Arsenal contract to be signed this weekend? Arsene Wenger can’t afford to offload too many.

Morning all.

July 1st arrives on Saturday which for many players means their contracts expire. Verbally, we’ve already agreed to sign one player in this very situation in Sead Kolasinac but once the weekend arrives, he can finally put ink to his Arsenal contract. Not only do contracts expire but the transfer window officially opens so we could well see Arsenal get down to business and as moves take place across other clubs, the domino affect will kick in. Exciting times eh!

Despite the common feeling among many of us regulars on HH, concerning transfer rumour overkill which eventually leads to disinterest, we cannot entirely escape as certain rumours continue to routinely do the rounds with the same repetitive old names being touted by agents, hacks and ITK’s on Twatter.

I keep on reading, both on blogs and online about a whole raft of Arsenal players who could be leaving, but what would be the point of a ‘clear out’ if you cannot replace those squad members? Despite the perceptions of many of these players and their value to the club, it wouldn’t make sense would it, to cripple the squad by leaving it light in numbers, not with four competitions to contend with.

Take Carl Jenkinson for example, a player who despite being a dyed in the wool Gooner, is still often ridiculed and written off. Most of us, myself included, have pretty much accepted that Corporal Jenks is leaving this summer and he probably will. But what if Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain decides to jump ship, who is going to be back-up to Hector Bellerin?

Matthieu Debuchy is certain to leave as he’s on substantial wages and shows absolutely no interest in fighting for the shirt. So is there any benefit in keeping Jenkinson who may – and don’t all attack me at once – actually be a decent right wing-back when shorn of most of his defensive duties? His strength always seemed to be in the attacking aspect of his game, and Wenger might just need cover in that position. At least until January when he could look at things again.

Retaining Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain would send out a massive statement, especially if Arsenal can quickly conclude the capture of Alexandre Lacazette or another striker if Lyon continue to be awkward. But until we are certain that they’re all staying it would make sense to keep the majority of our squad together.

In fact leaving it until nearer the end of August could be handy in terms of getting a better price for our players, that’s when other clubs will be getting twitchy and anyway, £4 million for Szczesny, what are they smoking over there in Juventus?

I’ve seen on other Arsenal blogs, yes that’s Arsenal blogs, the prospect of getting a fee in the region of £15 million for Kieran Gibbs lambasted, why? Why on earth should we sell our players at rock bottom prices whilst expecting to pay over the odds when we buy?! Are we just a soft touch?

David Ospina is another, is he that inferior to Jordan Pickford, a £30 million recent signing by moneybags Everton, not in my opinion? Ospina is an experienced international goalkeeper who to me is worth anything between £8/£10 million.

All the same, if Ozil, Alexis and Ox all sign new deals, it’s going to ramp up our wage bill and that overall increase in salaries could force Wenger to release one or two of his existing big earners, like Walcott or Giroud to balance the books, even if there are other areas of the squad where economies can be made.

It’s rather strange that a club which has scrupulously run its financial affairs properly is in danger of FA sanctions, especially when compared to the largesse shown by Man City, Chelsea and Man Utd.

Maybe those three clubs have more aggressive legal departments than at Arsenal…..

By AllezKev.

124 thoughts on “Arsenal contract to be signed this weekend? Arsene Wenger can’t afford to offload too many.

  1. rico says:

    Thanks Kev, good post with valid points re players leaving.

    I think we’ll struggle to offload many of the players ‘we think’ should perhaps depart this summer because of the wages they are on. In fact I can see a few having to run down their contracts unless they put football above salary.

    I’m not convinced by Jenks but you are right, he’s better going forward than he is defending and he’s one of a few who can actually whip a decent cross in. Perhaps he could be a Cup player….

    Seems neither Lemar of Lacazette are going to be sold, unless it’s all about the money but if the reports about Monaco not selling Lemar at any cost are true, move on I say… Same with Lacazette..

