Arsenal to sign Hoilett as Van Persie replacement

Arsene Wenger’s biggest battle may have just begun. The fight to keep Robin Van Persie at Arsenal next season.

Fighting of Manchester City, Real Madrid and according to talksport.com, even Manchester United now, is not going to be easy.

Wenger, however, always the pragmatist, while is confident that Van Persie will stay, has begun to ensure that should he leave, Arsenal will not suffer.

The player he has zeroed in on is Blackburn winger Junior Hoilett.

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Hoilett was one of relegated Blackburn’s bright stars and is being targeted by Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach.

The 21-year-old Canada international has also drawn attention from Tottenham, Stoke, Everton and Sunderland.
However, if Wenger makes his move it could be the Emirates where Hoilett ends up playing, Van Persie or not.

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Former Arsenal defender Steve Bould will become Arsene Wenger's new assistant manager at the north London club after Pat Rice announced he is leaving at the end of the season.

The 49-year-old Bould made 372 appearances between 1988 and 1999 for Arsenal, winning the league title three times, the FA Cup twice and the European Cup Winners' Cup once.

He has been coaching Arsenal's youth players since 2001.

``I always want to give a chance to people who know how we coach,'' Wenger said Thursday. ``Steve is a very good coach and brings a continuation of our philosophy.''

The 63-year-old Rice, who made 528 appearances in 14 seasons for Arsenal from 1966, has been working under Wenger since the Frenchman took charge of the club in 1996.

``It is very sad for me, because when you work with a guy like Pat for 16 years, it is a very difficult separation,'' Wenger said.