Well at least we beat Brisbane, is perhaps what most Evertonians will be consoling themselves with this morning after the Sunday press once more linked two of our best players with moves away.
The first is not a new one.
Arsenal have been linked with Phil Jagielka for weeks now and the Mirror alleges we have rejected a £14million bid with the Gunners set to raise their offer to £16million.
Well, sorry Arsene but don’t blame us blame Man City.
If the market dictates that Joleon Lescott is worth £24million the Jags is worth at least £30million, market forces and all that.
As Pat Nevin said last summer when Lescott made the big money move – “He isn’t even the best defender at Everton.”
Jagielka is a better all round player than Lescott and his leadership on the pitch brings the best out of players around him. It is no surprise a team like Arsenal want him and if he isn’t included in the next England squad it will be a crime. However, it is vital we keep hold of the defender and to be honest I think we will.
Arsenal don’t have the unlimited funds that City have and I am sure they will behave with far more class than Mark Hughes did last year, with his crude and very public tapping up of Lescott damaging the relationship between the two clubs almost beyond repair.
Plus given the way Arsenal have reacted to Barca’s attempts to snare Cesc Fabregas I doubt they will indulge in similar behaviour to other clubs.
Moyes doesn’t want to sell and unless Arsenal offer silly money - which I don’t think they will - I’m confident he will remain an Everton player.
I’m less sure about Pienaar though. In fact he is almost nailed on to leave for the first decent club that comes in for him. Rafa Benitez continues to wind us up even though he has left Liverpool by allegedly putting a bid in for the South African.
An offer from the European Champions maybe too good to refuse for Pienaar and to be honest, I wouldn’t begrudge him the move. I only hope the situation is sorted one way or another so we can have a settled squad for the start of the season.
From an Arsenal point of view Jagielka would be a great purchase. I don't know if Everton need to sell but a bit of English steel in the middle would suite us. £20m OK? Maybe you could chuck in any goalkeepers you don't need too?
ReplyDeleteThey said the same thing about Rodwell early in the summer - just signed a new 5 year contract.
ReplyDelete"Annual Everton exodus" - what annual exodus?
And there's no need for Everton to sell anyone if you know anything of the club's accounts - unless its with the intention of bringing someone else in... so any Arsenal hope that there is a need is grossly over optimistic.
would hate to lose jags,but if arsene is willing to give us 12m + arshavin that would soften the blow!
ReplyDeleteI'd love us to get Jagielka. Hopefully we can offer what Everton want. We will however respect the wishes of every party concerned. There aren't many clubs left in England that operate with honour. I believe Arsenal and Everton to be two of those clubs. Good luck next season Toffees.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good luck message irishgooner,always had the upmost respect for arsenal and reciprocate those good wishes!.
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