World Football Postulant

Cesc Fabregas may not have directly contributed to any of Arsenal’s goals, but it is no coincidence that the Gunners played their best match of the season on the day the Spanish midfielder returned to the lineup.  With Fabregas out for the first two matches of the season, Arsenal scored one goal in two games, had a 186 minute scoreless streak, and split matches against clubs expected to finish near the bottom of the table.  On Saturday, Arsenal handed a quality Newcastle United team their first lost of the season, posting a 3-0 scoreline that did not do the Gunners’ form justice.

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Arsenal spent Saturday’s visit to Craven Cottage showing why so many were reluctant to pick their talented side to improve upon last year’s third place finish, because although they were playing without their best player (Cesc Fabregas), they still had by far the most talented side on the field when they took on Fulham in one of their London derbyies.  Yet Arsenal were rendered impotent by what is expected to be a relegation-embattled club, rarely challenging Fulham goalie Mark Schwarzer and allowing a team that spent last week recovering from wounds inflicted by a promoted club to beat a team what is supposed to be one of the best and deepest sides in the world.  If that sounds melodramatic, it is nowhere near as theatrical as these three words:  Fulham beat Arsenal.

It was their second win over Arsenal in the forty-three years.

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Andriy Shevchenko remains in a quagmire at Chelsea, a part-time (at best player) who is more likely to fill recently departed Claudio Pizarro’s shoes (at the bottom of the depth chart) than Nicolas Anelka’s, let alone Didier Drogba’s.  With Luiz Felipe Scolari coming in an looking less likely to simultaneously use two strikers, Shevchenko looks unlikely to get the 24 appearances he got last season.  Thanks to his continued success at the international level for the Ukraine (for whom he scored four goals in eight appearances last season), there remains a legion of Shevchenko backers clammoring for his liberation from Stamford Bridge.

The largest contingent of his fans remain in Milan, where Shevchenko’s glory years are still held in esteem.  While AC Milan spent the summer wooing Emmanuel Adebayor and new the eventually acquired Ronaldinho, many wondered why the currently-cash-conscious club did not bring Shevchenko, who would likely be cheaper, back.  Sheva is only two seasons removed from scoring 19 goals in Serie A for the Rossoneri.  At 31 and with his international form hinting at remaining talent, it’s not unreasonable to assume he could contribute.

That Milan-backer dream is still alive.  Continue Reading »

Arsenal opened the season with an unimpressive 1-0 victory over West Brom Albion today, holding the one goal lead for 86 minutes after Samir Nasri (right) scored almost immediately after making his Premier League debut.

The stories after the match hail Nasri’s contribution, another example of looking too hard at the score sheet, not enough at the play.  It’s a habit a lot of us get into.  You can’t watch every match.  But most watched this one, which makes the praise being thrown at the young French star curious.

Nasri played well today, but it wasn’t a dominant match.  The only player on the pitch who was close to dominant for Arsenal was Gael Clichy (right, second picture), who continues to make his case as to why he is the best left back in the world (and Raymond Domenech is a curious fellow for barely using his for France).  Nasri’s fourth minute goal was the result of some sharp play up the left side from Clichy and Denilson.  Clichy played a ball towards the touch line right of goal.  Denilson beat West Brom to it, put a ball back to the trailing Nasri who had a very easy goal when West Brom’s center backs failed to read the play correctly.

For the rest of the match (save some flash in possession in towards the end), Nasri was indistinguishable from the rest of Arsenal’s club, a team that showed little desire to secure the match after being foiled in a deliberate attack through the initial twenty minutes.  After West Brom weathered an opening onslaught, through which they looked utterly star-struck, Arsenal barely threatened.  They were still ambitious in their play, but they rarely tested WBA netminder Scott Carson.

