Morning Gooners,
What a day yesterday, and all without football!
Team GB won SIX Gold Medals and one of those went to Arsenal Fan Mo Farah for winning the 10,000 metres in style and all with our club’s name on his spikes.
It really was something special, especially the evening events and we will probably never witness such greatness again. Well not here in England anyway.
Sadly penalties were the undoing of the GB mens football team. Aaron Ramsey converted one but had another saved in regular time which would have been enough to win the game but then Daniel Sturridge couldn’t convert his in the shoot-out.
The tennis wasn’t bad either as Andy Murray and Laura Robson secured their place in the final so at least a Silver for them.
Ok, back to Arsenal……
Victor Wanyama lurks in the background of many current rumours linking every player under the sun to Arsenal and as much fun it is reading them, most are so far-fetched even PHW couldn’t make them up.
But this one surrounding Wanyama is a little more interesting.
His valuation sits around the £7 Million mark.
He’s a Mr Utility who prefers to play in the central defensive midfield position but can play centre back if required.
He’s young at just 21 years old.
He’s African.
The last comment is not any sly attempt by me to be racist, I am not so don’t even go there but we all know Arsene Wenger likes to sign French, Spanish and African players together with the odd English talent.
Why, well it’s obvious, English players are generally over priced and overrated, James Milner, Gareth Barry, Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing are just a few in a long list who prove that.
Spain of course is flavour of the season because of the ongoing problems in the world of finance but Victor Wanyama has been tried and tested in what many believe to be a tough, hard tackling, Scottish Premier League.
Celtic boss Neil Lennon isn’t in a hurry to sell him but as said yesterday, there is usually a price for any player that will tempt a club to sell, we Arsenal fans of all people know that and the Celtic manager admits:.
Every player has his price but we’re not a selling club – although every club sells players if they get the right offer, but it’s right that we are spoilt for choice in terms of talented young players in midfield.
Hardly convincing eh?
Over the last few days/weeks there has been many a story/comment in the ‘blog world’ about Alex Song.
Some suggest that Robin has told Wenger that we will never win anything with Song in the squad, some suggest that he has no intention of signing a new contract and wants to move on, other suggestions are that Wenger has told him he can go and of course there is this little interest from Barcelona.
Arsene Wenger has really been bigging up Abou Diaby, he’s even suggested he’d be the first player on the French Team Sheet when fit so does he see Diaby as the player to take Song’s place?
By that I mean to be the one who will make the forward runs and the over hit passes? (Please note irony!)
Diaby is quicker, he is not so clumsy either so he’ll be able to get back and help out without giving away silly fouls/free kicks in dangerous areas, something which Alex Song is very good at.
He might head in the odd own goal though. – Yes, I jest of course….
Many Arsenal fans want us to sign a defensive midfielder, I am one of them, but many also believe that our priority should be signing a central defender believing that neither Johan Djourou or Kyle Bartley are really good enough to step in should we suffer injury to the extent that we did last season. (Hopefully we won’t)
For Celtic, Wanyama has been mostly played in defence and he’s not happy but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind stepping into that position every once in a while if it meant he playing for a club like Arsenal.
If he does sign, surely that would spell the end of Alex Song…..
Mind you, so would the signing of Etienne Capoue of Toulouse, he’s valued around £10 Million and reports suggest that Barcelona and Arsenal head the race to sign him after the player admitted he wants to leave his current club in search of Champions League football.
Gregory Van der Wiel also wants out of his current club Ajax and with one year left on his contract he is hoping that Arsene Wenger makes a move for him according to The Sunday Mirror. Newcastle have allegedly already made Ajax an offer but the player wants to join us. The same article suggests that Manchester United will finally make a respectable offer for our captain, one which they believe will see Robin playing alongside Rooney this coming season!
Like I said at the beginning of the post, I love reading the rumours, just hope one of these turn out to be real and I know which one I’d prefer…
That’s it for another day, hope it’s a good one…
Morning all.
RVP….is he staying or going??
Morning all, raining again….
Seems to be the question each morning, today the newspapers suggest he’s going….
