TRANSFER NEWS: Wenger Demand’s Barca Starlet + £25m For Fabregas

Arsene Wenger seems to have discovered impressive negotiation skills overnight if we are to believe the latest reports coming from the papers.

Barcelona “representatives” had apparently flown in to London, I imagine in dark suits, shady sunglasses and a suitcase filled with cash, to discuss with Arsenal the details of an offer believed to be £33.5 million. However, it is now being reported that Arsene Wenger is “demanding” £25 million as well as Barcelona’s highly rated Spanish midfielder, Thiago Alcântara.

Manchester United had been interested in the 20 year-old Spaniard, and apparently lodged a £15 million bid last month for the youngster. That was before he signed a new deal which keeps him at Camp Nou until 2015, with a new release clause of a massive £81 million.

That factor really does seem to cut this rumour short, and add to that what the player himself said when he signed the new contract with the European Champions; “I never thought about leaving. I’ve always wanted to be here,” and you find yourself wondering how on earth Wenger seems to think he can get anywhere with this. After all, isn’t this similar to what happened with Fabregas? Buy a player with a deep affection or “DNA” as some have called it for Barcelona, and they will most likely seek a return in the future. (Even though Thiago was actually born in Italy.)

He had a good European Under 21 Championship, scoring in the final with a 40 yard stunner, and has a whole host of other impressive qualities suited to Arsenal’s style. He has quick and tricky feet, with a clever mind and vision to match, allowing him to set up attacks from very little, and he has the mature ability to know when not to try something too ambitious – doing the simple things well, such as passing and creating.

It is no wonder clubs are interested in him, but I really cannot see Barcelona letting him go. Despite the fact that the competition in the Barcelona midfield is ferocious, and possibly impossible to penetrate for a player like Thiago Alcântara at the moment, the club won’t want to let such a talented youngster leave, especially so soon after agreeing a new deal.

Unless Wenger really is playing extreme hard-ball with Barcelona, and will refuse to sell Fabregas until his demands are met, this is a rumour dead in the water, but I’d like to see what you think. Would you rather see this Fabregas saga over and done with, and rid the midfielder for £35 million, or would you drag it out for a little longer in an audacious attempt to pick up the young Thiago?

Submitted by DBSFootball