Rumors have been shooting off every wall of soccer websites claiming Sylvain Wiltord will pull the judas and make the North London switch to play for Santini. I've also heard the Lizarazu rumor rear it's head again with more to back it up this time. Also theres this really insane Ronaldo link and the Edgar Davids Saga. If Tottenham could pull in just one of these two they'd be a great destination for foregin players from then on
Put this all on the 'Rumour Mill' thread Joser! The Ronaldo link is insane, and designed to sell as many papers as possible. What Ronaldo said was, 'I'd like to play in England. I really like Frank Arnesen. I've always said I'd like to play in England.' He will never, NEVER come to Spurs. Words have been put in his mouth by the stupid, stupid tabloids, so lets all take a deep breath and get on with it.
Just read that Rosicky has been linked to Spurs. Any further informations on this in English (online) newspapers? Liverpool, Spurs tracking Dortmund's Rosicky
Tribal football isn't the most intelligent of sources. It's just ripping off what other people put. Speculation is rife. But i'd imagine there will be a few unknown (to us) players, a few established (slightly older, maybe) players and some real surprise/shock signings. Just bring it! Can't wait!!
Honestly, I dont thnk Wiltord comming to the lane is really a Judas move. It is a terrible thing. It is not Judas because he is not English, he was not born and raised Arsenal and he was never that kind of player to a team like the Orignial Judas, team captian, and Alan Smith, who bleed Leeds United. It would be odd though having a gooner on our side. But tell him to leave the cheating behind.
Personally i wouldn't want Wiltord in my side, i don't think he's the right sort of player. People go on about the honours and caps and stuff, but i don't really care. He's 30, an average striker and an average midfielder (because he wasn't starting upfront). I honestly think our attentions would be better off elsewhere. Of course a free transfer is always intriguing, and that's one of the few positives i can see if this deal was to come off. I don't buy into the Judas crap either, Alan Smith and Sol are different altogether. Personally, i'd rather see us go for Rosicky, or Wilhelmsson as a midfield answer. Yes these cost money, but they are also a lot younger and better players - IMO. I also don't like the idea of Sidney Govou, i've looked into him a bit and he's hardly prolific in the French league. Something like 10 goals a season max for champions Lyon, it's not really good enough, sometimes it's been 6 or 8 from 30 games. I hate the idea of putting up a formation based on unsigned players and speculation but here's how i'd want us to play now. *fingers crossed it works* ------------------------------------Paul Robinson ------Matthew Taylor-------Lilian Thuram------Ledley King-------Stephen Carr ---------------------------Edgar Davids--------Tomas Rosicky ------Marek Jankulovski------------Robbie Keane------------Helder Postiga ----------------------------------Jermain Defoe Then i'd have Keller, Gardner, Brown, Wilhelmsson and Kanoute or another striker on the bench. 6 signings. Davids is free, Jankulovski we've supposedly bid for (£5m), Thuram is 32 and coming to the end so i think Juve would accept a low amount, Rosicky is at Dortmund who have financial problems and he says he's likely to leave after Euro2004, and Wilhelmsson plays for Anderlecht so he'd probably fetch about £3-5m. Portsmouth and Taylor, no idea how much they'd want but i would imagine whatever his value is they would double it to try and fleece us.
I personally think that Wiltord will go to the Lane as it is common knowledge that he is highly rated by Santini I could also see Lizarazu making his way to London which would be a good move in my opinion as he put in a pretty good showing at Euro 2004 and I believe he is also another favourite of Santini other than those two its hard to tell who could be coming as Spurs are quite often refered to as a "big-club" despite the fact they haven't won anything in years and haven't had a big name player since Klinsmann apart from Sol Campbell but you could say he became a big name after becoming a Gunner! Edgar Davids could be possible I suppose but I can't see Thuram in a Tottenham shirt, it all depends on what sort of budget they've got I suppose anyone have an ideas?
I generally agree with your assessment of Wiltord, but I think he'll bring a few things to your squad... 1. Most importantly, he's French, know's Santini well, and is acquainted to the English game. That could be a great benefit to Santini as he's learning the language. I don't know if there is another player out there with those qualifications that is available/interested. 2. He's a winner. He's scored some very big goals for Arsenal in his time there and you shouldn't discount the impact of having a player around that is used to winning things. It brings a good tone to the dressing room. 3. He was a dressing room favourite with all players, not just the French. If he gets regular playing time, he'll be a very positive influence on morale. He's not the most talented player, but he's no slouch either. A 2 or 3 year deal could be a win-win proposition for player & club (& coach). And he's definitely not a Judas. He was released by Arsenal. I'd clap him upon his return to Highbury, and I'd hope that Spurs supporters would also welcome him as one of their own if he were to sign.
Sylvain Wiltord cost more and you've just released him. Gio van Bronckhorst cost a fortune and you loaned him out then gave him to Barca. Francis Jeffers cost a fortune and you loaned him out.