Arsenal secure double deal and it’s still May! Better the devil you know!

Morning all.

The breaking news yesterday afternoon, although not a shock, was disappointing to say the least. After 21 years at Arsenal and no Premier League title since 2004, for some reason Stan Kroenke and his motley crew think it’s a good idea to to award Arsene Wenger a two year contract. This decision seems the most backward thinking there could be. Suggestion is there’s ‘t&c’s’ which go with the contract but just what they are remains to be seen. Perhaps we’ll be told when the official announcement is made later.

The past season has probably been the worst since the Frenchman arrived at the club back in 1996. Yes we won the FA Cup and in style but in the league and Europe, we were nothing short of average, if not below and with it came our lowest league finish in the last twenty one years.

During and after the move to The Emirates, money was tight so for Wenger to sustain a top four place was something I don’t think many managers could have done but for the last few seasons, the money issue has been somewhat relaxed to the point that this season, missing out on a Champions League spot was deemed to be no big deal. Last summer saw Arsene Wenger spend more money than we fans have been used to of late and yet still, with what I believe to have been one of his strongest squads since the move to The Emirates, very little has changed as far the style of football we have played. Apart from the odd game or three, it’s been a real struggle to watch as it’s been so boring, unimaginative and predictable.

Yet here we are, facing two more years of something similar. Hang on though, the last few fixtures were better, he’d adopted a different defensive system, players looked a bit more interested and we were winning. Yippee. Then on the final day of our campaign, we royally battered the league champions so life is great again…..

Except it’s not!

Being a successful football club isn’t about half a dozen or so really good performances a season, it’s about starting strong and improving, or certainly maintaining that high level of football from August through to May. It’s about competing with the best and beating the best. Being in it to win it and not just taking part, which is pretty much all we’ve done for the last thirteen years. Apart from the FA Cup though, I do love an FA Cup victory. But there’s nothing quite like winning the league as it’s about being the best in England and beating the rest in England to win that very special trophy.

Arsene Wenger has forgotten how to win the league though, and judging by the last thirteen years, he’s certainly forgotten how to get the best from his players over ten months in order to give them a fighting chance. It’s not until the pressure is off having once again been knocked out of the Champions League, does he manage to string a few decent results together in order to scrape into the top four. Apart from this time of course.

Admittedly, there’s been the odd season where that’s not been the case as we’ve finished either second or third but lets not forget just how many points we usually trail the winners by in the end. Even the season before last, when it looked easier to finally break our Premier League duck in years, he and his squad made a pigs ear of it. He’ll never get a better chance, not now. During that season, Utd and Chelsea were having managerial problems of their own, City had stupidly announced a change in manager loomed and because of those issues, they were fairing worse than us. Just! We though had a meltdown as we went into the second half of that campaign and pretty much gifted the league crown to Leicester.

Now though, Chelsea, Utd, City, Tottenham and even the two Liverpudlian clubs are looking settled or very close to being so yet here we are not really having a clue what to expect next season other than more of the same as what we’ve experienced, no, suffered for seasons gone by.

But clearly that prospect doesn’t bother Stan Kroenke, nor the majority of the board because if it did, they’d not sit back and let it happen. They’d be ambitious. They’d have prepared for this summer and made it a summer of change. They didn’t have to offer Arsene Wenger a new contract, they could have easily just told him that it’s time for someone younger to takeover, time for something new, different and exciting but no, not even after years of watching the same old stuff being served up has that time arrived. For Kroenke, it’s seems to be a case of ‘better the devil you know!’ Well, if, or probably when it all goes belly up in November or January/February as it so often does, I hope the American reaps what he sows because this time around, I think it’ll be him who gets the fan abuse and rightly so.

As for Arsene Wenger, well I’d hoped he’d have done the right thing and walk away, especially after such a fantastic victory over Chelsea but I think all that’s done is make him believe more that he has another league title in him, maybe even Europe but imo, he’s living in la la land.

But there’s nothing we can do about it now other to hope that Alisher Usmanov or some other mega rich person/group offers Kroenke the kind of money that’ll be too hard for him to refuse and one day, our club is in the hands of someone who knows what football is all about and what it means and needs to become league champions again.

That’s my moan over because there’s no point in going over things time and time again as said, there’s little/nothing we can do now. Other than hope for a miracle next season.

Until then, I guess we’ll have to sit back and enjoy the summer and all our new signings of course, which according to Sky Sports has already begun with Arsenal agreeing a transfer fee of £6.8m for Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru. Personal terms are yet to be agreed apparently but that should be a formality I’d had thought.

Have a good day all and leave any blunt kitchen knives in the draw where they belong…….

248 thoughts on “Arsenal secure double deal and it’s still May! Better the devil you know!

  1. Le Coq Monster says:

    Thanks Rico………….I shall use a steak tenderising mallet instead !

    Gnarley, when are you coming to Cornwall ?

  2. Le Coq Monster says:

    It may be the Stcokholm Syndrome who know`s, but I`m still high from Saturday and even the inevitable bad news to come out (possibly) today cant change it ! hahaha

  3. ArsenalDK says:

    I simply cannot take it anymore. Nothing but bad news every.single.day. Why is Wenger staying? If he truly loves the club, why doesn’t he back down? He can only dissapoint from now on. New contracts to Sanchez and Ozil plus 3-4 world class players is the only thing that can help a little bit..

  4. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Just another day in Arsene World rico. He & his fan Stan need to be made accountable if the PL is out of reach.

    LC

    About October we’ll be touring the English Riviera?

  5. Canadian Gooner says:

    Good Morning to The Lady of the House and fellow Gooners in residence.

    I think it was to be expected that Kroenke would offer Arsene a new contract. I highly doubt that Silent Stan would be willing to fund the transfer funds that any of the more qualified and well known candidates would demand and he is unlikely to take the risk of bringing in a young and relatively unknown, untried and inexperienced managers.

    If, for once, Arsene gets all his transfers done early; at least we could sit back and enjoy the summer.

  6. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Now it’s being reported that the current Arsenal manager will get to choose his successor!!!!!!!

    Darl!!!!! Are you in the kitchen? Hide the sharp knives can you!!!!!!

  7. rico says:

    Morning Cg.

    I wouldn’t be surprised if Wenger earns more than most of the managers out there, baring Pep and a few. Perhaps he’s more concerned about a manager who demands vast amounts of money for transfers, or someone who is not a ‘yes’ man.

    Just guessing though, goodness only knows why Kroenke would see the Frenchman as being the right person to take this club forwards..

  8. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rico – I’ve seen reports that Klopp has been given a 200 million quid transfer fund. I’m sure the Petulant Portuguese Pygmy, Pep and Conte will be given similar war chests. I can’t see Stan funding any new manager to that level.

  9. rico says:

    Cg, neither can I regardless of the headlines which suggest he’ll get £150 million, a figure which as Scott says, will rise if he sells a few….

    Regardless though, spending big isn’t in Wenger’s DNA…

  10. rico says:

    Saying that, perhaps having to spend some serious money is part of the ‘t&c’s’ in Wenger’s new contract, although that won’t cure his inability to play great football or motivate.

