Balotelli flirting with Arsenal! Morgan linked & Debuchy finally signs…

Morning all.

Well only one place to start I guess and that’s with the confirmation of Mathieu Debuchy as an Arsenal player.

 

Finally he arrives....
Finally he arrives….

Arsène Wenger said:

We are delighted to welcome Mathieu Debuchy to Arsenal Football Club. He has shown he can perform at the highest level with his club sides and also for France. He is a quality defender who has good Premier League experience and I’m confident he will fit in very well with us.

Mathieu Debuchy said:

I’m very proud to be joining a great club like Arsenal and to wear its colours, it’s one of the biggest clubs in the whole world. I’m looking forward to working with Arsène Wenger and to helping the team build on last season’s FA Cup success. Playing again in the Champions League is a big excitement for me and I will do my best to help Arsenal compete for trophies.

This signing doesn’t bring with it the kind of ‘wow factor’ that Alexis Sanchez did but nevertheless, we needed a strong, experienced player to come into the squad and Debuchy is just that and he’s used to the Premier League which is a bonus.

What this means for Carl Jenkinson is yet to be seen but my hope is that he remains an Arsenal player for a very long time.

A loan to a Premier League club who are going to play him each week wouldn’t do him any harm I guess IF he really has to go to another club to play, but should Dubuchy get injured, we’d be snookered and I just don’t see the point in signing/paying another youngster on loan who has no experience in this league as we are reportedly interested in doing.

Me, I’d keep him and tell him that he shows he’s good enough, he’ll play, regardless of the new arrival! We need depth and Jenks gives us that. There are many games ahead in this coming seasons campaign and Arsene Wenger will need to rest/rotate players, something he won’t be able to do at right-back if Jenks goes.

Gossip stuff:

Mario Balotelli looks like he’s doing all he can to get Arsene Wenger interested in signing him by posing in front of our new Puma logo – there’s some kind of video in the Daily Star if anyone is that interested. I’m not…

The Express have finally caught up with the Morgan Schneiderlin rumours and believe that now Sami Khedira is now more likely to sign for Chelsea, we’ll turn our attention to the Southampton man..

All will become clear I guess as the days go by but for now, let’s celebrate our latest arrival…

Isn’t Friday a signing day??

Have a great day all…

 

 

313 thoughts on “Balotelli flirting with Arsenal! Morgan linked & Debuchy finally signs…

  1. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Morning Lady. A good summary of all that is going on in Gunnerdom transfer front.

    Now wouldnt it be a larf and a half if Khedira remains with RM, we get Bender or Schneiderlin and the Chavs end up with nothing. lol

    That would be a pipe and a half up the bilious filled half twit.

    Agree about Jenks. We do need him.

  2. Scott From Oz says:

    Debuchy is a very decent signing, IMO.
    Some Gooners are underwhelmed, but considering it’s on the back of Sanchez, early in the window, and plenty thought we’d sign an 18 year old on a free, I’m not sure we can complain.
    Nice post, Rico 🙂

  3. tsgh says:

    Solid signing…

    Has the squad improved with these 2 signings?

    Only time will tell…

    Another terse but nice post…

  4. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Morning all, I see Sami linked to Monaco as part of the James deal, Debuchy not the wow factor of SANCHEZZZ!! but hopefully a solid, reliable Rb. Now we can move on and strengthen the squad/team, in other positions.

  5. Canadian Gooner says:

    Good Morning to The Lady of the House and all Fellow Gooners.

    Debuchy confirmed – that’s great.

    As for Khedira, I’m beginning to wonder if Arsenal were ever actually after him? The longer this saga goes on, the more it seems to be stories stage managed by his agent to either increase his leverage for negotiating a new contract or to raise his profile and keep him in the shop window. Now we have rumours of a transfer to Monaco. If this is the length that Sami is willing to go to, we may be well to keep clear of him. Now on to Schneiderlin who I prefer anyway.

  6. Hell Raising Devil says:

    hmmmmm. it wouldnt surprise me if AW gets Balotelli on the 31st August. By which time his value would be in the region of 8million as Ginge (I think) said yesterday.

    Watch this space.

  7. Scott From Oz says:

    Ginge, yes it has improved quality wise, but we still need some more newbies in.
    Sanchez is better than anything we lost, and Debuchy is a damn decent replacement for Sagna.
    Whether he is an upgrade is up for debate, but still a quality and proven player.

  8. Canadian Gooner says:

    Ginge – Yes! Signing Sanchez has improved the team. Debuchy is a like for like replacement for Sagna, who he managed to replace in the France team. So, at the very least he is the equivalent of or possibly the better of Sagna.

  9. Adam says:

    Morning Rico and all. Debuchy seems a solid enough signing to me but the word on the wind is that Khedira’s agent has been told that Arsenal do not get involved in auctions. If he wants to play for a proper club with standards and traditions, then fine. If he wants more money then he will have to play for an insufferable, spiteful and increasingly pathetic oxygen thief and chance coming home to his wife as John Terry slips out of the back window.

  10. tsgh says:

    Hi Cg…
    Bt interesting one re Sami to AS Monaco…
    Monaco would have to be in the black for at least 1 season before 2016 UCL so I guess they are getting their house in order.

  11. Luznic says:

    Morning Lady and gentlemen, defender signing won’t make anyone go wow except it is Matt’s Hummels or Thiago Silva but Debuchy is an hard working full back Sagna was getting old and I believe Debuchy is an upgrade for the 31 year old Sagna not the 26 or 27 year old one, better days for the gunners and how patience pays and I am still sorry Wenger for the wengerout thing and you signed SANCHEZZZZ!!

  12. Luznic says:

    Ginger what do you think about Georginho Wijnaldum, if he just a CM or can he be regarded as an Arteta or better?

  13. Canadian Gooner says:

    Devil – The same thought crossed my mind regarding Balotelli. He could be one of Arsene’s deadline day bargains. I’m sure the crafty old bugger will keep some of his transfer funds back for some other clubs’ late panic sales.

  14. rico says:

    Morning Cg and all again..

    Thanks re the post…..

