News round-up… Ramsey & Wilshere sign new deals 2 July, 2009

Ah it’s so hot. Too hot. This is England for christ’s sake I can’t be dealing with this weather. Even lifting my fingers to the keys is tiring. Anyway, while the BBQ is heating up I’ll bring you up to date with what little news there is.

Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere have both signed long term contracts this week. A bit odd seeing as Ramsey only transferred here a year ago and Wilshere signed professional terms in January. It just shows how highly we rate the teenagers. They will no doubt be an important part of future midfield – possibly even midfield partners.

I’d like to know the length of the deals but as always they are undisclosed. I reckon they could be somewhere close to 8 years Fabregas signed for last time. Aaron has spoken about his new contract saying he’s happy he chose Arsenal, is pleased with his first season but hopes he can get a few more games next year. A few bloggers have discussed a possible loan move for him next season, I’m sure he would do great at a lot of clubs and gain some good experience but it’s up to Wenger. I’d guess that he’ll stay and get more cup games and the occasional league game, he’s a good player even at his age and has proven that he has got the talent to play at this level.

This summer has gone money-mad. Real Madrid and Man City have been flashing the cash – Madrid like never seen before. They’re just about to make another top signing in Benzema and then after that possibly Ribery! Then there was Man City offering £25m for Eto’o a player with only one year left on his contract. It’s not just that though, they were willing to pay him something ridiculous like £250,000 a week! I don’t remember the exact amount but I know it was stupid. Ivan Gazidis has been talking about salary capping after all this ridiculous money spending and I think he has a very good point. Other clubs are never going to be able to keep up when players are being offered a quarter of a million pounds for week’s work. I don’t think salary capping would ever be able to be brought in, but this summer it has got to that stage where it is just getting stupid.

On a side note, seeing as Real Madrid are signing the talent of Europe and Man City are by no means finished business… who are United going to get to replace Ronaldo and Tevez?

Gallas has said he’ll be staying at Arsenal next season but has not spoken about extending his contract. He currently has just a year left on his deal and would be able to go on a free next summer. It wouldn’t surprise me if that’s exactly what he did but to be fair that wouldn’t bother me at all. I’d like another year out of Gallas, he’s done really well since losing the captaincy and although he might not be the most liked player he does his job at the back and that matters more.

We’ve been linked with Werder Bremen’s ‘Naldo’ after their manager said he is no longer in their plans. I have no idea why they don’t want him anymore but they said he’s likely to go for about €10m and Arsenal are the most likely destination. He’s a defender and he’s 26 so I guess if any of our defense leave (which there is a big chance of) then this guy could be a possible replacement.

Right, the BBQ is good to go. I better be off. Thanks for reading, enjoy the sun while it lasts.