So after what seems like the longest summer transfer window since last year, the pace is picking up, certainly for the Arsenal. Previously Arsenal had made more money from sales than they had spent on new blood. That could be about to change if reports are to be believed.
Juan Manuel Mata, personally as a gooner is a player I could rave about for hours. I have been a keen follower of Valencia for a number of years, and since Mata's move from the Real Madrid academy in 2007, he has force his way into the first team for Los Che, developing into a dynamic, technically gifted winger, with pace to burn. Naturally a left winger, he is adept at cutting in from the wing and delivering into the box. If Arsenal could complete this deal, touted to be for £17.5m rising to 20m, it would represent an excellent piece of business and go some way to perking up cheesed off gunners fans.
Lets compare him to another winger, Stuart Downing, moving from Villa to Liverpool for £20m. Downing is 4 years older, not a fully successful international, and garnered a higher fee. A case of inflated market prices for a lesser player?
The other piece of business being rumoured heavily is the attempted acquisition of Everton's gritty centre back Phil Jagielka. Arsene Wenger is a big admirer of the Yorkshireman and has been for quite a few months now. Jagielka 28, is seen as the perfect partner for Thomas Vermaelen in defence. The point has to be raised however, that is Wenger looking at the right candidate?
His other targets have been Gary Cahill of Bolton, 25 and Christopher Samba, 24. Both would add a real steel to the heart of the gunners defence, not to mention the real threat from set pieces. Cahill is younger, but it appears that his circumstances are more complicaated. Bolton boss Owen Coyle would be loathed to lose Cahill, but having now signed Tyrone Mears from Burnley, the replacement is in place.
I think to see it (or try) from Wenger's viewpoint, Jagielka is an England international and with a move to a bigger club, he will certainly be in the mix in the future. But Jagielka fits the mold of a classic Wenger defender, quick, able to pass and quite adventurous going forward, which would be a worry. However the added element he would bring would be his versatility; he can play as centre back, yes, but also left back and holding midfielder, which Arsenal are screaming out for. The fee being bandied about is £15m, but Everton are holding out for closer to 18m.
we shall see what transpires...
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