    Even the newspapers aren’t giving us too much gossip to talk about now, it’s getting tough… 😉

    Scott, you are in credit already… 😉

  15. Canadian Gooner says:

    Ginge – If the Khedira saga has been a fabrication of his agent, he may have painted his client into a corner. With Kroos arriving and all the other midfielders available he may well be surplus to requirements or relegated to a reserve. If he is still available in late August, I wouldn’t be surprised if Arsene makes a cheeky lowball bid for him.

    The DM/holding position may be the last one filled.

  16. Hell Raising Devil says:

    that is the way I think CG.

    I feel that AW will be signing those who will start the first month of the season early, and like for like replacements….like Sanchez, Debuchy a DM and maybe Ospina if the price is right.

    Then he will think of bulking up the squad with freebies and last minute signings, knowing full well that the price will drop.

    So atm, the first eleven are…..

    Szcesney
    Debuchy, Per, Kos, Gibbs
    Arteta, Ramsey
    Cazorla,Ozil, Sachez
    Giroud.

    Mark my words, even if Balotelli arrives now, it is obvious that Giroud will begin up front. Even if (wild dream) Falcao/Cavani/Benzema come now, Giroud will begin the season.

    So it makes sense for AW to go for Balotelli when the price drops. maybe even for Schneiderlin/Bender.

    I feel as you said…….the crafty old bugger will keep some of his transfer funds back for some other clubs’ late panic sales.

  17. tsgh says:

    Dev, before WC according to rumours Milan wanted the £25m in bulk whilst we wanted to pay £14m-ish plus a few clauses…

    If the asking price has dropped to £14m according to NN, Fox N Dick plus IG will opt for a lower fee £10m-ish but apparently we now want him on loan. We may take his 7m euros salary and then pay Milan £2m or so loan fee… that will save Milan close to 10m euros.

    He is Puma’s poster boy and last year was offered huge money to join Adidas which he refused…

    The reason why we need another striker is that traditionally our bigger stars have struggled after a major tournament…

    As I mentioned a few weeks back too, Sanchez will be making a lot of trips to South America to help his team qualifier for Copa America-Mexico 2015.

    Like Vela will he be ready for away games on a Saturday after 10 hour flights?

  18. Hell Raising Devil says:

    even on the Khedira front you may be right CG.

    expect his price to drop on 31st August.

    maybe its all agreed between him and AW that he will join late.

    The salary claims may be a smokescreen.

    He will get a 130kpw salary with the remaining 20k being given with an upgraded signing on fee or bonus

  19. tsgh says:

    Dev- I think TV will start ahead of Per in the community shield if TV stays.

    That was why Sagna going is a big big mistake but hey water under the bridge..
    I have always been one of Jose big bashers but defensively he gets it right more than AW…

    You see Jose started last season with roughly the same no. of CB as Aw but he has now bought Felipe so that Azigueta (spelling) can move to RB and Luiz can play LB with Ivanovic as the other CB..

    Ivanovic was our Sagna… unless Aw intends to use CJ25 that way then we need a CB asap…

    Cg, re Ludivine that was why I called her and Mrs Arteta the captains…

    They were influential in getting Mrs Ozil to move to London apparently as she hardly stayed in Madrid when Ozil was in RM…

  20. Adam says:

    Agents speak with forked tongue Rico. I think our interest has waned but that we are looking at spending big on another position.

  21. Canadian Gooner says:

    Ginge – A loan deal with an option to buy at a fixed price would make good sense to both teams. Milan get one of their big earners of their books and possibly a decent loan fee. Arsenal get an opportunity to trial a possible future world class forward to see if he is compatible with our squad mentally & technically and a backup for Olivier. If he doesn’t work out for any reason, we send him back to mama mia with little lost.

    I know many think he is a risk because of his temperament, but it may be worth taking that risk if we get a Didier Drogba style striker out of it.

  22. rico says:

    Don’t they just Adam. Still hope we get a strong midfield player, Arteta and Flamini just don’t do it for me and as Scott said earlier, Arteta is exposed when we face sides with pace…

  23. tsgh says:

    Jorg Neubauer’s is a nice agent actually compared to Jose’s friend. All his clients stay with their clubs long term but his biggest star is Sami; his other clients such as Kehl are about to retire from football.

    Of course Leon Goretzka could be a star in future but as Ben said last night he might not be ready

  24. Canadian Gooner says:

    Devil – As I told Rico last week regarding Alexis Sanchez, it is not polite for a lady to drool in public. That applies equally for a gentleman. So, I will say no more about Ludivine Sagna (wink, wink, nudge, nudge, know what I mean, eh, eh!).

  25. rico says:

    Where have the Mario loan stories come from guys, would make a lot more sense than blowing big money on a guy who could be big trouble.

    Still not sure he’d be right for our changing room though….

  26. tsgh says:

    Cg- A loan deal will calm the Emirates faithful’s concerns…

    Bellusconi is not pleased with our dealing I am certain…

    He should invite me to one of his bunga bunga parties; I will ‘massage’ some figures to throw a different light on Balo’ 😛

  27. rico says:

    That’s sad Syg, and for all the other families who have lost loved ones on that flight. Dreadfully sad…

    Cg 🙂

  28. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rico – A player’s agent is like a politician, an answer or a statement will vary depending on who the audience is/are. Truth to them isn’t an absolute, but an elastic entity to be stretched or molded as required.

  29. tsgh says:

    Sad Syg… tragic news…

    How a commercial aircraft can be shot down in summer at 10km is beyond suspicious but I guess news is for the masses so…?

    The heat signature, radar profile,flight path, IFF systems etc makes it very impossible for any professional military operator to make such mistake…

  30. Sukky says:

    Bellerin and le coq will be a better back up than jenk.Let’s face †̥ђƺ fact that some are not good enough for us.Did anyone remember Meade who played as left back against reading in COC.I love that guy and his confidence is something I’ve never seen.

  31. Nickie says:

    Morning Rico…

    And fellow Gunners…

    I was feeling a bit exhausted with our summer yesterday before Debuchy. Could I handle another 6 weeks of petty transfer stories? I then spent 20-30 minutes watching player interviews, new and old. Videos of Wenger, Photos of training. I suddenly felt great again lol. Do this if you’re feeling a bit lost.

