Done deal: West Ham confirm signing of former Arsenal ace
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The 4 ‘real reasons’ Jamie Vardy snubbed Arsenal
So why did Jamie Vardy reject a move to Arsenal? Was it because when, as reported, his agent called Arsenal to tell them about the “escape clause” it was just a ruse to get a rival team to bid for his client and so kickstart negotiations on a new deal with Leicester City? Vardy was on £70,000 a week when the agent called Arsenal. After Arsenal bid the £20m (Sun) / £21m (Telegraph) / £22m (Guardian) to trigger Vardy’s release, and offered him a reported £120,000 a week, the player scored a new deal with the Foxes worth £100,000 a week basic and maybe bonuses for ‘loyalty’, goals and appearances.
Other reasons why Vardy snubbed Arsenal are all over the media.
Sky: “Vardy: Arsenal style put me off.”
Words from Vardy: nil.
The Guardian: “It appears as though Vardy feels that he has unfinished business at Leicester.”
Gary Lineker: “A show of loyalty from @vardy7″
Telegraph: “…it is understood he was always reluctant to leave Leicester.”
At least it had nothing to do with money.
Posted: 24th, June 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Broadsheets, Reviews, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Jamie Vardy finds a good day to bury Arsenal – signs new deal with Leicester City
Jamie Vardy has rejected a move to Arsenal. The Mail said Vardy has verbally agreed to be a Gunner. But he never did sign a deal. The England striker has signed a new deal with Leicester City. Leicester have made a statement:
Leicester City have today (Thursday) agreed with the representatives of Jamie Vardy to extend the England international’s contract with the Premier League champions for a further four years. Both parties hope that this announcement will end recent speculation regarding Jamie’s future and confirm his long term commitment to Leicester City Football Club.
So much for his making his mind up after the Euros -0 but not the Eu Referendum. It was a good day to bury Arsenal.
Transfer balls: Manchester United want Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey
Transfer news: Manchester United are after Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey. In an “esclusive” The Sun says United think the Welshman is worth £35m. The Mirror reads the Sun, thinks the story sound, and declares, “Manchester United plot £50m Aaron Ramsey swoop”.
United wanted Ramsey in 2008 when Alex Ferguson was at the helm. Arsenal won his signature because they wanted him more. As Ramsey said in 2010:
“I felt more wanted here [at Arsenal]. By that I mean they did more things to try to get me. They had a plan set out for me and knew exactly what they wanted to develop me. The sort of thing they said was ‘You can improve on this’ and ‘This is what you are good at, so we will do this’.
“I think that the boss here has brought through a lot more youngsters and given them opportunities on a more regular basis. And that is what he believes in, picking out talented young players and turning them into great players so hopefully I can be in that category.”
As Ferguson dallied, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger arranged for Ramsay and his family to be flown to meet him in Switzerland. Wenger was working as a French television pundit at the European Championships. Ferguson talked with Ramsey on the phone. Wenger met him in person. Ramsey added:
“As for the plane trip I was just really looking forward to meeting the boss and hearing what he had to say. It was a great experience. That was a factor in making up my mind.”
Would Ramsey, a hit at Arsenal, leave to join Mourinho’s Manchester United? The Sun floats the idea, saying the “if he [Mourinho] fails to lure Borussia Dortmund star Henrikh Mkhitaryan” he’ll move for Ramsey. “The Special One is ready to wind up bitter rival Arsene Wenger by targeting the £50million-rated Arsenal star.”
Would Ramsey leave Arsenal to become Mourinho’s second choice, to antagonise the man who has helped his career? It seems highly unlikely.
Posted: 23rd, June 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Transfer balls: Leicester City want Deeney to replace Arsenal target Vardy
Following news that Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy will reject any move to Arsenal comes news that The Foxes are readying a £30m bid for Watford Troy Deeney. Leicester have already seen a £25m bid for Deeny rejected.
At £30m Watford captain Deeney – 13 goals last season, including six penalties (Guardian); 15 goals (Mail) – would become the third most expensive English player ever, behind Andy Carroll and Raheem Sterling.
The Mail says Watford will not sell Deeny at any price – which is, er, why they are looking to buy Granada forward Isaac Success.
The Mirror says Watford will sell – maybe: “If Leicester want to sign Troy Deeney from Watford, a bid of about £100million should do it.”
Mike Walters writes:
Whatever the champions may think Troy Deeney is worth, they will never, ever match the value Watford fans put on their captain – because it cannot be expressed in £ sterling or any other monetary currency.
