Danish winger Jonas Rasmussen has signed a long-term professional contract with Arsenal. Jonas, who turned 17 last Friday, was initially set to be a second-year scholar but the club were keen to tie him a down to a pro deal as soon as possible. He struggled to adapt to life in England last season but should be more accustomed this time around and will look to make his reserves debut this season.

You can read a two part interview with Jonas by clicking on the links below:

Part 1 Part 2

A young Arsenal side travel to Huddersfield tonight in a match to celebrate the Yorkshire club’s Centenary. Samir Nasri, Nicklas Bendtner, William Gallas and Abou Diaby all have knocks whilst Armand Traore, Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo are also out.

Twenty players have been named in the squad including new first-year scholar Emmanuel Frimpong and Havard Nordtveit who has returned from injury. Seven first-teamers have been included (Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Johan Djourou, Carlos Vela, Justin Hoyte, Lukasz Fabianski and Vito Mannone) whilst the likes of Henri Lansbury, Gavin Hoyte, Kieran Gibbs, Mark Randall and Jay Simpson have all represented the first-team during pre-season. The rest of the squad is mainly made up of young pros including the promising Sanchez Watt and Nacer Barazite, whilst Rui Fonte was on target last week as an Arsenal XI saw off Rushden & Diamonds.

Reserves boss Neil Banfield has reserved some special praise for Wilshere, saying

“If the young players work hard at their game, listen to the advice of the coaching staff, they realise they will have every opportunity here, the manager has always said he will play them if they are good enough, and he is true to his word; he always has been in every way. But the bar is extremely high and you have to be over it to get the opportunity.

“Jack was given the opportunity by the manager to go on the Austrian Training Camp, along with five others who have all done really well. Jack has taken his chance, and he is one of quite a few we have here that we have high hopes for.

“You have to adapt to the physical aspects of the game, and I think Jack is strong enough. It is about how you physically develop and I think with Jack, even at 16, it doesn’t mean he won’t be as physically strong as someone at 18 or even someone at 20.

“That has been the benefit of our Reserve team. The experienced players that our lads are up against means they learn on the pitch. The senior players then show them what to do while the game is going on. That is carried on for the young lads who learned so much in Austria.”

Quotes from arsenal.com

Predicted team:

———————Fabianski———————–

–J.Hoyte—-Djourou—————-G.Hoyte—-Gibbs

-Lansbury—Ramsey—————-Randall—–Wilshere

———–Walcott—————-Vela————–

subs: Mannone, Bartley, Emmanuel-Thomas, Fonte, Frimpong, Nordtveit, Simpson, Watt.

Some of the younger lads should get their chance in the second half as Arsenal look to preserve some of the first-teamers for the Amsterdam Tournament which kicks off on Friday.

It’s interesting to see that the likes of James Dunne, Abu Ogogo, Paul Rodgers and Rene Steer are not included whilst the likes of Watt, Frimpong, Bartley and Emmanuel-Thomas are and it seems as if the quartet who have been left out are unlikely to have a future at the club, other than possibly Rodgers who has been linked with a loan move to a couple of Championship clubs.

There will be a full match report later tonight with special analysis on how the younger players got on.

Today saw Arsenal host their fifth summer members day and the third to take place at Emirates Stadium.

The majority of the first-team squad was present although new signing Amaury Bischoff was nowhere to be seen. Nicklas Bendtner looked like he was coming out but then he decided it was better to stay inside because of the rain. Gallas only came out for a short time as well.

Eduardo was the first to emerge and he ran several laps of the pitch with new physio Noel Reynolds before taking part in some light stretches. He recieved a good reception from the fans and could return to action in November.

The goalkeepers were the next to come out, with Manuel Almunia, Lukasz Fabianski and Vito Mannone in attendance. They did some light running before praticising their shot stopping with ‘keeper coach Gerry Peyton.

