This is close to Muhammad Ali taking all that wild swinging by George Foreman to administer an eighth round knockout in that Kinshasa classic.
After soaking up that incessant “public tapping” over Cesc without the courtesy of a club to club approach, Arsenal came up with a nice right hook.
“To be clear, we will not make any kind of counterproposal or enter into any discussion. Barcelona have publicly stated that they will respect our position and we expect that they will keep their word.”
There is more, much much more. All quite delicious. Arseblog’s take is as usual refreshingly to the point.
The bottom line. Arsenal have made it clear, they are in no mood to negotiate. They will listen to what they think are reasonable bids done through official channels and it will be up to them to reject or accept it. Barca went back on their word and then made such a public spectacle that nothing really can be negotiated in good faith any more with them.
Personally, I don’t see Cesc driving this issue. As yet. He has made it clear that he trusts Wenger after last week’s meeting.
“He told me to leave it in his hands – he will deal with whatever happens in my future.”
Cesc coming back is made out to be this big moral imperative but in reality, he is an electoral cog in the wheel. The advantage lies with Arsenal the longer this drags out without any resolution.
It will be up to Barca to force the issue. Or to Cesc, if he decides to become ugly about it. But again to reiterate in no uncertain terms, Arsenal should get about the business of signing a quality goalkeeper and central defender. It sends a strong signal that the Gunners are serious about their own future irrespective of what happens to this summer’s saga.
On an offside, Barca play beautiful football but they sure do not do business the same way. They go all Gordon Gekko, don’t they?