The Telegraph says £30m is a “staggering” sum for Deeney, who “has expressed a desire to speak to Leicester”.
Why would Leicester want Deeny so badly? Well “Sky sources” say Vardy could still go to Arsenal.
Jamie Vardy is yet to make up his mind about a summer move to Arsenal, and could still go to the Emirates, Sky sources understand.
Vardy’s going to Arsenal, isn’t he?
Posted: 22nd, June 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Sports | Comment (1)
Arsenal balls: Wenger quits before he stays
Arsenal balls in the Daily Mirror, where the talk is of the club’s manger staying on for more years. Says the Mirror:
Arsenal planning Arsene Wenger contract extension keeping him in charge for THREE more seasons
That’s news in the Mirror which not too long ago told us:
Wenger set the date for quitting Arsenal, says the Mirror. It’s June 30, 2017. Unless it isn’t…
Posted: 21st, June 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Transfer Balls: Arsenal blow out Cavani, keep Wenger, chase Boufal and go Blind
Arsenal will offer Arsene Wenger, 66, the chance to manage the club for two more years when his current deal ends next summer. So says the Sunday Mirror. It’s not surprising news. Wenger is Arsenal’s easiest option. No deal has been agreed.
In other Arsenal news, the Observer says Wenger is keen on Lille’s Morocco forward Sofiane Boufal, 22. He’s valued at £19.6m. Chelsea and Barcelona are also interested.
The Sunday People says Wenger wants Manchester United’s Dutch defender Daley Blind, 26. Why? We are not told? And the Star fails to tell its readers why Wenger would want to sign Man United’s Morgan Schneiderlin. Is the plan to buy United players Jose Mourinho might not rate?
It all adds up to a lot of nothing. But the real transfer balls is in the Mirror. The paper says Edinson Cavani has dealt Arsenal a “blow”. Cavani, a player the Gunners weren’t interested in signing, has agreed to a new deal with PSG. Of course the Mirror has a been a source of Cavani news for some time:
29 June 2013: “Chelsea agree personal terms with Edinson Cavani”
9 Decemeber 2014 “Arsenal news and transfers: Edinson Cavani to ask Paris Saint-Germain for Gunners move”
15 May 2015: “Edinson Cavani agrees Juventus deal as Uruguay forward spurns Premier League interest”
Such are the facts.
Posted: 19th, June 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Transfer balls: Manchester United turn to Mkhitaryan, Arsenal chase Gotze
Transfer balls: Are Arsenal buying Mario Gotze? The Sun says the Gunners are in for the German international. The paper tells its readers:
Arsenal are lining up a sensational £27million move for Bayern Munich outcast Mario Gotze according to reports in Germany.
The Sun says Arsenal did prefer Henrikh Mkhitaryan, but he’s rejected them and told Dortmund “he has his heart set on Manchester United”. The Sun cites its source for that as the BBC. The story appears to have some legs.
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke tells Bild the Armenian would not be extending his contract which ends next summer:
Dortmund chief executive Hanz-Joachim Watzke said: “We have been negotiating with Henrikh Mkhitaryan for four months for him to extend his contract with us. Now we know that it is not extended, it was never our commitment that Mkhitaryan may leave us prematurely. We have intensely discussed the question of an early transfer in all club bodies and came to the conclusion that Mkhitaryan will stay in Dortmund next season.”
No deal has been done. And, in any case, it was earlier this month the Sun told readers that Man United weren’t interested in the Dortmund man: “Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is looking to wrap up a quick deal for Borussia Dortmund’s £25million-rated Armenia midfielder. Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham are also keen on Mkhitaryan, 27.”
As Mkhitaryan’s agent calls Old Trafford, Arsenal turn to Gotze. The Sun continues:
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is desperate to be reunited with former Dortmund man Gotze at Anfield, but it appears the Gunners have now stolen a march on them.
The Sun’s story contains not a single link to any of the reports it mentions. And there are other “reports” that Gotze’s current club, Bayern Munich, are keen to get shot of him and will not include him on their roster for next season’s Champions’ League squad.
Helpfully on the Bayern Munich website, there’s a statement on Gotze:
FC Bayern München has demanded that various media sources cease and desist from reporting false claims. It has been reported that FC Bayern has “threatened” Mario Götze by stating he would not be nominated to play in the Champions League if he remains at the club. FC Bayern München AG chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge commented: “This is complete fiction. It remains the case that we will resolutely defend ourselves against all false or even malicious reporting using all legal means available to us.”
Such are the facts.
