Sahin’s on his way, M’Vila and Llorente too? Sounds almost too good to be true, doesn’t it? What a trio of signings that would be. The most exciting part is that 2/3 of that trio could quite possibly be signing for Arsenal in the next week. No prizes for guessing which one probably isn’t.
Sahin to say again
The BBC confirmed that a deal for Nuri Sahin on loan should be closed early this week, possibly today or tomorrow. It’s a years loan, with a view to a permanent deal. That’s something a lot of Arsenal fans weren’t expecting, as it was believed that it was simply a loan, as Arsenal’s option to buy was rebuffed by Real Madrid, the original sticking point.
Despite Xabi Alonso and Jose Mourinho trying to convince him to go to Liverpool (higher loan fee), Sahin was desperate to go to Arsenal, as he admires Wenger as the greatest coach in the world. Who says you need to win things to attract world-class players? Sahin is world class, by the way. He was the jewel in the crown of Dortmund’s title-winning side of 2011, and despite not really making an impression at Madrid, that was more due to the fact he was competing with Xabi Alonso and Mezut Ozil for a starting berth. Amazing player, and perfect cover for Wilshere, and if he signs permanently, a long term Arteta replacement.
M’Vila’s definitely on the M’ove, but where?
I love Yann M’Vila’s name. It just provides so much pun possibility. It’s M’agnificent.
Puntastic names aside, the Rennes president confirmed to Canal+ (the French Sky Sports) that Yann M’Vila had played his last game for Rennes, though his destination remains unknown.
Be that as it may, it’s common knowledge that M’Vila has his heart set on a move to Arsenal, having rejected Spur’s advances, and those of Bayern Munich and Inter. Zenit St Petersburg are supposedly interested, but they’ve, sadly, never had a black player. Ever. Their fans would attack them if they did. Upsetting, but what can you do.
This leaves Arsenal as an obvious location, though I wouldn’t go buying his shirt just yet. Arsene Wenger pulled out of a potential deal because of his attitude, though Patrick Viera himself was a bit of a bad boy when he was signed. It’s more likely the attitude line was to drive his price down.
He’s a smart, ball-playing defensive midfielder, who is happy to sit back and do his defensive duties, only 2 goals and 3 assists in 112 games. But it’s not his job to score goals, it’s to stop them. Would be a great signing for Arsenal, but we’ll see.
There’s always one..
Fernando Llorente has popped up a LOT recently as an Arsenal target, and I’m going to have to burst a few bubbles. Arsenal would have to pay around 25 million to secure his services, which is unlikely. He’s fairly similar to Olivier Giroud in style anyway, and you’d assume Wenger would want a more creative sort of striker if he bought another one (he has highlighted a lack of creativity as an issue).
What’s more, he’s supposedly in advanced talks with Juventus, who have a nice £190,000 salary lying around that they wanted to use on Robin Van Persie. I’m going to cut my losses and say there’s no chance he’s coming here.
Bouldy’s doing the business
A common criticism conveyed to Pat Rice in his later years was that he was a yes man, who did not challenge anything Wenger said or thought. While this may or may not be true, it’s clear that Steve Bould is anything but.
He’s been kicking players who need it up the backside (not literally), and has apparently convinced Wenger to consider a change of formation, to incorporate a true defensive midfielder.
The alleged new shape is a 4-4-2 diamond, with Podolski playing off Giroud, Cazorla in the hole behind them, and two deeper lying players, like Arteta or Diaby. A defensive midfielder would then go behind. Wingers like Theo or Gervinho would likely be deployed as forwards in this shape.
Anyway, that’s all for today. Goodbye, and keep the faith.
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