  2. potter says:

    Nobody wants to sell their prized possessions unless the money is very much right except us where our leader always says that he doesn’t want to stilt a players career. We are dealing with Aulas a man who twists and turns more than a corkscrew. He will extract as much as he can and then turn his back and walk away.He reminds me of a Morrocan shoe salesman in Casablanca where I saw an American barter him down for some sandals,having spent 15minutes haggling the Yank thought he had settled a price and paid .The salesman gave him one shoe and opened the bidding for the other.

  3. Wavy says:

    As has been reported. Laxative was promised to Atleti, ages ago. Haws and still is, I believe, wedded to the idea of a move to Spain to play alongside Greizman. If the the old codger thinks he can persued Lacklustre to sign for us l think he is sadly deluded, but we all know that he is just that!. In the mix is Aulas the Lyon owner, he seems to have issues’ where Wenger is concerned, and is committed to ,fckuing our aged maestro over. No, signing Lackability is just not a starter, no matter how much we offer. Imo, of course!
    As for the other guy, Lemar, just how many players are Monaco prepared to sell? Not all of them, surely? Another Lee than likely signing. Another that Wenger will cite in September that he tried to buy and was a top player but the deal just couldn’t be done!

    Time will tell, I guess.

    Good post Kev. I’m not sure who will stay and who will go but, several of the children will or rather have been ,promoted’ to the first team squad already. I wonder if they will be used as an excuse for very few signings, again this summer?

    Wet and windy here. Morning all.

  4. optimist hablia says:

    It’s sad how Arsenal players are underpriced. Assume Sanchez is at another club and is in similar contract circumstance he is in with Arsenal now, given his current devastating form the Chilean would be valued at 70m pounds or more! Now they talk of 40-50m pounds, absurd. Unless Arsenal can get decent prices for the players they intend to sell, there is no point selling too cheaply to anybody and spending so much to bring in players that may not even be better and in the situation put the club in financial difficulty. With the players Arsenal have at the moment, they don’t need too many additions to qualify for the UCL and do very well in Europe. Jus little additions and, may be minuses. We can afford to release Debuchy for any price. may be Gibbs as well.
    The club must be aggressive in chasing Lacazette, or any assured goal getter, I beleive they can get anybody if they are serious about it. Most players would accept a club for its ambition, plan and assurance for play time rather than the financial gain.

  5. rico says:

    It is. Gibbs is the example used in the post and why shouldn’t he be valued at 15m? An England international at a good age should cost around that price imo, is he any worse than Smalling?

    Mind you, Gibbs has had his share of injuries which I guess could put clubs off…

  6. Meerkat says:

    Morning. Another disappointing start to the day re transfer news.
    I agree we sell too cheaply, it’s as though other clubs conspire to fcuk us over. Alexis will go to Citeh I reckon, but we should get top dollar for him, not the price being touted now.

    Theo won’t want to leave, he is happy picking up his salary and bench warming. He and his agent did a blinder when they got his increased wages when they knew Arsenal were struggling and had little choice.
    That, however is going to be the case again this year IMO. Ozil will get a huge increase, yet rarely turn up. Ox only really started to play half decent footie near the end of last season, thus ensuring a lot of interest from other clubs, or get a huge pay rise this year.
    Once they get what they want, they relax again and the club is stuck with them.

    Sorry to sound so negative, but I think we are swimming against the tide and will struggle to make any signings of choice, and will end up scraping the barrel again for big bucks.

    Let’s just hope le prof has something up his sleeve other than his arm?.
    If he has he is keeping it very quiet. Please no Manure rejects!!!?

  7. allezkev says:

    Morning All…

    Morning Rico, thanks for the edit.
    It’s not that I think that Jenkinson etc are the answer, because I’d rather see Arsenal sign another right-back in the Holding mould, but I wouldn’t just sell anyone and leave ourselves light in numbers unless Wenger has another squad member who can fill in.
    So if Oxlade-Chamberlain signs, that’s fine, we can release Corporal Jenks.

