Viviano is bad news and Roma abandon plans to sign Clichy

I am not suprised at the level of attention being given to our goal keeper department in the aftermath of our last campaign which saw us surrender virtually everything that was on the offing (save hope).

Wishes are now as prevalent as roses

We've got it! The dream match, the Camp Nou experience, the
possibility of evicting Europe's power-house from the Champions League
and the stark reality involved if we fail looms ahead.

Clichy has been wishing for the right but sinister things within the
week, and I am really glad the chap got what he wanted. The question
every gooner is/might be pondering on is if the young man can deliver
his promise by living up to our lofty expectations.

That apart, we now face an uphill task in our bid to unseat the
incumbent holders of the Champions League, who have in their
possession the World's most lethal attacker. We have our own
weapon/weapons, and it isn't an individual weapon but rather the team
as a whole.
And maybe, we'll finally get our long awaited chance to inflict damage
on the Catalan club's title aspirations by scuppering their
second-term ambition.

Thierry Henry, will definately be elated about the prospect of him
playing and maybe scoring against his former employer (Arsenal).
Personally I think Henry has lost the magic and flair that endeared
him to so many Arsenal fans. He's the least of our problems.

The draws have been made. Here they are:

The quarter-finals first legs will be played on March 30/31 and the
return legs on April 6/7 respectively.

Arsenal v Barcelona

Bayern Munich v Manchester United

Inter v CSKA Moscow

Lyon v Bordeaux

The semi-finals draw for the elite club event is as follows:

Bayern Munich/Manchester United v Lyon/Bordeaux

Inter Milan/CSKA Moscow v Arsenal/Barcelona

The first legs will be played on April 20/21 and the second legs on April 27/28

Clichy dreams of Arsenal v Barca final

Gael Clichy believes Arsenal's Champions League revenge is near, even nearer than you
can imagine.

The left-back said the Gunners are experienced enough to fight
Barcelona to a standstill if they meet at the final or any stage of
the Champions League.

The Frenchman believes in the team's undying spirit and he's adamant
Arsenal can become the first London club to taste Champions League
glory. He also fancies a date with Arsenal's legend Thierry Henry, to
add gloss to his achievements at North London.

"Of course, now the team to beat is Barcelona," Clichy enthused.
"Playing against Thierry Henry would be great for Arsenal fans and for
us. Playing against a team like Barcelona is always a dream -
especially if we win."

The Arsenal defensive enforcer says it will be very nice if Arsenal
get a French team in the Champions League draw tomorrow. Because he
won't like to play an English team, not because they are good but for
the simple reason that there is diversity in the Champions League.

"So if I have to choose one team to beat in the final it would be
Barcelona. For me, to win against the holders would be the dream
final. I'd like to avoid an English team. Not because they are strong
because at this stage of the competition whoever you play are really
good.

"But because you want to play a French team, a Spanish team, an
Italian team - you want to taste the Champions League perfume.

"I'm French so I'd like to play a French team. I haven't played a
French team since I joined the team so it would be so good for me and
the French boys."

Updates on Walcott, Gibbs and Clichy

Theo for friendly:

Theo Walcott, might be returning to the first team earlier than
expected, courtesy of his recent performances that haven't escaped
Fabio Capello's attention.

Walcott, whose display against Sunderland was reminiscent of the
Walcott we knew - was rewarded for his effort in shrugging off his
injury set-backs, by been included in the Gaffer's
provisional plans and the 20-year-old winger has a good opportunity
of stamping his authority on the right wing.

Wenger - 2010 World Cup too early for Gibbs:

The fullback has been touted as Ashley Cole's likely successor in the
England team, following the latter's serious ankle injury and Wayne
Bridge's decision to watch at home.
"There's a little chance (that Gibbs will be fit before the end of the
season) if all goes well now," he told the official website.
"But I believe he will play one day for the National team, I am
convinced of that."

Wenger - Clichy will get better:

AW understands what the player is going through and insists he isn't
bothered by the player's inconsistency and believes Gael can weather
the storm.
Wenger says Gael Clichy's mistakes on the pitch are the end product of
his injury ridden season and does not expect the defender to overcome
the situation immediately.
"He was out for a long time and like every player at the start he was
not completely 100 per cent but I felt in the last two games he was
very convincing."