Not paying a transfer fee doesn't count as being free?
If the argument is that excessive salary and agent demands next summer negate not having to pay £70m or thereabouts this summer (on top of meeting salary and agent demands this summer) then I think that's a pretty weak point.
He's 28 pushing 29, even in this insane market, surely nobody who can afford him needs him badly enough that they'd spend £70m.
Unless we turn around and sell him for a relatively cut price then he's going nowhere.
I can't see the money men at Arsenal making him a bargain for another club this summer.
