By Ian Grant
Something currently doesn’t stack up about the reports coming out of Italy – that Vieira has agreed a five year contract for a fee over £10m at £82,000/week.
Arsenal were holding out for £15m. And quotes from Juve administrator last night said: “At this time, the conditions aren’t there.”
And Hill-Wood said it would be discussed at a board meeting next week.
Currently there is no comment from Arsenal.
Besides Vieira has said in the past that he would not play for another Serie A club because of an “intolerable atmosphere of racism” (note the Lazio game). And that he will lead the team out into Ashburton Grove.
However, five years is a long time in football.
Perhaps the most telling in all the speculation was an interview with ex-Arsenal midfielder, Paul Davis on Sky Sports News on Monday. He said there was a feeling inside the club that this was the one when he’ll go. But he said with a knowing smile that Arsene Wenger wouldn’t do business unless he had someone lined up. And that Arsenal had some very good young players coming through.
That replacement is widely believed to be Lyon’s Mahmouda Diarra. However, as evident from the Essien saga – Lyon are difficult to deal with. And that was confirmed yesterday when Lyon offered Diarra a new contract doubling his current salary.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal believed they could get Diarra for around £3m because of a release clause in his contract which would facilitate a move to any club willing to double his £10,000-a-week salary. This has become more difficult – but not impossible. Wenger and Houllier are friends, which helps.
If Patrick does go – then like many other Arsenal fans – a great thanks. Besides the fantastic footballing skill and spirit and becoming a talismanic symbol, I’ll remember his work for his Diambars charity in Senegal, educating street kids through football.