    Nice post as well Rico

  32. tsgh says:

    Sukky. Meade also played in a CL game and played very well; but he was too short… just like my player Yennaris who was superb at RB but didn’t get another chance….

    Le Coq thinks he is better than he is but…

    Apparently, the first-team squad for tomorrow’s game- Wojciech Szczesny, Carl Jenkinson, Abou Diaby, Kieran Gibbs, Mathieu Flamini, Tomas Rosicky, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey, Nacho Monreal, Yaya Sanogo, Gedion Zelalem and Francis Coquelin- are due to feature at Meadow Park, leaving ten spaces for U21 players.

  33. Canadian Gooner says:

    Ginge – Like me, I’m sure if you were to attend one of Silvio’s bunga bunga parties the last thing your mind would be on is Arsenal business. More like monkey business.

  34. Scott From Oz says:

    Adam, only among the shortsighted!!!
    Ginge, there no mistake.
    What is happening with the world?
    The flight was full of scientists.
    Two x Malayasian Airline flights have gone down under ridiculously suspicious circumstances in a short time.
    It’s stinks to high heaven.

  35. tsgh says:

    Sorry Luznic.. honestly I don’t watch match of psv recently but Georginho Wijnaldum looked very good in the UCL… he is a bit attacking but tactically sound.He has been around for awhile and he and Maher were meant to be the next big thing but don’t know what happened.

    He looks like he should be playing DM/libero instead of further forward as his goal return does not look very high.. but he is young so..

  36. Nickie says:

    Can’t say i’ve been impressed with Wijnaldum. Looked slow and paceless. Everytime the ball got to him Hollands attacks become disjointed.

  37. tsgh says:

    Indeed Scott, but I am known to be paranoid so… 😉

    But its a concern for anyone who flies or whose friends and family do imho…

    Anyone with aviation or military interest or background will know those phase array antenna on the SAM radars are able to display a lot of data to prove it was a commercial aeroplane…
    The Antonov 225 that could have a similar heat signature has 6 engines; most other Eastern blog military transport aircraft have 4 engines… a B777 has 2 engines…

  38. Canadian Gooner says:

    SYG – This recent crash in eastern Ukraine is the latest tragedy in a situation created and continued by Vladimir Putin. Without Russian support it would soon end. However, the longer this goes on the better chance that Putin get something or all he wants from it. The real problem is that this could escalate beyond Ukraine.

    Yet, who did The IOC give the Winter Olympics to and FIFA the next World Cup. Two world class events to further raise Putin’s profile and prestige. FIFA wont react to public pressure to move the WC, but a public boycott of their sponsors would certainly apply pressure.

    It may well be time for football supporters around the world to unite for a worthy cause. Losing the WC would be a real slap in the face to Putin and a great loss of prestige for him and Russia.

    Sorry Rico, I know this is a football site, not a political one.

  39. rico says:

    Cg, no problem, was just about to suggest that we should steer clear from discussing the plane crash here.

    It’s all a bit to political and maybe this is not the right place for us to be discussing what we believe the cause was.

    That’s not me being high and mighty, just football, food and all other niceties are best for here….

  40. tsgh says:

    Ditto- Cg

    But then again others believe Putin is the only world leader resisting the ambitions of the enlightened few… no one knows…

    I kept it simple by posting stats.. 😛

  41. Micko says:

    Morning all,
    Anoraknaphobia is no laughing matter rico, sandals and white socks on the other hand……

  42. rico says:

    Many did try it Ts, but decided that kind of fashion had to go. Back in the 60’s I think it was….

  43. Canadian Gooner says:

    Ginge has fashion sense? Wonders never cease.

    Maybe Arsenal can sign Edinson Cavani, Arturo Vidal and James Rodriguez this season.

  44. tsgh says:

    😀 Bt… no forhettin a straw hat with string to keep it firmly in place.

    😀 Rico… I wasn’t around then so, I believe you… lol 😉

    Micko no smart-ass ageist comment

  45. Nickie says:

    Do you have a bum bag Ts? lol

    CG – I can’t say i’ve ever been impressed with Cavani, 40-60Mil on him is far too much. I’d be disappointed if we spent that much on him, would rather a punt on Balo and that’s saying something

  46. Canadian Gooner says:

    Bt – You don’t need a knotted hankie if you have a pith helmet. Now a knotted hankie, rolled up trousers, a pair of wellies and a sleeveless sweater vest is another matter altogether.

  47. ozgunner says:

    CG as i said earlier i just don’t see Wenger buying anyone to displace Giroud and that will tell its own story come seasons end

  48. tsgh says:

    lol Nickie… I have a yellow and green one, I have had since the 40’s… I place it underneath my over hanging gut… with my checkered shirt tucked into my elastic waisted khaki shorts 😀

  49. BrainwashedKev says:

    There’s nothing wrong with anoraks, some of my best friends have anoraks…

    They are all train spotters and plane spotters at weekend.

    Fine folk, all of them.

    Afternoon All.
    Afternoon Rico…

    I had a couple of delicious home made rolls for breakfast… Hmmm.

  50. Canadian Gooner says:

    Nickie – “…Edinson Cavani, Arturo Vidal and James Rodriguez….” were used strictly for illustrative purposes only and do not represent a recommendation or an endorsement by the poster or the management of this website. You may substitute any or all three with any talented and highly/overpriced players of your choice that Arsenal are unlikely to sign

  51. agirlagunner says:

    Boo!!

    That’s for you fashion sense, Ginge, boo!

    Hello, all! When is our top, top striker coming?? I’m getting impatient with AW. Just Sanchez and Debuchy, so far. 😀 😀 This simply will not do. 😉

  52. ozgunner says:

    dropped in to catch up on the latest mate – week finished and looking forward to a couple of days off now

  53. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Debuchy is good. He’s the one keeping Sagna on the bench in French national side. It’s a step up, even if merely psychological boost.

    Jenks must stay … no need sending him on loan and getting another youngster. What if Debuchy gets injured long time? Then we give the new loanee the game time and development meant for Jenks….

    Without injuries to anyone, Jenks can still get about 20 starts off Debuchy out of about 60 games.

    Don’t send Jenks on loan pls.

    Great post as usual, Rico.