    Thanks Wavy, I’m sure that 2 or 3 of the youngsters will be brought into the squad this summer, Monaco seem to do ok using that policy. You may or may not win anything with kids, but Monaco got to the CL S/F, when did Arsenal last do that?

  8. rico says:

    Meerkat, if we are to believe the media, Walcott wants out for more playing time so he can try and get in the England squad for the WC. Maybe he, like Ollie really do want play over pay…

    Morning Kev, I knew what you were suggesting and it makes sense, especially the way we do our transfer business…

  9. allezkev says:

    All our problems stem from the amateurish way our management deal with contracts.
    Players’ contracts should be sorted when they are down to 2 years, that should be club policy.
    If players don’t sign then it doesn’t matter who they are, their put up for sale, we as a club need to get more ruthless and professional in this area, it’s simply not good enough…
    It’s gone one on for too long now and nothing gets done, nothing is changed.

    The only exceptions are players coming to the ends of their careers or those surplus to requirements. The club has royally fcuked up again and keep fcuking up but nobody loses their job over it?

  10. ScottfromOz says:

    Why are we looking at selling Gibbs, anyway?
    Nacho is no 20 year old, and could be needed in the middle.
    Gibbs is perfect for the new formation.
    As for potential signings, we just stuff around too much.
    It’s ridiculous.

  11. Adam says:

    Morning Rico and all. Excellent post Kev. Who knows what is really happening behind the scenes? This one is all down to Arsene. No excuses or prevarication. He has the money and he knows the contract situations of all the players involved.

  12. rico says:

    11.18 Kev, couldn’t agree more.

    Contracts allowed to run down, too much money given to players who don’t deserve it and a manager earning buckets loads when he should have been gone 3/4 years ago…

  13. rico says:

    Morning Adam. Agree. he is Mr Contract man isn’t he?

    Scott, because he’s never going to be Arsenal’s number one Lb…

  14. potter says:

    It’s Wenger’s policy of fair pay for all as long as his is the highest. Chelsea get their way because money talks and Roman has it and,isn’t scared to spend it. The people of Monaco love a high roller ,Chelsea have one where we don’t.

  15. ScottfromOz says:

    All the big clubs just pay what they have to to get who they want.
    Wenger should pay what the player is worth to us, and if that means going overs, so be it.
    Bugger the market value.
    We should pay extra if the player will fulfil a need.
    Wenger won’t and I really don’t know why.

  16. Meerkat says:

    Yes, but who is the right player rico? None mentioned, apart from Mbappe, will be a real asset to the team will they? The jury is out on some so called targeted signings. If he gets them and nothing improves, then what? Another season down the swanney.
    I still believe a goalie should have been a priority. PC is well past his best. Someone who can command his area and get the defence right is paramount.

    I genuinely don’t think le prof is being tightfisted this time, but no big guns want to join Arsenal. He is left with looking at second tier players who are ridiculously overpriced. Should he just spend big money on them at the risk of them being shite in our team?

    He is now damned if he does, and damned if he doesn’t. He must be starting to panic, because the fans will take no prisoners next season if the team doesn’t come sprinting out of the blocks early on. I just hope he holds his nerve and doesn’t blow all the money on rubbish.
    He might be on big money, but I don’t envy him the abuse he will suffer again.
    I would prefer that we bring youngsters in from our own ranks, and accept that it will take at least a season to succeed.

  17. rico says:

    There’s plenty out the Meerkat who ‘on paper’ would bring something better/different to our team. But that means spending big every now and again…

    I wouldn’t mind one or two from the Chile side last night… 😉

  18. bumba11 says:

    Rico, agree with the Chile comment! They looked really quite good and how they did not win in norma;/extra time i dont know! Vidal looked like the beast i knew he could be! Shame, but we missed the boat on that too!

  19. rico says:

    The one which hit the post and then the bar was cruel. Alexis header too must have missed the goal by mms. Chile deserved it that’s for sure….

    So pleased for Alexis, although he’ll be exhausted when he gets back…

  20. potter says:

    The number 20 looked a good defender a couple of interceptions and tackles on,Ronaldo. Think he plays for Leverkusen.

