Rumours are gathering pace that newly appointed Swansea manager Michael Laudrup wants to sign fellow Dane, Nicklas Bendtner.
That has to be good news for all concerned, Nik wants to stay in England but doesn’t want to stay with us and no doubt Swansea could do with a big strong centre forward to help them score a few goals during their second season in the Premier League.
Laudrup is no fool, he obviously thinks he could get the best from old pinkie boots, sure as heck he won’t do any worse than we did, as long as he can get past the big guys ego!
Talking of which, Gael Clichy seems to have suddenly felt the need to justify his salary related move to Manchester City.
It’s funny, but I am a vastly different player this year since I moved to City. In my head, it is a turning point in my career. I wanted to see where it could take me. I do not regret it for a moment, as I have gained in self-confidence.
I am champion of England and that is important in the life of a player, one feels stronger.
Spot on Gael, you are different, your hairstyle has changed but you are still a very average left back and even with his ageing old bones, Ashley Cole remains the best left back in the Premier League – stick that in your pipe and smoke it!!
Clichy may have improved but was that such a hard thing to do, because in his last season with us, he really were S***E!! (sorry if that offends, but there is no other word)
Do we miss him? No we don’t!!
Talking of the French players, I heard a snippet about Olivier Giroud – should France secure their place in the next round of the Euros, which is highly likely next week, he is planning on nipping to London to finalise the deal to see him become an Arsenal player next season.
Whether that proves to be true, I don’t know but don’t shoot the messenger.
His French team-mate Yann M’Vila has spoken about a potential move to London:
I like Arsenal and I like the Premier League but I don’t know what is happening with the clubs, though.
But I would be interested in the Premier League – and Arsenal.
Giroud didn’t have a lot to say when asked any move next summer, maybe that’s because he knows where he’s heading…. 😉
That’s about it, Arshavin is on his way home as Russia were knocked out of the Euros, so his future should be sorted out soon and Poland lost 1-0 last night to see them out too..
Tonight it could be Holland for the early bath, I hope so….
Have a good day all….
Morning all
Daily Mirror – ‘Arsneal slap £30M price tag on RvP’
I wonder who makes all this up… I blame John Terry 😉
John is misunderstood….I blame Joey Barton.
f***k you clichy without arsenal you are gabbage you little piece of shit.
😛 Scott..
newton, couldn’t have put it better myself, just too much of a lady to type it 😉
I am champion of England and that is important in the life of a player, one feels stronger.
Ghost written by Nasri no doubt.
Funny, I always used to say I thought Clichy was a poor player and I’d be shot down. Now he’s gone there seems to be collective amnesia (Not necessarily including you OP) and he was always bad! Another annoying aspect of this group-think is as soon as we’re linked with anyone they suddenly become a parroted must have. Worse are surprises like Benny; no one said “Benny’s a good player lets raid Chelski”. As soon as I said “Benny, That’s a bit desperate isn’t it?” … bam a verbal punch in the kisser. Finally I don’t want any of these French players we’re supposedly after. I liked how we were getting a few promising signs on getting a decent English squad together Wilsh, Walc, OX, Gibbs who are hopefully going to be joined by Yennaris, Jenks, Bartley, Lansbury. Plus looking into different territories rather than France seemed to be a sign that Wenger was after the best players not just the best/most affordable players in France. Wenger’s returning French obsession comes as a disappointment.
Morning all!
Having a need to clarify issues shows deep seated doubts. You change clubs and you forget it…stop making snide remarks. Clichy is going to feel very foolish WHEN city ends next season empty handed.
Hi Potter – he is such a plank isn’t he, why he feels the need to justify his move I don’t know, maybe too much listening to Na$ri…
MV – Clichy got a bit of a bettering here too, don’t think any tears were shed when he left.
As for the French connection, it’s worked in the past, it could work with M’Vila and Giroud – we didn’t mind Paddy, Petit, Pires and Henry did we 😉
And Kos isn’t too bad either….
Clichy seems to be getting nasri-itus shame he’s not that good but at least summer his transfer was conducted with a bit of dignity and he’s generally been quiet since, unlike some other nameless players. Sounds like a very promising come n get me from M’vila, off you go then arsene, fetch!
Cd, if he was that happy, he wouldn’t feel the need…
Morning all.
Nice one Rico, Cicky maybe all smiles at the moment, but when he looks up the table next season and see’s us above his beloved City he may start seeing things diferently but his wage should compensate that, when he is flying home after being knocked out of the Euro’s and England are still in it he may only think of his beloved city and of course his wage, when Arsenal pick up their first trophy for a while he may just think that the next one will go to his beloved City, but he will still be smileing counting his money, Arsenal will not go away and they are on the up they will be the team to beat next season and city will have to work hard and spend big to keep up with us and at the end of the day Clicky may be rich but he will rue the day he mocked Arsenal FC.
We be glad to have a creative middlefider like m’villa
Theo on the Ox
“Alex has four caps now, and it’s great for his confidence and it will be great for Arsenal when we come back and play together – perfect!” said Walcott.
Doesn’t sound like he’s planning on leaving….
Morning Steve – that’s a positive one this morning, would be nice to play France before the final and send them packing, but England have to get a draw against Ukraine on Tuesday, can you see us doing that?
As for Citeh, I dread to think who they will sign this summer…
Maybe a better left back 😉
Mroning all.
Scott, Wenger should shut his gap and stop mouthing like last season on NAsri-Cesc Saga saying we cannot afford to sell both…and he was correct and by the graces of Football Gods and Lady Luck and ‘All Hail Fulop!”..we squeaked to 3rd.
Again, a few months back, that slimy and bald snake-oil salesman said RvP will not be sold at any price…and Arsenal FC will keep him and let him leave on a Bosman in July 2013.
Come June…and they are all putting a price on RvP isn’t it?
If RvP and Walcott are holding Arsenal FC for ransom, then sell ’em by end-June and let’s start rebuilding with committed players then..like buying another 5 experienced players to beef up the squad which is now brimming with young players who need playing time to mature, but not to be over-used like Fabregas and WIlshere.
No matter what you said about Kolo, Clichy and Fabregas, they gave Arsenal FC 7 or more years of loyal service, unlike all those whorish players like Adebayor, Flamini, Hleb and Nasri.