  54. agirlagunner says:

    Kev, were they vegetarian rolls? 😛

    CG, btw, I have accepted a job offer. 🙂 I thought I’d update you because you have asked me about it before. 😉

  55. tsgh says:

    Agag- you were meant to say you see nothing wrong with my shorts and white socks… 😀

    And because of my height; my sandals comes with a cleverly disguised in-sole to give me an extra inch or 2… 🙂

  56. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Pizza and Blackcurrant wine today. Slurrrrpppppppp. Want a taste Rico????

    two months ago we won a trophy. Tsk Tsk.

    Already two months. too long to go without another trophy.

    Shame on Ozil, Per and Poldi to tease us with winning the WC.

  57. agirlagunner says:

    Ginge, that is just so soo sooo NO! 😛

    rico, did you lay on a feast yesterday? 😛

    GDNA, don’t start on Le Quiff, please. 🙂 He’s staying!!! AW loves him.

  58. Canadian Gooner says:

    Oz – I wasn’t suggesting that Arsene replace Olivier, but he does need a backup. Olivier was looking a little tired and jaded after January. He needs to rotated out more, especially late in strenuous physical games (e.g. Stoke, Sunderland, etc.) when he is more likely to be injured. Arsene rode his luck with him this past season.

  59. ozgunner says:

    CG – I don’t think he’s good enough mate but only my opinion, obviously Wenger disagrees and the playboy will remain No1 no doubt. We really should not be going with Sanogo though, at least buy Remi surely?

  60. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Ozgunner……….one from Balotelli or Remy will be bought on the 31st August……….if Campbell is deemed not good enough.

  61. ozgunner says:

    Devil – one look at the last three years of Campbell clearly indicates he’s not good enough surely? Love Balotelli but might be a bit much for papa Arsene 🙂

  62. Canadian Gooner says:

    Careful boys and girls – oops ladies and gentlemen, the true Arsenalista maven of style and everything haute couture is here.

    AGAG – Good Morning! I was relieved to hear that you weren’t blown away, by the tropical storms that is. Sorry that you were left powerless for the better part of two days though.

    Congratulations on your new job. I hope you will find it fulfilling and rewarding. Before you know it you’ll be back in New York shoe shopping.

  63. Gunnerdna says:

    Oz, the result will stay the same as long as OG stays number 1, many think buying a DM would automatically change the 6-0 and the 5-1 result, it will definitely helps but it will not stop teams pressing afc high up the pitch when teams know the OG12 the 18 wheeler will take forever to turn, teams need to be scared to press giving us a more time to get back our shape.

  64. Hell Raising Devil says:

    AW handled the busty beauties on Copa…………..so Balotelli might turn out ok for papa Arsene.

  65. Hell Raising Devil says:

    it sure is tasty Rico.

    Ginge…..Blackcurrant wine is delicious. Likewise Peach wine. And Forest Fruit wine.

    These I have to buy since my family does not do them.

    However we do the normal wine. It is tasty as well but with a higher alcohol percentage. circa 15-20%

    Yesterday I tasted the Forest Fruit Beer. Italian of course.

    And it was simply delicious.

  66. Gunnerdna says:

    Liverpool have already completed moves for Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Emre Can and Lazar Markovic this summer and Rodgers’ insists his side have no problem when attempting to attract high-profile players.

    “I don’t think so,” Rodgers told reporters.

    “That was one [Sanchez] where geography dictated where he wanted to go – simple as that. It’s been the other way.

    “Lots of players are really impressed by what we are doing as a club and really excited about coming to Liverpool.

    “It wasn’t due to a lack of ambition by the club. It was about where the player and his family wanted to choose to live.

    “He’s a fantastic player and would have suited us. His profile would have been great but it was not to be and we move on.” lol

  67. ozgunner says:

    Gunnerdna yep again we agree mate – we also need to look closely at either our tactics or a faster CB option against the quicker more skilful teams. So the real money still needs to be spent. Some might suggest we’ve brought a RB replacement and another midfielder when other more pressing needs are not catered for again? I hope he buys Remi as his No2 because he’ll quickly become first choice IMO

  68. Adam says:

    Hi Agag. We had a really great day chez Rico yesterday. I don’t think we stopped laughing all day. Memorable in every sense and Kev in his shorts too. 🙂

  69. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Was Kev with the shorts????

    Ah thank goodness. I was afraid that Kev would have been without it.

    it surely is better when he is with the shorts.

  70. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Sanchez……..Balotelli…….Theo.

    That is two attacks and a half. It will have the spiteful one playing us 1-4-5-0.

  71. Canadian Gooner says:

    Oz – Arsene will definitely buy another goalkeeper, possibly Ospina, as we need a backup. After that, I think it’s as Devil has said, Arsene will watch the preseason friendlies very closely and make up his mind on any remaining targets. This could mean that the last player(s) could arrive very late in the window.

    As for a striker, we definitely need backup for Giroud. Whether that is Balotelli, Remy or someone else is up for discussion. Under the right circumstances, like a loan with a fixed price option to buy, Balotelli might be worth the risk. He just might just turn out to be another Didier Drogba or possibly another David Bentley.

  72. Gunnerdna says:

    Oz, no team would want to pass the half line, but i would prefer Cavani over Ballsohard.

    Ozil
    Walcot Alexis
    Cavani

  73. Hell Raising Devil says:

    CG…..he will turn out to be neither. I feel that Balotelli might turn out to be for us what Cantona was for manure.

    He was bad everywhere but a leader at Manure.

  74. agirlagunner says:

    Thanks, guys. 🙂 CG, I am able to plan for travel again, yay!! 🙂 I think that was my biggest expense, so I put that on hold; and now I can resume. 🙂 Well, fingers crossed.

    Kev in shorts? Adam in red trousers? 😛 Glad you had a great time. Although I’m sure that is always the case when you get together. 🙂

    Dev, I like the sound of that peach wine. 🙂

  75. ozgunner says:

    Agree with both of you, Balotelli would be huge and with the price dropping almost daily surely worth a crack? We paid Bendtner for years with zero return so come on Arsene show us some balls mate, buy the lad! 🙂 Chelsea/United/City push up to the half, Ozil collects the balls from Ramsey and looks at his three runners Walcott, Sanchez and Balotelli, frightening!!

