejected, but need to sell to balance the books.
Meanwhile West Ham, launched a £6m bid for the Romford born player, according to the Observer. It was rejected.
Junichi Inamoto due to complete his £4m move to Arsenal next week, scored for the second successive week as Gamba Osaka won 2-0 at FC Tokyo.
Dietmar Hamann, Liverpool midfielder said of Inamoto’s imminent arrival:”There is an Asian player coming to Arsenal now and so the first, yeah, it all has to start once and maybe once it’s started and these players do well, maybe there are more coming.”
Arsenal target and Eire international back Steve Finnan signed a new five year contract keeping him at Fulham.
Asked about the £24m capture of Veron, Wenger said: “That’s half an aeroplane!”
MISCELLANEOUS
Celtic fan, Patrick Coyne said: “Joining the best league in Europe will be the best thing that has ever happened to Celtic. However, I don’t think we should be kidded into thinking we will become world beaters overnight. It will take at least five years before we are up there with Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool.”
The Observer says Ken Bates wants to replace David Dein as FA vice-chairman.
Big Brother presenter Davina McCall is a big Arsenal fan.
Ryan Giggs says of Arsenal’s Premiership chances:”Arsenal will be there as well because of their experience – they’ve been there, done it and they’ve added to their squad as well and that can only improve them.”
FASHION REVIEW
Andrew Allerton, Managing director, Outdoor Connection says Arsenal’s new away strip looks set to enter that football kit hall of infamy.
He told Marketing Magazine:”When the gold sheen is battered by a harsh English winter, we may well be left with a washed-out beige mess.”
He says it is designed to be a fashion accessory.