  21. George says:

    Hi all

    Good post Rico

    I cant see us actually signing anyone of note actually. I can however see us shipping a boat load of players, and some that weaken us.

    Stan Kroenke wants to milk the club before ripping off Alisher Usmanov, thats my gut feeling.

    We will lose at least 10 players in the next few days.Here is who i think are gone in this transfer window:

    Sanchez
    Ozil
    Ox
    Theo
    Campbell
    Ospina
    Szscney
    Willock
    Debuchy
    Gibbs
    Jenkinson
    Hinds
    Akpom
    Koscienly
    Bellerin
    Coquelin
    Giroud
    Martinez

    Who are we likely to buy:

    -kolasinac (done deal already)
    – a french prospect under 18 no one has heard of
    – a lower league Brit like Rob Holding or no more than a few million

    We are likely to use more youth:

    – Maitland niles
    -Iwobi
    -Reine Adelaide
    – Nketiah
    – Bielik
    -Toral

  22. allezkev says:

    Adam 12.04, precisely mate and that’s exactly the kind of business that a Director of Football would be in charge of, and transfers, but Monsieur Control Freak isn’t having any of that is he, the plank…

  23. allezkev says:

    El George, that’s 18 players mate!

    I suspect that you’ve been out on your camel in the sun for too long. ?

    Either that or you’ve overdosed on figs. ?

  24. George says:

    defo od on figs hahaha Kev…

    The wsay the club has and continues to be run is not providing any optimism.

    There are siome excellent players at the club who have just not improved, and some that have been proved to be just not good enough.

    I dont want us to lose half of those i mentioned, but the sad truth is , under silent stan , we are no longer an attractive club for players with ambition. We are in a transitioning phase, and i just hope we dont do a liverpool

  25. potter says:

    Theo blows hot and cold .if he goes elsewhere he will have the odd purple patch and then drift out of sight again.A waste in my opinion, had he been taught to drop his shoulder and past players instead of passing inside he could been a useful weapon.

  26. rico says:

    I reckon he could still improve and if he plays each week, he’d be a really good signing, certainly for West Ham or a club like them..

    He should have been great for us imo…. like you say, not taught much..

  27. Le Coq Monster says:

    Evening all and thanks AdonisKev .

    I`m not too bothered what we get for Gibbs and co, I just want them off the pay roll to loosen up money for Alexis and Ozil`s extra wages !………….alas, I cant help being cynical and think what player will leave our great club to move elsewhere for less wages even if it means more playing time………..I wouldn`t !.
    As I was reading through the comments I was thinking that we haven`t mentioned Kroenke and Uzzy for a while, then I came across a couple of mentions !……………………basically I was thinking to myself that if we had Uzzy as sole owner, we would have Ozil and Alexis signed up on big money and Mbappe would be bought for what ever it takes !……………I cant back up the reasons why, but only that Uzzy has said previuosly that Kroenke should dip into his deep pockets and the fact that Uzzy is richer than his Russian mate over at Chavski, so would love to get one over him !………………….you know the game……..who`s got the biggest yacht with the biggest anchor !
    😆

  28. Le Coq Monster says:

    Great news !!!………….Arsene`s back room staff …inc` Gerry Peyton have had their contracts extended !…….unbelievable that Ornstein hasn`t tweeted about this great news as it`s much more important than getting some new players !.

    Gazidis Q&A at the moment………….cant wait for all the bullshit cliche`s he will come out with !……………”Arsene was the right man for the job”……………………..”we`re working hard on the transfer front”……………………..”there`s no need for Usmanov to be on the board”……………………….”Kroenke`s arse is tasty”

  29. Le Coq Monster says:

    Rangers and St Johnstone are playing Europa 1st round qualifying matches already and the TW isn`t officially open yet !!!…………………by the time we have played all our EL games, Arsene would be out of his two year contract !

