Transfer Deadline

So, the summer transfer window slammed shut last night, and Arsene Wenger and David Dein were quite busy. Here’s the rundown:

Jose Antonio Reyes has been sent to Real Madrid in exchange for Brazilian midfielder Julio “The Beast” Baptista. The agreement between the clubs is a season long loan, with a view to making the switch permanent come summer.

In a surprise move, utility defender Pascal Cygan was sold to Villarreal for 2 million pounds. Reports also indicate that the Gunners signed another two youngsters, 18 year old Sho Ito from Japan, and 19 year old Denilson from Brazil.

However, the big news of deadline day was the under the wire completion of the most protracted transfer saga in history. England left back Cashley Cole broke FA rules by meeting with Chelksi at a hotel lounge while still under contract to Arsenal back in January of 2005, and ended up feeling betrayed by Arsenal when they allowed him to be fined by the FA for his actions. Instead of taking his lumps, he burned his bridges, and thus began a saga that lasted right up until last night. Cole and his agent fought for his “rights”, blamed everyone but themselves, and pretty much alienated everyone at Arsenal in the process.

Chelski too were fined for their involvement, but the whole business didn’t put either party off trying again. So, twenty months after the inital meeting, Arsenal sent Cashley to West London in exchange for France international defender, William Gallas and 5 million pounds.

Only time will tell who makes out better.

Well, there’s no club football this weekend, but plenty of action as the Euro2008 qualifiers start. Check your local listings as there’ll be matches on tomorrow and Sunday.