ANd now, it looks more like Van Persie, afetr one season which he played to his potential, and Walcott, after 20-minutes of cameo appearance with England, are starting to behave no difference from Adebayor, Hleb and Nasri..
As for moi, I am starting to detest both these whorish players who ahd covneniently forgotten that Arsenal FC and Arsene Wenger had stood up for ’em throughout their injury-plagued years with Arsenal FC….and when it started to pay dividends for Arsenal FC in 2011/12 seaosn..they turned whorish on the pretext of “I wanna win trophies..titles!..”
Sell ’em by end-June if theys til refuse to sign a new contract extension.
No matter what you said about Cashley COle, he did the honorable thing by signing a one-year extension…..unlike another homegrown ENglish whore called Michael Owen who f**ked off to Real leaving Liverpool FC gettign a derisory transfer fee.
Is tht what Walcott is trying to do?
SIt tight, refuse to sign a contract like FLamini and leave on a Bosman?
I would be a very happy man if M’Vila and Giroud come in. Maybe add a decent covering CB and a job well done this summer.
Next task offload the wage collectors. ie…. Bendtner, Park, Chamakh, Denilson, Squillaci, Djorou, Vela and Ramsey (maybe one more season for him, but no vast improvement then bin him).
The more a player owes Wenger seems in direct inverse proportion to the amount of bile he sees fit to spout at the earliest opportunity. It comes down to class in the end and a personal code of acting like a gentleman and not a spoilt brat with an over inflated ego and a sense of entitlement the size of a planet. Clichy and Nasri will discover that, when a club founded on nothing but money and owned by a sheikh, are finished with you then they will cast you aside like yesterday’s chip paper and you could do an Adebayor and end up being offside for Spurs for a few seasons while bleating endlessly on about the ” love” you feel from the fans. Yes, those same fans who sang that song about whores and elephants only a short time before. Shit, although an organic substance, seems to me to have magnetic properties and as far as I am concerned, all those players should cling together in one or two buckets of footballing effluence where they can compare mohican hairstyles and the size of their bank balances while the rest of us go about actually living and supporting the players we know care about our club.
so what, who cares…. Nasri & Clichy are yesterdays news. fcuk the pair of them. Up The Arsenal
I watch a lot of of football so the family tell me,
Bendtner is the best young player that I have seen in any youth or reserve game’s for the arsenal,
just show’s you,
I would have bet my house on him making it with us.
M’vila deal is dependent on him not getting an injury,his club want as much as can be for him,
so the stand off,at the moment,as regard’s fee(not agreed).
I don’t blame Wenger,this tornament has mucked up his statement’s of early tranfer business.
It would be madness to sign anybody involved at the moment,
a bit suprised that a deal for the forward would be concluded half through this tornament,
Not the wenger way.
Hi Merlin –
kind of think that is a bit harsh, all that is supposed to have been said by Theo and Robin is merely newspaper speculation or authors on blogs.
you, I nor anyone, unless we have a personal contact with either player, does not know the truth anout their contract situation and what has gone on during talks.
Until either leave us, i think to accuse them of being whores is very wrong….
Give Robin a cracking deal, but if Walcott starts demanding kings ransoms, sell him as he just ain’t worth it. The Chavs would have him for 20 mill, then we can buy Affelay for half the price!!!!!! Hhmmmmm who would I rather have!!!!!!
To form a hypothesis based on something written in The Mirror is unwise I would have thought. These articles are designed to tap into the insecurities that some fans have.
Rico, with European clubs willing to offer Walcott 100,000 to 160,000pw….and who knows what MAncini and ABrmaoivch are going to offer to snap-up Walcott – 200,000pw to 250,000pw?
ROy Hodgson is playing the long ball behind a tough defensive shield.
This “ENglish Style” of kick-and-run is ready-make for Walcott running through teh centre or cutting across diagonally from flank, especially with Rooney able to deliver those accurate long balls…..
Unlike Wenger, Hodgson will play Walcott through the centre in support of ROoney as the “No. 10”..Young tearing down the flank.. and a battering ram in Carroll knocking down those balls for a quick Walcott tor un to them.
Taht si why Walcott will nto thrive at Arsenal FC playing Wenger’s Crab FOotball with 30+ sideways and backwards passes.
But a direct English Style of “kick-and-run” with accurate delivered long passes for Walcott to chase and passes behind and between defenders for Walcott to cut-in from flank to run behind defenders……that is what made Walcott worldclass with his dealdy shooting skills.
Wenger wil never play this kind of English Style “Kick and Rin”.
I’m kinda missing the odd goals he always helped us concede. Good news is … for the 1st time we’re not having to play qualifiers to get to the ECL. All thanks to Cliche (leaving).
So would I Ric – very happy and then as you say, a CB and sell the ones who need to be sold…
Morning Adam….
Welcome to those just joining HH today, seems most are glad to see the back of Clichy, well lets not give him anymore of our time 🙂
Hi Rico. Here we go again I see. Frustration boils over into semi-literate insults. Who benefits?
The Ox is going to make Clichy look stupid when we play them next year.
Merlin,just because the media say a price has been put on RVP doesn’t mean you suddenly believe it!!
I’ve ready your posts,and you are more intelligent than that…no,I’m not being sarcastic.
I believe you are using comments attributed to Wenger or Gazidis to suit your argument,and thats not fair.
Adam, anything written about theo and RvP’s contract in the papers is garbage and lazy, they are just loving it, anything negative about us and they ‘do it to death’….
Iriots 😉
Walcott Worldclass!!!!!!!! Lmao….. I’m a diehard Gooner and even I ain’t that deluded!!!!!
No-one Adam – simply no-one…
Merlin – do us all a huge favour please, and tone down the insults to AW and Gazidis…
I’d love to seeing Clichy felt like a champion of England after I whack him one in the ear 🙂
In the recent Gazidis Q&A one of the points he made that got me thinking was that, when you offer a player a new contract, you do so on the basis of what he is going to do in the future and not what he had done in the past. The more I thought about it, the more I began to understand why the club might want to sell certain players.
