Arsene Wenger has branded one of Arsenal’s biggest rumours of the January transfer window as “fake news” in what appeared to be a very topical reference to Donald Trump.
Rumours have been circulating Arsenal lodged a blockbuster bid for Torino’s talented young striker Andrea Belotti – with the 23-year-old Italian reportedly valued at over £55 million by the Gunners.
Torino sport director Petrachi to Sky Italy: "We received and refused a €65M offer from #Arsenal for Andrea Belotti" #afc
— Guglielmo Cannavale (@GugliCannavale) January 8, 2017
There was Trump-inspired scepticism over the rumour from the start of course.
@GugliCannavale pic.twitter.com/3kHvJazoyq
— Conte's blues (@ImBlue_16) January 8, 2017
And when the Arsenal manager faced the press ahead of his side’s match at Swansea city on Saturday, he used a Trump sound bite of his own.
He said of the rumour: “That’s what today you call fake news.”
Wenger borrows Trump line to dismiss the Torino nonsense. "That's what you call fake news."
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) January 13, 2017
Arsene Wenger quoted Donald Trump when asked about #Arsenal's £56m bid for Torino's Andrea Belotti
— ArsenalFanTV (@ArsenalFanTV) January 13, 2017
"That is what you call today 'fake news" pic.twitter.com/LGk9xl43pQ
The comment was of course in reference to the US president-elect – who has made “fake news” a bit of a catch-phrase.
We had a great News Conference at Trump Tower today. A couple of FAKE NEWS organizations were there but the people truly get what's going on
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2017
.@CNN is in a total meltdown with their FAKE NEWS because their ratings are tanking since election and their credibility will soon be gone!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2017
Totally made up facts by sleazebag political operatives, both Democrats and Republicans - FAKE NEWS! Russia says nothing exists. Probably...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 13, 2017
It’s fair to say Wenger’s ode to topical events was received with some appreciation from fans.
Arsene Wenger is the new Donald Trump #fakenews 😂
— GAGE (@Ojgage) January 13, 2017
Ark at Arsene Wenger using the phrase 'Fake news'. God love him pic.twitter.com/zfoowuAsO4
— Liam (@LiamGeorge_) January 13, 2017
Although some thought the joke might be on Arsenal this season.
Ha ha when Arsenal dont win league will wenger say its FAKE NEWS too ???
— Russell (@Russell01232054) January 13, 2017
The press conference wasn’t all jokes, however.
Wenger admitted that 24-year-old right-back Carl Jenkinson is indeed on the cusp of a move to Crystal Palace.
Wenger confirms Jenkinson set for Palace move. Is it Palace? "You are well informed." Could go in next 2/3 days, says Wenger.
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) January 13, 2017
Meanwhile, after Graham Taylor sadly passed away on Thursday, Wenger gave this touching tribute for the former England and Premier League manager.
"He was brave, competent, absolutely focused on the game... yesterday was a sad day for English football"
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) January 13, 2017
The boss remembers Graham Taylor pic.twitter.com/CJXWcwLyTR
