I'll keep it short today as I know most of us have work tomorrow. The transfer rumour merry go round in out shake it all about is in overdrive as usual. We've had Flamini-Gate, Hleb-Gate and we're in the middle of Ade-Gate, and just as you think "man, come on, let's just get back to football", Cesc-Gate takes another twist.
Rumours about Cesc leaving are always around, but today they've resurfaced and after the ruthless attempt to tap up Cristiano Ronaldo has failed, I do fear that they will start a long and relentless pursuit of the Spaniard. They'll do what they've always done and try and try and try and eventually will they get their way? I hope not. There have been reports in Marca (the very unreliable Spanish newspaper that Real Madrid use to solicit their players).
Here is a quick look at the quote:
“I didn’t tell Ramon Calderon no. I told him that now wasn’t the time to go to Madrid. That you are wanted by Madrid, one of the biggest teams in history, is important.”
Hmm, did he say that, was it taken out of context? Who knows? Cesc has always backed Arsenal and Arsene, signed long term contracts and I believe there is a lot of Arsenal in him.
“To be four seasons without winning any titles would be too much for me. Real Madrid are the favourites to win La Liga this year.”
I’m sure we’ll find out if those quotes are true, but either way, I say let’s win the title and then see what happens.
In other news, Newcastle have supposed bid £6m for Senderos. Is that good money? Who / how would we replace him if he went? He does love the club though and has a big future ahead of him (I think)… more about that story soon.
Let’s have a look at the next friendly, it’s Burgenland XI v Arsenal, kick off at 6.30pm.
The squad is pretty much the same as the one we saw last week, with new boy Francis Coquelin and Havard Nortveit both unavailable due to slight injuries. Let’s have a look at the starting line up:
| Almunia Goalkeeper |
|||
| Sagna Right Back |
Gavin Hoyte Centre Back |
Justin Hoyte Centre Back |
Clichy Left Back |
| Walcott Right Wing |
Ramsey Midfielder |
Denilson Midfielder |
Wilshere Left Wing |
| Bendtner Stiker |
Vela Support Stiker |
||
With the substitutes: Vito Mannone, Gavin Hoyte, Armand Traore, Mark Randall, Henri Lansbury and Jay Simpson.
The rest of the squad, I understand will be there, but won’t play. They’ve been working on their fitness and we’d expect to see a selection of the first team play against Stuttgart midweek. Players like Diaby, Ade, VP, Nasri and Cesc would all be good to see. As we understand it, Diaby is going to partner Cesc in midfield, so it will be essential to see this combination pre-season.
Adios for now guys, I’ll be back tomorrow no doubt…]]>
