Players
QPR have signed young Arsenal striker Jay Simpson on a season-long loan.
The Guardian says Arsenal have acquired Damian Martinez from Independiente for £1.2m.
Arsene Wenger has been very positive on William Gallas, even suggesting a new contract (Sun): “Why not offer him a new deal? It’s early in the season and we will see later but now he has a big influence in the side.”
Fran Merida (Mirror)is to be rewarded with a new long-term contract after being promoted to a first team regular.
It also says Arsenal’s emerging midfielder Alex Song, given a new deal last season, is set to be offered improved terms.
Eboue says “I’ll wait but if they want me to sign a contract I will sign because I love this club and have to do my best for this team. I didn’t say I wanted to move when they booed me. I have two more years at Arsenal and feel very good here. I want to improve more and win something with my team.”
UEFA president Michel Platini confirmed Eduardo could be suspended over the penalty incident against Celtic, pending a review and said his plan of having two additional assistant referees (AARs), one next to each goal, would cut down on diving.
Platini, speaking in Monaco, said: “There are disciplinary procedures at UEFA and the procedure could be taken to suspend the player. Scotland often start such procedures – last time it was a Lithuania player who was sanctioned.”
Cesc Fabregas is rated 50/50 for tomorrow’s game at Old Trafford. Yesterday, he was 40/60.
Odds for tomorrow’s game:Manchester United (11/10 Betfred); Arsenal (14/5 Betdaq); draw 12/5 (Jaxx) 1-1 11/2 (Stan James);0-0 4/5 (Sportingbet).
Victor Chandler have cut Arsenal’s odds against winning the Premier League title into just 11/2.
Finance
Meanwhile Usmanov has been increasing his stake paying up to £9,000 a share – £2,000 above the market price – over the past month. The most significant trade was a £1.35m investment in 150 shares. They have not been disclosed since they do not lift Red & White’s stake through 26%. However, The Guardian points out he is getting close to that mark with his purchases over the past 30 days amounting to 0.5% of the club’s equity.
In connection with finances, thanks to ANR reader Adrian John for sending an Equifax table, published earlier this year revealing Arsenal are top of the credit league.
Arsenal are top of Equifax’s credit rating table with 98 points, ahead of Manchester United on 95 points.
Equifax says Arsenal’s shrewd financial decisions have kept it at the top of the table on and off the pitch. “The club sold its Highbury stadium at the peak of the property boom, swapping it for larger stadium in a cheaper part of London. In addition, careful transfers and player purchases mean Arsenal’s in good financial shape.”
Equifax External Affairs Director, Neil Munroe, believes this latest data is an important reality check for the clubs. “Football has more investment from wealthy individuals, but if there’s a sudden crisis, those individuals may struggle and this would impact on the clubs. Not even Premiership football is safe from the recession if investors decide to withdraw funds.
The survey lists ten clubs as insolvent if everyone demanded their money back at once.
It concludes: “Arsenal proves that good money management goes a long way in times like these.”
Champions League
AZ 67 Alkmaar: Ronald Koeman knocked Arsenal out of the competition when coaching PSV Eindhoven and have Mounir El Hamdaou top scorer in the Eredivisie with 23 goals.
Olympiakos: Never past quarter finals; hostile home atmosphere;
Standard Liege: Liverpool and Everton founds them tough opposition last season. Key player – Steven Defour.
Other
The Mirror mentions 91 Arsenal fans mobilised by REDaction who laid out 58,000 red and white scarves, one on every home seat in the stadium for the Portsmouth match.