  11. ScottfromOz says:

    Morning all.
    Sell a few who can’t cut it, buy two or three, stuck with the new formation and who knows-we could surprise.
    We certainly did over the last 6-8 weeks 🙂

  12. Le Coq Monster says:

    Cant see Bindippers spending more money than us as they dont have the cash reserves we have and their self sufficient model is based on ours !………….they are Arsenal Lite !

    With no CL and all our rivals with it, this is (another) a great oppurtunity to win the League next season…………………..just need to keep the you know who`s and some quality additions and we should compete, but we cant keep giving up these great chances !.

  13. ScottfromOz says:

    Rico, fair call, but how many thought he could destroy Conte with his tactics?
    One sparrow doesn’t make a spring but it’s a start.

  14. andrewh1313 says:

    Hi all, good post. Which makes me think, do the hierarchy read fan sites ever? I only read here except for the occasional Newsnow link that catches the eye. Those that read other sites, is there a 50/50 love continuing for AW? Or even 30/70%

  15. allezkev says:

    We have to be aware that the majority of the sports news outlets know that bad news sells.
    And nothing generates ‘clicks’ like bad Arsenal news.

    I’m not taking any notice of any of their crap in the short term, nothing much is likely to happen in June, the players have internationals and holidays, the press have nothing and will shit-stir.

    We’ve got got Wenger for 2 more years at best, maybe less if next season goes tits up.

    My focus is on Kroenke, nothing will change while he’s in charge, he just does enough to keep his investment ticking over.

    I’ve given up on Usmanov, he just wants to cut and run to Everton.

    If there are other ‘interested parties’ circling the club, they’re certainly taking their time to make a move.

  16. rico says:

    But by doing so Scott, it raises more questions surely?

    Why has he not been able to do that many more times throughout the season and those before? Why just when we are chasing a top four place or in a final..?

    Thanks Andrew.

  17. Le Coq Monster says:

    Trouble is, Rico, Re- Fergies record, is that because of Wenger`s narcissism, he sees it as a record to be proud of and misses the glaring point about Fergies record of the amount of trophies he won in the amount of years he managed !

  18. Malaga gooner says:

    Afternoon Rico and the house

    Just cancelled sky sports and BT sports, can’t be arsed to watch 2 more years of utter shit… I’ll get my football fix the old fashioned way and watch MOTD…

    I’m also not going to buy any Arsenal merchandise until that TYRANT has gone

    bollox too getting behind him and the club, Ive fallen out of love with the Arsenal, they’ve drained me

    Wenger and that rag head can fuck off

  19. Dublingunner says:

    I feel your pain malaga, my love affair with Arsenal has sadly declined too, but unfortunately we are where we are. not much we can do now.
    For me personally get the Sanchez contract sorted along with a minimum 2 world class players, one a C.F, show some god damn ambition, Excite the fans again, and it would go some way to getting us back on board.
    Whether he has it in him anymore, maybe not, But at least go down trying Arsene.

    P.S.G reportedly have agreed a 61 million deal with Dortmund for Aubamayang,
    Damn, Another one bites the dust….

  20. ScottfromOz says:

    Seems some fans don’t love Arsenal unless they’re winning trophies.
    Dennis would be horrified lol
    Rico, I have no idea why Arsene didn’t change formations and/or tactics earlier, but the point I made remains.
    He’s showed he’s capable.
    What motivates him to perform remains a mystery.

  21. Le Coq Monster says:

    I`m off down the gym now !……ever seen them “punch your lights out” mannequins ?…………………I`ve got a Kroenke one and I call it………….”kick the fcuk out of the syrup ” !…………………..

    😆

  22. rico says:

    Have to disagree there Scott, I think most fans just want us to be truly competitive and not out of the league chase by Christmas, and not to be getting hammered by clubs like Bayern. Sometimes other teams are simply better and that we have to accept, but at least give things a bloody good go.

  23. Le Coq Monster says:

    Aparrently there`s going to be some spending !……as the club want to win everything !…………

    😯

  24. Le Coq Monster says:

    Feel extra strong with the adrenalin surge and should be ble to arm wresttle my mother-in-law into oblivion…………grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr !

  25. ScottfromOz says:

    Rico, I’ll never waste a second on CL failures as It’s my belief it should be for Champions only, so until we win the League, it’s irrelevant in my eyes.
    Nobody here-or anywhere else-would’ve believed Arsene would do Conte tactically but he did.
    That’s a fact.
    There’s life in the old boy.
    We have him for two more years and even though we all believed it was time for a move, it’s hasn’t happened, so should we, as fans, waste another season complaining, or supporting the squad and manager?
    It’s a personal choice.
    I’ll support the squad and manager and all the while,
    I’ll hope the Yank goes.
    He’s the one who defied everyone and everything to offer Arsene a new contract, so why Wenger is blamed for that situation will forever remain a mystery to me.

  26. frednerk says:

    Afternoon Rico and All

    £6.8m for Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru and free leftback.

    Excited…You Bet Guys.

  27. potter says:

    I reckon Conte allowed it to happen , keep Arsene in a job scratching around for fourth and he can get on with winning the prizes.

  28. ScottfromOz says:

    So Fred, you’re writing off the LB because he’s free?
    Funny, but those who’ve actually seen him play rate him highly.
    Still, if it seems to good to be true….

  29. kelsey says:

    Morning all,
    Here’s my take on it.

    If someone asks why was there no continguency plan which I have seen on several blogs,it’s a resonable question considering we are the sixth richest club in the world. Forget being a fan, Kroenke suits AW and vica versa.The Arsenal is just a cash cow and we are being belittled by many other clubs.We are in an all mighty mess and have a gutless Board.Let’s see if the we can keep our best players and build on it.It’s reported we have 150 million to spend,but AW loves a bargain.ST holders or not or just fans,we are all being taken for a ride and my conclusion is that this 2 year deal was arranged 6 months ago and only announced when we won The Cup, and it still would have been announced in any case.A man once revered is now a dictator and practically runs every aspect of the club and is answerable to no one A totally unhealthy situation IMO.Kroenke is the bigger evil long term.he won’t care if 40000 tourists fill our stadium and hundreds of thousands of people who saw us win The Cup will be new fans around the world of which many will buy merchandise.I can’t be positive unless we keep our best players,buy another two of that quality, and get rid of the dross but even then I find it hard to be positive that AW will change.That’s being realistic not negative, as his recent record be it 3 or 5 years or longer, is always predictable..If I and many others are wrong I will be delighted.AW has a massive job to do and remember 6 clubs not 2 are looking to win the Title.21 years has changed football but can AW change ? I doubt it.

    Some additional points made clear
    —————————————————-

    Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has signed a new two-year deal at the club.The agreement does not include a break clause and, should it be completed, will extend his reign to 23 years.
    Neither Arsenal nor Wenger, 67, see this as definitely being his final contract.

    Arsenal are expected to spend at least £100m on new players in the upcoming transfer window – which opens on 1 July – having also spent around that figure last summer

    Although Arsenal may have £100m to spend, the issue is that they already have a high wage bill and their revenues are not as large as Europe’s very biggest clubs. And that’s before you factor in dropping down from the Champions League to the Europa League.

    They need to be careful when it comes to Financial Fair Play, meaning they will inevitably have to sell some players to free up funds for wages rather than transfer fees. It will be a busy few months at the Emirates.

