Yeah, I've read different sources now claiming this. I was hopeful that Arsenal would be able to tie him down but it appears that we will not be successful with that which is disapponting given we have started this transfer period quite well.
It's dissapointing but the writing has been on the wall for some time. No way the ARsenal board would approve all these transfers (Giroud
and Podolski? Not to mention, potentially grabbing M'Vila as well?) without knowing some revenue is coming in first - and they sure as fuck shouldn't be expecting those transfers to be paid for by Chamakh.
RVP is a world class striker, but he's getting old and destined for another lengthy injury. We don't need a like for like replacement - we need a reliable goal scorer but not necessarily someone who has to start attacks on their own and drops deep into midfield, and we're already getting two of those. I'd much rather spend that fee (assuming its 30m or so - and there's no reason why it shouldn't be. we conned City out of 24m for Nasri, and he had one half of a good season, so 30m should be the absolute fucking minimum.) on quality full backs (back-up right back and first choice left back - Gibbs and Santos aren't good enough. Gibbs might be eventually, Santos will never be.), another center half (replacement for Djouru/Squillaci), and if there's cash left over on a true number 10/Cesc/Nasri-replacement (wouldn't mind a punt on Sneijder if he's cheap)
This is all assuming the board still operates on their asinine sell-to-buy policy. Hopefully Giroud/Podolski/M'Vila and seven trophyless years signals the end of that.
