Wenger & big-spending Arsenal finally competing with Manchester City's millions

The Gunners, who have splashed out on deals for the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil in the last year, are reaping the rewards of their manager's shrewd spending

COMMENT
By Richard Jolly

Frank Lampard was very much an integral part of the Chelsea team when Arsene Wenger coined one of his most famous phrases to describe events at Stamford Bridge. “Financial doping,” he called it. As far back as 2009, he argued Manchester City were guilty of the same sin, of distorting sport with bottomless pits of money.

This week, without using the same phrase, he wondered publicly if City were attempting the same crime using underhand methods and Lampard. The Arsenal manager questioned the loan deal that took the 36-year-old to the Etihad Stadium, asking who is paying his wages – City say they are – and whether it is fair that they can use their global family of clubs to bolster their squad. “If you look at a map, the shortest way from Chelsea to Manchester City is not to fly to New York first,” he added, mischievously if accurately, on Thursday.

  

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It is unlikely to endear Wenger to anyone at City. The chances are that he doesn’t mind. These are enemies who are interlinked. The Frenchman’s disciples often end up at the Etihad Stadium, the consequence of a complicated relationship where players venture north and money travels south.

And money is the constant in any discussion involving the FA Cup winner Wenger and the Premier League champions. As a rivalry is renewed in the Community Shield, it is with an old ally on the other side. Bacary Sagna won one trophy in seven seasons as an Arsenal player. He could equal that total in one game in City colours.

Sagna is the first player to swap the Emirates for the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer. He has done so with a hefty pay rise - Wenger has been left counting the cost. Having lost a right-back without receiving a fee, he has spent €35 million on two others, Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers.

Normally, however, Wenger is in the black. Among other things, he is the best businessman to manage in the Premier League. He banked €89m from City for the sale of four players. Despite his misgivings about the source of their wealth, it doesn’t make him a hypocrite. Instead, he is simply a savvy seller. Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri only had a year left on their Arsenal contracts when he accepted City’s offers. Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure, who cost a combined €50m, were overpriced and Arsenal had seen the best of them. The Togolese striker’s City career never recovered after he stamped on Robin van Persie in his first reunion with his former club.

Such deals helped Wenger live within his means. It remains one of the great feats of Premier League management that he financed the building of a new stadium while finishing in the top four every season. It is tempting to wonder how much more silverware he would have secured but for the emergence of ambitious clubs with very different business models.

Wenger’s reign divides into two halves, before and after billionaires funded title challenges elsewhere. Since his Invincibles were displaced as champions by Jose Mourinho’s first Chelsea team, Arsenal have not won the league.

They went nine years without any honour until the drought was ended by a prime example of 'Wengernomics'. Aaron Ramsey was recruited as a teenager. He was worth many times his €6.25m fee even before his FA Cup final winner against Hull. He is not an example of buying success, but of bringing in and developing potential.

But the difference between Wenger and City, saver and spenders, is not as clear-cut as it once was. No English club paid more last summer than City. No player cost more than Mesut Ozil, the €50m arrival who obliterated Arsenal’s transfer record.

This year, City are restricted to a €61m net spend after failing Uefa’s Financial Fair Play test. They have a free transfer (Sagna) and a loan (Lampard) among their newcomers. In contrast, Arsenal have been more extravagant. Wenger’s outlay for the summer is a club record €82.5m and could get bigger. He has already signed a superstar, Alexis Sanchez. Go back a few years and the Etihad Stadium was a likelier destination for players of the Chilean’s calibre. Arsenal didn’t buy the finished article then.

They can afford to now. Wenger isn’t spending his owners’ millions, but funds Arsenal have generated through gate receipts, prize money, television revenue, merchandising and commercial and sponsorship deals. But City are adamant that, after years of artificial injections of finances, that they will balance the books. Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak believes they will break even this year.

As Arsenal are back in contention for major honours and City are becoming more fiscally responsible, they have growing similarities. But they have taken radically different routes and it isn’t just Wenger who believes his is the purer path.

Damaged goods: Why Falcao would be a gamble for Real Marid

COMMENT: The Colombia international is still being linked with Los Blancos - but is he worth the risk in light of the serious knee injury he sustained earlier this year?

By Robin Bairner

The rumours persist. Radamel Falcao is wanted by a string of elite clubs, according to the press, who have linked the Monaco forward with Manchester City, Liverpool and, in particular, Real Madrid. Yet if the Colombia star was to make a summer move, it would represent a huge gamble for the buying club.

