Adebayor

So unless you've been living in a hole somewhere far far away, like Aberdeen, you would have heard the news that Adebayor has undergone a medical and been granted a work permit for a proposed move to Manchester City (according to Sky sports sources). I was going to wait until it was official before writing about it, then I thought, 'Meh, what else am I going to do?' (apart from watching this year's excellent edition of the Tour de France). Oddly Adebayor had undergone the medical and work permit hearing before Arsenal and Man City had finalised a price. However as the latest news is that Adebayor is waiting to see if another club comes in for a bid, indications are that the two clubs have agreed a fee, and the rest is down to Adebayor. I don't think another club will bid for Adebayor. Those clubs that had expressed interest last year, have now turned their noses up at the Togolese-goal-post-marker. Even AC Milan who still haven't signed a replacement for Kaka are no longer showing interest in Adebayor.

So it seems that before long, Adebayor will be at the door of Ashburton, with only a pause and a last sad look back at Emmanuel Eboue, before becoming a Man City player. Although, the fact he wants to wait to see if another club comes in for him, can't be very nice for a City player/manager/staff/supporter to see. If I were Mark Hughes I would say 'Alright f**k it then, if you'd rather play for someone else, then we're not gonna sign you'. We've already seen how Adebayor plays when he'd rather be doing something else. Like flirting with Italian clubs, or counting his money.

Before I go any further, I must just mention that all of this started with 'Sky sports news sources understand that...'. Those are precarious words. Right, now I can go further. I was watching a youtube video of Adebayor the other day, before all this broke, and there's no doubt he's talented (although a youtube video can make anyone look good). Even in this last season, with him being lazy, and a disruptive influence, as well as being injured a great deal of time, he managed to bag 16 goals. That was a goal every 2.31 games. That's pretty good by anyone's book. However, most of the time it looked like he'd rather be somewhere else. Also do you remember a goal he scored against Everton in the 07/08 season, when there was a mix up between Howard and (I think) Yobo? Adebayor pounced and scored with an open goal. That only came about because Adebayor charged it down as quickly as he could, even though ordinarily it would have been a lost cause. I cannot remember a single example of this last year.

There are pros and cons for Adebayor, however when push comes to shove, I have to trust Wenger. Despite the trophyless seasons, he still knows what he's doing, and if he thinks we can do better without Adebayor then so be it. I would be happy to see Adebayor leave, even if it is to another English Club, as long as Wenger spends the cash. Not even on a replacement striker, but on a defensive midfielder. Word is Matuidi is available for around £3million, and Cana for £6.5million. From what I've seen, I prefer Cana, but only Le Boss knows best. Of course, it's now common knowledge that we're interested in Chamakh aswell, as a more direct replacement for Adebayor, as well as our scouts giving Eden Hazard the eye.

However, I don't care if no replacement is bought for Adebayor should he go. Up front we have van Persie (our new player of the season), Eduardo, Bendtner, Vela, Walcott and Arshavin. With a huge talent in Rhys Murphy waiting in the wings. Anyway, Adebayor's apparently imminent departure coupled with Arsenality's recently finished poll, started me thinking what Arsenal's best eleven is. And eventually I came up with a 4-3-3 formation a la Barcelona, with some bewildering interchanging between the front three. I think this is our best eleven:

Almunia

Sagna Gallas Vermaelen Clichy

Song

Fabregas (c) Nasri

Arshavin van Persie

Eduardo

Subs: Fabianski, Toure, Djourou, Denilson, Walcott, Vela, Bendtner

Yes yes I know I left out Ramsey, but that's because I would send him out on loan with the option of recalling him. Plus I think it's about time the Boss called up Merida every now and then, he's ridiculously far above the level of the reserves. Of course there would be a place for Rosicky depending on injuries.

Speaking of Rosicky, the dot com have released an indication of who might be in the squad for the Barnet match (only two days!!!!!) and Rosicky is there which is excellent news. Of course they haven't said anything about the Adebayor saga (yes that's right I've dubbed it a saga already).

Right that's all for now.
I'll probably be back tomorrow with pre-Barnet match tittle-tattle.
'Til then Gooners.