2) Andy Murray [GBR] (4)
3) Gilles Simon [FRA] (6)
4) Gael Monfils [FRA] (12)
5) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga [FRA] (5)
Labels: Tennis fever
The 27-year-old is expected to travel to London this week to finalise terms, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger confident of landing the Russia star after tortuous negotiations.
The Frenchman entertained Arshavin at Arsenal's training ground before Christmas and the forward is already thought to have virtually agreed personal terms, despite claims from Zenit last night that his wage demands were still a stumbling block.
The Russian club's board held a lengthy meeting that went on until late into the evening before emerging to announce that they had reached an agreement with the north London club.
Zenit said in a statement: 'Negotiations between Zenit and Arsenal on the transfer of Andrei Arshavin are continuing.
'The clubs have reached an agreement in principle on terms that both sides feel reflect the market value of the player.
'At the moment, the main obstacle in the implementation of the deal are the personal requirements of Andrei Arshavin.
'Andrei Arshavin does not intend to reduce the demands of his personal contract, thus hindering the negotiation process and calling into question all the agreements reached between the clubs.'It is unlikely that Arsenal and the player would be so far apart as Lachter has been sanctioned by the Zenit to talk directly to clubs since the Russian season finished in November.
The Euro 2008 star is desperate to test himself at a higher level and is aware that no other club have made an acceptable offer for his services this month.
Earlier this month he told Sportsmail he hoped the clubs would reach an agreement and, while waiting for a decision this week, he indicated that Zenit's valuation was the only barrier to a move.
'I'm waiting for a final decision,' he said. 'The talks don't depend on me. I haven't been in touch with the club management, so I haven't heard a clear "yes" or "no" yet.'
Arshavin is set to leave Zenit's training camp in Dubai en route to London, though may have to return to Russia first to secure a visa.
He played no part in a friendly on Saturday against the Uzbekistan national team and Zenit coach Dick Advocaat last night suggested that his departure was imminent.
'I think there will be news on Tuesday,' said the former Rangers boss. 'I am constantly in touch with (club general director) Maxim Mitrofanov and I look forward to the latest news.' Arsenal refused to comment.
Labels: Andy Murray, Arshavin, Australian Open
When Cardiff City striker Jay Bothroyd was an 18-year-old coming through the youth system at Arsenal, his reaction to being substituted in the final of the Premier League Youth Cup immediately cost him his future at the club. He pulled off his shirt and tossed it at the coaches in the dugout. He was, literally, sent to Coventry, to restart his career.
In the hotly competitive world of youth football, where the most promising players are hunted by a pack of ravenous agents, scouts, and managers, it is rare to find the perfect combination of talent and temperament. Terry Burton, Cardiff's assistant manager, remembers the moment he clapped eyes on a boy called Aaron Ramsey, who immediately impressed on both counts.
"He had just left school and was only two weeks into his career and we drafted him into the team for a friendly at Merthyr Tydfil. He was excellent. He had this maturity and vision above his years." Burton got on the phone to the manager, Dave Jones, and told him Ramsey had to be included in the first-team squad for their pre-season trip to Portugal. The boy never looked back. His first full season, which began at the age of 16, ended with an appearance in the FA Cup final last May.
Burton was the one to tip Arsene Wenger off about this special kid at Ninian Park. His connections go back to his time as an apprentice at Highbury, where he went on to coach and help bring through players such as Tony Adams.
"I have been 20 years away from the Arsenal and I never really knocked on the door to recommend someone," he says. "But I did with Aaron. I spoke to Arsene just before they signed him. I was sitting with him in his office and said, 'I'd really like to find something negative to say but I can't.'" The worst he could come up with was that he was exceptionally quiet -- surprisingly so for a lad nicknamed Rambo who wrote on his social networking webpage that he was scared of "nuffin".
As Burton explains: "Having come across a lot of London boys who obviously have a different type of personality, you didn't really know Aaron was about the place. Not on the pitch, though. As a character, that's where he comes to life."
Burton was also important in swinging Ramsey's decision away from Old Trafford and towards north London. "Manchester United were in, just after we had played in the FA Cup final. I said to Aaron, 'I don't know what is going to happen but if you get the chance, consider Arsenal because of the way they play and the way you play.'"
Burton is sure there will be no resentment from Cardiff's vociferous fans this afternoon and says they are all very proud of him and how he is pushing on. It is easy to detect the improvements that come from working with, and against, faster technicians. "It is not very often that young players move up and get straight into the team," Burton says, smiling. "He did that at Cardiff and again with Arsenal. He'll be thinking the game is easy."
