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Thursday, 20 July 2006, 15:37 GMT 16:37 UK

Arsenal open doors on new stadium

Arsenal's squad train at their new home - the Emirates Stadium Arsenal unveiled their new stadium to the public with an open training session on Thursday.

The Gunners went through their paces in front of 20,000 supporters at the £390m 60,000-capacity Emirates Stadium.

New signing Tomas Rosicky was joined by fellow World Cup stars Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor under the watchful eye of Arsene Wenger.

Work began on the site in December 2002 and Wenger said the construction of the new ground was a "great achievement".

"It's a fantastic stadium and it needs a fantastic team"
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

The stadium is within sight of former home Highbury and will host its first match on Saturday 22 July when a crowd of 54,000 will see the Gunners take on Ajax in Dennis Bergkamp's testimonial.

Manager Wenger added: "This is the third time the club has organised a Members' Day for supporters but this one is extra special of course as fans are getting the chance to see Emirates Stadium for the first time.

"It's a fantastic stadium and it needs a fantastic team. We believe we have a great team here and we want to challenge for the title and the Champions League.

"We also want to add one or two players."

Wenger has ruled out the possibility of radical surgery to his squad during the transfer window as he continues to pin his hopes on the club's youngsters.

However, with Swiss duo Philippe Senderos, Johan Djourou and Frenchman Gael Clichy injured, Wenger is looking for defensive recruits and is an admirer of West Brom's Curtis Davies.

"If we find a player who can play centre back and left back then we are still open for transfers," he told the club website.

"Curtis Davies I like. I have not made an inquiry or a bid but I like the player. I will not be making a bid as high as £10m or £12m."



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Related to this story:

Arsenal nets £260m in loan goal (14 Jul 06 |  Business )
Arsenal secure Rosicky transfer (23 May 06 |  Arsenal )
Highbury memories (07 May 06 |  Arsenal )
Bergkamp tie set for new stadium (14 Apr 06 |  Arsenal )
Wenger feels new stadium is vital (15 Aug 05 |  Arsenal )
Arsenal name new ground (05 Oct 04 |  Arsenal )

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