No sooner has Lauren got fit after his year out with Injury, then Wenger announces that Lauren will not be offered a new contract and is free to find another club. While this came as an initial shock, it shouldn't come as a surprise.
Back when Lauren signed his last contract, he was only offered a 1 year deal. This was a big surprise back then, as Arsenal normally only do this for players who are over 30. Lauren was understandably annoyed at this, and Arsenal eventually relented and offered a two year deal. At the same time, Arsenal offered Justin Hoyte a three year deal, so it was apparent at the time who Wenger saw as the long term option. Since then of course, Eboue has also established himself (although he seems to have gone downhill a bit recently, what with his rolling around antics getting more coverage than his game).
So while I'll be sorry to see Lauren go, it is not a real surprise. I do hope he goes abroad, as I don't want any of our forwards to come up against his no nonsense style of defending!
The other problem I have with him leaving now is that we will get next to nothing for him, as his contract expires in the summer. Why we keep doing this is beyond me - players like Wiltord, Kanu, Pires have all left for free, and now it is going to happen again - but then again, perhaps it is all compensated by the cost of the food/drink at the Emirates!
UPDATE: Lauren signed for Portsmouth last night, so our boys will come up against him. Lets hope he continues to save his best tackles for Ronaldo.
No comments:
Post a Comment