Theo Walcott when playing is a beauty to watch, This Euro’s could just be the making of him, The Ox has started well and Hodgeson has used them both well up till now, Both these players i’m sure could be very important to Arsenals future, we have Wilshere who will slot back as and when and we have Podolski who will also spice things up, hopefully we will see a couple of exciting signings before the window closes, looking through our squad at what we have and hopefully who will join puts us in a good position. Bouldy comeiming in and hopefully changeing training for the better can only help IG and AW seem to be quite happy with their lot at the moment, Stan looks like he will stay silent but will release a few funds, its a time for us to be upbeat as last season was disappointing but still we finished 3rd this season i expect to be up the top of the league and stay there and all our players will not be looking elsewhere for trophies.
Rico, I want them to demonstrate loyalty like what Kolo did when he said “I love Arsenal FC and it is easy to sign the contract. I told my agent just bring it to me for signing.”
Of course they are whores as Walcott and Van Persie can easily said:
Walcott: “I want to stay at Arsenal FC and will sign that 3-year 85,000pw extension by end-June or I will submit my transfer request.”
Van Persie: “I want to stay at Arsenal FC to win titles and trophies with them. SIgn two or three more worldclass experienced players, I will sign that 3-year contract extension.”
There you are Rico.
Why don’t Walcott and Van Persie said outright to Arsenal fans why they will or will nto sign on….instead of waiting for June 2013 for IG to make another “Fabregas Disclosure”?
I will respect them more if they laid all their cards on the table and declared their love for Arsenal…and not that kind of “I love Arsenal” from Fabregas and as IG alleged, refused to play for Arsenal FC and demanded a move to Barca?
Good point there Adam…
Merlin. I somehow doubt whether earning your respect will be a prime motivator in either of them signing or not signing a new contract.
Van Persie has said sign some top class player’s or I’am off.
Merlin, why should they?
My point is, you are guessing at what is going on, just as we all our and unless you know different, i really don’t understand why you refer to players who are STILL Arsenal players as whores.
Those who leave or have left for money then maybe but RvP and Theo are at this time Arsenal players
Its very tedious…
To all who watch more football than I do……….when it comes to players leaving our club to go to “greener pastures”,would you say Wenger is on the right or wrong side of the ledger??
I think so Rico. Arsenal need to factor many things into whether they offer a new contract to a player. The fact that Robin was amazing last season will need to be balanced against many other things like his age, fitness, including underlying resistance to injuries etc. This is why TH was sold and I imagine PV too. You pay big bucks on what a player can do, not what they have done.
fred, and that is no more than we fans want…
It’s down to the club, if they want players to stay, then lets start showing a bit of ambition….
The transfer window should last 24 hours only.
One day of this would be easier to endure than 3 months!
Unless your Citeh,Adam lol.
Of course, with £50 million from RVP and TW Wenger could afford the only non Arsenal player I have ever heard him covet. Neymar. And I believe him to be rather good. The Spanish financial crisis will change the transfer scene perhaps.
Going to training now but will leave you with one thought. If Messi had done this, the media would still be raving about it and we would all be drooling.
I can understand that too Adam, it’s a tough place to be IG or AW, but if they go we will survive, as long as any money is put back into the squad…
Fuck you clichy and nasri and just know that you fools we arsenal are going to sign good players than you and not just money suckers like you with your poor perfomances and we are going to win titles next season shame on you flopers.
Scott. True. And your 24 hour suggestion ain’t bad either. But, let’s make it a week to avoid too much madness.
Scott, enough of Doublespeakese from Arsene Wenger last season over Nasri-Cesc Saga.
There si waht arguments are all about isn’t it – from FACTS mind you of what Wenger and IG actually said, no misquotations from tabliods.
This summer?
I want a calm summer with pre-season training from a settled and committed sqaud.
No more August 31, 23:59:59 panicky buys…..but to start off with a scintillating 6 consecutive wins liek 2007/08 season.
Actually I am seeing a parallel of 2006/07 and 2007/08 season where in 2006/07, the shocking transfer of Henry to Barca, Walcott’s shoulder injuries, Van Persie his annual vacation at Colney medical Centre, Cashley Cole Saga, etc…..and we managed 4th due to Dein insistence that Tiny Totts must played even with 7 or 8 players down.
We survived 2011/12 like we survived 2006/07.
And if 2012/13 is to be liek the start of 2007/08 season, then we need a settled squad, a committed squad and not “Van Persie-Walcott” Saga degenerated into another ‘NAsri-Cesc” Saga that so disrupted our 2011/12 season..with a relative squad and no cover when senior players are suspended and injured….
That is why it is so frustrating to see a re-run of summer 2011 when we are 2012/13 title-contender with a settled and committed squad by August 2012.
😆 Scott, it sure would….
I have to nip on and off today, people coming for lunch so best I get a wriggle on…
Will try and pop on during the day, but might be a tad tough…
Oh, and Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads out there….
Good read.i want us to get m’vila but lately am having doubts if we’ve even made a bid…
Perhaps Clichy was just answering a question. Although I agree that he had a very disappointing final season with us, he is a player who always gave his all, played for the shirt, and just got on with business. I agree that Cole is still a much better left back, but you can’t knock Clichy’s attitude while he was an Arsenal player. I am not sad he left as he was becoming too much of a liabilty, but credit where credit is due.
Our problems when you look at it is not bad players its about working as a team, and that has been whats missing. Drilling your defence into being disciplined is the key, midfield shielding their defence and also being part of the attack is also paramount, its all down to workrate and using the ball to your advantage, we have let ouwselves down with this aspect and have been punnished the training is of utmost importance to win trophies we have the talent its useing it.
I reckon it’s a buyers market at the moment.
Let us keep the faith and hope that what we keep on here around is not just rumours like always and hope arsene can sign players for real this time.
Merlin,there is no doubt Wenger backed himself into a corner last season on Nasri and Cesc.
He wasn’t long,as he genuinely thought they’d stay,but he was just wrong.
When he realised they wanted out,he let them go…….can’t you even give him credit for that,as it as you who said we don’t want players who don’t want to be there…….I totally agree with you on that point.
Steve,spot on.
Wenger has hired Bould…if he doesn’t let the guy do his job,then we all have a right to be pissed off.
Remember,plenty have said part of Fergusons success is due to turning over his assistants,so let’s see how some new ideas changes things.
We needed some experienced,tough professionals at club….Arteta,Yossi,BGF,Santos…..tick.
We needed early signings…..one down,and it’s highly probable that a few more are coming soon……it’s still early…..tick
We needed an assistant with strong character….tick.
Can we really think Wenger hasn’t recognised His own failings lately?
