Wenger's ultimatum
Arsene Wenger accepts Arsenal are about to embark upon a "decisive season" and admits he will have to rethink his strategy should the young Gunners fail to make an impact on the Premier League title race.
The French coach rejected the overtures of Real Madrid, who were reported to have made an offer worth around £6million a year, to "finish the job" he started back at Highbury more than a decade ago.
Arsenal, though, have so far made only one major move in the summer transfer market, bringing in Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen, 23, from Ajax.
While the Gunners could yet step up their interest in Bordeaux's Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh, but only should Emmanuel Adebayor leave, Wenger continues to talk about evolution and progression for his squad rather than a radical overhaul.
It is, however, a policy which has so far failed to deliver a first Premier League trophy for the cabinet of the impressive 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium.
Nevertheless, reaching the Champions League final of 2006 should certainly not be underestimated. Indeed, but for some better fortune along with cooler heads in the games which mattered, both domestic and European silverware could have been safely locked away since.
Wenger, though, remains determined Arsenal will deliver come May 2010.
"I refused [Real Madrid] because I have built a young team and I have the feeling that I have not finished my job," Wenger told French radio station RMC.
"I am not denying it will be a decisive season. If we are not in the title race, we will have to build everything again."
Wenger, whose side finished fourth last term, reaching both the semi-finals of the FA Cup and Champions League, added: "People always expect more than the previous season, but I already put the pressure on myself."
While harbouring no intention of leaving his post just yet, Wenger, who turns 60 in October, accepts he cannot go on forever.
"I am near the end of my career, I won't be coach for another 10 years," reflected Wenger, who fended off some stern criticism from sections of the Gunners fans last season.
"I have been at the club for 12 years and I do not want to go on even one year too much."
After failing to lure Wenger to the Bernabeu, Real eventually appointed Manuel Pellegrini and have since spent almost £140million on Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, with another hefty price set to be paid for Lyon's Karim Benzema - who had been a target for both Manchester United and Arsenal.
Wenger, though, rejects the notion that simply spending money, however much, is the way forward.
"We have got an 'anti-Real' policy. We build on the long term, a bit like Barcelona," he said,
"There are two prices today, the price when Real Madrid buy and the market price.
"In the market, 35 million euros for Benzema is a very good price. But is he three times less good than Ronaldo? I don't think so."
Wenger added: "We do not need a lot of signings, only if there are players leaving.
"We have got a young team, which has an average age of 22 or 23, and one which is maturing - even if it can make mistakes like in semi-final of the Champions League this season."
Arsenal have confirmed their final pre-season friendly will be played against Spanish side Valencia on August 8 at the Mestalla Stadium.
The Gunners open the new Premier League campaign at Everton and face a Champions League qualifier the following week.
Serious Premier League Transfer Gossip
ETO'O NEXT FOR UNITED?
Having merked the footballing world by signing Michael Owen, it seems Manchester United are keen on bringing another striker in.
That's if you believe The News Of The World anyway.
The paper reports that Samuel Eto'o is a target for Sir Alex Ferguson, and get this - the altruistic old soul is prepared to drop those wage demands that had even Manchester Citeh thinking twice.
Apparently Eto'o will 'be prepared' to accept a mere, piffling and paltry £150,00-a-week to join United, as opposed to the £200,000 that he was reportedly demanding from City.
He is even willing to drop those demands for the best part of half of the transfer fee, which would amount to around £12million.
Clearly, Sam is one of the good guys.
Meanwhile, The People claims United are lining up a bid for Ashley Young, and The Sunday Times suggests that they - along with AC Milan - are after Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
TERRY COULD MOVE TO CITY
The chaps on Fleet Street really are persisting with the theory that John Terry could indeed sign for Manchester Citeh, despite Chelsea saying in no uncertain terms that they will not sell him, no way no how.
The News Of The World claims that Chelsea have given Terry an ultimatum - to ask for a transfer should he want one, and that the club are willing to do business at £45million. Crivens.
Apparently this is a 'no-nonsense' tactic from Carlo Ancelotti, but the paper reports Chelse hope/believe this could all be a cunning ruse.
The paper says: 'At best they fear he will use the speculation to negotiate a new deal at Chelsea. He has three years to run on his existing £140,000 a week contract.'
The sly old dog.
MASCH ON HIS WAY AFTER FALL-OUT?
If you believe the papers, Javier Mascherano is on his way out of Liverpool, and The Mail On Sunday thinks it knows why.
The paper reports that Mascherano and Rafa Benitez had somthing of a falling out at the tail end of last season, and the midfielder will therefore do one in the direction of Barcelona, who are ready to pay something like £20million for his services.
