Couple of titbits:
French team-mate and our shining light Koscienly, has been singing the praises of Yann M’Vila and he’s going all out to convince him to join us whilst they are together in the French camp.
Would he be good at Arsenal? Of course. I will try to convince him to come when we are together at the Euros. ( he joked)
Lucas Biglia has suggested we are interested in him and have held talks, It’s us and Real Madrid who want him, he’s a 5′ 10″, 26-year-old, Argentinian defensive midfielder. Yawn!
Also – Turkish side Eskisehirspor want Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky – can’t see that happening personally.
Ok, going on from yesterdays post, I’m taking a look at a few more up and coming players of which there are fourteen that I can think of that are on the fringe of things, but who will see 2012-13 as the season they will make progress?
Not necessarily into the 1st team squad on a regular basis, but maybe in or around the squad, new signings permitting.
Francis Coquelin has seen his position at the club enhanced during 2011-12 with some robust and impressive performances, both in midfield and at full back. His prospects in 2012-13 will very much depend on the transfer business [ or not ] that Arsene Wenger indulges in during the summer.
The arrival [ hopefully ] of Yann M’Vila, could block off Francis to a certain degree but injuries and his versatility should see Le Coq enjoying plenty of 1st team exposure. He is a great player to have on the bench, in fact he would always be one of my main picks as a substitute when not in the starting XI…
Emmanuel Frimpong’s unlucky injury whilst on loan at Wolves, has certainly put the brakes on his development.
In his short time at Molineux, he was showing some promising signs of maturing into a very effective and skillful midfield player and he was fast becoming a major influence in the centre of the Wolves midfield.
Sadly his injury has put paid to any hopes he may have had of a possible 1st team place, at Arsenal, next season. Instead, next season is going to be a case of recovering his fitness with the prospect of another loan very much on the cards.
Conor Henderson [20] returned from his long-term injury as last season drew to a close. He managed a comeback in a reserve friendly against Newcastle and the final reserves fixture, so he’ll be well up and running for Pre-Season and will no doubt be attempting to make up for his lost time.
Wenger had already begun to integrate Conor into the 1st team squad prior to his injury, so it’s clear that he sees the Irishman as 1st team material. Of course Conor will need time to recover mentally as well as physically from such an injury shock, so involvement in both of the domestic cups are probably what the manager has in store for him over the next 12 months.
I had seen Nico Yennaris [19] in a few pre-season games and was quite impressed with how assured and competent he appeared but you can never be totally confident about a young players potential until you see them performing at the top-level. Fortunately in the few 1st team outings Nico enjoyed last season, he showed that assurance and competence I initially saw in his game.
I, along with many other viewers of the Academy production line, must have been quietly surprised and pleased at how easily Nico slotted into the 1st team and although his exposure has been brief, the maturity he has shown has certainly caught the eye of many fans, with the general view being that Nico is definitely one with 1st team credentials…
This coming season should be all about Yennaris gaining more 1st team exposure to add to the encouraging loan he enjoyed at Notts County.
Out of sight, out of mind, seems to be the best way to sum up Samuel Galindo [20] and Wellington Silva [19].
A work permit for either seems as far away as ever for Arsenal’s two young South American loanees. Wellington Silva ‘enjoyed’ loan spells at two Spanish Segunda clubs during 2011-12. His spell at Levante ended in recriminations and frustration, but as Alcoyano gave our temperamental Brazilian more opportunities, he began to show his true potential. Unfortunately, another year on loan looks unavoidable for him.
Likewise Galindo, who seems to show more than a passing similarity to Abou Diaby as well as in terms of fitness. Tall and elegant, also like Diaby, it’s unlikely that Samuel will stay fit, long enough, to earn a work permit, unless he enjoys a dramatic change in fortune in 2012-13. Both Wellington and Galindo would probably benefit from the chance to get a loan with a club in England, but I can’t see the Government Dept responsible, agreeing to that.
Daniel Boateng [19] must have had an interesting and memorable time whilst on loan at Swindon Town under the management of Paulo di Canio. Daniel is a big, raw-boned, no-nonsense centre-back, with quite a few rough edges that need to be smoothed out but there is something about this young man that reminds me of a traditional English centre-half and I quite like him.
Hopefully he’ll get some 1st team action in the Capital One Cup during 2012-13 and show what he has offer. Then another period on loan, probably in the New Year, seems to be what lay in store as he furthers his football education…
Benik Afobe [19] has taken some great strides over the last two seasons.
He is highly regarded by the Arsenal Coaching Staff, and had a very successful loan at Huddersfield Town during 2010-11.
With that experience behind him he must have gone into 2011-12 expecting to maybe gain some 1st team experience in an Arsenal shirt but again, any chance of that was snatched away by Arsenal’s endemic injury plague. Returning to fitness in the New year, Benik was snapped up by Arsenal ‘old-boy’ Brian McDermott and played a full and important role in helping Reading regain their Premier League status, with some goals and assists.
Wenger’s transfer business in the summer and a possible work permit for Joel Campbell, could decide where Afobe plies his trade in 2012-13. Hopefully he’ll be given the Capital One Cup opportunity he missed out on last season, maybe even some involvement in the Champions League isn’t out of the question. A spell on loan, at an EPL club, would be of a great benefit to Benik in the New Year just to polish up our rough diamond.
Swansea or Reading would be good…
Chuks Aneke [19] had loan spells at Stevenage Borough and Preston North End last season. But surprisingly failed to really establish himself at either club. The big powerful midfielder really needs to push on and make the most of his next loan opportunity in 2012-13.
He is still young, but the next wave of talented youngsters will be on his heels before he knows it, the competition really is that fierce.
Just ask Jay Emmanuel-Thomas!
As with all the young midfielders at Arsenal, Chuks’ 1st team opportunities, will be affected by Wenger’s transfer activity this summer.
