AFR Transfers

By Eric Beard, writing from Barcelona

Spanish paper MARCA reported today that Chelsea are preparing to place a 59 million euro bid for the Arsenal captain this summer. The article states that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich believes Barcelona cannot match the wages he is ready to offer Cesc.

This is not going to happen, of course. Let’s get that out of the way. But Arsenal fans, don’t be upset by some Madrid-based banter, this is brilliant news. We all know that there will come a time in Cesc’s career, whether it be this summer or the next, when Spain’s number 10 returns to Catalunya. Competition in the transfer market is never a bad thing is it?

Last summer, with the media buzzing every day about Cesc’s move to his homeland, the bids from the Blaugrana were nothing short of a disgrace. They started with a 29 million euro bid and eventually worked their way up to 40 million euros. If it didn’t appear a completely disgraceful valuation then, it certainly does now after this winter’s transfer window (i.e. Fernando Torres for £50m and Andy Carroll for £35m).

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By Czeska Dumali, writing from Ottawa

In a story that was first announced by Arsenal blog Young Guns in August, Arsenal have finally confirmed the signing of Japanese forward Ryo Miyaichi. It was a great birthday present for the young player as he signed his contract with the Gunners on his 18th birthday.

Ryo has represented Japan at the Under-17 level and it was his performance at a trial spell over the summer that impressed Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. The boss is excited to see the young prospect join his team. “He trialled with us in the summer and has raw ability which has attracted many clubs around the world. I look forward to helping him fulfil his potential here at Arsenal.”

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Barcelona’s desperation to lure back Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas to Camp Nou may have hit the rocks as the club turn their attention to another Premier League star, Luka Modric. The 25 year old is one of the most talented, entertaining and complete midfielders plying their trade in England. He’s a player who Guardiola appreciates greatly and one which the financially restricted club can afford. A transfer in the region of €35m should be suficient to pize him away from White Hart Lane.

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By Darshan Joshi, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

We are sixteen days from Christmas, and a whole three weeks away from the commencement of the winter transfer window. These very lines are usually blessed with some convoluted, fabricated story regarding the whereabouts and goings-on in the life of one Santa Claus, but we have gotten past that. Like the adults we are, we have realised that Santa indeed doesn’t exist, and that those men, who for one day every year have no problem with their incredible fatness, sitting in shopping malls amongst presents and little children are no more than paedophiles. Instead, this article will swiftly move along to this week’s transfer topic: Francesc Fabregas.

If you are a devoted follower of AFR, you might just have treated your ears to a soothing forty minutes of podcast action earlier this week, and whilst doing so listened to about ten minutes worth of debate regarding Cesc’s future in London. Or perhaps, you may have had a little look at an article written by our resident Gooner Ulysse Pasquier, which also touched on the future of the Arsenal captain.

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1998 World Cup winner Robert Pires completed his surprise return to the Premier League 2 days ago and set to make his debut for Aston Villa against Blackburn tomorrow. After playing the last 4 seasons in Spain, Villarreal released the highly experienced midfielder in July who has recently been training with the Arsenal squad before completing the move. The 37 year old is delighted to have signed a 6 month contract with the Birmingham-based side and stated: “I am very happy to join Aston Villa because it’s a big club in England.” Welcome back, Robert Pires!

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So the transfer window has shut and unsurprisingly, Arsenal did not sign a new goalkeeper. Manuel Almunia has come in for a lot of criticism in recent weeks with many Arsenal fans calling for Arsene Wenger to sign a new goalkeeper.

Mark Schwarzer and Shay Given were both strongly linked with a move to the Emirates. However, nothing ever materialised on either front and as a result, Almunia will remain Arsenal’s number one choice keeper.

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After moves to Benfica and Birmingham were turned down, Arsenal’s Armand Traore joined Juventus on a season-long loan move. The 20 year old is the third choice left back at Arsenal behind Clichy and Gibbs, the loan move will hopefully enable him to play regularly and impress Wenger.

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By Ulysse Pasquier, writing from Montreal

    Arsene Wenger has announced this week the signing of Sebastien Squillaci from Sevilla after the French defender successfully underwent a medical examination in North London. The 30-year-old was given a 3-year contract and is Arsenal’s third signing this summer after fellow francophones Koscielny and Chamakh joined the Gunners from Ligue 1. 

Squillaci is an experienced signing that will help strengthen Arsenal’s back-line after losing Philippe Senderos, William Gallas, Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre at the end of last season. Although maybe not the best known among French defenders, he certainly can tell what it’s like to play at the very highest of levels. Squillaci joined Monaco in his early career and was part of Didier Deschamps’ team which reached the final of the Champions League in 2004 after an incredible run. Quickly establishing himself as one of the best center-backs in Ligue 1, Squillaci signed with Lyon in 2006, winning 2 league titles in the process, before heading to Spain two years later. 

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By Ulysse Pasquier, writing from Montreal

    After turning down a new deal to remain at the Emirates earlier this summer, the former Arsenal captain has signed a one year contract with the Gunners’ arch-rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. The 33-year-old will add experience and depth to Harry Redknapp’s squad which is difficult to refuse, especially on a free transfer. Although he is not the first to have played for both North London clubs - we remember Sol Campbell in 2001 - his signing is likely to be very controversial with Arsenal and Tottenham fans. 

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Arsene Wenger is Arsenal’s longest serving manager who joined the club in 1996 from Japanese side Nagoya Grampus Eight. The French manager recently agreed a 3 year contract extension which will keep him at the club until 2014. After signing the new deal he told the club’s official website: “My heart belongs to Arsenal and my desire is to see this team win silverware.”

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