Some say bookies rarely get it wrong. If so, it is worrying Arsenal have been pushed out to 12-1 for the Premiership with Bet365 and Blue Square – their biggest price at the start of a season since Arsene Wenger took charge.
Man U are a best-price 11-8 (general) – in from 7-4 – to win the title. Chelsea are 13-8 (Betfred and Ladbrokes). Liverpool, steady at 6-1 (Betfred).
Meanwhile Obafemi Martins has said he is to meet Sam Allardyce tomorrow to discuss his future at Newcastle United (Guardian). Martins, linked with a possible £13m move to either Arsenal or West Ham United, said from Nigeria: “Right now all I know is what I read in the papers. I have a meeting with the manager when I get back to training. We will see what happens then.”
Martins added that he wanted to play in Newcastle’s first pre-season friendly at Hartlepool United on Tuesday night. However, the following day he has been selected to play in the Nelson Mandela World XI versus Africa XI game in Cape Town. “I have to consider Newcastle too, I don’t want to miss the first friendly match of the season.”
One broadsheet says Arsenal are showing the keenest interest but are yet to make a firm offer and are considering other options. Another says it now appears that the Nigerian has told Newcastle that he wants to leave and the £13m buy-out clause in his contract means they are powerless to stop him.
However Arsenal are set to confirm the £7m – £7.5m signing of Bakary Sagna from Auxerre within the next 48 hours. The former France Under-21 right-back has held talks at the Emirates Stadium and will undergo a medical ahead of a probable announcement today. Auxerre are satisfied with the transfer fee and their president, Gerard Bourgoin, has already been quoted as saying that Sagna has a “deep desire” to play in England and wants to “wear the Arsenal shirt”.
Sagna, 24, has the reputation as an attacking full-back and, after playing in the French Under-21 team in the 2006 European Championships, received his first call-up to the full French squad for the Euro 2008 qualifying matches against Ukraine and Georgia.
He has been with Auxerre since 2004 and helped the club win the French Cup of 2005. He is expected to sign a five-year contract and his arrival will provide competition and cover for Emmanuel Eboue at right-back. Eboue has been touted as aright side midfielder – a cheaper option than the £13m rated Babel and Malouda, with some say Sagna as first choice right back. He can also play left back – but quotes in some press yesterday about “the giant centre half” appear wide of the mark.
Talks have continued over Freddie Ljungberg’s possible £5.5m move to Fiorentina. Sources in Italy say that negotiations are continuing, although it is understood that the wages on offer at Fiorentina of around £30,000 a week could provide a stumbling block. If Freddie does go – he’s been a fantastic servant and will be missed.
The ES says Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for Justin Hoyte. Reading are leading the chase. This would leave Walcott as the only first team squad Englishman (unless others are promoted). Also sad, if true, as Hoyte has been with Arsenal as a kid.
Meanwhile Real Madrid have made it clear to Arsenal that they would like to buy Jose Reyes after his season-long loan spell, although their valuation – thought to be just £5.4m – falls far short of the £13.5m Wenger wants.
Great quote from George Graham (ES), about pre-season: “I hated pre-season as a player because I didn’t enjoy it. Give me the ball and I was world-class but without it I was in relegation trouble!”
Also Patrick Vieira, seems to have undergone a volte face in light of previous negative and damaging commments: “It is important to know that nobody is bigger than the club and I hope Arsenal will keep progressing. They are in a good position. They have a new stadium and all big clubs have a big stadium, so now they need to get the results to be at the very top.”
Also good to see readers appreciating the article about Peter Storey, including his son.