  30. Bob John says:

    Hi all
    I see all the old quotes from AW have been re-hashed. ‘Only top, top quality signings’. ‘Squad already big enough:. No doubt Santi will be ‘like a new signing’. Groundhog Day doesn’t do it justice!

  31. frednerk says:

    Scott where have I said that his useless.
    Never seen the geezer play.
    I could explain Scott,I could draw you a picture
    about what my point is..But I’m not..Ok.

  32. allezkev says:

    Scott I’m not so sure that it was a tactical masterclass by Wenger, did he do anything that Conte didn’t expect, I don’t think so?

    It was more a case of our players actually playing to their full potential whilst Chelsea were mentally off of the pace and with one eye on the beach…
    We got an early goal and they couldn’t respond.

    To me it just goes to show how fcuking useless Wenger is at motivation and tactics, because if he can do it in the cup final, then why not at Palace, West Brom, Everton, Man City, Liverpool etc etc etc and on and on ad infinitum.

    When Wenger can coach us through an entire season like he did in the last 10 games, then I’ll believe, until then forget it Digger.

  33. Obi says:

    MG, I feel your pain. For me, I will wait until the transfer period is over. That at least will indicate the level of commitment that they plan to show for the season. And if we do buy the right players, if selections, tactics and favoritism persist, I will just simply stop watching Arsenal. The fact that we are concern with the amount other teams will or are spending shows the problem at Arsenal. MU, City and Chelsea just look at what they need rather than the cost…..same for Real, Juve, Barce, PSG.

    Let’s not make too much of the tactical change. The trend for AW teams for the past 8 years is to always finish strong after imploding in the middle of the season, except for only 1 season. And it’s not some genius move a few of us suggested that way before AW did it, I suggested it for BM first and 2nd leg, LC has been saying it for a while. The fact that it took him so long shows his ineptitude….and for what’s it’s worth I like Arsene but he’s not the right man for the job and he should realize that.

  34. allezkev says:

    Fred, I saw some brief Bundesliga highlights a couple of weeks ago, always good football.
    Well I saw Schalke 04 and that Bosnian left-back/wing-back looks the nuts mate.
    A tough bastard who’ll love the EPL.

    Don’t know about the Nigerian kid, do we need a work permit, if so, then what’s the point?

  35. ScottfromOz says:

    Fred, and where did I suggest you said he’s useless?
    Two can play that misquoting game lol
    You suggest we should get excited-I dare say sarcastically.
    Has the transfer window even opened yet?????
    Kev, We dominated from kick off.
    We could easily have won 4 or 5-1.
    If Wenger isn’t to be credited for that ,then surely the players are to blame for all of the lacklustre performances.
    We can’t have it both ways.
    I’ve said often enough he’s got the tactics wrong, but credit where it’s due.
    The formation change is the big one, for mine.
    It suits our style, as well as the players we have.
    Yep, it’s several years late.

  36. allezkev says:

    Scott, why didn’t we do it at home to Watford?

    And don’t get me started on Bayern and Europe in general where tactics are king.

    But Kroenke had the final say and he is to blame.

  37. Obi says:

    Kev @ 2:36 I said it here before, am so surprise that AW went for Kolasinac don’t you love his toughness. Everytime I watch him he looks like a walking red card but never gets one. He increase Arsenal toughness by 120%…… I hope the refs will let him play. He has descent pace, toughness, can tackle and tracks back.

  38. frednerk says:

    Scott Did you not say I wrote him off.

    Found it…So Fred, you’re writing off the LB because he’s free?

    Kev…As I said not seen the geezer or the Forward.

    For me this squad ain’t bad..

    If I was in charge I would invest in Top Top Quality
    players,which cost a lot..The ones all other clubs want.
    We have enough troops.

  39. Le Coq Monster says:

    No problem with freebies !…………….Kolasinac, yep, looks like he`s built like a brick outhouse !…………………..Ibrahimovitch was a freebie !…………………..and in 12 months so will Ozil and Alexis be !……………we`ll get them for free then ! hahaha
    No problem also with wages as we can get rid of a lot of average players this summer !…..we all know who they are !……………………although I would still keep Sanogo just to keep Obi happy !…….I`m that kind of a caring person ! hahaha

    Is Kroenke still breathing ?

  40. Lee says:

    Why couldn’t Wenger manage this technical masterclass throughout the season? I’ll tell you why because he’s finished as a top manager, spends £100m and we are worse off…..

    The usual bollocks will resume next season like the last 13 seasons….. Stan’s useless and Wenger is a rubbish manager in proper meaningful competitions!

    Ill prepared start to the season because of who? Then he says we were only 1 point off of top 4….the nerve of that man is beyond recognition.

  41. Le Coq Monster says:

    Tell you what !……………………..If Wenger is like me, he will be running around on the ceiling knowing he`s just bluffed his way into £20M for two years work !………………….I`d buy an executive box at The Ems and invite you all for each game with some pole dancers etc`…………………………and a half naked Poldark for Rico ! hahaha
    I`d also pay one of you a £1M to take out Stans Syrup with a sniper rifle………………………….£2m if you can slip a whoopie cushion under it !

  42. Obi says:

    LC for that matter, Pogba was free and was sold for nearly 100m….. suckers. I can see Arsenal making the same mistake MU made with Pogba with Sonogo……. Lol

  43. Le Coq Monster says:

    What can Wenger do to get us onside ?………………….for me straight away he has to get some top quality in………….like fred says……..the one`s which our rivals want !

    No problem with the freebie and Henry for an £8m outlay, as that`s peanuts today and is worth the punt, but get some real big names !…………..then we can hope we dont fcuk up as per usual !…………………….although we all know that will happen somewhere a long the line ! hahaha

  44. Le Coq Monster says:

    Still buzzing from Saturday !……………………….anyone`s worn off yet ? ………………Lee ? hahaha

  45. rico says:

    Afternoon Fred. I reckon both signings could prove to be good signings but I know what you mean, it’s not the same as announcing we’ve signed a Griezmann or someone similar…

    Perhaps a couple of real quality are set to follow… lol

  46. allezkev says:

    Obi, sometimes all you need to see is a player very briefly to see that they’re just what we need.
    Nigel Winterburn was like that and I think Sead looks a Lauren type of tough hombre, exactly what we need.

    Yep Obi he looks very good.

  47. Le Coq Monster says:

    Wenger has admitted that some players will depart this summer, and that he will only pursue “top-quality” signings in this window.

    “We have a very heavy squad at the moment so maybe we might lose some players,” Wenger told the club’s official website. “We want to keep the strength we have and build on that.

    “We will work very hard to find the additions of top, top quality. I believe that our squad is very strong and we will only look for top-class people who can strengthen our team now. The basis is there so we need the additions who will make a real difference.”

  48. bumba11 says:

    Does anyone have any thoughts on perennial target Lacazette? Ive only seen him play once and i wasnt blown away but apparently he is decent? If so is it a signing we could get done? Its much more our “bracket” i think…..

  49. Meerkat says:

    Hi Rico and all. Posted this already before I saw a new post up today:-

    The length of time Le prof has been there, why aren’t there some good players coming through the arsenal system?

    The glow from Sunday’s win is fading fast. i doubt we will be top four again, nor will we win the Europa Cup next season. Mid-table is about our standard over the course of a long hard season. All the goonettes need a mid season break aka Ozil et al.