  30. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Thanks for the post kev,

    Santi should be off loaded IMO. He is finished. Players show no sentiment to the club when their agents do the negotiations, why should it be the other way around?

  31. rico says:

    I’m leaning towards keeping Santi. He can be used wisely and he’s only got a year left on his contract in any case. Can we afford to lose all of our influential players?

    We have midfielders who could learn a lot from him imo. Perhaps that’s the biggest reason why both he and Merts were given an extra season.

  32. Le Coq Monster says:

    True Rico !…

    One thing hits me hard and that`s Gazzer saying if Kroenke was in it for the money he could sell his shares at a great profit !……………I now think he will never sell and we will never be as competitive as the “Big 3″…………………… 🙁

  33. Marshall says:

    Hi Rico, all.
    Took us long enough to drop out of Mbappe race (longer than I expected). Just like how arsenal’s season is predictable -imploding in Nov or running out of steam in late Feb/early March or UCL roundof 16 – so is our transfer activity.

    We start by chasing unicorns early (for STs renewal) while clearly we are not willing to match the price tag *insert Suarez, Higuain, any super player here*. Then in July we are haggling prices for the ‘ok’ players who we don’t get and end up in August bringing in Japanese players who’ll never play- but we are still paying their wages.

    Why is Wenger still has veto on transfer negotiations? He should give his list of targets and go ona swim. His allure is not working anymore. Can’t even woo his french players. Nowadays money talks and bullsh*t walks. That’s why Wenger can’t touch his compatriots like Greizmann, Pogba and Mbappe. 20 years ago they’d have been looking for the ‘honor’ to be coached by him.

    Wouldn’t matter even when the TW opens imo.

  34. rico says:

    Hi Marshall, were we really ever in it I wonder? I’m sure AW would love to sign him, but not at the price he’s going for…

  35. Marshall says:

    Then what is the point of having a new contract negotiator(lawyer) and still keep the old incompetent one? Means same old ethos will continue.

    Same for the perfomance coach – I thought we had another Oz who was keeping fragile arsenal players fit. There is so much redudancy.

    Am overjoyed we are still keeping the same old coaches.

  36. Wavy says:

    Morning al.

    Read the Gazidis transcript. New summary same messages, a bit more defensive, especially about Wenger. Would it be fair to say, the Board could not find a ‘yes man’ to take over from the pensioner so they stuck with the old chap out of desperation and fear of the Unknown.
    Same old, same old.
    Prospects for next season, not good as they are unable to attract top, top players and the manager is quite simply past it. Why would any super star want to come to the Arsenal when it’s profile is slipping year on year.
    Excited by Ivan’s call for unity and understanding will and has already fallen on deaf ears. A new broom is needed throughout the club. Just now the place/franchise is stagnant!

    Weather has picked up a bit today. I’ve turned the central heating off, again, in the hope that summer is giving it another go!

  37. Marshall says:

    Rico, it’s the same as I walking in to a ferrari show room and asking the price of a 458 italia then ask for a discount and clearly I cannot afford it. So why waste the salesman’s time. If we were after Mbappe we definitely were wasting Monaco’s time and misguiding the fans.

    And now that creates a problem where other clubs now know we were willing to pay £100M for a player so they will be looking to milk us dry.

  38. allezkev says:

    Thanks Gnarly, although like Rico I would have to disagree, I think that Santi, if he recovers completely, can go on for a couple more years, his game is based around technical skills and intelligence, not pace, so there’s plenty left in those little legs imo…

    Morning All

    Morning Rico

    The sunshine is back ?

  39. allezkev says:

    Marshall, I suspect that the new people being brought in are in preparation of Wenger leaving, better giving them a year to settle in than having a total shitfest at the same time.

    Wenger may have a two year contract but there’s no certainty that he’ll see those two years out.

  40. allezkev says:

    Wavy, I feel a bit sorry for Gazides, what else can he do or say?

    The problem is Wenger and Kroenke, but if things go badly in those early games, it’s going to be really really nasty, Kroenke has no idea how bad it can get.