Posted: 17th, June 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Sports | Comment
Liverpool chase Arsenal’s Walcott with £25m
Transfer balls: Liverpool are keen on Arsenal forward Theo Walcott. The Sun says Liverpool will pay £25m for the 27-year-old.
The Sun says Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp intends to offer Walcott more first team game time than he can expect to get at the Emirates. If Arsenal do buy Jamie Vardy – and, c’mon, that deal is a sure thing – Walcott, who covets the striker’s role, will move one step down the rung. And then there is Alex Iwobi, the powerful forward who broke through into the Arsenal first team last season.
Walcott is not a vital cog in the Arsenal machine. He can leave.
The Gunners were shrewd enough to secure Walcott on a four-year deal last summer. That deal keeps the player at the Emirates until 2019. It also means any move away will come with hefty fee.
And they should sell. There has always been something of the nice middle-class boy about Walcott. Does he want it? How badly? Walcott has been “one for the future” for so long you wonder when, if ever, he’ll rise to the fore. He is infuriating, rarely imposing himself on a fullback you feel he can beat with ease.
At Liverpool he’ll gets a fresh start. And that’s Walcott all over – a player who petitions for a new go in a better position but never quite convinces in any.
Posted: 14th, June 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Liverpool, Sports | Comment
Transfer balls: Mahrez doesn’t mention Arsenal
Transfer balls: The Daily Express says Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez, 25, fancies a move to Arsenal.
Is that right? Is Mahrez that crass as to court a rival team, one that finished below Leicester in last season? No. The Express says Mahrez “has refused to rule out a move away from Leicester”.
We have heard that Arsenal have bid £25million bid for Mahrez. So…
The Express’s story is based on a story in Get French Football, which quotes the player thus:
“It is flattering to hear [about links to other clubs], as I said nothing is agreed, nothing is done. We will see. For the moment I have not made a decision. We will see. It is possible that I stay, it is possible that I leave. We will see.”
In other words, Mahrez ‘has refused to rule out leavingLeicester’. He makes no direct mention of Arsenal. But nonetheless the Mirror hears Mahrez and yells:
Arsenal transfer news and rumours: Riyad Mahrez ‘flattered’ by interest from Gunners
And the Standard says:
Riyad Mahrez to Arsenal: Leicester City star flattered to be linked with the Gunners
What no tabloid find room for is what else Mahrez said at the Nike promotional event:
“The season went very well. As you know, we have won the league which was very important. It is incredible. It was by far my best season in my career… I am not putting pressure on myself (for next season). It will be a season about confirming (my ability). Without pressure, I will have to work hard… Leicester is a family club. I would like to stay. I am very happy.”
Such are the facts.
Posted: 13th, June 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Jamie Vardy Watch: ‘Snubs’ Arsenal, ‘stuns Wenger’, says nothing
“VARDY SNUBS GUNNERS,” declares the Daily Star. Can it be that Jamie Vardy has gone back on his verbal agreement to join Arsenal? Jeremy Cross says he will: “Jamie Vardy will snub a £20m move to Arsenal.”
How Cross knows this is unsaid. Readers are just expected to take it as fact. But Vardy has said nothing in public. He has not signed for Arsenal, which means he remains a Leicester City player.
The Sun says “Vardy is a stop Gun”. Charlie Wyett says Vardy will decide on his future after Euro 2016. We’re told that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was “stunned when Vardy did not immediately jump at the move”. Well, if Wenget gets his news in the Sun he must be surprised with Vardy’s circumspection. The Sun told everyone Vardy had his Arsenal medical last weekend and would agree to join Arsenal before the England team flew to France. They flew. Vardy said nothing.
In the Mirror, Vardy has “delayed” his decision to stay or leave Leicester. Vardy wants to “focus on England”. John Cross says Arenal must decide whether to wait for Vardy or go for another striker. Why wold they? The Mirror said Vardy’s agent approached Arsenal. But the Express agrees, writing that Arsenal will look at “alternative targets”. The paper says the Gunners are in a “sweat”. Why would they be? They made an offer. If the offer is not enough they will either offer an improved offer of look elsewhere.
Vardy will either earn more cash at Leiecester with an improved deal, or more cash at Arsenal with a big signing-on fee.
There are problems – and then there are Premier League problems.
Posted: 8th, June 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Arsenal and the mysterious £25m Mahrez bid
Are Arsenal “close” to signing Leicester City star Rihad Mahrez? Yesterday, the Sun had an “exclusive“. It said Arsenal were in for the Premier League’s top player last season. Sadly, the scoop contained not a single fact. In fact, it got the one fact in the story wrong: Vardy has not had an Arsenal medical:
England striker Vardy reportedly having medical today and Premier League-winning Leicester team-mate could join him
Daniel Cutts added:
The Gunners have been shocked that Mahrez’s release clause is so low…
If the Gunners have seen the clause, you might wonder who showed it to them and why?