Not forgetting of course, the hoped for return to fitness of Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby…
Sead Hajrovic [19] had a steady time on loan at Barnet last season, where he enjoyed a good amount of 1st team opportunities. he hasn’t quite lived up to the high expectations of the Arsenal coaching staff so far. As with Daniel Boateng, 2012-13 looks to be another season of development on loan for the young Swiss defender.
Martin Angha [18] and Elton Monteiro [18] are two more young Swiss defenders, who will be looking for some 1st team exposure via a loan during 2012-13. Angha is a skillfull player equally comfortable at full-back and centre-back.
Monteiro is a tall rangy centre-back, who has the odd lapse in concentration, but is highly regarded by his coaches.
They are prime candidates for a spell on loan and should greatly benefit from the experience that a loan will bring, not least in staying focused for 90 mins.
Daniel Martinez [19] has really enjoyed 2012, with the prospect of beginning 2012-13 as the No.2 goalkeeper to Sir Chesney, a strong possibility. Most fans would prefer to see Damien as the 3rd choice for another couple of years to be honest.
A very promising goalkeeper and a part of Argentina’s senior squad, but a short spell on loan at the end of the season, didn’t see Martinez cover himself in glory. Another couple of loans this coming season would probably do him more good than the Arsenal Reserves or as a substitute.
Oguzhan Ozyakup – well I won’t bother with him now, as it seems his time with us is up as reports came out yesterday that Ozyakup is in talks with a move away to Besiktas which will no doubt come as a surprise to many.
Off course, there is absolutely no chance of all of 14 of the lads I’ve written about, making the grade and becoming 1st team squad members at Arsenal in the near future.
In fact we’d be lucky to see two of these lads make it as regulars in the Gunners 1st team squad, such is the frightening drop-out rate at the top clubs.
If I’m being optimistic, as I try to be [maybe a few of you out there should try it sometime], then I think that up to five of these 14 lads has a really great chance of making it at Arsenal and having decent careers.
What do you lot think?
Yes, even you, the pessimists. 😉
Written by Allezkev
Morning all
Top write up AK on the players coming through, and imho you are close to the mark on two getting a chance nest season in the cups and maybe a bench appearance next season, especially if we suffer the usual injuries…
Quite shocked with Ozyakup looking to leave, and surprised the club will sanction it, they fought tooth and nail to get him to extend his contract, shame….
But, as i wrote on the last post, that is the problem with having so many kids around the same age sitting in the reserves – not all are happy just to be paid well, some want to get on with their careers and play the game they love…
Bit of an update – we are in talks with Arteta for a new and improved contract, good, he bloomin deserves it…
Nice article.
I dont follow the reserves as it is difficult for me to do so over here but it was very informative.
Just wanted to ask two questions:
Any news on the German we signed from Dortmund? Thomas Eisfeld I believe is his name.
And also, I have heard this brought up before but I would like to touch on it again. The youth set up being changed to how it is in Spain where the B teams actually compete in the lower divisions. I think this is a great idea and I think it could accelerate these young players’ development. I just dont know how feasible it would be in England as a lot of things would have to be changed.
I would be all in favour if it was possible though.
Re the defenders – can’t see either getting a chance this coming season, not with Djourou, Miquel and Bartley all in before then – definate loans for them and Martinez, there is no way we should be relying on him as back up gk, he is far too young.
Can’t believe we haven’t snapped up Jussi, who appears to be heading to West Ham 🙁
We touched on that yesterday LSG, a B league would be the best thing to come into the game, give the resreves a full fixture list each season with a nice shiny trophy at the end of it.
Give them something to challenge for properly, and the FA should make sure it is recognised.
It will teach them to become winners, or at least want to become winners…
morning everyone…arteta one of d bst buys this seasons..deserves it…at last some sensible decision on a contract extension..
Totally agree Ron, when we signed him there were a few cynics, there still is today – ‘a poor mans cesc’ – well he has been outstanding and the fact that we went on a poor run after he got injured says a lot.
The only thing he has in common with cesc is he’s spanish, he is a quality player within his own right….
and Thomas Eisfeld?
I have never seen him in action but he seems highly rated by the Boss and the scouts
His name keeps popping up, some wish we had never signed him….
RICO,and if Theo leaves you’ll be none for two:)
Great post AK….a big help to those of us living overseas….thanks.
Arteta took a pay cut to play for us.
He’s proven a worthy Gunner,and has earned any rise he can get.
On the plethora of midfielders,I asked last night,sould we be calling these young guys sooner,and keeping the cream of the crop????
Even a mob called Barcelona lost a decent player called Fabregas for the same reason.
Attacking midfielder Thomas Eisfeld joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund on a long-term contract in January 2012.
The 19-year-old showed significant promise at youth level with the Bundesliga club, catching the eye of the Arsenal scouting network with six goals and six assists in his 12 appearances for the Under-19s this season.
Eisfeld, who was part of Dortmund’s ‘BVB Academy’ for seven years and can play in a variety of positions, has featured at youth level for the German national team, captaining the Under-15s side.
Arsène Wenger said of the signing: “Thomas is a player we have liked for some time. We’ve watched him closely this season, where he has excelled for Dortmund’s youth team.
“He is young but has proven to us that he can play, that he has the attitude and technical ability to be a valuable addition to our squad. We’re very pleased to welcome him to the Club and look forward to his contribution in the coming seasons.”
Eisfeld can play,no doubt about it.
He’ll be 20 years old in Jan, maybe he could be the surprise one to break through?
We have so so many around a similar age, its crazy…
Very few of them make it though Rico.
Daniel Boateng – has anyone seen the size of this guys legs, i thought Jack was strong for his age but Boateng … 😮
Scott – i get what you are saying but if they really don’t look like making it at this level, we should move them on before they get to 19/20 years old.
Look at the two Hoytes, how many years were they with us before finally leaving. Tbh – i feel sorry for some of them, all the time we keep them, they believe they have a chance but then all hopes are dashed and off they go.
