The reports from Italy and Spain tonight look ominously coordinated, from Arsenal's point of view. Gonzalo Higuaín look bound for Serie A and Napoli. According to La Repubblica in Italy, an official confirmation is hours away.
It mirrors the story from Diario AS in Spain, where the deal between Real Madrid and the Italians was made a few days ago. The news tonight is that Higuaín has been persuaded to join Napoli instead of Arsenal, by compatriot Enrique Lavezzi among others.
The Italian news agency ANSA have also seen fit to report the imminent signing.
Regular readers of this blog know that no signing is ever official until the player poses uneasily with a new shirt on an official club website. Still, the feeling of the last week or so has been that Arsenal went as far in the bidding as their evaluation of Higuaín let them. Even if the player himself has been widely reported to prefer Arsenal and the Premier League, the selling club was left to make the decision for him.
Meanwhile, the latest reports in England is that Arsenal have made a £40,000,001 bid for Luis Suárez of Liverpool. (Reported in the Daily Mail and the Daily Mirror.)
There are legal and contractual disputes about Suárez' contract. Some say £40m is enough to force Liverpool to accept, some say that the clause obliges them to "inform" the striker. Still, it's not what the player's current management would wish for the day before the so-called "crunch talks" with a disgruntled employee.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid may yet scupper Arsenal plans for a second time. After selling Higuaín they could well bid for Suárez as a replacement. After all, they could offer at least the same terms, as much Champions League football as Arsenal, and the added attraction for the ill-disciplined striker to leave England and the poor reputation he has earned himself there.
Which would leave Arsenal clutching at their second choice striker targets, as this blog has already predicted.
The dominoes are falling, it seems. What hopes fall with them, the next few days will show.
Showing posts with label Suarez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Suarez. Show all posts
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
Loyalty for sale
Among the countless (not really, as they're counted here) rumours of Arsenal summer signings, a few sticks out. One, rather surprisingly, is Cesc Fábregas. Born at La Masia, raised at Arsenal, only to return to Barcelona as the prodigal son two years ago after more than a year of will-he-won't-he media whining. For a shedload of cash and a number of transfer clauses, if reports are to be believed.
The clause about Arsenal having first refusal is the most widely reported these last few weeks, as the most insistent rumours are about a transfer to Manchester United, not to his former club in the Premier League. But that clause - if it exists - would mean that any Arsenal bid of £25m would be accepted. Or £35m. Or was it €30m? Or any bid matching Manchester United's, or whatever. Details, details, right?
Barcelona are steadfastly telling the world that their no. 4 is not for sale. As if that would dampen expectations anywhere.
But do not believe for one minute that Cesc, if Manchester United and Arsenal both have bids accepted, will take some kind of moral high ground (in Gooners' eyes) or be swayed by sentiment towards Arsenal or Arsène Wenger. He's a professional footballer. What matters are his paychecks and his hopes of winning trophies. As any bookie or professional gambler would tell you, the odds are leaning Manchester United's way on both those bets.
And don't think that any clause in any contract will matter one bit if Cesc wants to move to Old Trafford instead of Drayton Park. He will decide for himself.
We couldn't condemn Cesc for that. I couldn't argue with Robin van Persie's move last year, either, only the way he went about getting it.
And besides, how can Gooners look Cesc in the eye and demand more loyalty from him, another club's player, than from their own perceptions of players?
Signing Luis Suárez was a rumoured option for Arsenal three summers ago, when he was still at Ajax and his disciplinary record wasn't public domain in the UK. After numerous handballs and dives, as well as affray (!) on the field of play, his status among English football fans in general is so low that he's openly spoken about leaving Liverpool for another league.
But hey, wait, did those guys in London just say "Champions League football"?
Fans are as fickle as players. Biting, diving and cheating will all be forgiven and forgotten - by most Gooners, anyway - if Suárez starts banging in goals for the Arsenal. No moral high ground will be left.
As for Wayne Rooney, a player bound for Chelsea if there ever was one, if he for some reason went to Arsenal instead...? Gooners would just end up reprising the embarrassing turnaround that Manchester United supporters made for van Persie. Months after singing about him raping women, they condemned Arsenal fans for doing the very same.