Not quite. Even though Wenger describes Ramsey as "ahead of schedule", he still has to take on board some valuable lessons. While he has caught the eye with some of his cameo appearances this season, on other occasions he has been guilty of preferring the flash over the safe option. Nobody doubts that he will soon learn.
The rate he is progressing, his home town of Caerphilly will soon no longer be famous just for producing cheese and Tommy Cooper.
Adapted from The Independent
Aaronnnnnn. (: Well, so today Arsenal is playing against his ex-club. And he actually snubbed Manchester United for Arsenal, even though he grew up as a Man United fan. And the funny thing was that Man Utd thought they had secured his deal and they actually posted in their official site that he was a Man Utd player. However, he eventually chose Arsenal. AHAHH. It is nice to get that edge over Man Utd (: Victory against arch rivals always tastes sweet, regardless of how big or small it is (:
Anyway, I shall be watching the match tonight. So, no worries. Gasquet lost ): And Jankovic and Ivanovic too. Woah! HAHA. And Nadal thrashed the shit out of Haas..like seriously. I won't be surprised at ALL if Nadal wins the Australian Open. Andy Murray seems like a very good contender as well (: Gilles Simon and Gael Monfils are playing against each other in Fourth Round ): Sad man..I wanted both of them to be in the Quarter Finals ): Tsonga got through the 4th round as well (: And Amelie lost..it is kind of hard to remember the fact that she was world number one just two years ago. I guess her standard has deteriorated. Anyway, shall keep up with Aussie Open. It is turning out to be an exciting tournament indeed! (:
All right. i just cleaned my room. And I threw away ALL my sec4 textbooks and worksheets. My room is much more emptier now. Oh well, it will soon be full after JC starts. LOL. And I would like to thank EVERYONE who have me cards and notes..cause I have them and I am keeping them safely. Like ten years down the road, when you read these notes, it helps you recall all the moments you shared with your loved ones in high school and stuff. Time flies man.
Labels: Aaron Ramsey, Australian Open, Sceneries
Labels: Famous last words
Speaking from St Petersburg Mitrofanov said that he understood there was "already some agreement between Arsenal and the player about the terms of his contract" and it now depended on the two clubs agreeing a price.
Arsenal have so far offered a fee of £12m plus bonuses while Zenit are thought to want around £15m. "At this time we don't have an agreement with the price. I wait for the decision of my board about increasing the terms of the payment," Mitrofanov said. "Arsenal prefer to pay faster, £12m in one year. But if the final price for Arshavin is higher, and it may not be, then they can pay over two years."
With Kaka now staying at Milan, Arshavin's on-off move to Ashburton Grove has become the biggest saga of the transfer window. Is Mitrofanov confident the 27-year-old playmaker will finally join Arsenal? "I hope so. We hope it will be finished within two days. We would like that it will happen. [Arsène] Wenger likes the player, Arsenal want him, and Arshavin wants to play."
If the Russian does not move it seems likely he will remain a Zenit player until the summer, at least. "In this winter transfer window I can honestly say I do not have any other offers for him – not buying or loaning."
Adapted from The Guardian
All rights. So NewsNow is FILLED with Arshavin. Okay, all I can say that I hope he comes to Arsenal. It seems like he wants to as well. So hopefully (: He is a good player..but I haven't really seen him play, but I have watched random videos of him on YouTube. And he seems pretty good. However, at the end of the day, (if he signs for Arsenal) he has to play well, and that is the most important thing. So, fingers crossed. And let Arshavin keep praying for a move to Ashburton Grove, N5 to be finalised (: COME TO N5, ANDREI!
Inkheart!
Rating: 4/5
Labels: Inkheart
The Russian club are set to tell Arsenal today the reduced figure they would accept for Arshavin, with the two initially £8million apart on respective valuations and the Gunners holding firm on a £12m offer.
But Maxim Mitrofanov, general director of Zenit, said: “I am sure that we will finalise this deal in the transfer window. I am sure we will have a compromise with Arsenal. And I hope that everything will be fine.”
Mitrofanov said: “Every player has the possibility to buy out his contract after a certain period, it’s in FIFA regulations. We are not worried. We are sure that in this transfer window we close this question.”
Arshavin said: “I see Arsenal as my team of the future. I think joining them would be a very good option for me. The club, the coach and the Premier League, they all fit my criteria to test myself at the highest level.”
Several Premier League sides suffered early exits and Wenger, who has won the trophy four times with the Gunners, believes that the quality throughout the leagues has improved.