Let them go earlier, let them learn somewhere else and get more of a chance to play football…
That’s what I’ve been saying Rico……be harsher when making decisions on who to cull and when.
Absolutely Scott, how many kids have we on our books – did someone say it was 71?
Morning,
Another fine post SAK, always look forward to your youngsters Posts as they are very informing, you sound like you are in favour of the loan system and it does sound a very good way of getting youngsters prepared for for Premier league football. and of course it helps out teams that are not in a position to spend vast amounts on future hopefulls. Many supporters seem to be in favour of mixing Experienced players with the youngsters to bring them on but they also want 3 to 4 signings in every window, to balance that out is almost impossible as every player we buy puts our youngsters back and the obvious ploy would to play the player you have just shelled out for. Our youngsters seem to take an age before they are ready, and seem to me to lose the incentive. As we know with all youngsters they are over flowing with enthusiasm and it must be disappointing to them to see their chance keep slipping away with every new aquisition, i feel that if we are not careful we could be training youngsters for other clubs, and in the long run could possibly lose out at the end of the day.
Barca want Vermalen, have those idiots not read what our future captain has had to say recently….
Steve – they do always take an age, each season we seem to be talking about those who will make a breakthrough – but seldom do any of them.
Jack is the exception….
Going on from my last – Maybe AW knows most of them won’t make it, there has to be a good reason for him buying young players from overseas
rico..everybody expected him to replace fab..but both have there own qualities..arteta defends well..n fabregas attacks..n artetas role has changed..sice cmg here..was d vocal point at everton..main man
But fans shouldn’t always expect one player to ‘replace’ another Ron, they all bring something different to a side. Cesc was a one off, unique player…
Marvin Martin to Lille – another one off the linked to us list 😉
Morning Gooners
Morning Rico.
Thanks for a fantastic sub~edit.
LSG, i tended to focus on the youngsters i’ve seen play or read a lot about.
Eisfeld is still quite new to the club and unfortunately spent a long time injured.
Morning Charlie, I didn’t touch a thing 😉
Rico,don’t get sucked in……Wenger never said we were in for Martin.
Just another rumour that’s missed the mark.
Charlie – do you reckon Daniel Boateng could push Miquel and Bartley back/out?
right rico..fab was quality…grt plyr..martin also gone..d options keep on decreasing for a am..hope we go for jovetic or gotze..quality plyrs..
Scott – i thought you would have been able to spot my irony by now 😉
Are our guys exposed to tough football during their apprenticeships???
I mean,are they hard enough when they do get a chance??
Sorry Rico,I often read and don’t even to ice your smiley face!!!
Guilty as charged.
Ron, i think we have a good chance of getting Afellay, hopefully RvP is tapping him up as we all chat…
When looking at youngsters i think you can look at the successfull teams around that have had youngsters come through together and you would be hard pushed not to look at United. Beckham Scholes Giggs southgate the Nevills, players who grew with United not forgettin Van da Sar when we look at the years of service these players have given and lets be honest at over 30 years of age now, 2 of those players kept United in the hunt last season, so bringing youngsters through together can be a plus. Just a thought 🙂
Ha ha Scott – you know I don’t believe 99% of what the gutter report, just like the Biglia story – that has to be rubbish from the off, at least I hope it is 😉
I don’t think so Scott, just why a B League would work wonders – i also read that AW and the Academy don’t allow full blodded tackles in training…
Steve – that manunited side with the nevillse, giggs, beckham and scholes was a one off, i can’t see that ever happening again. To have them all coming through at similar times and all to be as good as they were was freak, they got very lucky.
But, no matter how many young players we have, none really ever seem to push themselves into the first team. Maybe they really aren’t that good and thats why wenger signs from abroad…
Boateng, hmm not sure Rico.
You know Wenger and his liking for smaller, nippy centre~backs.
Maybe if Boateng went to a Championship team on~loan and got a good season in.
As he is, gotta say that he’s far too inexperienced imho.
But you never know.
Hopefully i can tell you more after the pre~season games.
Good point Charlie, he looks a big lump though 🙂
Question on work permits.
Are the permits to allow players to reside in England??
Is there a legal reason Silva and the likes can’t live and train in France,then nip over for any Arsenal reserves games??
I’m sure an amicable arrangement could be made with a club…..
Hiya Sir Steve.
Yes mate, the loan system is good.
It’s our kids out of their comfort zone.
I always look to see how many starts our loanees get and how influential they are at their temporary club.
Aneke, for example, seemed to drop out of things at both Stevenge and Preston after good starts.
That’s disappointing but shows how far he has to come before Arsenal’s 1st team squad is a reality for him.
I have seen a youngster come in to the side lets say a center back come next to say Vermaelen and straight away he is compared to his counterpart any mistakes stand out and knocks his confidence maybe by fielding two CB may be an easier way, have they got it or not, after all they would have been playing together in the reserves, Midfield the same not feeling that they have come on alone that they work as they do in the reserves may encourage them as opposed to comparing. we have some good players there and we should at least try them.
I asked last night Rico,where is all the English talent??
The Euros squad looks very stale to me,apart from a few new lads.
It’s hardly going to scare Spain,Holland and Germany.
Scott – it’s to allow them to live and work in england…
Funny though, we seen to have many in the uk that don’t have a permit and don’t work either 😉
affelay..good player..but his injury record is almost as good as diaby’s…hoping for a suprise big am signing gotze or jovetic will be grt…well dream on;)
Here’s a question, what was the most enjoyable game for us fans to watch last season?
Mine has to be the swampies at home 😛
Charlie/Steve – i don’t think Afobe really shone at Reading either 🙁
Martinez was shocking at Oxford, Mannone was steady at Hull though – hope he stays there 😉
But Rico,could they duck over just to play and then head back??
I know it would be obvious,but cold it work?
Beats the hell out of us paying for someone who’s not allowed in the country.
