Swansea City manager Michael Laudrop has dismissed the speculation linking duo Ashley Williams and Michu with a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal.
The two players were crucial in Swansea’s impressive league campaign and Capital One Cup victory last season and the manager is adamant on keeping both of them at the club so that they can compete for trophies once again this season.
Swansea also have the Europa League to think about this year and it is vital that the squad is big enough to cope with the demands of both domestic and European football.
However, both Williams and Michu have been monitored by Arsenal as Arsene Wenger is desperate to strengthen his heavily-hit squad, but Laudrop is eager to keep hold of both of his star-assets.
“It would cause huge damage because if you lose players of that quality you have to find replacements of the same level,” he said.
“That is why we cannot do that so late. If you sell someone and then try to buy, people know you have a lot of money.
“The price for the replacement would automatically go higher and higher, that’s inevitable.”
One think Laudrop does agree with Wenger on though, is the fact that the transfer window is open too long and the Swans boss does believe it should be shut sooner.
“It’s part of the game and as long as the rules are like that we get on with it,” he added.
“I went to the Premier League managers’ meeting last week and one of the questions asked was why we could not move the transfer deadline.
“What is the reason to have it close after we have started the season here and in Spain and Germany?
“The answer was that in the other big leagues there was not a lot of interest in moving it.
“I cannot understand why not, because every manager should be interested in having the deadline closed when they play the first game.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
