Stalking “The Beast”…
18 comments July 1st, 2005
Reports emanating from Spain suggest that David Dein has flown out to begin negotiations for the transfer of “The Beast of Seville“, Julio Baptista.
Sevilla President Jose Maria del Nido, the man who once claimed £10m would not buy Jose Reyes’ boots, has said “Up to now, we have only received an offer for Baptista from a Spanish team and it is not Barcelona – We have offered him several times the revision of an improved contract, but he has rejected them.”
Whispers seems to suggest that there is more to this than idle speculation, and it would be a fascinating prospect. Baptista is a power forward in the Adriano/Hasselbaink mode, and the sort of player who really could bring something different to our game. One to watch.
As Jeremie Aliadere departs for Celtic on loan, another young striker, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, has secured a new long-term contract. After his impressive performances in the World U-20 Championships, I’m convinced we’ll see big things from this kid one day.
Finally, Arsenal have re-applied for planning permission to build an indoor training centre in Shenley. Hopefully they’ll be able to condition it to match the sunny climes of Seville…
