Ba's Gone As The Eve of The Transfer Window Is Upon Us

Demba Ba is In Talks With Chelsea

So, we are finally there. The eve of the New Year 2013(HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!) and most exciting of transfer windows approaches. Not that transfer windows were not exciting before. But the Manager himself has come out and claimed that this transfer window will be busy for Arsenal, which is not something you heard from him recently.Who goes in, who goes out, to Arsenal, from Arsenal, to the Premier League, from the Premier League....fans love the transfer window(if your club does not lose its best players!).
Arsenal have been linked with quite a few names this time around, like always. But as Arsene himself claimed, Arsenal would only be looking at "exceptional talent". Llorente,Holtby,David Villa, Demba Ba among others would perfectly fit the tag of "exceptional talent" and are apparently available for transfers if rumors are to be believed. Demba Ba is however holding talks for a move to Chelsea. He would have been a good addition to our squad given his proven abilities in the EPL and his price tag (7.5mil Pounds). But, it seems he is destined for a move to Chelsea, although you never know unless he actually completes the move.
Arsene, after the game against Newcastle claimed that Arsenal are not "short" in forward area. So, it could be an indication that he would go for a mid-fielder and/or someone to play in the back four, especially the left back position where we are desperately short on numbers and quality.
We can speculate all we want, but the transfer window always throws up quite a few surprises. Brace yourself, because there will be more than a few this time around. 

Holtby="Exceptional Talent"

Lewis Holtby is Undoubtedly an "Exceptional Talent"

Lewis Holtby has recently claimed that he will be leaving Shalke after he confirmed that he will not sign a new contract with the club. Now, there is no doubt about the talent instilled in this particular player. He has proven time and again how good he is through his exploits on the fields. He has not yet reached the heights of Mario Gotze, who has arguably become a world-class player and is a Bundesliga hot property at the moment. But the good thing is that most people admit that Holtby is next in line to "greatness". I still remember a few seasons ago when he was so influential in getting Mainz, a team that had just been promoted to the Bundesliga that season, to the top of the league for half the season beating almost all of the heavy-weights of the Bundesliga on their way. Holtby took the Bundesliga by storm that season. His performances even got him a place in the German senior side. He was all over the news that season and although he does not make the front page as often now a days, very few can question his performances and talents.

The news that he will not be extending his contract would have alerted a lot of clubs, ofcourse. Le Prof would also be looking at this as an opportunity, to strengthen our beleaguered squad as well as to add an "exceptional" talent, as he puts it. It will be difficult, but if he pulls this one off, it will be one of his major coup during his reign.