The Short Fuse - Transfer Deadline Day: Arsenal News, Rumors, Discussionit me, Jeffhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51365/tsf-fav.png2013-09-02T18:24:48-04:00http://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/rss/stream/44496312013-09-02T18:24:48-04:002013-09-02T18:24:48-04:00Mesut Özil had offer from PSG, but Wenger wins out
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/K9zkTs75mB8W-d7TTURwe-xNxt4=/0x110:2667x1888/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18877379/174188217.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charlie Crowhurst</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The manager laid the groundwork and made his feelings known.</p> <p>John Cross of the Daily Mirror has written that new <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> signing Mesut Özil had a better fiduciary offer on the table from Paris Saint-Germain, but that he turned it down because, well, because Arsène Wenger, that's why:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The midfielder had a bigger offer from big-spending French champions PSG but decided to join the Gunners after lengthy talks with Wenger over the telephone in the past few days.</p>
<p>Wenger spelled out Arsenal’s ambition to win silverware and for Ozil to be part of his football vision, as well as telling him that he would be his "dream" signing.</p>
<p align="right">--<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-transfers-mesut-ozil-turned-2246564"> John Cross, <i>Daily Mirror</i></a></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Now, of course, the offer from Arsenal wasn't peanuts. All that aside, though, there are a number of key points here:</p>
<p>- Wenger was working on this for a while, mostly in silence as far as the press knew (although there were rumblings that something with Germany and Real Madrid were up).</p>
<p>- Wenger still commands a lot of respect from the football world in general.</p>
<p>- Wenger's not afraid to spend on players he thinks are worth it.</p>
<p>As to the second point above, Özil himself had this to say:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I am thrilled to be joining a club of the stature of Arsenal and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League," he said. "It will be great for my own personal development as a player and I am particularly looking forward to working with <span>Arsene Wenger</span>.</p>
<p>"From our negotiations it is clear the club has huge ambition and I look forward to being part of an exciting future."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>After all the animosity vented towards Wenger in the Arsenal-speaking world over the past few weeks, months, years, much of which is understandable because the man doesn't speak to placate supporters, but speaks what he feels is right, I think it's important to note that just about every criticism of Wenger's style is draining away today, as he has basically flamethrowered his previous transfer record into the ether, all while fending off competition in the form of endless bags of cash. I think he deserves a bit of a break for a while, myself.</p>
<p>For the only man whom I've ever known as an Arsenal manager to have shown that he's as willing to do what he can to win even now feels really, really cool.</p>
<p>It's going to be a really fun autumn.</p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2013/9/2/4687762/mesut-ozil-arsenal-transfer-paris-saint-germain-rumourTed Harwood2013-09-02T18:02:48-04:002013-09-02T18:02:48-04:00Özil given number 11 shirt by Arsenal
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<img alt="not anymore, bro" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6Uzkdb0OgrWM6J9H3aBSVf6s498=/680x1678:2655x2995/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18875857/161629416.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>not anymore, bro | Jasper Juinen</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We're going to be talking about the guy for a hot minute. Here's his shirt.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> Twitter account just revealed new midfielder Mesut Ozil's shirt number for the club. DRUM ROLL PLEASE:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>We can reveal that <a href="https://twitter.com/MesutOzil1088">@MesutOzil1088</a>'s shirt number at <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Arsenal&src=hash">#Arsenal</a> will be... <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23OzilIsAGunner&src=hash">#OzilIsAGunner</a> <a href="http://t.co/bq7pL9Lp79">pic.twitter.com/bq7pL9Lp79</a></p>
— Arsenal.com (@Arsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal/statuses/374649327135649793">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Yeah, I think that pretty much every person who follows Arsenal had an idea he'd end up in the #11 shirt. The #10 is Jack Wilshere's, the #8 and #6 are both locked up by <span>Mikel Arteta</span> and <span>Laurent Koscielny</span> respectively, and there's no way we're putting him in the #2. And going up into the 20s would just be absurd to me, as somewhat of a shirt number traditionalist.</p>
