Dimitar Berbatov... Linked with United move

Wenger - Deadline day is like a poker game

By Chris Harris

Arsène Wenger expects the final days of the transfer window to be like a 'poker game'.

The Arsenal manager has been linked with a number of central midfielders and could reveal his own hand before the deadline passes at midnight on Monday. However, the most high-profile move of the next few days could involve Dimitar Berbatov.

The Bulgarian striker has been linked with a move from Tottenham to Manchester United but, according to reports, there is stalemate between the clubs over Berbatov's transfer fee. Wenger is not concerned over the outcome but expects plenty of manouevring between now and Monday night.

"In the end, it's a poker game," said the Frenchman. "Who will be the winner, it's always difficult to predict. But, from what I read, it's £5million that is the difference and, at that level, £5million doesn't make a difference any more.

"It usually finishes on [August] 31st with everybody going halfway, and everybody thinking they are the winner."

Wenger had to endure plenty of speculation over his own centre forward this summer before Emmanuel Adebayor agreed a new long-term contract at Emirates Stadium. The Frenchman does not see similarities in the Berbatov affair.

"There is a difference," said Wenger. "As I've said, Adebayor was committed first and he kept his word. He said if I have a choice, I want to stay and from the outside, I only read the newspaper, that doesn't look to be the case with Berbatov.

"It looks like he wants a move. So you are in a different situation. When a player says to you, I always want to stay, you are not in a situation where if he doesn't go I have a problem.

"That's what Tottenham could consider if he [Berbatov] doesn't go. Do we have a problem or not?"

[Friday, August 29, 2008]

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