Arsenal Name Veteran Centre-Back Per Mertesacker as New Club Captain

Arsenal have confirmed that veteran centre-back Per Mertesacker will be the new club captain at the Emirates, taking over from Mikel Arteta after the Spaniard left the club and retired from football at the end of last season. 

Reports in the press overnight had suggested that Santi Cazorla might be the man entrusted with the role, but a post on the club's official Twitter account named the 31-year-old German as the man to lead the club forward. 

In a short statement on the club's website, Arsene Wenger revealed some other members of the squad - Cazorla included - would fill in for Mertesacker as he continues to recover from a knee injury which looks set to see him sidelined until around the end of the year. 

Wenger said: “Per is a very respected figure in the dressing room, is loved as well and is also a very demanding figure. I think it is absolutely natural to be [him].

“[In his absence] that’s where it will be taken by the assistants. One of them will be Koscielny, also Cazorla - the experienced players - Cech maybe. We will have a group of people that will take care of the energy levels and the problems of the team. That will be down a lot to the experienced players.”

The Gunners kick off their Premier League campaign on Sunday against Liverpool, missing not only Mertesacker but also centre-back partners Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel, leaving a gaping hole in the centre of the defence which could be filled by Calum Chambers and Rob Holding. 

Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil also look like missing out after their late returns from Euro 2016 over the summer, leaving Wenger to try to get a result with a severely depleted side. 

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Shkodran Mustafi almost an Arsenal Player

Sky Sports understands negotiations will continue today (Thursday) as the Wenger try to wrap up the deal for the Germany international who will boost the Gunners’ defensive ranks following injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista. 

Paulista who has now been sidelined for up to six weeks picked up a knock in last Sunday’s friendly win over Manchester City after he clashed with Nigeria’s Kelechi Iheanacho who scored one of the Citizens’ consolation of the encounter.

Reports suggest a deal is close for the Gunners to sign Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi for a fee in the region of £20million after he was left out of his side’s most recent friendly match

Born in Germany to an Albanian family, Mustafi eventually opted to represent his adopted nation at international level, though he could have played for Albania – something he has in common with Arsenal’s Swiss midfielder Xhaka.

The 24-year-old also brings some versatility to the side, and could also be an option at right-back if need be, though don’t expect him to make too many Hector Bellerin-esque darts forward.

A surprise selection by Germany manager Joachim Low for his 2014 World Cup squad, the 24-year old centre-half was only called up after injury ruled Marco Reus out of the tournament.

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Arsene Wenger confirms Gabriel Paulista ligament damage

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Gabriel Paulista suffered ligament damage during his side's final pre-season friendly this evening.

The Brazilian was stretched off during the closing stages of his side's 3-2 victory over Manchester City in Gothenburg having caught his studs in the turf.

Wenger was unable to put an exact timeframe on the centre-back's return, but confirmed that he will miss the season opener against Liverpool on Sunday.

"We have not even made a diagnosis in the medical room with our doctors or physios yet. I can't tell you more. He's in pain. Let's hope the pain is not a sign of bad news. The only thing we have to know now is how big the damage is with his ligament," he told the club's official website.

"I've never seen an intelligent accident, they always look stupid. We have to take that. He played the ball 100% and I think he rolled his ankle, but I don't know how it happened. It's part of our game. Yes, [he will miss the start of the season]. We are very short [in defence].

"Maybe he was a bit tired, I don't know. Was his coordination a bit weaker, I don't know. Was he locked in the grass with his studs... I have to speak to him. He's just come out of a medical room and he's not in a better state because he couldn't even talk on the pitch."

Gabriel's injury leaves Wenger with just Rob Holding and Calum Chambers as recognised central defenders for the opening match of the season.

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Arsene Wenger list out four things a player must have before he signs him

After hitting eight goals past a hapless Viking FK on Friday night, Arsene Wenger revealed that the club was on ‘high alert’ – seeking players to sign before the transfer window closes.

“It’s not the prices, it’s the players,” Wenger told Arsenal’s official website.

“At the moment I’m focused on the players we have. Today we didn’t have Ramsey, [Granit] Xhaka, Alexis [Sanchez] – he will play on Sunday.