<p>Honestly, though, they could probably have put him in the number "pi" and spelled his name wrong, and he'll still be an amazing player and they'll still sell about a million shirts. So really this doesn't matter, BUT JUST LOOK AT IT. HIS NAME IS ON IT AND EVERYTHING.</p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2013/9/2/4687668/arsenal-sign-ozil-shirt-number-11Thomas Wachtel2013-09-02T17:47:25-04:002013-09-02T17:47:25-04:00Arsenal sign Mesut Özil: Twitter Reacts
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xMltO1GQh0dYQnTZHrQb85X7Fe0=/0x43:4000x2710/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18874987/174188566.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charlie Crowhurst</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Explosions. Feels. What a day.</p> <p>So. We did it. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.theshortfuse.com/2013/9/2/4687612/arsenal-transfer-news-mesut-ozil-signs-real-madrid">We freaking signed Mesut Özil</a>, and Arsène Wenger has not just broken, but completely atomized his transfer record. Most of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a>-speaking Twitter promptly exploded. Here are some of the reactions, in no particular order:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>HOW DO I FEEL? IDK ARSENAL HOW DO I FEEL</p>
— Allison (@maliciousglee) <a href="https://twitter.com/maliciousglee/statuses/374645560336457728">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>WE'RE BACK, BITCHES</p>
— Sam Drew (@sdrewfootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdrewfootball/statuses/374645606767017984">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>We may've just picked up the best player in the league. I'm in some kind of shock right here.</p>
— Michael Keshani (@RoamingLibero) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoamingLibero/statuses/374645538043748353">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>CRYINGGGG RT <a href="https://twitter.com/Arsenal">@Arsenal</a>: It's official… <a href="https://twitter.com/MesutOzil1088">@MesutOzil1088</a> is an <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Arsenal&src=hash">#Arsenal</a> player. <a href="http://t.co/eZoMGDEeci">http://t.co/eZoMGDEeci</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23OzilIsAGunner&src=hash">#OzilIsAGunner</a></p>
— Marissa (@siriuslycool) <a href="https://twitter.com/siriuslycool/statuses/374645475724361728">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>My timeline has descended (or ascended?) into what, in the 1990s, was described as "cyber sex".</p>
— Gingers for Limpar (@Gingers4Limpar) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gingers4Limpar/statuses/374645394132586497">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>WE FUCKING SIGNED MESUT FUCKING OZIL</p>
— Aidan Gibsön (@BeltransMole23) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeltransMole23/statuses/374645311433871360">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>READ THIS. JUST READ IT. THEN CLOSE IT. THEN READ IT AGAIN. <a href="http://t.co/EKwos0MGlJ">http://t.co/EKwos0MGlJ</a></p>
— Frankie Höbbs (@Frankie_Hobbs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Frankie_Hobbs/statuses/374645341468889088">September 2, 2013</a>
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<p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>WE FUCKING DID IT</p>
— Based Aaron Ramsey (@Brohan_Cruyff) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brohan_Cruyff/statuses/374645297198022657">September 2, 2013</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>ALL. THE. CELEBRATION. GIFS. <a href="http://t.co/hZTCgzUDiz">http://t.co/hZTCgzUDiz</a></p>
— Aaron Gordon (@A_W_Gordon) <a href="https://twitter.com/A_W_Gordon/statuses/374645210451804160">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I can't help it I can't stop it MESUT</p>
— S (@arbitrarilysaid) <a href="https://twitter.com/arbitrarilysaid/statuses/374645107430940672">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>(But she's also a Madridista, so she was feeling conflicted):</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>OH MY GOD OZIL JUST TWEETED I CAN'T TAKE THIS I CAN'T TAKE IT RAINING ON MY FACE RAIN EVEYRWHERE</p>
— S (@arbitrarilysaid) <a href="https://twitter.com/arbitrarilysaid/statuses/374645753257291776">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Our resident Spanish contingent was weighing in:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Welcome to your new home <a href="https://twitter.com/MesutOzil1088">@MesutOzil1088</a></p>
— Hector Bellerin (@HectorBellerin) <a href="https://twitter.com/HectorBellerin/statuses/374644816996757504">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>As were Villa fans:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>As are most Arsenal fans RT <a href="https://twitter.com/Brohan_Cruyff">@Brohan_Cruyff</a>: Reports: Mesut Özil deal very close to completion <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Arsenal&src=hash">#Arsenal</a> | <a href="http://t.co/WHtOSeEqXz">http://t.co/WHtOSeEqXz</a></p>