In January, the 28-year-old suffered an injury that dramatically altered the course of his career. His knee ligaments were seriously damaged during a Coupe de France match against Chasselay, leaving the striker to fight a hopeless battle to be fit for the World Cup – the event that should have been his crowning glory.

His move to Monaco was meant to be a pit stop before a switch back to Madrid, a necessary stepping stone to allow him to transition to the Bernabeu without breaking an agreement made to former employers Atletico Madrid. After his knee problems, it seems that he may well be marooned on the rocky principality on France’s Mediterranean Coast.

For Monaco, an asset of the notoriety of Falcao cannot be lightly parted with. After James Rodriguez’s move to Madrid, they need the Colombia striker both for his quality and for the prestige that he brings their project.

Player Stats — Radamel Falcao García

• General
• Attack
• Defence
• Distribution
• Discipline

• General

  Games Played

  17

  Minutes Played

  1,393

  Starts

  16

  Interceptions

  5

  Substitution On

  1

  Substitution Off

  4

  Duels Won

  36.3%

  36.3%

  Aerial duels won

  33.3%

  33.3%

The magnitude of James’ move to the Spanish capital is another telling factor. It is estimated that the playmaker’s transfer, which was a deal that the Monegasques did not want to make, was valued at €80 million – going a long way to ensure that Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations will be met by the Stade Louis II side, who have cutback dramatically on their spending this summer.

And while there is no obligation for Monaco to sell, there is little likelihood of Falcao departing for a knockdown price. He was bought for €60 million and surely cannot be sold at this stage for anything less than that figure.

A year ago, Falcao guaranteed goals, and while he made his mark by scoring on his return to action against Arsenal in the Emirates Cup, there are questions hanging over his ability to remain prolific for the first time since he established himself as a starter at River Plate. 

His time in Monaco last term was, by his illustrious standards, rather modest. It had been expected that he would decimate Ligue 1 defences, but prior to his injury he was enduring his worst season since moving to Europe. True, he still found the net at a rate of more than a goal every other game, but he did not look like the Falcao who so terrorised La Liga with Atleti mere months earlier.


Same as he ever was? | Doubts remain over the lasting effect of Falcao's knee injury
And then came the injury, which was of the variety perhaps most serious to any professional football. Of course, some, such as Alan Shearer, have successfully overcome such problems to remain fearsome until late in their careers, but there are others who have been forced to endure lengthy battles with such a problem.

Ronaldo, for example, managed only seven minutes of football between serious knee problems, restricting him to only 17 outings between November 1999 and mid-2000. Thereafter, he may have regained the World Player of the Year award in 2002, but he was never quite the player so devastating in the pre-injury phase of his career.

It would be a tremendous gamble for a club to take to stake €60m or more on Falcao enjoying such a spectacular comeback, particularly off the back of a relatively mediocre campaign. Madrid have already tied Karim Benzema to a new contract, indicating their priorities lie in stability. 

Starting on Sunday, when Monaco open the season against Lorient at Stade Louis II, the onus is now on the striker to prove that the last six months have been a simple blip in an otherwise formidable career.  If he can comeback strongly, perhaps Madrid or Manchester awaits next summer.

We don't yet have a Di Maria' - Van Gaal talks up Manchester United target

The Argentina international has been heavily linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford and the Dutchman has intimated that a bid could be imminent

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has hinted that the club could launch a bid for Real Madrid wingerAngel Di Maria.

Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young and Nani are the only recognised senior wide playes at the Dutchman's disposal leading into the 2014-15 campaign, and the trio have yet to fully prove themselves at Old Trafford.

Di Maria - who is reportedly surplus to requirements at Madrid following James Rodriguez's arrival from Monaco - appeared destined for Paris-Saint Germain, only for the French champions to end negotiations after being priced out of a deal.

The collapse of Argentine's proposed move to Parc des Princes has opened the door for United, and Van Gaal has dropped a major hint that the club could launch a bid for Die Maria due to a lack of depth out wide.

"At this moment, we have five No. nines and four No. 10s – and we don't have wingers to give us attacking width," the former Netherlands coach told reporters.

"Or, I should say, we don't have wingers of the highest level, like Ronaldo or Di Maria or somebody like that.

"So, I have to play in another way – and you have seen that already. I only buy when I think we need to buy – in the position that is necessary."

Left-back Luke Shaw and central midfielder Ander Herrera have already arrived at Old Trafford but Van Gaal is still eyeing reinforcements.

Netherlands international and Ajax defender Daley Blind is reportedly on Van Gaal's list of targets as he attempts to bolster his defence and the 63-year-old insists he would have no problem recruiting Dutch players.

