It is often a laugh to read papers which purport to tell the truth in the transfer window. Like the weekend on Adebayor: “My future with Arsenal has never been in doubt and I want to assure fans I will be here for many years. My agent has met with coach Arsene Wenger about a new deal and I am happy about how the talks are going so fans can rest assured.” (Sun)
Whereas Agence France Presse; “For the moment we don’t intend to open negotiations for the sale of Emmanuel Adebayor,” Gazetta, quoting a source from Arsenal. And goes on – Adebayor’s agent Stephane Courbis told Radio TV that his client was keen to make the move to San Siro, but that ultimately the decision would be made by the two clubs.
“Adebayor is happy at Arsenal, but when a footballer receives an offer from a team such as Milan it is difficult to say no. However, it is difficult to say whether he will play for Milan (next season). I know they have contacted Arsenal and it is now up to the English club. Milan are a big club, amongst the biggest in the world and when a team like this wants to buy you, you have give it some thought.”
The potential replacements are growing by the week. Santa Cruz has always been in the frame, but Gomez, Gomis and now Podolski have joined the list.
More uncertainty over Gervinho – the 21 year old Ivory Coast striker who plays for Le Mans. Star reckon Gervinho is not interested in a move to Arsenal. But the Times: “Arsenal have spoken to my agents and we are looking at it,” Gervinho said. “Arsenal have made it clear that they want me.”
Better news if you read the Sunday Mirror which claim Arsenal will complete the £10m Nasri deal at the end of of Euro 2008. Whether that is the French end or tournament end – doesn’t say.
The People reckon Manchester United and Arsenal are again battling it out for the best young talent by going head-to-head for £3million-rated Demetris Christofi – a 19 year old striker who plays in Cyprus. [Unlikely]
But they also reckon Arsenal are set to appoint former Fulham chief David McNally as their new managing director. McNally joined Fulham in January 2005 and was behind the managerial appointments Lawrie Sanchez, who was sacked, and Roy Hodgson.
The Independent meanwhile say Man City ex-chief executive Alistair Mackintosh has already been offered the equivalent job at Fulham as well as a senior position at Arsenal. [Have it on good authority that Arsenal will have two younger board members in place by the next AGM.]
However if the Telegraph (Friday) are to be believed, City headhunting firm Spencer Stuart are due to report to the club’s board imminently with a list of possible candidates, which the directors narrowing down to three or four to interview. [Surprised Arsenal need headhunters with such extensive contacts among board members.]
Interesting article in the Newcastle Chronicle & Journal pointing to Aaron Ramsey’s signature: “The top four (you know who they are) already have the pick of the best young players at home and, more worryingly, abroad, no matter FA rules designed to prevent it.
“So the sight of them signing up the few kids who got away is like watching another nail hammered into the coffin of a once competitive league.
“And nowhere should mourn that fact more than a region synonymous with producing homegrown talent.”
Talking of Welsh footballers, sympathies to the family of Derek Tapscott ex-Arsenal forward who died at 75. Signed for £2000 in 1953, he made 132 appearances, earned £11 a week with an additional £2 for a win and £1 for a draw.
There’s more proof of Arsenal’s efforts for global reach. Sixteen under-15 boys have been selected by Arsenal coaches in India for a two-weeks training stint in Surrey, England. They will be trained during the Arsenal International Soccer Festival in which under-15 boys from six other countries — England, the USA, Denmark, Canada, Greece and South Africa — will also take part.
And finally congratulations to Julie Fleeting, the Arsenal ladies player who has been awarded an MBE.