Ade, Ade booed - plus Arsenal asked Barcelona about Bojan

Morning all,

happy Sunday to you all. A 1-0 defeat to Juventus yesterday in the Emirates Cup made it unlikely that we'll retain this most prestigious pieces of silverware, unless we spank Real Madrid today.

The Trezeguet goal was miles offside, even a blind man who didn't know the offside rule would have given it. It's not a big deal losing though. These games aren't about the results. There were some interesting bits and pieces to take from it though.

I suppose the main talking point is the reception given to Adebayor. When his name was announced pre-game there were some boos and when he came on in the second half you could hear more jeers when he touched the ball. Now, I'm not an advocate of booing players but I don't see any problem with fans wanting to let Adebayor know what they felt of his summer antics. He was out of order, they let him know. No harm whatsoever. Arsene Wenger called it 'disappointed love', heh.

In terms of performances young Jack Wilshere looked very good in the first half hour, as did most of the team in general. Gibbs was solid at the back, I thought Denilson had a very tidy game and was stronger in the tackle than I remember, Diaby came on and added something to midfield, Ramsey looks like he's got something about him while Djourou was quick and decent in the centre of defence.

The right hand side of Hoyte and Eboue was weak but given the fact they started yesterday and the supposed first XI will start today it's an indication that Sagna and Walcott, who combined well, are the ones who will begin the season there. 

Speaking after the game the boss said that even a 747 full of money wouldn't buy Adebayor now, although the new deal remains unsigned. He also spoke about a new signing, saying:

We are not close to signing anybody and I will focus on the players I have. If we can find someone, then we will do it. If not, I am happy as well. Experience-wise we a bit short in midfield but we will see. With Diaby not being injured, Denilson being available, we have quality in there. Today we did not have Rosicky, Fabregas, Eduardo, van Persie and Song. They are five top-class players.

Only one of those is a central-midfielder though. I have to say I'm finding the boss's comments about signings a bit strange. If we're short of experience and we need a body then shouldn't we be working hell for leather to find the right player rather than just saying 'Well, if we happen to chance across a vagrant quality central midfielder along the way we'll take him but if not then we'll just stick with what we've got'? 

On the other hand there is no real rush though. As the man from East Lower pointed out (after we'd finished recording the Arsecast the other night) our start to the season is not as tough as it might have been so there's no real rush. Knowing Arsene's penchant for late transfer window signings and the fact that you can drive the price down the longer you wait then it wouldn't be any surprise if the signing we all want came at 11.59pm on August 31st. 

Not much else happening really. In this morning's edition of El Mundo they report that Arsene Wenger, during the negotiations with Marc Ingla for Hleb and Adebayor, asked about Bojan Krkic. The youngster is only 17 and cannot sign a professional contract until he turns 18, at which point they can insert a ridiculous release clause. Barcelona don't want to sell though, obviously, because I reckon Bojan is going to be one of the biggest names in the world in a few years time. The boy, as they say, is a bit special.

So, Real Madrid later on. Should be fun. In the meantime have a good Sunday.