“We still have [Mesut] Ozil at home, and [Olivier] Giroud and [Laurent] Koscielny too.

“We also have young players who came on and did well. We do not have to panic but we are on alert in the transfer market so that we can make the right move when the opportunity comes up.”

He then added, “The money is never a problem if you have to pay what is requested.”

Arsenal fans, especially the Nigerian ones have been pleading with their ‘ijebu’ manager to splash the cash and fortify the team with quality players even though he has already spent £35million on Xhaka, whilst he also snagged 20-year-old Rob Holding from Bolton Wanderers for £2.5million but the fans are not satisfied.

“The price of a player is down to four ingredients. One is the talent, two his age, three is how much you expect him to improve your team, and four his resale value.

“If he ticks all four boxes then the price is not that important. You have to find the player.” Arsenal fans, there you have it – find a player that ticks all these four characteristics and Wenger will shell out!

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Jose Mourinho hits on 'unethical' Arsene Wenger, Jurgen Klopp over Pogba comments

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has hit back at Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp for criticising the £100m valuation of his transfer target Paul Pogba.

The Red Devils are expected to announce the arrival of the Juventus midfielder before the start of the Premier League season next weekend.

It is believed that United are willing to pay a world-record fee of around £100m, which would make Pogba the most expensive footballer in history, eclipsing the £85m figure that Real Madrid paid to Tottenham Hotspur for Gareth Bale in 2013.

Wenger, who has had numerous tussles with Mourinho in the past, recently described the hefty sum as"completely crazy", while Klopp claimed that "the day this is football, I'm not in a job anymore".

In today's press conference, Mourinho hinted that Pogba's arrival is imminent, and he also described Wenger and Klopp's comments as 'unethical'.

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"I only speak about us," said Mourinho. "I heard already two of my colleagues from other clubs speaking about us. I do not like that. It is not ethical. There are things that when I do are not ethical and when others do it everything is normal, nobody says that. I do not speak about the others. They can do what they want. Our market was good.

"We made decisions, decide to bring four players not 10, that are Manchester United level. Four that we think can really improve the squad and not just be one more. This is the profile of our market.

"A young defender that needs time to be a top one but who has top potential. A creative player that we know the quality, a super striker, and we are going to get a very good midfielder. We try for balance. I am happy with my squad. I am happy with the effort of the club. The others it is their problem."

Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are the three signings that United have completed so far this summer.

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Arsene Wenger Tells Forward Joel Campbell to Find New Club

Arsene Wenger Reportedly Tells Forward Joel Campbell to Find New Club

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Arsenal players return to training as Wenger gears up for 21st season in charge of Arsenal

Arsenal players return to training as Wenger gears up for 21st season in charge

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Arsene Wenger Foolishly Mistakes Croatia Team Doctor For Soon-To-Be PSG Boss Unai Emery

Arsene Wenger Foolishly Mistakes Croatia Team Doctor For Soon-To-Be PSG Boss Unai Emery

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Arsene Wenger Admits Defeat in Chase for Jamie Vardy: He Will Stay at Leicester

Arsene Wenger Admits Defeat in Chase for Jamie Vardy: He Will Stay at Leicester

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger receives £3.5million from liquidated company

Arsene Wenger has received £3.5million after his sports company shut down.

The Arsenal boss is believed to have been receiving payments from LA Promotions LTD since the company went into voluntary liquidation in December 2014.

Accounts reveal that Wenger took home in excess of £2million from the company.

It is also unclear what the firm actually does, but it was listed at Companies House as working in "other sports activities".

They are now registered as "Out of Business".

Wenger who has an estimated personal fortune of around £40 million receives an annual salary of £8.3million at Arsenal but his deal ends next summer.

Also Wenger is living in a £5.6million mansion in the exclusive north London area of Totteridge.

Last season a handful of called for Wenger's departure, believing that he can't bring back the glory days of Arsenal.

Your Opinion 

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Wenger hails departing Arteta and Rosicky

Arsene Wenger paid tribute to the impacts made by Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky as they said farewell to the Arsenal fans after the 4-0 win over Aston Villa.