Much of Arsenal’s ineffectiveness could again be placed at the feet of Emmanuel Adebayor (right, third picture).  The Togoan was not bad today.  In fact, he was the defining aspect of a Gunner attack that constantly fed through balls between WBA right back and right-center.  Adebayor exploited that slot, established a left-side attack that was bolstered by Clichy, but always seemed to do one, subtle miscue to prevent Arsenal from having a real opportunity.  Often he was too conservative, making a meaningless pass instead of shooting.  Other times he read the play wrong or gave away a good opportunity with a bad touch.  For every nice piece of skill or athleticism he exhibited - and there were plenty of those - there was a touch that would remind you of last season and all the complaints Gunners’ backers held in April and May.

More than mere decision-making problems, Adebayor missed two chances that you would expect a striker of his stature to convert.  Arsenal should have put more distance between them and Albion, and Adebayor is the main reason why they did not.

Arsenal was playing without Cesc Fabregas and elected not to start Robin van Persie or Kolo Touré, so Arsene Wenger was clearly confident in his side’s ability to get three points from the newly-promoted in their Emirates opener.  Albion, however, showed why they look to avoid the drop.  They were overwhelmed against an Arsenal team that exploited  what was a porous back line, yet they still showed an ability to create opportunities that almost drew them even in the fiftieth minute.  Work initiated by Ismael Miller led to Manuel Almunia being beaten before an Arsenal defender cleared the ball off the line.

Miller, in particular, should be able to score goals in this league.  He showed an athleticism and persistence that will serve him well throughout the year, and while he tried some skills which will not work against the more seasoned defenders of the Premiership, he looks capable of adjusting.  If Tony Mowbray will finally play he and Roman Bednar (who didn’t play until the last quarter of the match) together in a 4-4-2 (as opposed to the 4-3-3/4-5-1 they played today), they will be able to better exploit the half of the table against whom they can be expected to get points.

My highlight of the match was seeing Bacary Sagna (right, fourth picture) and Gael Clichy playing together again.  Sagna missed the last two months of last season with an ankle injury.  When he’s playing, Arsenal has the best pair of backs on the outside in the world.  Because Arsenal elected to play up the left side more than the right, Sagna was not on the ball as much as Clichy, but in his opportunities, has was just as brilliant.  A rifle left footed shot off a ball coming out of the West Brom area in the first half almost gave him his first goal since the match in which he was injured, but a Brom defender was able to get in front of the ball.

If William Gallas plays throughout the season as he did today, he, Clichy, and Sagna could least Arsenal to a much improved back line.

Note: This post will be edited for posting to American Soccer Reader.

Links
Nasri gives Arsenal winning start
Arsenal kick off new season with win over WBA
Arsenal 1-0 West Brom
Gallas pleased with opening win
Player Ratings: Arsenal 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Arsenal fail to impress despite Nasri’s winning debut goal
Arsenal v West Brom stats&ratings
Arsenal win opening game of the season
Nifty Nasri sparks Gunners’ bid
Arsenal 1-0 West Brom
Arsenal kick off new season with win over West Brom
Nasri strike sinks battling Baggies

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fábregas came out of Monday’s training with a hamstring injury which will keep him out of action for two weeks.  In addition to missing Wednesday’s Champions League match with the Netherland’s FC Twente, the Gunners’ star midfielder will miss Arsenal’s Premiership opener Saturday against West Bromwich Albion.

Although it is possible he could return sooner, the club’s quoted timeframe will also see the Spaniard miss their visit their match at Fulham on August 23.

Even without Fábregas, Arsenal will be heavy favorites in all their matches over the next two weeks thanks to a fortunate Champions League draw and arguably the easiest opening schedule in the Premiership.

What looked like a lucky turn when the schedule was released now seems particularly fortuante given Arsenal’s mounting injuries.  In addition to Fábregas, Arsenal will be without eight other first team players.

Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo de Silva are still recovering from long-term injuries incurred last season.  Abou Diaby and recent Portuguese signee Amaury Bischoff have also suffered injuries which will have them out for prolonged periods of time.

Celebrated acquisition Samir Nasri did not travel to the Netherlands due to a knee injury.  Kolo Touré is suffered from a hip problem.  Center back Philippe Senderos has a hamstring problem, and center back/midfielder Alexander Song is with the Cameroon team in Beijing.

