It’s a thing we had dreaded, but it seems to have already happened.
Seb Bassong – Arsenal make their move
And that is that Sebastien Bassong has confirmed that Arsenal have made an approach for him.
However, because of the chaotic state of the Newcastle club right now, any move is being held up.
The French-Cameroon defender, who is 23 today, wants to leave Newcastle following the club’s relegation, and the club that Seb has already said he would love to join seems to have now bid for the player – and that’s Arsenal.
And in truth joining Arsene Wenger in London would only be good for his football development, as he has the class and temperament to go to the very top.
According to The Daily Mail, Bassong said:
“Premier League clubs are interested in me, but nothing is simple because Newcastle are in the middle of a takeover and nobody knows who will be the manager.”
And specifically talking about Arsenal Seb added:
“I can confirm there was an approach, but for now nothing is concrete.”
“Foreign clubs inquired, but as it is my priority to stay in England, I didn’t respond.”
“Obviously, it would be better if things gathered pace, but I’m not worried.”
Bassong made 30 Premier League appearances for Newcastle last season, and was Newcastle’s best player, and he has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City previously.
But if Newcastle are going to sell the player we should demand at least £10M for him, and if those bids are not forthcoming so be it – we’ll keep him at the club.
We’re sure Shearer would like to keep him, but if Seb does go we will need to bring in a couple of good center-backs since Edgar has already left, and Coloccini will move somewhere, if only on loan, and if Seb moves on then that’s three center-backs we will have lost this summer.
And yes, there’s just over 4 weeks to go to the start of the Championship season, so what a mess the club seems to be in – again.
We just cannot wait for Mike Ashley to leave the Tyneside club.
Comments welcome.
Written from Paris, France.
10 comments so far
ende
Jul 9, 2009 at 6:11 AM
Comment #1No transfers until the club is sold. Period.
spiderpig
Jul 9, 2009 at 6:31 AM
Comment #2cant blame anyone for wanting to play for arsenal.they have a good manager and great players.also glad noone has been sold.that means ashley doesnt get the money from the sale.its in his best interest to sell as fast as possible because if he ends up dragging it out he will more than likely put all the bidders off and will be left with all them players on massive wages.
magforlife
Jul 9, 2009 at 7:17 AM
Comment #3Of all the clubs you have to admit that Arsenal are the best managed and owned with a fabulous stadium and a style of play i would kill for. Allright, they dont win much but can you imagine if we had a team and squad like that?
estechco
Jul 9, 2009 at 8:39 AM
Comment #4Surely we have no need to sell? The player is under a lengthy (underpaid) contract. Tell the A*se to p*ss off!
lesh
Jul 9, 2009 at 8:59 AM
Comment #5“Premier League clubs are interested in me, but nothing is simple because Newcastle are in the middle of a takeover and nobody knows who will be the manager.”
If that is his quote, then the fact that he’s indicating an interest in who’s to be manager, suggests he’s not set on leaving – yet!
If the sale can be confirmed pdq and Shearer installed, I’d guess he’d give next season a go.
Any thoughts?
Ericles
Jul 9, 2009 at 9:35 AM
Comment #6Ashley is a Spurs fan so he would rather cash Bassong in to them rather than Arse and All. More media tosh. As Paul Robeson used to sing – “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen, nobody knows my sorrow”.
Bill F
Jul 9, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Comment #7Hate to see him leave but another option would be to loan him out till we are promoted again next season. Some club like Hull or Stoke who are probably going down next year. 😉
punk skunk...
Jul 9, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Comment #8Bill F,
me to, but, if he wants to go-BYE, or possibly, BUY!..
…We MUST get shot of the players who don’t wanna play here!..
Chris G
Jul 9, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Comment #9lesh – we can always hope, I suppose, but it doesn’t sound very likely
Unfortunately, Ed has only quoted part of the Daily Mail story – the rest of it says this:
‘Sebastien Bassong says Arsenal have made an approach to sign him, but the French defender blames Newcastle’s uncertain future for blocking his exit from St James’ Park.
The 22-year-old made it clear he wanted to leave following Newcastle’s relegation to the Championship and has revealed his frustration after reporting for pre-season training on Tyneside this week.’
It sounds like the reason for his frustration is the fact that he isn’t able to leave the club immediately – it doesn’t sound to me like he’s too bothered about who the next manager will be
Let’s face it – if Arsene Wenger wants him, would he really hang around to play for Shearer in the fizzy pop league?
Geordiedoonsooth
Jul 9, 2009 at 6:43 PM
Comment #10problems wth this site not posting comments I’m off