    Two year contract is too long for more of the same. Or worse. I think he may regret staying on because the Love Affair is well and truly over.

    We will never win the EPL again, so best we accept that. The owners are happy with things as they are, it is a business, thats all it is to them.

    A bit of FA Cup glory for them to hobnob with royalty, and all is well. Goonhog Day.

    KROENKE OUT! ASAP!

  50. rico says:

    I don’t think it is official yet bumba. Can’t see us getting him though, he seems to be the one continually linked to us but never arrives. A bit like Carvalho… lol

  51. rico says:

    Hi Meerkat. I agree, simply can’t see how much will change all the time Kroenke and Wenger are at the club. Re the fan relationship, its bad enough now so he’s got a lot of work to do if he’s to get them back onside. I doubt very much he ever will.

    Maybe a very good summer with a few tough players who can lead the rest would go along way, however, hecdoesnt seem to like that kind of player…

  52. Le Coq Monster says:

    ## BREAKING NEWS ##…………………My glow is still here !………………..and will probably be here `till the season starts…….depending on who we do or dont sign ! hahahaha

    I think we will undoubtably sign someone of great quality……Bale/Greaseman/The Cassette/Caviar/PEA……………as I trust Arsene`s integrity and love of the club to do what`s best for us in the TW……………………….hehehehe

  53. Le Coq Monster says:

    Think he will allow Big Tone back for a coaching role with open arms aswell !…………………………………….In my defense, I have been out in the heat sunbathing !………….cant see us getting much luck in the FA Cup this Saturday against the Chavs either !………………..right, back out in the sun !

  54. Adam says:

    I just watched the whole Sky coverage Rico. A slightly uncomfortable feel about the whole thing. But perhaps it’s only to be expected after the poor season.

  55. Meerkat says:

    I’m still here in Spain, and Big Tone is a bit of a joke after Granada being relegated. He has too many sour grapes to ever be wanted back with the gooners. Shame really, he was a legend, but ‘unrequited love’ an’ all that, ‘hell hath no fury like Big Tone scorned’.

    I guess none of us will really give up on Arsenal, ‘In Arsene We Rust’ lol.

    As Scott say’s, Arsene is not above changing if need be, and he may have learned a lesson from that this season.
    I’ve just seen his and Gazidis interviews, and feel a tiny bit more positive.

    Bring it on!

  56. rico says:

    Sky sports have certainly milked it Adam but yes, I get I get what you mean. I guess until the season kicks off we’ll not really know what to expect this ‘next level’ Wenger talks about, really is…

    Although we could all guess…

  57. frednerk says:

    Kev
    Of all the players Arsene has brought in,
    only one stood out for me first time..Paddy V

  58. allezkev says:

    Yes Fred, I was there that day, the buzz around the ground I will never forget when Vieira made his first tackle.

    Seaman was quality right from the off, in fact I remember Arsenal playing QPR at Shepherds Bush, the season before he joined us in 1990.
    He had a presence about him, fantastic goalkeeper.

    And Ian Wright made quite an impression from the off.

  59. frednerk says:

    Cheers Kev
    Never heard of this club,never seen the player
    lets hope his not another Sir/nogoals

    Arsene loves a nurture,always reminds me of a
    Grand National bet when he buys a African type player
    most seem to fall half way round.
    If his half as good as Thierry,I’d love to him that.

  60. Adam says:

    Fred. You’re right. Most of it is just spiel for the fans but I think it will be harder for him this time round because he has so many waiting for him to fail.

  61. rico says:

    I wonder how long we’ll have to wait? The November injuries, the Christmas/New Year slump, or maybe it’ll come sooner. Or not at all… 🙂

  62. Meerkat says:

    Yer, rico, but Adams thought he’d do a Spam at Crystal Palace and be the saviour. Doomed to fail with no experience.
    I’m pretty sure that if Arsene thought he’d be an asset at the club, he’d have kept him on. I’m sad to see that he is badmouthing him again to sell a book. How the mighty fall.

    I’m going to try to remain positive, it is what it is. C’est la vie.

  63. Le Coq Monster says:

    Yes, M`kat, I too was disappointed with big Tones badmouthing of Arsene, but in Tone`s defense, he is a shin pad short of a football kit !.

    Seeing on SSN that Uzzy is still ready to jump in and save the club if Syrup fails us !

  64. Le Coq Monster says:

    Never known such media attention on SSN over a manager signing an extention to a contract !…………….it really is relentless stuff, anyone would think that Arsene has pulled his face off to reveal lizard features !.

  65. S says:

    Kev, where have I ever blamed Stan for tactics?
    I don’t get that comment.
    Remember when we signed Holding and everyone asked why we’d get a shit, cheap version of Stones?
    Funny how that never pops up lol
    Expensive price tags guarantee what?
    When it comes to performances, nothing, but when it comes to keeping fans happy for a few days, plenty.
    If only we’d bought Pogba.
    Stones for Holding, anyone-seriously, would anyone swap?
    No chance at all, for mine.
    It’s ok to bring up the negatives, but surely a balanced argument relies on people bringing up the positives as well, and before anyone chooses to aim up at me, read anything I’ve posted in the last few seasons and I’ve criticised Wenger on plenty of occasions.

  66. ScottfromOz says:

    Adam, your 6.32 is spot on, but how sad it is so many will pat themselves on the back if he does fail?
    Strange attitude, I think.

  67. Le Coq Monster says:

    Still buzzing ! 😀
    Strangely, I`m buzzing about the Arsene news !…………….I dont know if it`s because Im` still high on the FA Cup win or that I honestly think this contract extention seems diffferent from others !………………….weve had everyone come out this time with statements, even silent stan !.
    We will soon know though …….priority is Ozil and Alexis, if we cant extend their contracts (especially after both bigging up Wenger), then we will see if Wenger is as good as his word by making them see out their contracts, this will be the litmus test imo,…….even more so than who we try to buy of top quality !.
    Maybe the buzz is because of all this plus the TW starting as it`s been a bit of a fanfare today………..now they have to walk the walk !…………….interesting and maybe exciting few months ahead……when does the TW close ? hahaha

    Also, with the banners , the planes, all over the media with the discontent etc`……..the fans are ready to take it to another level if he doesn`t do the business and I`m sure he knows this now as what has gone on recently is just a taster of whats to come, he`s not that naive, stubborn , yes, but he knows things have to change now……………and quickly !

  68. allezkev says:

    Scott, I never suggested that you did blame Kroenke for the tactics used in games.

    Kroenke is to blame for the lack of ambition at the club.
    I’ve be saying that for months.
    In fact you used to agree with me on that point.

    Wenger is to blame for the tactics, that was the point I made, in fact I made it twice and mentioned the games where he had failed.

    A season is judged over its entirety, not a couple of cup ties.

    Winning the FACup was great and the manner in which it was won will stay with us all for years to come, but one game cannot camouflage yet another season of tactical ineptitude and a team lacking direction and motivation. All that comes from the manager.

  69. allezkev says:

    Holding has been a great signing. I haven’t a problem with signings like Holding, from within the British game because they come with that bloodymindedness that we’ve lacked. The way he wound up Costa was an example and that Stoke player he kicked, Anountovitch or whatever, you get that from British defenders, they’ve been brought up on that physical element of the game.