With so many injuries, Arsene Wenger will have few tactical options in the midfield and at the back when his Gunners take the pitch on Wednesday.  Seventeen-year-old Aaron Ramsey will likely start in midfield, making his Arsenal competitive debut after being acquired from Cardiff City this summer.  He will play in the middle with 20-year-old Brazilian Denilson, with Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Eboue out wide.

At the back, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, and William Gallas will take their normal places, but with Senderos and Touré both likely unavailable, 21-year-old Johan Djourou, who spent most of last season on loan at Birmingham City, is likely to start.

Expect Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie to start up top with Manuel Alumnia in goal.

FC Twente finished fifth in last season’s Eredivisie but took the league’s second Champions League spot after winning the Dutch League’s playoff for the bid.  The club is coached by former England coach Steve McClaren, who spent five seasons as coach at Middlesbrough before being named coach of the national team.

This article was posted to World Football Postulant in preparation for American Soccer Reader.

Links
Fábregas  out as Arsenal hit by injury crisis
Wenger turns to Ramsey as injury woes continue
Arsenal missing Fabregas for qualifier
Fabregas joins injury list
Fabregas blow rocks Arsenal
Arsenal’s Fabregas misses FC Twente clash

The good news for Arsenal is that most of their summer transfer drama is over. They have finished Arsene Wenger’s bargain shopping tour (which always seems to work out well) and after losing Mathieu Flamini in May, did not lose anybody irreplaceable (apologies to Alexander Hleb, your shoes will be filled).   The return to health of many vital cogs will lift the Gunners as the year moves on.  Though they still have the empty space Flamini’s eastern journey left, Arsenal has said they may be done shopping.  In addition to the good news of the team being mostly set, Arsenal has a squad that can compete in the Premiership, with their attack being left in tact, if not bolstered.

The bad news is that their attack not changing means Emmanuel Adebayor will return.

Adebayor is a world-class talent, to be sure, even if last year’s goal total (30) exaggerates his contributions. If his tally fell to below twenty he would still be a valuable part of the Arsenal team, his physical stature and ability to push the back line providing a needed dimension. With Robin van Persie due to be healthier, Carlos Vela in the fold, Nicklas Bendnter and Theo Walcott’s improvements, the acquisition of Samir Nasri and the returns of Eduardo de Silva and Tomas Rosicky (it really is an embarrassment of riches at the Emirates), Wenger will have no problem finding players who can pick up for the ten to 15-goal-drop Adebayor should encounter.  Adebayor had 36 goals in his six year career before Cesc Fabregas’s improvement helped him to his remarkable season.  It may be too much to expect replication.

As long as Arsenal has Fabregas performing at an elite level and can surround him with talent, players like Adebayor are expendable. That Arsenal was not about to cash-in on a £25 to £30 payday is the bad news. Adebayor could easily be replaced from within, or the money could have been used to upgrade a number of positions.  Flamini has yet to be adequately replaced, and some would like Arsenal to admit their center backs could be better. Both of those problems could have been addressed with the money Wenger would have gotten from Barcelona or AC Milan.

Even sell him to Chelsea and hope that the Blues use that as reason to get rid of Didier Drogba, the player whose two goals in last season’s reverse-fixture helped ruin the Gunners’ league campaign.

Wenger may value Adebayor much higher than most. Either that or he misjudged what Barça would be willing to pay. Instead, Wenger has given Adebayor a contract extension which will run until 2012, doubling his pay rate to £80,000 per week. Both sides were effusive yesterday in announcing the deal, happy that they could put this summer behind them and concentrate on the season.

Wenger’s happiness not withstanding, Arsenal fans have not forgotten or forgiven so quickly. Adebayor was booed at home when Arsenal faced Juventus today in the Emirates Cup. Perceived now as ungrateful and greedy, Adebayor will have to win back the hearts of Arsenal fans who had already started to turn on him after his poor showings in the second half of last season were blamed for Arsenal’s failings in the Premiership and Champions Leagues. The respect the supporters have for Wenger’s evaluations might not be enough, in the short term, to make Gunner fans forget that the Togoan seemed willing to go everywhere and anywhere for a raise.