What do you make of this Wanyama story Scott, it won’t go away. Lennon’s recent comment suggests to me he’s trying to push the price up now he knows a couple of clubs are looking at him..
morning all.
I dont rate Van Der weel at all he if not any better than what we have. Looking forward to seeing Santi in the red and white:)
Hi TT, he was pretty average at the euros wasn’t he, but then most of the dutch players were…
Ditto re Santi, I read that Fergie is now in for Sahin…
Wanyama has been played mostly in midfield for Celtic. He only fits in – not very well – at centre back when required due to injuries or suspension.
RICO,I’d never heard of the kid until a few days ago,so I can’t comment on him as a player.
The story definitely has legs though.
Celtic is n a very unique situation ATM.
They can sell quite a few players and cash in big time,as they have no opposition at all for a few years.
Thanks En Attendant Godot, like Scott, I know very little about him, just from what I have read, in one article he said that he’s fed up playing in defence.
You know much about the player? Be good to know a bit more..
Ditto Scott, but it won’t go away – us and Manure have scouted him a few times now and Fergie is no fool when signing players.
Be interesting to hear a Celtic fans view.
I’d rather Capoue, but then I think you know that 😉
A big part of me believes that Song really could be off this summer, if we get Sahin and we already have Coquelin as back up, I don’t see a place for both him and Diaby and we all know they can’t play together, it goes very wrong..
Is m’villa not a defensive midfielder? Never seen him play but with a lot of people saying he’s better than veira I would love to see him form a partnership with wilshire. Really looking forward to this season. I think we can put an end to the trophy draught.
Mikea – yes M’Vila is a DM and is most fans favourite but there are many options IF AW really is looking for a DM
Capoue
M’Vila
Wayama
and of course N’Zonzi 😉
It’s been reported for a while now that Song won’t be extending his current contract,so I’d be happy to cut I’m loose,especially if 15 million is on the table.
Don’t Barca still owe money on Fabregas though??
Cough that up first is what I’d be telling them.
Back in a bit….
I think they do Scott, but was that not to be paid yearly?
Not sure…
Morning Rico and all. Does anyone believe Diaby can stay fit for long enough to give Wenger selection problems? Personally I don’t understand how Barcelona could be interested in a player with such a poor first touch as Song when their whole game depends on it. But I could be wrong. If Song does go then Arsenal should probably move for M’Vila or Capoue perhaps. We’ll have to wait to see what The Bleacher Report say about it as they are my Oracle.
well wanyama has certainly got the potential to be an immense player, but as a previous poster pointed out his preferred and best position is as a holding midfield player. He has slotted in on occasion at the back, but not always successfully. Personally i think he’d benefit from another year or 2 in the hoops, but there is def interest in him from a few clubs and he hasnt said anything to dis-spell the rumours. On another note tho, he played in the recent champions league qualifier….so may well be tied for any club he joins.
Rico,sorry,I wasn’t suggesting they’ve defaulted,but why would we hand them another player and add to their outstanding debt to us?
Pay up front.
hail hail , big Vic is good but not perfect , he can make very rash tackles and his passing can be sloppy at times. He has lots of potential and for his age yes he is good. Celtic need a centre half and a 6ft plus forward, a trade or loan deal plus cash would be tempting
G’day Adam.
There’s no way anone could be confident about Diaby staying fit,but it’s possible.
He’s just not somebody we should be depending on.
I hope Arsenal show their intent by letting RVP run down his contract. This will show Arsenal aint that hard up for the cash The money men will want to let him go and take the cash.
When rf sells his players it’s always to a foreign team.Let him have a dose of his own medicine.Having dominated the epl,his greatest wish is to prevail in Europe which as mentioned before he will never be able to do thanks to the refs. Oh btw if he doesn’t win a trophy in 2013,what are the odds of him leaving ?I beleieve the odds are evens.
As for his heir having the same level of success,he can dream on.
jeezus, your ingnorance really knows no bounds. Victor is an utter class act and someone like your manager would only get the best from him. Yes he is young but has the heart of a lion and all round game of anyone you care to mention. just because he is playing in scotland does not mean he can’t play. For gods sake, how many of you idiots remember where your precious manager came from! from the day victor signed i mentioned how similar he was to patrick viera and in all honesty i have not seen a player at such a young age with so much promise in a long long time. get your heads out your backsides you bunch of ignorant gets, players have to come from somewhere, if the english league was all that then why does everyone aspire to be barcelona or real madrid
I agree Scott.