    I actually don’t remember too many on here criticising the signing of Holding, what I do remember were contributors on here complaining about Wengers usual dithering over signings, Mustafi in particular, that dithering contributed to us losing to Liverpool and is the main reason we’re out of the CL.

  70. ScottfromOz says:

    Fair enough Kev.
    Yes, Arsenes time should’ve been up but he’s back.
    Let us hope and pray his apparent new style stays on next season and succeeds.
    Next target-Stan.
    But how?
    That big russian is lingering so let’s hope he’s serious!!!!
    LC, I just couldn’t imagine a better time for Arsene to leave than now.
    After all the criticism he’s copped, he pulled one last rabbit out of his hat but now, nothing short of a League title will save him from the critics and really, he’s set himself up for a fall, now more than ever, imo.
    League title or nothing.

  71. ScottfromOz says:

    Kev, the Holding reference wasn’t aimed at regulars on here, but fans in general.
    Sometimes I must remember my target audience hahahaha
    Yep that first game really ended up killing us-little did we know that at the time.

  72. Meerkat says:

    Heard tonight that Sanchez is off to BM. Le Prof denies it, but if he doesn’t sell and get £50 million now, Sanchez won’t sign an extension, even for doubling his wages, and will get a free next year.
    Same with crafty Ozil, he won’t sign and he won’t be sold, not that there are any buyers atm, he’ll sit it out for another season, be ‘ill’ or too tired for half of it, same as this season, and go for free at the end.
    How do we get shot of wheelchair, who is a drain on the club with his wages? He couldn’t get a regular game at Bournemouth! Now injured for months. Again.

    I still think Theo is worth a few goals to us, but he is on too high a salary.

    The funniest Tweet I’ve seen on Prof’s good news:

    “Pleased for Wenger. All managers need to be given time” LOL.

  73. Herb's Army says:

    The summer will be very interesting.
    Wenger says he’s ‘targeting the PL title…’ which will be a first since moving.
    City want the quadruple, and there’s probably more chance of that happening.
    (*Disclaimer – I am not saying it will, I’m predicting Arsenal will not win the title).
    Gary Lineker and Bob Wilson both agree we are miles behind (for those who aren’t familiar with Bob Wilson, he’s our legendary Goalkeeper from our first ‘Double’ in 1970-71), and with City having already spending near-on £80m, I think it’s clear who has the more ambition.
    Stan Kroenke is a coward and Arsene Wenger is a selfish egotist who is blind to his failings.
    Arsenal have no contingency plan because there’s simply no football people at the club.
    If he genuinely wanted Arsenal to win the EPL as well as Cups in Europe, he would have instigated the radical upheaval and major shake-up this club has needed for years instead of continuing to vastly over-reward and indulge failure.
    There’s a reason every opposition supporter wants Wenger to stay.
    He is a comic-figure, a parody who delights all our opponents every time he opens his mouth.
    His contract extension is purely for selfish reasons because as a football manager, at 67, what has he got left to offer?
    He’s not going to re-invent himself into some footballing genius, everyone else is over-taking him, and he won’t spend anywhere near the amount to make Arsenal genuine contenders again.
    In the heat of the real battle, Wenger is washed-up. If I were the owner of any of the other top six clubs, I’d be partying at the news of Wenger staying on.

  74. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Scott says:

    “Nobody here-or anywhere else-would’ve believed Arsene would do Conte tactically but he did.”

    GG9 Said 26th May 2017

    “Anyway, on to the FA Cup, when The Arsenal played the same formation as the chavs early on in the season, defenders weren’t needed. The chavs were wiped like a dirty arse. So why can’t we do it this weekend?

    I reckon The Arse can win. It’s a one off game, & no one, but no one does the FA Cup like old Frenchie. I appreciate that the wankers from the Kings Road are favourites, but I prefer being the underdog. Nothing to lose, just hit them from the start, & I mean hit!

    1987, Young Adams & Co, young Holding & Co, Charlie Nicholas the winner then gone, Alexis the winner then gone. It just makes sense. Get behind the team, coz Chelsea deserve shit. I wipe my arse with them?”
    COYRRR

    What are you on about? 🙂

  75. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    If you want footie vision, you need to get into the rum jungle, then all becomes clear.

    And as for players being on the beach now, well obviously they aren’t holidaying in Europe. Beaches? Sewers more like it 🙂

  76. potter says:

    Liverpool , I said at the time that you don’t win the league in the first few games but you can sure lose it. Seems quite prophetic now,
    We have two more years to suck it up , Support the team on the pitch and hope for better things. I have long given up on the feelings I had when Bergkamp signed and remember the roof coming off that day against Southampton. £ 12 million combined for him and Platt . I drove that day on wings , didn’t need my car to get home .Now I treat all of our signings with scepticism we need a signing of that magnitude now if we are to keep Sanchez and Ozil . If they go we will get a bit in and pay out more to replace them and find ourselves treading water once again.

  77. rico says:

    Still, I’m looking forward to seeing what these changes are that Wenger has promised. The ones which will take us to the next level he says….

  78. ScottfromOz says:

    Herb,
    It’s totally inaccurate to suggest every opposition fan wants Arsene to stay.
    So many opposition fans would and do openly admit that they’d love to have a manager such as Arsene steering their clubs destiny.
    That’s not my opinion, it’s simple fact and getting on any football discussion page will show you that.
    A comedy figure just won the FA cup so who’s laughing now lol
    The truly funny thing is how opposition fans are
    more respectful of the man than Arsenal fans are.
    That’s not to say he shouldn’t have left on a high, but so be it:
    GG, that wasn’t a prediction, it was a question-Why can’t we do it this weekend?
    Great question though.
    Well done mate 🙂

  79. ScottfromOz says:

    Alexis has never extended a contract.
    He’s been at some big clubs and left so maybe there’s a theme.
    If we can keep him and Ozil, we won’t need much more but if either or both go, we are shot ducks before the season starts, because there’s no way we will replace them and bring more in, imo.

  80. Herb's Army says:

    Ok Scott.

    But as well as all our rivals wanting him to stay, you can add West Brom and Crystal Palace, whose fans were singing loudly they want Wenger to stay.
    Are you Wenger’s PR Agent Down-Under?

  81. rico says:

    I’m not sure it is Scott, after all, have you not heard the ‘we want you to stay’ song being sung by nearly every set of fans?

    Totally inaccurate, not imo, very near the truth I’d say…

  82. ScottfromOz says:

    Herb, you aaid every opposition supporter.
    That’s saying every non-Arsenal fan and that’s rubbish.
    If you’d said that a proportion of fans from every other club want him to stay, then fair enough but it’s clearly not what you wrote.
    PR agent?
    Well, I’ll leave that go as you might be upset at the answer lol
    You’ve not changed.

  83. ScottfromOz says:

    Rico, I’m not sure Alexis is worried about trophies-he’s won two with us 🙂
    I could be wrong but I believe he’s a money chaser.

  84. ScottfromOz says:

    If I had to put my money on, I’d say we are more chance of retaining Ozil than Alexis, but as I said earlier, we need to keep both else we are toast.
    Another horrid few months of rumours and anti-climaxes ahead.