No doubt aout it Adam,with FFP coming in and so many clubs struggling financially.
Rico, I don’t guess, I observe trend.
What was the trend since 2005/06 on players committed to play for Arsenal FC?
Only one foreign player retired at Arsenal FC – Bergy.
Even the French Spine left – Vieira, Henry, Freddy.
Kanu, WIltord, Edu, Flamini, Pires and Gallas left on a Bosman.
Reyes, Helb, Nasri and Fabregas demanded a transfer.
So did loyal servants like Gilberto, Kolo and Clichy.
Sure, it will be most interesting to watch this continual saga perhaps till August 31 to know the fate of these three senior players – Van Persie, Walcott and Song – which without selling, will hinder our task of getting in replacements should they leave in August like NAsri and Cesc.
The key business decision is this:
Will IG and Wenger risk losing loss of £40 million to £50 million in transfer fees by retaining disgruntled players against their will to play for Arsenal FC?
Well, the answer is in Fabregas’ performance during 2010/11 season when he was retained against his will for one more season.
The other point I based on is that Wenger always looked after his players and allowed them to leave for the club of their choice after accepting that their hearts is no at Arsenal FC:
– Henry to Barca at a bargain £16 million;
– Sol Campbell’s mutual parting;
– Reyes to Real;
– Gilberto after losing the captaincy;
– an unhappy Kolo wanted to leave;
– Pires on a Bosman;
– CLichy to earn petrodollars;
– Nasri to earn petrodollars;
– Cesc to his hometown club.
Wenger will never stand in the way of Van Persie, Walcott and Song if they express their desire to leave Arsenal FC …liek Henry and Kolo.
Tehrefore, it is no more a matter of how much we are willing to pay this Trio, but a matter of whether they still want to play for Arsenal FC.
Scott, Wenger is no slough and certainly, he recognised his own failings and mused about it during his Friday conference that “he needed to get his signings in before pre-season….”
I will give him credit when he get rdi of those disgruntled players by end-June and bring in all those new signings after Euro2012 so that he can start pre-season training with a settled and committed squad.
Then, I will say that Wenger and IG had learned the lesson of summer 2011 and we fans will have a serious title-contedner squad for 2012/13.
As Steve had pointed out, it is not the players, but the “WengerBall” TEAM that is the future of Arsenal FC; that will drive Arsenal FC to its glory days again.
The nucleus of this TEAM is there for all to see in 2011/12 with its strength, weakness and deficiency for us to see.
Address the weakness and deficiency, we are a serious threat in title chase as well as CL Cup.
I am hoping and praying that I will see all those Wenger Wunderkind to fulfil their potential since 2004/05…only to see two batches of Wenger Wunderkind to flop.
Let’s hope that this 3rd batch of Wenger Wunderkind will fulfil their potential and evolve into a title-winning team by 2014/15 season.
Merlin,have any of those players he let go actually improved!!
You cite Bergkamp as the single overseas player who retired here,and that’s exactly the reason the man will be on top,or very near it,of every Gooners favourite all time player list.
Oh,yes,he could play a bit too lol.
Tweaks,Merlin,tweaks….it’s all we need to be great.
No wholesale changes.
Some in and some out…..bring on the new season.
How good is current 3rd Batch of Wenger Wunderkind?
How many of ’em will make it and break into senior squad?
Pedro Botelho, our “permanently” on loan Brazilian left-sided player, to leave for Levante?
Galindo?
Wellington SIlva?
Joel Campbell?
Tomas Easfield?
Ryo?
Frimpong?
Coquelin?
Embilicio
Benik Afobe, Aneke and Conor Henderson – will they be in the senior squad next season?
Lansbury, Kyle Bartley, Miquel and Yennaris – how many of them will be sold?
Damian Martinez promoted to No.3 Goalie in senior squad?
How many scholars will get a look in at Reserve and in CC Squad?
Serge Gnabry?
Jon Toral?
Hector Bellerin?
Kris Olsson?
Premiership Team is 25-man squad plus unlimited Under-21 homegrown players.
It will be interesting then whether Arsenal FC can get “Special Talent” work permit for Wellington SIlva as Joel Campbell may qualified for a work peprmit if he had played in 75% of Costa Rico internaitonals during last year.
By 2014/15 season, how many of those Wenger Wunderkind will make it into the 25-man squad?
Rico 9.31 AM
True but that was when France were World and Euro champs. Since then France’s light has dimmed considerably and yet that Ligue is his first port of call. Plus the French infrastructure at Arsenal reinforces the narrow-mindedness. Grimandi (AW’s 2nd signing after Garde?) is chief scout in France. I live in France (Come on you Guingamp!) and L1 can be exciting but it’s not a patch on the EPL and I think AW should concentrate on bringing the youngsters through as they’re coached the AW way within the cultural context of the English game. Plus reinforce when needed from the EPL and Championship. Kos has come good but PM looks suspect and lets forget Cygan & Squid. It took Kos a good while to get to the mark where Cahill, Jags would have been EPL ready from day one. It’s odd that he’ll buy some one in and wait 18 months before they’re up to standard but he wont do that with a reserve player on the cusp. Yennaris was fantastic in his brief cameo earlier and so if he’ll say Kos, Squid, Gervinho, wont be much until they acclimatise to the EPL .. give them 12 – 18 months, why not give the same opportunity to Bartley and Yennaris? Squid failed the test and Gervinho could possibly do the same. Give the best of our new breed the year instead of an import would be my MO. Cheers.
Scott, I am wishing Clichy, Nasri and Cesc the worst.
My theory is that 5 to 7 years beign coached by Arsene Wenger to play free-flowing WengerBall where players are encouraged to demonstrate initiative and decision-making on the pitch rendered them sueless to play in a confined and rigid tactical formation where following rigid instructions and discipline is important and players are not allowed to deviate from their set position.
However, if Barca is prepared to build the team around Cesc with him as the “Main Man”, he will flourish. Otherwise in a rigid tactical formation, Cesc will be found out and will be outshine by Iniesta and Messi, plus a few more gems from La Maisa.
On the other hand Scott, why those players never flourished elsewhere are simply that they are flawed players, duds that only Arsenal FC is prepared to sign………..e.g. when we bought Arshavin, Silvestre, Bischoff, Nasri, Squillaci, Ramsey, Walcott, OX, who were our competitors?
