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No one can hide from the fact that the transfer fees have gone absolutely crazy, in recent years.
There are many reasons why this has happened, but everything relates to the obvious fact that football has become a business, rather than a sport.
In my opinion, there are two kinds of managers, now that we’ve experienced the inevitable switch – sponsored by Sky Sports.
First, we have people like Arsene Wenger who works with a highly sustainable business plan, which is also backed by a sensible board, who are not looking to invest ridiculous amounts of money into this plans.
On the other hand, we have managers who literally depend on having the ability to spend necessary funds on new players.
Sadly, seeing people like Wenger manage at the top-level has come a rarity.
With the sudden influx of (mostly) foreign, clueless billionaires throwing their ‘petty cash‘ of hundreds of millions of pounds in other teams’ faces, it’s become uncommon to see managers take risks by investing in exciting young talent.
For me, these football-oblivious owners have spoilt the game. I’m not bitter about us not spending huge amounts of cash. Nor am I demanding the current board to ‘spend silly’ on every player linked with us.
Admittedly, spending ‘big’ would be a quick fix, but I have too much pride to give in to that daunting option. With our admirable business plan, it’s only a matter of time before we become one of the major forces in world football.
And in doing so, we’ll be the only club to do it without spending hundreds of millions of pounds on players. We’re not there yet but still, I’m incredibly proud to support a team who has done things in the right way.
Until we reach the ultimate goal, I would like Arsene Wenger to remain at the helm. Given the current circumstances, he’s still the best man for the job – yes, even the absence of silverware!
This week, Gael Clichy is being linked with Roma and Liverpool, and it looks likely he’ll be part of a deal that will see him leave, after 187 appearances at the club since he moved to The Gunners from Cannes in 2003.
Despite being one of the most useful left-backs in the world – in my opinion, it looks like he’s going to leave in an insignificant deal that would be worth less than £10m.
Speaking of which, I think it’s ludicrous that Liverpool submitted such a measly bid of £5m for a player of such quality.
Agreed, he’s made some catastrophic mistakes in the past, but let’s be honest, who hasn’t?
I’m sure if Chelsea sold Fernando Torres this summer, they would be able to sell him for more than £30m, even after his apocalyptic first 6 months at Stamford Bridge.
There is recent speculation suggesting that Leighton Baines would be the replacement for Clichy, if the Frenchman is to leave Arsenal this summer. I don’t have an exact figure, but a deal of at least £15m sounds about right to me.
Maybe it’s just me, but I am adamant that Clichy is the better player and is also worth more than Baines.
Clichy is much more experienced with years of Champions League football under his belt, as wear as achieving more international caps. The Frenchman is also an intimidating threat to any opponent, with his dangerously rapid pace.
I will admit that Baines is clearly a better crosser of the ball, but I’d certainly still rate Clichy higher than the Everton left-back.
If he were to leave us for such a small amount, I’d be incredibly disappointed. Any club that can sign Gael Clichy for under £10m would be getting an extraordinary bargain!
The potential Gary Cahill deal is another great example of how English players are overpriced. A very good centre-back for sure, but no one can deny that his experience at the top level is limited.
Of course, I would like to see him at Arsenal next season, but don’t expect Arsene to spend if Bolton are going to rip us off, for such a risky deal – considering such a mammoth transfer fee for Arsenal Football Club.
I will refrain from discussing more examples, as they would only be echoes of what I have already said.
In an ideal world, we should just get Gael Clichy to change his name to Gary Clark. Then we could flog him to Manchester City in a rather luxurious £40m deal. Likewise, we should ask Gary Cahill to change his name to Kazimir Kowalski and buy him for a grand total of £1m!
by MIKE HARVEY Follow me on Twitter @my_karvey
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