july 23rd
A busy day yesterday for Arsenal as we completed the signing of Marseille midfielder Mathieu Flamini. I have to say this is a signing that caught everyone by surprise, his is not a name you’d have linked with Arsenal and to be honest I’d never heard of the guy until the day before yesterday. Despite being a free agent Arsenal will pay £1.5m because he’s under 23 years of age. It remains to be seen if he’s an inspired Vieira style cheapo signing, or a Malzariffic gamble. The latest player to be linked because of Vieira’s impending departure is Portugal and Porto’s special, and special looking, Maniche. He impressed everyone in Euro 2004, and he’d be top of many people’s wish lists.
As Arseblog told you the other day, Ray Parlour has left to join Boro. He’s really the last of the old school and it’s sad to see him go, even if his role in the side has been more peripheral over the last couple of seasons. Best of luck up there, Ray. Don’t breathe too deeply.
There’s still been no official confirmation of the Trabelsi signing, although Arseweb is reporting that the Dutch press are reporting that it’s all been done and dusted. With his arrival, might we be waving ‘Adios’ to Lauren as he makes his way back to Spain? Watch this space.
Bob Wilson has been critical of Arsene Wenger for signing Spanish keeper Manuel Aluminium making homegrown Stuart Taylor effectively third choice, and for sending Graham Stack out on loan. The way I see it Taylor is always injured, but if he can keep his fingers unbroken and his shoulder in its proper place then he’s got a good chance of being number 2 if he works hard and plays well in the reserves. Stack is obviously well thought of and is out on loan to gain valuable experience. I don’t see the problem.
Arsenal’s first friendly on their Austrian/Slovenian trip took place last night and the lads chalked up a 3-2 win over Maribor. Goals from Bergkamp, Aliadiere and Robin van Persie gave us the win. After the game Arsene Wenger spoke about the Vieira situation and made it clear where he feels the problem lies. “I am not upset with Real Madrid because they told us they have never approached the player. But there are a lot of agents who want to make some money and they don’t know how. And maybe some people are involved in some sponsorship deals. This is a story that has been created.”
More worryingly he said “I have been speaking to Patrick regularly but we have now reached a situation where I cannot do any more.”
Apparently sponsors are very keen for Vieira to join Madrid before their tour of Japan. They’re becoming more and more a merchandising operation, eh? Anyway, let’s just hope sometyhing is sorted out soon and we can all get on with it.