  85. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Question? Whatever 🙂

    I’m in the jungle now & can see that Old Frenchie has blown Conte’s cover. I predict Conte will be sacked mid next season. Conte looked lost on Saturday when a quality list played the same formation.

  86. Le Coq Monster says:

    Morning all and evening Scott.

    Although I want Ozil and Alexis to stay, I cant see Kroenke turning down £100M for the pair with just 12months left on their contracts and like I said yesterday lets see if Wenger will make them see out their contracts.
    If we do sell them, I just dont know who out there are better than them !……….who could we buy that are not with a bigger club already ?

  87. rico says:

    You’re splitting hairs over Herbs comment Scott. I know what he meant, as did you…

    Got to dash, catch up a bit later

  88. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Evening Le Cornwall,

    Of course I wasn’t talking about Cornish beaches b4, Cornwall isn’t part of Europe!

  89. Le Coq Monster says:

    Hot and sunny here ….20 degrees C……..ok ok I know that is fcuking near freezing for you dirty down under boys, but it`s nice here !…………………ride-on-mower weather, out comes the boy toy !
    🙂

  90. ScottfromOz says:

    Onya GG 🙂 🙂
    Hiya LC.
    It’s not a good situation and how my client Arsene allowed this to happen is beyond me.
    I told him over a bottle of red at his mansion the other day that he had stuffed up, but he just said Stan would not know his arse from his armpit so it doesn’t matter lol
    Bloody hell.
    Talks were put on hold at Xmas time until seasons end-there is just no positive in that for the club.

  91. Le Coq Monster says:

    Cornwall is it`s own Country with own language, GG…………….Us English nicked it and they`re not having it back !……………………anyway, there`s more of us than them here now so tough ! hahaha

  92. Le Coq Monster says:

    Cornwall is the closest part of mainland Brrrrrritain to Taz and Oz !………………we`re almost neighbours ! hahaha

  93. ScottfromOz says:

    If given the choice, guys, would we prefer to see THE 2 sold if the money were invested immediately, or forced to stay with the hope they’ll extend down the track?
    I know option 1 is fantasy 🙂

  94. ScottfromOz says:

    LC, as a neighbour, were you the wet blanket complaining at our cheering and shouting when Rambo scored a at 4am 🙂

  95. Herb's Army says:

    This is why reasonable debate with you is impossible, Scott.
    You disappeared after annoying everyone, only to come back because Wenger has vilified you by winning an FA Cup, and you want to ram it down our throats, as if somehow you’ve been right all along.
    You argue for arguments sake, even when facts show you to be wrong.
    You are arrogant, petty-minded and mean spirited with no manners or sense of humility.
    A leopard never changes its spots.
    If Rico bans me it’s a price worth paying.

  96. potter says:

    Looks like the deal for Henry Onyekuru.

    Under guidelines introduced by the Football Association in 2015, players under 21 must have played in 75 per cent of their national team’s matches during the past year, if the country is between 31 and 50 in the FIFA rankings.

    Nigeria currently sit 40th in those rankings, but Onyekuru only made his Super Eagles debut last week again Corsica. He is also expected to feature against Togo later today.
    Arsenal target Henry Onyekuru. (Photo: @kas_eupen)

    So should his move to Arsenal go through as expected, the Gunners would have to make a case to a three-person panel that he should be given a permit due to being an ‘exceptional talent’

    For their appeal to be successful, they would need to convince the panel that Onyekuru was of such high calibre that he would ‘contribute significantly to the development of the game’ in England.

    More jam tomorrow.

  97. Lee says:

    I’d rather keep Sanchez than Ozil all day long, he’s a massive bottler just like Wenger and his record against top opposition. He goes missing in far too many games, he’s supposed to be the heartbeat of team no at bottler….

    Ines a real grafter, winner and speaks his mind the other is Ozil.

    I wonder which one Wenger will keep? Hahaha

    Another season of mediocrity in the PL & CL like previous 13 seasons…. deep fucking joy!

    All the fans of rival clubs that I know took the piss massively when Wenger signed on again.

  98. Le Coq Monster says:

    No problem there, Potter, with the “exceptional talent” criteria as he was joint top scorer in the Belgium League ! 😀

  99. Le Coq Monster says:

    Obviously, Lee is suffering from The Stockholm Syndrome !…………he`s got to love The CL so much he doesn`t believe we`re not in it ! hahaha

  100. Le Coq Monster says:

    I`m quite looking forward to the new Arsene Wenger !………..I`ve heard he`s going to dye his hair like Freddie !

  101. Le Coq Monster says:

    I`m also looking forward to the big fight !………………….no not Fury/Joseph, but …..Scott/Herb ! hahaha

    In the Red Corner armed with his WM formation, wearing a cravat, smoking jacket and Arsenal slippers………….Herb`s Army !……………………..in the yellow and Blue away colour corner with a marsupial stuck down his pants……………….Kangaroo Scott ! hahaha

  102. ScottfromOz says:

    Herb.
    So Arsene “vilified” me?
    I have no idea what you mean by that, but I’m sure you’re right 🙂

  103. Wavy says:

    Heard he was going to become ultra trendy and adopt the orange died blonde trump look, for the new season in order to attract a few top top top player So!?

    Warm and humid here. Not very pleasant really. All a bit too sweat making!

  104. Le Coq Monster says:

    Just letting the ride-on-mower dry out after I jet washed it……….grass is about 2 foot high up the top field, should be fun and games !…………………..if Gnarley passes by in October, I might let him have a ride on it ! hahaha

  105. Wavy says:

    How much are the ringside seats LC?

    Last post end should have been ‘players!’ ? No ‘so’ I mean what sense does it make?

  106. Le Coq Monster says:

    What you saying Wavy ?……………………..we`ve got more chance of invading Iran than winning the EPL then !. hahaha

  107. Le Coq Monster says:

    Must have at least a Red Member…ship, Wavy ! hahahha

    Ding Ding………and no chucking the fight Scott ! 🙂

  108. ScottfromOz says:

    I just saw the wage bills for the League-we rank 5th so ran true to form lol

    Utd 232 million.
    Chelsea 224.
    Liverpool 208.
    City 198.
    Us 195.
    Does this seem right?????

  109. Le Coq Monster says:

    Aparrently, rumour….A Madrid have a transfer ban and cant sign Lacazette, so maybe………………………….

  110. Le Coq Monster says:

    I`m with Kel……….no way bindippers are higher than us in paying wages !………….unless they are taking car hub caps in to account !………………………..we are 4th highest wage payers behind the obvious ones and I`m sure we are not that far behind the Chavs…………………..

  111. ScottfromOz says:

    Yeah that’s the one that threw me-Liverpool.
    A city supporting mate posted those figures-should’ve known it was dodgy lol

  112. Kel says:

    Phenomenal money m8… unfortunately it’s what the club gotta deal with… it’s also why I disagree with Wengers socialist approach in wages over the yrs….

    If Arsenal did give into Alexis and ozil say on a 4 yr deal.. it would be 145.6m…

  113. ScottfromOz says:

    It’s just ridiculous money.
    It’s a shame that clubs throughout the world don’t get together and put a stop to it.

  114. Le Coq Monster says:

    But Kel…………..How much will we have to pay in transfer fee and wages for 4 years to replace Ozil and Alexis with players of similar quality ?