 "If they are at the level I want them to be, then I will sign Dutch players," he said. "Nationality isn't something that concerns me.

"But Dutch players are usually cheaper than players of other nationalities and they have usually been very well educated in the Netherlands, I believe.

"But they have to be of a level than can play well in the English Premier League. You have to ask if that is the case with every player."

Alexis Sanchez is an animal' - Gibbs

The full-back admits that taking on the winger each day is proving a hellish task, but is relishing playing alongside the Chilean and is backing him to add firepower up top

Alexis Sanchez has been "an animal in training" since joining Arsenal from Barcelona, according to Kieran Gibbs.

Sanchez is set to make his competitive debut in Sunday's Community Shield clash with Manchester City, after reportedly arriving from Catalunya last month for an initial €36 million transfer fee.

Gibbs reckons that with the Chile international having been added to a squad already boasting the likes of Mesut Ozil, who was signed from Real Madrid 12 months ago, Arsene Wenger's men are set for a big season.

"When you face Alexis in training, you know it's not going to be the best day you have as a defender," the defender said. "He's a top player and he will definitely bring something extra to us.

"We've got an exciting team anyway and a lot of players who can make a difference in the game and when you see the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis ­coming in, it makes you feel good.

"Mesut didn't have an ­arrogance about him. He came in like he still had something to prove – like he wasn't world class already.

"And Alexis has the same ­mentality. He has been like an animal in training. He's everywhere. He just doesn't stop running."

Gibbs did not shy away from setting high targets for Alexis, who has yet to score for Arsenal in pre-season friendlies. 

"Is he the 20-goal-a-season ­striker every team needs? Yes," the 24-year-old full-back said.

"Last season we were top for quite a while before slipping away. This year we want to do exactly the same but go a step further.

"That's what we need – we can't just sign a superstar and then say to ­ourselves: 'Ok, we are going to win ­everything now'.

"We needed them to come in with a great attitude. And that is what's happened

Official: Barcelona sign Vermaelen from Arsenal

The Belgium international passed a medical earlier on Saturday and has now completed a move to the Catalan club for a fee of €19m

By Ben Hayward in Barcelona

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has completed a €19 million move to Barcelona, the Catalan club confirmed on Saturday.

The centre-back agreed to join Luis Enrique's side late last week after rejecting the overtures of Manchester United in favour of a summer switch to Camp Nou. The Belgium international flew in to Barcelona on Saturday morning for his medical ahead of the transfer, which will cost the Catalans an initial €15m and an additional €4m in extras.

"FC Barcelona and Arsenal FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of the Belgian player, who will sign for the next five seasons," the club revealed on their website.

Arsenal also confirmed the deal on their official site, releasing a statement which read: "Thomas Vermaelen has agreed to join Barcelona in a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee. 

"Vermaelen passed his medical in Barcelona on Saturday. His transfer is subject to the completion of the normal regulatory process. Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Thomas for his contribution during his time at the club and wish him well for the future."
The 28-year-old has been blighted by injuries over the last few seasons and was given a thorough, two-part examination by Barca at the Hospital de Barcelona and later at the Clinica de la Creu Blanca on Saturday morning.

However, the former Ajax player came through the tests without any problems and is the second centre-back to join the Catalan club this summer, after Jeremy Mathieu arrived from Valencia in a €20m deal last month.

The defender, who becomes the third Arsenal captain to join Barca in seven years (after Thierry Henry in 2007 and Cesc Fabregas in 2011), will be unveiled at Camp Nou on Sunday.

Did you know? Akshay’s Entertainment faces objection over use of name Abdullah

The Indian censor board raised objection on Thursday over the way the name ‘Abdullah’ has been mispronounced in the upcoming film Entertainment and has requested the film’s makers to change it.

A source told IANS, “A character is named Abdullah, which is a very sacred name. Throughout the film, other characters keep mispronouncing Abdullah’s name, calling him all sorts of things like ‘arashogollah’ and ‘amashallah’.”

The source said the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which viewed the film late last week, asked the film’s producers and co-directors Sajid and Farhad Samji to change the name to avoid hurting anyone’s sentiments. The character is played by famous comedian Johnny Lever. In response to the request, the name was changed from ‘Abdullah’ to ‘Habibulllah’ in the movie.

Commenting on the matter, Sindh Board of Film Censors chairperson Fakhr-e-Alam told The Express Tribune that he has asked distributors to either remove all the scenes where the name Abdullah is mentioned or mute the dialogues before the film is shown in Pakistan. “Abdullah is a very sacred name and it has been used in a derogatory fashion in the movie,” he said.