The paper reports that Masch will try and force his way out of Anfield, and will probably be joined by Xabi Alonso, who will apparently move to Real Madrid with a chunky £35million going in the opposite direction.
In other Liverpool news, The People reckons they are chasing Udinese midfielder Gaetano D'Agostino, while The News Of The World mumbles something about David Silva that we've all heard before.
WHO WILL ANCELOTTI BUY? TEVEZ PERHAPS?
Carlo Ancelotti starts work at Chelsea tomorrow, so there's plenty of 2+2=5 stuff in the papers this morn.
In typically understated fashion The Star claims Ancelotti will be given £60million to spend, and a quick scoot over to The News Of The World brings news that he might use some of that to have one last go at signing Carlos Tevez.
From what Carlitos himself is saying, it looks like Manchester Citeh are his favoured destination, but apparently Ancelotti is adhering to the 'don't ask, don't get' policy.
The NOTW also mentions that Chelsea may bid for Wesley Sneijder, one of the many marvellously talented players currently being packed into boxes and shipped out of Real Madrid.
MILAN TO CHUCK FLAMINI IN FOR ADEBAYOR
Interesting story in The Sunday Mirror this morning.
The paper reports that AC Milan are weighing up a bid for Emmanuel Adebayor (when aren't they?) but they will jazz this particular offer up with a familiar face.
The Mirror claims Milan will offer £20million plus Mathieu Flamini for Adebayor, in the hope that such an addition will seal the deal.
However, and this is a bit of a turn up, they may have a job persuading Adebayor to make the move, after his agent said he would be staying at Arsenal.
Read all about that one here.
AND THE REST...
West Brom's Paul Robinson is furious he hasn't been allowed to join Bolton...Lauren could join Hull after being released by Portsmouth...Wigan face a battle with Sunderland for Stephen Hunt...Hull are keen on Fulham flop Bobby Zamora...Steve Bruce plans a £4million bid to bring Norway striker Moa Abdellaoue to Sunderland...Bolton want Manchester City ace Gelson Fernandes...Middlesbrough want Wayne Henderson as a replacement for Chelsea-bound Ross Turnbull...Hull have agreed to sign Kevin Nolan - as long as Newcastle contribute towards his wages...Jonathan Greening and Paul Robinson are ready for showdown talks with West Brom...Christian Panucci has snubbed the chance to return to the Premier League with Hull...Richard Dunne's £4.5million move to Sunderland is being held up by Manchester City's search for a replacement.
Aston Villa are still trying to land Kyle Naughton from Sheffield United...West Ham are considering a move for Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen...Alex McLeish has launched an ambitious bid to land Spurs defender Gareth Bale...Burnley will have to pay £3million for Doncaster's Matt Mills...Almeria striker Alvaro Negredo is a target for Tottenham with team-mate Kalu Uche is the subject of a bid from Fulham...Derby boss Nigel Clough is planning a £1million double raid for Blackpool defender Shaun Barker and Crewe right-back John Brayford...Jermaine Beckford's agent insists the striker is still committed to Leeds...Michael Mifsud could replace Michael Owen at Newcastle...Manchester City are ready to turn to Spanish international striker Dani Guiza if they fail to land Samuel Eto'o...Wigan are planning a £4million swoop for Marseille right-winger Mathieu Valbuena...Middlesbrough want to sign Rob Hulse for £3million...Jermaine Pennant is in talks for a move to Sunderland...Norwich are monitoring Colchester right-back Phil Ifil...Hull are ready to make a new £2.5million offer for Sunderland's Dean Whitehead...Paul McKenna will this week join Nottingham Forest...Newcastle right-back Habib Beye is attracting interest from Manchester City, West Ham, Everton and Sunderland...Bolton are set to offer £3million for Zat Knight...Leicester are close to completing a loan deal for Manchester City's Ryan McGivern.
Having merked the footballing world by signing Michael Owen, it seems Manchester United are keen on bringing another striker in.
That's if you believe The News Of The World anyway.
The paper reports that Samuel Eto'o is a target for Sir Alex Ferguson, and get this - the altruistic old soul is prepared to drop those wage demands that had even Manchester Citeh thinking twice.
Apparently Eto'o will 'be prepared' to accept a mere, piffling and paltry £150,00-a-week to join United, as opposed to the £200,000 that he was reportedly demanding from City.
He is even willing to drop those demands for the best part of half of the transfer fee, which would amount to around £12million.
Clearly, Sam is one of the good guys.
Meanwhile, The People claims United are lining up a bid for Ashley Young, and The Sunday Times suggests that they - along with AC Milan - are after Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
TERRY COULD MOVE TO CITY
The chaps on Fleet Street really are persisting with the theory that John Terry could indeed sign for Manchester Citeh, despite Chelsea saying in no uncertain terms that they will not sell him, no way no how.