  41. rico says:

    Morning Kev.

    I reckon you’re right re Ivan – what else can he say? And wasn’t he one who was hoping for change? Him and Chips…

  42. allezkev says:

    Yes Rico, I do believe that that is the case.

    I think if Gazides and Chips had had their way, that Wenger would have gone.
    But Kroenke had the final call and Arsene remains…

  43. Wavy says:

    Kev, Kronkeywonkey won’t be in the stands to appreciate the hatred directed at him. He is the ultimate absent landlord!
    Wenger on the other hand will be present and the venom he experiences will be truly toxic. However, he won’t leave before the season end, he’ll fall back on that well known phrase or saying, “judge me in May.”
    Having said all that i really, really hope we have an excellent season and all the new top, top players we sign this summer gel harmoniously and, we have a ripping season. (Ain’t going to happen though, i’s its?)

  44. allezkev says:

    Maybe Wavy, maybe not mate, I think that the Premier League gets a lot of coverage on US sports outlets, TV in particular, now if there are problems emanating from the stands/terraces/ prawns, then it’s gonna get back to over there and it’s gonna get embarrassing at a time when he’s twisting and turning to get the Inglewood project built and financed and also a Court case he has to contend with from the good people of St Louis.

    It’s enough to make your hair fall out…

  45. allezkev says:

    Wavy, what have you been smoking ?

    I noticed that Nantes pulled out of a deal for Ospina.
    Personally I’d tell him he may as well stay for another year then he can go on a free next summer.

  46. allezkev says:

    Rico, a year is an enormous time in football, as Wavy says I hope we have a great season, win the EPL, win the UEFA Cup, retain the FACup, our reserves win the League Cup, our ladies team win I’m a Celebrity, ?

    Now Wavy, give us a tug on your spliff…. ?

  47. Wavy says:

    I’m not sharing……I’m in a good place………if only I could remember who I am?….!!!!

    Kronke and Wenger….a marriage made in Germany….now!

    Hope you’re right Kev and we have a clean sweep. Don’t think we will though, not really. In fact I doubt we’ll even win the fourth place trophy!

    Sad, very very sad.

  48. rico says:

    The US folk get to see more live TV Footie than we do, as they get all the 3pm ko’s..

    Kroenke will be well aware if/when the poop hits the fan…

  49. Wavy says:

    Rico, you are presuming he is interested enough to sit down and watch the Arsenal on his television machine! Surely he’s more likely to riding the range, checking the barbed wire boundaries of his ranches across the states and, rounding up those ‘dogies’!
    Football? Do you mean soccer?
    Bloody yanks!

  50. ScottfromOz says:

    If Ivan has no say, why is he staying?
    He’s happy collecting a nice salary, with no pressure on him to perform.
    Sound familiar???
    We can not criticise Wenger whilst defending Ivan, surely.

  51. rico says:

    Somebody will be in his ear Wavy.

    Also, if you had the amount of money he has invested in something, wouldn’t you want to know what’s going on? I would…

  52. rico says:

    Didn’t he resign Scott but it wasn’t accepted? I suspect like any fans, he is just waiting for the day Wenger leaves so he can do his job properly…

    He hinted yesterday that he knows things are not very good, but if Kroenke had the final say on Wenger, they are all doomed…

  53. Le Coq Monster says:

    Chips, `arris, Gazidis, Kroenke, Wenger……………………….only one big hole needed, not five seperate holes !……………….bury them alive aswell to let them feel and understand how they are choking the club !
    🙂

    I can just imagine sometime in September reprinting Gazidis at last night`s Q&A saying we are going to buy quality players when we buy none ………………..and Alexis is playing for Mansour City…………..probably coming on as a sub !……………………….Ozil will stay as nobody else wants to pay him £300k per week……………plus rumour has it he has kept his box at the Em`s !

  54. rico says:

    IF and it’s an IF I know, but if what Ivan said yesterday about only wanting to sign top quality players, then good because isn’t that what many of us have suggested we need?

