New Kit Is Cesc-y & Quick Transfer Fixes

The new home kit has been unveiled and the much-suggested retro look has emerged into the sunshine. Emminently better than the Charlton copy that we has been foisted upon us for the past couple of seasons. Now to get the blue back into the trim on the away kit. Theo Walcott had some positive words about the environmentally-friendly (shame about the carbon footprint in getting the kits around the world, eh lads) outfit:

The colours are very traditional, it feels nice and it’s made from recycled plastic bottles so what more can you ask for?

Think how much money could have been saved if the sponsors were Coca-Cola. No point reprocessing the lids of the bottles, just get them glued together. I suppose a less facetious answer to Walcott’s question would be to have the Premier League trophy hoisted by the Arsenal captain next May with the team having put The Invincibles to shame?

Arsene was surprised by how impatient England were at the World Cup. It should have come as no surprise since he must be used to it with Arsenal supporters by now. We are all guilty to varying degrees; I want the manager to sign his new players before pre-season training, just on the off-chance that the month together before the new season starts actually proves beneficial.

However, if it means waiting to sign the right players so be it. Surely it is better to get the right player than simply fill a hole in the squad? This summer’s market is slowed by the World Cup but it craves our indulgences, able to watch for a match at least those whom we read about all of the time. That most have flunked their auditions is neither here nor there, the scouting will have been done long before now and (hopefully) not be based on a poor night’s work on international duty.

It is an impatience that is fed and watered by the media. With Manchester City flashing the cash, their desires for movement in the transfer market are being sated but the closing stages of the World Cup means the charge for action has begun. Laurent Koscielny’s deal is expected to be announced – and may have been so declared by the time you read this – today with others needed.

Continued involvement in South Africa allows stories about Ozil to Barcelona and Mertesacker to continue unabated in the absence of anything to contrary emerging from the players or Arsenal. Ozil’s arrival in Barcelona is imminent (English media) or next year (Catalan media) highlights their financial priorites.

Cesc has been speaking in vaguely direct terms that look to have been crafted by Vieira and Henry before him:

I haven’t said that I will definitely leave Arsenal. Everything is possible. Now I have my head and my focus on the World Cup. I am very pride to be captain of Arsenal and I love the club and have respect for them. It gave me such pride to be made captain.

Unsurprisingly that little gem did not make the Barcelona media outlets this morning since it does not fit in with Guardiola’s apparent desire to have Cesc iron his shirts and sort out his dry-cleaning whilst he waits for his opportunity. It offers a ray of hope that should brighten the days for a while. Until Rosell opens his mouth and spouts the same claptrap his predecessor did but in a more polite and respectful way.

The reasons for the possible departure of Eduardo – shurely shome mishtake in talk of Villa, Stoke, Bolton or Birmingham, although the Croat may feel that if he plays for them none will kick him – with Wenger reportedly about to ‘do battle‘ over Eduardo, the Portuguese national team goalkeeper. Can’t have two players with the same name can we now?

Of course that is all tosh and piffle since Mark Schwarzer is joining as the new Number 1 and is to be tempted by a coaching role at Arsenal. Apparently this is the deal-clincher which is somewhat baffling as at the end of a long career, this would be his pinnacle. Joe Cole meanwhile is AC Milan bound for £3m a year which will see off Arsenal and any other English suitors. Except it seems to be about £30k per week less than the reported salary offered by English suitors…

’til Tomorrow.