Contrasted with those feelings, £25 million in Arsene Wenger’s hands looks pretty good. The increasingly moody Adebayor, who this summer expressed disappointment with how he was received at the end of last season, would be best to let the impending criticism run off his back. Give effort on the pitch, regardless of whether that leads to goals, and you will win the fans back. But in the interim, you will not be winning any fan’s player of the year awards.

We must live with the decisions we make, as confusing as that can be when you re-sign with a club you spent all summer trying to leave.

This article will be edited and posted to American Soccer Reader at some point today.

Quotes

“Now I can tell everyone that yes, I will sign a contract.” - Adebayor
‘When I was on holiday I never went on to the internet, I never read the newspapers, so to be honest I was with my family so my phone was off, so I didn’t know what was happening.  When I came back I realised what was happening - but, you know, the thing has happened already so now the most important thing is behind me and I will show everyone this club has given me a lot of things.” - Adebayor
“I have four more years’ contract. I am very happy that we have found a solution to stay here and my heart is with Arsenal.” - Adebayor
“All I have to do is play my football and I know the fans always love me, so there is no reason to not love me anymore because I am still here.” - Adebayor

Links

Another preseason setback for Arsenal
Ade booed as Arsenal are beaten
Adebayor has change of heart on Arsenal future
Adebayor jeered as Arsenal ensure another pre-season setback
Adebayor signs new Arsenal deal
Ade extends Gunners stay
Wenger sees off Barcelona and Milan to sign Adebayor for four more years
Adebayor agrees to sign new Arsenal deal
My heart is with Gunners, says Adebayor
Adebayor to extend Arsenal deal through 2012
Adebayor staying at Arsenal
Adebayor says he’s staying at Arsenal
Adebayor vows to stay at Arsenal
I will sign new contract says Adebayor
Adebayor sticking with Gunners
Adebayor says he is staying at Arsenal

He’s the best available striker nobody’s talking about, a player who has performed for elite clubs and championship winners whose moving not for lack of form but for a change of approach at his club. He’s in the prime of his career and doesn’t seem that particular about the club he joins.

Cameroon international Samuel Eto’o is the forgotten man. He just turned 27 and scored 20 goals in 28 games for Barça last season. With Pep Guardiola’s hiring at Camp Nou he has seen his place in the lineup handed to (presumably) Thierry Henry, but that does not mean he couldn’t fit into another club’s lineup. Quite the opposite, there are few clubs in the world who Eto’o would not improve.

I don’t think Barcelona should keep Eto’o. There are other issues in play so that a divorce makes sense. But he will be leaving Barça at the top of his game, helping to explain why, according to Barcelona, “four of five big clubs” are continuing to explore the idea of bringing him in.

Specific names: Joan Laporta says he’s talked to AC Milan and Inter Milan, with no concrete offers tabled. Inter Milan’s interest is absolutely mind-boggling considering their depth at striker. Eto’o might be the best option, if added to the group, but the marginal improvement he provides is not worth the financial cost.

AC Milan, however, is a different story. Carlo Ancelotti has said the club will keep its Christmas tree formation, with the main question being who will play at the top of the tree. Kaká and Ronaldinho will play at the next level, with Clarence Seedorf getting time, too. But up top there is some question as to whether Alexandre Pato will step into Filipo Inzaghi’s spot, Marco Borriello will be there after his injury, or Inzaghi will find a way to keep his place. Needless to say, Eto’o would be the best option here.

More than improving their current roster, Eto’o may be the piece needed to lift Milan to a true Scudetto contender. Many believe the Rossoneri are already there, but I find it difficult to believe the additions they’ve made will solve their two main problems from last year: age and complacency. Mathieu Flamini does help these issues, but Ronaldinho and Gianluca Zambrotta do not. What they do is raise the overall talent level of the squad, always a good thing. Talent will be needed in abundance if Milan is going to be able to overcome the younger, hungrier clubs.