It's not just the singing that's shameful.
Loyalty is for sale. Not just the players'. Remember that when the targets of the summer choose their new employers, and their new fans.
The clause about Arsenal having first refusal is the most widely reported these last few weeks, as the most insistent rumours are about a transfer to Manchester United, not to his former club in the Premier League. But that clause - if it exists - would mean that any Arsenal bid of £25m would be accepted. Or £35m. Or was it €30m? Or any bid matching Manchester United's, or whatever. Details, details, right?
Barcelona are steadfastly telling the world that their no. 4 is not for sale. As if that would dampen expectations anywhere.
But do not believe for one minute that Cesc, if Manchester United and Arsenal both have bids accepted, will take some kind of moral high ground (in Gooners' eyes) or be swayed by sentiment towards Arsenal or Arsène Wenger. He's a professional footballer. What matters are his paychecks and his hopes of winning trophies. As any bookie or professional gambler would tell you, the odds are leaning Manchester United's way on both those bets.
And don't think that any clause in any contract will matter one bit if Cesc wants to move to Old Trafford instead of Drayton Park. He will decide for himself.
We couldn't condemn Cesc for that. I couldn't argue with Robin van Persie's move last year, either, only the way he went about getting it.
And besides, how can Gooners look Cesc in the eye and demand more loyalty from him, another club's player, than from their own perceptions of players?
Signing Luis Suárez was a rumoured option for Arsenal three summers ago, when he was still at Ajax and his disciplinary record wasn't public domain in the UK. After numerous handballs and dives, as well as affray (!) on the field of play, his status among English football fans in general is so low that he's openly spoken about leaving Liverpool for another league.
But hey, wait, did those guys in London just say "Champions League football"?
Fans are as fickle as players. Biting, diving and cheating will all be forgiven and forgotten - by most Gooners, anyway - if Suárez starts banging in goals for the Arsenal. No moral high ground will be left.
As for Wayne Rooney, a player bound for Chelsea if there ever was one, if he for some reason went to Arsenal instead...? Gooners would just end up reprising the embarrassing turnaround that Manchester United supporters made for van Persie. Months after singing about him raping women, they condemned Arsenal fans for doing the very same.
It's not just the singing that's shameful.
Loyalty is for sale. Not just the players'. Remember that when the targets of the summer choose their new employers, and their new fans.
Friday, 19 July 2013
Inflation
The 2013 summer rumour list is being updated again. This Silly Season is the busiest I can remember, at least when it comes to speculation about incoming targets.
241 players have been linked with Arsenal after the January window was shut. Only two, Yaya Sanogo and Dan Crawley, have been confirmed as Arsenal signings so far.
The much hyped £70m in Arsenal's so-called war chest is probably the reason for the flurry of rumours. Plenty of European agents want in on the action, both for themselves and on behalf of their clients. But there are also targets where the reports are so ubiquitous that there have to be cores of truth in them.
The single player with the most links to Arsenal is now far and away Gonzalo Higuaín, the Real Madrid striker. Several papers have reported - and are to be belived at your own peril - that personal terms have been reached between Arsenal and the player's representatives quite some time ago. The selling club, however, aren't going to take the deal lying down.
All around Europe, a lot of the major clubs have changed their managers (or head coaches, where that term is more precise). They all want two things: assess the current squad themselves before deciding who goes and who stays, and at the same time get fans on their side with a marquee signing. At the same time, cash-rich owners of some clubs spend like it's the end of the world as they know it. And with the advent of UEFA's Financial Fair Play, it probably is.
Real Madrid wanted Carlo Ancelotti in place before Higuain was sold, and that proved to be a masterstroke. At the start of the summer, the Argentine wasn't in such high demand. Now, however, as a sort of domino featuring the world's leading forwards is afoot, his transfer value has soared.
