Arsenal have made a staggeringly low bid for Vicente Guaita which leaves their chances of signing the player more unlikely than when they began.
It was reported earlier in the week by several sources that Arsenal were making a play for Spanish goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.
Guaita, 26, plays for Valencia but was left out of their opening game of the season, a 1-0 win over Malaga.
This led to Arsenal sending a delegation to Spain to negotiate for the uncapped Spaniard, but the two clubs are so wildly apart in their valuations that a deal appears impossible.
Spanish newspaper Marca report: “On Tuesday, Arsenal financial director Richard Law flew into Valencia, but his offer was so paltry that it left Valencia in a state of shock. The London club’s representative explained that Arsenal does not have much money to invest, but the club is interested in Guaita given his desire to leave Valencia.”
The line about Arsenal ‘not having money to invest’ is an interesting one, given their healthy finances and boasts all summer regarding transfer budget.
However it is likely not only a negotiating tactic, but also the fact that Arsenal probably have only set aside a small amount with which to sign a goalkeeper, preferring to reserve the main money for attempts to sign a big name striker.
Marca add: “The only way to take him to the Premier League would be to cough up his €30 million buyout clause. As far as Valencia is concerned, there is no issue with Guaita yet. Arsenal was talking about a sum of €4-5 million, which is not even considered an offer.”
Arsenal were criticised last week for dramatically under-bidding for Yohan Cabaye, with the amount considered ‘derisory’ by Newcastle.
Whether the same has gone on here is open to debate. Guaita is not an international, and started just 13 La Liga games for Valencia last season, although he did begin six out of eight in the Champions League.
Paying his buyout clause would certainly be paying over the odds, so if Valencia do want to laugh of Arsenal’s offer, perhaps it’s best to let them and leave it be, and they deserve the benefit of the doubt on this one.
image: © unoodostoques
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