Been reading here for quite some time but first time response. What worries me about African players is that we lose them for 6-8 weeks(approx) for the ANC and are also usually blown out for the remaining season. We already got 4 first team squad members, Song,Gervinho,Frimpong,Chamakh. Can you imagine having 5 and losing all at same time for the same period? PS…been an Arsenal fan since inception.
Mohd,it’s fine to say the clubs showing the money isnt the maor factor in transfers,but that cold be the club cutting off their nose to spite their face.
Remember this…..it will cost 25 million in 12 months time to replace him….better off getting 20 million and putting that towards his replacement now.
That is,of course,if he doesn’t extend now.
Never been a fan of Song. If an offer has come in for 15m then we should rip there arm off. Why they would want him I don’t know. Is there still no more news on theo signing? I’m also interested to know when we’ll be getting rid of bendtner, park and co.
Mohd we are not hard up for cash but it would be irresponsible not to cash in on a player that you will loose for nothing nexst summer and apart from that will be drawing down wages for further 12 months.
This is of course as long as we put the cash back into transfers.
D/Mids are stacking up the rumours have it……Wenger the master of the cheap deal…who’s it to be then?
Sahin on loan I think maybe..watched him a couple of seasons ago in the germen league…he played in a deep left hand side position could suit us…
If,if,if……..wouldn’t it be lovely if it was just sorted?
@Mike For 15 million I’ll carry him on my back to his new club….
Frednerk,Im not suggesting you meant it in a negative way,but plenty of fans do knock Wenger for looking at cheap options.
It’s common sense to me,if you can get a layer of equal quality,and though he’s got some wrong,he’s also got some right over the years.
If anyone told me that Wenger should spend some f**king money,I’d reply that we should have ought Andy Caroll!!
Look at Mancini…..he’s not a managers arsehole.
Give me that budget and I reckon I’d get success!!!
Those managers who can get the best out of their squad are the top managers,and,on face value,anything short of winning the CL is a failure for Citeh.
£ 15 million for Song would be too good to turn down as long as it’s not part of a book balancing exercise to offset the deals that we already have done . He will need replacing .
Scott I’am a big wenger fan second arsenal fan 1st
Doubt we’ll play that formation.
Wenger is insync with the modern way of football, no more 442 we’re playing 433 or any other variation of the 433 so it might be:
Sszesny(gk)
Gibbs(lb)-*santos*
Vermaelen(cb)-*miquel*
Koscielny(cb)-*bartley*
Sagna(rb )-*jenkinson*/*coquelin*
Arteta(cm)-*sahin*/*wilshere*
Song(dm)-*diaby*/*coquelin*
Cazorla(am)-*rosicky*/*ramsey*/*eisfeld*
Podolski(lw)-*gervinho*/*arshavin*
RVP(cf)-*giroud*
Walcott(rw)-*chamberlain*/*miyaichi*
Good morning Gunners, my contribution is that Wenger should please sign a world class player in that position should we lose Song, we all believe that Alex was no a player to point at but with his physical ability and chances of playing so much matches makes him turn to a better defensive midfield despite some silly mistake that he make, I can still believe that he is now a figure in our squad. But this time around we need a more talented and ready made experience someone like our Welsher that’s what we want.
Me too Fred.
The man is an absolute genius.
He gets plenty wrong…he is human…but what he did last season should never,ever be underestimated.
Yes,he had a hand in us being put in that position,but he didn’t spit is dummy,he kept his dignity and merely went about the job at hand of getting us into the top 4.
Thankfully,he’s now spending and bringing in the players we want and need.
Who cares what the reasons behind the spending are,as long as its helping the club.
I was at a trivia night last night…hence my absence….and met Brett Emerton.
Natures gentleman.
I had a quick chat as we played at the same junior club…the mighty Gunners!!!
He was impressed when I told him I still remember laying the turf on the three fields at our home ground when I was around 13 or 14!!