As Edinson Cavani left Napoli for Paris Saint-Germain, the only ones who would pay off his transfer clause without blinking, the Italian club got their hands on serious dough. How many top strikers are in the market? Not many, but Higuaín is one. Before you know it, Real Madrid raised his asking price from £23-25m to £35-40m (depending on reports). A classic case of what an increase in demand does with the price in a closed market.
Arsenal, not blind to this development, have made ouvertures to Wayne Rooney and Luis Suárez instead. Several reports have suggested that these are just feints designed to scare Real Madrid into selling Higuaín. In that case, it hasn't worked, especially not with Napoli thrown into the mix.
The Rooney rumour is based on the Manchester United and England striker's discontent at Old Trafford, where competition for places seems to have put an end to his preferred, less professional fitness regime. However, for Rooney to choose Arsenal over Chelsea - who have confirmed their interest with a firm, official bid - is nonsensical. Arsenal can't offer the money Chelsea can, nor the (perceived) chances of silverware at this point. I've a slight suspicion that Arsène Wenger keep making noises just to complicate matters for his rivals.
Luis Suárez, however, is another matter. Arsenal are the only firm bidders in this case, but true to form is any bid lower than the selling club's set value. Liverpool are in an even worse situation than Arsenal, who still have Champions League football to offer. Suárez' comments in South American media suggest that a move would appeal to him. For Wenger to sign a striker of questionable temperament and a poor disciplinary record is nothing new. Arsenal supporters would have a hard time taking to the Uruguay striker with his sordid reputation, but fans are fickle. Goals will heal any wounds.
In the media, quite a few of the stories about any of these three "targets" carry a mention of the two others. That is why the number of links after each name has grown so drastically.
Of the three, Suárez looks the more likely, as Higuaín and Rooney will cost more money than prudent Arsenal are prepared to spend under any circumstances. However, the Stevan Jovetic saga is a warning in itself. So closely linked to Arsenal throughout the spring, but now about to leave Fiorentina for Manchester City instead. Again, inflation brought forward by the endless spending of a few major clubs meant that the Montenegrin's asking price went through the roof. Once the oily operators in European football enter a race, Arsenal are put in place.
Suárez may very well end up in Real Madrid instead, perhaps is that even more likely than Arsenal. What will then be left? Wenger clearly wants more competition for Olivier Giroud, and more firepower up front in general.
My prediction - only as good as your own, mind - is that Arsenal will lose out on all the three targets of this frenzied week, like they lost out on Jovetic. However, when all the top names are signed, others will be put on the market.
When Manchester City have signed Jovetic and, as reported, Álvaro Negredo of Sevilla, what then of, say, Edin Dzeko? If, or when, Chelsea secure Rooney, what then of Fernando Torres or Demba Ba? They have all been reported as targets for Arsenal in this Silly Season as in the last fewtransfer windows.
I think Arsenal will end up with the leftovers. But who would you trust more at a car-boot footballer sale than Arsène Wenger?
241 players have been linked with Arsenal after the January window was shut. Only two, Yaya Sanogo and Dan Crawley, have been confirmed as Arsenal signings so far.
The much hyped £70m in Arsenal's so-called war chest is probably the reason for the flurry of rumours. Plenty of European agents want in on the action, both for themselves and on behalf of their clients. But there are also targets where the reports are so ubiquitous that there have to be cores of truth in them.
The single player with the most links to Arsenal is now far and away Gonzalo Higuaín, the Real Madrid striker. Several papers have reported - and are to be belived at your own peril - that personal terms have been reached between Arsenal and the player's representatives quite some time ago. The selling club, however, aren't going to take the deal lying down.
All around Europe, a lot of the major clubs have changed their managers (or head coaches, where that term is more precise). They all want two things: assess the current squad themselves before deciding who goes and who stays, and at the same time get fans on their side with a marquee signing. At the same time, cash-rich owners of some clubs spend like it's the end of the world as they know it. And with the advent of UEFA's Financial Fair Play, it probably is.
Real Madrid wanted Carlo Ancelotti in place before Higuain was sold, and that proved to be a masterstroke. At the start of the summer, the Argentine wasn't in such high demand. Now, however, as a sort of domino featuring the world's leading forwards is afoot, his transfer value has soared.