— Andrew Cieslak (@SlakyFoot) <a href="https://twitter.com/SlakyFoot/statuses/374645071057940480">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Never in Doubt <a href="http://t.co/MWDSdSiPr3">pic.twitter.com/MWDSdSiPr3</a></p>
— 7amkickoff (@7amkickoff) <a href="https://twitter.com/7amkickoff/statuses/374645067933163520">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I shall call you "Mez", "Mezzy" or "Mezzington".</p>
— Fredorrarci (@Fredorrarci) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fredorrarci/statuses/374645917313277952">September 2, 2013</a>
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<p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Oh god. Genuinely rather emotional. Silly cow.</p>
— Hayley (@HayleyWright) <a href="https://twitter.com/HayleyWright/statuses/374648286105575425">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>I'm still shocked Wenger paid that much. For anything. For anyone. That he is aware that much money exists.</p>
— Aaron Gordon (@A_W_Gordon) <a href="https://twitter.com/A_W_Gordon/statuses/374648241398493185">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>And finally:</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>if you're saying anything other than "HOLY SHIT YES WE SIGNED MESUT ÖZIL" right now, lol</p>
— Based Aaron Ramsey (@Brohan_Cruyff) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brohan_Cruyff/statuses/374648740407033858">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<p> </p>
<p>Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to run around the block a few times.</p>
<h3>
<br><i> oh my god YOU GUYSSSS</i><br>
</h3>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2013/9/2/4687618/mesut-ozil-arsenal-transfer-twitterTed Harwood2013-09-02T17:39:51-04:002013-09-02T17:39:51-04:00Arsenal sign Mesut Özil
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<img alt="YES" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/epv-UX-HXIOtHbCM9Swm2r6X2rI=/0x485:3315x2695/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18874599/167100611.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>YES | Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>One of the top midfielders and players in the world has joined Arsenal from Real Madrid.</p> <p><a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arsenal</a> have <a href="http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/german-international-ozil-joins-arsenal" target="_blank">officially announced</a> the signing of German international star Mesut Özil from <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Madrid</a> on a club-record deal. The announcement includes no figures, but other reports, including from the BBC's David Ornstein, have the fee at €50 million (or £42.4 million).</p>
<p>Here's Arsene Wenger:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We are extremely pleased to have signed Mesut Ozil. He is a great player, with proven quality at both club and international level. We have watched and admired him for some time as he has all the attributes I look for in an Arsenal player. Mesut is a top quality footballer who will be a fantastic addition to our talented squad. We are all looking forward to him joining up with us after his international matches with Germany and working with us as an Arsenal player.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Here's Ivan Gazidis:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>This is an exciting day for all of us. We have signed a world-class player who is one of Europe’s brightest young talents. Mr. [Stan] Kroenke, our controlling owner, has always fully supported Arsène and the Club in making significant investments to strengthen our squad and to bring in talented players who fit our style and ambitions. Like all of us, Mr. Kroenke wants to see Arsenal winning titles and trophies and he has absolute faith and belief in our manager to achieve that. We will continue to work towards that goal and look forward to an exciting season.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Here's the player himself:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I am thrilled to be joining a club of the stature of Arsenal and am looking forward to playing in the Premier League. It will be great for my own personal development as a player and I am particularly looking forward to working with Arsène Wenger. From our negotiations it is clear the Club has huge ambition and I look forward to being part of an exciting future.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Here's me:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH YES GET IN</p>
</blockquote>
<p>And finally, Ted wanted to share this.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3gWi3KLmjpM" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>We've got our man. Celebrate in the comments.</p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2013/9/2/4687612/arsenal-transfer-news-mesut-ozil-signs-real-madridThomas Wachtel2013-09-02T17:28:16-04:002013-09-02T17:28:16-04:00Reports: Özil deal very close
