Saturday 12 July 2008

Don't panic doomsayers!

The transfer merry go round appears to have only just commenced, obviously Samir Nasri has now signed on the dotted line but I would be very surprised if nothing else happened in the next week or two. With our first friendly being Barnet on the 19th of July and our first competitive game being the Champions League qualifier on the 12th August, I'd reckon Arsene would want any signings to have joined the squad before they head to Hungary and Austria just after the Barnet game.

With Gilberto seemingly off to Panathanaikos and Flamini gone, the centre of midfield looks a likely area for strengthening. Rumours are rife this morning that Arsenal are to make a last minute effort to steal Gareth Barry away from the scousers, with Liverpool still haggling for a price and relations strained due to Benitez' unethical behaviour, Villa may be keener to deal with us and are known to admire Justin Hoyte who may be a sort of carrot in the deal. The Hleb and Adebayor sagas run on, and if the latter goes then I'd be very surprised if no one was brought in to replace him. Lame rumour of the week concerns Shay Given and the Sun, where on earth did they pluck that one from? Even Given has no idea where it came from.

If Gilberto is off, then I'd like to say what a fantastic pro he has been for Arsenal, he's never been one to complain or moan despite being a full Brazilian international who has sat on the bench for long periods towards the end of his Arsenal career. Subscribers of Arsenal TV can watch the gripping footage of the squad back in training set to some vibrant music.

Despite the fact that some people will always stir up panic with their rather repetitive whinging, this young Arsenal squad looks a very exciting prospect indeed. We have several young players who are already very experienced in the form of the Bendtners and Walcotts, they are now ready to make the step up to being regulars. While there are some cracking talents waiting for their chance, for example the Ramseys and Velas. If Arsene can bring a couple more experienced players in then the sqaud will be looking in rather good hungry shape for the season ahead.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

re rumours and gossip; it's amazing how these stories feed on themselves resulting in an endless stream of utter bilge. it's even more amazing that i enjoy reading them! i am probably eligible for some form of psychiatric help.

1979gooner said...

ha ha, I can empathasise.

I think I used to enjoy them, now I'm just rather apathetic towards it all, given how rarely there is any truth is contained within.

Still I reckon a couple of things will definitely happen in the next week or so.