A few hours later, the Mirror told its readers that Arsenal and Mahrez is a non-starter: “Arsenal are NOT interested in Riyad Mahrez.” John Cross stated, “he will not be moving to the Emirates.”
But the Indy had heard different. “Arsenal transfer news: Gunners in talks to secure Riyad Mahrez transfer in Leicester City double-swoop,” stated Jack de Menezes. “Arsenal have activated Jamie Vardy’s release clause but are also being linked with his Leicester team-mate Mahrez.”
In talks or linked? Jack merely says he read it in, the, Sun.
As did the Metro’s man in the know, Sean Kearns, who said: “Arsenal clear to sign Riyad Mahrez as Leicester City winger decides to leave the Foxes.” Are Arsenal “clear to sign” the top player because no other club are after him?
It was way back in April that the Mail told us: “Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger rules out move for Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez.”
But today’s Express states: “Arsenal submit £25m Riyad Mahrez bid.” This it know because one Tancredi Palmeri tweeted: ” @tancredipalmeri Arsenal, before bidding for Mahrez, had several meeting with the player’s entourage and the player is open for moving.”
He also tweeted this:
There has been no confirmation of Ibrahimovich to Manchester United.
Posted: 7th, June 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Sports, Tabloids | Comment (1)
Jamie Vardy agrees Arsenal move then waits for wounds to heal
Jamie Vardy is in “transfer turmoil,” says the Sun. The paper, which stated Vardy would join Arsenal yesterday, says the Leicester City and England striker is torn between remaining with the Foxes and joining the Gunners.
A “source” says Vardy “does not know” if he will join the Gunners for £120,000-a-week and any bonus form a £20m transfer fee. The paper says Vardy is “prepared” to wait until after the Euros in France to make his decision”.
In the Mail, the advice is “SORT IT VARDY – England manager Roy Hodgson wants decision on star’s Arsenal switch”.
But the Mail notes that the decision has been made, stating that Vardy has “verbally agreed a three-year deal with an option of a further 12 months“. Add to this the Mirror’s claim that Vardy’s agent instigated the Arsenal move and you have player not exactly “in turmoil” and “tormented”, as the Mail’s mind-reading expert Matt Lawton says he is.
Is is really such agony to be deciding between playing for Leicester, the Premier League champions where you are adored, or moving to one of Europe’s biggest clubs for an extra £4o,000 a week? Come on. Vardy must love it. If Vardy has given his word that he will join the Gunners, this waiting for an official announcement looks like a PR job.
Is Vardy the right man for Arsenal?
Ian Wright tells Sun readers “James ticks all the boxes for Arsenal”, save for the bit of the form which says “sign here”. Wright reminds readers he joined Arsenal at 28. Vardy is 29. Wright was magnificent at the Gunners. He says Vardy will be a hit at Arsenal because he’s “clever” and can change his game.
Dave Kidd tells Mirror readers “Vardy to Arsenal makes no sense”. Kidd says it is the “most un-Arsenal transfer move imaginable, making neither footballing no economic sense.” Vardy is the Football Writers’ player of the year. He is a proven winner. At 29 he is the same age Robin Van Persie was when he joined Manchester Untied and made them title winners. The Arsenal fans will love his work rate and desire to win. But Kidd says Vardy doesn’t score goals the Arsenal way (after lots and lots of passing). He says Vardy will be on the bench as Arsenal’s Plan B.
Stop Press: The Guardian says “Jamie Vardy set to make Arsenal decision after European Championship.” Or as the Leicester Mercury puts it: “Leicester City transfer news: Vardy decision to come in next few days.” They don’t have the foggiest.
Posted: 7th, June 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Arsenal transfer balls: desperate Wenger buys Leicester glory
Anyone want to play for Leicester City? As news of Jamie Vardy’s apparently imminent departure to Arsenal fills the news media, the Sun says the Gunners are also keen on Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez.
Vardy has taken his medical at Arsenal, and, one assumes, passed it. It’s not known what the Arsenal medical involves but given their annual injury crisis, it could amount to a man in a white jacket asking he player, “How’s things?” as he rubber stamps the health insurance certificates.
The Sun’s exclusive contains not a single source, quote nor fact to support it.
