And just when things are getting so quiet that you start to wonder if it's summer... bang, smack, wallop, about a million four news stories hit the airwaves all at once.
In the comments on yesterday’s blog, the general consensus is that Arsene isn’t really going head over heals in the transfer market. I agree with what’s been said, and think that we are trying to buy Arshavin, but at a budget. And if we do succeed, it will be the only transfer of this window and if we don’t, then there will be a high probability that we going into the run in with what we’ve got.
If there was going to be any significant movement for new players, it should have happened by now – heck, it should have been arranged before the transfer window opened. The whole Arshavin thing stinks of no real intent on our side and potentially nothing wrong with Zenit doing what they should do and get the price they want for the player. Yes, they are doing it in a slightly public way – but when Hleb wanted to go last year – if Barcelona offered £6m, we’d have said no until they reached our asking price.
Arsene talked about this today:
“I am very hopeful. Days? Yes, because the transfer window will close and we have already crossed halfway. It will be days. But, if it doesn’t happen then it doesn’t happen. We want to continue to improve and focus on what we can improve here with the players we have.”
The interesting line in all of this is that “if it doesn’t happen then it doesn’t happen”. Is that a statement to Zenit and other teams to stop playing too many games or is that the real feeling. I can’t believe you that one minute you “need” someone but if it doesn’t happen, the next best solution is to have no-one. Surely, the next best thing is to have a back up?
One player who would supplement the squad quite nicely, especially if we don’t sign Arshavin is of course, Eduardo, whose return is imminent. He’ll most probably be back in the squad for the Cardiff game, potentially taking some part in the match a few days before against Stoke in the reserves (Wednesday, January 21 at 19:00).
Eduardo’s return to action in the last reserve game gave a glimmer of the ability we can expect to return. The Crozilian has been speaking about his return and had some interesting things to say.
“Every professional footballer knows how the media works so I’m not worried about what they might say. If you score a goal you’re on top, if you don’t you’re at the bottom. Even the very best strikers in the world might score two goals in a game and then not score for another three or four games, and that’s how it works. But my only concerns are my fitness and how I’m going to help Arsenal. And if I happen to score a goal, it will be just as it always was.”
His comments are focused at the media attention and expectations of scoring goals. But Eduardo, I’ll tell you something – you’ve shown all fans what you are capable of last season. We’ll be patient and we hope you rekindle the form that you bowed out on.
Finally, I’d like to talk about Carlos Vela. This guys is golden and I honestly think he could be one of the gems of our season. The fans know it too – there is a general level of excitement when he comes on.
VP spared a few minutes to talk about the explosive Mexican:
“He brings pace, good technique and courage. I think [against Bolton] and in the last couple of weeks, he has been doing really well. In training, he is doing the good stuff. He creates space for us because when he is on the ball, he can pass it short, in behind the strikers. So it’s all good stuff from him now.”
Spot on RVP!
We know from the earlier parts of the Carling Cup that, boy, can that boy score, and he has electric pace, good vision and much more in his locker. Arsene has started playing him on the left wing and I’d have him in the team any day of the week.
Okay, there will be a Hull preview tomorrow.
Til then.]]>
