Soon to be Arsenal's?
Nothing particularly earth-shattering today, just the continued conclusion to Sergio Aguero’s transfer to Manchester City. This transfer seems to have been drawing to completion perennially all week, so I think I’ve said all I can on the subject. Good player, great scoring record last season, and at 23 he’s coming to the Premier League at a good time in his career; he’s probably technically complete, and is still young enough to adapt to a new league. Naturally the ‘physical side’ of the game is the main perceived stumbling block, but David Silva’s not exactly Ryan Shawcross and he had a very good first season. I think Aguero’s speed will give City’s attacking play a whole new dimension, and I expect to see them add some great counterattacking to their game next season. With every signing they make, they seem more and more like a title-winning side. I really wouldn’t be surprised to see them finish above one of the traditional top two come May 2012.
Juan Mata’s move to Arsenal is, according to the Telegraph, also close to ‘done deal’ status, with Mata’s representatives in London to agree personal terms. This story has, however, been denied by a few journalists (although neither club has commented either way yet), who claim Mata’s agent (his father) is still in Spain. If the deal is real, the reported fee is £13.5m. If Arsenal can negotiate a fee that low for a 23-year-old full Spain international, it would be excellent business. Too good, in fact; I’m sure if a deal goes ahead it’ll be closer to £20m.
The Guardian and the Mirror have both reported that Nicklas Bendtner is on his way to Sporting Lisbon for £9m. That might sound like quite good business by Arsenal, but bear in mind that the big Dane is, by his own admission, the greatest striker in Europe. Actually, to be fair to him, his goals to games ratio is very good. In all competitions for Arsenal, Bendtner has started 79 games and scored 45 goals; a phenomenal record compared to his reputation. It’s very difficult for a young striker to flourish at a big club; fans have no patience, and if you miss chances you’re quickly written off. It’s also difficult to make it past established strikers and develop some momentum; see Daniel Sturridge’s farming out on loan, despite the poor form of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka last season. I think some English clubs have missed a trick here. Bendtner’s positional play is very good, his aerial ability is excellent, so even if his finishing and first touch aren’t quite there yet, he still guarantees goals. It makes sense for his career to leave Arsenal at this point, too. He’s not going to win a place from Robin Van Persie, and he needs to play.
The Mirror have reported that Luka Modric is going to be the subject of a renewed £30m bid from Chelsea. Tottenham have been unequivocal about their willingness to sell; Harry Redknapp last week said they wouldn’t even consider a £35m offer (which is pretty close to announcing a £40m asking price, if you ask me). £30m is approaching fantasy for a player like Modric, but the money doesn’t mean much to Chelsea. I think Spurs are going to stand their ground on this one. Selling Modric now would be losing face somewhat. Even if the Croatian’s relationship with the Tottenham fans may have sustained some damage, they need to keep hold of their best players if they’re expecting to sustain a challenge for Champions League football.
It seems a waste beyond belief, but since the beginning of the 2007/2008 season when Michael Johnson was lauded as the bright young thing of English midfielders, he has completed less than two hours of football for Manchester City. Now 23 and with almost three seasons of football missed through injury (or ‘injury’, if you ask certain City fans), Johnson will have the chance to rehabilitate his career on loan to former boss Sven Goran-Eriksson. Hope he can regain his fitness and become the player it once looked like he might.
Right, that’s it. Time to play FIFA. Bye.