Over at ESPN, the news is that Mahrez is not an Arsenal priority. The headline states:
Arsenal prioritise Henrikh Mkhitaryan over Riyad Mahrez
Readers are told that “signing Borussia Dortmund’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan is Araenalk’s priority this summer”. Again, readers get no facts.
Meanwhile, Anorak readers can recalls the Sun’s report from February 2016. The headline ran: “Arsene Wenger reveals he rejected chance to bring Riyad Mahrez to Arsenal because he thought Leicester sensation was too CHEAP.” Mahrez joined Leicester for £400,000.
“We live in a strange society. If I sign a player for £400,000 before he plays people will say, ‘What is that, that is not serious for Arsenal’. If you say we signed a player for £40million they will think he is really good.”
As Wenger treats fans as fools unable to know a good player when they see one, we remind him that Lionel Messi cost Barcelona nothing in transfer fees. And the Barcelona fans are largely happy with his efforts. Every player was cheaper at one point in their careers and looking for a big break. The difference now is that with Wenger towards the end of his career, he’s desperate to win the title and will pay to do so.
Posted: 6th, June 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Sports, Tabloids | Comments (2)
Jame Vardy’s agent asked Arsenal for transfer
Jamie Vardy to Arsenal is one of the Sun’s lead stories. The back page has Olivier Giroud, the Arsenal striker, saying how much Vardy wants to join Arsenal.
Readers learn that Vardy, 29, will tell Arsenal if he wants to join them before 11:30am today, when England board the plane to France. Will he accept a four-year, £120,000-a-week deal to play for the Gunners?
The Mirror says Leicester will make a “last bid” to keep Vardy. If that fails the Foxes will move to buy Watford’s Troy Deeney. Deeny had best call his agent. The Mirror says it was Vardy’s reps who made contact with Arsenal a month ago. Arsenal mulled it over and now want the player.
But will Vardy work well for Arsenal?
Writing in the Express, Matthew Dun says Vardy at Arsenal is “mismatch”. He says for Vardy to perform well at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger will have to “rip up his two-decade -old playbook” or Vardy would have “about three weeks after the Euros for a crash course in the Arsenal way”. Dunn reasons that whereas Leicester play long balls to Vardy to run on to, Arsenal play short passes around the opposition’s box. He can’t see Vardy being a hit at The Emirates.
Tony Cascarino disagrees. In the Times he says Vardy to Arsenal makes “complete sense”. It is the “perfect fit” for player and club. Cascarino says Vardy can have the same impact Robin Van Persie had on Manchester United. Alex Ferguson paid Arsenal £24m for the 29-year-old Dutchman. United duly won the Premier League title. “If Vardy had been at Arsenal last season,” says Cascarino, “they would have won the league.”
Cascarino lists Vardy’s benefits to Arsenal. Vardy works hard, “harder than Giroud”; “Mesut Ozil is the perfect player to thread chances through to him – the German will love having a player like Vardy in front of him”; and Wenger know “Vardy will fight for everything”.
He will. Vardy is a battler. Would Arsenal fans pick him or Theo Walcott for drag the team across the finish line. No contest. Vardy is a proven winner.
Posted: 6th, June 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Sports | Comment
Vardy takes his Arsenal medical today as fans turn on Rebekah
More on the Jamie Vardy’s £20m move from Leicester City to Arsenal story. ESPN says Vardy will take his Arsenal medical today.
The Sunday Express says the Gunners are fearful that unless they sign Vardy before the Euros they might not sign him at all. But the Sun says Vardy’s mind was made up when he spoke with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
In Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport, Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri says he is resigned to losing his star striker to Arenal.
Sky hears Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud says he knows Vardy wants to join the Gunners.
The Sunday Times lead with news that Vardy’s wife, Rebekha Vardy, has received nasty messages on twitter. Leicester fans have accused her of instigating her husband’s transfer. She calls one fan “pathetic” and tells others to “calm yourselves down”.
Of course, those same fans can recall Vardy telling them on May 9th:
“There will be names thrown into the hat all summer, but the group of lads we have, winning the league and having Champions League football next season, you hope it keeps everyone together… I am happy here.”
Vardy’s leaving. Leicester fans must wonder who else is looking for pastures new.
Posted: 5th, June 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Celebrities, Sports | Comment
Transfer balls: Arsenal tipped to beat Liverpool to Vardy before Euros
Arsenal have made a £22m bid for Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy. The Star says the Gunners have offered Vary £120,000 a week, a big hike in his current basic pay of £80,000-a-week.
