Long-serving Arsenal stars linked with exit
There are two rather peculiar Arsenal rumours in Tuesday's newspapers linking players that have started a combined 386 games for the club with transfers to other Premier League sides.
The Metro get the ball rolling with the claim that with Gael Clichy's contract expiring in June 2012 and Arsene Wenger worried that the French left back can't be persuaded to sign an extension, he will look to persuade Everton's top performer this season Leighton Baines to move to the Emirates.
Nothing too outlandish there perhaps, however it is reported that instead of offering the fee of around £10 million that it is believed could force David Moyes' hand, Wenger would instead try to convince him to take rumoured Juventus target Clichy in a straight swap.
Even if the Toffees found that deal favourable, there's no guarantee that the French international would head to Merseyside when it is highly unlikely that they will be involved in European competition in 2011-12.
Topping even that rumour in the contentiousness stakes though is the Daily Mirror's suggestion that Emmanuel Eboue could be tempted to do what is known in some circles as a William Gallas and in others as the reverse Sol Campbell and trade Arsenal for Tottenham this summer.
The Mirror point to the Ivorian's "uneasy relationship with Arsenal fans" as a potential reason for him seeking a change of scenery, but whereas it is true that Gunners supporters have been vicious in their abuse of him in the past, he these days enjoys cult hero status in north London.
The reason there is so much speculation about Wenger's end-of-season activity of course is the perception that this will now be another trophyless campaign, as with seven points separating them from leaders Manchester United, they are out to [7.4] to claim the title.
Should Arsenal cut ties with Clichy and Eboue this summer? Tell us below...
Published: 5 Apr 2011
Emmanuel (April 5, 2011 9:50 AM) said:
I think Arsenal should not loose any player at this point though we've gone 6 years now without silverware. I feel the board should make more money available and try to bring quality and experience to the club to work with the uncaring talent and potential already at the club to bring in a large amount of silverware that will more than make up for the past 6 years but if only the board could know and understand this.
G_Way_La (April 5, 2011 9:26 PM) said:
Clichy will go as Arsenal have a ready made replacement in Gibbs. Eboue is just not good enough to play at the top level. The rumours do not worry me.
Bob (April 6, 2011 8:32 AM) said:
there is, was and HAS BEEN money avaliable for 5 seasons .... and significant money at that so >30m read your own clubs accounts !
wenger in his infinate wisdom has chosen not to spend .... the likes of eboue, almunia ect should have been replaced long ago.
the buck stops with one man and one man alone...