As Edinson Cavani left Napoli for Paris Saint-Germain, the only ones who would pay off his transfer clause without blinking, the Italian club got their hands on serious dough. How many top strikers are in the market? Not many, but Higuaín is one. Before you know it, Real Madrid raised his asking price from £23-25m to £35-40m (depending on reports). A classic case of what an increase in demand does with the price in a closed market.
Arsenal, not blind to this development, have made ouvertures to Wayne Rooney and Luis Suárez instead. Several reports have suggested that these are just feints designed to scare Real Madrid into selling Higuaín. In that case, it hasn't worked, especially not with Napoli thrown into the mix.
The Rooney rumour is based on the Manchester United and England striker's discontent at Old Trafford, where competition for places seems to have put an end to his preferred, less professional fitness regime. However, for Rooney to choose Arsenal over Chelsea - who have confirmed their interest with a firm, official bid - is nonsensical. Arsenal can't offer the money Chelsea can, nor the (perceived) chances of silverware at this point. I've a slight suspicion that Arsène Wenger keep making noises just to complicate matters for his rivals.
Luis Suárez, however, is another matter. Arsenal are the only firm bidders in this case, but true to form is any bid lower than the selling club's set value. Liverpool are in an even worse situation than Arsenal, who still have Champions League football to offer. Suárez' comments in South American media suggest that a move would appeal to him. For Wenger to sign a striker of questionable temperament and a poor disciplinary record is nothing new. Arsenal supporters would have a hard time taking to the Uruguay striker with his sordid reputation, but fans are fickle. Goals will heal any wounds.
In the media, quite a few of the stories about any of these three "targets" carry a mention of the two others. That is why the number of links after each name has grown so drastically.
Of the three, Suárez looks the more likely, as Higuaín and Rooney will cost more money than prudent Arsenal are prepared to spend under any circumstances. However, the Stevan Jovetic saga is a warning in itself. So closely linked to Arsenal throughout the spring, but now about to leave Fiorentina for Manchester City instead. Again, inflation brought forward by the endless spending of a few major clubs meant that the Montenegrin's asking price went through the roof. Once the oily operators in European football enter a race, Arsenal are put in place.
Suárez may very well end up in Real Madrid instead, perhaps is that even more likely than Arsenal. What will then be left? Wenger clearly wants more competition for Olivier Giroud, and more firepower up front in general.
My prediction - only as good as your own, mind - is that Arsenal will lose out on all the three targets of this frenzied week, like they lost out on Jovetic. However, when all the top names are signed, others will be put on the market.
When Manchester City have signed Jovetic and, as reported, Álvaro Negredo of Sevilla, what then of, say, Edin Dzeko? If, or when, Chelsea secure Rooney, what then of Fernando Torres or Demba Ba? They have all been reported as targets for Arsenal in this Silly Season as in the last fewtransfer windows.
I think Arsenal will end up with the leftovers. But who would you trust more at a car-boot footballer sale than Arsène Wenger?
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Rankings are now top 3
The Silly Season is as tight as ever. Pre-season is up and running, the squads are settling in together. But who will Arsenal sign before the end of the transfer window? The rumours are abounding, but repeating themselves more and more. Three rumours on each list should suffice.
This is my "most likely" list - or rather "least surprising" list - of today:
3. Loïc Remy: Arsenal aren't really in the market for a striker, I should think, despite Eduardo leaving. Unquestionably talented, the Nice striker looks to join West Ham or Liverpool for a fee in the region of £12m-14m. Still, there's a report saying a mystery, top club are late entrants in the race for Remy. And our French scout Gilles Grimandi has recommended Remy perhaps more than any other target from the French leagues, it's been said. While not an actual probable rumour, one to watch.
