Silva/Arsenal - Could be good or bad news re: Martins

[Syrette]

Arsenal are now being linked with Rodrigo Palacio.

 

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2002390000-2007320774,00.html

 

ARSENAL are poised to smash their transfer record with a £15million swoop for Argentinian striker Rodrigo Palacio.

 

Reports in Argentina claim Palacio, 25, will fly to London tomorrow for a medical after Boca Juniors accepted the Gunners offer.

 

He is destined to wear the No 14 shirt vacated by Thierry Henry’s recent £16m move to Barcelona.

 

Palacio wears No 14 for Boca and Argentina and is seen as a direct replacement for Henry.

 

Ironically, Barcelona had agreed a £14.9m deal for Palacio just days before learning long-term target Henry was available.

 

An earlier bid of £12.7m had been knocked back by Boca president Mauricio Macri, who said: “It would have to be a much bigger offer because, for me, he is the best striker in Argentina.”

 

The deal was further complicated by the fact former clubs Huracan and Banfield are both due a cut of the transfer fee.

 

But now it appears all obstacles have been removed after Arsenal came in with a record-breaking offer.

 

Palacio is currently in Venezuela as part of the Argentina squad which played Brazil in last night’s final of the Copa America.

 

He is eager to prove himself in Europe after going to the World Cup in Germany last year as back-up to Hernan Crespo and Carlos Tevez.

 

Palacio has scored 39 goals in 79 appearances for Boca and has won five Argentine caps.

 

He partnered Tevez in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Paraguay on July 5.

 

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has already spent £16.5m this summer on striker Eduardo Da Silva and full-back Bacary Sagna.

 

Palacio’s arrival would smash the club-record £12.5m paid for Sylvain Wiltord in 2000.

 

 

One would imagine they'd not persue interest in Martins if they pull this off. That said, I've heard rumours suggesting that Martins will possibly still leave this summer regardless, just to a foreign club.

[SUPERTOON]

Would be a very good signing for Arsenal.

[Lenny]

Id rather he didnt go at all but if he was to go I'd be much happier if it was to a team abroad.

[Skirge]

If we end up having to let Martins go then Fat Fkn Fred should be sacked for his utter stupidity shown in the Owen and Martins contracts..

[Guest jackhobs]

soz to tell u all the Rodrigo Palacio transfer was a masive hoax so maybe martins maybe still on his way!

the guy who sarted it owned up to the hoax 2nite

http://bocajnews.blogspot.com/

[Mr Logic]

Funny if true, certainly possible in todays media crazy world.

[Skirge]

http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1074021,00.html

 

Sam Hoping For Oba Stay

 

SAM Allardyce wants Obafemi Martins to be part of his plans at Newcastle United.

 

The Nigerian striker - who netted 17 times for the Magpies in his maiden campaign - has been the subject of transfer speculation during the summer.

 

But Big Sam is hoping Oba will remain in Toon as part of an impressive strike quartet that also includes Michael Owen, Mark Viduka and Shola Ameobi.

 

Talking about the speculation, the manager said: "I have not spoken to Oba himself, only his representatives, who assure me there is nothing in it.

 

"But while the window is open and when somebody has a get-out clause like he does, there is always a chance you might lose him.

 

"You hope that is not going to be the case, but you have to just keep your fingers crossed and hope it does not happen."