What is for absolute certain is that ‘being linked’ with a player, or ‘placing a bid for a player’ opposed to actually buying one, is just like qualifying for the Champions League is to actually winning a trophy. Heading in the right direction but far from comparable. Football matches for Arsenal fans not only have to be entertaining but have a bigger purpose than just effecting their side’s Premier League position. We want a trophy!
Arsenal ‘supposedly’ placed a bid for Luis Suarez of £40m and a pound in order to trigger the hit man’s release clause, only to ‘supposedly’ advised that the required amount was £55m. Will Arsene pursue this one, or was that reported initial bid something that nearly broke him, and now all hope is lost?
Ex Gunner Ian Wright told the BBC:
“I'd welcome him at Arsenal with open arms. But if I was Suarez, when you look at everything, it does seem strange he would want to go to Arsenal. I would give Liverpool another season.
Arsenal finally realise they've got to get up there with the big boys otherwise they will be left behind. If you look at Arsenal - not won anything in eight years, just challenging for fourth place, not really any players there who will make him say 'I'm going to play with him and him.
We need to see something I've not seen Arsenal do for many years and that is compete to sign players that Manchester United would want, that Manchester City would want and that Chelsea would want.
But they're [Arsenal] running out of time and I don't think, at the moment, they've got the ability to attract those players because they haven't won anything in such a long time. This is why Arsenal are in serious trouble right now.”
Suarez may have issues - as his remaining 6 match ban demonstrates - but what is equally undeniable is that the boy scores goals. Right now, that’s a talent Arsene Wenger urgently needs to procure from somewhere.
But what’s Arsene’s take on the situation?
"We are ready to do quick deals but all the transfers do not depend only on us. But we are prepared to wait.
We still have a strong squad but we are there on the market to try to strengthen our team. With or without additions we can be title challengers next season."
For any Arsenal fan, this must be quite worrying for them to hear. At the end of 2012/13 it felt that because Arsenal came so close to finishing outside the top 4 then it would mean that they would spend a fair amount of money to strengthen the side so that Arsenal once again could challenge for major honours.
Typically though, Arsenal have so far not spent any money on new players what so ever. There have been a few departures including Sebastian Squillaci, Denilson, Andre Santos and Andrey Arshavin but then the only major incoming is French U21 international Yaya Sanogo.
Wayne Rooney has emerged as an Arsenal target but he seems to have a stronger interest coming from Chelsea as the Blues have made a bid for the England international. I’m sure in some ways Arsenal fans would rather have Rooney over Suarez but then both players have their temperament issues that would need to be addressed.
Brazilian international Bernard has also had interest from Arsenal but according to his father he is close to joining Porto so that would be another target missed out on. One thing is for certain that Arsenal to need to sign players just to bulk up the squad more than anything.
Arsenal aren’t just in need of reinforcing up front. And so on a positive note, French defender Adil Rami has alerted Arsenal to his availability by claiming he is ready to move to a bigger club this summer.
Sportsvibe.co.uk report that Valencia have reduced his asking price to around £7.75 million and this is a figure that will appear attractive to Gunners. Rami has spent two seasons at the Mestalla Stadium but, having finished one place outside the Champions League spots in La Liga, the 27 year old is keen to join a club that can offer football at the highest level.
Arsenal matches will include Champions League games as usual next season, which will only enhance their appeal to the French international.
Arsenal boasted one of the best defensive records in the Premier League last season, helped by the fine form of Per Mertesacker, Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny. Rami would certainly bolster the North Londoners back line but might Rami find himself in a scrap for a starting position? The Gunners boss does have a proven track record when it comes to getting the best out of his French players.
No comments:
Post a Comment