Chapter 9: Exploiting Opportunities and Leveraging Platforms

The offer of 500,000 pounds has been delivered to the Monaco club, I want Henry, Monaco is simply making a profit, considering all the investments in Henry, they probably haven't even spent 10,000 pounds.

Wenger looked puzzled, and Aldridge said: "£1.5 million, I no longer want Henry, do not obstruct Thuram, Arsène. Thuram cannot stay at Monaco. Offering £1.5 million for a defender is already a considerable show of sincerity. If you do not let him go to me, are you waiting for other teams to poach him? I can offer him a top salary, £8,000 a week."

After spending an entire day chatting with Wenger in the café, Aldridge headed to Nantes, a city on the Atlantic coast in western France, the following day, where he also had an important transfer agreement to finalize

Audridge sighed inwardly; the person opposite him, Giuseppe Materazzi, was not just an ordinary player's father, but a coach of considerable repute in Italy. It was only natural for him to envision a bright future for his son. Deep down, he surely looked down upon English football, merely hoping for a better platform for his son's development. No matter how one compared, it had to be better than the Italian Serie C, and the salary and benefits were also quite good. Additionally, the experience gained in a different environment would allow Marco Materazzi to accumulate richer experiences.

There is no room for negotiation; Henry will not sell

He has nurtured many talented players in Monaco, yet they all inevitably succumb to the fate of being poached, even George Weah, who is deeply grateful to him, eventually left his side

By the time Henry makes a name for himself in Ligue 1 next season, it is likely that £1 million will no longer suffice to secure his transfer. Furthermore, once the Bosman ruling is finalized next year, there will be no loopholes left for him to exploit. At that point, his greater concern will be how to retain the players he currently has.

Wenger fell silent, his gaze somewhat helplessly fixed on Aldridge

Yes, I have been preparing and waiting for this day for eight years

Wenger's expression darkened slightly, and he replied irritably, "What? Are you here to poach my people as well? Who have you set your sights on?"

Aldridge suddenly realized and respectfully said: "Hello, sir. I indeed intend to recruit your son. I have high expectations for the team in the next season, the season after that, and even in the next 5 to 10 years. I need many young talents to achieve this goal. Your son, Marco, is an important part of my plan. If you have been paying attention to my club, you would know that we have recently signed several capable players."

Moreover, the contract offered by Aldridge includes provisions for salary increases and bonuses

The young man from France, yesterday I asked the club for a quote, intending to bring him back from Argentina to France, but as it turned out, he had already packed his bags and left. Upon inquiry, I learned that he has transferred to Millwall

Haha, I wish you good luck, and I also look forward to seeing you directing from the sidelines. I won't disturb you any longer, goodbye

Aldridge knew that the other party was referring to Trezeguet, and he smiled, saying: "There’s no way around it; I need to build my own empire. Right now, I have to recruit players. As for the methods used, heh, it’s quite simple. Over a year ago, my brother got to know David. Additionally, I offered him a high salary typical of a first-line player, uh, £3,000 per week."

He is only 17 years old

Although Marseille has achieved five consecutive Ligue 1 titles, Wenger's ability to lead the team to consistently high performance despite losing key players for several years is a testament to his coaching skills. Unfortunately, like a skilled cook who cannot make a meal without rice, this situation is strikingly similar to his circumstances after the glory days at Arsenal.

However, in the future, it should still be the case that Serie A is regarded as the highest competitive arena in the hearts of the Italian people

As soon as Aldridge finished speaking, Wenger immediately exclaimed, "No! He is the future of Monaco! £500,000? Do you think Monaco is a small club that has never seen money?"

The cultured and refined man gazed at Audric with a hint of admiration and said, "It has been four years since we last met, and that young boy from back then has grown into a remarkable figure. Your sudden visit to Monaco is quite timely; otherwise, I would have had to go to London to find you. Now, tell me, what means did you employ to steal away my person"

Aldrich sat down opposite him, removed his sunglasses, revealing a sun-like smile, and said: "Hi, Arsène"

Well then, I won't be verbose. 3 million pounds, isn't that enough for a defender?

Mr. Hall, please forgive my boldness, but your team is pursuing my son. I am unsure what this means. Although your team is in the second tier of English football, I believe the level of competition should be higher than that of Serie C in Italy. I hope my son receives better training; however, I would like to know your sincerity and the team's development plans.

The principality, with its picturesque scenery and pleasant climate, is backed by the Mediterranean and is in peak tourist season during the summer. The streets are bustling with crowds. Audric, dressed in sports leisure attire with his hands in his pockets and wearing a pair of sunglasses, walked into an elegantly ambient café

Aldridge successfully lured Markelle with a high salary, but for these outstanding players, Aldridge did not hesitate to include a clause in the contract that would automatically terminate if they did not reach the playoffs next season

Sir, I can assure you that if one day Marco wishes to leave, I will not stand in his way. My simple philosophy in managing the club and coaching the team is: parting ways amicably.

