Le Squid Cometh

First things first, and there's some news on Seb "Le Squid" Squillaci.

There's still no official announcement from the club, but the Squid has made it abundantly clear what the situation is. I suppose he's cleared his medical? So sayeth he:

"If a French player receives an offer from Arsène Wenger, it's practically impossible to turn down."

Wow.

Although these days, I'm sure the worth of French players (or should I say, French national team players) must be...rather low? Good thing Wenger hasn't called up too many of the more dodgy French specimens.

Le Squid really likes the French connection though:

"Arsenal were always the team I watched out for."

"For any spectator like me, you had to watch a squad with [Thierry] Henry, [Robert] Pirès, [Patrick] Vieira and [William] Gallas. Now, I'm happy to have my name in the history books."

Gallas? Gallas? Of the Spurs? How can he mention Gallas and not make reference to, er, say Emmanuel Petit? Hmph. Oh well, I trust Samir and Gael will give him a welcome kick up the khyber for that. Maybe not Nasri, since he's just had surgery. Wenger then.

A bit of an Arsewipe at Pool today: first, what a sorry flop at Eastlands they were last night. A week ago at Anfield, and one might have felt that Pool may just have amazingly turned some corner. But alas, their top-7, mediocre version showed up at Manciti, and got rather comfortably whipped. Torres in particular looked totally out of it. And you know what? The table makes for funnier reading now. Pool, one point and one place off the relegation zone.

There's also the whole drama surrounding Mascherano. Going on strike, demanding a move, Hodgson standing his ground (rightly). What the heck is it with these people? Going on strike. Puh-leeze. So I say to ole Roy: stick to it, get your money's worth, and be prepared to either stick the fool in the reserves or make him buy out his contract. Bloody professionals.

As for Barca, looks like they offered Pool £18.8 million plus Alexander Hleb. Not sure what that works out to. £17 million? Anyways, apart from the sad sad end to Hleb after his deluded move to Barca (they even left him out of the club photo call!), you have to wonder too how far Barca's desperate move for Mascherano (and available cash) is simply down to their not being to do the same with our Cesc.

Finally - couldn't help noticing, while watching Pool last night. Cameras (intentionally?) on King Kenny (Dalglish, and not Huang), and right next to the old man was, shall I say, a rather... young...attractive... Chinese lady. Wonder who she was? Kenny's tutor? Translator? I thought the whole Chinese buy-out thing has fizzled out? Anyhows...

Can't believe it's only Tuesday. I got so desperate for some football that I even thought for a moment if Spurs-Young Boys might be worth watching...just to cheer on the Swiss again.

That's tomorrow though.