Hi AK you know more about them than me i’ll take your word for it
Scott, the PFA, i believe, have an influence on foreigners getting work permits.
No work permit, no play in England i’m afraid mate.
RIco,Spuds,Citeh….from pure excitement and edge of my seat though,Utd loss a home.
I loved it,loved watching Ox prove exactly how good he is and will be,and it kept me thoroughly entertained?
second half at spuds first half at home to milan
Fair enough AK….just thinking outside the square.
Forgot Milan.
You know wha,these games proved we can beat ANYONE IN THE WORLD.
We wll be even better next season…Ox will be a year older,Jack will be back…new players will have another season with the club….plenty,plenty,plenty to look forward to.
Yes Rico, i’m with you there. Coming back from 0~2 to win 5~2 was one of the best NLD since 5~0 at the Slum.
Mind you 5~3 at the Bridge runs it close.
Not a chance Scott, but I like the cunning plan…
Ah, Citeh at home, Arteta’s strike, simply awesome
Milan at home, yes, quality, just a shame we didn’t get two more 😉
Chavs away, how did i forget Charlie…
Mancs at home Scott 😮 😮
Steve, me know more than you!!!
Nah mate, it’s just my opinion.
No more valid than yours that’s for sure!
Gotta go guys.
Lata.
New signings, that what i look forward too, otherwise i think we’ll struggle to maintain top 4, let alone win anything….
Steve – if only we could put those two halves together and play like that all the time eh 😉
Southampton want Ryo on loan next season, if he is set to have a loan, good club to go to, he’ll be played thats for sure….
Manure confirm Kagawa…
I reckon we might sign a player in the next couple of days too…. Before the Euros begin…
We have the players Rico just not the consitency and stamina thats needed 90 minutes and a bit of Fergie time 🙂
Question is how do Kagawa and Rooney fit into the same side……
Rico,maybe you’re favourite Argentinian………..any signing wll to be involved in Euros.
Steve, i think we are 2/3 short 🙁
Scott – hopefully they won’t but I suspect they will, Kagawa will no doubt bag a few goals and set rooney up for more.. My fav argentinian, i haven’t got one 😉
If you mean Biglia Scott, he won’t even get a work permit….
Got it in one Rico!!!
Morning all,
Good post kev, short and to the point.
Look at Craig Eastmond, he broke into the side a couple of seasons back, got a run of games, haven’t seen hide nor hair of him since, another one who won’t make it at AFC, move him on.
Blame me Micko, i put two together 😉 Morning to you….
is Eastmond still injured, i’m sure that stopped us shipping him out last summer…
Has Mark Randall left yet 😉
Morning Rico. Nice post Kev. Very informative. I agree that we are still short on quality in depth and who knows regarding Jack’s long-term fitness. Defence is still a problem and another striker is certainly required plus the oft- quoted DM and I don’t mean one that plays centre forward for half the game. Oh and a decent GK back- up too. Can I see it all happening? Well, that’s a whole other story, based on experience.
Afternoon Adam – my view on our needs are very similar to yours but hoping Afellay adds to the striker, DM and CH…
But, should we get that very good DM, we may not sign another defender, but use either Bartley or Miquel as back up…
But where does the Afellay story come from. Not Transfer Rumours was it?
If we get a top DM,I don’t think we need another CB.
No Adam, one of the newspapers the other day suggested we are keeping an eye on him, probably down to him being valued at £6 million…
And of course, because he is Dutch 😉
I do.
Thats what i just said Scott 😉
We live in hope RIco. Not in anticipation, but hope. T’was ever thus I am afraid.
Simple Adam.
RVP went to the Barcelona hotel to discuss a transfer.
Then Barca stated they weren’t looking to sign him,so something else had to be made of it…enter Afellay lol.
Media,bloggers…arseholes.
Apparently….it’s been said….I’ve been told….according to a source…..it all equals the same thing…..crap.
But RICO,I posted that five minutes ago.
It’s obvious you held it back and stole my idea 🙂
I think we need one Adam, just don’t think Wenger will sign one if we get M’Vila for example.
Miquel, Bartley, Djourou – is any one of those three really good enough to step in should we suffer injury in defence?
On here Scott, i must have missed that one 😉
Scott, watched a film about one of your countrymen last night Mark ‘Chopper’ Read, head like a robbers horse, nasty piece of work.
What did Wenger say last month ‘Its gonna be a quiet summer with very little movement’ he keeping us all on the edge of our seats.
Micko,was it the movie or a documentary??
Choppers knackered now….I think it’s his liver…..months to live.
It was the film Scott , I’d say a documentry would be a lot worse, you have Chopper, we have Charles Bronson.
Micko – Wenger says that every transfer window, i’m sure the club just dig out his old interviews and re publish them…
Micko,it’s a classic moie.
They guy was an absolute nutcase.
Did you like the scene with him standing at the bar???
I’m watching the big concert for the Queen ATM…….
How good is Tom Jones STILL???
Robbin Williams at his best doing swing music….
Thoroughly enjoying it.
I’m watching too Scott – recorded it earlier and now watching, she is one heck of a lady….
Ah, i’m watching this mornings service….
That was a fresh quote rico, hopefully a double bluff and shuffle to bamboozle the others.
I was being naughty Micko, we all know he talks b****x when it comes to transfers, i’d be more concerned if he said he expected a busy afc transfer window 😉
Mind you he said that last summer and he was truthing, we just had to wait until DD ….
Could it be Wenger knows we can’t compete with the billionaire owned clubs,so is just pottering along,paying off the stadium ASAP and then blow them all out of the water???
I’d hope not….
You been reading ANR Scott 😉
Rico, if your waiting for Paul McCartneys rendition of When I’m 84 you’ll gonna be disappointed.
Scott, it was a bit of an eyeful.
