Carlos Vela was feared to be carrying deadly Mexican piggy virus
The swine flu epidemic is a big deal: hundreds of people have lost their lives, the government are advising against travel to Mexico and the USA, and the tabloid press have (temporarily) stopped putting pictures of Susan Boyle on their front pages to report on it.
Concerned that the virus could spread to their squad, Arsenal told striker Carlos Vela to stay home from training on Monday, as he was visited by friends from Mexico last week. Caught in a state-the-obvious kind of mood, Arsene Wenger said:
“It looks to be a massive problem in Mexico so we asked him to stay away.”
After being checked over the by the club doctor, and being made to promise he would wash his hands and wouldn’t sneeze in anyone’s face, Vela was given the all-clear to return to action, and will feature in the squad to face Manchester Utd tonight.
The man who was rewarded handsomely for a dismal Premier League performance looks to be interested in one or two players from White Hart Lane, and Zokora isn’t among them. More info in today’s round-up of gossip, rumours and damned lies…
West Ham players to the highest bidder
Cash-strapped West Ham will listen to any offers for a number of first team players in a bid to raise transfer funds for boss Gianfranco Zola, reports the Daily Express. High on The Italian’s list is Fiorentina striker Giampaolo Pazzini who is valued at £7 million. Apparently, the Hammers would be interested in selling one of their three strikers - Carlton Cole, Dean Ashton or Craig Bellamy, but are keen to keep Robert Green and Matthew Upson. The Daily Mail, however, say Harry Redknapp is lining up a £16 million joint bid for both Upson and Green.
The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Quashie, Davenport and Boa Morte would be welcomed departures although there might be a lack of Premiership interest, particularly in Nigel “I’ve -been-relegated-with-four-clubs” Quashie’s case. There would be interest in Ashton, Cole and Bellamy from Everton and West Brom (both in dire need of strikers) if the price was right.
Aaron Lennon and David Bentley to Real Madrid
Juande Ramos’ first transfer priority is to bring in some new widemen to the Bernabeu. Ramos is reportedly keen to raid the club nearly ran into the ground for David Bentley and Aaron Lennon.
The Spoiler Truth-o-meter: Lennon has been Spurs’ best player under Redknapp and it is unlikely he would let either Bentley or Lennon leave unless it was for big money. The Madrid board are unlikely to release too much cash for stop-gap Ramos, who has only been given a six month deal.
Small children help Gunners reach Carling Cup quarters
Arsenal 3/ Wigan 0
It will be a few years before Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere is old enough to indulge in John Carew’s favourite extra-curricular activity, but the 16-year-old had the skills and confidence to help Arsenal’s nippers put on an astounding display at the Emirates. Don Fabio, who was watching from the stands, would be foolish not to reserve a spot for him in the national side.
Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland had to put in one of the performances of the season to keep a their full-strength from sinking under the pressure of a team whose average age was just nineteen. Let’s hope Professor Wenger sticks with his youthful B team all the way through to the final.
Spoiler bonus: Highlights of Manchester Utd’s unconvincing victory against QPR after the jump…
Arsenal side let out of school early to smash the Blades
Last night saw the youngest ever Arsenal side humiliate Sheffield United 6-0 in the third round of the Carling Cup and it turns out they had just 10 per cent of the top level football experience compared to their opposiiton.
The Sheffield United team, with former Premier League hotshots Lee Hendrie, James Beattie and Paddy Kenny in their starting eleven had started 2535 professional league games between them where as the Gunners side which included 16 year old Jack Wilshere had started a paltry 237 games.
Might these little pups have what it takes to snatch Man United’s Best kids Ever crown?
Spurs could be starting the season with an inferiority complex, as Peruvian Jefferson Farfán has become the latest player to shun a move to White Hart Lane. The striker confirmed that he received an offer from Tottenham, but yesterday chose to leave PSV for Schalke instead.
This news comes on top of a recent failure to lure Ronaldinho (and let’s be honest, Spurs fans should hope it stays that way) and Samuel Eto’o’s comments dismissing the club: “Tottenham, and I hope the English fans will forgive me, are a club in mid-table and I need more,” the Barcelona man told CRTV.
The rumour vine tells us that Anton Ferdinand is having a medical at Spurs today - but will he sign on the dotted line or continue the Ramos snubbing?
UPDATE: Arsenal’s new signing Carlos Vela is now getting involved in the art of Spurs fan goading. On the arrival of fellow countryman Giovani Dos Santos at White hart Lane, he said:
“I hope things go well for him at Tottenham, that he gets the minutes he wasn’t given at Barcelona and that he shows what he can do.
“He is a very good player and let’s hope he can then move on to a better team.”
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