We had the best plant surface in the area,but it didn’t help my playing!
Playing surface,that should read.
As a Celtic fan, i can say nobody wants to see wanyama go. he’s young, tough tackling, can see a pass and controls the midfield. if he were to be in the premiership, his value would be three times what it is now.
Rico, Wanyama is an outstanding prospect and will undoubtedly leave Celtic Park. Celtic do not have the TV money to pay for a player of his quality. I doubt if he will leave this season. It is more likely that if Celtic qualify for Champions League he will remain with us and then move on at the end of 2012/13 when his profile will be much higher. He will command a fee much greater than 7 million.
As regards Mvila, I have seen him on a number of occasions and can understand why he is no longer top of anybody’s shopping list. He is not as good a player as presented and his attitude leaves a lot to be desired. He is nowhere near the value that is put on his head. Rennes have financial issues and will let go for much less.
Wanyama is a good player he is a good passer and he is an absolute tank. He is better in midfield because his strength always takes him past players. I woudnt want him to leave Celtic but as Lennon said every player has his price
@Scott:
I see a big U-turn by Robin. He’s gonna stay I think. When he released statement I think he was angry and some what emotionally disturbed. Now, when he’s back with the group I think he knows where he belongs.
And we’ve already replaced him if needed, haven’t we? Lukas and Giroud both are quality. Lukas can become Robin. So we don’t need money from RvP’s sale. If after 6 months we think he’s not gonna stay after all then we could get him to sign pre-contract somewhere and take half of what we want to get for him.
For me Robin playing half a season would mean we’d be there or there about of becoming champion.
Sorry for lack of courtesy. Hello to every one and to our lovely host.
Rico I see you getting in Olympic fever finally. But still don’t think Murray will get gold. Its Fedex all the way. lol.
I am so looking forward to 100Meter sprint today. Who are you all cheering? GB boy? Me cheering underdog Yohan Blake.
Rico
No to VDW. Jenks, Nico and Coq all are good options to cover for Sagna who is just effin best.
Satan,I’m Podolskis biggest fan,and I’m fully confident he will produce the goods,but he’s still got to show it.
If RVP goes,I’d still like another striker brought in though.
Have I even mentioned Podoslkis left foot being an absolute cannon :)??
Btw guys did any celebrity die in last 24 hours? Did the curse of Rambo strike? lol. I am both happy and sad. Happy that now he’d join the team and sad cause he could have genuinely won that medal, he so craved for.
2 b sincere,i dnt c all d trash u pple ar sayin abt song……if he’s dat bad,y wuld barcelona wnt him?he’s a very stong playa na looses d ball less often bsides he ws by fr our most consistent playa aprt frm vp….plzz lets value wat we ve nd nt giv trash tlks….
How did he perform in the games,guys??
Ramsey,I mean.
Scott:
You did and every time you said that I went and watched his videos. He is so much like Robin. He gets in there, gets stuck in and finds the ball and shoots. He sees ball falling down from the air and shoots volleys and some of his goals are just spectacular.
Scott:
As long as I heard and saw he along with Allen was the stand out player for GB. Tom Cleverly next big thing for United looks some what cheap immitation of Rambo.
Satan, think everyone got sick of me speaking of Pods left foot lol!!
I love him as a player,have for a few years ow,and I just can’t wait to see him play.
I was a very,very happy Gooner when rumours of him even beiing in talks with Arsenal came about,let alone when we got him.
From the little I’ve seen of Giroud,I can’t help but be very impressed,and Cazorla could be the difference between us competing for and winning trophies.
Happy days.
I don’t know why u people are so critisizing Alex Song. have u forgotten d kind of assists he gave RVP last season. atleast he Is good passer, bt d way u people were talking shows like he hasm’t done anyting to d club.
Scott:
For a big man, Giroud attempts and connects so many bicycle kicks.
I know Satan,he’s athletic for a big guy.
He’s as it as Carroll,can shoot just as well,can head a ball just as well,has much more skill and athleticism and cost a third of what the other bloke did.
Not Kennys best day in office!!!
