Arsenal Facing Celtic in Champions League 2009-10 Play off

Arsenal will face Scottish giant Celtic in the play off round of Champions League 2009-10. The winning side would clinch a place in the group stage of Champions league this season. Arsenal finished 4^th in premier league last season, and thus, entering into the qualifying phase of the champions league. Celtic finished second in the Scottish premier league last season and they have reached the final round of the qualifying stage after defeating Dinamo Moscow in the third round of qualifying stage.

There is no doubt, it is an enticing encounter for the British football fans as it is an All British clash. The first round of the play off round will take place on 18/19 August and the second round will be held on 25/26 August. Arsenal is definitely favorite against Celtic, but it is also true that Arsenal’s current squad provides lots of worries for the fans. Arsenal has lost a number of star players like Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure in the Summer transfer window so far. However, the Gunners have not signed any replacement yet. Naturally, the squad has lost some strength.

Overall, I think, it would not be so easy for the Wenger boys to break Celtic whose confidence is now at the peak following their away victory at Dinamo Moscow.

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ESPN Soccernet

Bordeaux President Hints, Arsenal Could Sign Marouane Chamakh Very Soon

You already know that Arsenal has already lost its prime striker Emmanuel Adebayor this Summer and there is now a void in the striking position. Now, it seems that Arsenal is looking to land in Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh, who is currently playing for French club Girondins de Bordeaux in an attempt to fill up the gap created by Adebayor’s move to Manchester City.

Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud said that the club had received an offer from Arsenal, but the offer did not match with Bordeaux’s valuation of the player. So, Triaud asked Arsenal to make an improved offer for the 25-year-old striker. However, he also hoped that a deal for Chamakh could be done pretty soon.

Well, I think, Marouane Chamakh could be an effective player for us as we have some excellent playmaker in Fabregas and Arshavin. Chamakh is very much talented striker who can control the ball very well. With a height of 6 feet and 2 inches, Chamakh is excellent in the air. The biggest strength of the striker is his ability to work hard on the field both in taking control of the ball and holding possession. So, I think, Marouane Chamakh could be an excellent inclusion in Arsenal squad. However, it is not yet confirmed what the amount Arsenal offered and what the amount the French club is demanding for the player.

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Goal.com