  115. Kel says:

    For me if Arsenal’s wage bill is gonna be around 200 -210m over the next 4 yrs… that’s competitive imo

    Then I’ve no problem with a player or 3 like Sanchez getting 14- 16m a yr of that…

    My issue is players line Theo, Jack, debuchy, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Mert, Coq, sanogo… between them drain about 24m a season outta the club.

    It’s time to pay it best player’s the going rate and the rest a little less imo.

  116. ScottfromOz says:

    LC, that’s the quandary.
    Pay overs to keep them, or pay overs to replace them.
    It costs a bit to be competitive 🙂

  117. ScottfromOz says:

    Yes,we certainly do waste plenty on wages for certain players.
    It’s a good point.
    Done spend more, but spend more wisely.

  118. Le Coq Monster says:

    That`s the old Fergy system, Kel !………………………top players on top money and the lesser players on a lot less money !……………………as you say, Wengers socialist equal pay across the board means someone like Sanogo is nprobably on more money than say Marcus Rashford !……………………I hope Bournemouth are still paying Wheelchairs wages after crippling him !……….even though he`s back home in rehab !.

  119. Kel says:

    it would cost a a hell of a lot more LC to replace them.. we could replace ozil I think… but not Sanchez not atm in time with us being in the Europa league.

    I hope one of the conditions in wengers new contract is a player can be paid more than him..

  120. Le Coq Monster says:

    It`s the same on here !………I get paid nothing for my comments whereas Rico pays top dollar for Adam, Kev and Lee`s comments ! hahahaha

  121. Meerkat says:

    Morning all from the sewers of Europe! Back on Monday to forecasts of rain, rain, rain and more rain in the SE.

    Interesting point Scott, re Sanchez, you’re right he has won two FA Cups with Arsenal, so I think he is a money chaser first and foremost.
    We’ll see, but whoever we kick off the season with, let’s hope they have their tails up, after stuffing Chelski again in the Charity Shield.

    I imagine they are all off to more exotic climes atm, to their villas in the Caribbean or Dubai.

    Apart from Italy, along the Amalfi coast, the rest of the EU resorts are a tad too crowded for our golden boy’s.

    Love him or more likely loathe him, everyone must admit Le Prof is respected in football circles, and he is articulate, suave and very chic. He is an admirable example of how a manager should look.
    I know he isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but then again who is?
    Our goonettes don’t need a gentleman, they need a street fighter to kick their arses every day, (like Simeone) atm. It’s no good turning it on once in a blue moon.

    A more Ambassadorial role would have suited Arsene better than the hassles of management. IMO.
    He would be good for the club in that department. Multilingual, and very knowledgeable. Just past it for coaching new young players. We need shot of the whole backroom staff too, and get some new ideas in.

    Oh well, off to the beach after a hot day walking around a market. Adios amigo’s. hasta pronto.

  122. Le Coq Monster says:

    And dont talk to me about Herb`s wages !………………………….that`s why Rico had to dash off !……to fix his internet problems ! hahaha

  123. Kel says:

    Scott Arsenal sometimes to me are penny wise pound foolish…

    Arsenal will probably pay out 800 – 850m in wages over the next 4 yrs. .

    As it stands right now I’d probably go with the 145.6m outlay to ozil and Alexis… ass build from there.

  124. Le Coq Monster says:

    I said something on a similar vein, M`kat…………………..seeing as how good Arsene is at winning the FA Cup…..let him just manage for that competition ! …….get Simeone in for the rest ! hahaha

  125. ScottfromOz says:

    Kel, when its in black and white, it becomes obvious we must do everything to keep both of them.
    It’s hard to say it, but even at 350k a week (cringe).

  126. Kel says:

    True Scott for a guy like me who hasn’t got much I just shake My head in disbelief at football in general these days lol…

    But Arsenal moved to the Emirates to compete financially as you say it’s in black and white we can quite easily afford them… the question is does wenger/kroenke want to…

    Like i said can Wenger handle a player getting more than him?

  127. ScottfromOz says:

    I’ll be honest, I believe the manager should get paid more than players and that’s not just Wenger, it’s any manager.
    They hold a lot more responsibility than any player, and can ruin or make a clubs season.
    Just my two bobs worth, but the way things are, players get more and it should be no different at Arsenal.

  128. Obi says:

    Morning All:

    Am just saying, why do people think that Alexis cannot be replace? For 50m I will sell Alexis. The way Alexis plays he’s has a max of 2 years left as a top player, not to mention injuries. And this is coming from Alexis fan…. I have followed Alexis since Udinese. As for Ozil I will sell him too. Combined they can go for 90m. Sanchez’s goals can be replace by Icardi, Dost, Silva, Lukaku, Belotti.etc…. Ozil can be replace by Ratickic, Calejon, Machiscio, Forsberg even Sirgdursson can do the job.

    My point is, if Arsenal is willing to spend the money they are both replaceable. For me it was more important to replace Arsene than replacing Sanchez and Ozil. I watched Perez in La Liga, he can give us 20+ goals easily, yet AW doesn’t play him…..smh.

  129. allezkev says:

    Great podcast on Arseblog, Ian Wright was on form, he had me in stitches…

    Seems that the Nigerian kid is all agent inspired?
    Tbh if Alexis is leaving we need to replace him with a top quality striker, unlikely I know, but that should be the clubs aim.

  130. allezkev says:

    Obi, I wonder if there’s any truth in the rumour that Gazides pushed through the Perez deal against Wenger’s wishes and that why he doesn’t play him.

    Points scoring by our control freak of a manager.

  131. allezkev says:

    With Arsenal’s past good relationship with Malaga, it wouldn’t surprise me if there wasn’t a grain of truth in the clubs interest in those two Malaga 21 year olds being linked to us.

    They seem to fit the age and price criteria perfectly.

  132. Kel says:

    Its attracting those players obi while in the Europa league easier said than done… we have Alexis now so imo do what we can to hold him..

    I take ur point though on the way he plays, he can’t keep that style of play up forever..

  133. ScottfromOz says:

    Kev, if that’s true, then Arsene really should be sacked!!!
    I’d be amazed if it were but then, I can’t work out why he doesn’t play the guy!!!

  134. Kel says:

    If we release or sell Theo, Jack, Gibbs and Jenkinson or even two of them what way does that leave the home grown rule. Anyone?

  135. Obi says:

    Kev @ 12:30, I think there is something to it. Or imho, Perez is a very intelligent footballer, most likely on the team, perhaps he has pointed out some of AW flaws…..

    Kel ur point about Europe is true, but they just have to pay a little above the market rate if they are ambitious. I personally think that Sanchez is staying because hes limited to 3 teams City, Chelsea or BM, which makes the likelihood of a move low, because hes not going to get as much playing time as at Arsenal and he wants to play all the time…. i.e., Carlos Tevez problem at City. Any minimum show of ambition by Arsenal and he will stay.

    This team is not as far off the EPL title as people think. The team is good, is the manager the 12-15 points that were dropped with his questionable decisions is the problem. If that’s not addressed it doesn’t matter who we buy, leave or we keep.

  136. rico says:

    Obi, I on’t think it is either. Give this squad a better manager and they’d certainly be challenging if not winning the league.