Wanyama is over rated he is a average player but saying that he is only 21 so could become a top player
Welcome to all those just joining, good to se a few Celtic fans here too and thanks for your views on VW
Hey guys am i connected to you, my previous and first ever comment is awaiting moderation. what does that mean. Have i done something wrong. Sorry to be so familiar but feel i know most of you through reading your comments, thoughts for quite some time (since last transfer window) which i never want to ever go through again.
Arty,we had M checking if you were a Spud in disguise.
Satan – same here on VdW, Yenarris will be the one in a couple of years to make that position his own and I still eblieve Jenks will one day move central…
Why all of you hate song ? U all judge him badly fuck u all
Hi Scott there isnt a disquise in the world that can hide a spud. Ugliness runs too deep. True gooner from head to toe and then some. But i respect the reasoning of being checked.
song shuld not at all be sold!!!
Hi Arty – all first comments go into moderation and I was busy elsewhere, sorry for the delay but all your comments will go straight up now…
Arty,it’s all good mate,as everyone goes into moderation first time.
All true Gooners are made welcome at HH.
Arty, glad you found HH, what took you so long 😉
Im honoured Rico.
Thanks re your earlier En Attendant Godot – interesting re M’Vila, think he and Capoue are on every clubs wishlist?
fred – Fergie and Galatasarry want Sahin too, could be a struggle to get him…
Is it correct that we want Sahin on a loan deal only for starters,as I’ve read he wants a permanent move.
Fergie…..who is that?
ballbhoy – funny enough, being a gooner I tend not to watch too many SPL games, hence the Cetic fans comments here today are most welcome.
Morning Adam – I hope Diaby can but I am not convinced he will….
😆 Scott, the one with the red nose….
Mak – none of us hate Song, he is messing around over a new contract, you want the RvP situation next summer??
If he can’t be bothered to commit to us why should we to him?
£15M this summer or £5M next….??
That whingey,whiney bitch from Utd…..is that his name?
I’ve labelled him a few times,but never Fergie!!
Like i said id been reading HH for 1 year now but never had guts to post a comment. Living in Cyprus for last 8 years and had season ticket at Highbury east upper block C row B seat 36 (im crying while writing this). Got a good family of Gooner fans over here, meeting every week to watch our games. Member of Arsenal Supporters club, Cyprus. Never been to New Highbury stadium (Emirates). Feel chuffed to be made so welcome.
Song gave some brilliant assists,but was often negligent in his defensive duties last season.
I’d go as far as to label him lazy at times.
A few people have jumped on recently and aimed up at anyone who has criticised the guy,claiming we are only looking at his fakts whilst ignoring the good and that’s fine,but stop looking through rose coloured glasses,as you all seem to ignore his slack attitude.
There’s more to football than touches of brilliance…..especially if you’re our DM!!
Think its a loan with an option to buys at the end Scott, £17m is the set price if reports are right…
**faults**
We are not that scary Arty, quite friendly bunch really 😉
Must have been hard uprooting and leaving your ST behind 😉
Thats what I thought Rico,but if he wants a permanent move,make it permanent or move on and get someone else.
Again,that’s what I read he wanted,so by no means is it gospel.
I’ve also read Jose wants a loan deal done.
I don’t think he’s a bad player either Scott but if we want to win trophies, sadly we need someone stronger in midfield and one who knows how to tackle without giving away silly free kicks in dangerous areas…
But, if Bould can knock that out of him and drum into him that his job is too defend, he might get better but…. he should have sorted that out for himself by now….
Think Jose is a bit twitchy about a permanent deal because he is frightened of making a huge mistake 😉
I agree Rico,,,the guy can obviously play,else Jose wouldn’t hae bought him in the first place.
Some players just don’t settle at a club,and there often is no stand out reason for it,so better off ending the relationship.
Totally agree Scott, some watched him at WB and say he awesome, no doubt that’s why Real moved for him, but they have too many options in midfield and Sahin can’t get in…
Bit like us really 😉
On Song,the potential is there to be world class,without a doubt in my eyes,but potential doesn’t cut it.
It’s performance that matters.
He has improved though,so it’s possible he will be even better this season.