Then the bulk of the players came out, including newly promoted Jack Wilshere. The players did some laps of the pitch followed by stretches at the far end of the pitch before splitting into different groups for fitness training. They were:

Group 1: Fabregas, Toure

Group 2: Ramsey, Clichy, Walcott, J.Hoyte, Ramsey, Wilshere

Group 3: Adebayor, Sagna, Djourou

Group 4: Senderos, Vela, van Persie, Eboue, Denilson

Group 5: Rosicky, Traore

Samir Nasri dissapeared down the tunnel whilst Group 1 did short sprints and Group 5 undertook a light jog and Group 2 were accompanied by Arsene Wenger.

The players then split into two teams for a training match. The teams were as follows:

Green: van Persie, Adebayor, Mannone, Wilshere, Denilson, Senderos, J.Hoyte, Clichy, Fabianski.

White: Ramsey, Eboue, Djourou, Vela, Sagna, Toure, Walcott, Almunia.

Vito Mannone played as an outfielder for the Green team and thundered home a powerful shot. Van Persie was also on target, linking up well with Adebayor. Wilshere showed some good touches including a superb flick with the outside of his boot. Halfway through the game, the two sides switched ends and Mannone went in goal with Almunia becoming an outfielder.

After that, the players kicked some footballs into the crowd, whilst Arsene Wenger revealed that it will be a ‘very young side’ that will take on Huddersfield tomorrow night before the senior stars travel to Holland for the Amsterdam Tournament which commences on Friday.

ALL PICTURES COPYRIGHT OF JEORGE BIRD’S ARSENAL YOUTH. NOT TO BE USED WITHOUT PERMISSION.

A year ago he was a relative unknown, but now Jack Wilshere is part of the Arsenal first-team squad and is considered one of the best young English talents to have come out of the Arsenal Academy for a long time. Justin Hoyte was the last Academy youngster to make the first-team but is hardly a regular now, and we all know what happened to Ashley Cole.

With Jack, however, there is something different. He has slotted into the first-team during pre-season with ease and his confidence and ability on the ball can be scarily good at times.

He joined Arsenal in October 2001 and steadily rose through the ranks at the Hale End Academy. It was clear from an early age that he possessed a lot of talent but the coaching staff were keen to keep him under wraps.

That proved a difficult task, however, as it was soon discovered that they had a real gem on their hands. A player who could turn out to be a superstar.

He was appointed captain of the under-16s and was a dominant force at that level before making two substitute appearances for the under-18s at the back end of the 2006/2007 season despite being just 15 years of age.

He then featured in the Champions Youth Cup in the summer of 2007 and caught the eye with some impressive performances.

Upon his return to England, under-18s manager Steve Bould handed Jack a start for the under-18s curtain raiser against Chelsea and his commitment and desire shone through that day.

He then grabbed his first goal at that level, scoring in a 4-1 win over Aston Villa and following it up with a hat-trick in the following game against Watford. He went on to score 13 goals from 18 starts last season as Bould’s side topped Academy Group A.

In February this year, he made his debut for the reserves and wasted no time in making his mark at that level, scoring against Reading in front of the Arsenal TV cameras. This was the moment when many Arsenal fans began to realise his undoubted potential.

He then made his home debut for the second-string against Derby in April, coming off the bench to set up a goal for Rhys Murphy.

Wilshere-mania went into overdrive following his display in the next game against West Ham. The talented youngster played a neat through ball for Rui Fonte for the first goal and then scored the second himself with what can only be described as a wonder-strike. Arsene Wenger was watching and it became clear that he wouldn’t remain in the reserves for long.

Rather than give him a run out in the final Premier League games of the season, Arsenal opted instead to send him to the Atalanta Cup with some of the clubs younger players. It was a wise move as Wilshere picked up the Player of the tournament trophy and it meant that some of the hype surrounding him died down a little bit.