  76. Adam says:

    Devil. Not for long though and then he leapt into the crowd and kicked a yob. I always thought that, if he had done that at Millwall, he would never have come out again. Which would have been good.

  77. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Try them Agag. Italian wines, especially the fruit ones (other than grapes) are very tasty.

    There is also the French Framboise…..but the Italian ones are more tasty imo.

  78. Hell Raising Devil says:

    With that forward line I can assure you that Ramsey and Ozil will be labelled as turtles and lazy. Those front three would not give them the chance to cross the halfway line.

    The press would be saying that Ramsey is a one season wonder while Ozil is lazier than usual……forgetting that they began the move in the first place. lol

  79. Hell Raising Devil says:

    It would be like having……Speedy Gonzales, Road Runner and Will Coyote on drugs.

  80. agirlagunner says:

    Gotta hand it to Balo. He wants AW to come get him, so come on AW. You, spendthrift, you!

    Dev, I’ll make sure to look for some, although wines here are very limited and prohibitively taxed. 😕

    Thanks, rico. 🙂

  81. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Congrats Agag, as long as ur new job allows you enof time to be regular on HH.

    Guyz…if you think Wenger will buy another attacker, you’re up the wrong tree. He has a lot of belief in Sanogo and he’s bringing Campbell back…and more, he wouldn’t do away with Giroud. He carefully went for a striker who will not put G12 away.

    I think Le Prof will only sort out Verm, reserve keeper and bottle up if he misses on Khedira. Not my wish but from what I know of Wenger!

  82. ozgunner says:

    Adam – all good mate yep. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend and another big signing 🙂

  83. agirlagunner says:

    Oz, finally, you can relax. 🙂

    Tai, I always make time for HH. 🙂

    Adam, was Mrs Adam on her best behavior? 😛

  84. Canadian Gooner says:

    Devil – I wouldn’t care what the press wrote. A front line like that would cause opposition defenses to soil themselves and win us games.

    The press and pundits will never give Arsene or Arsenal any credit. They are full to overflowing with bitter and twisted ex Dippers, ManUre & Totts players and their supporters. However, that would make winning the PL so so much sweeter for our club, players and supporters.

  85. Adam says:

    Agag. Yes, I gave her a stern warning and imposed limits on the number of bottles she might consume but she ignored them and joined Rico in an early Oktoberfest. 🙂

  86. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Of course she was on her good behavious Agag……till she saw that picture of Bendy.

    Mr Adam found it difficult to control her. 😉 lol

  87. Hell Raising Devil says:

    I had posted an earlier message….did not show up.

    Maybe word press is playig tricks

    Now its time for some MonCheri and a scoop of ice Kream. Tasty.

  88. Canadian Gooner says:

    AGAG – Bendtner so desperately wants to be loved. Yet, he so often does his utmost to turn people off and turn them away. Very sad, another waste of talent and probably another Paul Gascoine in the making.

  89. Hell Raising Devil says:

    to hell with you Goonie……cannot even post with the word ice-kream as it should be written.

  90. BrainwashedKev says:

    Hi Adam, it’s roasting in London today.

    Shorts weather for defo.

    What’s that Agag, you got a job?

    Congrats, now get the flexible friend out of hibernation. 🙂

  91. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Hold on CG……….Gazza could twist and turn Bendy around his little finger and down a bottle of vodka with the other 4 fingers holding the bottle.

    Dont even start to compare Bendy with Gazza even though he played for the swampies.

  92. Hell Raising Devil says:

    hiya Kev……what is better?????

    Wearing a shorts or being like Bendy in the pic above???

  93. agirlagunner says:

    Haha, Adam, a “Julyfest”; a nod to our German WC winners, I see. 🙂 Mrs Adam + rico + alcohol = Trouble. 😛

    Dev, I will credit Mrs Adam with finer taste than Bendy. 😛

    CG, the lengths to which English media put Arsenal down is appalling. No other club seems singled out for such criticism, unfair coverage, and putdowns. Why does the likes of Owen/Durham/Redknapp even have a platform on which to air their bitterness and blinkered views?

  94. agirlagunner says:

    Kev, yes. 🙂 Time to flex the flexible friend. But I should wait for my salary first. 😛

  95. ozgunner says:

    Kev – I am not sure thats true mate, i think there is a deal there especially after the secured Kroos

  96. BrainwashedKev says:

    Oz/Coach, I hope you’s are right, but I’m not too confident… 🙁

    Go on Agag, you know you want too… 😛

  97. Canadian Gooner says:

    Devil – I wasn’t comparing Bendtner and Gascoine as players, but as self destructive people. If Bendtner isn’t careful he’ll end up in the same downward spiral to oblivion.

  98. BrainwashedKev says:

    When I was about 15, I went to Southend Airport with a couple of ATC pals.

    I quite enjoyed watching the planes, they got very excited about serial numbers, or something like that…

    After about an hour I almost dozed off…

    Still can’t see the attraction…

  99. ozgunner says:

    Kev – Chelsea are the danger Mourinho rates him highly and to partner him and Cesc would be smart business

  100. BrainwashedKev says:

    Oz, Mourinho is only interested in stopping Wenger getting him…

    The Portugese Prick freaked out after losing out on Sanchez.

    He’s desperate to win this chase.

    Mourinho cuts quite a pathetic, if wealthy, figure…

    As Lee would succinctly put ‘A waste of internal organs’….

  101. ozgunner says:

    Not sure Chelsea would have wanted Sanchez mate, he has enough of those type of players. Liverpool i could understand but not Chelsea.

  102. Nickie says:

    had posted that Bendtner photo a while ago lol. Keep getting put into mod when trying to embed tweets.

    Not the Cleverly debate again!! lol

  103. Adam says:

    Hey Kev. I dunno how you can work in this heat mate. I have just got the old portable air con unit out. It cools the air but makes a hell of a racket. Agag must be used to these temperatures but us Englishmen find them difficult.

  104. bondex says:

    Good day all, having fun reading through all the posts.Well done Rico,guys…. @ tai i think keeping campbell and sending sanogo out on loan wouldnt be a totally bad idea imo .

  105. Nickie says:

    Imagine a Carling cup team of….