With Akshay Kumar in the lead role, the film is coming out on August 8 and the director duo had to work overnight to make the necessary change. “It was a lot of hard work since Johnny’s character is there throughout the film and the jokes on his name occur very often. But there was no other option; we can’t afford to take the risk of hurting religious sentiments,” said the directors.

The source added that the CBFC also ordered the removal of a shot showing Kumar throwing a trishul (trident) across the screen. “The CBFC doesn’t want any Hindu organisation asking why the trishul was used as a weapon,” the source explained. The CBFC also objected to the use of word ‘HIV’ in a comical dialogue.

Show review: Hannibal 2 - a bloody good meal

‘I need you to recommend me a new TV show’ has become the new ‘I need you to lend me some money’. In times of binge watching, where entire seasons are often completed in a single sitting, it has become essential to be hooked on to at least one good show. Of late, whenever people have asked me the aforementioned question, I have repeatedly found myself suggesting the delicious Hannibal.

Based on characters from writer Thomas Harris’ novels, the show is a sort-of reboot, sort-of origin story of the Hannibal Lecter franchise. The titular role of a cannibalistic serial killer which in the past has been immortalised by actors Brian Cox (Manhunter) and Anthony Hopkins (The Silence of the Lambs), is played masterfully by Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen in this version — watch out for scenes in which he has a faint smile on his lips, evidently enjoying himself pretending to eat human flesh.

What works in Hannibal’s favour is its novelty factor — out of all the high-quality series that have been produced and have aired lately, no other show has been able to blend drama and horror as efficiently. It’s as much a police procedural drama as well as a chilling horror story. With these two aspects, creator Bryan Fuller has managed to pull off something special. The sombre portions of the narrative could have failed but luckily the creepy tone works big time.

Hannibal examines the relationship between FBI agent Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and Dr Hannibal Lecter. While the former is a crime scene investigator who can vividly recreate or reimagine the crime acts (and thus sympathise with the perpetrator), the latter is a brilliant psychiatrist and closeted cannibal. These characterisations make it clear, that sooner or later, the two are destined to clash with each other. Even though Lecter’s character gives the show its title, Graham is just as important to the proceedings. Oftentimes, he seems to be the protagonist of the story, which gives a nice twist about who the bad guy really is.

In the first season, the FBI calls upon Lecter’s help regarding some gruesome murders, and he often knows more about the cases than he is letting on. This adds to Graham’s psychological torment as he grows into a troubled soul. His graphic hallucinations — a permanent one is a black stag, which could signify everything from guilt to fear — which continue in season two, are terrifying and add to the shock value of the show.

One of Hannibal’s strongest components is its fantastic ensemble cast. Apart from the main couple, Laurence Fishburne as FBI head Jack Crawford serves as the show’s moral compass and Gillian Anderson shines in a short role as Hannibal’s mysterious therapist Bedelia du Maurier. In season two, we are treated to Michael Pitt’s demented pig trainer Mason Verger, who could have walked on to any Batman set — he looks and splendidly plays his character like a DC comic villain. Eddie Izzard plays an incarcerated surgeon, who killed his family, with aplomb. One highlight of the show is when Hannibal forces him to eat his own leg.

Scenes like these obviously sound horrible but don’t be put off — they are shot with a certain aesthetic that is still ‘tasteful’. The same goes for other shocking moments in the second season, when for example, a character gets a human ear shoved down his throat. There is no blood in either scene, which goes to show that the makers aren’t interested in slasher elements and yet are able to provide true moments of body horror.

With Mikkelsen, the makers of Hannibal have landed a great coup. He’s an established star of world cinema (credits include blockbuster Casino Royale, as well as art-house fare The Hunt) and his approach to the small screen is one of great understanding. Hannibal Lecter is not a role one would have associated Mikkelsen with prior to the start of the show, but after watching two seasons of him in this role, no other person could have possibly been a more convincing actor.

Early on in season two, Lecter, when serving Jack Crawford some cooked human meat, confesses, “I never feel guilty eating anything.” It’s a dark, dark line, because Crawford doesn’t know what he’s really being fed. The food looks rather appetising, both while it’s being prepared by Lecter and while it’s being eaten. It’s not the first (and certainly not the last) time that someone has been invited over for dinner and has unknowingly partaken in his cannibalistic habit. And if he doesn’t feel guilty about it, why should we? The show has us eating out of Lecter’s hands.