Toure latest, 5-0 in Hungary & Vieira’s Spurs move unlikely 28 July, 2009

In last night’s post-match interview Arsene Wenger gave a very big clue as to where Kolo Toure’s future lies. He hinted we could know a lot more in the next 24 hours and it looks like a move is on the table. You can listen to the interview here if you have ATVO, if not here’s what he said:

“We’ll see what’s happening in the next 24 hours. We have many centre-backs, seven centre-backs and I’m in a position where we have to play some in midfield. Of course Kolo is a very good player, we’ll see what happens in the next 24 hours.”

Basically Wenger is saying we have too many centre backs and Kolo Toure looks likely to be the first to leave. Most would argue we should get rid of Silvestre or Senderos and keep Toure but I don’t think we have that luxury. Not only would no one be stupid enough to buy Silvestre, but if the reported fee of £16m is correct we could get a load of cash for a fading star.

As much as we all love Kolo we have to admit he is in decline. Wenger always knows the right time to sell a player and I think this summer might be the one for him. City are in the market for a defender so we may as well cash in. It’ll hurt to see him go but we just have to move on.

There’s bound to be a load more news on this in the next few days so I’ll update you then.

In the same interview Arsene was asked about the possibility of players coming in and to be honest he didn’t sound too optimistic. He said at the moment he is concentrating more on getting the current squad fully fit, getting through the next friendlies and then deciding what needs to be done. I’m of the opinion we need at least one player in as things stand but with departures looking imminent we might need a few new faces just to get the squad looking full. We have a good team I think but just a few injuries later and we are down to bare bones. We’ll have to wait and see if Wenger will get his chequebook out again.

Last night be beat Szombathelyi Haladas 5-0 with Bendtner and Eduardo getting two each in the first half and van Persie getting the fifth from the penalty spot just after the hour mark. Despite most of the goals coming in the first 45, we looked a better side in the second period. It looked more like a team that we would see next season and we were gelling really well. We really should’ve made it more than 5 but at this stage it’s the fitness and team play that is more important.

Szombathelyi had a chance to get a consolation goal in the second half when they were awarded a penalty. Barbosa placed the ball on the spot, did a Ronaldo-esque stutter in his run-up sending the ‘keeper the wrong way but then placed his effort the wrong side of the post! I think second half ‘keeper Wojciech Szczesny put it best picking himself up off the floor and giving Barbosa the wanker gesture. Ha! Szczesny was in no mood to concede after pulling off a great double save and making a great stop from a free kick previous to the penalty decision.

As I said on my twitter, I am quiet excited about Eduardo for this season. He scored two good goals and I believe if he stays fit there will be plenty more this season. With Bendtner and Eduardo both playing well ithisn pre-season it wouldn’t surprise me if Wenger was tempted not to replace Adebayor. I don’t necessarily think he needs to, but as I say – when injuries start mounting up that’s when I think we will benefit from a larger squad.

Thierry Henry has denied advising Patrick Vieira on his proposed move to Spurs. All Arsenal fans are dreading a possible move to that lot and Titi is right on our level:

“I am Arsenal through and through, I’d never advise ANYONE to sign for Tottenham. Patrick Vieira is a grown man who will do whatever he has to do for his own career. But I have never advised anyone about their future because it’s not my business.

I can’t have Arsenal fans thinking I am helping Tottenham in any way. The truth is I was talking to Spurs boss Harry Redknapp and he told me he was trying to sign Patrick from Inter Milan. I was very surprised because Patrick is like me. He loves Arsenal. I just said that Patrick would be a brilliant signing. But I also made it clear I would be shocked if it happened.”

I love Thierry.

It is quite scary though thinking that talks have actually happened between Vieira and Redknapp but today the Spurs manager has said the deal looks to be falling through. That has to be great news. It’s still worrying that Vieira hasn’t come out and said anything yet but hopefully he’s decided he can’t move to Spurs after his Arsenal history. It would be nice now if he would come out and give a Thierry Henry style statement but we’ll have to wait.

Ok that’s you updated for today then. We’re playing Hannover 96 tomorrow evening so I’ll try and update you again before we kick off there. Thanks for reading.