We’re Gunner Get Melo – Maybe
Well, things are definitely becoming interesting in the transfer market. Earlier this weekend we all collectively sighed when Arsenal target Felipe Melo signed a year extension with Fiorentina, thus ending a chance for him winding up wearing the red shirt. Well, it seems I may have been a b it hasty in my disappointment (there’s still time).
Turns out that Melo’s contract has a £24 million buyout clause. How interesting. Add into the equation that Fiorentina sporting director Panteleo Corvino that Arsenal are the only club that has come close to offering the sum they are looking for.
Well, we all know that Arsene isn’t paying £24 million for anyone, even if they were the second coming of Henry. BUt what happens if Arsenal offer their original sum and throw in say – Emmanuel Eboue. The often maligned midfielder is one of the Gunners rumoured to be gone. And many of the press are stating that this is the deal that is being discussed.
So with Gibbs seemingly coming into his own, Rosicky possibly coming back (we hope) – could Eboue be the odd man out? We all know we are in desperate need of a holding midfielder to support Fabregas. We lost that when we lost Flamini. Out of all our losses from last summer I think Flamini was the worst. Cesc needs to be the set up man, he needs to run the field and he can’t do it without proper support and what we have right now with maybe the exception of Song aren’t cutting it.
All accounts on Melo is he is exactly what we need. He has impressed on all levels and was part of the recent Brazil squad that won the Confederations Cup. He started 29 games last season, with 2 goals and an assist. Why these aren’t dynamic stats they do seem to align with a true holding midfielder. He’s slightly older at 25 giving us presence. He has European experience in the Champions League and UEFA Cup and was instrumental in helping secure another CL berth for Fiorentina.
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I see the evolution of Gibbs, Song, and astute signing of Arshavin;
I have faith that Wenger knows what we need in
mid-field.
I would like to see some players traded:
Ade – Eboue – Silvestre; just to give others more playing time.
(Diaby – one more season to get his act together )
Arsesession,
I’m right there with on Eduardo and Tomas. I am hopeful that if they stay healthy they will only strengthen our attacking capabilities.
Agreed on Arsene’s DNA and if Melo doesn’t happen I think the 22 year old from St Etienne will be his target.
DAG,
Your are right – Arsene would never spend that kind of money for a player. I caught a couple of the Confederation Cup matches, Melo is what we need in MF. At 25 and being a 1st team National Team Player – he has instant credibility. There is no need to discuss his skills. If Arsene had his eyes on him – that aspect of his game is a given. I will say I was impressed with his strength in tackling – like Song , always staying on his feet and under control.
I would not be surprised if Arsene has targeted a lesser known player. Its in Arsene’s DNA to ” find ” talent, not buy it.
I am excited to see Eduardo and Rosicky in training. I can’t wait for the transfer window to close and the season to start.
Yet Another UPDATE:
While the Sun and Goal.com – those bastions of sports news – are reporting that Felipe Melo has signed with Juve neither Fiorentina or Juve’s official sites say anything about that.
The only mention on both sites – yesterday’s interview with Viola’s sporting director confirming his talks with Arsene Wenger and the swap of Eboue and that Juve was interested but nothing had happened (that was 6 July). That was as of 11AM Italian time.
UPDATE:
Well we suffered our first defeat even before we got on the field. Just as the Sun was announcing that Wenger would meet with Fiorentina officials and conversely them saying they had not received an offer from Juventus – Sky Sports Italy announces that Felipe Melo signed with Juventus.
Now the orginal report came from Goal.com and subsequently follwed by the Sun – both reputable sources of news. It should be noted that a quick review of other news sources has no information on this move. If it is true Arsenal are likely to turn their attention to St. Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi
UPDATE:
Today reports are now coming out that it looks like the race for Melo is back on. It seems that Arsene could be meeting later this week with the folks at Fiorentina to discuss the transfer.
What could this mean – well two things really. We get a well regarded holding midfielder and Emmanuel Eboue goes off to Serie A never to be heard from again.
Ah the bliss.