Vasmani, why Wenger was so successful with the French SPine was due to hsi coahcign days in France and hsi French Mafia scoutign newtwork before his rivals realsied that France was on the cusp of a Golden Era.
And why he snapped up a young Vieira, a young Henry, a young Anelka, an off-form Pires, unknown Petit…..CLichy, FLamini, DIaby……
And after that Golden Generation ahd departed, it was all down-hill from France without a hit like “Vieira”, “Henry” or “Anelka”.
From 1997 to 2001, Arsene Wenger was the right man, right tiem and at the right place and Arsenal FC flourished then.
But now, his rivals had caught up with him, easily outbidded him for French Talents…..and in a rare while since 2001..perhaps Weng r had uenarthed a nugget in Koscielny.
Remember whenw e signed Parisio, a LB touted as the “next big thing”?
It didn’t worked out.
SUnuu? The next “Henry”?
Gone.
Diaby?
Coquelin?
open verdict.
Perhaps Diaby will have a brilliant 2012/13 season…and off he goes to PSG after Arsenal FC refused his 100,000pw pay rise.
I think the decline fo Arsenal FC from 2005/06 to present is simply due to the decline of Wenger French scouting network where it has yet to uncover even one nugget like the next “Fabregas”, the next “Anelka”, the next “Henry” or the next “Vieira”.
We have high hope for Benik Afobe, Aneke, Gnarby, Joel Campbell, Wellington, Bellerin, Toral….but nobody knows how it will all work out after 2014/15.
Merlin,I’ve said enough times I do not get the opportunity to watch our reserves and youth sides play,so I can’t comment on most ouve named.
I’ve seen a it of Campbell before he opined us,and stated categorically he will be a ripper.
I’ve seen a little of Silva,and his ability to beat a man is world class.
Eisfeld looks a terrific prospect.
Coquelin is sensational.
Ryo has a lot to learn,but a hell of a lot of talent.
That’s it….
I asked which players have improved after leaving.
You say they’re flawed and we are the only side who’d sign them???
We bought a flawed player(your suggestion) like Nasri,stuffed him up,then sold him for a huge profit.
Obviously if a player left us for “greener pastures”,then SOMEONE was prepared to buy him,weren’t they??
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has racked up yet another front page in the Italian sports press and today Tuttosport, who were amongst the first to link the player to Juventus, say that things are moving on any potential transfer deal.
Cavani has been priced out of their reach and Gonzalo Higuain now seems certain be staying with La Liga champions Real Madrid. Juventus need a striker to build on their success from last season which surprisingly was achieved without one player scoring more than ten goals in Serie A, add a prolific front man to a team who were undefeated in the league and you have quite an excellent side.
At the beginning of June, Robin van Persie was a cover star again as the same newspaper said that Arsenal had set a price and Robin van Persie would cost Juventus €30m. They said the ‘black and whites’ were assessing whether they think the investment would represent value for them and that the player’s wife was keen on the move.
Today Tuttosport say the move for Arsenal’s captain has accelerated and that another meeting has been held between the club and the player’s agent. As the feeling coming out of Arsenal appears less and less positive, the developments make a move sound likely, unless the Dutchman has a change of heart and commits himself to Arsenal.
______________________________________________
Latest on RvP.
Look like the Old Lady is willing to make RvP their No. 1 Striker….
Doubt RvP is able to resist the challenge of rebuilding an Itlaian giant like his compatriots Gullit, Rjikaard and Van Basten did for Milan. I think this is the lure that RvP can’t resist – become a legend at Juve, rejuvenate Juve like what Platini did.
Certainly, with Juve, RvP will has more chances to fill up his trophy cupboard rather than with Arsenal FC.
When you look at some of those that didn’t make it the Wenger Misfits that some would say, Eboue Denilson Bendy Chamakh Squillaki i could go on all day but have you ever thought that had these players had strickter training for their positions they could have been tremendous, all of these players have talent but getting it out on the field is not always their fault, some had been asked to play out of position and we have had quite a few who have moaned about being in positions they did not feel comfortable in. Given all these situations its no wonder they did not shine. I don’t doubt that Wenger has a good eye for cheap raw talent he lets himself down with useing what he has in the right way. Pat would do as he has always done and carried out instructions to the letter he being Arsenal through and through and i don’t knock him for that but realy we need a stronger man personality wise to show Wenger that there are other alternatives Wenger is a fantastic manager i would say one of the best but he is stubborn and needs strong personalities around him that understand the everyday training drills and set plays. if Wenger allows a coach to do his side of it, we shall see less duffers.
Good post Steve.
Scott, I was hoping other Arsenal fans ahd seen all those Reserve players and give an opinion over here.
Scott, if you recalled during early days, Arsene Wenger will scout a players for months, even years, to watch out for flaws, his character, suitability, etc.
Nasri?
Of course he is a flawed player with no loyalty demosntrated to any club.
You only see his skills but in Wenger’s selection, he looked upon the character of the players before he bought them.
January 2008.
He needed reinforcement desperately with injuires, suspensions and ANC. Two experienced palyers were available in ANelka and Woodgate.
Wenger can buy them as an inteirm emasure to tidy the team for a short-term and of course, he cna sell ’em if they remain trouble-maker.
Wenger didn’t buy them even though theya re unaffordable.
Reason – they are flawed players and not worthed the gamble even to the extent that they can make a difference to win us that 2007/08 title.
WHy did Liverpool bought back Bellamy?
WHy did Chelski bought Anelka?
Why did QPR bought Barton?
All flawed character but superb footballer.
WHy did Mancini bought CLichy and Nasri?
‘cos he needed them to solve his troublesome left flank and it paid off handsomely with a bought 2011/12 title.
SImilarly, why did Wenegr bought Gallas and Lasana Diarra.
Because they are superb player, never mind their character.
Steve, don’t hold your breathe.
Wenger will never change and always stick through his principle.
Fair enough Merlin…
We did buy Anelka first though,and made a gigantic profit when we sold him,so flawed or not,credit where it’s due.
Wenger can’t spend the same time scouting players nowadays though,as the whole world can find out about any player anywhere in the world.
You want a decent laugh??
You’d be absolutely gobsmacked at how many of the 20-22 year old players mentioned as possible Arsenal targets that have been highly rated…age relevant…on Fifa 11 and 12!!
Laugh away,but it is entirely true.
