Nowadays it’s pretty much impossible to view any potential Arsenal transfer outside of how it relates to captain fantastic Robin Van Persie. Transfers targets tend to be considered in terms of ‘replacing’ RVP, or how they will help to persuade him to stay. It seems that no other kind of transfer exists.
They’ve already signed Lukas Podolski from FC Koln and Olivier Giroud from Montpellier, but Arsenal fans will be hoping that the spending doesn’t stop there. Indeed, if their captain does leave, they’ll pretty much have to dive into the transfer market.
Which brings me to another Dutchman: according the Daily Express Barcelona are looking to offload Ibrahim Afellay. They rate the talented Dutch International at an Arsenal-baiting £6m.
Arsene Wenger is known for being unwilling to loosen his purse strings. If he doesn’t have to spend, he wont. But the potential to pick up a fully-fledged International (from a top side, despite Holland’s showing in the Euros) may be too much for even him to miss out on.
But in all honesty, Afellay was hardly at his sparkling best throughout Euro 2012 (but he was great in Holland’s recent 6-0 friendly win over Northern Ireland). This may be part of the reason why a Barcelona side full of talent are willing to consider letting him go.
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Afellay has only been at the Nou Camp for a season, but could well be tempted by a move to a club who could offer him regular football. In most other sides he’d be a nailed on starter, but at Barcelona his future is somewhat uncertain.
Though Afellay is often deployed down the wings, he can also play as an attacking central midfielder. He’s known for his confidence on the ball, his pace and his direct play. He’s the kind of player who isn’t content to sit back and let others do the work. He’s capable of making things happen and conjuring moments of magic.
Imagine, if you feel, a less portly and significantly more motivated Andrey Arshavin. When he’s on form he’s a real sight to behold.
At 26-years-old, he’s just about to enter the peak of his footballing prowess. If he really has a £6m price-tag then there couldn’t be a better time to start competing for his signature.
What’s your take? Would Affelay make a good addition to the Arsenal roster?
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Wenger will probably go for a cheaper player ie one from th French league or even Crotia. Then hw would mould this player into a wc one.
I am afarid those days are over. Arsenal need players who can slot into the senior team not some wc kid who will or will not deiver in three years time.
Of course, you’re right. Podolski, Giroud and last year Arteta and Mertesacker were all cheaper than 6mio and from Crotia, wherever that may be.
I expect there is a reason why Afellay is allowed to leave Barca so shortly after joining. From what I’ve seen of him he is not a very effective player, nice movements yes, but not much team contribution. Also Schneider in an interview with Voetbal International, a Dutch football magazine, labeled him as one of the problems in the Dutch camp at Euro 2012. (not) playing for Barca had gone to his head, he felt himself much better than the rest, in other words he is an arrogant b@stard. If he came and had a few good months, he’d no doubt be doing a Nasri/van Persie, angling for a move to Mansour Citeh.
Arsenal doesn’t need a player like afellay,perhaps ganso or a player in the “hazard” class,not a left-over from barcelona.
Maybe a very good reason not to sign Affelay is his reported behaviour with the Holland team during the recent competition. He certainly drew some criticism for his behaviour in the dressing room – worse – it seems he and van Persie formed a ‘clique of 2 ‘ against the rest. We could certainly do without this sort of problem in the Arsenal dressing room – divisiness is the last thing we need.
Well wenger would spend if the board would let him! Also he would be a good signing to keep RvP as there like best friends so RvP is obviously going to rate his best mate world class eh? If we sign him RvP will stay he’s the signing he’s holding out for I’m sure of it
COYG
Dumb article! Turning tables and raiding Barca would be going for Messi, Xavi or Iniesta. Not for unwanted Afellay
It’s hardly a raid is it, if Barca are trying to offload him. more like doing them a favour by taking his salary off their books. Having said that he may be a bargain at 6m euros, especially if Walcott is going.
I would agree that his arrogance could be good and bad for the dressing room. But if wenger sign him RvP is staying 100% sure. That maybe the reason for him holding out.