Arsenal FC are 3rd Most Valuable Club

I was informed by Arsenal-Mania.com that Arsenal FC reached the 7th spot on Forbes List of most valuable sports clubs throughout the world. The list is dominated by sports organizations located here in the states (2-Cowboys, 3-Redskins, 4-Patriots, 5-Yankees) and there are only 3 football clubs in the top 10 (1-ManUr, 6-Real Madrid, 7-MIGHTY ARSENAL).

This begs the question, how are all of these American Football franchises in the top 10 when they only play 16 games a season, less than 1/3 of what Arsenal play? Commercial contracts sure, larger stadiums yeah, but more of a following? Larger fan base? Our new stadium is not far off the 70,000 average of the NFL stadiums and our brand surely has 10 times the following of any of those teams.

I also question how the club are valued at an estimated $1.2 billion, but we can't spend and additional 2 mill to ensure that the only target we have in the transfer window (despite what Wenger says) comes to the Emirates?

One theory is that Arsenal didn't come to sit on this list without the prudent methods we have so often shown, but $1.2 billion and we can't spend an additional $2 million, that sounds like an egotistical shouting match!!!

Just sign the lad already!!!

Cold War, Football Style

I really hope I am wrong about this one, but it seems that, due to a failed 100 mil bid for Kaka City's Sheiks are now interested in really the only top notch talent who is assured of moving on from his current club: Andrei Arshavin.

Arsenal HAD one advantage while Milan and City were engaged in discussion, we were the only club formally bidding for Arshavin's services.  It seemed a solid fit, his stature and skill fit into Wenger's, but his demeanor has not been one that I would associate with an Arsenal player.  He threatened to buy out the remainder of his contract this summer and leave on a free.  

Is this a player Arsenal want?

There have been many that have questioned Wenger's moves in the past, but I for one, trust him more than myself when it comes to spotting talent and assessing personality.

Arshavin would fit in with the players at Arsenal, but not his wage demands.  This is why he will go to City instead of being unveiled at the Emirates in a few days time.  He wants money and is not concerned with who he plays for, but that he gets out of Russia.