May 20, 2008

What with the mass exodus and all going on over at the Emirates, you’d think that the entire world was coming to an end around Arsène Wenger. With Flamini fleeing for AC Milan and Hleb jumping ship for Inter, the opening to the transfer season has looked as dismal as a Zenit/Rangers UEFA Cup Final. (ooops, that already happened!)

But fear not Gooner supporters, apparently there’s hope on the horizon in the form a swashbuckling Paraguayan footballer — one Roque Santa Cruz.

The Telegraph is reporting that Wegner is interested in making a move for the Blackburn star that bagged 19 league goals in 37 appearances.

Wenger has been impressed by the way Cruz adapted quickly to the particular demands of English football is keen to bring in a player who is familiar with the physical nature of the Premier League and as such would be able to offer a reliable option in an area of the team that was at times found wanting last season. (Telegraph)

If the deal were to go through, the move would further bolster the Arsenal striker group that already includes Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie, Eduardo, Nicklas Bendtner and Emmanuel Adeb.. oh, that’s right, there’s one hitch to the Roque rumor.

To add more gasoline to an already flaming bonfire, Barcelona is keen to make a swoop for Adebayor in the summer, thus adding another Arsenal dressing room “stalwart” to go right along with Thierry Henry.

“For the moment I’m very happy at Arsenal,” Adebayor said. “but we’ll see what happens next.”

In Togolese, “see what happens” means “when’s the next flight to Barcelona?”