Oh Arsene, you sly old dog. You cunning old fox. You wily old goat. You crafty old mink. You artful dodger. You devious old armadillo.
Here we sit bemoaning the arrival of Silvestre, praying that you’re not going to do something like use him in central defence and convert Kolo to defensive midfielder, and you let us stew for a couple of days. You big tease. Then you say:
I can surprise you sometimes, as I got one in whom you did not expect, and there still might be one more player coming in.
With a crafty smile on your face, no doubt. Perhaps you even gave a little wink. When speculation around Gareth Barry was brought up, you said:
You know the position, but I cannot tell you much more. There is interest always (in players). I do not want to give you any names.
You big tart. I know what you’re doing. You’re teasing us again, aren’t you? People will mention Barry which will allow to go off and buy somebody nobody expects you to buy. Oh my, with these Ferrero Rocher signings you are truly spoiling us.
In seriousness though it’s good to hear that our transfer business is not over and done with. The fact that the boss said being cup-tied in Europe wouldn’t rule out a move for a player means you could still throw Alonso’s name into the mix despite Liverpool apparently rejecting a £10m bid from us. If that’s true it seems Alonso’s absence from the Champions League is not a huge issue for the boss – and I get the feeling he’d prefer him to Barry. We’ll wait and see what happens.
It’s Fulham tomorrow and squad news is that Silvestre is doubtful (heh, welcome to the treatment room, fishface), but Alex Song is back. And with the greatest respect to the young man it’s a sign of how weak we are in midfield that you’re glad he’s back and might even start. Nasri should be fit, which is good. The usual absentees are absent but Cesc could be back as early as next week for the second leg against Twente. More tomorow from the boss’s pre-game press conference.
Armand Traore has gone to spend the season on loan at Portsmouth. I suppose the arrival of Silvestre has allowed that to happen and I really think he does need to go somewhere, play semi-regularly at least, and learn about defending. With Tony Adams down there if he doesn’t come back a better defender I’d be surprised.
Sad news yesterday regarding the ill health of Liam Brady, my all-time greatest Arsenal hero of all-time, ever. Best wishes to him for a full and speedy recovery.
Now, Arsecast. On this week’s show we get your thoughts on the arrival of Silvestre from United, the Man in the Bar is in there and we have an exclusive contribution from Silvestre himself. Seriously.
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Right then, one more signing. One more signing. Come on Arsene, do it. Do it. Now. Do it, now. Come on. Come on.
More tomorrow.
