Andrey's Attitude and Is It Bye-Bye Bendy?

Well, like the sweltering heat of an Indiana summer, the Arsenal transfer saga continues with little movement on some fronts (Cesc/Nasri) and some on others.  But more on that later.  In some refreshing news, Andrey Arshavin has been speaking on the Arsenal site about what he wants to accomplish in the coming season.  Our sometimes energetic Russian is going for 15 goals.  I have to say, reading that Andrey is setting goals makes me think that his head might be finally recovered from missing the World Cup.  For him, like the rest of the squad and perhaps even us fans, the slate is wiped clean, and he wants to write success across his.  It's exactly what I want to hear.  I  am tired of hearing that Arsenal players are "suffering" or want to win trophies somewhere else.  Way to lay down the gauntlet for yourself Andrey.  Having only netted six goals in his half season with us in 2009, 12 in 2009-2010, and 10 last season, 15 shows ambition.  I am feeling optimistic that our petite winger is going to have a great season.  I would to see that tongue-hanging-out-celebration thingy much more often.Click here for my all time favorite Arshavin goal (HINT:  it's probably your favorite too)

Onto some potential Arsenal exits, the striker who outscores everyone on the planet as far as self-confidence goes may be off to Sporting Lisbon.  That's right, Bendy may be leaving for Portugal for reportedly 9 million pounds.  I use the word "may" because soon after the Guardian posted the article about he move, Jamie from the Young Guns Blog tweeted a quote from Sporting Lisbon Director Carlos Barbados where he stated "It's highly unlikely that Nicklas Bendtner ends up here. The club pays nowhere near what he is used to at Arsenal." 

Ummm.  Okay.  Many bloggers and fans have commented on the possible dangers giving young and mostly unproven players such high wages.  It's tough to unload them.  Denilson's loan to Sao Paulo is a primary example and it looks as though Nick may have to go the same route if he wants consistent playing time.  It's too bad really.  Nick has always driven me batty at times, but when given a consistent run in the side, I found him to be someone who needed to be reckoned with.  We depended on him back in the 2009-2010 season when Robin got tore up in that friendly with Italy (which turned out not to be that friendly).  Horse's placenta failed, Bendy was called upon and responded by netting 12 goals from November to late April.  I wonder if he hadn't wrecked his car around a tree, carried an injury into the World Cup and into the start of the season last year, perhaps Chamakh would have been called upon less and Bendy more.  What we had last year was not-so-fast and agile Nicklas playing as a winger - which aggravated both him and the fans.  He did manage to score some goals though only two in the Premier League and NONE in the Champions League.  None against Barcelona at Camp Nou.  Sigh.  Unfortunately, that is how I will probably remember Bendy - The One Who Let It Get Away.

Anyway, that's all for now.  Apparently the Joel Campbell story is breaking again (thanks gunnerblog), but unless he gets a work permit, I don't think we'll see him this year.  Speaking of work permits, the ever-informed Jamie again at Young Guns has written that Arsenal are working on the work permit for Ryo which means that Wenger wants to give him his chance at first team football.  Wow. Can you imagine being just out of a high school soccer program and having the opportunity to play at one of the biggest soccer clubs at the world?  Surreal.

I said that was all, didn't I? Okay, so hopefully there will be some clarity on whether our Dane is departing or not.  Until then, try to not let the rumors drive you over the edge.  Take care.