Update on Campbell situation and possible departures
154 comments July 16th, 2011
Morning all from a very rainy London. In about 45 minutes time, Arsenal will kick off a friendly against Chinese outfit Hangzhou Greentown. Apparently weather conditions there are much the same – according to journalist John Cross, it’s so bad the roof is leaking.
Nevertheless, I’m sure the Chinese fans will be in good spirits. The degree of support we’ve seen from fans born thousands of miles away has been really heartwarming. They also put our British banner-making skills to shame. Have a butchers at this rather spectacular offering:
Jeremy Wilson of the Telegraph has just announced the starting XI as:
(4-3-3): Mannone; Sagna, Squillaci, Djourou, Traore; Rosicky, Frimpong, Nasri; Vela, Van Persie, Arshavin
It’ll be interesting to see how Samir Nasri equips himself amid all the speculation about his future. Roberto Mancini has spoken to Sky Sports about City’s interest in the player, saying:
“Samir is under contract with Arsenal. Also for Samir it depends on many things.
I don’t know if an offer has been made in this moment, I don’t know the situation but for Nasri it is difficult.
I hope that we can buy because we need other players and I hope that this player can arrive before the end of the month.”
To me, it’s clear that the “many things” the deal depends on are the forty million pounds Barcelona will have to stump up to sign Cesc Fabregas. If Cesc stays, Nasri will probably go. If Cesc goes, we need Nasri. It’s as simple as that. City will have to bide their time until any negotiations with Barcelona are concluded, one way or the other.
I’m also intrigued to see whether not Denilson is involved at all today, with ESPN Brazil reporting that he’s on the verge of a loan deal with his former club Sao Paulo. According to the reports, he’s due to undergo a medical on Monday, so he may have left the China tour already.
Finally, an update on the Joel Campbell story we brought you yesterday. The latest from the Costa Rican press is that a pair of Italian agents have brought offers to Campbell’s club from Juventus, Rubin Kazan, and the club who’ve signed Roberto Carlos and are tracking Neymar, FC Anzhi Makhachkala. These offers would not only be more lucrative, but would also allow Campbell to join up straight away rather than have to go out on loan, which he may have to do if he joins Arsenal.
Much will depend on the success of Arsenal’s application for a special talent visa. It’s clear however that our interest is based on more than one flashy performance in the Copa America. The player’s agent, Joel Batica, has said:
“I have been in contact for several months with an Arsenal scout who works in Central and North America.
I have a partner who also worked with and knows Arsene Wenger very well and we were running things from both sides. I talked to the scout who reported to Wenger and the interest grew little by little, because Arsene Wenger initially was unaware of the player.
Now the interest is high from the Arsenal and we are here.”
Richard Law remains in Costa Rica attempting to strike a deal.
Right, off to watch our game on Arsenal Player. If you’re not a subscriber, follow me on twitter for updates.
