David Nelson
The reason why Arsenal’s potential deal for Newcastle’s French midfielder died has apparently been confirmed by former BBC Sport correspondent James Pearce.
Pearce left the BBC recently to concentrate on a freelance career, but he is still close to the game, and according to his source, the deal died when Mike Ashley allowed the Franch midfielder to listen in on a call between the two parties during negotiations for the player.
During that call, not only was Cabaye’s valuation confirmed as 25million – a lot more than the 10million that the Gunners reportedly bid for Cabaye – but even more importantly, the Arsenal side of the conversation rather disparagingly referred to the French national player as a reserve…
Having had his head turned by Arsenal’s interest – in the words of manager Alan Pardew at least, Cabaye was apparently put off the move when he heard that. And it’s not at all surprising, considering the Frenchman’s need to play first team football in a World Cup year (especially after national coach Didier Deschamps insisted he sort his future out before playing for France again.)
So, unless Paris Saint Germain, or another interested party, emerges with a 25million bid for Cabaye, in this context, it doesn’t seem that the former Lille captain will be leaving St James Park in this window. It remains to be seen what his next step will be however, with a mixed reaction at the Newcastle ground on Saturday suggesting that he has some way to go to convince a section of the Newcastle fans that he will be committed to the cause.
Perhaps an apology will come next?
Quite how true the story is remains to be seen, considering the assumption that Mike Ashley isn’t actually directly involved in transfers, but if it is true, it could have wider implications on how willing clubs are to deal with Newcastle, if they suspect similar conduct.
Are you happy with this news? Or would you have preferred an incoming transfer fee to allow Newcastle to reinvest after an infamously quiet summer saw only one incoming deal for Loic Remy? Share your thoughts below.
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