Deadline Day! 31 August, 2006

Martin Bollocks didn’t come in the end but according to a few sources we are actually close to bringing in Tevez and Mascherano. Naismith might also be a deadline day transfer as we look to strengthen the squad, and that Baptista rumour is still hanging about too and seeming more and more likely everyday; Sky Sports reckon some sort of deal with Reyes will be done. I’d like that and I think every party involved would be pleased with the deal. Also on this last day of the transfer market we’re expected to sign Japanese starlet Sho Ito, this isn’t just a made up rumour as Wenger had this to say:

“I like him, I want to sign him and we are applying for a working visa for him on the basis of exceptional talent. Last season we had an exceptional talent visa for a Cameroon international, Alex Song, and this player looks another exciting prospect.”

Still the Alex Song love affair goes on. Hopefully Arsene proves us all wrong and Song develops into an amazing player. But yeah this Ito guy looks to be on his way, I know it’s another youngster but at least it’s someone.

Anything could happen today, we could bring in some world-class talent (Mascherano), we could bring in another youngster for the future (Naismith), or we could sign nobody (likely). Whatever happens, we’ll know by midnight tonight. It’s been a summer of speculation and it’s been quite sad that we’ve only signed one player. In a way I’m glad the transfer market’s closing, it means we can get our heads down on the season.

Also today might be the day Cole/Reyes leave. It’s not good having unsettled players at the club but they can still do a job but if we can get them both focussed on Arsenal. If it all works out well then them staying might be a bit of a result!

It’s hard to give my thoughts on this last day of dealings; there are so many rumours about on 31st August it’s hard to chose between them because they are usually all bollocks. So here’s just what I dread, hope and think will happen today:

The worst case scenario:
Wenger has been holding out for £30m for Cole this summer but finally accepts just a fraction of that price as it’s the last day of the transfer market and Cole moves to local rivals Chelsea in a £17m move. Chelsea refuse send Gallas the other way leaving Wenger short of numbers and Mourinho spoilt for choice. Jose Reyes also makes the move away from Arsenal as his dream move to Spain is finally sorted out. Athletico Madrid fork out £10m for the Spanish international and with Torres definitely staying, Athletico have a strong strike partnership for the coming season. Arsene Wenger fails to make any replacements for the two departures but insist he’s happy with the squad and says we’ll put up a strong fight this season.

The best case scenario:
Arsenal and Chelsea finally sort out the Ashley Cole transfer as Wenger accepts an offer of £5m + William Gallas. Both clubs seem very happy with their new signings and both players take the no.3 shirt at their respective clubs. And another wayward player Jose Reyes completes another swap move with him going to his beloved Spain at Real Madrid with Julio Baptista coming the other way + £3m; Baptista takes over Bergkamp’s legendary no.10 shirt. Arsene adds to the squad with the two arrivals from Corinthians: Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez. Arsene says he’s invested alot of money in the two signings and hopes it is money well spent and they hope to take the title from Chelsea. Mascherano will take Fabregas’ old no.15 shirt and Tevez chooses number 23. That’s not all of Wenger’s deadline-day activity though as he also managed to sign Naismith from Kilmarnock for an initial £4m fee. The only departure from the Arsene Wenger’s squad today was Alexander Song; Arsenal have paid Luton £300,000 to take the midfielder of their hands. Money well spent I say.

The most likely scenario:
After a summer of speculation Arsenal and Chelsea couldn’t agree on a deal for Ashley Cole and he remains at Arsenal. Jose Reyes who was also linked with a move away remains with the Gunners, as higher bid from Spain never came through. Arsenal agree to sign Naismith on a season long loan from Kilmarnock with the option to secure him permanently next summer. And finally after all the rumours on Mascherano and Tevez the two will remain in Brazil playing for Corinthians.

Well that’s what I think anyways. We’ll see how right I was tomorrow. Obviously I don’t want to be right, I want The best case scenario to be true!

The only other news is on Phil Senderos. He’s said that he hopes to be back in training within one month and will fight for his place to get back in the team. Can’t wait for Big Phil to be back, not that I don’t like Djourou but Senderos is just a rock at the back for us.

Right, I’m off to continue watching Sky Sports News. Have a good day people. Let’s hope Arsene get his chequebook out this time.

FUCKING HELL! I’ve just seen that West Ham have apparently got Tevez and Mascherano! Shit. Fuck. Why? Why West Ham? I don’t believe it. Well that kicks off the deadline day and shows you what a crazy last few hours it’s going to be…