Not for long though, Jack again showed his fantastic ability on the ball when he came on in the second-half of the first-team friendly against Barnet. He impressed so much that he earned a place on the plane for the pre-season tour of Austria and started against Szombatheyli Haladas and put in another impressive display. He then scored twice in the 10-2 thrashing of Burgenland. The first came just 40 seconds into the game when he scrambled a shot home. The second came when he was brought down in the area and stepped up to take the penalty himself and scored. He came on against Stuttgart in the next match and scored again before featuring against both Juventus and Real Madrid at the Emirates Cup.

Today sees him join the first-team squad and handed the no.19 shirt, recently vacated by Gilberto. It was initially thought that Jack’s first-team involvement this season would amount to a few cameos in the Carling Cup. Now, it appears, it could turn out to be much more than that.

Jack Wilshere played the last 16 minutes as Arsenal saw off Real Madrid with a 1-0 victory on the final day of the Emirates Cup. Ultimately the win might not have won the trophy for Arsenal but the Gunners, and Wilshere inparticular, showed some more encouraging signs ahead of the new season.

Arsene Wenger chose the strongest possible starting XI available to him, with Senderos and Denilson the only players to keep their places from the Juventus defeat. Samir Nasri was handed a start whilst Robin van Persie partnered Emmanuel Adebayor up front.

There were no goals in the first-half but the second period started with a bang when Robin van Persie was fouled by Michel Salgado to the box. The referee pointed to the spot and Adebayor stepped up and duly converted with an excellent penalty which helped him to win back some of the fans.

Wilshere was sent to warm up but before his arrival Arsenal introduced Carlos Vela and Emmanuel Eboue. Wilshere then got his moment coming on for Nasri and receiving a good reception from the 60,081 fans (allegedly) inside the stadium. He came on as part of a triple substitution which also saw Ramsey and Bendtner enter the fray.

He wasted no time in forging another good impression of himself by skipping past Garcia and delivering an expert cross into the box. He then proved his physical strength by clattering into a challenge with the experienced Salgado.

It was another fine performance from the 16 year old and prior to the game, Wenger hinted that both Jack and Aaron Ramsey could be involved with the first-team next season on a more regular basis than you might expect.

For now though, Arsenal must concentrate on Wednesday’s encounter with Huddersfield where some of the fringe players are likely to get another run out. After that, it’s off to Holland for the Amsterdam Tournament where the Gunners will take on Ajax and Sevilla. It will be interesting to see which youngsters make the cut for that competition considering the likes of Lansbury, Gavin Hoyte and Randall were all unused substitutes whilst Kieran Gibbs was left out of the squad altogether. The injured Francis Coquelin was also watching on at Emirates and judging by his early performances, big things can be expected of him this season.

Hamburg may have won the Emirates Cup but Arsenal were impressive today and once again that the future is incredibly bright.

Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs were handed starting berths as Arsenal took on Juventus on Day One of the Emirates Cup. Earlier in the day, Real Madrid amassed five points after beating Hamburg 2-1 thanks to goals from Ruud Van Nistelrooy and QPR-bound Daniel Parejo. In addition to the standard three points for a win, each goal in the Emirates Cup also earns you a point, so German side Hamburg still got something for their efforts despite losing.

Onto the Arsenal game and Kieran Gibbs started at left-back in Armand Traore’s absence whilst Jack Wilshere occupied the left-midfield slot.

————————–21.Fabianski——————————

—31.J.Hoyte—–20.Djourou—————–6.Senderos(c)—40.Gibbs——

—27.Eboue——16.Ramsey—————–15.Denilson—-55.Wilshere—

—————-26.Bendtner—————–12.Vela——————-

subs: 2.Diaby (for Ramsey, 45), 10.Gallas (for Senderos, 45), 25.Adebayor (for Vela, 45), 14.Walcott (for Eboue,59), 3.Sagna (for J.Hoyte, 59), 8.Nasri (for Wilshere, 60). Not used: 1.Almunia, 22.Clichy, 41.G.Hoyte, 42.Lansbury, 47.Randall.

The two non first-teamers looked impressive early on, combining well down the left flank. Wilshere stood his own in some physical challenges and forced a save out of Buffon on 13 minutes after latching onto Eboue’s cross.