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aCX9wFoVbd2uQ6sLtmOEBB71Tzg=/0x140:2667x1918/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18873859/169770060.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>AS claims the deal is completed, and other reports appear to corroborate.</p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2013/09/01/primera/1378048668_664427.html">According to the Spanish paper AS</a>, Mesut Özil has officially signed for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a>. They say the deal is for five years, with a yearly salary of €8.5 million (about £7.2 million a year). The fee is reported at €45 million with €4.6 million in add-ons - that's approximately £38 million and £3.8 million, respectively.</p>
<p>Most of the rest of the story is what we already know, aside from one thing - evidently, <span>Per Mertesacker</span> was instrumental in convincing Özil to come.</p>
<p>Want more? Here's David Ornstein:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Arsenal will confirm the signing of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid for €50m (£42.4m) in the next half an hour <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bbcfootball&src=hash">#bbcfootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23afc&src=hash">#afc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23rmfc&src=hash">#rmfc</a></p>
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) <a href="https://twitter.com/bbcsport_david/statuses/374641986583949312">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>So he's got the numbers a little bit differently, but I'm okay with that amount as well. It's closer to what we've heard already, anyway.</p>
<p>It sounds like La Liga is on board, as well.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>La LFP confirma la baja federativa de Ozil. A las 23:30h en C+Liga todos los detalles.</p>
— Pablo Pinto (@pablopinto99) <a href="https://twitter.com/pablopinto99/statuses/374636763748134912">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>What's that mean? We'll see sister blog Managing Madrid for help.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Canal Plus also confirming the news. Özil is not on Real's roster anymore according to the LFP (La Liga).</p>
— Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) <a href="https://twitter.com/managingmadrid/statuses/374637556958109696">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>It appears that at the very least, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110270/mesut-ozil">Mesut Özil</a> is no longer a Real Madrid player. We may finally be home, people.</p>
<p><b>EDIT:</b></p>
<p>As I was writing this post, Sky Sports News read a statement from Mesut Özil, saying essentially that he's pleased to move to Arsenal, though he grew as a player and a person at Madrid. This deal should be official very soon, it sounds. Get happy.</p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2013/9/2/4687520/reportsThomas Wachtel2013-09-02T17:19:37-04:002013-09-02T17:19:37-04:00Arsenal still on the market?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NvC_K7MWIsjT6OYVZrk_U-aKNRw=/0x1:502x336/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18873377/gyi0063199071.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Clive Mason</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Some people are reporting that Arsenal are still trying to pull off one more move. </p> <p>Take this with a huge grain of salt, because most journalists are saying that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> are doing for the window, but Wayne Veysey, who has been more reliable this summer, and GeoffArsenal are both saying they think Arsenal are still after a striker:</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I would be amazed if we haven't got a contingency plan re a striker in case Ba deal dropped.</p>
— Geoff Arsenal (@GeoffArsenal) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffArsenal/statuses/374630563480862720">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Arsenal striker twist: Told AFC are working on a new deal for a forward. Unlikely but not impossible.</p>
— Wayne Veysey (@wayneveysey) <a href="https://twitter.com/wayneveysey/statuses/374638154596511744">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>These aren't the most reliable of sources, but there is just an hour left, and sometimes Geoff has info before others. Also, it makes sense: If Arsenal didn't have a contingency plan beyond Ba besides <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110199/nicklas-bendtner">Nicklas Bendtner</a>, that'd be putting a lot of hope into a) <span>Olivier Giroud</span> not getting tired/injured and b) Nicklas Bendtner being a competent striker; both of these options are risky. <span>Arsene Wenger</span> has said he's prepared to overspend, so I wouldn't be surprised to see Arsenal at least <i>try </i>for a striker.</p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/arsenal-transfer-rumors-and-news/2013/9/2/4687534/arsenal-striker-transferAidan Gibson2013-09-02T15:51:56-04:002013-09-02T15:51:56-04:00Bendtner to stay at Arsenal