The Times says West Ham United have also made a move for Vardy. They are offering £100,000 and a step down from Champions’ League football with Leicester and Arsenal. Liverpool , have told Vardy he can earn £140,000-a-week at Anfield – a sum Arsenal are willing to match or better.
The Express says Vardy is to join Arsenal in next 24 hours for £20m on a four-year deal. The Mail agrees, saying this is a “shock”. It is. Vardy is 29. Arsenal are not in the habit of investing big money is older players. But with Walcott fading and Welbeck injured, they need a sharp striker with pace.
But Arsenal fans should be war, ads the Times. Manchester City are eyeing Hector Bellerin and Jack Wilshere. Pep Guardiola, the new city manager, fancies the Arsenal players and wants to continue The Citizens habit of Gunners names.
The Times says Bellerin may see his future with Barcelona, for whom he played as a boy, and Wilshere is now down the Arsenal pecking order below – get this – Francis Coquelin. He isn’t. Wilshere is class player who given a long run of matches will surely earn a starting berth in the Arsenal first team.
Posted: 4th, June 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Broadsheets, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Transfer balls: Chelsea and Man United in race to stop Arsenal getting Morata (again)
Transfer balls – a look at iffy reporting in the mainstream media. News is that Arsenal are still after Alvaro Morata.
The Mirror says “Arsenal and Chelsea could go head to head in the race to sign 23-year-old Juventus striker Alvaro Morata.” So only two clubs are in for the striker. It is a head-to-head race.
The Mirror adds:
Alvaro Morata has sparked an auction between Arsenal and Chelsea after admitting he believes the Premier League would be a “great destination.”
Or as the player wanted by PSG (source: The Mirror) and who has an agreement to re-sign for Real Madrid should they want him says:
“Hopefully everything will be resolved before then, because it is uncomfortable to be helping your country with phone in hand. My wish is to succeed in Madrid… There are some offers from England that are tempting, not only because of the contract. I think my characteristics mean the Premier League would be a great destination.”
If Real don’t want him, then maybe he’ll look to the PL. It’s a head-to-head-to-head race – and one club has a massive head. As Spain’s AS put it:
Alvaro Morata wants a return to Real Madrid
In other news:
The Evening Standard and Manchester Evening News saysManchester United have added their head to the race – and United have a real bighead in charge:
And the Liverpool Echo say Liverpool want him:
Of course, Morata already plays for Arsenal. The Daily Star told us that:
Such are the facts.
Posted: 1st, June 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Chelsea, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Higuain Watch: striker demands Chelsea, wants Liverpool, shuns Manchester United, signs for Arsenal, moves nowhere
Transfer balls: every summer a familiar platoon of players feature in tabloid stories telling of their imminent moves to the Premier League. One of that number is Gonzalo Higuain, who, as you will recall, signed for Arsenal on July 6 2013. Well, so said the Sun.
For anyone who missed that scoop, the good news is that the story of Higuain to Arsenal still features as fact on the Sun’s website.
ARSENAL last night smashed their transfer record when they agreed a £23million fee for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain… Higuain, 25, has been given permission by Madrid to fly to London following weeks of negotiations. And boss Arsene Wenger has made it clear he wants the powerful goalscorer on board when Arsenal head for their tour of the Far East next Thursday.
The deal, which has been confirmed by the player’s father Jorge, comes as a huge relief for Wenger… The Gunners’ previous biggest signing was the £16.5million they paid to sign Santi Cazorla from Malaga last summer and propels the club back into the big time. Now Wenger wants to build on Higuain’s imminent arrival by pressing ahead with negotiations for Wayne Rooney and Julio Cesar… Wenger believes that the capture of Higuain will convince other world-class stars to join.
And so to todays news in the Mirror that Higuain, who plays for Napoli, has made a “plea” to join Liverpool.
“The former Real Madrid striker, who has attracted interested [sic] from Arsenal previously, is keen to come to the Premier League would would like to play under Kop boss Jurgen Klopp.”
So. It’s Higuain to Liverpool. Or not. These other news facts from the Sun:
May 4: “Chelsea target Gonzalo Higuain wants £42million move to the Bridge… but only if Diego Costa leaves”
May 22, 2016: Higuain not move to Chelsea, Manchester Untied nor any other Premier League club.
Manchester United and Chelsea dealt massive blow as Gonzalo Higuain will NOT be making a Premier League switch in the summer
More on Higuain to come…
Posted: 30th, May 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Liverpool, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Transfer balls: Arsenal spend, Ozil keeps cool, newspapers agitate
Transfer balls: a look at reporting on Mesut Ozil, Arsenal’s German star.