As for Henry, Audrich desired him, but he knew there was no chance.

Wenger appeared somewhat moved, primarily due to Aldridge's remark, "Are we really waiting for other teams to come and poach?" which struck a nerve with him

Oh, I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Giuseppe Materazzi

Oh? Mr. Hall, are you going to coach the team personally

However, I do not wish for Marco to develop long-term in the United Kingdom

After a moment of contemplation on the other end of the line, Giuseppe Materazzi finally said: "Mr. Hall, I appreciate your sincerity, but I would like to have your assurance that if one day, a more competitive team in Italy wishes to acquire Marco, you will not stand in the way."

In a booth in the corner of the café, there sat a refined man nearing fifty, gazing out the window, lost in thought.

Wenger revealed a look of reminiscence and, after a moment, exclaimed in surprise: "The Bosman case?"

Monaco

Aldrich smiled with bared teeth, remaining silent

Can you guarantee Marco's starting position when he goes to the UK

The man sitting opposite Audric is none other than the current head coach of Monaco, Arsène Wenger. Five years ago, Audric witnessed Wenger lead the team to victory in the Ligue 1 championship. Unfortunately, in the five years that followed, Marseille dominated with five consecutive titles, and Wenger's current situation is not easy either

My captain, do you really think you can take away 1.5 million pounds?

A bid of 1.5 million pounds has been submitted to Nantes Club for the purchase of Claude Makélélé

Aldrich savored the moment: "Hmm, 17 years old, and *illustrated* books are indeed the age of rebellion. To stand on one's own, one must first have an independent source of income. Earning a lot not only boosts one's confidence but also allows one to take pride in front of family. Hehe, Arsène, the times are about to change. You probably think I am just burning money, but do you still remember what we discussed over the phone six months ago?"

Aldridge nodded and shrugged, saying: "This summer, many basketball analysts will mock me as a spendthrift and a fool. It doesn't matter; time will prove everything. Enough of that, let's get to the point. My purpose for coming here is simple: I hope you will show some mercy and let someone go for me"

Sir, in the English Premier League, there are 46 matches in a season, plus two cup competitions. Conservatively estimated, there are about 50 matches in a season. If Marco can play in 20 matches, he will make significant progress

The final negotiated price was set at 2 million pounds

Wenger continued with a furrowed brow, saying: "The Times reported on your management of Millwall, and I have been following your movements closely. Recently, most of the players your team has signed are from lower leagues. Those small clubs, seeing the money, reluctantly let go of their hopeful stars; this is the rule of the football market. However, Monaco is not the Bundesliga 2, the Eredivisie, or Serie B from which you are poaching players..."

Do not be agitated, do not be agitated, let us continue to discuss

Wenger let out a heavy sigh and agreed to Aldridge's proposal

If I offer 1 million pounds, will Monaco still not release me

However, as you mentioned, he remains in Italy, merely competing in the Serie C. Coming to Millwall, he will be competing in the English League One next season, and a year later, he will appear on the top stage in England, facing off against top teams like Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham. Wouldn't this be better for his development? Forgive my intrusion, but if Marco stays in Italy, how many years will it take before he can compete against top teams?

After returning to London, Audridge received a phone call from Italy

He is even more convinced that the contract he offers will also attract Thuram. In this era, to offer a player a weekly salary in the tens of thousands like Juventus did for Baggio, what kind of extraordinary talent must that player be? How many stars can, like Gascoigne, have a television station follow their life for a program that achieves high ratings in the UK?

Aldrich feigned confusion and shrugged, saying, "Sir, I do not know who you are referring to"

In the current era, £3 million has become the value of a top-tier player, although it still falls short of that of a superstar. It is worth noting that over a decade ago, Diego Maradona's transfer fee was also £3 million at that time, which, of course, had significantly greater purchasing power than today. Just seven years ago, the world record transfer fee for Ruud Gullit did not exceed £5 million. Furthermore, just two years ago, the transfer fee for top Premier League stars was only around £3 million. Given that the transfer fees for attacking players are generally higher, the price offered by Audric is sufficient to attract the attention of AS Monaco.

Wenger frowned and said in a low voice, seemingly dissatisfied with Aldridge's actions

In the end, he sighed heavily and said: "Marseille is after me, Paris Saint-Germain is after me, and now even you, little one, are after me..."

Aldridge felt a bit reluctant to "bully" this old friend and said softly, "Turam"

Listening to the poor English on the other end of the phone, Aldridge was puzzled, yet calmly asked, "Forgive my intrusion, may I ask who you are?"