    And I doubt very much if they’d have lost 10-2 on aggregate to Bayern. Still, an FA Cup win makes everything alright, that along with a few victories towards the end of the season…..

  137. rico says:

    12.39 Kel. I think we’d need to sign a few Brits. And Wenger won’t like that as they cost more money than an overseas player….

    Does anyone know how the non-league defender we signed has got on since he’s been with us?

  138. micko says:

    rico, are you still banging on about Arsene, with all the personal abuse he’s taken he could easily have walked away but he didn’t, we’re very lucky to him.

    Listening to Tony Adams on the radio yesterday it’s very obvious there’s a lot of mutual respect between himself and Arsene but definately no love lost.

  139. Obi says:

    Rico I agree with the Brit players, I watch the championship a lot, one player I would definitely give a shot is Chris Wood.

  140. rico says:

    Just read back. No ban from me Herb. If someone told me my opinion was rubbish, I wouldn’t be too pleased either.

  141. micko says:

    rico, he came out with a quote not long after he joined us about how much he admired politicians as they could spend their whole lives doing the job they loved and how much he hated the thought of retiring, they’ll have to carry him out in a box !

    Season ticket prices down next season, no champions league to bump them up, you’d think they’d be flying off the shelves.

  142. rico says:

    I reckon you are right Micko. Can’t see him retiring after this contract expires. Unless we end up half way down the table or worse, he’s he for the long haul.

    About £120 cheaper aren’t they? Hardly much of a drop considering…

  143. Marshall says:

    Hi Rico, all.
    Our TW starts with Arsene looking for top quality in June…. In July the quality is not worth the price …..and alas! in August he finds out he has a plethora of quality at his disposal in colney and no one can improve it….

    I can’t buy the crap him and Ivan are selling.

  144. rico says:

    It is isn’t it Micko? lol

    Hi Marshall. I smiled at that one too, especially as Mourinho was after him to for Chelsea and we all know they pay more than us…

  145. rico says:

    If he doesn’t sign at least a couple of goodies this summer, his life won’t be worth living as far as Arsenal go imo.

  146. frednerk says:

    Afternoon Rico and All

    Surely every top player wants top dollar
    Sanchez has a chance to make a lot of money for his family
    and make them comfortable for life….He knows what his worth is.
    He has us by the short and curlys..He knows that.

    Are us fans really bothered what he earns,though?

    Hard to fathom out whats going these days.

  147. rico says:

    Afternoon Fred.

    I guess Arsenal have to think what Alexis could earn at City or any of the other clubs who want him and then match it. After all, isn’t that why we moved to The Emirates…

    If Walcott earn £140k, then Alexis should earn a lot more than that…

  148. frednerk says:

    For me his head and shoulders above any player at
    the club Rico.
    Can we afford not to pay him..Signals and all that.

  149. rico says:

    Agree Fred and no, we can’t afford not to pay him imo, as what message does that give out.

    We’ve been there and done that far too many times, no more I say….

  150. rico says:

    In 21 years at Arsenal, Wenger has spent £700 Million on players!!

    Man City and Chelsea have probably spent that in the last five 🙂

  151. ScottfromOz says:

    Marshall and Rico,
    You can’t laugh at my opinion-I have feelings too, you know 🙂 🙂
    Herb, I’ll never use the word rubbish again when showing something you say as absolutely and factually incorrect.
    Rubbish is such a harsh word.
    My apologies.
    I’m trying to learn from your post and will do my best not to be petty minded and mean spirited, as well as the other things you suggested I am, and I’ll start by banning that terribly harsh and disgusting word.

  152. micko says:

    Scott, long time no hear, fair play to you mate, it takes a big man to apologise, a few years back there was a bloke on here who would throw his pram outta the window if you called him a toe-rag, think Wath had to ban the word for 6 months , i’m with you there’s some right delicate butterflies on here lol.

  153. Obi says:

    DG, and to think we could’ve had him for 17m 2 seasons ago…. there’s no way I will pay 100m for Mbappe, especially when Silva went for 43m.

  154. Obi says:

    100m gets me Lukaku and Machiscio/ Ratikic, plus Kolasinac for free; then sell Ollie, Walcott and Gibbs. Thats pretty good business.

  155. ScottfromOz says:

    Micko, remember when I’d have told you right where to go?
    This is the new, calm version.

  156. Marshall says:

    €100M for Mbappe? That’s our entire ‘war chest!’ Heck we can’t even add a +1p when a bidding war starts.

    That’s ludicrous!

  157. Marshall says:

    Lol Scott, no more laughing at your serious opinions 🙂 .

    If Theo bags 140k p.w it’s easy for Sanchez’s camp to see/feel Sanchez is definitely worth twice as much (or more)…and he does imo.

    As for Ozil, for a player who hibernates during winter, I wouldn’t be too quick tto give him atmost 200k p.w

  158. ScottfromOz says:

    Marshall, nah, I can take It 🙂
    Theo made the absolute most of the situation-the club was vulnerable having lost a few big name players and Theo leaving would’ve tipped even more fans over the edge.
    He’s never earned it, though.
    There’s a player in there but we will never see it.

  159. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    I see The Arsenal are apparently willing to offer £87 million for Mbappe! Intent to sign these players is not going to cut it anymore for me with Arsene. Sign them or get out & let someone manage who will sign them!

  160. ScottfromOz says:

    GG, well said.
    He shouldn’t have anything to do with negotiations-that’s the job of others.
    Hand them a list of players he likes, and only step in if required.

  161. Kel says:

    More chance of me winning the lotto tonight ffs…

    I’m with you GG no more intent…. sign the players needed or fuck off imo.

  162. Kel says:

    If I win Adam I’m gonna hire a few looneys to just follow kroenke and annoy the fuck outta him… ?

    LC is my first recruit ?

  163. Adam says:

    Kel. If I win the Euro Lottery, which is about £130 million I will arrange a party for all HH regulars at the Emirates, including transport to London. Then we can slug back champagne and have a bitch-fest about Kroenke.

  164. bumba11 says:

    Morning all.

    Ive just seen this Mbappe bid news! While i agree he looks good, so did Mahrez when Leicester won the league, then last year he looks average at times. Dont get me wrong, id take him but i think for that money we could get a better deal, even if thats 2 players or even 3!

  165. allezkev says:

    Mahrez had the season of his life when Leicester won the league, last season he was less impressive but still looked good in european games.

    The fee being mooted for him is ridiculous but I’d take him, as I would have taken Vardy a year ago.

    I suspect that the Mbappe links have more to do with season ticket sales than reality, but I’d take him.

  166. Kel says:

    Tolisso from Lyon or emil Forsberg from Rb Leipzig.. look like a Wenger type signings imo I’ve noticed their names being mentioned….

    As for Mbappe 87m… well considering he’s only 18 but had 26 goals and 8 assists last season it’s what his club value him at…

    As it stands We’ll be selling a few anyhow… probably recoup 30m+ .

  167. ScottfromOz says:

    If we went all out and bought the kid, plus kept Alexis and Mesut, offloaded some deadwood, how would we be situated?
    I haven’t seen this kid play, but everything points to him being a superstar, and it would shut a lot of people up if we bought him so let’s hope it happens.
    Pie in the sky stuff, I reckon, though.

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