I hear a rumour,then do a search on Fifa 11 to see what they thought of him,and surprise,surprise,he rates very highly in his age bracket.
Best bloody scouts in the world!!!!
quote
” But I would be interested in the Premier League – and Arsenal.”
and Manure, Chelski, Tiny Totts, Scousers, Shitty etc etc
quote
” Ashley Cole remains the best left back in the Premier League ”
https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSPq6Zu1rSeNLu6brkNO7HFLG81vsUyj20NqfNLHNCcORg5CL-8rw
Thanks for that link Alan,shes a stunner lol.
Hey,to all my English Gooners……do you poms produce better cars than you do footballers???? 🙂
I bought a Land Rover Freelander today,just as a runaround for the missus…..how do they rate??
Afternoon Gooners.
Afternoon Rico.
That was a great post.
Clichy said what…???
Yawn…
Who cares?!
The Press shit~stirring over some unimportant remarks.
Now Bendtner to Swansea is interesting…
Need to sell him and pronto.
AK,you’re a driver….what do you reckon?
Can you’re lads make a car??
How are you mate?
A Freelander, Scott. Lovely. Good choice
It’s got a few k’s on it and needs a little work,but the motors great and sooo comfortable to drive Alan.
Pom cars have improved over the years, especially since the BMW taleover of Land Rover, RR,
I hope so.
Luckily my boss is a LR groupie,so knows where to get parts or any work done.
Probably the reasons for not adding Anelka was not football reasons Alan his brother and Anelka were greedy men i don’t blame them for chasing a shilling but a leopard does not change its spots. Wenger has a string of youngsters at his disposal and come the right time he will use them and they will be understand that players like Anelka were groomed to become superstars. Anelka had as you say a good football brain but his greed became more important. Wenger has tried to keep wages manageable we could lose Robin if reports are true about his demands, the likes of Barton and Bellamy are not good roll models for our young players Jermain Pennant realised he went to far and he went, good player but i believe with all these players we are best off without them
Scott, Land Rover and Rolls Royce were brilliant motors before Bmw and they still are now a sound grounding like Arsenal. 🙂
Bravo Steve lol.
Sorry Scott, busy today. Thankfully!
Freelander is a very good car imho.
4×4. Not too bulky. Perfect for your Mrs.
Most european cars are built all over the place with parts drawn from several different countries.
German cars are probably the best from an engineering perspective.
I’ve got a Vauxhall. And i’m very happy with it.
As SSP says, Rolls Royce & Land Rover were quality before the Jerries took them over.
Tbh i think that Rollers look like Tiger tanks now.
Horribly square and ugly….
Dare i say Germanic…
sadly, much as I like them, they used to break down a lot in Oz. Horrible reputation until Jerry got them. Different working conditions here
Quote Merlin
WHy did Liverpool bought back Bellamy?
WHy did Chelski bought Anelka?
Why did QPR bought Barton?
Exactly Merlin
wel done u guyz, every of ur comentz nd idearz re owsome, we spend our time doing dis cos we love our Arsenal FC, after all set nd done… could Giroud, M’Villa, Dzegeov bee a done deal?, the board should try to listen to fans voice!!!.
AlanMP. The 8th Army used to swear by them….
Hi Kev. You in town today. Lots of marches and traffic?
Money has the ability to turn young footballers into sociopathic, greedy egotists. There I very little loyalty or personal honor left in the world and virtually none in football. I say, if they want to go, sell ’em to the highest bidder and wait for them to slag you off a few months later. When you consider the financial conditions that prevail today and how badly many are struggling to even afford to survive, then look at the £3 billion TV deal you just know most of that is going to be gobbled up by pigs like Nasri and Abedayor etc. with their snouts in the trough baying for more, more, more. Talk about loosing touch with the supporters.
plz give RvP a bomper pay nd sign a world class players to l8t him stay, if Walcot want an improve deal den l8t him improve on field of play to Arsenal
Hey, howdy Adam.
No mate, it’s quite good in town today.
Not too many road closures.
Maybe i’m just used to the chaos now?
Ticking over nicely i’m glad to say. 🙂
Good to hear it Kev. Plenty of tourists soon for the Olympics will be good news I guess?
Adam, it’s difficult not to become cynical about footballers mate, i share your sentiments entirely.
Fortunately for us, it’ll all be forgotten when we see the boys run out in their Arsenal kit.
Fixtures out this Monday, so my lad tells me.
Get in…. 😀
The Olympics Adam… Not sure i’ll be in town for that little jamboree.
The IOC can stick their Zil lanes up their rings… 🙂
rico, I fell asleep while chatting last night, ooops! 😉 Howdy?
Clichy is, at best, a middling player. I wonder now why he was ever my favorite. Ick…
hello
Official: AVB spur’s new coach. He is signing for 3 years
Hello, Adam and Charlie!!
Some family members are off to London for the Olympics, Charlie. 😉
Hello, JM. How do you fancy your chances of progressing to the next round of the Euros? 😉
Poor AVB. I quite liked him.
Hi Agag, sleepy head… 😀
I hope your relatives have a great time…
JM is on the job again.
First man with the news.
Computer guru.
Disco champion.
Is there no end to this mans talents…
OK JM, give me your prediction for Nederlands vs Luisitania??? 🙂
AVB of the Lane….
Don’t know why, but it doesn’t fill me with dread…
Birthday stuff, Charlie. 😉 🙂 Busy as ever. 😀 How are you?
JM is aka Mr. Sunshiney, don’t forget. 🙂
fingers cross. Nederlands has a very poor defense. It depends of the performance of Ronaldo, Nani and the quality of a good player: J. Moutinho.
Pepe is the best central back of the Euro.
I think we draw and we go ahead.
Hi Agag. All is well I hope?
The Dutch play exactly like Arsenal. Tippy tappy and no end result!! I’m still a fan of the Oranje though. 🙂
Just tiptop, Adam. 🙂 Busy with work though.And you? What have you been up to?
Bendtner – Swansea or Benfica? Ask Benfica 15 or 20 million euros for him …
Agag. House renovations, a bit of work and a long walk by the sea this morning. Oh and a touch of blogging too. And my wife wants me to tell you she bought a Mulberry Bayswater bag. She hopes you approve
It must be soooo nice to have the sea nearby! 🙂 Adam, I approve!! I do! That is a lovely, lovely bag. Tell her I have new YSL shoes. I hope she approves. 😉 Lol.