    ——–Martinez——–
    Jenk–Mert–Verm–Mon
    Ox—-Artet—Ros—Pod
    —–Sano—-Camp——

    4-4-2, quality second 11 (Per definitely in 1st team but no 4th cb and Ox definitely pushing for first team spot.)

  106. Sukky says:

    If we sign Remy then campell won’t get a chance in arsenal.What position do you think Wenger can use him.On the right flank or as a striker?

  107. Joaquim Moreira says:

    well, second sign done. Why we spend so much time for revelate it?
    I think Khedira is past.
    My we see another sign next week (one sign per week…. )

  108. Joaquim Moreira says:

    third leg of CL:
    AEL Limassol (Chi) – Zenit (Rus)

    Dnipro (Ucr) – Copenhaga (Din)

    Feyenoord (Hol) – Besiktas (Tur)

    Grasshopper (Sui) – Lille (Fra)

    One of them will play versus us

  109. Sukky says:

    Do you think Wenger will buy another GK to displace WS01,he didn’t even give Viviano a chance last season.I think Wenger make stick with Martinez.you will see.

  110. BrainwashedKev says:

    Just taken a rather large Indian gentleman from Park St to Gloucester Road.

    Horror of horrors, I forgot to put the meter on…

    But this very decent chap not only reminded me about the meter, he gave me a tip at the end…

    How very decent, I thought…

  111. Rejoice says:

    EXCLUSIVE
    By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent
    Arsenal have opened preliminary talks with Southampton over a move for
    Morgan Schneiderlin , Goal understands.
    Arsene Wenger has identified the France international to fill the midfield
    anchorman role at Emirates Stadium next season.
    The Gunners have been in contact with Real Madrid
    about a £20 million move for Germany World Cup
    winner Sami Khedira but a deal is considered unlikely
    unless the midfielder reduces his demand for a
    £200,000-a-week basic salary .
    There is also interest from Arsenal in Bayer Leverkusen’s
    Lars Bender but the club regard Schneiderlin as a more
    realistic target. Goal has learned that the Gunners rate
    the 24-year-old in the £15m bracket, while Southampton
    value him at around £18m.
    The Saints want to play hardball over any deal following
    the departures of Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana and Rickie
    Lambert this summer, as well as former manager
    Mauricio Pochettino.
    It is an exodus that has encouraged others to consider their options and
    Schneiderlin went public last month with his eagerness to try a new
    challenge.
    “I’ve been there for a long time now,” said Schneiderlin when asked about
    his future. “We’ll see how things go, but the directors know my position and
    what my intentions are.
    “Everyone has ambitions, everyone has his own future in his hands, so we’ll
    see. Every player wants to play on big occasions.”
    Schneiderlin has been closely trailed by the Gunners over the last two
    seasons since Southampton were promoted to the Premier League.
    He has been a key performer for the Saints following a move from
    Strasbourg in 2008 and was drafted into the France squad for the World Cup
    as a late replacement for the injured Clement Grenier.
    Goal revealed last month that Arsenal were weighing up a double swoop for
    Schneiderlin and his team-mate Diego Lovren.
    The Croatia centre-back has asked Southampton for a transfer to a club
    who can offer Champions League football but Arsenal’s move for the
    defender is on the backburner as Liverpool currently lead the race to sign
    him.

    NB: this reporter is not the most truthful. yet don’t write-off his write-up.

  112. tsgh says:

    AW on where As will play

    At the moment he might play on the flank because Walcott is injured,” said the boss.

    “He can play through the middle, he can play on both flanks and he has the qualities that I think are needed in England. He’s brave, works hard and all these qualities together made me go for him.”

    The manager is obviously considering all options when it comes to Sanchez, saying, “As well he can play through the middle in some games; we can play with Giroud, we can play without Giroud in a 4-4-2 or in a 4-3-3.

  113. Wavy says:

    There aren’t many of us left, you know? But selfless acts do restore your faith in human nature.
    Good for him and nice for you.

  114. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    tg on Wenger regarding Sanchez positions…

    Did you see the manager mention Giroud specifically to play with Sanchez in 4-4-2? Read my lips – Wenger is done in attack!

    If we’re looking for DMs, I don’t believe Wenger is interested in either Schneiderin or Bender. That Belgian chap, Wietsel was a colossus at the World Cup. He plays for Zenit…he’s real deal! Real hardball and knows every trick about shielding the back four!

    If Chelsea grabs Khedira, which seems likely, they’ll be favourites for both EPL and UCL! Painful but reality.

  115. BrainwashedKev says:

    Thank you Wavy…. 🙂

    Adam, I really cannot add anything else to your comments, except that common decency is still alive in Britain today…
    It can make one feel rather humble…

  116. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Who asked Rogers why Sanchez didn’t go to Liverpool? If he was being straight, he would have known no player of Sanchez’s calibre would agree to be swapped with a player not so superior and added 40+ million quids on top…

    By coyly talking of geographical location, does that mean the capital, London and not Arsene and Arsenal that attract players to the club? So dumb, Brendan.

  117. rico says:

    JM, I like the thought of playing a team full of Grasshoppers… 😉

    Evening guys and gals…

    Kev, what a nice guy. The Indian chap I mean….

  118. Gonerjoe says:

    I was hoping FFP would put some manners on them but if they keep getting 50m presents from PSG it won’t effect them.

  119. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Ginge………Fathy was on trial in 2004 you said????

    Good.

    The year of the INVINCIBLES.

    Welcome back Fathy. Even if for a short stint. Hopefully you will piss some luck and success over at London Colney again.

    If we win the Epl we should keep sending for you year on year for trial. Yes even when you are 50 years old.

    Good evening lovelies.

  120. Gonerjoe says:

    I know but as with every thing calling us a selling club was for the reason to insult Arsenal.
    The fact is all clubs are selling clubs look where we are doing our shopping now. 🙂

  121. rico says:

    You’re hopeful Devil… 😉

    Of course Gjoe, that’s life in the media. Just hope we buy right and shove it right back at them… Idiots!!

  122. Hell Raising Devil says:

    I am always hopeful Rico.

    in everything in life and football.

    it is what drives me on day after day.

