David Beckham Joining Arsenal in January…

By: Daryl | December 23rd, 2007

Beckham Wenger …but don’t worry Galaxy fans, it’s just for training. Seems Arsene Wenger will offer old Golden Balls the chance to stay fit in January by rolling out the welcome mat and inviting Becks to train with the Gunners. “We will help him to get fit and prepare for the season,” said Wenger. “There’s a good chance that he will come in January, but it’s not decided.” Galaxy don’t play again until February 20th against Japan’s Gamba Osaka, but Becks will want to be fit to stand a chance of earning his 100th England cap by playing in Fabio Capello’s first game in charge, versus Switzerland on February 6th. It’s even being suggested by those who know, that Capello could make Beckham captain for the Switzerland game and possibly longer, but for that he’ll need to prove his fitness.

And there’s the difference between David Beckham and you or I. When we want to get is shape we join a gym, when Beckham wants to get in shape he joins Arsenal FC.

It’s clear what Beckham gets out of the deal. He gets to train with some top quality players again (no disprespect to Kyle Martino, but he’s no Cesc Fabregas) he gets some good publicity and by being linked with Arsenal we’re being told on some subliminal level that Beckham could still cut it in the Premiership, should he choose to do so. Wenger might even teach Becks the value of short passing as opposed to long diagonal balls.

But what are Arsene Wenger and Arsenal getting out of this? Their so far successful season is going to be interrupted by the inevitable media circus that follows Beckham, and Arsenal training facilities and coaching staff will be diverted to help a high profile player who won’t be playing for them. Maybe Wenger really is that generous. Or maybe he wants Beckham to destroy what’s left of Jens Lehamnn’s dignity by firing multiple free kicks beyond the aging German’s reach. Or maybe Wemger feels guilty for never playing any Englishmen and is trying to re-establish some credit with England fans.