By FRANCO PANIZO
It's no secret that Arsenal is in need of some reinforcements, and manager Arsene Wenger has already identified one possible target for the winter transfer window.
Wenger is hoping to bring in Fiorentina winger Juan Manuel Vargas, the Peruvian international which had been linked with Arsenal during the summer transfer window. Wenger is reportedly prepared to cough up the necessary $15.4 million to acquire Vargas, who would bring some much needed grit to the Gunners.
Arsenal will appear to have competition for Vargas' signature, as Juventus is also interested in signing him to a deal.
Vargas, who can play anywhere along the left side, helped Peru to a surprise third-place finish at this past summer's Copa America.
Here are more stories to get your Thursday going:
SUDAMERICANA MATCH ABANDONED AFTER LINESMAN STRUCK
The Copa Sudamericana match between Uruguayan club Nacional and Universidad de Chile was called off early in the second half after an assistant referee was hit in the head by a roll of cash register paper thrown from the crowd. The official was knocked to the ground as a result, and receieved treatment before the match was abandoned. This marked the second time this week that a Copa Sudamericana game was called off.
Here's video of the incident:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhJHHW32m_g]
UEFA TO ASK FIFA TO ERASE AUGUST DATES
The good old club-versus-country debate appears to be on the verge of becoming a main topic again. UEFA is set to ask FIFA to remove the August friendly dates from its international calendar, as the European clubs believe the single-fixture date interrupts preseason preparations. While some international coaches might be opposed to this approach, others will be in favor due to teams typicaly only having 48 hours together to practice.
MANCHESTER UNITED EYEING SCOTTISH YOUNGSTER ALLAN
Manchester United knows a thing or two about young talent, and the starlet the club has most recently been linked with is Dundee United midfielder Scott Allan. Manchester United is reportedly keeping an eye on the 19-year-old, who has made his way into Dundee's rotation this season following strong showings with Scotland's U-21 national team. Allan's deal is set to expire with Dundee at the end of the season.
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Think Vargas would be a good addition for Arsenal? What should be done to protect referees and players in the Copa Sudamericana? Would you like to see the August FIFA dates scrapped?
Share your thoughts below.
Having stood in the “hardcore, bouncing supporters’ section” for several seasons’ and having relocated to the family side–I can tell ya’ from personal experience: It’s waiting for you whenever you want to come over and join us… Really.
I like watching Vargas play. Especially when he plays for Peru. He’s gritty and got some “nasty” in him. His temper can betray him at times. Not so sure how he will fit in at Arsenal. Interesting.
SZC is the only reason we haven’t conceded more goals. He’s not been at fault for many if any of the goals so far. Our defending has been at fault.
TIMMAY
Depending on how full the roll is, I’d say it probably weighs 5-10 lbs.
Boom goes the dynamite.
You sound like you sit on the family-side of RFK
Arsenal need a world-class goalkeeper. I am getting tired of seeing Szcenseny standing there as the ball goes into the net.
I’ve been a victim of a streamer-to-the-head once or twice. Lucky to come out alive to be honest.
Even the Refs in South America know how to take a dive. 🙂
It looked like a cash register roll. Those are actually surprisingly heavy and solid, it’s not like it was a roll of nice soft streamers or anything. I could definitely see a cash register roll doing some damage.
The linesman probably dove, seeking a red card for the fans.
How much damage can a roll of paper do? Were there rocks inside?