Jack was getting some rough treatment from one or two Juventus players, with ex-Liverpool man Sissoko the main culprit.

Gibbs was also impressing making some good passes and embarking on some forward runs but he knew when to track back as well.

Eight minutes before the break disaster struck for Arsenal when David Trezeguet slotted home from Iaquinta’s free-kick, although it was clear that the Frenchman was offside. Moments earlier, Trezeguet had the ball in the net but it was not given. This time, however, it was and Arsenal went into the break a goal down.

Wenger opted to bring on some more experienced players for the second half with Adebayor coming on for Vela and Gallas, thankfully, relieving Senderos of his captaincy duties.

The second half wasn’t the best game of football to watch as Arsenal struggled to break down the defence-minded Italian side.

Wilshere delivered a decent ball for Bendtner who came close to grabbing the equaliser.

But on the hour mark the Luton born youngster was withdrawn and replaced by summer signing Samir Nasri. Wilshere looked disappointed to have come off but he could be happy with his performance.

Kieran Gibbs played the entire game but was showing signs of tiredness towards the end and a lapse in concentration meant that he was out of position for one Juventus attack. He made several attempts to call for the ball but his team-mates often opted for another option.

Arsenal failed to score and in the end suffered only their second defeat at Emirates Stadium. Tomorrow, the Gunners face Real Madrid and although it seems unlikely that the trophy will be remaining at Emirates this season, a decent performance against the Spanish Champions would surely stand Wenger’s side in good stead for the new season.

In other news, on-loan Kerrea Gilbert completed 90 minutes as Leicester completed their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 away draw against Crystal Palace this afternoon. Kerrea was one of the Foxes star performers and whipped in several teasing crosses from right-back.

Meanwhile, four Arsenal youngsters were in action as England under-17s suffered a 6-1 thrashing by Denmark in the Nordic Tournament 3rd Place play-off, meaning the Three Lions will have to be content with fourth place this time around. Jacob Walcott scored England’s only goal on 19 minutes but Denmark took control of the game thereafter. Oliver Nicholas completed the whole game, whilst Jason Banton also started before being replaced by Conor Wickham on 65 minutes. Chuks Aneke and Luke Freeman both entered the field on 53 minutes replacing Jesse Lingard and Joe McCann respectively. Next up for the Three Lions is a friendly tournament to be staged at various venues in Anglia, where John Peacock’s side will take on Portugal, Israel and Italy in the competition which kicks off on August 27th.

When Arsenal handed professional contracts to six first-years a month ago, five further youngsters were left in the dark over their futures. These include Luke Ayling, Craig Eastmond and James Shea who are all products of the Hale End academy as well as Anton Blackwood and Jonas Rasmussen.

Seeing as Arsenal were so determined to sign Jonas last year it looks as if he will sign a pro deal sooner rather than later but for the other four it is anyone’s guess whether they will be given a contract next summer or be released.

Luke Ayling steadily worked his way through the ranks at Hale End and featured in the Reserves whilst he was still a schoolboy. He played regularly for the under-18s at centre-back last season although he can also play in midfield. With several centre-backs ahead of him at reserve level, it seems unlikely Luke will be given a regular starting berth by Neil Banfield.

Craig Eastmond featured in midfield towards the end of last season but can also play at right-back. Maybe that would be his best option for the forthcoming campaign although he is currently second choice behind Abu Ogogo.

James Shea is nowhere near Wojciech Szczesny’s level at the moment and will have to make do with being the regular under-18s ‘keeper. He will need to impress in order to be offered a pro deal.

Anton Blackwood is still eligible for the under-18s this campaign and that’s where he’ll probably be playing most of his football, with a few reserve appearances as well along the way.

These lads know that they will be playing for their future’s this season and that a bad campaign could ruin their dream of making the big time for good.