    I know I wrote in a post the other day, Arsenal don’t need squad players, we have enough. What we need is big players, winners, top quality players who make a difference…

  55. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    -1C @ 11.30pm & getting colder!!!!

    Oh to be in Cornwall sipping a dark & stormy, while dipping my toes in the warm sea?

    Kev/rico

    I’ll agree with you if Santi plays again.

  56. Le Coq Monster says:

    Not so warm in Cornwall today Gnarley !………………I`ve stuck some sun glasses and sun lotion on to keep warm !
    🙂

  57. rico says:

    Alexis is sounding like AW, he knows where his future is but is not saying…

    Pray for the same result as Wenger eh…

  58. Le Coq Monster says:

    Dont know what way to take Alexis`s latest comments, Rico !………..could go either way, but seeing as I`ve been made into a pessimist by Arsene on everything Arsenal, he`ll be on City`s bench coming on for Aguero or Jesus ! 🙂

  59. Wavy says:

    Top, top player Alexis Sanchez is to reveal his future after the Confederations Cup final game.
    Sound familiar? It’s TH 14 all over again! Cat v mouse, squeak up Wenger and Gazidis and don’t say anything cheesy!
    My take on what will happen……Alexis will commit himself 100% to Arsenal for the next 12 months and then leave on a free, probably to China. The citeh rumours are a load of balony, Imo. He didn’t like the north before he joined us, why would he change his mind now? The Northern Powerhouse has come to naught and probably never will. And Pep eased him out of Barca as he did R ‘fancy’ him!
    However, he may have re signed if Wenger had left but as the old goat still thinks he is a master tactician and player manipulated who can take Arsenal to the next level, he has stayed put. So, Sanchez is off, on his terms not the clubs.

    If he does any of that or in fact leaves where does the search for top top players go next, if we can’t keep one of the few we’ve already got?

    How to make yourself a footballing laughing stock….Part One. Further episodes to be found on SSN shortly. Watch this space……….

  60. Le Coq Monster says:

    Right !…………….no disturbing me for I have to do 1000 situps and shall do it to some Tupac……………all eyes on me ……….abs ! hahaha

  61. Bondex says:

    Lol Rico…..keeping Sanchez will be a major statement.Fingers crossed he betters AW’s contract and signs a 4year deal.

  62. Le Coq Monster says:

    Henry Onyekuro confirmed by Everton !……will be loaned out to Anderlecht !…………hope he`s not another one on the long list who we could have got, but didn`t !………£7m is like loose change for Kroenke !………….he keeps that sort of money tucked under his syrup ready to temp any good looking buffalo when he`s walking naked around his ranch !

    🙁

  63. rico says:

    We can only hope Bondex, and who’d have ever thought we’d be as low as having to rely on hope eh…

    This club should be making sure it meets the ambition held by Alexis, then he’d have been signed and sealed long before now..

    Mind you, as Wavy said, had Wenger left, he might have…

  64. Wavy says:

    Just a question. How was it Gnabry was allowed to leave Arsenal? Was it that the eagle eyed talent trader Wenger couldn’t see his talent and so refused to give him a start in the first team. Missed a bit of a trick there Arsene. I believe he will become a top top player!
    Careless, very very careless. It typifies everything that Arsenal have failed to do properly over the last 11 years.

  65. Obi says:

    If Lacazette becomes an Arsenal player, imho, it will probably be the end of Theo and not Sanchez. Sanchez probably have decided to stay because Lacazette is coming, Theo is leaving and Ozil is staying. I think most likely there will be 1 or 2 more players added also.

    Alexis problem is not only with AW game management and tactics, but also with certain players, notably Theo and Ramsey, and since they are talking about extending Ramsey, Theo is out.

    Btw, Pep did ease Sanchez out from the Barce line-up, but did he sell him? Sanchez came to Arsenal 2014, Pep went to BM in 2103….. I think. So why do people keep saying he sold him?

