Arsene Wenger gave a press conference, and the newspapers saw fit to link us with approximately half of all footballers in the world.
Good practise for the summer, during which we’ll be linked with the remaining half, as well as a number of especially skilled rugby players.
Nothing to lose
Arsene was speaking ahead of the second leg against Bayern on Wednesday night, and was in a defiant mood (as is to be expected). He insists Arsenal still have a chance to quality, despite their 3-1 deficit, which includes 3 away goals.
He said that Arsenal will not approach the game ‘thinking we will not qualify anyway’, and he is working on an ‘ambitious’ approach to the game, which could be interesting to see.
One would expect Arsenal to play a similar line-up to the Milan second leg last season: essentially every attacking player that will realistically fit into the side. That could include the likes of Gervinho and Oxlade-Chamberlain, who may play in midfield like he did last year.
Other than that, it could be a change of formation (which is unlikely), and of course a large amount of conviction and effort (luck).
Bayern Munich don’t seem the sort of side to approach any game unprofessionally, so we’ll need a minor miracle (and a 3-goal victory margin) to stand any chance whatsoever. Ho hum, I suppose we’ll find out on Wednesday.
More rumours than Fleetwood Mac
Onto the transfer speculation. Today we were linked with two strikers, a midfielder, a defender, and a goalkeeper.
According to the Mirror, we, along with Manchester City and Spurs, will attempt to sign Gonzalo Higuain in the summer. He feels out of favour at Real Madrid behind Karim Benzema, and it stands to reason that Madrid may decide it’s time to offload.
Unfortunately, even if we were willing to pay the mooted £22 million fee, both the clubs linked along with us are more likely to pick him up. City are well, City, and Spurs have that partnership with Madrid which will normally be a direct line from London to Madrid for the likes of Gareth Bale, but may occasionally have a scrap or so fed the other way. Higuain isn’t really a scrap, but you know what I mean. So don’t get too excited.
The other striker is Saint-Etienne’s Gabonese forward Pierre-Emerick-Aubmeyang. The striker is the second-top scorer in Ligue 1 this season, and has been scouted by more or less every major Prem side lately.
It stands to reason we could sign him, but you could say that about a million other players. He’s an excellent prospect, if a little unproven, but he’s highly rated by many people who know a lot more than me.
The rest
The Star have linked us with Celtic’s Victor Wanyama (again), which is one of those deals based on the logic of ‘Arsenal could do with a tall African midfielder. There’s one!’. I think if we do sign a midfielder of this kind, we’ll look to France rather than Scotland, especially as Celtic always demand high prices for their players.
Micah Richards has been linked again too. This makes more sense, especially considering Sagna is likely off, though Richard’s recent injury problems could impact his abilities. He’s an impressive right back/centre back, though a bit of the old English prerogative may come into play while looking at his abilities. Wouldn’t say no, certainly. He’s a Gooner too, which helps.
Finally, Victor Valdes is being encouraged to move to Arsenal by Thierry Henry, according to an article from Mundo Deportivo with no quotes or anything resembling evidence. Valdes isn’t the best goalkeeper, which is why Barcelona want rid, and with the attitude Arsenal fans have to players who make mistakes, it’s unlikely he’ll be able to sustain a challenge to Sczeszny’s number 1 shirt.
Keep counting down until Bayern. I know I’m not. I have a calendar. I know when games are. Stop being stupid.
Latest:
