This is an article written with all due respect to Southampton, unfailingly the indigenous source of recent impact players for the Premier League.
With that honorific out of the way, Southampton, to their eternal credit have never allowed themselves the indulgence of claiming being league victors in waiting, or in line for the quadruple. That hyperbole belongs entirely to Wenger, prattling on without self irony to an invincible Arsenal for years to come. Nor does Soton claim similar reciprocation. Here is how our North London club rank in self esteem after enriching their rivals with their marquee players towards trophies and silverware.
“There is intrigue about Welbeck, too, but it could be difficult for Arsenal to persuade United to sell the 23-year-old to a rival.”
Danny Welbeck, coming off the bench for United never scoring enough goals, despite his speed and in the box jitterbugging? Off limits for Arsenal? Two years ago, we shipped Robin Van Persie coming off his best season, arguably the world’s best striker, to United and a 20th title. Similarly, we had no problems selling to City; Nasri, Clichy, and Kolo Toure, helping themselves to a maiden title and more. We could have stopped Fabregas from joining Chelsea and if so desired, today, Loic Remy. But we’ve been rebuffed similar reciprocation, ferociously so. Vermaelen might have gone to United but that deal was scuppered because it involved an exchange for Chris Smalling. Demba Ba, on the trading block was denied a loan move to Arsenal, despite sitting out many matches on the bench.
Arsenal can send their marquees out to their self serving rivals unblinkingly but there is no dice even with fringe players despite a guaranteed price tag and first team selection. No wonder Mourinho can blithely character assassinate Wenger as a “specialist in failure.” We as a team have not helped ourselves being perceived as doormats.