JM. I think both Hummels and Badstuber are right up there with Pepe myself and Pepe is always likely to freak out and get sent off.
JM, I gather you’re not a fan of Benfica? Why else would you want them to buy a dud? 😀 😀 We’d be lucky to get 5 million for Bendy. 😕
Agag. She does but she wonders if you have enough high heels.:). Unfortunately she has developed an ankle problem and can only wear flats. So she spends her money on Maharishis, handbags and very brightly coloured tops as she doesn’t like dull colours. She is a massiv Gooner too.
Tell the missus to blog, too. Haha. There aren’t enough ladies here, and entirely too much testosterone. 😛 Awww, that ankle problem must be awful. Maharishis are fun and funky. I like! I have friends who go into transports talking about their handbags. 😛 We’d be eating out and the handbags get their own chairs. 😯
Sounds like a whole other world Agag.:)
Quite silly and pretentious, tbh, Adam. 😀
Afternoon guys and gals…
JV move to Spuds still on then 🙁
England Ladies face Holland very shortly – for those in the UK, it’s on BBC2, few of the Arsenal ladies on show I think…
Charlie George aka AK says:
June 17, 2012 at 2:45 pm
AlanMP. The 8th Army used to swear by them….
The Land Rover itself was not invented until after ww2
Theo Walcott has given England an injury scare ahead of Tuesday’s crunch final Group D game against Ukraine in Donetsk.
The Arsenal winger left training early at the Hutnik Krakow stadium on Sunday as a precaution with a tight hamstring.
1-0 England, great free kick by our Gooner Yankey 🙂
Surely not Theo Walcott- England’s savior. Well this week anyway. Last week he had no footballing brain but, after a successful transplant, he has. Pity he’s off to Man City with Robin. I kow it’s true ’cause I read it in The Mirror.
😕
😆 Adam
Can’t get to grips with this smiley thing at all. I must take a course in computer illiteracy.
😡 How’s that?
You watching the England Ladies Adam?
Rico 🙁
Should I Rico? I just made a bowel of really interesting pasta and am feeling at a loose end 🙁
See the influence you have on me Rico. I have switched it on and am fascinated with the robustness of their thighs.
Actually it was a bowl of pasta. A bowel sounds ghastly:x
😆 – you are on form Adam
Yes Rico. I had a half hour on the Straddling Stone. I feel like a new man.
Ellem White scored an absolute scorcher on the volley from a long way out, only to be denied by the flag…
Half an hour, you must be exhausted….
I am. I have to be wheeled about on a sack truck at the moment.
Your poor wife having to push/pull you around 😉
Great result for England ladies, well done to them….
The “Stone” is a vicious taskmaster Rico.
By the way. How’s the arm? Better I hope.
It’s pretty good thanks, two months on but feel like its six months, physio was impressed, after two sessions she didn’t want to see me again…
Mind you, i don’t blame her 😉
Did you get the email last night Adam??
Good news. I am watching Faye White. She’s tall isn’t she?
No e-mail apart from the comment about the mini Dachshund Rico. Hold on though. Why are you lifting that stone with a recovering arm?
Very tall, really good player who has just retired, a gooner too and all her family are spurs fans 😉
That’s the one, just checking, and about the bottle of fine wine 😉
Ah, well, it’s good excercise 😉
The wine was really, really great Rico. Notable in fact. I miss drinking that quality as much as I used to. Thanks for asking. I guess you’re gonna watch Robin? Me too, over a few strawberries.Speak later.
Rumour is our opening game of next season is at home to Sunderland…..
Nice, I’m not good on wines, as long as its dry, french and cheap, its good enough for me 😉
Enjoy the game, i’m cheering for Portugal, we need this RvP situation sorted out asap….
What was the wine Adam? Or have you gone…..
Cracking Lee, nice to start at home, Evening to you…
When is the Reading game 😉
I suspect you are a connoisseur of many things Rico, pretending otherwise. You country girls are dark horses with your stones and trucks. It was French, red and dry certainly, but not exactly cheap, although I didn’t pay for it. Hi Lee. At last a home game to open the season. I was in Leigh On Sea today.
Still here Lee. It was Chateau Figeac 1989.
Not at all Adam, I am too honest to pretend otherwise…. can you not see my halo…
Don’t know yet Rico, my mate text me the rumour!
I was up early this morning as my kids made me a sausage sandwich and coffee in bed…..mmmm!
Having to endure the Simpsons at the mo the i’ll tune into the cloggies! I keep send my wife up to bed so I can watch the Euros, she’s thinking of changing her name to Ann Frank!! 😆
£19.89 for a bottle of wine, wow, that is a lot 😉
🙁
Don’t know that one Adam. Leigh-on-sea used to be lovely haven’t been there for ages…there’s a nice restaurant there, if I remember right?!?!
How lovely Lee, bless them…
😆 re Ann Frank
There is Lee although we ate of the fruits of the sea with dressed crab, crayfish tails and prawns. It was lovely down there. Slightly Dickensian with the tidal flats and the old boats.
But can’t you reassure your wife that you will not be watching Germany Lee 😉
Wonder if RvP wishes he had sorted his future out before the euros started? He may have played a lot better….
What a goal by VdV….
Just read my daughter her bedtime story…. Hansel & Gretel, for the umpteenth time!! 🙂
Now me and my 11yr old are trying to convince Ann it’s tv in the bedroom time….. 😉
The boat yard, that’s it Adam.
Have you not got one in the attic Lee 😉 or even the annex 😉
The Pod has put Germany 1-0 up 😛
1-1 germany….
Clogs on their way home if it stays like this…..
Good Lee..
Van der Wheel isn’t that good is he??
The dutch are a team full of individuals, must make RvP realise what its like to play in a ‘team’…..
Double edged sword for me I backed them to win it (not a cat hell’s chance!!) but I’d like the RVP situation finalised ASAP!
Still think he’s off btw…..
what channel is showing the german game?
Club before country for me, want him back and sorting out his future, regardless of where that may be….
Defensively they are crap and don’t they always have rows within the squad? Sneijder and RVP don’t / didn’t speak I read somewhere!
Me too re club before country….Ann booked dinner with some friends on Friday and I wasn’t that bothered missing the game! Really can’t get behind a team with cole, terry, rooney etc in it!! 🙁
Itv 2 my guess…..
