Gunnerblog

Arsenal trial Honduran winger

1,339 comments August 22nd, 2007

Arsenal may be signing Palacios.  That’s “Palacios“, not Palacio – that previous fêted but ill-fated transfer rumour. 

Wilson Palacios, a 23-year-old winger, has been on trial for almost a week and will find out today or tomorrow whether or not he has done enough for Arsene Wenger to keep him permanently.

Palacios, who plays for Honduran team Deportive Olimpia, has previously had trials at Red Star Belgrade and Monaco, which reportedly fell through over “enconomic differences” and Palacios’ non-EU status respectively.  However, the player’s father is confident about his chances of earning a move:

“He called us Monday afternoon, which alleviated our concerns, but it’s good news.  He passed the medical examinations well.  He’s already been in London five days, and if he’s made the right impression, he will remain there.  We haven’t yet discussed the economic aspects – they are not important to us – what matters is that my son remains playing in England.”

Palacios began his career as a right-back, but his attacking instincts have seen him shunted forward into a wing role.  He’s got a hell of a shot on him, as this video demonstrates – go to 1:05 in (or 38 seconds from the end) to see the goal hailed in Honduras as the best of all time:

Reports suggest that we would be prepared to pay £2m for Palacios’ services.

Of course, this could all be smoke without fire.  Smoke from a cigarette, perchance.  But there are some fairly reliable local sources (ie. ones that don’t quote The Sun) backing it up.  It would hardly be a superstar signing, but with just over a week remaining in the transfer window, it might be all we can look forward to.

Don’t forget to enter our HLEB! competition.

UPDATE: The Sporting Director of Palacio’s club, Osman Madrid, has spoken about the player’s potential move:

“The agreement with Arsenal is practically a fact – there is a big possibility, though it is not yet certain if the player will go on loan to English soccer.”

Whether that means it is not certain whether the player will move on loan or permanently, or on loan or not at all, I have no idea. Still, interesting stuff. Stick with us for the latest.

Hleb! Hleb! Hleb! HLEEEEEEEEEB! (ps. Win a t-shirt)

147 comments August 22nd, 2007

The start of the season has Aleksandr Hleb transform into a goalscoring machine.

Well, he’s scored twice.

The most memorable of his pair of strikes will always be his last minute winner against Fulham, punctuated by this quite astonishing piece of commentary.

Now, thanks to our friends at arseshirts.com, two Gunnerblog readers will be able to celebrate HLEB! in style with one of these Hlebilicious t-shirts.

All you have to do is Answer this question:

Against which team did Aleksandr Hleb score his first Arsenal goal?

Email your answers to hleb@gunnerblog.com.  Winners will be announced on Friday.

In other news, Jens Lehmann isn’t too fussed about his “simple” mistakes.  On the one hand you’d have to say it’s good that he’s not dwelling on it.  On the other you’d have to say that it’s that kind of arrogance that led him to make the mistakes in the first place.

Now get those rosary beads out and start praying all out internationals remain fit.