By Fab4.
West Ham chairman David Gold has confirmed that they are not planning on holding talks over a new contract for Robert Green any time soon. 29-year-old Green has only 12 months remaining on his current deal and is currently with the England squad in South Africa working hard to claim a starting spot in Fabio Capello’s team.
Green has been linked with a move away from Upton Park and Gold admitted that an impressive World Cup from the stopper could lead to offers that would be hard to turn down, whilst also suggesting new manager Avram Grant would have a say on the players future.
“At this stage we are not going to have talks with him about a new deal,” Gold told The Sun.
“World Cups change lives. It’s the global shop window and who knows what may happen. We could get amazing offers – offers you can’t refuse.
“What do you do if Manchester United or Real Madrid for example, come in offering millions of pounds?”
“We have to see how Robert feels and consider the new manager’s view.”He will take the squad on a pre-season tour and judge Robert with everybody else.”
Is this a situation Arsenal could take advantage of? I think so. It sounds as if the club are willing to listen to offers for Green and are hoping his stock will rise during the World Cup. Now that’s all well and good if Green does start for England and put in some impressive displays. No doubt several clubs will be interested (including Arsenal?) but what if Green sit’s on the bench out in South Africa and doesn’t touch a ball? West Ham will have alienated the player by refussing to offer him a new deal and made it obvious in the press that they are open to selling him.
I think in this case, Arsenal could make a move and snap him up for a decent price. Everyone knows we need a keeper and although Green is far from perfect, he is certainly better than what we have already. Rumours are that we are close to signing Mark Schwarzer from Fulham, but if this deal doesn’t go through i think Arsene should consider looking at Green situation after the World Cup.
