Just when you thought it was safe: Tevez & Mascherano…
178 comments August 30th, 2006
As we all prepared for the transfer window to slam shut in our face, a tantalising breeze crept in, carrying the scent of two Argentinian stars. Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano are being heavily linked with a move to Arsenal by most of the world’s press, critically including the South American newspapers. And to think we thought it was all finished.
Now don’t get too excited: some of these publications quote The Sun as a source. However, there seems to be an acceptance in the Brazilian media that a deal is done. I quote:
“The transfer of high profile Corinthians pair Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano will exceed the English transfer record stated last period. Both players will head to Arsenal for an initial payment of $35 million. The fee can rise by up to an additional $17.5m based upon Arsenal’s success and whether the players sign follow-on contracts. The president of Corianinths went to London on August 25 to strike the deal.
Both of the players have passed medicals and Arsenal are only waiting on work permits for the pair before announing the signings.
The Brazilian club now start their search for Tevez replacements in Spain.
Blanco of Kepa of player who colloquies start.”
Tantalising, eh? But it just seems too logical. I mean, the fact that the two players are in London is fairly meaningless when one considers the upcoming Argentina friendly.
Of the two, Mascherano would make the most sense. He would add much needed bite and steel, and genuine competition to Gilberto in the defensive midfield role. We know that Wenger tracked him when Vieira looked like leaving, and since then his stock has only risen.
Tevez would be a very different signing, and a replacement for Jose Reyes. Although not an out-and-out winger, he could certainly play wide in a 4-3-3, or as a partner for Thierry Henry. His signing would represent a luxurious one, but it would improve us.
Anyway. About 36 hours to go. The countdown is on. Just keep salivating…
Big Update: Okay, okay, so maybe the above quote is a fake. But this is from the Official Corinthians Website:
London, 29 of August of 2006
The executive direction of the Corinthians/MSI partnership informs that:
– the controllers of the Corinthians/MSI partnership started the first meetings today disucussing several subjects, including the current situation involving the player Carlitos Tevez;
– the Corinthians/MSI partnership today sent a proposal of seven million euros in the direction of Sevilla to acquire the federative rights of the player Luis Fabiano.
Tevez going to a London club with Fabiano replacing him? That’s got to be seen as promising…