In the Times, Matt Hughes says with two years remaining on his current deal, Ozil “is unwilling to discuss signing a new deal” until after the summer’s European Championship. Ozil “is happy at Arsenal and not agitating for a move.”
Arsenal are willing to make him the highest-paid player in their history by offering a significantly improved salary of £200,000 a week, but Özil’s main concern is ensuring he will be competing for the biggest trophies after winning just two FA Cups in his three years at Arsenal to date.
The Metro reads Hugh column and twists it to:
Mesut Ozil has again declined to open talks with Arsenal over a new contract despite being offered a wage rise. The Gunners are being made to sweat over the German’s future, as well as that of Alexis Sanchez after a difficult season.
Mark Brus omits the part about Ozil being happy and waiting until July to begin talks over a contract extension.
He also omits to note what Ozil said on 19 November 2015
“My contract runs until 2018, that is for another two and a half years. There is no need to hurry. There are no talks at the moment but I can only say that I am very happy in London and that my decision to come here from Real Madrid was the right one.”
And as the Mirror pit it back in March: “Mesut Ozil quashes Arsenal exit rumours.”
Sweating, indeed…
Posted: 29th, May 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Broadsheets, Sports | Comment
Transfer balls: Arsenal keep Walcott by selling him to West Ham or Chelsea
Transfer balls: It’s been a busy few days for Arsenal’s Theo Walcott. In today’s Daily Mirror, readers are told, “Theo’s not Gunner go”. News is that Walcott will be told he is not for sale. “Arsene Wenger will make it clear he is not for sale.” This will disappoint Manchester City and Southampton, we’re told.
But the Metro told us Arsenal will “listen to offers” for their striker.
The Star said he wants to stay: “EXCLUSIVE: Theo Walcott desperate to stay at Arsenal this summer despite West Ham interest.”
The Sun says it’s a done deal: “Theo Walcott to quit Arsenal and is on verge of agreeing deal to sign for West Ham – EXCLUSIVE England star ready to snub Chelsea in favour of joining Hammers”
The Mirror says he is desperate to leave.
And in the Metro: “Arsenal fans devastated as Danny Welbeck’s injury means Arsene Wenger may keep Theo Walcott”
Words from Walcott: nil.
Such are the facts.
Posted: 18th, May 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Sports, Tabloids | Comments (2)
Transfer balls: can you identify the Arsenal ‘ace’ on his way to West Ham?
Transfer balls: a look at desperate reporting. And it’s not just in print and on websites the newspapers can spin clicks from utter balls. On Twitter, the Sun has news of an “Arsenal ace” on his way to West Ham United.
Who is it? Go on, Arsenal and West Ham fans, who is the ace in the photo above? We clicked the link and found this at the Sun:
Havard Nordtveit to join West Ham after Hammers announce free transfer for Norway star- Nordtveit, 25, to join from Borussia Monchengladbach on a free transfer
But what of his ace-tastic Arsenal career?
The Norway international, who joins on July 1, returns to London six years after leaving Arsenal – although he failed to make a first-team appearance in three years with the Gunners.
Or as the Metro puts it: “West Ham complete transfer of former Arsenal ace Havard Nordtveit.”
And in the Times: “Arsenal reject Nordtveit joins West Ham on free transfer.”
One paper’s “reject” is another ‘ace”.
Posted: 17th, May 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Sports | Comment
Transfer balls: Ozil bombs Arsenal
Transfer balls: The Daily Express has news for Arsenal fans: “Mesut Ozil Bombshell: Star blasts lack of teamwork, contract talks put on hold.”
Bombshell! Blasts! Is Ozil shooting down the Gunners? Is it war? This is what Ozil said:
“We dropped a lot of points that we should not have dropped against the ‘smaller teams’ and that was the point in the season where we did not work as a team. Especially after the Barcelona game we were just not good enough to take a point… I have two years left on my contract and will be in talks with the club. Now I’m concentrating on the Euros in France.”
Ozil talks with Arsenal. Boom!
Moe Transfer Balls in the newspapers every day.
Posted: 17th, May 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
No, Manchester United’s David Beckham is not like Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere
What need of facts, Alan Shearer? No much. Alan writes of Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere in the Sun:
“The debate might well be whether Marcus Rashford can force his way into the final 23 and go with England to Euro 2016. For me, the bigger argument is what Jack Wilshere is doing in the squad in the first place. Nobody seems to be questioning whether he will now go if he remains fit through these last three friendlies ahead of the finals.
