Our only story this January has been the link with Andrei Arshavin, and this offer has been quite publicly been rejected. Today we've heard that Man City and Inter are in the process of submitting bids for the Russian and if either of these two stories are true, then it looks like we won't have a chance to sign him.
So off the topic of transfers and on to the topic of our existing squad. Arsene has been in the press talking about how Nasri was moved into central midfield to help unlock Bolton's defence. His actual quote is quite weird - he says, by accident, he made that decision / idea - which is very weird considering he played there against Plymouth. Arsene said:
“He gave us a little bit more creativity in the centre, especially in a tight game like that. Of course, he [Nasri] is a link player and can also pass people. From then on it became a little bit more difficult for Bolton. It was my idea – sometimes accidentally I have them.”
Well, in the same vein Arsene, then, wasn’t it my idea, as I posted it on the Bolton Previewblog last week! But in reality, it was a good move, it helped us unlock the Bolton defence. Attacking wise Nasri is our best midfielder, so I’d expect to see it more often. Diaby is confused, although with a run of games in the side, he could get better. His overall performances are slightly less average than before.
On the official Arsenal web site, Dennis Begkamp has expressed his desire to come back.
“I wouldn’t rule out [working at Arsenal in some capacity].”
Just imagine that, Pires, Henry and Bergkamp as coaches and Tony Adams as Pat Rice’s assistant… a sense of nostalgia I think. One of the great things that we’ve recently lost are their personalities. The there aforementioned players oozed class, excellence, desire and pure will to win. Perfection is the word.
“I really love this club and the country and I love working here. I would advise everyone to work in England, as a player or a coach, it just breathes football. It is fantastic for the game.”
England, and Arsenal is all about football. We have players like Cesc, Theo, Nasri, Ade, VP, Eduardo, Vela and of course Bendtner, who would all learn something good from someone like Dennis Bergkamp. I think Arsene is allowing Bergkamp to get his badges and spend some time with Ajax before he joins us next season. Well, I hope.
As I write this, I hear that Kaka has rejected a move to Man City and wants to “grow old” with Milan… if only Henry grew old with us, at least the commitment and level wouldn’t have dropped as it has now…
More soon… Surely a signing is imminent.
Arsene?]]>
