Now, this is Arsenal we’re talking about, so don’t get too excited. Maybe a little bit. You can allow a tiny squeal of possible anticipation to escape, but only a small one.
According to both the Daily Mirror and the Daily Mail, Arsenal are negotiating with Fiorentina for their Montenegrin forward Stevan Jovetic. Reports suggest he’s agreed a 4-year, £100,000k-a-week deal, and Arsenal are now attempting to agree on a fee for the player. £25 million is the asking price but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Arsenal take a few million off that.
However, we all know about Arsenal and their indecision. What’s more, any deal will likely hinge on Champions League qualification, which while probable, isn’t definite by any means.
If you’re wondering if Jovetic is the man Arsenal need, then look no further than a recent blog on this very site.
Adler
You’ll remember Arsenal’s link to German ‘keeper Rene Adler that I shared the other day. There’s now been an article in German paper SportBild in which Hamburg manager Frank Armsesen has admitted ‘we all know Arsenal are looking for a goalkeeper’, and refused to discuss speculation that Arsenal were set to offer £5 million for Adler.
Adler himself was quoted as saying: “For an athlete, it (interest) is flattering, it inspires me but does not distract me”.
Fairly coy, but you get the idea there’s certainly something going on. Adler is an excellent goalkeeper, and £5 million is an absolute steal. He’d be German No1 if not for injury.
Bye bye Kyle-the clearout continues
After Martin Angha left for FC Nuremberg earlier this month, Arsenal continue to get rid of youth prospects that won’t make it. Kyle Ebecilio, the Dutch midfielder-cum-utility man who was signed as a massive prospect aged 16, is set to be sold to FC Twente in his native Netherlands 3 years later.
He’s performed well for the U-21s, but nothing like the level required to break through. I’d expect a few more players to be offloaded or sent out on loan in the coming months as well. Arsenal have a wage bill to be trimmed.
United line-up
It’s likely to be a rotated United side that play Arsenal tomorrow, but that doesn’t mean they can’t beat us. I recall Arsenal losing to a United side containing 7 defenders in the FA Cup a couple of seasons ago. Whatever turns up, it’s still a Fergie United side and they have to be careful.
With that in mind, I expect a fairly ‘safe’ team selection from Arsene. Wilshere will probably start alongside Ramsey and Arteta in midfield, forming more of a flat 3 to counteract Jones and Cleverly, while Podolski will start down the middle. The wings are interesting: With the threat United pose down the flanks I can see Monreal being preferred at left-back, with Santi Cazorla ahead of him. Theo Walcott has had issues tracking back lately, so Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain may be drafted in for defensive cover. He’s due a start anyhow.
Expected line-up
Sczceszny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Ramsey, Arteta, Wilshere; Cazorla, Podolski, Oxlade-Chamberlain
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