mirkwood
03-05-2001, 11:34 AM
I hope Arsenal wins out on this. The other top teams in the EPL need some better players to try and close that gap. In the long run it will only strengthen ManUtd.
From www.soccernet.com
Sunday, March 4, 2001
Ferguson and Wenger battle over Thuram
By Peter Fitton
EXCLUSIVE: French international Lillian Thuram will spark a scramble for his signature between Premiership rivals Manchester United and Arsenal within the next three weeks.
A World Cup and European Championship winner
(CliveBrunskill/Allsport)
The classy defender, valued at £12million, has made it clear that he wants to end his exile with Serie A under-achievers Parma.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson attempted to lure the Frenchman to Old Trafford twice in the late Nineties but was thwarted by his club's rigorously enforced wage structure.
Since Roy Keane's mould-breaking agreement worth £70,000 a week, however, the financial barriers have been removed and Ferguson knows he can now present the lucrative contract that World Cup winner Thuram will demand.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger needs defenders to restock his back four and the 29-year-old has the advantage of being able to operate at both fullback and centre-back.
But Ferguson looks to be in the more powerful negotiating position with the personal terms he can lay on the table. Wenger is restricted by the less lavish limits within which he has to barter at Highbury.
From www.soccernet.com
Sunday, March 4, 2001
Ferguson and Wenger battle over Thuram
By Peter Fitton
EXCLUSIVE: French international Lillian Thuram will spark a scramble for his signature between Premiership rivals Manchester United and Arsenal within the next three weeks.
A World Cup and European Championship winner
(CliveBrunskill/Allsport)
The classy defender, valued at £12million, has made it clear that he wants to end his exile with Serie A under-achievers Parma.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson attempted to lure the Frenchman to Old Trafford twice in the late Nineties but was thwarted by his club's rigorously enforced wage structure.
Since Roy Keane's mould-breaking agreement worth £70,000 a week, however, the financial barriers have been removed and Ferguson knows he can now present the lucrative contract that World Cup winner Thuram will demand.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger needs defenders to restock his back four and the 29-year-old has the advantage of being able to operate at both fullback and centre-back.
But Ferguson looks to be in the more powerful negotiating position with the personal terms he can lay on the table. Wenger is restricted by the less lavish limits within which he has to barter at Highbury.