Arsenal: A New Era

July 1, 2013 08:49. Last updated July 1, 2013 14:12

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Arsenal Football Club are delighted to announce that club legend Thierry Henry has signed a 1-year contract at our club.

Henry scored 174 goals in 254 appearances with Arsenal over two spells between 1999-2007 and January 2012-February 2012.

Thierry spoke to Arsenal.com earlier:

"It is a true honour to be named Arsenal manager." he goes on to say, "I was shocked when I received the phone call. A week ago I was playing in the MLS with New York Red Bulls, and now I am here - manager of the greatest football team in the world."

Ivan Gazidis admitted that appointing a manager with no experience in the managerial role was a big risk, but Arsene Wenger said that his preference for the manager was Thierry Henry. He said Henry had all the credentials to make it as a manager - singling out his intelligence for the game as a key factor for why he believes the frenchman will be a huge success as Arsenal boss.

'I made my desicion to retire at Christmas' Arséne said, 'And knew at once there could only be one man to fill the vacancy''.

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Arsene Wenger waves goodbye to the Arsenal fans on his final game as Arsenal manager last May


Ivan Gazidis also spoke to the Arsenal website, saying that the Arsenal boss was confident Henry could do well at Arsenal.

'He [Arséne Wenger] was adamant Thierry could lead the club to further success'.

A longer interview between Arsenal.com and Thierry will take place on 8 July.

Everyone at Arsenal wishes Thierry good luck as manager.

A legend has returned to the Gunners! Good luck.

by Phil McNulty


Rumour Mill: Arsenal 3 July 2013

Arsenal are interested in signing France international Raphaël Varane to bolster their defense. Varane has been at Real Madrid since 2011, and, while his contract doesn't expire until 2017, a fee of €28,000,000 (£22,370,000) could lure him to North London.

Should Arsenal fail to land Varane, then Henry could try newly promoted Cardiff City's hand at £7,000,000 for Stephen Caulker.

Exciting young winger Antoine Griezmann is also on Henry's shortlist. Henry is a long-term admirer of his compatriot, and a potential £14,000,000 move to Arsenal could be just what the Sociedad winger needs if he wants to make a serious push for the France World Cup squad next summer.

However, any left wing arrival could see Lukas Podolski become surplus to requirements. While Podolski had what many would consider a solid debut season last term, Arsenal would rather he leave than younger players of his position such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Atlético Madrid are favourites to sign transfer listed striker Niklas Bendtner. The Dane's contract expires at the end of the season, and Arsenal would like to cash in while they can. £2,000,000 is believed to be Arsenal's demand for the out-of-sorts forward.

8th July 2013 19:58

THIERRY HENRY: THE BIG INTERVIEW

Q: Hello, Thierry. Welcome back to Arsenal. Our first question is regarding transfers. How many transfers can the fans expect you to make, and what positions are you aiming to strengthen?

TH: Thank you. I've taken a look at the squad and I believe there is a lot of quality. I am not convinced that it is a title-winning squad. I am looking to recruit a number of players, perhaps 3 or 4, in various positions. I cannot tell you what positions, however I have made enquiries for a few [players].

Q: Is Antoine Griezmann a target?

TH: He's [Griezmann] a player I am aware of, although a winger is not high in my list of priorities. If it comes apparent through pre-season that a winger is needed or a player of that position leaves, you could see some movement. At the moment it's unlikely that we will make a move for him, although I won't rule anything out.

Q: Are you planning on playing Wilshere as a deep-lying midfielder or a number 10?

TH: I think that Jack will play as a central midfielder. We have Özil, Rosicky and Cazorla as attacking midfielders so another one isn't really necessary.

Q: Arsenal have a top quality youth academy with many prospects coming through the ranks but are waiting still for a first team call up. Can we expect you to give some young players a chance in the first team?

TH: Yes. I am impressed with Hector Bellerín, who is on loan at Watford, and Chuba Akpom. I think Akpom has a lot of potential and I see a bit of me in his playing style. Serge Gnabry is already in the first team squad and he has great flair and composure. I think the future of Arsenal is bright.

Q: Do you have a clear first 11 in your head for next season?

TH: No not yet. I haven't made any signings yet and so it is difficult to determine the starting team.

Would be lovely to see Henry brings Arsenal some titles, good luck!

Jamesg237: Thanks. My first story so I'll se how it goes.
Oz96: Would love Henry back as Arsenal manager one day

14th July 2013 17:10

Arsenal turn attention to PSV wunderkid Zakaria Bakkali after target Griezmann is snapped up by Real

Arsenal target Antoine Griezmann was yesterday signed by Real Madrid in a £22,000,000 deal.

Griezmann had previously been of interest to Arsenal boss Henry, however he said last week that a winger was not a priority.

Since then, Henry still hasn't signed a player. However, he said that moves were developing and enquiries were being made every day.

'I am very interested in two players. No fee as been agreed although I can tell you we have begun to negotiate with a team over a price for a top, top player.' the former striker went on to say, 'we have a long list of targets. I can promise Arsenal supporters we will have signed a player this time next week.'.

Arsenal are fourth favourites to win the league this season at 6/1.

21st July 2014 07:51

Arsenal announce Stephan El Shaarawy signing on 4-year deal



Arsenal Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Stephan El Shaarawy on a 4-year contract.

El Shaarawy, 20, completed his medical yesterday and, after agreeing personal terms, has become an Arsenal player.

A £27,000,000 fee was agreed yesterday and Stephan has since agreed a contract, personal terms and passed a medical.

Henry said he was very happy to sign a player of El Shaarawy's calibre, saying to Arsenal.com;
'El Shaarawy is a fantastic player way ahead of his years. He adds flair, creativity and style to our side and we are very happy to have signed him.'

Stephan will wear the number 92.

Everyone at Arsenal wishes El Shaarawy the best of luck.

Good signing, should prove to be dangerous running down the wing.

good start to the story mate.