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WiDTewdeng6nKMRlxr1xZ84POJM=/170x70:3616x2367/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18868177/152581716.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Marco Luzzani</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Danish striker will literally never leave Arsenal, but hey, maybe that's not a disaster?</p> <p>While <a target="_blank" href="http://www.theshortfuse.com/2013/9/2/4687026/arsenal-transfer-news-bendtner-crystal-palace-parish-ssn">reports today</a> have claimed that Arsenal have been working to move <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110199/nicklas-bendtner" class="sbn-auto-link">Nicklas Bendtner</a> on, specifically to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/crystal-palace" class="sbn-auto-link">Crystal Palace</a>, it appears the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.theshortfuse.com/2013/9/2/4687126/arsenal-transfer-rumours-news-demba-ba-deal-off">failed </a>Demba Ba loan has killed the plan.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Nicklas Bendtner will stay at Arsenal. Suggests Wenger does see him as an option now he can't get another striker. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23afc&src=hash">#afc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cpfc&src=hash">#cpfc</a></p>
— Jeremy Wilson (@JWTelegraph) <a href="https://twitter.com/JWTelegraph/statuses/374617492326322176">September 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>That's not really great news, because I think we'd all prefer to see a different player here instead of Bendtner, because nobody really likes him all that much. But if I could play devil's advocate, for just a moment:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Bendtner is <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arsenal's</a> 2nd current top scorer behind Walcott...</p>
— David Wall (@1DavidWall) <a href="https://twitter.com/1DavidWall/statuses/373390104812732417">August 30, 2013</a>
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<p>I mean, it is technically true. It doesn't make me particularly happy, but you take what you can get. Of course, it's also possible that Arsenal could bring in another striker in the next couple of hours, but right now it looks like we're going with Yaya Sanogo and <span>Theo Walcott</span> as backup strikers. And Bendtner. Hey, crazier things have worked.</p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2013/9/2/4687194/arsenal-transfer-news-bendtner-stay-crystal-palaceThomas Wachtel2013-09-02T15:29:58-04:002013-09-02T15:29:58-04:00Demba Ba loan deal off
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Chelsea have refused to loan Demba Ba to Arsenal.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> had been working hard to bring in a backup to <span>Olivier Giroud</span> in the person of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea's</a> Demba Ba, but it appears that the proposed loan move has been scrapped. Chelsea refuse to loan the player to "a rival," according to the entire soccer reporting establishment. Want proof?</p>
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<p>Ba's proposed loan to Arsenal is off. Chelsea will not sell to a rival <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23afc&src=hash">#afc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cfc&src=hash">#cfc</a></p>
— David Hytner (@DaveHytner) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaveHytner/statuses/374612517730791424">September 2, 2013</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Sadly for Arsenal, Ba not happening. Chelsea don't want him to join a rival. After signing Ozil, Arsenal are a title tival IMO. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23afc&src=hash">#afc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cfc&src=hash">#cfc</a></p>
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) <a href="https://twitter.com/johncrossmirror/statuses/374612430779080704">September 2, 2013</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p><span>Demba Ba's</span> proposed season-long loan from Chelsea to Arsenal is OFF. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Cfc&src=hash">#Cfc</a> have decided they do not want to sell to a rival <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bbcfootball&src=hash">#bbcfootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23afc&src=hash">#afc</a></p>
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) <a href="https://twitter.com/bbcsport_david/statuses/374612838859685888">September 2, 2013</a>
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<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
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<p>Demba Ba to Arsenal has fallen through. Chelsea don't want to loan to a rival. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23afc&src=hash">#afc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cfc&src=hash">#cfc</a></p>
— Jeremy Wilson (@JWTelegraph) <a href="https://twitter.com/JWTelegraph/statuses/374612718113652736">September 2, 2013</a>
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<p>It's not too surprising, but Ba would have been good for the role proposed. One assumes the hunt continues.</p>
https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/2013/9/2/4687126/arsenal-transfer-rumours-news-demba-ba-deal-offThomas Wachtel