Okay, have we all given up on Karim Benzema coming to Arsenal? Not according to some of our readers who still believe the internet frenzy. Mind you, this would be a typical Wenger move of surprising us all at the last minute, but I for one am not holding my breath…..
Anyway in the meantime we have enough players going out on loan, probably enough to fill a whole team in the next couple of years, and there are a few more of them today. Firstly it seems obvious that Wenger is trying to get Joe Campbell off the books but it seems he is trying to squeeze as much as possible out of any buyer. The rumours are saying that Palermo are willing to pay 7 million for him, but Wenger is holding out for more. Considering Arsenal paid 1 million for Joel four years ago and Campbell has spent nearly all his time out on loan, this could appear to be a little bit greedy. The funniest thing in my eyes is that Palermo want him to replace Paolo Dybala! Well, you never know….
Now Gedion Zelalem is a different matter. He has earned rave reviews from everyone this summer for his performances for the USA and looks like a real talent, so the news that he has been given a years loan at Glasgow Rangers is brilliant news. He is only 18, but as Wenger said last year: “I honestly think Gedion has the talent to become a great player,”
“But that will be decided in the next two or three years because he has to show that he has the mental level required to be a top-level competitor.
“He is a creative player and he can create a spark, an opening with his passing, his vision through the lines. If he manages to develop his physique and keep his qualities, he can be a very important player. Let’s hope he will do it.”
Well we will certainly find out this year. Scottish defenders are hardly shrinking violets so this will be a real test for the young genius.
What can we say about Wellington Silva? He was considered a child genius in Brazil at a young age, but it seemed that fame went to his head after Arsenal bought him and he had problems following orders in Spain on loan early in his career, but he’s had a reasonable year at Almeria and now wants to earn a place at Arsenal.
Wenger has made him sign a new contract and has reportedly sent him on loan at Bolton in the Championship.
For me, this is a big season for him, and having followed him since his purchase by Wenger I am not very hopeful that he will fulfill his promise. I hope he proves me wrong I really do, but I’m not holding my breath….
Zelalem is our best hope in my opinion, what do you think?