With the Community Shield being battled for this Sunday and just more than two weeks to go before the League kicks off, one would expect most managers to have all their pieces in place and working them as a unit. No surprises. All potholes covered.

Why is it then that those who need to do so much in the transfer window have done so little?

It would appear that both the medal decorated Scots and the well-dressed Italian understood their homework assignment, while the Portuguese man, the Englishman and the Frog have walked into the transfer-isle waiting for discount tags.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have welcomed a fair share of new faces. Sir Alex has continuously proved in the past that early preparation has its benefits. A little more than a week ago he claimed the club had completed their spending spree and whether or not that’s true, it’s a healthy psychological advantage. There is still much speculation around the club’s acquisition of Wesley Sneijder, which would be a fantastic bit of business considering they could do with a top shelf player in a more central role. Then again, great progress was made last season despite an average midfield, and if anyone can squeeze the juice out of a Lemon, it’s Fergie. I expect a solid campaign from the Mancs, as always.

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger stated that he is great admirer of England star Joe Cole.

Cole has been strongly linked with a move to the Gunners after Chelsea confirmed earlier this week the midfielder would be leaving Stamford Bridge next month following the expiration of his contract.

A host of sides, including Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham have been credited with an interest in Cole, but reports suggest Arsenal are leading the hunt for the former West Ham man.

Wenger refused to confirm his side would be making a summer swoop for Cole, but admitted he was a fan of the talented 28-year-old.

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Arsene Wenger does not seem to have taken the 3 – 0 loss to Chelsea on Sunday well. He has embarked on a strange appraisal of the game, his team, opponents and the current season as a whole.

Arsenal were outclassed and outfought in a match that many see as evidence that they will not launch a convincing title challenge, but Wenger’s post-match interview suggests that he has not given up hope.

However, the quotes that appear on the Arsenal website also include:

* An assertion that the scoreline did not fairly reflect the game.

* Complaints about various refereeing decisions, claiming that Eduardo’s disallowed goal in the first half changed the game.

* The assertion that Didier Drogba “doesn’t do much”.

* A bizarre and apparently unprompted criticism of TV analysts.

* The damage done by Arsenal’s defeat at Sunderland.

* Bemoaning his side’s lack of mental strength.

* He is “convinced” that Chelsea can still drop points and lose out on the title.

* His belief that Arsenal can still win the league.

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Arsene Wenger has threatened to quit his job as Arsenal manager if Alisher Usmanov gains control over the club.

According to the News of the World, the Frenchman has made it clear to the board that he does not intend to remain in charge if such a takeover happens, and has hinted at a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid instead.

Another board member, Stan Kroenke, has steadily been increasing his stake in the club in recent weeks. His share currently stands just shy of the 29.99% mark at 29.90% – should he reach the former figure, he will be obligated to bid for the remaining shares in the club.

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As Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger approaches his 60th birthday he revealed that he has no plans to retire just yet.

Wenger, who has been at the Premier League club since 1996, has come under pressure over his failure to win a trophy since the 2005 FA Cup.

But the Frenchman, who turns 60 on October 22, insists that he still has the hunger and physical strength to continue.

Wenger said on Thursday: “Do you know when you aren’t good enough any more? That’s very difficult to say. I don’t believe in retiring unless you have to.”

He added at the League Managers Association conference: “I never have days when I think I can live without it.”

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended his club’s policy of signing youthful football players by stating that he is against the current policy of not being able to trade in under-18 footballers.

The French coach criticised the current rules which make it difficult for English clubs to sign youths from Asia, South America and Africa.

Wenger claims that stopping a practice that Leeds chairman Ken Bates has described as “baby farming” would actually put the players at more risk and they would likely fall prey to unscruplious agents.

FIFA are determined to clean up the game after last week banning Chelsea from signing any players until 2011. Since the Gael Kakuta ruling a whole host of offended clubs have come out to demand action.

Most of Europe’s top clubs have stated they would support a ban on any transfers for under-age players, but Wenger strongly disagrees claiming there are many advantages to joining big clubs with a professional infrastructure.

Arsenal have one of the most cosmopolitan academies in Europe with players from all over the globe.

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Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger have accused Manchester United of adopting an ‘Anti-Football’ approach after the clash on Saturday where United came out on top 2 – 1.

Arsenal were arguably the better team but were responsible for their own downfall when Manuel Almunia tripped Wayne Rooney to concede a penalty before Abou Diaby inexplicably headed into his own net.

Wenger was then sent to the stands for kicking a water bottle after Robin van Persie’s late strike was disallowed for offside.

That capped a week of perceived injustice for Wenger after Eduardo was charged by UEFA over his alleged dive to win a penalty in the Champions League win over Celtic.

The Frenchman, though, compared Eduardo’s behaviour favourably with the tough tackling of United at Old Trafford.

“I have seen a player who plays on the pitch only to make fouls,” he said. “For me, this is a point that is more urgent than diving.

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