Arsenal - I am calm says Wenger as rumour mill goes ballistic
The Emirates: Probably only Arsene Wenger really knows the true strength of the Arsenal team that he has in his charge at the Emirates Stadium for next year. He has always subscribed to the Dutch theory of letting youth and speed come to the fore although whether Theo Walcott is going to be the answer for him is a tricky one. The £5 million Aaron Ramsey is a few years away too. Looking back last year Wenger was unlucky to lose Eduardo just when the goals were flying in. Statistically Arsenal were only four points off the title and goals dried up towards the end of the season. Arsenal fans may grumble, but the rest of us admired. It was mathematically a close run thing and there was plenty of betting money going on them as late as February. Can Wenger go on with the structure of this team or does he have to inject a magic mix of new blood? A whole double decker bus of rumours and gossip has been running down the road. He has been linked to just about every footballing talent on the continent.
Former keeper David Seaman has been critical too, although over the years Wenger has been proved right. Holding midfielder Mathieu Flamini and keeper Jens Lehmann have already left the Emirates and Alexander Hleb is looking like joining them. Reports that both Barcelona and AC Milan are preparing massive bids for African Footballer of the Year Emmanuel Adebayor, meanwhile, which according to his agent is 80% a done deal, would leave the team looking particularly lightweight up front.. Eduardo could return in time for the start of the season, but after such an injury there must be doubts as to how effective or quick he can be. Goals win titles, so where will they come from?
Samir Nasri of Marseilles has been linked to a move for weeks and looks a likely lad in the midfield. Other rumours like Peter Crouch seem, surely, to be just that. But Wenger will have taken heart from the Russians, Holland and the Turks at the Euro 2008 and seeing high octane young teams playing disciplined football with unsung players looking to make a name for themselves and their team. Whether he will keep the cash locked up in the safe or splash big on perhaps one of Cesc Fabregas’s teammates in the Spanish team post the Euro 2008 remains to be seen. The Russian options seem less likely. The dice are not thrown as yet. Wenger, who has been on Euro 2008 sponsorship patrol with Castrol has just distanced himself from speculation.
“I know a lot has been written about us, but I am very calm. Why? Because I don’t know why I should be nervous. It’s like when you take a penalty, if you are nervous it doesn’t help. I will approach it with my usual calm. My biggest challenge is to make sure I have a competitive team next year no matter who it is.” Given that Arsenal are 1499/1 against relegation and 5/1 to lift the title, he is probably right to be relaxed. West Brom come to the Emirates on the first Saturday of the season which could give us an idea.
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