New Gunner finding life tough

(04-09-2010) New Arsenal signing Marouane Chamakh is finding life in the EPL extremely tough. On Friday the Moroccan striker, formerly of Bordeaux, said he was feeling knackered after an extremely tough pre-season with the Gunners. "There is a different preparation between Bordeaux and Arsenal. Here it's shorter but a lot more intense,” commented the 26-year-old. "For three weeks it's a real slog. But that's what my team-mates have been telling me - that we need a massive pre-season to last the whole season, particularly since there is no break in December." He also said he was surprised at how fast the game was in England. "Matches over here are all played at 100mph. You have to be on edge all the time and you have the impression that the ball never goes out of play." Chamakh scored on his Arsenal debut against Blackpool.

Gunners face fight for Dutch youngster and other red-hot gossip

(04-09-2010) Arsenal's attempts to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Ibrahim Afellay may fail after Serie A club Fiorentina entered the fray. The 24-year-old Netherlands international is a free agent in January. PSV claim Fiorentina head the queue despite Afellay being wanted by a host of other clubs. Elsewhere, AC Milan’s Italian international Marco Borriello came close to signing for Manchester City last week but instead chose a loan deal with Roma; Everton boss David Moyes is ready to let striker James Vaughan go - with Sheffield United and Burnley keen to take the hit man on loan; and Liverpool goal ace Fernando Torres' return to full fitness is ahead of schedule but the club's medical staff do not expect him to reach his physical peak for another month.

United's depth excites Giggs

(03-09-2010) Ryan Giggs is excited by the imminent return of three of his Manchester United's team-mates from injury. With Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville and Anderson all nearing full-fitness, the Welsh winger on Thursday said he felt that the squad was starting to look "really strong"."We've got Rio to come back in, Nev hasn't played yet, and Anderson is back too. So it's looking really good," Giggs told the club’s official website. He added that team selection was becoming increasingly difficult for manager Sir Alex Ferguson, which is something that will benefit the club over the course of the season. "It's a headache for the boss, but one he would rather have than to be struggling for players," Giggs said. "We'll need everyone because it's a long season. The manager realises that."

Gunners flyer close to return

(03-09-2010) Flying Arsenal winger Samir Nasri is on course for a faster than expected return from a knee injury. The Frenchman required surgery after picking up a problem in the Gunners opening game of the season against Liverpool. He was expected to be out for over a month but could now be back in contention for the visit of Bolton after the international break. However, the news on the club’s other crocked players, Robin van Persie (ankle) and Nicklas Bendtner (groin), is not good and they remain someway off full fitness.

United star nearing full-fitness

(03-09-2010) Rio Ferdinand is ready to make a first-team return, according to Manchester United reserve team boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The elegant defender, out since picking up a knee injury in the weeks leading up to the World Cup, came through a second-string clash with Oldham on Wednesday. He now seems to be on track to face Everton at Goodison Park on 11 September. "Rio is always the same player," commented Solskjaer. "It is a while since he has played but he was still calm. He has get through an important 45 minutes, straight after two very hard training sessions yesterday and the day before so we are delighted with him." Her added: "It was always planned that he would play 45 minutes. I am not sure he needs any more games. Rio is a naturally fit lad.”

I’m no Real flop - Van der Vaart

(03-09-2010) New Tottenham signing Rafael van der Vaart insists he was a success at Real Madrid. The Dutch midfielder joined Spurs for £8m on the final day of the transfer window after falling out of favour at the Bernabeu. "I have not been a failure at Real Madrid,” said the former Ajax and Hamburg midfielder. "I have always given my best for both club and country. Now I have arrived at Tottenham and I want to show my quality.” He added: "When I saw I would not be playing at Real, I knew I had to leave. I don't think I am going to have problems adapting in England to the style of play." Van der Vaart is expected to compete with Luca Modric for a place in Harry Redknapp’s midfield.

Former Reds boss in line for Villa job and other red-hot gossip

(03-09-2010) Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier is top of Aston Villa’s wanted list to fill the managerial vacancy at the club. According to reports, the Frenchman has already held talks with Villa owner Randy Lerner and has jumped to the front of the queue to fill the spot left by Martin O’Neil. Houllier has been out of work for the past three years. Elsewhere, Tottenham have been told to make a "better offer" for South Africa international Bongani Khumalo by the defender's club Supersport United; Spartak Moscow want Chelsea star Yuri Zhirkov, with the defender pushing for a move because sitting on the bench at Stamford Bridge is affecting his chances at international level; and Jamie Carragher has been offered a new three-year contract by Liverpool.