😆 Micko – he was dreadful wasn’t he, didn’t see all of him but…
Loved Madness on top of the Palace – shame they can’t sing as well as they used to though
I’m off for a bit, catch up later…..
Afternoon all….
Mick, Eastmond was on loan at Wycombe last season, and apparantly he did really well.
Left Sanchez Watt off of that list of loanees yesterday as well.
Think that he’ll be leaving this summer…
Typical Charlie 😉
I think Watts days are over too, that leaves Afobe in line to be the first striker to make it through in many many seasons….
I suppose the best indicator of which youngsters Wenger is planning to integrate into the 1st team squad, will come from who he takes on the club pre~season tour, and who he leaves behind…?!
Hi Adam. What’s on the menu today???
Go on pal, make me feel bloody hungry again… 🙂
Hey Rico, off to sort out the chickens again?
You’ll spoil them. 😀
Yeah I was Rico….it’s an interesting idea,isn’t it??
Very possible.
Won’t be long to wait either Charlie, fixtures are out this week too aren’t they?
Nah, got a bit of cooking today, Charlie – need some bread and rolls doing 😛
Afternoon, good post and I would like to see some of the kids get a chance and shine. If you look at other clubs they have the same issues, Utd’s not bringing through the youngsters they did, Liverpool ditto, Chelsea no one coming trough and City who had a very good academy as well are now buying their team in. Part of it I think is that with the pressure involved in the league you cant allow the youngsters the chance to play make mistakes and learn from it so it becomes harder and harder for them to break trough at the top level,
Was it five years to pay off the stadium?
If we wait until then to improve the squad, we could be a mid table side….
Glad you said an eyeful Micko!!
Hi vernat – good point there, look at the slating Ramsey has had this season, and he’s experienced compared to those listed, fans would be all over them if they mucked up….
Im not saying it’s a great idea Rico,but it’s interesting and possible.
iFixtures Rico?
Yes, i think so, hope so!
Offski
😀
That’s the problem with kids……the fans want and expect them to perform from day 1.
Wenger has handled Ox perfectly so far.
Little tastes of first team football followed by spells…..it’s a perfect introduction to first team football.
It’s impossible to do this with more han a few players at a time though.
Laters Charlie…
It is possible Scott but the reason i have my doubts is will Wenger be here when that happens, if not, why should he have to suffer now with lack of funds..?
Deal with the here and now is surely what matters, deal with the future when that day gets here…
Good Afternoon Fine Folk.
A fine post Sir AK…..with a good analysis of the up and coming players. Certainly you see them more often than me, so you can really point out who may or may not make it.
Pa enjoyed reading it. He says well done.
I am also in favour of the loan system. Internazionale of Italy have one of their own where they get players to sign long term contracts……say 6 to eight years and then loan them till they reach 24 years. It is then that they make a decision whether to sell them or retain them. Some might agree, some might not but the majority of their players have all gone through the same situation and look where they are now.
Rico,there are 7 million reasons he suffers lol.
I just think he’s decided to tough it out for the future benefit of the club.
I’m off guys,have a great day.
Good night Scottie mate.
Hi Coach.
Give Pa my regards.
Coach, can you imagine the stick the club would get if they went down the Inter route?
Afternoon devil
We don’t want to go an Italian way, next thing is we’ll be taking bungs 😉
That may not be the way most would agree with, however imagine players like Ozyakup signing a long term contract and loaning him. At present we are already that way with over twenty players out on loan.
Bungs……..in the 90’s GG was used to getting them. Now who is to say that everyone is 100% clean????? You know my view on that Lady!!!!!
I do indeed devil, and Steves, don’t think we’ll ever know if every club/employee is squeaky clean, certainly some of the results in football make me sit up and think…
I didn’t believe it was going on in cricket but then Hansi Cronje proved me wrong and its still going on to this day…
Football is not and never should be above suspicion….
afternoon all
I’m going to read the newspapers news
Of course it should never be above suspicion. The problem is that the big fish might not be in the club but in the higher echelons…the top brass. Its always like that and that is why nothing is ever done, because it will be like a domino effect and once a brick is knocked others come tumbling down….it the mouse being blamed by the cat, which in turn is blamed by the dog who is blamed by the tiger who is blamed by the elephant which funnily enough is blamed by the mouse. And this is a vicious circle.
At the moment the joke going around in Italy is that the Italian prime minister has sanctioned that every prison must have a football pitch now because there will be so many footballers behind bars that some of the Italian league matches will be played in prison.
The thing is that none of the FIGC are in the corrutpion circle and thus they can dish out penalties at will. As far as I know the top brass are clean and that is why they relegated Juventus who is the equivalent of Manure in Italy. Can the same happen in the EPL??? Sometimes I doubt it.
rumours but not new:
Arsenal are in talks with Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia, but has competition from Real Madrid who is also fighting for the player, according to British newspaper “The Sun”.
The Argentine valued at 8 million pounds (almost 10 million) is ready to join a top European club.
“Real Madrid and Arsenal have maintained contact and I am waiting to see what happens. I still have a contract with Anderlecht until 2015, but they know they intend to leave,” said the player of 26 years.
Biglia, which was formed in Liverpool, also of interest to Napoli and Fiorentina
Afternoon JM – ok, then tell us all the news 🙂
😆 devil re the prison, i like that….
A soon as the trasfer window opens there wouldnt they have to trasfer from one jail to another, 🙂
Same news as here then JM 😉
😆 Steve… You been viewing HRH today?
I have indeed Rico, strange when all i have ever done is moan about them best part of my life, and then when we have spent billions on them i have to watch it all it must be an English thing 🙂
Hello all…. where we’re you Adam?