Wenger said: “Look at all the results in the third round, and look again at Derby’s win over Manchester United in the Carling Cup semi-final.
“The difference between the Championship and the Premier League has been reduced.
“Why? Because, in the Premier League you have so many foreign players of top, top quality that some very good English players have gone down to the Championship, and that closes the gap.
“What makes football great is the unpredictability of what will happen on the pitch, and as well the fact that you know that a fifth-tier team can bother a Premier League side.
“That’s why anything is possible on the day.
“An upset is a mixture of commitment, mental preparation, the ground levelling the technical differences and the support of the crowd. That all comes together to make anything possible.”
The Arsenal manager, speaking in the February issue of the Official Arsenal Magazine, out now, added: “The experience I have had so far in the FA Cup is that the Championship sides are usually more difficult to play against than many Premier League sides.
“Cardiff v Arsenal is a typical cup tie, because they have a special stadium with a special atmosphere.
Alexander Hleb believes Andrei Arshavin will be a success if he moves to Arsenal.
Arsenal are currently in negotiations with Zenit St Petersburg over a move for Arshavin as Arsene Wenger looks to boost his injury-hit squad.
And Belarus international Hleb, who left The Gunners for Barcelona in the summer, feels Arshavin has enough quality to be an instant hit at Emirates Stadium.
“Wenger always shows that he believes in his players,” he told Sport Express.
“It gives the players great energy and helps in any situation.
“I am sure that if Andrei joins Arsenal, it will work out well. There, he would be an even bigger star.
“He needs to train well and be himself. Arshavin is a top-class footballer and I think he would fit into Arsenal’s plans.
“However, it would be important for him to learn English.”
Adapted from Setanta Sports
Okay..I wonder why Hleb MUST comment on this Arshavin-Arsenal thing. Maybe he still cares about Arsenal...just maybe. And I heard that Hleb is struggling at Barcelona (a little) as he does not know Catalan or Spanish..wish he stayed. Anyway, no point discussing about that. And yea..hopefully he is right on Arshavin. And it would be great if he is right indeed...and that is if the deal actually goes through.
I read that Arsenal has offered 26Jan as a deadline for Zenit to take it or leave it. I mean..I can understand why Arsenal don't want to pay too much for Arshavin as they don't know how he would adapt to the Premier League and stuff...a gamble has to be made in that sense. And it also like recession time now..and offering a lucrative deal is actually quite good. Well, if Zenit want to get greedy, maybe they won't be able to get as much money as they want now. And that would happen if Arshavin decides to buy-out his contract. And Arshavin's agent called Zenit "barbaric" for being adamant about this entire deal and wanting 20million from it. Well, we will see how it goes. If they isn't any news by 26Jan, we know that Arshavin is not coming to Arsenal..as of now at least. Lets just wait and see what happens. And meanwhile, a FA Cup game in Wales against Cardiff City (Aaron Ramsey's ex-club) is coming up.
And I just read that Manchester City have now made Thierry Henry their top target. Okay, first of all, I have no idea if it is true because this might just be a rumour, for all you know. But if it is true, I shall just say "Get a life, please!"
I mean..they have failed to sign Kaka..and now they are going after Henry. I mean..I understand that they want to become a big club and stuff. But I don't think that happens overnight! Not just using cash! I mean..I would say, they should rather concentrate on doing well with their current team then get greedy and covet for the world's best. Like seriously.
Anyway, I am feeling really sleepy now and I am going to sleep. Don't ask me how long..I shall go into 'hibernation mode'. LOL. I was watching all the old songs' music videos. Like 'Cry Me a River', 'No Promises', 'If thats okay with you' etc etc. It is astonishing how time flies so fast. /:
All right. Off now (:
BUH-BYEE!
<333
Victoria Concordia Crescit,
Labels: Arsenal-Arshavin transfer
Arsenal's opening bid may have been as low as £8million, but Sportsmail understands they are prepared to go as high as £15m.
'Negotiations with Arsenal continue and the chances are very high that Arshavin will soon play in the English Premier League,' said Dutchman Advocaat.
Representatives of Arsenal are expected to meet Zenit officials on Tuesday to hammer out final details of the agreement.
Arshavin, meanwhile, stepped back from his threat to go on strike if he was not allowed to leave Zenit. He flew to Dubai on a pre-season tour for the Russian club.
Unless there is a last minute hitch, it is expected he will fly from Dubai to London later this week to join up with his new team-mates.
