Viera to Italy - No way to prepare
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By Boris Mellor
July 14 2005
As Arsenal players return for training the usual stories about Paddy leaving raise their head. It has happened year after year. Early this morning the Italian press claimed a deal has been struck, that Juventus’s have done the deal.
Several Italian websites and ANSA, the Italian national press agency claim that the clubs have agreed a deal which will be made official today. Meanwhile Arsenal refuses to comment, although Arsene has said he wants to keep the squad together. But once again we start the season under a cloud of speculation, as Arsenal seem to drift without giving any clear view on the matter. True Vieira was quoted a fews days ago claiming he knows nothing about it, that he wants to stay, but over the last few days the silence has been deafening. I have written here many times I do not understand the methods Arsenal use to deal with the press. The board and manager would not know what spin is if they drove into an ice patch on Hyde Park Roundabout. It means we are subject to this nonsense more than any other club. Why not just deny it? It doesn’t have to be Wenger; a press officer could do it. Or, if it is true, then at least say talks are in progress. This is becoming a boring annual ritual that most fans are sick of. However, more importantly, how does it affect the team, and especially the youngsters? What exactly are they learning from these continual sagas? Is this kind of thing inevitable – is it a result of the one-year contract policy? Could it be the case that Wenger wants a revolution, that he will shake up the team by getting rid of the captain? That he wants money for serious big buys. It is claimed that £10-£12 million has been paid for him. That is good business for a 29 player on the back of a mediocre season. But they could get more from Real Madrid. Many Gunners I have spoken to are not that bothered if Paddy goes or stays. They didn’t rate his form overmuch last season, and are fed up with the annual circus. This year Paddy did not even make top four Arsenal Player of the Season. Perhaps it was Gilberto who was missed most last season, not Paddy. Remember that glorious spell whilst he was out? Of course we couldn’t keep it up with youngsters, but they are older now, and we may have some more experience midfielders in addition this time around. Arsenal may want more money, and Wenger does not like swaps, so it may not be all over - with Real muscling in. If he goes there is a silver lining, we won’t have to go through this saga ever again.