After last seasons injury woes,the more the better,I say lol
he doesnt prefer 2 play central defence. he is a mid-field player who has only been used as a center half because of celtics defensive frailties, if u r going 2 write an article please get ur facts straight. a move 2 arsenal would only b a financial one. lets face it they arnt exactly champion matrial.
I still stand by my last comment that African internationals are a danger to the squad when having so many. Gervinho is a player i rate and he was not the same when he came back. As for Song i think he is in a confused state and really believes he can be an AM but i dont think he has that finesse and touch to be that. Yes he did make some great passes and chips for RVP but the ratio of successful passes to crap ones was to low for me to bear. A DM should be able to play his position and of those behind him but so so hard to change and play AM and create.
Makes a change for a guy to be respectful after leaving:
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is glad to feel wanted again after joining Championship club Watford.
The 35-year-old linked up with the Hornets this summer on a free transfer after spending eight years with the Gunners.
Despite playing 175 games for Arsenal, the Spaniard’s spell at the Emirates Stadium was fraught with difficulties.
He was even jeered by his own supporters at times and is relieved to be at a club where he instantly feels valued and respected.
“After Arsenal, I just wanted to go to a place where I feel wanted, respected and loved, and made to feel like a good goalkeeper again,” Almunia told the Sunday Mirror.
“That’s what I have found at Watford.
“On my first day at Watford, the captain, John Eustace, came to me and said, ‘We needed a good goalkeeper and we are lucky you are here’. That made me feel proud and good about myself.
“As a person, I always felt loved and respected at Arsenal, but as a player it is different. When you don’t play you don’t feel wanted or loved and your self-belief goes down.
“Once you stop being with the team every weekend and travelling with the team, people forget you.”
Regrets
Almunia leaves Arsenal with regrets – particularly regarding his decision to play on with an elbow injury in the 3-2 home defeat to West Brom in September 2010.
The Pamplona-born keeper saved a penalty but then conceded two poor goals while battling on with the injury and he admits it hit him hard.
“I have big regrets about that game because maybe if I had stopped playing I would have played many more games for Arsenal,” said Almunia.
“It was such a difficult time. At half-time I had been so happy about saving a penalty, but everything then went wrong for me, and I couldn’t understand why.
“It was so, so hard to cope with. One day you are number one and everybody wants you, and the next day you disappear. I am quite a sensitive person and I am not good in the bad moments.
“I didn’t talk to anybody about how I felt because I don’t like to disturb people with my problems. Maybe that was a mistake as well, maybe I should have talked to somebody.”
Almunia didn’t feature again in the Premier League until the return fixture against the Baggies in March.
Pressure
Again he was at fault for a goal but this time he had the added pressure of arch-rival Jens Lehmannbeing back at the club and watching on from the bench – an experience Almunia admits he struggled with.
“I have my opinion about what happened when Jens came back and I know the truth, but I don’t want any trouble now – I have moved on,” added Almunia.
“I guess the boss was angry with me, but I never asked him or spoke to him about it.
“But I haven’t got any problem with Jens. We have a great relationship now, which is strange.
“Jens was very competitive on the pitch and in training, sometimes too much. But off the pitch he is a lovely person and our relationship ended well.
“It wasn’t a good moment for me when the Arsenal fans jeered me, and the end was very tough.
“But now I have left, all I have in my heart is good memories and good thoughts for Arsenal, the manager, the players and the fans.
“I would love to go back there with Watford. That would be my dream.”
He could Scott – but if the story about him wanting to move on are true, I doubt he’ll even try….
Arty – The ACON is certainly a nuisance and once a player leaves in Jan, he usually comes back tired and his game drops…
There is one in 2013 as well isn’t there??
My comments refer to adding Wanyama who is kenyan International. We would lose him as well. But if Song was sold and bought Wanyama we would be no worse off.
Morning all, ouch my head hurts! Drinking is not all its cracked up to be!
Arty where in Cyprus are you? I went to a mad Arsenal pub in Limassol a few years ago!!
Do Kenya always qualify Arty? Personally, I’d rather we signed a European, losing a player in such a key position can be catastrophic…
Afternoon Lee, oh dear, not good news re your head 🙁
Lee,I was very dusty this morning as well.
