Football: Speculation, opportunism and capitalism
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Real Madrid chief Pedja back in for Arsenal’s Wenger
Aware that David Dein’s departure has sparked speculation over Wenger’s future at the Gunners, Mijatovic is keeping tabs on the situation closely, says DiarioSport. Real know they’re unlikely to prise Wenger away from Arsenal this summer, but with over a year left on his current deal there is a growing possibility of convincing the Frenchman about moving to Madrid for season 2008/09. Should Wenger indicate interest in the prospect, Mijatovic could stick with current coach Fabio Capello next season before welcoming the Arsenal manager for the following campaign.
Real Madrid plan £15M bid for Arsenal’s Gallas
The Mirror says Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic wants Gallas and is ready to make a £15m offer for the French defender who has endured a frustrating first season at Arsenal. Mijatovic will make a formal enquiry for the 29-year-old when the clubs meet within the next few weeks to discuss the futures of Julio Baptista and Jose Antonio Reyes. It is believed that Gallas was one of the players prepared to take part in a show of strength from the first team squad to the board to make it clear they were not happy at David Dein’s departure. Gallas has always been fiercely ambitious and a big offer from Spanish superpowers Real Madrid may be tempting with Arsenal currently in a state of turmoil.
Kroenke upset with Arsenal chairman Hill-Wood
Hill-Wood claimed, when asked about Kroenke launching a takeover bid, that “we don’t need his money and don’t need his sort” and he knows “sweet FA about our football”. Sources close to Kroenke say the billionaire businessman, who receives a daily press update from aides, was “unimpressed” when told of Hill-Wood’s concerns about his nationality, says the Daily Mail. Hill-Wood’s ill-timed comments should not affect their agreement with the Colorado Rapids, but the club have now undoubtedly been put in an uncomfortable position. Arsenal formed a marketing agreement with Kroenke’s football club, Colorado Rapids, three months ago to help develop their brand in the States. The relationship is based primarily on an exchange of commercial and coaching ideologies and the north London side have even lent their name to the inaugural Arsenal Cup, which will be hosted in Denver this summer at the Rapids’ new stadium and will involve only American clubs. The Arsenal board are now waiting for Kroenke’s next move.
Man Utd legend Charlton brands Mourinho “silly, senseless”
Mourinho was incensed that Manchester United avoided two spot-kicks being awarded against them in the past week, while his own club had a handball appeal rejected at Newcastle on Sunday. Both Sheffield United and Middlesbrough had what appeared strong claims for penalties waved away in their Barclays Premiership trips to Old Trafford, prompting Mourinho to say: “It looks like there is a rule in football that it is forbidden to give a penalty against Manchester United.”
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday refused to be drawn into a war of words with his Chelsea counterpart but Old Trafford legend and club director Charlton told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It’s a little bit silly really. “Considering he’s a very intelligent man, to come out with statements like that is a little bit silly. “It’s a nonsense really. We’ve played in so many matches this year when we’ve not had the decisions and they’ve been quite obvious really. “But you get on with it, you move on. “I thought it was a little bit senseless. “It makes good copy for the media and he’s obviously a marvellous coach. But sometimes, really, I think some of the statements are quite unnecessary.”
Add comment April 25th, 2007