As the Arsenal faithful wait patiently (or impatiently – in most cases) for the action to heat up in the transfer window, surely its not going be another year of “nothing”, right?
I bloody well hope not.
Anyway, let’s remember some happier memories – the summer of 1995. It is an amazing 18 years ago that on June 20th a certain-to-become legendary superstar Sir Dennis Bergkamp waltzed into the marble halls of Highbury with a massive 7.5million price tag draped ’round his neck like a hangman’s noose after moving from Inter Milan. Funny enough, it was one of the few things Bruce Rioch did right for the club, but all is forgiven.
To watch this footballing genius create, mesmerize and simply confuse defenders on a weekly basis, was a joy to behold. He was known fondly as “The Iceman”, because nothing seemed to faze him – well, except getting on a plane maybe. He was so gifted he made players like Ian Wright, Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka better with a simple pass, a deft touch or flick, a quick free kick or just some sheer magic that no one can explain… remember the Newcastle goal? It’s definitely worth a Google. How about the Leicester City hat trick? They may very well remain the best 3 strikes I have seen in over 30 years in one match.
Once again, Dennis has changed my train of thought, and not for the 1st time. He was a truly amazing player of the highest quality!
Right, back now to one thing that is for certain – Bergkamp was a marquee signing that changed the club’s fortunes for years to come.
All the talk since the season ended has been rumour after rumour of Real Madrid and Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuian coming to the bright lights of the Emirates. A goal scoring machine at all levels and ice cool when chances come his way, Higuain would fit like a glove in our squad. Could he be the Bergkamp-like signing and the catalyst that brings the glory days flooding back to the Gooner masses? Let’s think about that. How good is Higuian?
Well 107 goals in 187 games for Real, and 20 goals in 32 games for Argentina is a top-class record by any standards in top-flight football. Being only 25 he still has not reached his prime. You can see where this is taking us, yeah? In my eyes this is a must-have player that we will need to break the bank to get, but could help Arsenal emerge from its current air of despondent spinning around the Arsenal fans and wake this slightly dormant club from its sleepy slumber. He can’t do it alone, but would be a great start and a foundation to plant seeds to grow into a title chasing team again. Need I remind you of a strong core including Cazorla, Jack, et al?
I for one have my fingers crossed, lucky pants on and I’m praying Higuian is announced an Arsenal player in the very near future. Until next time, Up The Gunners!
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