Sir Alex Ferguson did something very kind yesterday. You might not see it that way, but I do. Yesterday Sir Alex (of the purple nose) publicly announced that he was trying to sign Robin Van Persie, confirming reports that Manchester United were the only team left interested in his signature.

This was kind for two interlinked reasons. It reminded us what incredible prats the folks at United are, and what a complete lying tool Robin Van Persie is.

Recently the relationship between Arsenal and United, and by extension Wenger and Fergie has warmed somewhat, because of Arsenal competing less with United, and the shared financial restraints placed on the clubs (admittedly for different reasons) compared with City and Chelsea. United and Arsenal fans have joined together in mutual head-shaking whenever one of the oil teams pays a ridiculous fee for a player.

What we’d forgotten is that Fergie has no right to do this. He used to pay those stupid fees. In the same interview from yesterday, he commented that paying 45 million Euros for Lucas Moura like PSG did was “mad”. Clearly paying 30 million for an 18 year-old Wayne Rooney is fine though, eh Purpley? It’s also important to point out that United wanted Moura for a stupid price as well. They wanted Hazard as well, but lost out to the oil dollars. His fee wouldn’t have been “mad” if he’s gone to United.

His comments about not understanding why Arsenal aren’t willing to sell to him are amusing as well. He speaks in a self-entitling manner, kind of like “The insolence! We’re United!”. He also suggests Wenger is being stubborn for not wanting to sell our captain and best player to a rival, the way Ferguson didn’t with Gabriel Heinze to Liverpool back in the day.

As for Van Persie, if you wanted guaranteed trophies, why would you want to move to a team who are roughly on the same level as United? Why don’t you publicly announce you want to move, forgo your loyalty fee in exchange for the joy of winning the league with your true love United? Oh, because United are willing to pay you 200,000 a week! Silly me. There I was thinking your “ambition” had something to do with winning. I wonder what your 12 year old self, with Arsenal posters on the walls and an Arsenal shirt on would think of you now? It’s making me a little sad thinking about it.

Songo

Onto cheerier news. Barcelona’s pursuit of Alex Song remains amusing, as he’s shown no signs of wanting to leave and has 3 years left on his contract. They’re still trying to tap him up, but it isn’t working. Only one real paper (the Mirror doesn’t count) is reporting it, and they’re a Barcelona supporting  paper anyway.

Carry on.

Who are we signing today?

Very interesting question, subtitle. AC Milan have signed Zapata from Villarreal, ruling out a move for Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa from Montpelier, who’s been linked with Arsenal. Whether we need another centreback is debatable, but it’s good to have cover. Arsenal are also linked with Gregory Van der Wiel from Ajax as back-up for Sagna, but he’s A. A bit crap, and B. Got a terrible attitude.

The biggest one to watch is a possible resurrection of Yann M’Vila interest. It’s been stated that Arsenal are looking at 2 more midfielders, one presumably Nuri Sahin, but the other unknown. M’Vila’s stock couldn’t be lower at the moment, he’s been left out of the France squad and is generally thought of as a bit of a despicable boy. Perfect time for Wenger to swoop in with a reduced bid, fix his attitude, and have the possible new Makelele, yeah?

We’re also interested in a few strikers to replace RVP according to NorthBankLower, who’s very reliable, but that will happen when it happens.

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