The News Of The World claims that Chelsea have given Terry an ultimatum - to ask for a transfer should he want one, and that the club are willing to do business at £45million. Crivens.
Apparently this is a 'no-nonsense' tactic from Carlo Ancelotti, but the paper reports Chelse hope/believe this could all be a cunning ruse.
The paper says: 'At best they fear he will use the speculation to negotiate a new deal at Chelsea. He has three years to run on his existing £140,000 a week contract.'
The sly old dog.
MASCH ON HIS WAY AFTER FALL-OUT?
If you believe the papers, Javier Mascherano is on his way out of Liverpool, and The Mail On Sunday thinks it knows why.
The paper reports that Mascherano and Rafa Benitez had somthing of a falling out at the tail end of last season, and the midfielder will therefore do one in the direction of Barcelona, who are ready to pay something like £20million for his services.
The paper reports that Masch will try and force his way out of Anfield, and will probably be joined by Xabi Alonso, who will apparently move to Real Madrid with a chunky £35million going in the opposite direction.
In other Liverpool news, The People reckons they are chasing Udinese midfielder Gaetano D'Agostino, while The News Of The World mumbles something about David Silva that we've all heard before.
WHO WILL ANCELOTTI BUY? TEVEZ PERHAPS?
Carlo Ancelotti starts work at Chelsea tomorrow, so there's plenty of 2+2=5 stuff in the papers this morn.
In typically understated fashion The Star claims Ancelotti will be given £60million to spend, and a quick scoot over to The News Of The World brings news that he might use some of that to have one last go at signing Carlos Tevez.
From what Carlitos himself is saying, it looks like Manchester Citeh are his favoured destination, but apparently Ancelotti is adhering to the 'don't ask, don't get' policy.
The NOTW also mentions that Chelsea may bid for Wesley Sneijder, one of the many marvellously talented players currently being packed into boxes and shipped out of Real Madrid.
MILAN TO CHUCK FLAMINI IN FOR ADEBAYOR
Interesting story in The Sunday Mirror this morning.
The paper reports that AC Milan are weighing up a bid for Emmanuel Adebayor (when aren't they?) but they will jazz this particular offer up with a familiar face.
The Mirror claims Milan will offer £20million plus Mathieu Flamini for Adebayor, in the hope that such an addition will seal the deal.
However, and this is a bit of a turn up, they may have a job persuading Adebayor to make the move, after his agent said he would be staying at Arsenal.
Read all about that one here.
AND THE REST...
West Brom's Paul Robinson is furious he hasn't been allowed to join Bolton...Lauren could join Hull after being released by Portsmouth...Wigan face a battle with Sunderland for Stephen Hunt...Hull are keen on Fulham flop Bobby Zamora...Steve Bruce plans a £4million bid to bring Norway striker Moa Abdellaoue to Sunderland...Bolton want Manchester City ace Gelson Fernandes...Middlesbrough want Wayne Henderson as a replacement for Chelsea-bound Ross Turnbull...Hull have agreed to sign Kevin Nolan - as long as Newcastle contribute towards his wages...Jonathan Greening and Paul Robinson are ready for showdown talks with West Brom...Christian Panucci has snubbed the chance to return to the Premier League with Hull...Richard Dunne's £4.5million move to Sunderland is being held up by Manchester City's search for a replacement.
Aston Villa are still trying to land Kyle Naughton from Sheffield United...West Ham are considering a move for Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen...Alex McLeish has launched an ambitious bid to land Spurs defender Gareth Bale...Burnley will have to pay £3million for Doncaster's Matt Mills...Almeria striker Alvaro Negredo is a target for Tottenham with team-mate Kalu Uche is the subject of a bid from Fulham...Derby boss Nigel Clough is planning a £1million double raid for Blackpool defender Shaun Barker and Crewe right-back John Brayford...Jermaine Beckford's agent insists the striker is still committed to Leeds...Michael Mifsud could replace Michael Owen at Newcastle...Manchester City are ready to turn to Spanish international striker Dani Guiza if they fail to land Samuel Eto'o...Wigan are planning a £4million swoop for Marseille right-winger Mathieu Valbuena...Middlesbrough want to sign Rob Hulse for £3million...Jermaine Pennant is in talks for a move to Sunderland...Norwich are monitoring Colchester right-back Phil Ifil...Hull are ready to make a new £2.5million offer for Sunderland's Dean Whitehead...Paul McKenna will this week join Nottingham Forest...Newcastle right-back Habib Beye is attracting interest from Manchester City, West Ham, Everton and Sunderland...Bolton are set to offer £3million for Zat Knight...Leicester are close to completing a loan deal for Manchester City's Ryan McGivern.
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