Fabregas Press Release and Saturday's Predictions

Now that the King has returned, all the usual suspects have turned out to voice their opinions. Strange, apparently they all knew he was going to stay weeks ago. Hell, I wish they'd told us. Bob Wilson, who was the MC at yesterday's Member's Day said the following:

There will be an announcement soon that tells everyone Cesc is staying this season and for maybe longer. If you look at the team photo for the 2010-2011 season, he is at the front of the picture. That's the clearest indication you can get that Cesc will stay. Link

The Telegraph also reported that Cesc and Arsene had a very positive talk on Wednesday night before the training session and that Fabregas is currently working on a press release with his agent, Darren Dein.

Fabregas released the following statment today.

"Firstly I would like to apologise to all the Arsenal fans for not speaking sooner about my future but I have not known what I was going to do until this moment. I cannot deny that joining a club like Barcelona was not an attractive move for me. This was the club where I learnt my football, it is my home town where my friends and family are and a club where I have always dreamed of playing. There are not many players in this world who would not want to play for Barcelona. I have had many conversations with Arsène Wenger both in person and over the phone over the last few months and although the content of those conversations will remain private, the conclusion is that Barcelona have had two formal offers rejected by Arsenal. I am a professional and I fully understand that it is Arsenal's prerogative not to sell me. I owe a lot to the Club, manager and the fans and I will respect their decision and will now concentrate on the new season ahead with Arsenal.  I can assure all the fans that now the negotiations have ended I will be 100 percent focused on playing for Arsenal. I am an Arsenal player and as soon as I step out on to the pitch, that is the only club I will be thinking about. I am looking forward to the start of the season and putting this speculation behind me."

Wonderful. Almost exactly what needed to be said. What I really like about the statement is that he doesn't deny that he wanted to join Barca. He also doesn't lie and say that he always wanted to stay at Arsenal. He stands up to the facts like and man; only real part that's important was when he said 'I will be 100 percent focused on playing for Arsenal, I am an Arsenal player and as soon as I step out on to the pitch, that is the only club I will be thinking about'. BOOM! That's all I needed. I can gurantee a huge applause when he plays for us and his first goal will certainly result in a huge amount of crest kissing. Unfortunately, this will be the cue for all the boo boys to come out and say they knew all along.

Today is also Van Persie's 27th birthday. He's used the opportunity to come out and say that he believes the Arsenal team can win the league this season, and that he's dedicated to repaying the faith of the supporters with a trophy. I like him taking up the number 10 shirt in the spirit of some former dutch superstars, but van Persie should focus on getting back to full fitness before he's going for the gold. Baby steps, Robin, baby steps.
There's some new transfer rumors out today, with Arsenal supposedly pursuing Roma's Philippe Mexes. He's a blonde frenchmen who is just as shite as Phil Jagielka. He'll undoutedly play in France's upcoming international for which they've banned the world cup team, so I'll take a look at him there and update you all on whether his hair is still blonde and his legs are still slow. He's no taller than Vermaelen.

Jay Simpson has sprang into the news suddenly. Arsene told him last week he was free to leave if he wished and the striker has suddenly become the belle of the ball. Arsenal have reportedly agreed to a fee of £1.2 million with not one, not two, but three clubs. Apparently Hull City, Leeds United, and Crystal Palace are all after his signature with Queens Park Rangers waiting in the wings. All that's left for these three is to agree personal terms with the striker and I see him using this competition to get some serious wages. Good for him. However, with all this competition, you might wonder if Arsene is missing something in this young man. I'm quite sure he isn't. If anyone know youth, it's Wenger.

If you've been living under a rock, you may not know that Arsenal play Legia Warsaw this Saturday at 4pm. I expect it to be a run out for the first team that Wenger will play against Liverpool on the 15th. Fabregas and Vela will both be away on international duty, as Mexico play Spain in Mexico. Robin van Persie and Bendter both won't play as well due to a slight knock and a serious groin injury, respectively. With Alex Song still nursing himself back to full health and Ramsey out till November, we're back in the same position we were last season with half our team in the hospital wing. I'd expect Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong to start at Ligea with Nasri rounding out the midfield in a 4-3-3. Upfront, expect to see Chamakh, Arshavin, and Walcott or Rosicky. At the back, Gael and Bacary should be in their usual spots with Vermaelen and Koscielcny at the back. I'd expect Wenger to give Fabianski the start with us back at his old stomping ground. Maybe he'll realize he misses his home and choose to stay there. Expected starting line up is as follows.

Fabianski

Sagna - Vermaelen - Koscielcny - Clichy

Wilshere - Frimpong - Nasri

Rosicky - Chamakh - Arshavin

Alright then, to quote Wrighty7, keep it goonerish. I'll post any updates should anything exciting happen during the day.