Almunia is another of my guys….you know,those who gave their best for our club,so will never be criticised by me,whether their performance were good enough or not.
Effort is the trait I admire most in a player.
He guy is all class.
Wanyama, has the look of a diversion to me…
Or an agent-engineered rumour.lata
Afternoon Kev, you could be right…
He was woeful at times though Scott, AW should have let he go a while ago, wasn’t fair on the player…
Sadly, I think similar is going to happen with Fabianski, he should sold and let him play regular football, he’s too young to be sitting on our bench…
I was up at 6.30am, bright as a lark 🙂
Two more turfs laid and only 4 to go 🙁
quote
” He’s African.
The last comment is not any sly attempt by me to be racist, I am not so don’t even go there but we all know Arsene Wenger likes to sign French, Spanish and African players together with the odd English talent.
Right, we don’t want him, he will disappear for the ACN, and unlike the person above I won’t say it’s not racist as a sop to unbelievably mal adjusted types who see racists everywhere
I agree Rico.
If things aren’t working,best for both parties to end the deal.
Watch what happens though when Fabianski goes.
If he can find some confidence,he will be world class!
There’s that word again…IF!!
LadyArse blog says:
According to the Russian paper tden.ru Queens Park Rangers want to sign Arsenal’s Andrei Arshavin on a season long loan with an option to buy the player to be included in the deal.
The paper claims that Arsenal have already received an offer for the 31 year old Russian whose contract runs out with Arsenal in 2013.
Arshavin’s former agent, Dennis Lahter, is quoted as saying
Arshavin, as I understand it, is not needed. I think that, in principle, this [a move to QPR] is a good option for the Russian.
Wenger had recently stated that he intended to sit down with Arshavin to discuss his future at the club and the player, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Zenit St Petersburg, could still have a role to play at Arsenal.
Fulham have also been linked with a move for the temperamental forward and Zenit are reported to be interested in taking the player back to Russian on a permanent basis.
With just one year left on his deal it is doubtful that Arsenal would agree to any loan deals which would mean that his contract is expired by the end of it as they would look to get back some of the original fee they paid for the player.
Arriving in January 2009, Arshavin impressed with superb displays during his first six months but his time at Arsenal since then has been rather up and down with the player receiving criticism from fans for not working hard enough.
It’s hard to see where Arshavin fits in the new look Arsenal side but Wenger is a huge admirer of the player and always points to his stats as proof that he works harder than people realise.
The Russian paper adds that while there are a number of clubs interested in Arshavin, none can afford to match the wages he currently received with Arsenal.
I told them all you’re no racist Alan,you hate everyone 🙂
That’s a big call Scott, one thing for sure is that he won’t have a cat in hells chance of getting his confidence back at Arsenal…
rico says:
August 5, 2012 at 11:52 am
Do Kenya always qualify Arty? Personally, I’d rather we signed a European, losing a player in such a key position can be catastrophic…
exactly
Your point alan??
pogue mahone 🙄
Everyone knows he is a CDM ….
Rico,I know it’s a big call.
I wasn’t posting here at the time,but everyone I told laughed when I stated that Szczesny would be world class after his debut v Utd,and I mean everyone.
Fabianski is one of the best keepers technically I’ve ever seen,but you can see it in his face when playing….he’s like a deer in the headlights.
It’s a shame.
I remember saying a few weeks back if he had Szczesnys confidence,he’d be the best keeper of all time.
Re RVP: Most of the rumours about a possible u-turn by RVP seem to stem from the article in the Daily Star. A paper with which our Chairman PHW has ties. Is this story a plant by Arsenal to give Robin some room to manouvre and save face if he does change his mind and wants to stay or possibly a prod to his three known suitors to up their bids before he does?
As for Wanyama, I haven’t seen him play. However, the impression I am getting from all the comments is that he is a raw young player with potential. Not a replacement for Song, but an understudy. If Song goes I think Arsene will go for a more established and experienced replacement.
