In the build up to his side's mouthwatering clash with Manchester City on Saturday evening, Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger has revealed yet another one of his transfer failings - Yaya Touré. The Frenchman, who has previously admitted to missing out on world class stars such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo, told the Express of the failed move back in 2003 and ranked it "at the top" of his list of signing regrets.
However, the manager was quick to dismiss the deal as a 'miss' and blamed the player for not completing the move.
"Let's not forget Touré had an agreement with Arsenal. We waited for his passport in Belgium but he went to Ukraine [instead].
"He's not a mistake but he preferred to go to Donetsk without a passport."
And it's a good job he did!
Stuart Brennan of the Manchester Evening News certainly believes it was, and the journalist has praised the Ivorian's conduct in the City shirt this season. Players have been voting for the PFA Player of the Year award this week and although Luis Suarez remains the out-and-out favourite for the accolade, Brennan believes Touré should be given more recognition for his influence on Manuel Pellegrini's team.
(The midfielder has already scored 17 Premier League goals this season)
"Suarez is a heavy odds-on favourite to win both baubles, having scored 28 league goals, and being the single biggest reason that Liverpool are fighting it out with City and Chelsea for the league title.
"But Toure is third favourite, behind Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, and that is scandalous.
"Perhaps it is because Toure has other contenders in his own team that his incredible contribution to City’s success story has not stood out as much as it should.
"Toure has been a constant in City’s magnificent form this season, and remains the man who pops up and produces a piece of magic when it is most needed.
"He already has a winner’s medal in his pocket after producing a phenomenal goal in the Capital One Cup final which changed the course of that game.
"And, despite being a holding midfielder to all intents and purposes, he has scored 21 goals this season, an astonishing return.
"Not only that, the variety of goals makes his collection special – long-range smashes and curls, deadly free-kicks, ice-cool penalties, powerful surges with lethal finishes, and poachers’ tap-ins."
The Express have also flavoured this morning's headlines with some juicy news from Italy, news that could see Edin Džeko leave the club this summer. According to Inter Milan director Piero Ausilio, the club are hopeful of bringing in either the Bosnian or Chelsea's Fernando Torres at the end of the season as the Milanese giants attempt to reenter Serie A's elite. However, with both players commanding huge wages from their respective clubs, stumbling blocks are likely to be met should any discussions begin.
(Edin Džeko netted a brace in City's 3-0 win over Manchester United on Tuesday, but the striker could be on his way out of the club this summer)
In other news, Arsène Wenger has given an update on Bacary Sagna's future and believes the full-back will remain at Arsenal after the summer. The 31-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City after announcing his intentions to remain in the Premier League, but his current boss believes he will do that in an Arsenal shirt.
Speaking to London24, the Frenchman said “I am confident he will stay but we will accept his decision no matter what it is.”
(Bacary Sagna has been linked with a move to Manchester City in recent weeks)
And finally, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp believes the blues will win the title if they beat Arsenal this weekend.
“If Manchester City go to Arsenal and win this weekend I think the Premier League title will be theirs.''
