[ALL] - Barcelona unveil Hleb

[SG_Fatal1ty]

Hleb signs for Barcelona
ESPNsoccernet - Europe - Hleb signs for Barcelona

Barcelona have confirmed the signing of midfielder Alexander Hleb from Arsenal on a four-year contract. The Belarus international landed in Barcelona on Wednesday morning and after spending the day undertaking various medical tests completed his switch for an initial 15 million euros, rising to 17 depending on the trophies the club wins.

[SG_Fatal1ty]

Also, Gilberto is leaving for Panathiakos. It looks almost certain Arsenal are signing Arshavin.

[tdoggy]

This was a given

[warriorqb8]

The premier league is a more physical league than the spanish or italian leagues right? I wonder how Arshavin will deal with that being only 5'7''

[SG_Fatal1ty]

Originally Posted by warriorqb8

The premier league is a more physical league than the spanish or italian leagues right? I wonder how Arshavin will deal with that being only 5'7''

Indeed, I think it will be very tough for Ashavin. I'm not sure he will suceed, which is why I'm somewhat opposed to him coming to the EPL. It's almost inevitable know that Hleb has been sold, so we may just see it. Barcelona is the ideal place for Arshavin, but in buying Hleb, they have filled Arshavin's position. Look for Barcelona to sign a big name striker (most likely Adebayor) and Arsenal to buy another midfielder and a striker (Arshavin, Eto'o, Gareth Barry, or possible even Roque Santa Cruz). It's up to Barca to make the 1st move now. It should be very interesting.

[warriorqb8]

Maybe Real Madrid will show some interest in him. I agree and think it would be to crowded for him to go to Barcelona now. But I have FSC and I think Barca TV so whether he goes to the EPL or Barcelona I'll get to see him play which will be exciting.

Correct me if i'm wrong, but Barry is supposed to go to Liverpool right? And now Arsenal has stepped in to try to steal him right? Maybe if Liverpool loses out on Barry they'll go after Arshavin too.

[SG_Fatal1ty]

Originally Posted by warriorqb8

Maybe Real Madrid will show some interest in him. I agree and think it would be to crowded for him to go to Barcelona now. But I have FSC and I think Barca TV so whether he goes to the EPL or Barcelona I'll get to see him play which will be exciting.

Correct me if i'm wrong, but Barry is supposed to go to Liverpool right? And now Arsenal has stepped in to try to steal him right? Maybe if Liverpool loses out on Barry they'll go after Arshavin too.

Barry is all Liverpool's if they want him, but they just won't match Aston Villa's asking price, which is 18 million euros. Arsene Wenger has called Villa to tell them to keep Arsenal informed. If Barry somehow does not go to Liverpool, it seems Arsenal might try to pick him up. It will be interesting to say the least. I'm interested to see just how much Rafa Benitez will pay for Barry. Now Arsenal have loads of money to spend on the market. I wouldn't be surprised to see them get 2 or 3 more signings, although they might not be big names.

[warriorqb8]

Rumor has it that Barcelona will try to sign Robinho. Looking less and less likely that Arshavin will end up with Barcelona.

[SG_Fatal1ty]

Originally Posted by warriorqb8

Rumor has it that Barcelona will try to sign Robinho. Looking less and less likely that Arshavin will end up with Barcelona.

Yes, but Real Madrid won't sell Robinho unless Cristiano Ronaldo comes to them. If Ronaldo does come to them, look for Robinho to go to Manchester United as make-weight. I can assure you one thing though. Robinho WILL NOT be going to Barcelona. Chelsea have already offered 48 million euros, which is way out of Barca's limits. So even if Real Madrid do decide to sell Robinho, they wouldn't sell him to their arch-rivals for way less money. I see him either staying in Madrid or going to Manchester United for Ronaldo.

[warriorqb8]

If Real Madrid were to offer $100 million and Robinho that would be a hell of a deal.