Nasri confirmed? Adebayor to leave? Squad numbers announced (Not a question).
1 comment June 24th, 2008
Hello. It’s been a while. This week is mayhem for me. But I’m here now, and that’s what counts.
Samir Nasri yesterday revealed on his own website that he has signed a four year deal with Arsenal. This backs up reports I’ve heard that the deal is done, we’re simply waiting for the go-ahead from Marseille to make the announcement. Nasri will join up with the squad in a few weeks after a well-earned holiday.
In the past few days, the transfer speculation over Emmanuel Adebayor has reached new levels of fervour, and if reports are to be believed, we’re now willing to sell the big man for around £25m after being unable to meet his exorbitant contract demands.  Milan and Barcelona are hovering, and with Arsene already having showed his ruthless streak this year in allowing Flamini to move to Italy, it seems Adebayor might follow the Frenchman out the door. As regards on-field matters, I’d be gutted to see him go. Let’s wait and see.
The squad numbers for next season have been announced, and Manuel Almunia is the latest in an illustrious line of Arsenal Number 1s.  I’m pleased for him: he deserves it. Vito Mannone has been handed Almunia’s old number 24 shirt, and will be third choice behind Lukasz Fabianski.  New boy Aaron Ramsey inherits Flamini’s 16, and Mexican striker Carlos Vela will be number 12.
Whilst I’ve been away, Gael Clichy has joined fellow full-back Bacary Sagna in signing a new deal with the club. Fantastic news, especially when the rest of our squad seem liable to leave at any minute.
Cesc Fabregas is the last Arsenal player left at Euro 2008, after his penalty sent Spain into the semi-finals. Cesc was outstanding as a subsitute, and must be running Xavi and Iniesta close for a starting place. Whilst those two are undoubtedly excellent midfielders, Fabregas consistently releases the ball earlier and with more pace, allowing the speed of Villa and Torres to cause any defence problems.
Hopefully you’ll hear from me a bit sooner next time. Till then…
