Friday, November 2, 2007

Arsenal Rumors: Hoyte and Jaaskelainen

Arsenal's young right-back Justin Hoyte is reportedly being targeted for a loan move by both Everton and Charlton. However, Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has already firmly stated that the right-back will not go out on loan this season.

Everton, who have a strong defensive lineup already, would want the 22 year-old to replace Joseph Yobo who will miss parts of January and February due to the African Cup of Nations.

Alan Pardew on the other hand simply wants to bolster the Charlton defense, and sees the Arsenal right-back as the right man for the job.

Other rumors link Arsenal to Bolton Wanderer's goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. With Jens Lehmann's dip in form, Arsene Wenger has been relying on Manuel Almunia to tend the goal, but the Spaniard does not have the quality that a top team like Arsenal requires.

Jaaskelainen's contract with Bolton runs out in the Summer, and as the team are currently in the relegation zone, it seems unlikely that he would sign an extension. The price in January, therefore, would be quite cheap, and Jaaskelainen would be a great addition to Arsenal's squad, at least until Fabianski is old enough to wear the number one jersey.