He is an excellent player. The problem is he's got an attitude. I think he might be more of a hothead than Carlton Cole. I can just see this guy getting into a disagreement with Curbs because he didn't start or was taken off the pitch. I believe Mr. Wenger had this problem with him which is why he was released. He would be the type of player that Curbs would want as he can play in the midfield and, therefore, is flexible. Unfortunately, we've got way too many of those types. We need someone to play real well at one position and not fairly well at two. The good news is that he would come on a Bosman (i.e. free). The bad news is that his salary demands might be more than Kanu's. I'm scratching my head on this guy.......
It's a tough call. I don't know if Wiltord and Arsene had any disagreements. He was limited last season mostly because of injury. Then Bergkamp ended up having a great year so he wouldn't have had much playing time anyway, especially after Reyes came in as well. Personally I've always liked him. He was an expensive player and I don't think he was worth all that money, but the guy has gotten big goals for us. He's sporadic at times and it might be harder for him not having the great Arsenal midfield feed him the ball.
Marseille have ruled out signing him according to this Soccernet article. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=305987&cc=5901 It also says that Werder Bremen are in the picture. The article doesn't mention Charlton or any other team. Bremen might be a good fit for him since Ailton has moved to Schalke. But wouldn't it be great to get him to stay in London and continue wearing red, just Addick red? I still think it would be a great signing. Of course, if we can get James Beattie, then Wiltord will become too expensive. C'mon Curbs, sign him to a one-year deal and see what you can get out him. He has got to be much better than Cole and with a better attitude too.
Here's the latest. http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/sport/football/articles/12174683?source=Evening Standard Wiltord may not have scored many goals at Arsenal, but who beyond Henry really does? And Wiltord had to be a threat. Defenses had to cover him as well or he did hurt them. So, he does know how to score and he knows how to create space for those around him. Just having someone like him on the pitch can open up things for others like DiCanio, Bartlett, Euell, Rommedahl, etc. Since we may not be able to get Beattie, let's get Sylvain.
I've heard we might be after Kily Gonzalez although he's a left winger, theres a strong rumour that Konchensky is on his way, possibly to WBA. so I guess Gonzalez would replace him. Personally I think its critical we get a CF soon (stating the obvious I guess) Van Bommel has been linked too , I think the deadline for eligability for the Champions league is Thursday so we might see some of the big names transfered (Viera) we may well be able to snap up some top quality players who are concerned they won't have a wage after Thursday - I hope thats Curbs plan.
My biggest fear is that we are waiting too long to act. While the transfer deadline is Aug. 31 we would already be 4 matches into the season and those matches are not against the big clubs but the ones we would be competing with for European places. We do need a striker. However, I would consider Andy Reid right now as he has put in a transfer request and supposedly Spurs may no longer be interested in him. He could be had for £2.5 -3 million. He would be great bookend to Rommodahl since he is a natural left winger.
I'm not that worried Alan came out and said he will be signing 3 quality players probably before next week, so I would suggest that those 3 are already in the bag, He has said don't expect a 7 million signing but i'm confident he'll bring in quality - If the other 2 signings are good and in the bag it might convince Murphy to come to us over Spurs. One of the new guys simply has to be a striker.