Chapter 672 - 126: The Premier League’s Top Star! Wang Shuo is Here! Founder of a Maradona-Style Legend! The Biggest Transfer in History

"Until... I discovered you!"

Wenger stared at Wang Shuo, his gaze electric.

"Wang, whether you believe me or not, and regardless of whether you ultimately join Arsenal, I need to tell you something. You are the player who has reignited my passion and my hope."

"In all these years, you are the first player who I believe can help me win championships and make all my dreams come true!"

Wenger paused, letting out a long breath.

"I know what you’re hesitating about, what you’re worried about. But I can give you a guarantee!"

"Any offer you get from Manchester United, Real Madrid, Manchester City, or Chelsea—I will match it!"

"If you come to Arsenal, you won’t just be our tactical core—you’ll be our captain. I will build the entire team around you!"

"If you have any demands, just name them. I will do my absolute best to meet them!"

By this point, Wenger was visibly impassioned.

"If you go to Real Madrid, Benzema and Higuain are already there, and you’ll have to compete with Ronaldo to be the top star. If you go to Barça, you’ll have to compete with Messi to be the top star, maybe even for your position on the field."

"If you go to Manchester City, do you think Mancini would be willing to sell players like Tevez and Balotelli for you? Do you really think City would fire Mancini and sell off that many players, all for you?"

"Even if they agreed, with Manchester City’s commercial power, do you think they would hold you back or help you reach the next level?"

"And at Manchester United, given Ferguson’s personality, do you think he would support you? Or would he support Rooney?"

"But at Arsenal, I am willing to bet everything I have to support you!"

Wang Shuo fell silent.

Wenger was truly holding nothing back.

His words were remarkably candid and direct.

"Wang, if you go to Manchester City, everyone will just think you did it for the money!"

"If you go to Manchester United, Real Madrid, or Barça, I’m sure you’ll be able to establish yourself and perform very well, but..."

"At those clubs, you’ll only be a part of their great legacy—maybe even just a small part."

"But at today’s Arsenal, you could become like Maradona at Naples: the founder of a legendary era!"

...

Wenger’s pitch was a strong drink. It was a bit harsh going down, but it had a powerful kick!

Even after he returned home, Wang Shuo was still thinking about it.

In both of their meetings, Wenger had shown his sincerity.

But tonight, Wenger hadn’t just revealed his sincerity and determination; what mattered most was what he had said.

’If I go to Manchester United, Real Madrid, or Barça now, I’ll just become a part of their history.’

’And going to Manchester City would be a loss in terms of commercial value.’

’It’s the same reason why Kaka didn’t want to go to Manchester City back in the day.’

’But at Arsenal, if I succeed, my Achievement would be like Maradona’s at Naples.’

’I’d be one of a kind!’

"Wenger is a natural-born persuader!"

After hearing Wang Shuo recount the conversation, Shen Qinghe had to admit she was truly impressed with Wenger.

She hadn’t expected the mild-mannered ’Professor’ to be so skilled at rousing people’s emotions.

"What do you think?" Wang Shuo asked.

Shen Qinghe shook her head. "It’s a huge gamble."

"Transfers are always a gamble. Wasn’t the move from Mainz to Dortmund a gamble back then?"

"Thomas."

Wang Shuo turned to Thomas Essien.

"Go ahead."

"Tomorrow morning, you and Xiao Hu will go meet with Wenger and Dick Law. I want you two to negotiate my personal terms. I trust you."

Wang Shuo made his decision right then and there, without any further hesitation.

’Wenger had shown such good faith. If I wavered now, I’d just be inviting people to look down on me.’

’Besides, with my current abilities and the Ball God System, even if I fail at Arsenal, won’t I have other chances to make a comeback?’

’That being the case, what’s the harm in taking this gamble with Wenger?’

"My demand is this: the contract must include a clause tying it to Wenger’s tenure as manager. If Wenger resigns or is fired, I have the right to terminate the contract."

"Understood."

"Also, we need to control the contract negotiations. I’m counting on you two to make sure all the clauses that protect our interests are included."

Shen Qinghe nodded gravely. "Leave it to me."

"Lastly, Arsenal’s defense is weak. Varane went to Real Madrid, so tell Wenger he must sign a quality, established center-back that I approve of. I recommend Subotic."

Wang Shuo knew his old teammate’s abilities very well.

In truth, Wang Shuo had also considered Tony Kroos.

But Arsenal had already signed De Bruyne, Matuidi, and Arteta. They also had Aaron Ramsey, Wilshere, Diaby, Alexandre Song, and Rosicky on the roster. Demanding they sign Tony Kroos on top of that would have been asking too much.

"Alright, I understand!" Thomas Essien nodded.

...

"Mr. President, we’ve just received news."

In the president’s office at the Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, General Manager Jose Sanchez knocked, entered, and anxiously reported to Florentino, who sat behind his desk.

"Wang Shuo has reached a preliminary agreement with Arsenal!"

"What?"

Florentino was stunned. He then sat there in silence.

"Arsenal, of all teams?"

"Yes. I heard Wenger personally flew to China to seal the deal. Dortmund has apparently been notified and has given Arsenal permission to negotiate personal terms with Wang Shuo’s team."

Normally, once the process reached this stage, all that was left was the official announcement.