Gunners ace hopeful first-team return just around the cornerArsenal's long-term injury victim Tomas Rosicky is hopeful that he will be able to confirm his first-team return in the near future.
The Czech Republic international has now spent just over a year on the sidelines after being unable to shake off a problematic hamstring injury.
Rosicky has revealed one of his main problems is battling to overcome the mental issues that come with watching his colleagues in action from the sidelines.
The former Borussia Dortmund ace respects The Gunners' decision to stay quiet on his injury, although he believes he may soon be able to reveal just exactly when he will make his return to action.
"Everyone surely knows that I am not in my ideal state of mind, the one I used to be in when was in Arsenal's starting line-up two or three times a week," he told his own website.
"Now I am playing a different game. I have been working hard every single day and want to be back soon. I need to be patient.
"I have to respect Arsenal management's decision not to comment on my state of health, as it's their choice and they have been doing their maximum to have me back in action.
"I am not the first or the last football player who has been sidelined for a year.
"I am looking forward to when I will be able to say to the fans 'I am fit and going to play at the weekend'. I believe it will not be a long wait."
Adapted from Sky Sports
Well..I really miss seeing him play. Like really. I guess he has been pretty unlucky with injuries. And this injury which he sustained like almost a year ago now, was pretty unfortunate. Well anyway, I just hope he comes back soon. Cause I feel that he is a really good winger and he can contribute a lot to Arsenal in matches. Get well soon (:
And Eduardo is back, training! So it is all about match fitness now. WHEEEE! After that HORRIFIC injury he sustained, it will be really great to have him back. I rate him highly as a player..and it will be great to have him back at this time of the season (: But I don't know if he would be at the top of his game though. I mean, I read that he scored a hat-trick during one of the recent training sessions. So that is a good sign. But I hope he can adapt to the physicallity of games as soon as possible (:
All right. Digressing back to my life (:
Went back to St.Margs to help out with some stuff. I had fun though (: Then went to Orchard to watch movie with Tharshini, Dhanya, Kiru and Shalini. We watched The Passengers. I thought it would be a really good movie..I mean that was what I heard from the reviews. However, I didn't find it that good. I mean, the direction and the cast were really good. But I didn't like the story. It was a thriller based on a plane crash, basically. But the so-called twist was not one that I expected or liked. I mean..I really thought it was a thriller based on how the airlines authority will try to silence the truth about the plane crash..so it goes after the people who know the truth. So I expected it to be like..how the protagonist escapes trouble and brings the truth to light. But that was not the story AT ALL. The protagonist(Anne Hathaway) is actually dead..and the whole movie was about how she finds out about the fact that she is dead. Okay, that might sound absolutely stupid when you hear it in one line..but when you watch the movie I think it doesn't sound that stupid. But still, I think I would have liked it more if it had more action and story to it ): Oh well, it you want, you can try watching it. But I can't guarantee anything..I think some might like it, some might not. I didn't really like it..so yea (:
I went to exercise in the gym this morning with Kiru and Shalini. And I am tired to the maximum now. Seriously. Maybe my stamina is improving..but really..one hour of gym just drains out all the energy in my body ): And the worst thing was that we ran to catch the bus after gym /: But I hope at the end of the day, it is worth it (:
Okay..I am feeling super sleepy now but I am determined not to sleep. I am sleeping way too much! Seriously! I should spend my time more wisely. And I mean..after JC starts, I will barely have time to breathe..okay that was an exaggeration, but you know what I mean. So I guess this is my time to read and to WATCH DRAMAS. HAHAH. That reminds me..there is 90210 tonight (: HAHAH.
All right. I think I shall end my post here. TIRED TIRED TIRED.
Okays then..BUH-BYEE!
<333
Victoria Concordia Crescit,
Labels: arsenal, Arshavin, exercise, The Passengers
One of the month's longest running transfer sagas may reach its end game 'within days', with the agent of Andrei Arshavin suggesting a transfer to Arsenal is imminent.
The Zenit St Petersburg star's omnipotent representative Dennis Lachter insists progress has been made on a deal, although there still exists a financial discrepancy.
Zenit have been reluctant to part with their prize asset for anything less than top dollar and, with Arshavin's wages also a significant commitment for a typically frugal Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, progress has been slow.
However the possibility that Arshavin, who was an ever-present on the back pages during the summer months, will at last complete a move to The Premier League appears increasingly likely.
"The deal should go through this week," Lachter told the News of the World.
"Andrei wants to go, Arsenal want him and Zenit accept they have to sell.
