Posts Tagged ‘signings’

As the snow falls in London and around the UK – well, actually, around the world, we have made a trio of signings to the team and three signings that are what I would say are typical Wenger signings.

Sol Campbell
Free, from Notts County

Okay, so you’re probably thinking, why is this a typical Wenger signing, as Arsene has never re-signed anyone that has left the club under his management. But I’d say it is typical, because it represents good value for money. The thing with this signing is that it’s a bit of a no-brainer. Sol won’t be first choice. He will be waiting in reserve. If we want to rest Gallas for example, in the FA cup, a player like Sol can still do a decent job.

Sol had this to say:

“It’s not about the money, it’s about playing football, and the love of the game, and the sheer enjoyment at being back at Arsenal. Also we are talking about a six-month contract, if the technicalities are sorted out with the Premier League and other issues which Arsenal are currently dealing with, otherwise it is a straight forward six-month contract. I want to play, and I am happy to play in whatever capacity Arsene Wenger asks of me. I hope if all goes well, that I can sign for the club. I had to sign forms to enable me to play in the reserves, but the club are still working their way through the paperwork before I can sign the six-month contract. I am sure that will be sorted out soon, but I’ve heard nothing further.”

In addition, he added this about Arsene’s decision to bring him back:

“I don’t think Arsene Wenger has done this on a whim, he has watched me for the past three months, working hard, and he can see it’s worth it because he needs cover in all positions. I don’t imagine for one moment he plans to throw me straight back into the Premier League games, but he might need to if he has injuries, suspensions, and of course, it’s a long season with a lot of games, so he might need me for say a cup tie. No matter, whatever he wants to do, I am ready for it, I want to make a contribution and I believe I can do it.”

Whilst he also thinks he can bring something to the youngsters:

“There were some youngsters out there and it was good to be in a position to help them if I could. In truth I haven’t played a proper game for seven months, and you need to be prudent. If you play too long you can risk a muscle strain. Also, I am so glad the game beat the weather. Another 24 hours and it might have been snowed off, now that would have been a nightmare!”

Martin Keown has been in the press saying Sol could still make the World Cup squad if

“I need to stay fit, keep pushing and see what happens, but I have got to get going at Arsenal first. But the key to everything is that I am fresh. I feel fresh, and that is one of the things I noticed about myself even in that first half at West Ham, I felt fresh. Of course I’d love to play in the Premiership again, but I don’t know what the boss has in mind for me. First I have to get the deal signed and sealed and get back into it, I cannot jump ahead about a first team return, let along an England return! But I feel full of life, I’ve been training with the first team for six weeks, maybe it’s nearly two months now, and any club will get suspensions and injuries so my time might come. All I know is that I am ten times better off where I am now, than anywhere else.”

All sounds good doesn’t it – and it’s cover that we need in an area where we have lacked genuine cover. A few years back, Philippe Senderos ousted Sol Campbell from the starting line up which ultimately led to Sol’s departure – and in all honesty, it was before time. Now his arrival could mean that Senderos could be on his way. It’s a funny old game isn’t it!

Wellington Silva
£3.5m, from Fluminense

Wellington Silva has been dubbed the new Theo Walcott, who himself has been dubbed the new Thierry Henry, which kind of makes Wellington Silva the new new Thierry Henry. He is one of the most highly rated players within Brazil and had the likes of United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona interested. Arsene brought him in on trial and he certainly looked the part. He’s now been signed – and £3.5m for a 16 year old represents a good amount for Fluminense, and a high amount for such a young an unknown talent. This is the same Arsene who didn’t want to spend £7m on Chamakh, a player with far more experience than the Brazilian. This whole signing really excites me, although we’ll have to wait until January 2011 before we see the player, as that’s when he will be 18.

Samuel Galindo (TBC)
Unknown fee, from unknown place

Unknown, but awesome nonetheless.  I honestly don’t know too much about the player, but he is Bolivian and plays in a play-maker role. Gunner blog earlier today outlining the series of events that led to his signing:

The playmaker, who is captain of his country at both U-17 and U-20 level, was flown to England by Everton for a week’s trial, including a behind-closed-doors game.  At the end of the week David Moyes was keen to do a deal, but no precise terms were offered. In the meantime, Galindo was offered a day’s trial at London Colney.  Impressed by the six-foot-plus forward’s technique and physicality, Arsene said he would gladly have the boy back again, but couldn’t possibly make a decision on a transfer on the basis of just one training session. At this stage, Everton got wind of Arsenal’s interest, and were furious.  They issued Galindo and his father, who had travelled with the boy to London, an ultimatum: return to the North-West and sign the deal on offer, or the deal was dead. Galindo showed incredibly maturity and confidence to ignore Everton’s threat and return for a second day’s training at Colney, in which he took part in a five-a-side game on the same team as the likes of Fabregas and Arshavin – and, by all accounts, didn’t look out of place.  Aware of the pressure the boy was under from Everton, and impressed by his obvious talent, Arsene made his interest plain: a deal was on.

Sounds pretty awesome that the player would be in a 5 a side tournament with Cesc and Arshavin (ahem, has Cesc been injured?)… but to be confirmed. If the player has indeed signed (which I have heard from various sources is going to happen), then he may have a problem with obtaining a work permit. The Bolivian is currently 17 years old and not 18 until April – he hasn’t played for the first team yet and may not qualify as a “special talent”.

If he doesn’t, then I’d expect him to be loaned out to a Spanish club, like Celta or Salamanca, a la Carlos Vela in order for him to join in a year or two…

Here’s a sneak preview of some Bolivia play:

3 signings… one for now, one for next year and one for the year after… the future is looking bright down at the grove…