Gunners Hesitant to Pull the Trigger on Fellaini Transfer
Everton FC midfielder Marouane Fellaini is keen to join Arsenal FC, but the massive cost attributed to the transfer means that the Gunners are a bit hesitant to pull the trigger.
The Belgian giant’s representatives recently rejected Arsenal’s initial contract offer and demanded a six-figure salary of £100,000 – a sum which only Lukas Podolski and Theo Walcott earn at the Emirates Stadium.
It means that five years of wages and £22million in transfer fees would make Fellaini’s proposed move to Arsenal almost a £50million commitment, which is why the Gunners are taking their time.
But they cannot afford to dwell on it too much as it is believed that Russia’s Zenit St Petersburg are also keeping tabs on him, and unlike Arsenal, they wouldn’t think twice in meeting Fellaini’s financial demands.
Koscielny Reaffirms Desire to Stay
Laurent Koscielny has once again assured the Arsenal fans that he is committed to the club and sees his long-term future at the club.
A few weeks ago the 27-year-old Gunner made it known that failure to win some silverware in the coming seasons would force him to look elsewhere, but he soon tracked back on his words.
With Europeans giants such as Bayern Munich and Barcelona rumoured to be interested in his services, it was thought that sooner or later he would edge for a move again. However, the former Montpellier man has reiterated his desire to stay and replicate the scintillating form they displayed towards the rear end of last season on a more consistent basis.
France’s La Montagne newspaper have quoted Koscielny as saying: “I have four-year contract. For now, I am still at Arsenal.
“The second leg of the Champions League against Bayern Munich was a trigger for us. In the process, we almost won everything. The most important thing is that Arsenal is in the Champions League. It is super exciting to play against the best teams in Europe.”
Adams Blames Foreigners for Lack of Loyalty in Football
Tony Adams has claimed that the prevalent lack of loyalty in modern football has been brought by foreign players, who don’t usually have the same level of affinity for the clubs as the local lads do.
Citing the example of former Gunner Cesc Fabregas, who left North London to join his boyhood club Barcelona two years ago, Adams said: “The game and society have both changed in that respect. When a foreign player comes over to play here it is natural maybe that he goes back. Cesc, it was a natural progression to go back because he thought Barcelona are bigger than Arsenal.
“I don’t know what he is talking about because I’m an Englishman who wouldn’t even go to Manchester. What would I go to Manchester for? Arsenal are massive to me and that proves there is a different mentality in the people that are now playing in the top league in the world.”
Villa Could Move – Agent
Barcelona striker and rumoured Arsenal FC transfer target David Villa’s agent Victor Onate has admitted that his client could be interested in a summer move to either England or Italy amidst interest from Serie A outfit Fiorentina.
Brazil superstar Neymar’s arrival means that Villa might struggle to find enough game time at the Camp Nou Stadium next season and with 2014 being a World Cup year, the former Valencia man might be willing to change clubs.
Tuttomercatoweb has quoted Onate as saying: “Leaving a club like this is not easy. But next year there is the World Cup and the boy will face it as a protagonist. If he was to leave, we will seek for an important project. Italy or England makes no difference.”
Regarding the Viola’s interest in Villa, he added: “It would be an exaggeration to speak about an official interest but we know Fiorentina’s plans and they are fascinating. I know the technical director, Eduardo Macia, with whom I worked in Valencia, and we are constantly in touch. Fiorentina’s season was good and they want to grow again.”
Cirigliano Targets La Liga Move
River Plate starlet Ezequiel Cirigliano, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the past, has expressed his desire to move to Spain.
The tough-tackling midfielder, whose playing style has been likened to Barcelona star Xavi’s, has struggled for playing time in Los Millonarios’ first-team setup this season and would like to move to La Liga to continue his development.
“If I had the chance to choose a place where I would play, that would be in Spain. I am comfortable at River, but if I receive an interesting proposal I would analyse it. I would like to play in the Spanish Liga,” Cirigliano said.
“I would like to have the chance to play more frequently and win myself a place in the team so I don’t have to leave the club, but if that isn’t possible, then I will have to pay attention to the transfer window,” he added.