Good Monday to you,
it’s the day when pre-season starts in earnest as those involved in European competition and internationals over the summer are due back.
Scheduled to return today are Robin van Persie, William Gallas and Emmanuel Adebayor. I don’t know for sure but I suspect that due to Spain’s run all the way to the final of Euro 2008, Cesc might be given a bit more time off. Arriving for the first time is Samir Nasri and his life as an Arsenal player begins officially today. Welcome to him.
I suppose the return of Adebayor will be the one that will generate most headlines though. With rumours in Spain this morning that Didier Drogba is on the verge of a move to Barcelona it would leave the Togonian in a rather difficult position. Unless the Kaka deal means Milan can come back in for him he may not have much option to but to stay at Arsenal. As I said yesterday whatever happens he’s got to ensure that he doesn’t disrupt our pre-season.
With the boss saying he’d ‘think about’ a £400m bid (typo in the sun, surely? That must be £40m and even then there’s nothing to think about if someone offers that kind of money) for Adebayor he’s challenged Theo Walcott to push on this season, saying:
Last season, his target was to play 15 or 20 matches, whereas this season, he must try to become a regular player in the Arsenal team. Can he break into the England side? That is what I wish. He is 19 years old and at that age, you have to improve.
True indeed and Theo’s signs of improvement in the second part of last season were very encouraging. I just wonder how much time he’s going to spend up front and how much in midfield again. He definitely enjoys playing up top more but given our lack of choice for that right midfield spot I think that might be where he can make himself a regular, for the season ahead at least.
Dribbly McNoscore’s comments about Cesc generated some headlines yesterday. Having just arrived in Spain he said:
He loves this club, and though he’s at Arsenal, who knows, maybe one day he’ll come back here.
Well, we all know Cesc was born and raised a Barcelona supporter so to suggest he might go back there one day is hardly a surprise to anyone. I don’t think his comments were made out of any malice towards Arsenal but there’s no doubt they are somewhat injudicious. Let’s be realistic though – he’s talking the talk of a man who wants to curry favour with his new fans before they see him play. He’d do well to not talk about Cesc any more though. I know Barcelona very well and I know where the footballers hang out. I would have no problem kicking the fucking cruciate off him if he doesn’t shut the fuck up.
And that’s about it. I suppose we’ll get some reaction to the return of the internationals and the arrival of Nasri tomorrow.
Till then.