NORDIC TOURNAMENT 2008

Jason Banton, Chuks Aneke, Oliver Nicholas, Luke Freeman- England 0 Norway 0

All four Arsenal youngsters were involved as England under-17s were held to a goalless draw by Norway in their final group stage match of this summer’s Nordic Tournament. After 1-0 victories over Finland and Iceland in this game, England were confident going into this fixture but in the end they couldn’t break down a stiff Turkey defence. Things were made even more difficult when Billy Knott was dismissed for a second yellow card. Oliver Nicholas once again played the whole game but this time the captain’s armband was handed to James Hurst instead. Chuks Aneke also completed the entire match whilst Luke Freeman was replaced by Nathaniel Mendez-Laing on 68 minutes. Striker Jason Banton replaced Theo Walcott’s relative Jacob on 75 minutes. The two sides both finished with seven points, but Norway top the group because of their superior goal-scoring record. England no longer have a chance of winning the competition and will have to make do with a 3rd/4th place play-off game with Denmark on Saturday.

Francis Coquelin, Gilles Sunu- French u-18s training camp

Arsenal youngsters Francis Coquelin and Gilles Sunu have been selected for a French under-18s training camp which will take place at the National Football Centre of Clairefontaine and will run from August 25-28. This year’s French u-18s side is mainly made up of the players that featured in the UEFA u-17 European Championships in May. Coquelin is currently injured as a result of a knock which he picked up on the pre-season tour of Austria and Hungary, but should be fit enough to attend. Their inclusion means that they will be ruled out of the under-18s game against Wolves on August 30 but may be back in time for the first reserve game of the season, at home to Chelsea on September 1st.

Rushden & Diamonds 0 Arsenal XI 2

Goals from strikers Rui Fonte and Nacer Barazite gave an Arsenal XI a 2-0 victory over Rushden & Diamonds at Nene Park tonight. Fonte nodded in a header from a corner in the first-half, whilst Barazite sealed a win with a tap in in the second period. Kieran Gibbs put in another impressive performance, as did Rene Steer, who regularly got forward from left-back to support the attack.

Steve Bould named the same starting XI from the Crawley game, but played players in different positions. Havard Nordtveit missed out through injury, so Paul Rodgers skippered the side at centre-back. Abu Ogogo reverted to right-back, whilst Jay Thomas switched to left-midfield meaning Barazite partnered Fonte up front.

———————–Szczesny——————-

–Ogogo—-Bartley——————Rodgers (c)—-Steer

–Watt—–Dunne——————-Gibbs——–Thomas

———-Fonte——————–Barazite————

subs: Shea, Frimpong, Ayling, Cruise, Murphy, Eastmond.

As with the Crawley game, it was a tough, physical encounter and will stand the lads in good stead for when the Reserve League South campaign kicks off at Underhill against Chelsea a month tomorrow. Emmanuel Frimpong came on again and impressed whilst Thomas Cruise also looked lively. It was another good workout for the lads against a team of professionals and once more outlined the tough decisions which Reserves boss Neil Banfield will have to make this season as there is a lot of competition for places, especially when you consider the likes of Merida, Nordtveit and the players who were with the first-team were not in action tonight.

Arsenal Reserves play their second game of pre-season tonight when they take on Rushden & Diamonds at Nene Park. On Saturday, the Gunners saw off Crawley Town with a 1-0 win thanks to Kieran Gibbs’ goal. In terms of team news, the players who travelled to Austria with the first team will not feature, although Havard Nordtveit is set to recover in time to play some part in the game despite suffering an injury setback in the warm-up against Crawley. Fran Merida could also return to the side following his exploits at the UEFA under-19 Championships with Spain.

Predicted team:

——————–Szczesny—————-

–Rodgers—-Bartley————–Nordtveit—-Steer

–Ogogo—–Merida————–Gibbs——-Barazite

————Fonte—————Watt————–

subs: Shea, Dunne, Emmanuel-Thomas, Frimpong, Murphy, Ayling, Cruise.

Tonight’s game kicks off at 7pm and there will be a match report available later this evening.

Amaury Bischoff completes Arsenal move

Posted in Uncategorized on July 30, 2008 by jeorge9