Yaya link strengthens whilst Ribery impresses…
8 comments June 7th, 2006
Yesterday morning brought the news that Arsenal had an £8m bid for Yaya Toure rejected in January of this year. It seems that we ended up going for the cheaper, younger option in Diaby. However, in the light of Diaby’s injury, the feeling is that we may return to pluck Yaya from Olympiakos.
I reported recently that the Greek press believed an Arsenal bid of â?¬15m had already been lodged. I spent yesterday trawling around Greek websites, and came across some findings which lend further credence to the rumours. The reason the fee is so high is that Olympiakos only own 50% of the player’s registration: the other half is held by Toure’s agent, who would subsequently recieve half of any fee. There would also be some money due to the player’s former club, Metalurg Donetsk, as part of a sell-on clause.
In spite of this, Olympiakos fans seem to recognise that the kind of money Arsenal are reportedly offering goes along way in Greek football. Whilst they freely admit Toure is their best player, they wouldn’t begrudge him a chance to play in the Premiership alongside his brother.
Another reported Arsenal target, Franck Ribery, came on to create two goals (one for Titi) in France’s 3-1 win over China, and I have to say, was mightily impressive. Ribery, who I still believe is likely to join Lyon, is expected to announce a decision on his future this morning.
There’s more on the Sol Campbell to Turkey story here, whilst we’d better be careful: Portsmouth are threatening to swipe possible replacement Curtis Davies from under our nose.
World Cup tomorrow. Can’t wait.