Crazy isn’t it, all that is to the detriment of their side, iriots….
I can understand that Lee, it’s not that exciting is it, but Woy has done well in a short space of time, get this comp out the way and the england team will change inho….
Didn’t think to look there, just seen its on itv4, thanks Lee…
Thats me done for the day….
Nighty Lee, Adam, Charlie and all…..
Til tommorrow…..
me too, buenos noches all…….
Highly Rico. Yes Lee I think it is The Boat Yard. Too swish for me. I bought our fishy stuff off a stall and ate it sitting on the sea wall. Difficult to park the Reliant Robin there though.
Nighty Rico.
hello
I’m start thinking Portugal can reach the final…
Another tactic lesson….
yesterday Greece. Today Portugal.
Morning all.
AVB to Spurs is on then….he will do better there than he did at Chelski.
Bendtner…. he is a good player in Danish team. 5 millions only? Comparing to others players is very cheap!
He’s better than a 5 million pound player.
At the right team,he’ll be a fantastic player.
Scott, i’ve not seen any of the Danish games, so i cannot comment on Bendtner. But it just goes to show how the uncertainty of a players future can motivate them to play at a level we may have thought was beyond them.
Wonder if the Sunderland fans are as suprised as many Arsenal fans seem to be.
To me, it shows the dangers of signing any player on the strength of what he does at an International tournament.
Not a policy i imagine Wenger would indulge in..!
I was delighted to see Podolski score, not least because it silences all the snide remarks we were beginning to get from the ‘Usual Suspects’ in the Press/Media…
AK,Bendtner has always performed for adenmark,as hey play him as a striker.
You all know I defend the man when I think he’s right,but he really hadn’t given Bendtner or Vela a chance in hell,imo.
Both are natural strikers,and both know where the back of the net is.
With Chamakhs total lack of confidence,he’s the one who shouldve been sent out on loan(if not sold)and the others kept on the bench.
Anyways,the striker problem appears to have been solved,but if RVP stays,we will have three top class strikers(including Giroud here), so we can’t still play one at a time,can we?
I’ve even omitted Theo there,so I’m very interested to see exactly what our list looks like,and which formation we play come kick off time.
Oh,and I’m rapt Podolski scored.Cant believe some were questioning him already after two games.
Sme people wouldn’t know a decent footballer if Messi bit them on the arse!!!
The turning point is not in his head but his WALLET. What a load of bullshit.
Morning Lee.
Raining again in London.
How are your Dutch buddies this morning?
3 defeats!
Nobody would have predicted or expected that.
Wonder what effect that’ll have on RVP…
Fixtures out today?
Evening AK,
Maybe RVP will realise that being a side full of stars isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Better to be in a team of guys who play for the shirt and each other.
Then again,he may be even more desperate to win something.
Funny,these guys saying they want silverware…..I’m talking in general here,not just about Robin.
Why is it they don’t go to a lesser league and cop a paycut??
Imagine any club in Australia’s A League with Nasri or Robin in it…..it just wins.
Come over Samir…I guarantee you’ll win more trophies….though,you will only earn around 10% of your current wage.
Robin,you will still earn around 20%!!!
No,it’s never about money,is it?
Scott, the players want silverware AND the big pay rise.
EXACTLY…..
Good Morning Fine Folk.
Hope you are all in fine fettle.
First three games of the season are strongly suspected to be…..
Sunderland Home
Fulham Home
Southampton Away.
Morning all…..
Morning Lady
I have just read that there may be a massive clearout from the ranks. Many players will not be kept………the fringe ones and those who are draining the wages. Even those who are out on loan and maybe find it difficult to obtain a work permit.
hoorah devil, any names?
18 Sat Barclays Premier League Sunderland H
25 Sat Barclays Premier League Stoke City A
SEPTEMBER
1 Sat Barclays Premier League Liverpool A
15 Sat Barclays Premier League Southampton H
22 Sat Barclays Premier League Manchester City A
26 Wed Capital One Cup 3rd Round
29 Sat Barclays Premier League Chelsea A
OCTOBER
6 Sat Barclays Premier League West Ham United A
20 Sat Barclays Premier League Norwich City A
27 Sat Barclays Premier League Queens Park Rangers H
31 Wed Capital One Cup 4th Round
NOVEMBER
3 Sat Barclays Premier League Manchester United A
10 Sat Barclays Premier League Fulham H
17 Sat Barclays Premier League Tottenham Hotspur H
24 Sat Barclays Premier League Aston Villa A
28 Wed Barclays Premier League Everton A
DECEMBER
1 Sat Barclays Premier League Swansea City H
8 Sat Barclays Premier League West Bromwich Albion H
12 Wed Capital One Cup Quarter-Final
15 Sat Barclays Premier League Reading A
22 Sat Barclays Premier League Wigan Athletic A
26 Wed Barclays Premier League West Ham United H
29 Sat Barclays Premier League Newcastle United H
JANUARY
1 Tue Barclays Premier League Southampton A
5 Sat FA Cup 3rd Round
9 Wed Capital One Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg
12 Sat Barclays Premier League Manchester City H
19 Sat Barclays Premier League Chelsea A
23 Wed Capital One Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg
26 Sat FA Cup 4th Round
29 Tue Barclays Premier League Liverpool H
FEBRUARY
2 Sat Barclays Premier League Stoke City H
9 Sat Barclays Premier League Sunderland A
16 Sat FA Cup 5th Round
23 Sat Barclays Premier League Aston Villa H
24 Sun Capital One Cup Final N
MARCH
2 Sat Barclays Premier League Tottenham Hotspur A
9 Sat Barclays Premier League Everton (or FA Cup Q/F) H
16 Sat Barclays Premier League Swansea City A
30 Sat Barclays Premier League Reading H
APRIL
6 Sat Barclays Premier League West Bromwich Albion A
13 Sat Barclays Premier League Norwich City (or FA Cup S/F) H
20 Sat Barclays Premier League Fulham A
27 Sat Barclays Premier League Manchester United H
MAY
4 Sat Barclays Premier League Queens Park Rangers A
11 Sat FA Cup Final N
12 Sun Barclays Premier League Wigan Athletic H
19 Sun Barclays Premier League Newcastle United A
Thanks Lee, just updated the new post 🙂
New one is up by the way 🙂