Inter confirm Hleb interest; Wilshere video; Other stuff
Add comment April 24th, 2008
Inter Milan have confirmed that Aleksandr Hleb is on their three-man target list for this Summer’s transfer window. Aware that the midfielder is free to buy himself out from his contract if kept at the club against his will, the Italians will be hoping to force Arsenal into a relatively cheap sale.
I’m still not convinced Hleb will leave. He has a very strong bond with Cesc both on and off the pitch, and is one of the more technically adept players in our squad – on several occasions this season I’ve seen Arsene put a fatherly arm around Hleb as he leaves the pitch. Although ‘Ice cream gate’ may have soured the relationship in the short-term, I strongly suspect Inter’s interest will merely prove to be a significant bargaining chip for Hleb as he renogotiates his deal this Summer.
If Hleb were to leave, the win over Reading will have been his last game for the club, after he admitted to the FA’s charge of violent conduct. He may not be the only big name missing from our final three games, as Arsene suggested the likes of William Gallas and Cesc Fabregas could be rested ahead of the European Championships. One player who I’d imagine will not fall into that category is Robin van Persie, who will be keen to show Marco Van Basten that he is close to returning to full fitness.
Havard Nordtveit says he could be our new defender. Thanks Havard, but I’d prefer a proven International, preferably with Champions League experience. Still, the chances of that happening are pretty much slim to none, so I look forward to seeing young Master Nordveit lining up alongside captain Gallas next season.
Or will it be captain Fabregas, or maybe even captain Kolo? Couple Toure’s remarks at that link with the potentially damning assessment of Gallas that arseblogger picked up on his blog, and it seems the armband is slipping further away from Gallas’ grasp by the day.
Finally, for anyone who missed it, here are teen sensation Jack Wilshere’s best moments from the Reserve side’s victory over West Ham:
Let the hype begin.
