Morning all,

I hope all is well ?

The Transfer Window is open ! Hoo-rah I hear you cry…

*Hides, peaks over the top of my laptop, dodges flying iPhone*

Bored already? It’s just getting started…

I woke up yesterday to the news that – ‘Ibrahim Afellay will be available for a fee in the region of €7M’ *Wipes eyes, wipes eyes again…and again*

Ibrahim Afellay is a 26-year-old Dutch International, who currently has 36 caps and 3 goals for the Oranje. He currently plays for Barcelona, but because of injury, he has only made 20 appearances and only has1 goal to his name. He suffered a very serious knee injury in September 2011, which led to him missing 7 months of action. (perfect for us)

He is an attacking midfielder, very quick, technically very gifted, naturally left footed but very comfortable with both. During his PSV days he was used as a winger but in recent times, he has been deployed in Barca’s midfield three -because of his ability to keep hold of the ball. Clearly playing with Iniesta (who he is similar to, in certain aspects) and Xavi, he has learnt a lot.

If we did sign him – I would like to see him play behind Van Persie (The Cesc role). He could add even more pace to our counter attacks. Saying that, even on the left of right hand side he could take us back to the arsenal of a few seasons ago – Possession monsters. He would be very similar to Samir Nasri (Sorry) in respectects of cutting in, holding up the ball. late runs.

Van Persie

Podolski - Afellay – Walcott

Wilshere - M’Vila

His versatility could be a major factor in a possible transfer. BUT. Considering we have already signed one versatile attacker in Podolski already..I cant really see it happening. Which would be a shame in my opinion. If we think ‘Wenger’ for a second, we have Van Persie (I said WENGER) Podolski, Gervinho Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chamakh, Park and Joel Campbell (who is looking likely getting a work permit). Also Rosicky if everyone in Midfield is fit.

….Oh, AND those players on loan…

Personally I would like to see a lot of those players sold this summer for many reasons, mainly for football but also to lower our ridiculous wage bill. But can you see 6-7 ‘first team’ players sold ? I can’t. We are going to need to sell before we buy so, putting 2+2 together.. Afellay will be sold by the time the majority of ours will be to…

…*rubs face* sorry back on track -

Robin Vantastic sent out a cry of help to Arsene….Basically saying sign him and me…

Van Persie on Afellay: “You don’t often get such a connection maybe with 4-5 players in your entire career. I had the same with Fabregas.”

and recently Dutch coach Bert Van Marwijk said ”They all want to play in the centre but Zidane also played from the left. I convinced Afellay to do the same” – High praise indeed.

I know I would so, over to you Arsene…

Rumour number 2 -’Arsenal are interested in winger Isaac Cuenca. Already asked for him in January, scouting continued, £10M. Vilanova decides.’

Isaac Cuenca – The 21-Year-Old Spanish Forward broke into the Barcelona first team this season. Making a very impressive 16 appearances and 2 goals for the Spanish giants. He got his lucky break because of key injuries to key players. But he grasped it with two hands…

La Masia taught him well. Technically astute, very intelligent, fast but he is very light weight. I was very lucky to see him in the flesh this season. To tell you the truth I wasn’t a fan until I saw him live. He just..glides, floats… almost Messi like. I don’t really want to use that name, incase I get accused of something To late. Cuenca is more ‘straight lines’ than Messi. Perfect out wide. I personally think he would sink if he played central. Where as Messi. is. Messi…

Would I take him ? Yes ! Imagine Bellerin and Cuenca on the right hand side….Pace !

Is it going to happen ? N.O. 1) Barcelona aren’t that stupid. 2) if they did, they would want to add a buy back clause in his contract. *Waves hands frantically*

Also Cuenca had knee surgery today and will be out for around 3 to 4 months. So I very much doubt it.

Be interesting to see who does come in…With M’Vila injured last night.. Gooners everywhere will be awaiting the results of the scan. Maybe on to someone else ? ..who knows ? ask Canal +…oh. Hang on !

Cheers for reading

Be Happy

Ben