Loading ...Jul 16 2008
Surprise Loser in Ronaldinho Deal: Arsenal
The biggest loser in Ronaldinho’s move to AC Milan is unquestionably Manchester City, but with Milan vice president Adriano Galliani announcing that the acquisition of the Brazilian attacker will be the club’s last move of the summer, Arsenal loses their most aggressive pursuer of striker Emmanuel Adebayor.
Adebayor has been linked with moves to the San Siro and Barcelona for the last month with Milan being the most vocal about their pursuing the Togoan forward. But whereas yesterday’s announced selling price of Ronaldinho led me to speculate Milan could still afford the Arsenal star, they have said they are done.
With talks linking Milan with a price of anywhere from £19 to £36 million, Arsenal was in place for a windfall on Adebayor’s big year. Ultimately, they failed to pull the trigger at the right time. Perhaps betting that Manchester City’s offer to Barcelona and Ronaldinho would be too good to refuse, they help a high price for Adebayor. Even in hindsight, it was a reasonable gamble, especially considering they do not appear near as sold as I do that selling Adebayor is the right thing to do.
I continue to remain convinced that, at the prices being quoted, Arsenal should sell Adebayor. If Barcelona’s willing to take some of the Ronaldinho money and move it towards a Adebayor acquisition, Arsenal should avoid the mistakes they made in the Milan negotiations and get Ade to Barça. A number of closer to £22 to £24 million has been linked with the Catalans, more than enough for a forward who, while providing a great physical presence in attack, can thank Cesc Fabregas and his support with the Gunners for his high goal total.
Arsenal fans are unlikely to be disappointed if Adebayor moves. Despite his hot start to the season, Adebayor was been routinely criticized during Arsenal’s late season collapse. His inability to finish is blamed for Arsenal’s lack of late season results, a conclusion I can not entirely discard. With Nicklas Bendtner in tow as well as the ability to go and get somebody like Blackburn’s Roque Santa Cruz - who I feel would pair famously with Robin Van Persie - Arsenal should continue to explore their options.
If Barcelona is unwilling to pay their reported rate for Adebayor, Arsenal will end up one of the biggest losers in the Ronaldinho saga. Whereas they could have cashed in with Milan, the Brazilian’s move to the San Siro could see Adebayor with Arsenal when the Premiership starts.
Quotes
“As far as arrivals are concerned, we are finished, absolutely.” - Galliani
“It’s very pleasing to find so many Brazilians here but also a lot of champions wear the Milan shirt.” - Ronaldinho, on Milan
“Ronaldinho is an important name and he brings with him a lot of enthusiasm and this is an important aspect to start the season well.” - Carlo Ancelloti, head coach, AC Milan
“Excuse me if I’ve made you wait, but the facts have demonstrated that I’ve always wanted AC Milan.” - Ronaldinho
“I only want to say that I promise Milan a lot of effort and not only my skill.” - Ronaldinho
“Now I hope that all those fans who asked me to bring Ronaldinho during the election campaign are satisfied and that they also support freedom.” - Silvio Berlusconi, owner, AC Milan, former Italy prime minister
“What’s important is to have champions, which Ronaldinho without doubt is.” - Ancelotti
“Some years ago he was considered the best player in the world, here at Milan he will find the right atmosphere to relaunch himself.” - Ancelotti
“We’ve got to do more than we did last season and help Milan return to the Champions League.” - Alexandre Pato, AC Milan forward, Brazilian
“We have multiple options and formations we can play with. Our offense is a good mix of skill, experience and youth.” - Ancelotti
“With him we can now challenge for the title.” - Filippo Inzaghi, striker, AC Milan
“He has to be the cherry on top.” - Clarence Seedorf, midfielder, AC Milan
Links from Around the Footballing World
Ade won’t join Milan - Galliani
Milan - No more signings
Ronaldinho stirs up a storm
Ronaldinho signing shows AC Milan’s intentions
Ronaldinho fulfills his promise
Ancelotti warms to Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho arrival marks end of Milan spending
Ronaldinho: Milan Move A Dream
Ronaldinho lost of Milan summer signings
Ronaldinho arriva in Milan to complete move
Ronaldinho signing shows AC Milan’s intentions
Milan chief ruls out new buys after Ronaldinho arrival
Ronaldinho promises to graft at Milan
Milan players greet Ronaldinho arrival
Ronaldinho promises commitment at AC Milan
Ronnie hails Milan move
Milan secure Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho completes $30 million transfer to AC Milan
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