Date: June 2005

Arsenal Sign Alexander Hleb

Jun 27, 2005 by

Arsenal announced their first new signing of the silly season today, as Belarussian mid-fielder Alexander Hleb joined the Gunners from Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart.

Here are the details from Arsenal.com:

Belarus international midfielder, Alexander Hleb, has today agreed to join Arsenal from Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart on a long term contract, in a deal which could rise to approximately ?15 million Euros. This agreement is subject to a medical and the player obtaining a work permit.

Hleb (24), who made 137 appearances in his five years with Stuttgart and has 18 International caps for Belarus, is a versatile midfielder with experience of Champions League football, playing in all eight of Stuttgart?s matches in the 2003/04 competition.

Manager Ars?ne Wenger said: ?We are delighted that Alexander Hleb has agreed to join us. He is a player I have admired for some time now and I know he will provide our squad with great quality. Hleb has proved his ability with his performances in the Bundesliga in recent seasons and he definitely has the potential to do very well with Arsenal.?

Alexander Hleb said: ?I am very happy to have this fantastic opportunity to join Arsenal. They are a Club with a great history and many world class players.?

Alexander Hleb will join up with the Arsenal first team squad when they return for pre-season training in early July.

Depth chart

Jun 27, 2005 by

Assuming we make one significant summer acquisitions (Hleb probably), plus some younger longer-term talents), and a couple of departures (Cygan, Taylor), here?s my expected Arsene depth-chart for ?05/?06. I expect AW to convince Cole to stay. Hoping Pires will be here, but getting more concerned. Love the Gilberto/Cesc combo, but probably won?t see it much except for the inevitable Vieira injuries/suspension. Would love to see Owen, but very unlikely. Guti could happen – it would be a more traditional Wenger experienced acquisition: very talented, but somewhat out of favor with his current club. E.g. Pires, Henry.

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GOD BLESS OUR AMERICAN SUPPORTERS FROM A LONDONER

Jun 26, 2005 by

I was born in Finsbury Park, i now have a season ticket in the mighty North bank. Women, work and pretty much everything comes second to Arsenal football club. You all know how close the F.A. cup final was, however sitting there in Cardiff watching the United scum batter our goal I was wondering what was keeping the ball out of the net (apart from jens, kolo and senderos). Now I know it was you guys in America your collective support meant sooo much to our lads and meant big pat vieira could lift our prize. Keep up the good work we will need you for next season when we WILL beat those cheats chelsea on the way to the treble!!!!! COME ON YOU REDS!!!!