Football Dynasty-Chapter 58: Arsenal’s Offer

1991/1992 Season: Before Diving Into Football, Several Events Unfolded in the UK

It was announced that unemployment had surpassed 1.8 million, with experts warning that the number could exceed 2 million later in the year. In response, the government moved to cut interest rates in an effort to combat the recession.

During the 1990–1991 winter season, heavy snowfall disrupted the country, and Britain endured a prolonged cold snap. Upon hearing this, Richard took action, donating millions of pounds to support those affected.

British scientist Tim Berners-Lee introduced WorldWideWeb, the first web browser, while working at CERN in Geneva, and the first website went online.

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

The Football Association announced plans for a new "super league" of eighteen clubs to replace the Football League First Division as the highest division of English football. The move was heavily criticized by smaller Football League clubs, who feared they could go out of business if TV revenue was concentrated in the proposed super league.

The Bank of England shut down the Bank of Credit and Commerce International amid fraud allegations. Richard inquired about the possibility of purchasing the bank through Barclays and Lloyds, but the institution was so riddled with problems that it had to be seized. The government had already ordered its closure.

City's pre-season saw the initial welcome return of Paul Lake to training, however in his first session he broke down and unfortunately he was given the news that his cruciate ligament which had been 'repaired' in an operation almost a year before had re-ruptured and would need further surgery.

In the English First Division:

Liverpool break the national transfer record by paying Derby County £2.9million for striker Dean Saunders. They also sell Peter Beardsley to Everton for £1million.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Mitchell Thomas moves to West Ham for £500,000, and announce that injured midfielder Paul Gascoigne is set to move to Italian club Lazio at the end of the season.

Aston Villa sell David Platt to A.S. Bari of Italy for £6.5million – the most expensive fee for a British player, and more than double the latest record paid by a British club.

Richard made a call to all his players, checking on their well-being, their clubs, and whether they needed anything.

Teddy Sheringham was the first to speak, mentioning that Nottingham Forest had made a £2 million bid for him. Richard wasn't surprised by this and simply asked what Sheringham had in mind.

Sheringham said he wanted to stay at Millwall. Leaving now would feel like unfinished business, especially since his partnership with Cascarino last season had been incredibly strong. He wanted to test himself at the highest level of English football with Millwall.

Finally, the time had come. It was Ian Wright—Arsenal had made a £2.5 million bid for him from Crystal Palace, and the club had already accepted it. The reason was simple:

Crystal Palace chairman Ron Noades had already called Richard to ask for his help in keeping Ian at the club, but Richard only responded, "Ian was hankering for a move. He wanted to play in Europe, and Arsenal was the club he wanted to join."

With no other choice, Crystal Palace accepted the bid, and Richard immediately rushed to take Ian Wright to Arsenal as soon as possible.

In the car, Ian said, "I didn't expect Arsenal to buy me for a club-record fee. Not at this age," he said, still in a daze.

"Well, you're wrong then," Richard replied while driving his father's car.

Ian Wright was already 28 years old, yet The Gunners still paid a club-record £2.5 million to bring him to Highbury.

This showed that, despite having passed what was traditionally considered a footballer's peak years, they believed he still had plenty to offer as a striker.

"Have you had any breakfast yet? Would you like something to drink?" Richard did not answer but instead offered the question.

"No, I don't need anything. Let's go straight to Arsenal Stadium."

Arriving at The Gunners' home ground, they were welcomed by David Dein, the club's current vice-chairman, and George Graham, the current manager.

Ian Wright felt flattered by the warm reception, but Richard knew he had to ensure Ian remained composed and confident. After all, this was a crucial moment—one that could influence how Arsenal perceived his value as a player.

Richard exchanged brief greetings with the two Arsenal top figures before settling down in a seat opposite theirs. "So, to what do I owe the pleasure of meeting two of the top dogs of Arsenal here?"

It was to break the ice.

Dein smiled before tilting his head and making eye contact with Graham, who was seated beside him. The latter nodded at him as if they were exchanging some mental communication in that brief moment.

He then turned back towards Richard and said: "First, we'll start by making an offer to your client before discussing anything else." He grinned.

"I'm listening," Richard said, fishing out a notebook from his bag.

"So, as you already know," David Dein began, "We highly value Ian's potential. To show our sincerity, we're offering Ian Wright £400 per week for a five-year contract."

£400 per week translates to £20,800 a year, which was decent for a player of Ian Wright's caliber. However, there was an issue. The current Ian Wright wasn't the same Ian Wright who had spent five years at Crystal Palace and scored 90 goals. Simply put, it was the butterfly effect.

Richard wasn't sure if it was his presence or something else, but if Ian Wright stood in front of him, he was undoubtedly different from the Ian Wright he once knew. Yet, based on his performances at Crystal Palace...

Richard recalled his time as the wandering ghost, and Ian Wright indeed scored 9 goals in his first season with Crystal Palace. This was consistent with the previous season, where Ian also netted 9 goals for Palace.

There was a high probability that if he had accepted Crystal Palace chairman's offer to keep Ian Wright, the likelihood was that, over the next five years, he would have achieved the same feat—90 goals in more than 200 matches.

But what if Ian Wright moved to Arsenal right now?

Would the remaining 81 goals he still had to score at Crystal Palace transfer over to Arsenal?

Is it possible?

Wouldn't that mean Ian Wright could end up scoring over 200 goals, or even more?

Then how can I motivate Ian Wright to be the best he can be?

The current him is probably content with a contract like this, but he knows that Ian's potential goes beyond what's currently on the table.

Seeing Richard still silent, Dein pressed, "As an agent, you should be able to see the trends in football. If you do a bit of research on Arsenal, you will notice that we have a higher chance of winning the league next season. Would you really say no to such an opportunity for your client?"

"I do get your point," Richard said, sighing and shaking his head. 'But £400 per week for a five-year contract is simply too long."

Everyone was taken aback at this.

Richard didn't let their minds wander. "£400 per week for a three-year contract," he said, pausing for a moment. "Plus a goal bonus of £5,000 for every 15 goals. And if Arsenal wins the League and Ian Wright becomes top scorer, I want an extra £10,000 bonus for him, on top of the club's bonus."

Wright's heart was already racing. Originally, he was anxious, wondering why Richard had refused their offer. But thinking about it now, with the bonus Richard suggested, if he managed to rack up some goals, wouldn't he be making at least more than £50,000 over the next two seasons?

Of course! £20,800 a year was not enough.

Ian Wright, now 28 years old, was already at the peak of his career. This was his prime age, and Richard was determined to get Ian Wright the contract he deserved. If it were a performance-based contract, surely Arsenal would be willing to pay him what he earned.

Dein and Graham seemed to be having an internal discussion.

Richard then sat down with Ian alone and explained further.

"I'm just looking out for your career," Richard said. "As long as you don't change your style of play, you'll be fine. Oh, by the way, there's someone I need you to look out for when you join Arsenal. His name is Andy Cole. He's currently loaned to Fulham, but please keep an eye on him if you meet him later."

Ian raised an eyebrow. Was he really so sure that Arsenal would accept the offer?

Finally, Dein came back and took his seat. "Then, we're in agreement," he said. "So, let's discuss the next steps."

The next step was to discuss the signing bonus and the agent fee, which was actually very small, and it was understandable considering Ian's performance at Crystal Palace could be considered good but also not outstanding.

This was essentially a bet.

If Ian performed well in the next two seasons, then when Arsenal extended their hand for another contract, that would be the real contract negotiation.