Eto’o does not solve the hunger problem, and he does not make the club that much younger (especially if he ends up replacing Pato instead of Inzaghi), but he is a big boost to the talent compartment. It’s difficult not to become awed by the possibility to Eto’o being supported by Ronaldinho and Kaká, playing in front of Andrea Pirlo, Flamini, and Gennaro Gattuso.

(author pauses to exhale)

A move to the English Premiership has also been rumored.  Eto’o could fit into any of the top clubs, with the possible exception of Liverpool.  For Manchester United, he would be that target option they lack.  For Arsenal, he would start the long-rumored swap of Eto’o-for-Emmanuel Adebayor, with Arsene Wagner to profit upwards for £10 million in the process.  For Chelsea, he could play with or replace Didier Drogba, who is still unsettled.  And the summer’s old rumor, Eto’o to Tottenham, could still happen depending on what Juande Ramos decides to do with Dimitar Berbatov.  In almost all these cases, Eto’o improves the destination club.

The Emmanuel Adebayor part of this saga is one of the stories comical strains.  Eto’o has scored 93 three goals in four seasons at Barcelona, establishing himself as one of the most efficient strikers in the world.  Barcelona’s willingness to replace him with a player who has had one good year being supported by one of the world’s best midfielders (Cesc Fabregas) is curious.  That they’re willing to lose money in the process seems a joke.  Adebayor is younger and commands a greater physical presence than Eto’o, but Eto’o is the better player and will be the better player throughout the next contract each sign with their new clubs.

And that, Eto’o’s skill, has been lost under his seemingly perpetual wantaway status.  Samuel Eto’o is an elite player.  For almost every one of the clubs mentioned, he would come in and immediately be the side’s best striker.

Quotes

“Samuel has to have an agreement, after this we will start negotiations. But first he has to be happy.” - Txiki Begiristain, technical secretary, Barcelona
“We are waiting for this agreement. If he moves, it’ll be to a big club, of course. There are four or five clubs interested.” - Begiristain

Links

Big clubs vying for Eto’o
Barca: Eto’o must have agreement
Barca await Eto’o agreement
Clubs lining up to secure Eto’o’s signature
Clubs lining up for Eto’o swoop
Eto’o Must Strike Deal to Go - Txiki
Big clubs vying for Eto’o

Carlos Tevez integrated beautifully into Manchester United’s attack last season and was one of the reasons United was able to make the jump from Premiership winners to champions of Europe. Though overshadowed by Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, the 24-year-old striker was instrumental in what was arguably the best attack in the club world, scoring 19 goals in 48 appearances. His assimilation into the attack was so seamless that it was easy to forget Tevez was merely on loan, not a full member of the Red Devils.

Manchester United has agreed to a deal with management company MSI that will transfer Tevez’s rights to the club for £32 million. The fee sets a British record, breaking the mark Chelsea set in purchasing Andriy Shevchenko from AC Milan two years ago.  Having completed one year of a two year loan from West Ham, Tevez’s registration is still owned by MSI, an issue that has to this point complicated making the move permanent.  Recently, the league ruled that West Ham would not be entitled to any fee from a transfer, only being Tevez’s previous team but not owning his rights.  MSI would get the full fee.

The only remaining issue in completing the transfer is agreeing to a long-term contract with the Argentine  striker, something that could be done over the next couple of months.

It could be asked why, with one season left on his loan, Manchester United felt the need to pay so much, so soon for Tevez.  In January he would be free to negotiate a pre-contract with another club, so it made sense to lock him up now.  The fee, however, needs a little more explaining, but Manchester United could little afford to  rick losing Tevez.  Many would point to Wayne Rooney as reason why Tevez is expendable, but aside from the fact the duo played well together last season, many have come to believe that Tevez, despite the icon status Rooney enjoys in England, is the better of the players.  With Rooney’s tendency to drop too deep to retrieve the ball, Tevez can be seen as a better pure forward in some ways.  The two complement each other well, though their lack of size leave one dimension lacking in the duo.

