Happy Thursday to you all. Let’s start with the Sun’s story, with real actual quotes, about how Arsene feels frustrated by the club’s lack of transfer funds and that he’s been let down by the directors.
But wait. What’s this? The quotes are from a ‘friend’ of Arsene which is exactly the same method the trashiest celeb gossip rags use when they want to run a completely fictional story. When you see a ‘friend’ or a ‘source close to’ you can more or less assume it’s complete bollocks. Just because this particular story is less fantastical than the ‘Arsene to take over from Rijkaard’ (who is now staying at Barcelona) one doesn’t make it any less fabricated.
The transfer policy of the club has been driven and decided by Arsene Wenger, not the board, and this summer, like every other, the Sun and the Mirror and all the rest are taking advantage of Arsenal’s policy not to comment on speculation. In one way it’s understandable because there’d be no time for anything else but in another way it’s sort of like that theory that if you throw enough shit some of it will stick and some of these stories will become ‘fact’ amongst fans. It’s 100% bollocks, that’s all it is. Tell your friends.
Freddie Ljungberg is determined to stay and fight for his place in what will be his 10th season at the club. This, I think, is one of the hardest decisions the boss has to make this summer. Being as kind as I can Freddie has contributed very little for the last two seasons but previously had been an important part of our first team. Now the boss has to decide whether or not the last two seasons are an indication of the next two seasons or whether he can find his form again and start scoring goals. Two league goals in two seasons is not a good return by any standards and with Freddie earning in the region of £70,000 a week he’s a prime candidate for a move away from the club. As I mentioned previously the club were willing to give him a free transfer so other clubs could use what they would spend on a transfer to make his personal terms more agreeable but we’ll just have to wait and see.
The Mirror reports that Gilles Grimandi is close to accepting the position of ‘Director of Football’ at the club. He has been working as a scout for the club since his retirement and is obviously well regarded by Arsene. As well as that he’s a relatively young man and he would take no shit from anyone. Can you imagine him negotiating a contract with some player, giving them a sly dig in the side of the head, then acting innocent? I know I can. Also, let’s not forget the greatest moment in football history for which we have to thank the Grimster.
Former Gunner Ray Parlour could join Leyton Orient.
In Spain El Mundo says Thierry Henry is now an ‘obsession’ for Barcelona, Sport says Thierry has asked to get personally involved in the negotiations, AS says that Barcelona have already agreed terms with the player and will now approach Arsenal (which is rather the wrong way around) while Marca are too busy talking about Schuster taking over from Capello at Madrid to say anything about it at all.
Meanwhile José Antonio Reyes could start next season at Arsenal according to his agent. That’s if none of the three clubs who are allegedly interested in signing him can agree a deal with Arsenal. Honestly, I think there’s more chance of me starting next season up front for Arsenal than José but stranger things have happened.
And that is your lot. Until tomorrow my good old friends.