“Have we not learnt any lessons from the past when it comes to the issue of racing players back? It was David Beckham back in 2002 when he suffered a metatarsal injury towards the end of the season and still went to the World Cup.”
What we learn, Alan, is that Wilshere is fit. He’s not been rushed back to the Arsenal side. He’s fully fit and playing in the first XI. We also learn that Beckham’s injury went like this:
20 April 2002: 51 days before the World Cup, Beckham is injured by Pedro Duscher in Manchester United’s Champions League quarter final clash with Deportivo La Coruna. His second metatarsal bone is broken. Beckham makes a hard bid to get fit.
9 May 2002: two days before the World Cup, Beckham declares himself fit for the Sweden game. He says: “I’ve had a lot of treatment over the past two months and a lot of people from Sven-Goran Eriksson to the Queen have wished me good luck. The way I felt when I led training is the highest I have felt in weeks.”
2 June 2002: England v Sweden. Beckham plays 63 minutes of the game before being substituted. It is his first competitive action since the injury.
7 June 2002: England v Argentina. Beckham’s 45th minute penalty gives England victory. He lasts the full 90 minutes. In the quarter-finals, Beckham plays as England lose to Brazil.
And how did the Sun talk of Beckham’s injury way back then? Were they circumspect?
A HUGE team of Sun readers today prayed for the hand of God to revive England’s World Cup hopes by mending David Beckham’s broken foot.
We urged our army of 10 million readers to boost David’s fitness fight at the stroke of midday by placing their hands on our picture of David’s left peg and praying for a speedy recovery.
And so many of you did.
Even bishops joined in. One said: Were rooting for him.
And Canon David Meara, the vicar of St Bride’s in London’s Fleet Street, even came into the Sun’s Wapping HQ to say a special “get well” prayer as the entire office touched David’s foot on the dot of noon.
The 54-year-old Spurs fan said: There is no doubt that prayer can assist in the healing process.
Wilshere is no Beckham – he’s fitter.
Posted: 17th, May 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids | Comment
Harry Redknapp, angry Newcastle fans, sunshine Spurs and Arsenal failures
A few days before Newcastle United fans hymned their team to a 5-1 thrashing of fancied Spurs, former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp told his Evening Standard readers:
Angry Newcastle fans can help Tottenham finish above Arsenal
He went on:
Newcastle’s relegation should ensure a hostile atmosphere which Tottenham can take advantage of to secure second place in the Premier League…
Spurs…are still a top side and you would fancy them to win at St James’ Park against a team with nothing to play for under a manager who is probably going to leave… The fans up there will be angry at how things have panned out after Sunderland beat Everton and the Newcastle players will just want the season over with.
Here’s what George Caulkin had to say about the match in the Times:
This was a peculiar day at St James’ Park, where a relegated side played with the zeal of champions and their supporters sang merrily in the sunshine and when Spurs, for so long an embodiment of promise and quality, simply imploded. Old, tired, perennial failures Arsenal — or so the narrative goes — hopped above them and a campaign that has featured upset at its core ended in a suitably perplexing manner.
More expert inside knowledge from Harry Redknapp all over the media every week.
Posted: 16th, May 2016 | In: Arsenal, Back pages, Sports, Spurs, Tabloids | Comment
Happy 21st Arsenal: Newcastle thrash Spurs on #StTotteringhamsDay
At what point do Spurs fans give up? Going for the Premier League title just a few weeks ago, Spurs managed to implode at Chelsea and then play so lethargically and poorly in subsequent games they were overtaken by Arsenal, who claim the runners-up spot.
Arsenal have finished above Tottenham for the 21st season in a row.
Losing 5-1 to an already relegated Newcastle United, as Spurs did today – a Newcastle down to 10 men after 67 minutes – when you need only a point to finish second in the table and, crucially, above your local rivals for the first time in a generation is utterly awful. Arsenal fans expected it was coming, of course. After all it’s #StTotteringhamsDay.
Arsene Wenger. Well, he always knows, doesn’t he?
Well, no, not really. As Arsenal fans celebrate the club’s highest league finish since they rocked into the Emirates, they should recalls that Spurs’ title challenge outlasted Wenger’s marvels. Weak in the Champions’ League and league also-rans since February, Arsenal ended the season 10 points short of Premier League winners Leicester. Last season the Gunners fell 12 points short of Premier League winners Chelsea.
Not exactly the catharsis, is it? Spurs are on the up. Arsenal are becalmed under Wenger. But does the Frenchman know it?
Posted: 15th, May 2016 | In: Arsenal, Sports, Spurs | Comment
