Eni Aluko and ex-Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny recently found themselves in a heated exchange on social media over Aluko’s comments regarding the transfer saga involving now-Arsenal star Declan Rice.
Eni Aluko suggested that Manchester City’s interest in Declan Rice was merely a ploy orchestrated by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to push their bid higher. Kenny, on the other hand, dismissed Aluko’s claims as “the biggest load of bull” he had ever heard.
The disagreement between Aluko and Kenny began when Aluko made her theory public on talkSPORT, stating that as a former sporting director, she would often contact big clubs to place bids in order to encourage her own team’s owner to submit a higher offer.
She further implied that City had no genuine interest in signing Rice and that their bid was merely a strategic move to benefit Arsenal’s pursuit of the talented midfielder.
Paddy Kenny not holding back took to social media to express his disbelief at Aluko’s theory, stating, “Never heard owt like it in my life. How does she get airtime??” He also questioned the validity of her opinions, calling them baseless and unfounded.
After getting criticized, Aluko sent direct messages to Kenny on Instagram. He then posted those messages on Twitter with the caption “Someone is rattled and comes across very big time.” On the screen, he added the words “Think I’ve upset her” along with three laughing emojis.
In her messages to Kenny, Aluko criticized him for his lack of airtime as a pundit and suggested that his jealousy and bitterness were evident in his remarks. She even mocked his punditry skills by referring to a video in which he talked about getting stoned and questioned the relevance of his podcast appearances.
Aluko challenged Kenny to inform her when he would be featured on prominent platforms like talkSPORT, ITV, BT, or Amazon so that she could observe his use of airtime.
Aluko’s theory gained some traction when Manchester City‘s bid for Rice was rejected and the club eventually withdrew from the race, leaving Arsenal with a clear path to secure the midfielder’s signature. Aluko seized the opportunity to assert that City’s withdrawal supported her belief that their interest in Rice was never genuine.
ALSO READ: How? Upcoming Arsenal Away Kit Already Available in India