Ashley/Reyes still looking to leave…
62 comments August 1st, 2006
We won 8-1 yesterday, but not even that has cleared the clouds over the club. The pick of the goals were Robin van Persie’s two strikes, and afterwards Arsene Wenger admitted that the team which started that game will probably play in our Champions League Qualifier.
And now the bad new:. Ashley Cole turned up at Colney yesterday but left after an hour complaining of stomach problems. I am assured by more than one person in the know that the complaint was fictional, and that he left under a huge cloud, saying goodbye to various people in a Vieira circa-2004 manner.
Despite Jose Reyes starting for Arsenal yesterday, the Spanish press remain convinced that each day brings him closer to Real Madrid, with David Dein reportedly telling his agent that Reyes is for sale at the right price. Reyes has angered the club by granting an interview with Madrid-based Sports Paper AS, in spite of Arsene’s press ban on the Austrian training camp. It’s great reading:
“I have always said that Madrid are one of my greatest objectives. They are a sweet candy, hard for anyone to resist.”
And then when asked about the statement he released a few days ago proclaiming his desire to stay:
“It’s the truth. I’m not looking for any club. However, there might well be clubs looking for me. If they want to sign me, they must first approach Arsenal.”
Right. Hardly a “hands off” to Real, is it? They seem to think a fee of â?¬20m would do the trick, and I don’t disagree.
If Cole and Reyes are getting your goat, read this from Patrick Vieira (link unsuitable for those of a weak constitution).
It’s not all bad news though. 23-year-old Ghana defender Shilla Illiasu has joined on trial with a view to a £500,000 permanent move. The centre-back was involved in all four of Ghana’s World Cup games, starting three of them. Whilst I have to say I wasn’t particularly impressed by Ghana’s defence, he must be better than Cygan.
