The Week In Links + Euro 2008 Scouting begins
Add comment June 8th, 2008
First off, let me apologise for my absence this in the latter part of this week. I doubt anyone’s been as snowed under as me since this bloke, but fortunately not a vast amount has happened. I last spoke to you on Wednesday – here’s a quick run-down of what’s happened since then:
Thursday:
Official images of our new home shirt were leaked. I happen to like it – it’s very reminiscent of our kit for 98/99 and 99/00 – for a reminder of that shirt, check out The Cannon’s oustanding kits page.
The club confirmed that Bacary Sagna had extended his contract, which is nothing but good news.
Freddie Ljungberg retracted his critical comments about Arsene Wenger, claiming they were entirely fictional. I have to say that’s pleasing – Freddie ought to be remembered fondly, considering all he achieved at the club.
Finally, Sky Sports linked us with a move for Udinese’s extremely highly-rated centre-back, Cristian Zapta. The Colombian really does fit the bill – a 6’2″ powerhouse, he already captain’s Udinese despite being just 21 years old. A move for him would make me very happy indeed.
Friday:
This saw the “Adebayor to Milan” story reach it’s terminal velocity, with The Telegraph stating that Arsenal were bracing themselves for a £32m bid. But by…
Saturday:
…The very same paper were reporting a fierce rebuttal, both from Arsene Wenger and Adebayor himself. Le Boss said:
“If AC Milan are interested, they just have to call me and they’ll get the answer they deserve. He’s under firm contract that we extended last year.”
Meanwhile, Ade’s eyes were fixed only on further achievements with Arsenal:
“I’m a striker and I scored 30 goals last season. Next season I want 40.”
Also on Saturday, Cardiff’s Aaron Ramsey met Arsene Wenger for talks in Switzerland. We should know his decision early next week.
Sunday:
Today, AC Milan have claimed they have been given permission to talk to Didier Drogba, which hopefully signals the end of any interest in Adebayor.
Arseblog reports that the Catalan dailies are hailing the imminent arrival of Aleksandr Hleb. I am hailing with imminent departure with equal glee.
Euro Watch:
The European Championships got underway last night, and I have to say it’s rather nice to watch without having the tortuous experience of watching England seemingly attempt to go out at every possible opportunity.
Philippe Senderos was in action for Switzerland yesterday. Sadly for Big Phil, they lost the game 1-0 to the Czech Republic, and lost their all-time top goalscorer and captain to injury. It’s going to be pretty tough for them to qualify now, so Senderos and Djourou may be back in England earlier than either would have hoped.
One player who really caught my eye was Manchester City’s Gelson Fernandes. Although he is ostensibly a holding midfielder, he frequently breaks forward to support the attack and shows a good range of passing. The key feature of Fernandes’ game is an outstanding work ethic combined with immaculate technique.
Funnily enough, his game is very similar to ex-Arsenal man Lassana Diarra. Whilst I doubt Fernandes could be tempted from cash-laden City after just one year, I reckon Arsene needs to find a midfielder of this ilk sooner rather than later.
Hopefully I’ll be about a bit more next week. Till then.