  123. BrainwashedKev says:

    Just had some bread and a delicious jam…

    And a can of Budweiser…

    Liverpool seem intent on going on a Spud style spending spree…

    Hope they enjoy the Europa Cup in 12 months time…

    One thing we can be sure of in a years time…
    Is that the worst pundit on this planet, Michael Owen, will predict that Arsenal will finish outside of the top four…
    I suppose eventually that stupid little tosser will be right.
    But not before he’s got his bus pass…

  124. rico says:

    You an me both Devil, always looking for something good in life is the way…

    I’d have to agree there Kev, on both…. 😉

  125. Gonerjoe says:

    Speak about buying well Wenger said today I think said we will be playing Sanchez will be playing on the wing. Maybe this is to cover for Walcott but a Barcelona fan said today that Sanchez played he’s best football on the wing.
    Does this leave room for a new striker I think so and I still have my heart set on Balotelli.

  126. rico says:

    Did I sneak a Bud in the bag then Kev??

    Phew, I can take one of the number I counted as having been drunk.. 😉

    Just put a blue bottle in our recycling bin…. 😛

  127. rico says:

    Spot on re the rest in your comment Kev…

    I think he said that was whilst TW was out Gjoe, but he could be back early Sept. Still think we need a striker, but Im not keen on Balotelli…

  128. BrainwashedKev says:

    No Rico, that’s going too far… 😉

    I got four tins at Sainsburys on the way home.

  129. BrainwashedKev says:

    Just sitting in the garden, in S E London.

    The sky is coming over a deep dark grey and there is thunder in the distance…

    Here comes the rain….

  130. Hell Raising Devil says:

    or this……..the master himself and the God of Football in action. Messi????? DB10 is superior I feel……

  131. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Dreams are nice…………

    I feel that this coming season all the past will be laid to rest.

    I feel that with the right additions we will be back were we belong.

    I am positive about it.

    I am hopeful.

  132. Rick says:

    Further south Kev Thunder Lightlning and very high winds.
    Rain just starting.. Not the night to be driving.

  133. rico says:

    I remember that Devil, I was away on hols in the sunshine and called home for the result….

    Happy days….

    I’m off for the day guys and gals, have a good night all…

    Mind the storms…. 😉

  134. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Happier days are around the corner.

    Night Lady.

    I am off as well my friends.

    good night

  135. Biscuitbum says:

    I`m ambivalent on Balotelli. If he comes he might be unstoppable for half the season, until something upsets him, or he gets in the papers for some silly nightime stunt. The Khedira deal is dead. Sad but true. He will probably go to the chavs and perform miracles against us.

    Schneiderlin is a player I like. It`s interesting that he said that everyone knew he wanted to play at the highest level, code for the CL, yet the spuds think he would sign for them. They have a long, and disasterous, history pursuing supposed and actual Arsenal transfer targets. I would prefer Bender, but it would be sweet indeed if we could snap up Schneiderlin from under the noses of the spuds.

  136. rico says:

    Mourinho has insisted Fabregas was always up for a move across London and agreed to it after just a brief conversation between them.

    “I spoke with him 20 minutes.” said the Special One, “I think he really wanted to come to us.

    “As you know Arsenal had an option to interfere. But I think he was not open for that, I think he was very much in our direction so it was an easy job for me.”

    Weighing into the debate over Wilshere’s smoking, Mourinho actually agreed with Wenger when he said: “What football players do, millions and millions are watching, lots of kids are watching.

    “I’m not a specialist obviously but I don’t think if a football player smokes one cigar or cigarette with friends in the summer when he is not training – I don’t think it affects his performance.

    KNOB!

  137. Adam says:

    Morning Rico and all.
    What Mourinho’s said about Cesc obviously has no basis in fact, but it fits perfectly with him being a sociopath. It also serves to make him even more loathsome, but those with that condition never care about such things as they can only see themselves at the centre of everything. Other people do not matter. Losing a game and then proceeding to gouge out an opponent’s eye is also quite a good clue.

  138. tsgh says:

    5 year deal for Remy agreed apparently…

    Dev, good video yesterday re. Everton game..

    Looking back its amazing how many tackles PV missed in his last 2 years with us…

    Edu was very very good when fit… I hope JW can model his game on him…

    Silky left foot and all…

  139. frednerk says:

    Morning All,
    Maureens back on form,as if fab would prefer that lot,

    look back ts a little more,picking holes in paddy……….
    you should be ashamed mate.

  140. potter says:

    Was Mourinho intimating that Jack could join him and smoke and party as much as he liked as long as he left Arsenal.Just another twist of the knife in his dreams.

  141. potter says:

    Sometimes it matters not if you actually miss the odd tackle here and there. It’s the presence that distabilises the other player as he looks over his shoulder to see where you are everytime he gets near the ball.

  142. tsgh says:

    lol potter.
    but the snake that is cesc was never going to take a pay cut to come back to us… imho

    I was under the assumption that Cesc was being paid less at Barca than he was with us but it appears he was offered enough pay rise to forfeit £1m a year of his salary over the duration of the contract to add to the fee we asked for…

    He is on £200kp/w… we could never ever have matched that… maybe I should say ‘unwilling’ to match that.

  143. Adam says:

    It makes perfect sense that Fabregas would want to play for a man who brutally gouged the eye of his now-deceased friend. Another sociopathic trait is that you assume you are the most intelligent person around and that everybody else is stupid and a cannot see through your gossamer-thin delusions. I anticipate that Mourinho’s will attempt to ramp it all up during the coming season with anybody, but especially Wenger, that he sees as a threat.

  144. tsgh says:

    Fred, I am not picking holes at all just making an observation/opinion. I might be wrong.

    Just reiterating as we all knew after AFC vs Inter game in 2007 that PV04 was on the decline when a teenage Cesc helped us to smash inter.

  145. rico says:

    Morning Ts, Fred and Potter…

    Sorry but I can’t pick holes in Paddy, not for one moment, he was awesome for us and will always be one of the better players we ever had…

  146. rico says:

    Adam, I hope the dwarf comes out with a lot more bile which continues to embarrass Chelsea. He’ll soon be shown the door by Roman imo…

  147. frednerk says:

    Ts what Potter says is true,don’t want to name drop,
    but an expro I know,told me that when his team played at highbury and team news filtered through as soon as paddys name was mentioned every players head dropped.

