The interminable saga of Alexander Hleb’s departure seems to be moving closer to its ponderous resolution with Marca reporting that Barcelona believe the player will reject the overtures of Bayern Munich for life in the Catalan capital. The deal will be for an initial €15m, rising to €18m, provided they do not screw everything up as has been their wont in recent seasons.
Bacary Sagna is reported to have an ‘exodus fear‘ in The Sun but reading a translation of what he said to L’Equipe but it turns out to be little of the sort. Talking of the possible departure of Emmanuel Adebayor and that of Flamini, he said,
It is a shame that Flamini left because he was an important part of our midfield. And it will be a big loss to us if Emmanuel goes, even though we have not yet arrived at that stage for certain. These things happen in football. But the uncertainty is all part of the game so I am not too worried
It is a pity that others cannot be so phelgmatic about the summer so far. The comments have been sensationalised on television to highlight a crisis that does not exist. Indeed, Sagna is optimistic about the squad,
Samir Nasri is due to join us soon and there are a lot of good youngsters coming through who could be thrown in at the deep end
It is good to see that he has confidence in the rest of the squad but more tellingly, indicative that the players do not know who Arsene is looking to sign. Sagna is realistic about the future,
The fact that I have just extended my agreement is not especially important. Most of the players who move clubs are under contract
This is being construed as him considering his future when it is nothing of the sort. It is a recognition that on both sides - clubs and players - contracts mean very little. Indeed when the FIFA President believes that the contracts footballers sign are the equivalent of ‘modern slavery‘, perhaps it is right to question their existence at all, letting the players play for one club this week, another next, bringing the prophecy of ‘Jon Stark, Football Mercenary‘ true.
Back to Arsenal. Sagna does not want to set targets, to put the team under more pressure and expectation that follows any public pronouncements about the title,
There is no point in planning ahead for next March because we cannot be certain that we will still be in the hunt for the title by then. Obviously we all have regrets about last season and are hoping to improve on third place. But we need to learn those lessons and that is why I don’t think it is a good idea to set ourselves a definite target for the new season
There should be no interpretation that he does not believe the title is attainable. It seems to me that he wants to avoid hype and the ensuing expectation. If that is the way he thinks, then so be it and it is sensible from that perspective. He should be under no illusion though that most supporters believe the title is achievable given the opening six or seven months of last term.
Carlos Vela meanwhile is displaying the ‘can do’ attitude that signals his intent to succeed,
I’ve always considered the best leagues in the world are the Spanish and the English ones,” Vela told Marca. “Having been able to play in Spain has been a very good experience, I learnt a lot. The truth is that I know very little English. Only a few words, but not a lot. I’ll need to learn there. When you need something you learn it pretty quickly
I suppose some may question why he has not learnt more already but then you and he might have a different definition of the phrase ‘not a lot‘. The important thing is he adapts to English football quickly for an unnecessarily high weight of expectation is building around him.
It seems that Gilberto is off to Panathinaikos with his representatives travelling to Athens to sort out the personal terms. Apparently it is with Arsene’s blessing for the player’s loyalty. Personally, I would be sad to see him leave in that he brings experience to the squad in midfield, a rare commodity in the defensive role. However, Flamini stepped up to the plate last season with minimal fuss and not much more than two full seasons worth of games under his belt so perhaps the next incumbent can do the same successfully. Incoming now for £8m is Colombian Radamel Falcao who apparently has scored 38 times in 58 games for River Plate in Argentina.
’til Tomorrow.
