Morning Gooners,Our boys fly out to Asia today and as suspected Cesc Fabregas will not be on the plane. The official line is that this is because of a hamstring niggle however, it's suspected that it's to make his move to Barcelona easier if they finally match our asking price. A lot of press is speculating, and I repeat, speculating that the transfer will be completed this coming week. If it isn't completed within the next couple of weeks I will actually start to feel a little optimistic that he will be staying next year. Wenger won't sell him last minute as he'll have no time to replace him.
Nasri however has travelled with the squad probably because they didn't have enough time to invent an injury for him but being on tour by no means stops the chances of a transfer as Man Utd proved when they parted ways with Veron in the middle of a tour. Todays Telegraph reports that Nasri has agreed a £185'000 a week deal with Man City but Arsenal are still holding out for £25m. I personally don't want Nasri to leave, I think he will be a world beater in coming years but £20-25m for a player in the last year of his contract and showing no signs of wanting to sign a new one is a very good deal. I find it hard to believe that the passion and desire shown in the picture above can be shown by mercenaries so I'm hoping that Wenger can work his gift of the gab and get Samir to sign a new 4 year deal while they're away.
Bendtner and Almunia both stay at home as they try to finalise deals to move away from Ashburton Grove with a couple of side from Germany supposedly interested in NB52 and a couple of teams in Spain that obviously have the worst scouts in Europe have been showing interest in Almunia.
The good news is that some younger players looking to break through are in the squad. Frimpong, Miyaichi and Jenkinson have all travelled and will be looking to impress Arsene Wenger. The full squad list can be found here
Another player unlikely to be taking part is Gervinho. This whole saga has to be the biggest paperwork balls up in recent history. The player has agreed terms and passed a medical and even done all the press stuff such as Arsenal Player interviews and photo shoots and the clubs have agreed a fee but constant cock ups in the visa paperwork have seen multiple delays in completion. Looks like the first chance to see him will be in the friendly against Cologne on July 23rd but hopefully we'll have another couple of new signings joining him.
Arsene and Arsenal will be busy fulfilling commercial commitments over the next week but I expect Ivan Gazidis to be working very hard trying to complete deals so transfer business will not stop because Arsene Wenger is away.
No matter who is and isn't there, I'm excited that friendlies are starting, it feels like an absolute age since seeing the mighty Arsenal in action but I for one will be glued to Arsenal Player on Wednesday.
Till next time,
Goonerfish.
No comments:
Post a Comment