From Arsenal to the Ball God

”We are delighted to have one of the best defenders in football today; he will be the cornerstone of our defense for the new season.”

Wenger raised a number 3 jersey and announced to the media with a smile, ”Thiago Silva has a pursuit of championships that aligns with the club’s aspirations, and I believe we will be very compatible.”

Thiago Silva grinned sheepishly; at 28 years old, he is no longer young, but he has only won a Brazilian Cup, an Italian Cup, and a Serie A title.

Originally, he was preparing to join Ligue 1 giant Paris, earn a high salary for a few years, easily add dozens of trophies to his honors room, and then retire with glory.

But after receiving the invitation from Arsenal, he hesitated and slowly felt moved.

This team’s heavy investment in the summer transfer window this season, coupled with their key striker Ma’el’s performance in the European Cup, easily makes one believe that they will perform even better in the new season.

The Double Crown is already secured, the Triple Crown is certainly hopeful, and the Champions League is also within reach!

Since the stage is set, he might as well continue to stay on the mainstream stage of world football, fight for higher honors, and wait until he’s older to retire in Ligue 1!

”I dreamed of wearing Arsenal’s jersey since I was a child, and now I finally achieved it.”

After routinely expressing his ’Arsenal Dream,’ Thiago Silva shared his outlook, ”I hope I can cooperate well with the team’s defenders and give them a more stable defense.

”I am very clear that as long as I do this well, our teammates in the front field can lead us to the championship podium; we have the strongest offensive line in the world.”

”Haha.....” Reporters below couldn’t help but laugh, and Arsenal-friendly media applauded him, considering it a statement of allegiance.

”There are rumors that Thiago Silva’s weekly pay at Arsenal is 150,000 pounds? Is this news true?” A journalist posed a sensitive question.

Thiago Silva’s expression quickly changed; he turned to observe Wenger’s expression, finding him rather relaxed.

Wenger smiled as he approached the microphone, shook his head, and said, ”Not true, I will not disclose the answer to related questions, never have.

”But I have always believed that a good player deserves a higher salary.”

Upon saying this, several media outlets slightly curled their lips. Just last season, Wenger was firmly a staunch figure against breaking the salary system, so why does he now give off a feeling of a completely new mindset?

It truly is the ’Power’ of ’money’ that can change a man, no matter how old he is.

”According to related media reports, multiple players within the team have completed salary increase renewals. Was this a previous commitment from the Kroenke Family? What’s the status of Ma’el’s new contract?” The media continued to ask sensitive questions.

Regarding this question without specific numbers, Wenger appeared very generous, directly answering, ”The players have indeed received better contracts, and they deserve all this after winning the Double Crown.

”I do not recall if the Kroenke Family made a promise, but their actions have proven their love and importance for the club, which we all hope to see.

”As for Ma’el, he hasn’t returned to the team recently, and his agent Mendes is handling other matters, so we can’t initiate negotiations for the time being.

”However, it can be confirmed that we are willing to offer the best contract for the best players, just like I said above..... we have everything prepared.”

”.....”

Many reporters appeared surprised after hearing Wenger’s last two sentences, which somehow seemed like he was actively urging Mendes to start salary talks, fearing the other party wouldn’t initiate contact soon.

There’s a subtle meaning here; it seems the team is very aware that securing the top striker is the top priority.

They want to quickly present him with a lucrative contract to provide Ma’el with a better playing environment, allowing the player to compete in the new season without any emotional distractions.

Following this response, the press conference reached its final moments, with Thiago Silva joining Arsenal making headlines across major media outlets.

”40 million pounds! Arsenal secures Brazilian international Thiago Silva! He also becomes the most expensive signing in Arsenal’s history with this price, holding the top spot for the transfer market this summer!” — [Romano]

Of course, Arsenal’s moves in the transfer market haven’t been entirely smooth.

On July 12th, another Brazilian player, Oscar, was acquired by Chelsea for 27.5 million pounds.

”It’s said that the player felt Arsenal’s midfield numbers were too high for the new season, worried about guaranteed playtime, hence choosing the Blue Army Chelsea.” — [Romano]

From here, Ah Bu’s Chelsea began its frantic money-spending mode, reclaiming its spotlight in the transfer market.

”38 million pounds! Chelsea snatches Fabregas from Barça, who only joined the team for a year! The key in completing this trade might be Xiaofa’s conflict with Barça stars!” — [The Guardian]

”60 million pounds! Chelsea bid for Real Madrid striker Benzema! Florentino initially chose to reject this deal, but he feared Benzema’s emotions might affect the team’s new season, so he didn’t completely close the transaction channel!” — [Asi Bao]

”Breaking news!! Real Madrid star Benzema joins Chelsea for 65.5 million pounds! He will wear the number 9 jersey! Ah Bu reclaims the Summer 12 transfer market top player!” — [442]