January 13th, 2010
Gunnerblog is happy to confirm that Arsenal have poached Bolivian 17-year old Samuel Galindo from under the noses of Premier League rivals Everton.
The playmaker, who is captain of his country at both U-17 and U-20 level, was flown to England by Everton for a week’s trial, including a behind-closed-doors game. At the end of the week David Moyes was keen to do a deal, but no precise terms were offered.
In the meantime, Galindo was offered a day’s trial at London Colney. Impressed by the six-foot-plus forward’s technique and physicality, Arsene said he would gladly have the boy back again, but couldn’t possibly make a decision on a transfer on the basis of just one training session.
At this stage, Everton got wind of Arsenal’s interest, and were furious. They issued Galindo and his father, who had travelled with the boy to London, an ultimatum: return to the North-West and sign the deal on offer, or the deal was dead.
Galindo showed incredibly maturity and confidence to ignore Everton’s threat and return for a second day’s training at Colney, in which he took part in a five-a-side game on the same team as the likes of Fabregas and Arshavin – and, by all accounts, didn’t look out of place. Aware of the pressure the boy was under from Everton, and impressed by his obvious talent, Arsene made his interest plain: a deal was on.
Galindo is not yet eligible for a work permit and may well have to travel the same Mediterranean path that brought Carlos Vela to London. However, whilst the final details of the transfer are yet to be ironed out, Arsenal have essentially agreed to purchase yet another talented young star.
It’s been a busy couple of days in the transfer window. Hopefully there’ll be yet more news in the next couple of weeks, perhaps even with the arrival of that all-important striker…
January 13th, 2010
Arsene Wenger loves a fighter.
When Sol Campbell sat down in the changing room after his one and only appearance for Notts County, he looked around the dressing room. He’d been promised he’d be surrounded by the likes of Benjani and Roberto Carlos – seasoned internationals with trophy-winning pedigree. Instead, the man with 73 England caps was sat next to Spurs reject Johnnie Jackson and ex-con Lee Hughes. Surrounded by journeymen and broken promises, Sol’s dream of a phoenix-like rise up the divisions crumbled before his eyes. Disillusioned, Campbell never played for County again. He broke his contract and headed out on what many presumed would be a road to retirement.
But Campbell still had hunger burning inside him (make your own jokes). Like Emmanuel Petit and David Beckham before him, he contacted Arsene Wenger to ask if he could make use of Arsenal’s training facilities at London Colney. Le Boss has never been one to turn down a request for help from a former stalwart, and Campbell was promptly given use of the gym and allowed to train on the pitches alone.
After just one month, Arsene was sufficiently impressed with the defender’s fitness and attitude to invite him to train with the first-team squad. With Johan Djourou a long-term absentee, Arsene obviously saw something in Campbell that made him break with two of his long-held transfer policies: he never usually brings a player back, and he would never usually sign a 35-year old.
Perhaps Campbell produced some exceptional displays in training. But what Sol offers us is more than his on-field capabilities. He offers us experience, and a link to our great Invincibles side. He has worn the Arsenal armband on several occasions, and can now help balance our undoubtedly youthful squad.
But above all, Sol is a fighter. He’s made mistakes both on and off the pitch, he’s struggled with his health and fitness both mentally and physically, but he has always bounced back. He wouldn’t be on the verge of returning to the top level of European football if he hadn’t undergone a significant transformation.
The deal is short-term: I find it hard to imagine that Sol will still be at the Emirates come August. By that time, Johan Djourou will hopefully be fit again, and Arsene will have had a summer to scour for a suitable centre-back. In the meantime, I trust Arsene’s judgement: if he thinks Sol has something to offer, I’m prepared to trust him.
It’s perhaps unsurprising that the news of Sol’s imminent move has seen Philippe Senderos declare his desire to leave the club. With the added of security of Sol’s signature perhaps he’ll finally be allowed to do so.
Sol played 45 minutes as a triallist for the Reserves last night as they beat West Ham 4-2, with Jay Emmanuel Thomas grabbing an impressive hatrick. I’d imagine that he may have another trial game before signing a permanent deal next week, but perhaps the press interest will see the deal speeded up. For Sol’s comments on the move, see here.
In other news, youngster Rhys Murphy has signed a new long-term deal, and this man is still it seems a rather surprising Arsenal fan. Wonder what City fans will make of that.
Yesterday was a bit of a mad day, eh? Whatever you think about Sol, it is one hell of a story. Till tomorrow.
