Arnesen Ultimatum

By Jaymes Payten-Marsh
For THBN

Tottenham released the following statement in response to viewing a photograph of Frank Arnesen meeting with Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich on his yacht in Sardinia:

'Having seen the photo, we have contacted Chelsea and set a deadline for the matter to be resolved. If we do not receive a satisfactory agreement by noon on Friday, we shall be making a formal complaint to the FAPL and looking to exercise other potential options'.

The problem Tottenham have is that they have become the laughing stock of the Premier League. First, they ask for compensation in the region of £10 million. Reports then circulate that Scott Parker may be used in a swap deal. That fails to materialise as Parker moves to Newcastle. We are now told that Chelsea's striker, Carlton Cole, may be part of a swap deal.

Chelsea are playing a very clever waiting game. With every passing day, the situation gets worse for Tottenham. How can the Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy, make a complaint after nearly one month of deliberations?

If Levy does make a formal complaint to the F.A. & Premier League Associations, and they reject it, then it would seem as though Chelsea have won again.

The only way out of a scenario like that would be to hold onto Arnesen's contract and leave him in football limbo. But with Chelsea being as cunning as they are, I am sure they will hire the Tottenham Director of Football under the table.

All will be explained by noon on Friday.