  66. potter says:

    I think Sanchez will play out his contract and take a Bosman next year if things don’t improve. . He would pocket the transfer fee as a sign on which would probably outweigh any pay rise offered,

  67. rico says:

    Strange one re Gnabry but once he was fit but left in the under 21’s, the writing was on the wall.

    Interesting thoughts Obi. I’m sure it was Pep who let Alexis go though, or certainly him who didn’t select him too often although I think I read he spoke very highly of Alexis…

  68. Bondex says:

    Obi I honestly hope what you’ve said happens exactly the way you’ve said it. We can’t afford to loose our best player and hope to be better next season. Like I said earlier keeping Sanchez is our first major step towards winning a trophy or even achieving a top four finish . The likes of Lacazette should be added with the aim of improving our goal tally and replacing the dead wood in the team.

  69. micko says:

    Potter, I can guarantee nearly every supporter from every other premier league club in the land would love sign Alexis this summer, shame us Gooners can’t see beyond the diving, it’s a fcuking disgrace !

  70. rico says:

    If Alexis is a diver, Tom Daley is a javelin thrower…

    Btw, Ornstein has said Lacazette will be an Arsenal player very soon… That should prize Lc away his 1kg dumbells….

    On that note, night all..

  71. Le Coq Monster says:

    You know me too well, Rico !………. 😀

    https://twitter.com/bbcsport_david/status/880827397477724160

    Although I dont mind the purchase of La Laxitive, I do feel if we lose Ice Cold in Alexis we would have taken a step backwards !……………………and bearing in mind La Laxitive will cost around £50M, then if Ice Cold in Alexis does go then it needs to be £80m, as he is proper world class, not someone who cant dislodge Olly from the France starting line up !

  72. micko says:

    Oh shut up Lee, you do realise Ozil played a massive part in us winning the Fa Cup this year, he deserves the summer off, Alexis on the other hand……..nite Gooners.

  73. allezkev says:

    Ok, just got home, get changed into my gym wear then I’m off on a 25k run to Wanstead to pop off some Rizlas off at a mates house, then get the night bus home.
    Bon soir Gooners

  74. rico says:

    Morning Bondex, all…

    Three top players and I reckon we’d be good to go, as long as we keep our best and better players.

    Then it’s over to Wenger to cock it all up…..

  75. Le Coq Monster says:

    Morning………….and a nice one it is ! 😎

    If Alexis does go…………..how many players would we need to sign to compensate his loss ?………………then how many to take a step forward ?…………………………….come on Alexis !………………why move ?…………..you`re the top dog and we all love you (whilst you`re here), paid handsomely and wont sit on the bench !………..and do you really want us to abuse you ! ………………..

    I`m sure he reads HH, so this could tip the scales ! 🙂

    Pretty sure his dogs read HH and will probably tell him ( in a scooby doo voice..it`s a fact all dogs talk like scooby doo ! )…………….”” Daddy, we love it in Islington, the bitches are gorgeous and Arsene rubs my belly and lets me hump his leg !””

  76. Frednerk says:

    Morning RICO and All
    Is Arsene and Gazza back from France?
    Anyone spotted our Wheeler Dealers?
    Are we still looking for Top Top Players?
    The window is open now…….But
    Would a Top Top player want to sign a 4 year contract
    Knowing Arsene is hanging on a 2 year contract maybe 1?

    Once again A pissup at the Brewery is unfolding.

  77. rico says:

    Morning Fred, Lc.

    Isn’t t a sad state of affairs when before the season kicks off, plenty of us are quietly confident that we know how it will play out….

  78. frednerk says:

    On a boat yesterday sailing around mount athos northern Greece a geezer Bosnian spots me gooner book and asks me
    Do I think Wenger should go…….gospel

  79. ScottfromOz says:

    Morning all.
    Gee, some of you must be spoiling for a fight by suggesting Alexis dives.
    I mean, a big swoosh of air can easily take a grown man down, so leave the poor guy alone.
    If he leaves now or at seasons, end I’ll be amazed as his history of extending contracts will be broken.

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