"It's just a matter of sorting out the sums but the indication is it'll happen soon, perhaps within days."
Adapted from Setanta Sports
All rights. So basically, he will be coming to Arsenal real soon..and hopefully before the next match (; I read that his agent said that the deal will be finalised by this week..so hopefully (:
I go to NewsNow and it is full of Arshavin and Arsenal (that rhymes eh). HAHA.
So going back to yesterday for Saturday's late kick-off between Arsenal and Hull City. Arsenal won Hull City 3-1 ;D Besides, it was also an away game. So getting a comfortable victory is a good thing. However, it was actually not that comfortable. Ade put Arsenal ahead in the first half. Then Cousin from Hull City equalised in the second half to make in 1-1. Then Nasri and Bendtner scored late to secure victory. Arsenal played well in my opinion. And credit to van Persie..he got a hat trick of assists..so he was basically behind all the goals scored (: And I swear..Nasri is super super good! I mean, I know I have said that a million times now..but seriously. Previously, I was lamenting about Nasri's inconsistency. But now, he seems pretty consistent..and he IS Arsenal's main player at the moment, without a doubt. I mean, yeah, Ade and van Persie and the others are also key players. But Nasri is literally playing the role Cesc Fabregas used to play..which is supplying the key passes and playing a central role. And Nasri is doing that now in Cesc Fabregas' absence..and he plays a rotating midfield..switching between left wing and central midfield. So, credit to Nasri as well (:
And last week, Arsenal won Bolton 1-0 ;D Nicklas Bendtner scores the winner after coming on as a substitute (: It was a hard fought victory..but in the end 3 points are the most important thing. van Persie and Nasri played super super well, in my opinion (:
Another article now (:
LONDON: Kaka has already issued a snub to Manchester City — by revealing he prefers rivals United and Arsenal!
Milan’s Brazilian star reckons Premier League sides are too predictable apart from United and the Gunners, who are the most “agile” in England.
He said: “Arsenal and Manchester United are different from the other English teams. They play a bit more and are more open.
“They are different from the typical English teams who have a tall striker and hold on to the ball.
“That’s more typical of Liverpool and Chelsea, who are very tactical sides — more English.
“Man United and Arsenal are more agile. They let other teams play and they play, too.”
Kaka, 26, admits his dad, Bosco Leite, plays the key role in deciding his career plans as his agent and most trusted advisor.
The superstar added: “He has helped me with all my professional decisions and has always given me good advice.
“Obviously, my wife and my mum are always at my side, and there are friends, players and coaches.
“I listen to them all. If the advice is good, I take it on board. If it’s not, I put it to the side.”
Adapted from The Sun
I kind of started laughing after I read the article. LOL. Like seriously. I know Manchester City is bidding for him..and I also read that AC Milan believe that Kaka will snub a move to Man City. But I don't know if there is a motive behind publically annoncing his liking for Arsenal and Man United. Regardless, I don't think Arsenal will buy him anyway. Milan will demand for a SUPER high fee for him and Arsenal will rather buy young players from unknown clubs. But regardless, it is a compliment for Arsenal as Kaka is actually one of my favourite players (: HAHA.
Anyway, today has been pretty aimless. I got a new phone, which is great (: Thanks Daddy and Mummy (:
I feel like a crouch potato. I am sleeping TOO much nowadays ):
All rights. Anyway, I watched this stupid movie yesterday night and I fell asleep while doing so. I plan to go on a Prison Break Season2 Marathon (; HAHA. I miss it, I really do ): And I realised that Prison Break is more popular than Heroes. However, Lost is like more popular than Prison Break. But Lost is actually REALLY nice..super super thrilling. I have finished the first season..but they are gonna like start the sixth season. HAHAHA. That means that I have A LOT of episodes to watch before I finish the existing episodes. LOL.
Anyway, I am off now. I love 'Circus' by Britney Spears (: And 'Dead and gone' by T.I featuring JT (: JT rocksssss.
BUH-BYEE!
<333
Victoria Concordia Crescit,
Eduardo is back!
Labels: arsenal, Arshavin, Eduardo, Kaka
I went to Plaza Sing with Tharsh yesterday to watch Changeling. We walked around Orchard before going to watch the movie. In fact, we walked around Plaza Sing as well. And I have to say that whenever I go to Orchard, I end up getting super thirsty because I end up walking a lot. HAHAHA. And my legs were hurting like mad ):Labels: Comme it se doit
Labels: prison break
Regardless of who comes and goes, there will always be an Arsenal.Labels: arsenal
Labels: victoria