I doubt that Wenger sees any correlation between buying expensive world-class players and success. His mantra that he makes them and doesn’t buy them would be fine if that’s as far as it went but he should add “And then we sell them” to complete the picture. And even this might not be so bad if the club were not charging such ridiculously high prices to see this theory in action. Most Arsenal supporters I know just want to see the money that is certainly there spent where it can have the most effect and this does mean buying a few top players for serious money. Otherwise, as we see year in, year out we become a club in a constant state of development. If that is the extent of Stan’s vision then I doubt he will receive much fan support. It really is time to spend some proper money properly and add to what is a good player base. Then, with a bit of luck, we might win something significant. If not then I see us caught in a never-ending loop of the same old, which is where we have been for too many seasons now.
Sorry Lee. I have been quite I’ll this weekend. I hope all went well though mate.
ill, as in sick. Sorry.
Good comment Adam, I believe your right it is about time the fans had something to lift their spirits, hope your feeling better now mate.
Getting there. Thanks Steve.
Good article on Clint Dempsey, who being in the last year of his contact and at his age would be a good signing for us.
http://goonerinbarca.wordpress.com/2012/06/04/clint-dempsey-profile-and-poll/#comments
I love them Steve, today was just special…. 🙂 although many tissues got through….
Hi Lee – you got lucky with the weather didn’t you…
Afternoon Adam, proper money, no wonder we lose out on players, he’s been using monopoly money 😉
Adam – i thought you were joking about being poorly…. 😳
Perhaps that’s what the club should pay him in Rico. Mind you. It must be hard to be right all the time while disappointing literally millions of fans around the world. And only be earning £7 million a year. I do feel for him.
Flaming June….not exactly that in deepest darkest Essex!
Hope you’ve turned a corner and feel better mate?
I’m all rumoured out…. I was told that RVP & M’Vila would be all signed up by now…the latest rumour comes from a really good source, apparently AFC have offered RVP considerably more than£130k pw plus a £5m signing on fee and he has turned it down! 🙁
No Rico. I have not been blessed with good health lately I am afraid. It’s getting me down to be honest.
His salary bugs me too Adam, wouldn’t mind if he actually earned a bit more of it…
Whats been up?? tell me to myob, feel free….
We had sunshine yesterday Lee, awful weather today though 🙁
We still have a day or so to secure a deal before the euros begin…
Thanks Rico. I think I am getting better. I’ll mail you in the next couple of days. Don’t want to bore the chaps on HH.
Ok Adam, just go steady and hope your health picks up big time….
If Robin doesn’t want to stay then he must go. It’s who comes in that is important. Those who leave are history. The one thing we mustn’t do is to keep him for the last year of his contract to make some silly point like we are a big club and not a selling club when all the evidence points to the contrary. If he goes it will be yet another player’s indictment of Wenger’s failure to put together a team of sufficient potential to convince him to stay. Personally, I can think of little that would do Wenger’s waning reputation more damage at this time. And we all know that the money won’t be spent properly or fully. Who will it be next year? AOC or Jack? Depressingly familiar ground I think and we certainly deserve better.
I’m just half empty today…. I’m still positive about our squad though and as long as RVP’s fee is re invested, onwards and upwards! BUT we’ve hardly got a great track record of late of ploughing the transfer profits back in, have we? 🙁
Adam, another “groundhog summer” in front of us then?!?!?
RvP will stay Adam, all this stuff about his contract is wenger playing with the media. I bet his contract was signed months ago…
😆
Lee, go fill that glass up with a beer 😉
Maybe, AFC intent in the transfer market didn’t match up RVP’s and them throwing loads of dough at him wasn’t enough? We weren’t privy to to the meeting so the rest is guess-work…..
Or could it be we’re getting shot of the Squil? 😉
although i would like to see new signings i still believe we should be careful with the cash, If these rumours are true about Van Persie then i think he needs to move on,that offer if correct would definitly turn my head, and if it hasn’t done the same for Robin he must be a greedy bugger which i didn’t think he was.If Arsenal are so skinflints that they won’t splash the cash now and again they should knock down the ST and admission at the stadium, to charge exhorbitant prices and not deliver top quality is out of order. I can understand players wanting moves to clubs that will give them very good Wages I know i have left jobs for more money the loyalty bit that supporters often use is long gone to a proffesional footballer its just a job.
He doesn’t want money Lee, he wants signings doesn’t he….
Steve – don’t think any of us want to see us go out and spend £100M, we don’t need to.. We can get a good keeper on a freebie, and 3 outfield players for around £50M for the lot…
That shouldn’t break our bank, not when we think of how much we gained last summer and didn’t spend…
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11675/7796613/Redknapp-wants-future-sorted
😆
Perhaps time for a Redknapp post Rico 🙂
😆 Steve, you may be right, thursday would be a good day, make it a joke day…
“I’ve never been to Qatar in my life” says Redknapp. ” I’m at Spurs now and they’re a ‘triffic club, full of ‘triffic players. I’m ‘appy to let Daniel Levy decide on my future, ’cause he’s a ‘triffic geezer and I’ve turned Spurs into a world-class club, full of ‘triffic players and almost in the Champions League. Chelsea? No, I ain’t ‘eard nuffink abaht that but I know that Oblomovich is a ‘triffic geezer wiv bundles of dough, so, as I always say, you never say never in football but you do say ‘triffic a lot. Qatar? Nah, I ain’t ever been there. Can’t even spell it or turn on a computer or send an e-mail. I fink I’ve got a bank account there though, in the name of my budgie”. E’s a ‘triffic bird. I’ve turned ‘I’m into a world class budgie too”.
Time for dinner Laters 🙂
😆 Adam, can’t think why you would write that….
It came to me in a Paracetamol mist Rico.
i thought you had been sniffing those funny balloons Adam 😉
Ok, dinner calls me too, back shortly ….
