Arsenal’s quest to remove some fringe players from the squad this transfer window have started early with 2 players already confirmed leaving on loan. Marouane Chamakh and Johan Djourou have joined West Ham and Hannover 96 respectively on loan till the end of the season. Although we did not get a cash deal for both of them, at least the loan deal helps the club reduce the wage bill for the season (I am assuming the clubs will part a part or all of the players’ weekly wage).
This exodus is likely to continue with Sebastian Squillaci talking about leaving the club this January while Andrey Arshavin has had several offers come in for him. I guess these four are the ones the fans most like to see leave the club so this so be great news to the supporters.
Unfortunately, there are still no indications of any new players coming in although transfer rumors linking the club and Barcelona’s David Villa are strengthening by the minute. Villa may have loss some of his pace but his signing would definitely improve the squad, in the attacking sense. He can play in the middle or out left, much like Lukas Podolski. He is also a proven goalscorer and would probably have no problems getting up to speed especially having already played with Santi Cazorla in the Spanish national team. Not sure how reliable this is but according to Goal.com, Arsene Wenger has made a £14 million bid for Villa and the player himself is very interested in coming to London.
Am I the only one thinking this is stupid? We wouldn’t pay RVP say 6m a year but offer an old non PL striker 14m and whatever salary he demands to play for us with no on sale value.