One Out and One In

Morning all, it's been a while since my last post and that's because well, really nothing has been happening in terms of Arsenal. More media speculation, a "leaked" away kit and a bit more speculation pretty much sums it up. However with the UK window officially opening yesterday (yes players can sign beforehand but nothing is official until the 1st) the transfer cogs are turning and Arsenal have been busy. 

After releasing a number of player already this season we've followed that up with a loan leading to a permanent deal for Johan Djourou for Bundesliga side Hamburg. Now many of you will be well aware of how critical I have been of Djourou but it's important to remember that he's been hampered by injury and he did have spells where he looked good. But due a combination of reasons, it just didn't work out for him. He seems like a genuinely nice guy and I wish him all the best in future, especially following his comments about just wanting to play.

Now onto what we've all been waiting for A SIGNING, as in an OFFICIAL SIGNING. It's not the world class striker we've all been waiting for but its a start. 20 year old, French striker Yaya Sanogo has joined from Auxerre on a free. Now many will say this is a typical Wenger signing but I think this time it actually makes sense. With Bendtner seemingly on his way and well who really knows with Chamakh we won't have depth up front and I think it's important to have young talent coming through. There is minimal risk as its a free and according to those who watch French football he's a decent enough prospect. Like many of you I'm sure I don't know much about him so I've put together this little fact file.

Yaya Sanogo

 

696 × 392 - arsenal.com

Age: 20
Height: 1.91m (6ft 3in)
Position: Striker
Former Clubs: CO Les Ulis, Auxerre
International Career: 49 apps for French U16-U21
Career Goals: 43 in 49

Those are some impressive stats in terms of goals and if his development continues at a nice rate we could have a very tidy striker on our hands. 

In terms of other transfer news the usual Higuain stories are floating around but I'm still rather skeptical about the deal going through. Interestingly German media reported yesterday we had a £19.7m bid turned down for Leverkusen defensive midfielder Lars Bender and although there has been no confirmation of the bis from either side Leverkusen did say in a statement that he wasn't for sale at any price, which as we all know means nothing in the transfer window. 

So we're finally starting to see things happen and although stories linking us with world class players should always be taken with a pinch of salt. I don't think that's the last of our activity in this window.

Until next time.