Beyond the particulars of a Rooney-Tevez partnership, it’s rare that any club can bring in a player and immediately get 19 goals from him.  Add to it his young age, and a £32 million fee for Tevez becomes slightly more justifiable.  Given that number has only been associated this number with the likes of Ronaldo, Kaká, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Robinho - four transfers that have not gone through - it puts Tevez in an elite category.

Quotes

“He’s definitely very keen to stay.” - Kia Joorabchian, agent,  Tevez
“We have spoken to Carlos and see him as part of our long-term squad.” David Gill, chief executive, Manchester United
“Everyone’s keen to make sure his future is dealt with in the correct way. Manchester United have been fantastic with Carlos - he’s very lucky to have them and they are lucky too because he’s been very good for them.” - Joorabchian
“He’s won 11 major titles and he’s only 24 - but winning the Champions League meant the most to him - he’s extremely proud to win that with Manchester United. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world.” - Joorabchian
“We have been pleased with his first season. He is a good age, a great player and well liked within the team. We know what we have to do and what we have to pay.” - Gill

Links

Man U to break transfer record?
Tevez fee to set British transfer record
United set to complete permanent deal for Tevez
Tevez agent expects deal
Tevez move to United to set British transfer record
Man Utd keen to seal Tevez deal
Report: Man U to break British record to sign Tevez
United ‘close to’ record Tevez deal
United seal Tevez in £32m deal

Daniel Levy has complained to the Premier League about the manner in which Liverpool and Manchester United are conducting their approaches to Spurs’ forwards Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov. Levy’s main concern is that both Rafa Benitez and Alex Ferguson have commented in the media on players under contract to Tottenham. Benitez has said that he is pursuing Keane while Ferguson predicted Berbatov’s transfer should be successful given time. Levy’s concern is that each manager is unsettling his players.

Levy has a point, but if Tottenham is going to file complaints every time another club comments on one of their players then they are going to find life amongst the top four very complicated.  This summer, just about every player on the Chelsea roster have been the subject of some kind of rumor.  Similarly at Arsenal, key players like Emmanuel Adebayor and Alexander Hleb (amongst others) have dominated rumor mills.  If Martin O’Neill filed paperwork every time Gareth Barry’s name came out of Rafa Benitez’s mouth, his hands would be covered in paper cuts.

David Levy needs to calm down.  Filing paper work is no way to ingratiate your club to the league or the clubs occupying that rarefied air to which your side is aspiring.  You are selling Berbatov and you seem to be considering a sale of Keane.  If Benitez and Ferguson didn’t comment on these players publicly, they’re be much more negativity directed to them than if they feigned ignorance.  I suppose in an ideal world neither manager would be asked to talk, but Levy needs to realize the reality of the situation.  This isn’t like Real Madrid coming after Cristiano Ronaldo, a parallel Levy tries to draw.  This is rather pedestrian.

Quotes

“Today’s public comments by Manchester United’s manager, announcing that he has made an offer for Dimitar and is confident that the deal will go through with time working in their favour, is a blatant example of sheer arrogance and interference with one of our players.” - Levy

“We have made Tottenham an offer on Berbatov and we have good expectations that this deal will go through.” - Ferguson

“It is also probably one of the worst offences by any manager in the Premier League to date and is unbelievably hypocritical given his recent comments in respect of Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid.” - Levy

“Benitez made similar comments in respect of Robbie recently and we made an official complaint to the PL about the conduct of Liverpool earlier this week.” - Levy

“The behaviour of both clubs has been disgraceful.” - Levy

“We confirm we have received complaints from Tottenham in relation to alleged breaches of Premier League Rules K3 and K8, which govern approaches to contracted players.” - Premier League spokesperson

“The Premier League board will now write to the parties concerned to ask for their observations before considering the appropriate course of action.” - Premier League spokesperson

“We are aware of the allegation and will co-operate with the Premier League as necessary.” - Manchester United spokesperson

Links

Spurs complain over duo
Manchester United confirms Berbatov bid
Spurs report Man Utd and Liverpool to the Premier League
Spurs report United and Liverpool
Spurs report Liverpool and Man Utd
Spurs chief crucifies Fergie and Rafa
Chairman speaks out

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