Barca won't pay over the odds for Cesc? Good!

Good news, Gooners! Sandro Rosell has killed off speculation linking Barcelona with a move for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas. It's true; whilst complaining about the public nature of Barcelona's attempt to sign Cesc to the RAC1 radio station (I know, I know, you couldn't make this stuff up...), Rosell said,

"We will never pay 50 or 60 million euros (£41m) for Cesc."

Which, bearing in mind the fact that Arsenal have no financial need to sell and the fact that they have already turned down a £30m bid for the captain doesn't leave Barca with much room for manouevre. Well, I guess it leaves £10m worth of wriggle room, but then I think of the 5 years left on Cesc's contract and the aggravation Barcelona's conduct has caused Arsenal and I don't think there's enough money in Catalonia to prise Cesc from the Gunners. It did make me laugh to read, in the Standard, last night that Barca are getting impatient with Arsenal. Really?

Of course, injury permitting, Cesc will be on World Cup duty for Spain this evening as they take on the surprise package of the World Cup for a place in the final. Referring to Germany as a "surprise package" seems a little bizarre bearing in mind that the first two World Cup finals I remember featured them and the two European finals they've made since then. Of course, it's the style with which they have reached the last four this time that has surprised everyone. If they do make it past Spain tonight, they will set up a final with Holland. A final that, 36 years later, represents a chance for the boys that grew up hearing tales of how their country had the most gifted team at the '74 finals but somehow lost the final to avenge that defeat.

For the Dutch, that 1974 final seems burnt into the national consciousness in a way that we- when I say "we" I mean the English- can't really relate to. I guess the closest we've got is 1990 or maybe 1996. But they were semi finals, not the real thing. Anyway, I tipped Holland to win the tournament this year, in a final against Spain- so for that reason, and that reason only, I will be rooting for Cesc y todos tonight. Before hoping and praying for van Perse, Robben and co to do the business on Sunday evening.

Watching the game last night, I felt sorry for van Persie. It must be hard to go from a team where everyone plays for you to one where it seems like the guys who should be supplying you with the bullets are getting the machine guns out themselves. Notwithstanding the fact that it seemed like neither Robben or Sneijder wanted to pass to Robin, I thought he played well. Not the thrusting force he can be, but someone who used the ball well and created opportunities for others- sacrificing himself for the good of the team. I really hope he scores the winning goal on Sunday, not just because I want Holland to win, but because I think Robin deserves a bit of glory after the season he's had. Whilst on the subject of Holland, what a goal by captain and ex- Gooner Gio van Bronckhorst. Okay, so it was only made possible by a shocking foul by one of the dirtiest players I've ever seen- but the way the ball was moved back to front (excluding Dirk Kuyt's wayward pass and the foul that followed) was just beautiful. Why is Gio not still at the club? I guess because that cruciate ligament and a boy named Ashley killed off his prospects at left back and he wasn't quite good enough in central midfield.

In other defender news, it's being widely reported that Laurent Koscielny will finally be able to put an end to any Lorient/Laurent related puns with Arsenal set to confirm his signing. Probably within the next 24 hours, but most likely as I click "Save" on this blog post. I look forward to talking about our new number six some more on Friday afternoon, as well as looking back on tonight's game. I'll also be looking ahead to a final which may, or may not, pit van Persie and Cesc in direct confrontation.

Till then...

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