The Independent has reported that Arsenal tried to sign
Xabi Alonso just before the transfer deadline, submitting an
improved offer believed to be around £14 million. Yesterday
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez had reiterated that Spanish
international midfielder Alonso was not for sale, although it is
thought was always prepared to deal if a would-be buying club met
his valuation of the player.
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger had admitted the Gunners needed an
experienced midfielder, and had hinted that a deadline day deal or
two might well materialise. In the event, none did, though Wenger
has also stressed that he believes his existing squad is strong
enough to challenge for major honours.
Wenger brought in Samir Nasri, Aaron Ramsey, Amaury Bischoff and
Mikael Silvestre during the summer, while Gilberto Silva, Alexander
Hleb, Jens Lehmann, Mathieu Flamini and Justin Hoyte left the club
and Kerrea Gilbert, Nacer Barazite, Armand Traore and Philippe
Senderos were sent out on loan.
Wenger yesterday rejected Cardiff City's attempt to take Aaron
Ramsey back on loan. Nevertheless, he is thought to have wanted to
partner Alonso with fellow Spain international Cesc Fabregas in
central midfield. According to The Independent, Wenger saw Alonso,
26, as a player who could add experience and steel to his team.
The Frenchman had a bid of £12million rejected last month as he
tried to capitalise on Liverpool's efforts to sign Gareth Barry
from Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, Benitez was busy on deadline day as both buyer and
seller. He completed the £8million signing of Espanyol winger
Albert Riera on a four-year contract, and also brought in two
18-year-olds: Brazilian striker Vito Flora on a free transfer from
Botafogo and Hungarian goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi from MTK
Hungaria.
Benitez sold Steve Finnan to Espanyol for £1million, and sent
Ukrainian striker Andrei Voronin back to the Bundesliga on a
season-long loan with Hertha Berlin. But he failed to offload
winger Jermaine Pennant, who wanted a move to Blackburn Rovers and
therefore rejected a £4million move to Stoke City.