A positive day for Arsenal saw them finish second in the Premier League for the first time since 2005 after Tottenham Hotspur's shock 5-1 defeat at relegated Newcastle United, and the manager was keen to praise the departing stars.

"They are extremely respected in the dressing room and it shows that in football there are still positive emotions," Wenger said at his post-match media conference.

"Tomas Rosicky was first an exceptional football player and highly respected in our dressing room. It was a very sad day for me not being able to pick him to be in the squad because there was something at stake. We lose him.

"We lose Arteta – two exceptional football players but also two leaders in the dressing room. I am convinced that in the bad periods they were a positive influence on the squad and we will miss them next season.

"So I would like to thank them for what they have done and wish them the best of luck."

Rosicky, 35, joined Arsenal in 2006 and received an award for 10 years of service, while 34-year-old captain Arteta spent five seasons with the club after signing from Everton in 2011.

Arteta is almost certain he has played for the last time as a professional and has been linked with a move to Manchester City to join the coaching staff of incoming boss Pep Guardiola from next season, although he suggested there is a possibility of remaining at Emirates Stadium in a similar capacity.

Having shed tears after the final whistle, he told Arsenal's official website: "I have to take some time. I'm 99 per cent sure I will stop playing football. I have different options now to continue in relation to this magnificent sport.

"I need to sit down with my family and decide what is best for me and for football in general in the next chapter.

"I love competing and I love this game. I wanted to decide when the time was to leave. I preferred to make that decision myself, and not the other away around. In my opinion, I'm leaving the best club in England for sure.

"I'm very happy because the people and the manager have been unbelievable for me these last few weeks. They have left the doors open for me at this club. That means a lot."

Asked whether he would try to claim Arsenal's final goal of the season, Arteta said: "I don't know. I couldn't write a better script probably. The boys have been absolutely magnificent with me in the last two days.

"The things I've experienced will stay with me for the rest of my life. It's a day I will never forget."

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Wenger predicts the end of the traditional big four

Arsene Wenger believes the money flooding into the Premier League from next season will bring an end to the traditional big four.

The Arsenal boss knows victory over Manchester City on Monday morning (AEST) will seal a top-three finish and guaranteed UEFA Champions League football for his side for next year.

But the Gunners had greater aspirations having topped the table at the turn of the year, only to be usurped by the superb form of newly-crowned champions Leicester City.

And Wenger reckons the influx of television money into the league from the start of the new campaign means the surprise success of the Foxes could be repeated.

Arsenal are looking to secure a 20th successive season in the Champions League but the fight can only get tougher, according to the Frenchman.

"The big question mark is what happened with Leicester can happen again because first of all every English team can buy players," he said.

"The difference out on the market between those who really make a difference and are just a fraction better, where players go to lower teams with a bit more spirit and a bit more fighting, bit more support and a bit less expectation.

"And maybe a team that nobody expects now will come next season and surprise everyone. All the English clubs have the money to buy now.

"You've got West Ham moving into a new stadium with more potential with the finances that brings. Tottenham are creating a new stadium as well.

"So in a few years the potential in England will be much more shared than everywhere else and you can get more surprises."

Asked if the days of the traditional top-four are at an end, the 66-year-old replied: "Exactly. This might be questioned in the future How many teams can win the title next season then?

"I don't know. It's difficult to say. Let's go to the start of this season, predictions were: One Chelsea will win it again. Number two, Man City. OK.

"In the end any pundit who would have predicted Leicester would have lost their job. And that is what can happen again.

"Clubs down our league can buy the best players in France, Spain and in Italy. So they have the potential to build a big team."

Arsenal's capitulation from league favourites to also rans has not only been down to the form of the likes of Leicester and Tottenham Hotspur.

Their own form has been poor and Wenger knows his own team need to improve ahead of next season - if they are to keep up with the likes of Manchester City.

"We have to add something defensively as a team to be more ruthless," he conceded.

"Once you are two up at West Ham you finish 3-3 you question the team defensively. We were not strong enough defensively. We gave cheap goals away against Man Utd and were punished for it.

"I don't think we are soft but we need to toughen up. In some games we were caught, but a lot of the teams have the same problem."

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