2. Pape Diakhaté: honestly, I'm letting Diakhaté be a representative for the entire central defender community. Arsenal are looking to bring in another potential partner for Thomas Vermaelen, but different reports point at different targets. We've been consistently linked with the Saint-Étienne/Dynamo Kiyv defender since May, in fact most links with defenders have lasted throughout the summer. But Brede Hangeland has said he won't leave Fulham, and Everton have priced Phil Jagielka out of contention. Per Mertesacker won't be allowed to leave Werder Bremen, and Madjid Bougherra was perhaps never a viable alternative. This leaves Diakhaté almost as a default option.
1. Mark Schwarzer: reported to have been offered a player/coach role for the next few seasons. The Australian international will be a number 1 choice until Vito Mannone or Wojcech Szczesny are seen as mature and ready enough. Different reports say that Fulham have been unwilling to sell for less than $4m, which is a princely sum for a 37-year-old. Anyway, Fulham are without a manager, and may still lose out on first choice Martin Jol from Ajax. No deal will be made until a manager is in place. But the haggling will continue.
And here is the "silliest" rumour list:
3. Luis Suarez: the Uruguay striker is hot property, so hot that Ajax has put his price as high as £30m. That's what a club can do when the Premier League comes knocking. Arsenal aren't THAT desperate after strikers.
2. Mesut Özil: after not signing Joe Cole (losing out on him or turning him down, depending on different reports), most Gooners and media agree that Arsenal really have enough attacking midfielders. Trying to compete in the £20m bracket with Real Madrid, Manchester United, Barcelona and any other club his agent is trying to put in the mix is futile.
1. Keisuke Honda: the same logic applies to the Japanese star. Turning to Honda, whose market value has soared since the World Cup and already earns massive amounts with Roman Abramovich's CSKA Moscow just isn't logical. There just aren't enough T-shirt customers in the world.
What and who do you think is realistic to expect? Feel free to comment.
This is my "most likely" list - or rather "least surprising" list - of today:
3. Loïc Remy: Arsenal aren't really in the market for a striker, I should think, despite Eduardo leaving. Unquestionably talented, the Nice striker looks to join West Ham or Liverpool for a fee in the region of £12m-14m. Still, there's a report saying a mystery, top club are late entrants in the race for Remy. And our French scout Gilles Grimandi has recommended Remy perhaps more than any other target from the French leagues, it's been said. While not an actual probable rumour, one to watch.
2. Pape Diakhaté: honestly, I'm letting Diakhaté be a representative for the entire central defender community. Arsenal are looking to bring in another potential partner for Thomas Vermaelen, but different reports point at different targets. We've been consistently linked with the Saint-Étienne/Dynamo Kiyv defender since May, in fact most links with defenders have lasted throughout the summer. But Brede Hangeland has said he won't leave Fulham, and Everton have priced Phil Jagielka out of contention. Per Mertesacker won't be allowed to leave Werder Bremen, and Madjid Bougherra was perhaps never a viable alternative. This leaves Diakhaté almost as a default option.
1. Mark Schwarzer: reported to have been offered a player/coach role for the next few seasons. The Australian international will be a number 1 choice until Vito Mannone or Wojcech Szczesny are seen as mature and ready enough. Different reports say that Fulham have been unwilling to sell for less than $4m, which is a princely sum for a 37-year-old. Anyway, Fulham are without a manager, and may still lose out on first choice Martin Jol from Ajax. No deal will be made until a manager is in place. But the haggling will continue.
And here is the "silliest" rumour list:
3. Luis Suarez: the Uruguay striker is hot property, so hot that Ajax has put his price as high as £30m. That's what a club can do when the Premier League comes knocking. Arsenal aren't THAT desperate after strikers.
2. Mesut Özil: after not signing Joe Cole (losing out on him or turning him down, depending on different reports), most Gooners and media agree that Arsenal really have enough attacking midfielders. Trying to compete in the £20m bracket with Real Madrid, Manchester United, Barcelona and any other club his agent is trying to put in the mix is futile.
1. Keisuke Honda: the same logic applies to the Japanese star. Turning to Honda, whose market value has soared since the World Cup and already earns massive amounts with Roman Abramovich's CSKA Moscow just isn't logical. There just aren't enough T-shirt customers in the world.
What and who do you think is realistic to expect? Feel free to comment.
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