The reality is that RVP wants to go out of the club. So he claims that he wants players added when he KNOWS THAT AW rarely goes out to buy a lot of players for the money. What RVP is speaking about is in the reagion of 4 to 5 players and HE KNOWS that that is impossible. So while the money is important he will only put the ball in AW’s court and claim that he asked for players and they were not forthcoming. Cesc also asked for players safe in the knowledge that AW will not get them. The thing is that these players will demand astronomical wages. Imagine having the five players that Cesc and/or RVP wanted. That would increase the club’s spending by about 700kpw between them. Yes you might tell me why not get rid of the dross? and you would be right. But if no one bought them and what AW and the club want is to get down the wage total of the squad how can we expect those players?
Do not get me wrong. I would have liked to have the likes of Mata, Pedro, Villa, Essien, Khedira, Yaya, Drogba, Cesc, Torres, etc. They would have given us the edge. But at the same time they would also have pushed us over the edge. And where would we be??
RVP and Cesc would rightly say……..we wanted these players but AW did not buy. And they would have been right.
But I would have put this question to them……….With all those players would you have expected to play all the games???
You might say yes they would have. But then personally I would gladly have had Drogba over RVP these last eight years….especially on the physical side.
Is anybody here?
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp feels the Champions League is “overrated” and believes it has little impact over whether or not potential signings decide to join a club.
The north London club finished fourth in the Premier League only to miss out on a place in next season’s Champions League following Chelsea’s win over Bayern Munich in this season’s final.
Despite this, Redknapp is confident his club can still attract top quality players.
“I think it’s overrated what people say about Champions League football and whatever,” he told Sky Sports News.
“People would have still gone to Chelsea if they hadn’t won the Champions League this year because they know it’s a club that’s looking to get into the Champions League positions next year.
“They pay fantastic money. If you pay players enough money and you give them good enough contracts and you show that you’re ambitious, they’ll come to your club.
“Champions League football, because you don’t make it one year – it’s one year. I think that’s an excuse for players who want to leave and get better contracts elsewhere. I don’t see that as a real problem.
“I think if the contract’s right and they earn enough money, Premier League football is big enough.”
HHHAAAAHHHHAAAA…Sour f***n grapes.
Jamie Sanderson @YoungGunsBlog
Arsenal clearly in market for play-maker, but not a priority. AW admits love for Belhanda. Barça’s Afellay for £6m better value.
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devil – i’m not convinced he wants to leave, he doesn’t strike me to be false and he says he loves us and wants to win things with us, i honestly can’t see him leaving IF we make 2/3 right signings….
Hi Kt, silly old fool is Arry, and suggestion is that Vertonghen is taking them for a ride with his comments….
Kt – either would be a bloomin good addition….
Sometimes that is the feeling I get Rico. I have seen enough players do it to say otherwise even regarding RVP.
bdw do you think that Verts is taking the piss out of the scum???
How about this as AFC official anthem in the same manner as the dippers use “you’ll never walk alone”???
There’s a dream I feel
So rare so real
All the world in union
the world as one.
Gathering together
One mind one heart
every creed every colour
once joined never apart
Searching for the best in me
I will find what I can be
if I win loose or draw
it will be a victory for all
Its the world in union
the world as one
as we climb to reach our destiny
A new age has begun
We may face high mountains
must cross rough seas
we must take our place in history
and live with dignity
Just to be the best I can
sets the goal for every man
if I win loose or draw
it will be a victory for all
Its the world in union
the world as one
as we climb to reach our destiny
A new age has begun
devil – don’t get me wrong, i truly understand why you and anyone would think he’s off, we have too many before him that have gone the same way. I just think he knows that we have looked after him in time gone by and he was too ‘cool’ about talks… something tells me he will be another dennis….
Vertonghen – just a hunch, but if i’m right which i doubt, he will have naffed off a few gooners…
Until the Arry situation is resolved, who would sign for them?
Rico, that’s what’s sad because we’ve offered him a shed load of money BUT what he wants is players that’ll hopefully lead to winning silverware. That is really sad (if true) and a sad indictment of AFC…..go and buy a load more youngsters that you can sell for huge profit and not the three experienced players we need! The short fall of this squad is all down to one man, if we’d added player(s) gradually over a few seasons we wouldn’t be in our current annual predicament!
Still anyway we’ll continue to support our club through thick & thin while they take the piss out of us…… “Ground Hog Summer!”
I can’t view it devil 🙁
I’m no doomer but AW keeps moaning about salaries/ transfer fees yet he’s on £134k pw…….
Exactly Lee – players get slandered for leaving for a better wage, but Robin doesn’t want that – he wants to see the club he loves really challenge and win things.
If the board, well, Wenger stands firm and plays it the same old way, then I will say goodbye to Robin and wish him all the best – he is just like us, he wants success….
Actually, maybe he is doing all this for us as he knows how we feel…
If Wenger naffs this up, he can go as far as i am concerned….
Its very hard to be an optimistic gooner right now.Podolski was a good start but we seem to have not built on that.
Lee
‘The short fall of this squad is all down to one man, if we’d added player(s) gradually over a few seasons we wouldn’t be in our current annual predicament’!
Spot bloomin on!!
Thats another thing that pisses me off, go and earn that wage i say…
There is time Kt, plenty of it yet but we really need to have any signings in before pre-season – no more of last summers panic…
Problem is that we may be targetting players at the Euros.If M’vila has a blinder we won’t get him.That applies to any other player we may be targetting.We’ll settle for scraps yet again and Rvp will no doubt leave.
That is WORLD IN UNION. sung by various artists. Go to youtube and type the title and it is the 2nd one.
I appreciate that AW’s job is not piss easy because gambon would be doing it otherwise! But the decline in this squad is his doing and as far as I’m concerned he’s got this window to rectify our demise, or he can FRO! So come on get with the programme, lets fcking go for it Arsene!?!?
Hi lee.The rate of our decline in quality has been alarming to say the least.I fear nothing will change since jack and Diaby are like new signings…
Lee………can you kindly refrain from mentioning certain words??? It sorts of gives me gambonitis………and it takes long to remove the unpleasant taste. 😆
Otherwise you are right……the decline in this squad is his doing and as far as I’m concerned he’s got this window to rectify our demise. I would just add the board as well.
