CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Messi back for final?
Leo Messi has targeted the Champions League final against Arsenal on May 17 for his return to action, says the Scottish Daily Record.
Messi said: “I feel fine. I did exactly what the doctors and physios had told me. Hopefully there will be enough time before we go to Paris to prove I’m ready for the final. It would be wonderful to do that.”
Another Barcelona casualty, Xavi Hernandez, came on as an 80th-minute substitute for Deco to a standing ovation from his Nou Camp fans.
Xavi said: “That was an unforgettable night. I’ve never received a reception like that before and it was great to feel useful again for the team and as a footballer. It was like starting the season all over again.”
Frank Rijkaard said: “Xavi’s comeback is great news. We’ve missed him out on the pitch and also in the dressing room.”
TRANSFER RUMOURS
Lauren to Sevilla?
A couple of papers report that Sevilla will make a £4million move to take Lauren back to Spain at the end of the season.
Lauren joined Arsenal as a midfielder in 2000 in a £7m deal, but was converted to right back.
One ANR reader points out that Lauren could be one of only a handful of elder experienced players next season.
Robson fight
Bryan Robson will try to fight off Premiership interest in Curtis Davies and Zoltan Gera following West Brom’s relegation, says the Daily Express
Kanu is set leave, but Robson is under no financial pressure from chairman Jeremy Peace.
Newcastle fight to keep N’Zogbia
Newcastle have handed Charles N’Zogbia a new contract to fend off interest from Arsenal, says the Sun
The French midfielder, 19, who moved from Le Havre for £250,000 caught the eye of Arsene Wenger after a string of outstanding performances. But he has been offered an improved three-year deal.
FINANCE
Arsenal fourth in shirt sponsorship league
Arsenal with a £5m O2 shirt sponsorship deal in 2005/6 are fourth behind Chelsea £10m, Man U £9m, Liverpool £5.5m in the 05/06 season, according to the FT. Tottenham are sixth on half that of Arsenal – £2.5m.
Total shirt sponsorship income was £55.25m, according to the report by Brand Rapport, who say that a new deal by Arsenal and Tottenham will increase total shirt sponsorship revenues.
Arsenal will pay Seville £2m if they win the Champions League
The Daily Express says that a clause in Jose Antonio Reyes’ contract, when he signed from Sevilla for £10.5m in January 2004, stipulated they would get a further £2m payment if Arsenal won the Champions League with him in the team.
PLAYERS
Henry talk
Arsène Wenger believes Thierry Henry is heading towards the finest years of his career. “The next two years will be his best, where he has the physical quality and the experience,” Wenger said in The Independent.
While chairman Peter Hill-Wood claims in the Mail: “We haven’t got a clue what he wants to do. He’s slightly moody, too. Some days he’s up, some days he’s down. He has a wonderful life in London and gets very well paid. We hope he decides to stay with us. ‘I think that he is irreplaceable, but we’ll manage (if he goes), as we have before. It will be a big blow, though.”
FANS
Edu cheers Arsenal
Edu was in Villarreal last Tuesday to cheer on his former team-mates to the Champions League final, says The Daily Star.
“Edu was very popular at Arsenal and it was great for everyone to see him and he was delighted for us,” said Gilberto.
Morgan dilemma
According to the legal press, aid Arsenal fan, and ex Daily Mirror editor, Piers Morgan was in the middle of speech, hosting the Legal Marketing awards when Villarreal got that penalty. Word has it – he handled it OK.