Does Arshavin Hold The Key?

Today`s M.E.N (Manchester Evening News) reports that the likely transfer of Arshavin to Spurs will pave the way for United to make a £28 million approach for long-term target Dimitar Berbatov.

Now, though it`s not for me to discuss the transfer dealings of another club, I can’t quite understand this recent obsession with the rose-cheeked Russian playmaker. I have read the stories of his troubled past, which never allowed him to fully achieve his true potential; however it doesn`t quite rub with me. How can a player who ‘supposedly` performed so well in Euro 2008 be a virtual unknown for the previous 8 years? Some of you may be asking why I used the word ‘supposedly`; but let`s remember he only played 3 games at Euro 2008, the third of which he was a complete obsolete. I mean, do two good performances in the Euro`s and a decent UEFA Cup campaign really merit the ludicrous sum of money Zenit are demanding? Surely the distinct lack of interest in the player should act as warning to Spurs to stay well away. But alas, I am diverging…

Indeed, the real point of this article was to discuss the possibility of Berbatov finally being able to join United. It has been long known that Sir Alex is a keen admirer of the 27-year old; and with the odd exception the possible signing of Berbatov is seen as a good thing amongst United fans.

I mean, £28 million is alot of money, but when you look at today`s market, a market in which Gareth Barry is valued at £18 million and Bentley at £15 million; we must surely look on this as a good piece of business. The likelihood is that Berbatov is our only target and thus his signing would be out only piece of business this year. No doubt this article will attract many a Spurs fan who will spout the same old crap about Levy`s dossier (how is that going by the way, chaps?) and the fact they will sell him for £2.50 and a packet of Cheese and Onion crisps to Barcelona just to spite us, but the reality is Spurs are a club in need of money. They have spend upwards of £65 million since Ramos came and though prising an impressive £20 million from Liverpool for Robbie Keane, they need money. Especially if the rumours we hear about David Villa and the like are true.

So, despite the fact all still remains in limbo, I think we can safely say that this will be sorted out sooner rather than later, one way or the other…no one really wants this dragging into the season.