How many of our starting 11 apart from RVP would get in the “invincibles”……?!?! We seem happy now to buy/accept mediocrity,just not befitting a club with our heritage & pedigree!!!!
sorry mate. The only one who might (again I say MIGHT) get into the invincibles team would be Sagna. For RVP to get in you have to remove one of TH14 or DB10……and that is simply not on. Sagna may have the edge over Lauren. Again MAY. the simple truth is that unless this squad will do the same and remain unbeaten for a season they cannot enter the INVINCIBLES. No not even Mr Arsenal himself, TA06 can lay claim to that. And RVP, good as he is is simply not on the same level as DB10 and TH14.
Sorry coach for the use of the “G” word but was just using it to explain myself. I just want the old Arsenal back, a team that competes and doesn’t just make the numbers up I want us to be a dominant force again!!
joking dear friend, only joking. but Gambonitis sets me sneezing/nauseatic asI am allergic to that type of disease.
I always agree with 99.999999999999 % of what you say.
DB10 being linked to the Swansea job over here!!
I’m just pissed off at the moment ( in case you didn’t realise?) and actually if I’m realistic, the signings I think we need, they could all be shite or take a season to bed in……
Cant AFC buy a club, say in Germany or France, and send over its kids to compete??? I mean like buy Ajaccio and do like Barca do…send kids over there to compete.
We cannot afford to buy for example Toulouse for the simple reason that it is pronounced TO LOOSE. And we cant allow the scum to take the piss out of us. Imagine those yids pulling our legs.
Kt, agree – but i think M’Vila is a done deal….
Lee – Squilli, Djourou, Chamkuk, Nik, Denilson, Park… they’d all get in the invincibles, just not the ones we recall 😉
Coach your outlook is always positive and that’s a great attribute to have my friend….been a long weekend here and I’m on the early train, my daughter’s 4th birthday and I’m at work!!! 🙁
Night all you gooners!!!!
Happy Birthday to the young lass then Lee.
Good night mate. Hope you have a good one.
Rico what makes you think so?I don’t think we’ve even made a bid.
Lee,am weeping uncontrolably. That picture you just painted is really depressing. God, you are right. I do miss my old arsenal. Am tired of just making up the numbers. Tired of me chavs mate teasing me. Its so depressing. Sorry guys, am going to bed!
Oh sorry, evening guys and good night. To sad to blog.
Nighty Night lee, Happy Birthday to your little one….
KT………..its coming out of every hole that Sagna and Kozzer can open. Like Rico I think that M’Vila is a done deal.
Goonie……come on Sonny. Calm down. Want a hanky little one???
Kt – all that stuff that came out a little while ago, no smoke without fire. Also, maybe i am simply hoping…..
Im still not convinced.
I am hoping for M’Vila and Capoue. And get shot of Diaby and Song. Not much is it???
I am off now Fine Folk.
Have a good night.
Cu tomorrow mates for another fine post.
devil – i’d take that deal in a flash 🙂
Nighty to you, rest well…..
The post is one of mine, sorry to disappoint 😉
Its too sad devil. I grew up watching the invinsibles rip apart every team they encountered. Was at the phillips stadion. When gilberto scored the fastest cl goal. Me dad went berserk. Want that arsenal back. We thumped psv 4 nil.
Thta’s me done for the day too, off to shut the feathered ones in, watch Silks and then up the wooden ones….
Night to you all, ’til tomorrow….
Stay safe….
Hi and bye goonster, don’t be too depressed, not yet, wait until 31st August 😉
Gone now….
It felt glorious. Want that feeling back. Want to wear my arsenal gear and still hold my head up. These days I wear it amidst jeers, even from my nephew yet the little punk’s club haven’t won squat in almost a century!
Sorry dg song «¥€$» diaby no! Song is shit! End of.
Night maam…
Evening peoples,
Sir AK want to complement you for this formidable crackalicious article. It was like reading YoungGuns from back in the days. And you know accolades can’t go any bigger than that.
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Kozzer on the job speed coursing Giroud through all the perks and credentials at the Emirates.
http://news.daylife.com/photo/0bd31utgQq7vX?__site=daylife&q=Koscielny
Credits to AshGrove
Lee congrats on the little toddler. 4 candles to huff and puff. Hooray!!!!!!!!!
Morning Lee.
4 years old eh? That is a fantastic age.
I bet your daughter thinks that her Dad is fantastic… 🙂
Gotta say that there was a lot of gloom on here earlier this evening.
Come on guys, there is such a long long way to go this summer.
Arsenal can’t buy a player every day just to cheer us up.
Stan….. How on earth did you see The Invisibles???????
Boom Boom… 😀
Gotta say Dutch, that comparing my post to the incomporable Young Guns is very kind.
Thank bruv.
I do miss Jamie Sanderson’s blog, he really is a very talented writer and now journalist.
Hope the linkage to Giroud bears fruit.
To me he looks the perfdct replacement for Chamuck.
I did hear a rumour a couple of days ago, all be it via a journo on the radio.
But it was suggested that a swap deal involving Walcott & Sturridge could be a goer.
Not sure what to think of that after losing Cole to the Pensioners for the mixed blessings of Gallas.
Couldn’t handle Theo blossoming at the Bridge and us stuck with the tempremental Sturridge.
Anyway the Euros kick off this Friday, to take our minds off of bloody transfers…
Looking forward to watching Podolski more than anything else…
So chill out you Gooners. It’s gonna be all right.
And calm down Stan…
Oh and cheer up Lee… 😀
Er and get well soon Adam…
Night
Morning all…
morning!! I’m feeling more half full today… 😉
Me too Lee 🙂
Morning to you…..
New Post Up
Morning all,
I see the Cold Play concert staged at The Emirates on Monday night went off very well, hopefully we earnt enough out of that to help with a down payment on somebody.