  148. rico says:

    The battle was won in the tunnel when Paddy played, similar to Adams. Two true leaders and imo, we haven’t really had one of those in the side since the day Paddy left….

  149. frednerk says:

    Is wenger playing poker again,most gooners think now,that the deal for Khedira is dead,
    But Khedira’s contract has 1 year to go and he says he wants to go.
    Is this a 29th of August thing.

  150. tsgh says:

    Maybe I am off the mark to make an observation…

    There is no denying he was a great a player. But just because he played for us does not give him a carte blanc imho

    My view in life is simple… man is man… no matter how great he might be at what he does…

    I can also say like I have said on here a few times that Aw made up his mind to sell PV04 after a game against Everton according to someone still very close to AW… it is obviously not this game.

    Just because he missed tackles does not make him a bad player; he just makes him a human.

    Like I always defended Per 2 years ago when most on here wanted him gone by posting that 2-1 defeat at Aston Vila in 1999 with Giggs going through our midfield and defence who most fans claimed never made any mistakes…

  151. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Morning all,

    It pleases me to note that ppl here loathe Mourinho as much as I do.

    My suggestion…let’s collectively tackle this man based on any tantrums he throws the way of Wenger or Arsenal henceforth…I run a blog, I don’t know how many here who do…but if we create a channel to cluster him all over the social media, he’d quickly come to grips that enough is a enough.

    Didn’t this idiot listen to Fabregas statement immediately after signing for Chelsea that he went to Chelsea because Arsenal didn’t need him any more? The cryptic liar wouldn’t ever take a knock to his ego chin. For once, Mourinho grabbed a Wenger reject and the braggart is finding it hard to swallow. This time he succeeded in fooling only himself!

  152. rico says:

    I reckon Khedira knows he can join us if he wants to and it’s now up to him.

    In the meantime, I hope IG is working hard on his next option….

  153. rico says:

    Ts, it’s not always about what is said, it’s how it’s said which makes the difference… 😉

  154. frednerk says:

    Can’t see Merts leaving in a hurry rico,
    can’t see Merts doing anything in a hurry mate.

  155. tsgh says:

    Tai, for our egos we will accept Cesc’s view that he only wanted to join us but looking at it objectively maybe Cesc wants to maintain his cult held reputation at AFC…

    With me he is a snake? Why should he come back for £120k a week when he could earn nearly £200kp/w at Chelsea who may actually win more than us on pape..

    Apparently Puma wanted him to join us too but the 80k a week was enough to sway him.

    Lets face it Cesc said he would only come back to us as a coach under Aw… all his declaration of love to AFc is foremost pointed at AW than to the club…

    Without appearing to be ITK Cesc was one reason why our transfer was so messed up last summer..

    He flirted with Yanited and entertained bids. We might not like Yanited but Yanited are not daft to keep going back with offers if they did not know he was keen on a move…

    Rumours are the only reason why Cesc decided against the move was PV saying he was going to leave this summer.. Cesc was obviously not going to join Yanited when his other best buddy PV was going to leave him on his own in a years time…

  156. Micko says:

    Morning all,
    Looking back it’s amazing how slow arteta has become over the last 2 years.
    Just my opinion of course.

  157. rico says:

    Not sure I think there was anything other than ‘Wenger didn’t want him back’ to the Cesc situation – Both Cesc and AW have confirmed this too….

  158. Wavy says:

    We should not overlook the ‘love nest’ in Eaton Square! Salford could never live up to the living standards offered by a London move. Clearly it was all a matter of ‘geography’!!

  159. Tai Emeka Obasi says:

    Ts,

    Who is PV here?

    I don’t buy the idea one bit that Fabregas wanted to go to Chelsea ahead of Arsenal…not for the money. Fabregas never believed Wenger could turn him down…but Wenger was damn right to do so. So, Cesc saw a Mourinho, who always dwelled on hate as his element of motivation and convinced Cesc to come and have the opportunity to give it back to Wenger.

    That’s all. But to me, Cesc is welcome. When he plays under Mourinho, he’d understand that Wenger was the one who truly molded him!

  160. tsgh says:

    😀 Rico… didn’t mean ‘egos’ in a bad way… maybe ‘pride’ would have been appropriate maybe not after all..

    All I am trying to say is that we football fans like to believe our club is the best and the biggest and that because we as fans will do most things within reasons for the clubs we adore, footballers should do the same.

    In the end they are called professional footballers for a reason. imho

    Tai- Patrick Vieira- PV

  161. tsgh says:

    I might not be a fly on the wall Rico 🙂 but I am always consistent in my views…

    2 summers ago when Cecs was flirting with Yanited and the media was in frenzy about why AW was not activating the clause, I said then like several people that IG and the board did not want Cesc back because of how he acted in his last few months with us…

    Aw for diplomatic and legal reason will always say he did not want Cesc back because he had Ozil…

  162. rico says:

    But there is not a scrap of evidence to suggest Cesc going to Chelsea was about money or Jose, AW didn’t want him and that was it…

    Cesc wanted London, so where else would he go?

    Consistent? Hmm, I’ll have to think about that one, after all, you tried to convince us that Sanchez was definitely heading to Man City… lol

  163. tsgh says:

    Potter, have you seen the El Confidencial reports, reporting that Casillas want Madrid to let him go on a free transfer and Arsenal have started private talks.

  164. tsgh says:

    lol Rico.. Really that is news to me re. Sanchez to City…

    I remember saying Marca reporting that City had made inquiries and that Perez said he could still hijack Suarez deal to Barca…

  165. Adam says:

    What actually happened with Vieira was that, the season before we sold him, he flirted with Real Madrid and was a bit ‘off’ with both Wenger and Dein. They were looking for some loyalty but the accolades had gone to Patrick’s head. Apparently he became quite insufferable in the dressing room and at training. When bids came in for him at the end of the season Wenger took the view that he had grown too big for his boots. Dein shared this and when Vieira asked how badly they wanted him to stay, both gave a shrug of the shoulders and said they were ‘neutral’. Thus was born his animosity to Arsenal and Wenger which was further compounded when Wenger refused to employ him as a coach years later.

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