Transfer speculation always is good for some interesting stories. There’s the one about Juventus reserve keeper Fabian Carini, linked with a move to Arsenal after the 2002 World Cup.
He even reportedly signed for the Gunners, and appeared on the club’s official website with the goalie kit before joining the squad on their pre-season trip to Austria.
Then there’s one of my favorite stories, involving an international friendly played in Kobe, Japan in the run up to the World Cup. The game, a 2-2 draw between England and Cameroon, was a typical international friendly involving Sven’s men, complete with seven half-time substitutions.
Cameroon’s opening goal was scored by Samuel Eto’o, who at the time was being linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur. He dedicated his performance, which also included a nutmeg of Sol Campbell, to Spurs fans. His signing for the North London club seemed imminent.
Two years later: Official games Carini has played for Arsenal + Games Eto’o has played for Spurs = 0.
It was discovered, of course, that Carini had never actually signed for Arsenal, and the move collapsed. Eto’o is still plying his trade in the Spanish sun.
So why, when at times we can’t even believe when a player or club’s official website seems to confirm a transfer, should we listen to the tabloids or the always popular “inside source”?
Paddy’s going to Madrid. Edu to Barcelona. Sol to Turin. Wenger’s gone next summer. The way things are going, there’s going to be nobody left in the North Bank, not because we’re moving to Ashburton Grove, but because the club will have to hand kits out to the fans just to make up a 16 man squad to play every Saturday afternoon.
Many fans can’t stand the summer break. Most of them say it’s because they hate the boredom, but it may just be that during the season may be the only time they can live in peace of knowing what club their stars will play their next game for.
Gooners the world are over are going crazy, asking questions like, “How could Paddy to this to us?” and “If he’s going to stay, why can’t he just say so?” I would say to wait for official word from either the player or club, but Eto’o and Carini showed us that isn’t always a good idea. Just remember the closure of the transfer is a few weeks away. In the mean time, try not to freak out. And don’t believe everything you read in the paper.