|
David Noble continues to make a considerable name for himself
at Watford, where he has quickly surpassed the achievements of
Stephen Hughes and Paolo Vernazza. The fans are singing "Sign up Noble" (to the tune of Big Ben).
On Saturday he starred in their 3-0 win at
Grimsby, showing off with his ball skills and scoring a
cheeky goal (the official Watford site has video highlights for windows, Noble's the nuber 20 scoring their second).
Of course it's great to see him doing so well, since everyone's
hoping he'll come back to us at the end of the season and break
into the first team (along with Pennant). But there's a worry that Watford will try to grab him off us permanently.
Would we let him go? Unthinkable? Well, David Dein has been
telling people in private that a fee has already
been agreed with Watford and the only way Noble will return
to Arsenal is if they don't want him at the end of the season.
Let's hope that's a big fee. His worth is likely to
rise considerably during the course of the season.
Perhaps the deal hasn't been signed, perhaps Arsenal can change
their minds and go back on this agreement, perhaps we can ask for
£20million. But Wenger and Dein are always saying they respect agreements that they make, and
this is one of those times where that integrity could become
a burden.
So, please, can you slow down a bit David. You're
not that good really. Or at least, we don't want Vialli
thinking you are...
update
In response to the above, we've now had confirmation
from someone in the know at Watford. The loan deal
included an option to buy at the end of the season
for a paltry £1million. Apparently the only thing
that can scupper the deal is Noble refusing to go,
which in turn will presumably depend on Wenger being able to persuade him that he'll get more than a game or two in
the League Cup. And maybe that will depend on
Pennant's progress this season.
This one could come back to
haunt you, Mr Dein.
| 
