What an amazing story! Former Arsenal player Steve Sidwell has agreed to join Chelsea on free transfer. The 24-year-old has quit Reading after rejecting a new £25,000-per-week, four-year deal. It was reported that he is to get twice that figure in Chelsea.

Chelsea have been consistently linked with a move for the highly-rated midfielder throughout the season. Sidwell opted to join the Blues despite interest from Newcastle United, Everton and Aston Villa, who all offered him a contract. He is Jose Mourinho's first signing of the summer and will be a valuable addition to the squad.

An Arsenal kid, he grew up in the youth squad and played a few games for the senior team. Deemed not good enough to make the first team permanently, Arsene Wenger let him go to Reading. A year later, the kid scored four goals, had six assists and put in world-class performances in the Reading midfield. 


But why did he choose Chelsea? He will not get many outings and his promising career will be stopped short before it gets going. A perfect example of this is Shaun Wright-Phillips. Look at how the move to Chelsea has completely derailed his development.

Why did Wenger let Sidwell go if he is really that good? Surely the gaffer knew better after nurturing all those youngsters over the years. Or is the rumour that Arsene does not like Brits true?

I notice our ex-players are playing pretty well around the Premiership; the likes of David Bentley, Matthew Upson, Nicolas Anelka, Jermaine Pennent, Sol Campbell, Kanu, Sidwell and others.

Maybe Chelsea are trying to build a second team of Gunners! First Cashley Cole, now Sidwell. Who will be next? Are they picking up our rejects? If this theory is true, you have heard it first from www.arsenalnfriends.com

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