As well as being the ‘Master of the Cheap Deal’, Arsene is also the ‘Master of Smoke and Mirrors’. Like a magician, a master of misdirection. Like a good poker player, he never likes to show his hand until he knows he has the winning one. So far, this transfer has been slow across the whole of Europe, except for a few of the richer larger clubs like Chelsea and PSG. There have been big sales in Spain, but very few big buys. Most teams, including Abu Dahbi Citeh, have to sell before they can buy. The closer to deadline day we get, the more realistic &/or desperate clubs will become. So I wont be surprised to see Arsene pick up some deadline day bargains, as he has already bought cover for RVP. He can afford to be patient.
I think K-TR7 and devil also speak highly of him Scott…
Confidence is a huge thing not to have, maybe we should loan him out for a season and get Mark Schwarzer in, then see what happens…
Ches needs to improve this season too….
Szczesney isn’t anywhere near his top yet…that’s a few years away.
Barring injury,he will be the best in the world one day.
Schwarzer!!!!
Good comment CG – I certainly don’t think AW is anywhere near ending his spending. The longer no club makes an offer for M’Vila/Capoue, the more the price will come down and then AW will make his move….
Or am I still dreaming 😉
What’s wrong with Mark Schwarzer Scott?
Agree on Ches, he’s still a baby in gk years but at least he is sure of himself, he just needs pushing…
We will get another three of four in.
Wenger hasn’t bought this years young guy yet.
Good call,Canada!!
Talking of Ches and injuries, I’m amazed he came back from his double wrist break…
M’Baye Niang could be that young signing, I’d rather it was Southamptons left back, Luke Shaw
They weren’t question marks,they were exclamation marks Rico………he’s a Gooner!!
Get him.
He would be the best tutor for a oing keeper available.
Mark Schwarzer is the supreme professional,and deserves at least a season or two at a top club.
Malaga have confirmed that Salomon Rondon has not joined the rest of the squad on a pre-season tour to Italy because he is negotiating his exit..
Totts??
It’s funny Rico,but in Greyounds,pups are reared tough almost to the extent that injuries are a blessing.
If they happen in the formative,growing years….and Szczesny is still growing….then they actually strengthen the area that was damaged.
Injuries aren’t always the enemy,they can be turned not an ally.
Good Afternoon Fine Folk.
Just back from a delicious dinner. Pasta in bolognaise sauce. Then rabbit stew washed down with some delicious red wine.
Today I tried to do an experiment. I wanted to see if the bottle of wine actually breaths. I opened it and stayed looking at it for around two minutes. Then after deciding that it was not actually alive I bent forward and gave it mouth to mouth resuscitation. It actually worked since after putting it down again I observed some bubbles rising to the surface. IT WAS ALIVE. 😉
rico says:
August 5, 2012 at 12:23 pm
Good comment CG – I certainly don’t think AW is anywhere near ending his spending. The longer no club makes an offer for M’Vila/Capoue, the more the price will come down and then AW will make his move….
Or am I still dreaming
No Rico. You are not dreaming. You are being realistic.
Get into it Devil!
Chucks:
http://youtu.be/GX14uv5gfng
You must be very full after all that devil 😉
Good afternoon to you 🙂
I hope so Scott re Ches…
Just think it’s going to be a good TW finally devil, and about time too eh…
Think Lee has gone back to bed?? 😆
Oh I forgot………after dinner I went back to see if it was breathing again. It wasn’t. So you can only guess what happened.
Yes Rico,we know you love Theo Walcott,and it is about time we had a good one.
Just call him Theo though,not this TW label 🙂
You killed it Devil…..that’s a bit harsh.
I would not sell Arshavin to QPR or Fulham.
Why do business with two clubs who continually try to rip us off in the transfer market?
Probably paying half of AA’s wages into the bargain & seeing him walk away on a Bosman next summer.
That is LOAN Arshavin
Darren @DarrenArsenal1 on Twitter says:
Arsenal in discussions with a number of clubs over at ‘least’ two more arrivals. Other than Santi, could see one more arrival this week
I’d make him captain of the League Cup squad with the responsibility of leading our Kids in that competition.
They’ll be plenty of opportunities for him to play in Europe and the FA Cup as well.
Transfer Window Scott 😆
Sell him I say Kev….
Just playing with you Rico.
How reliable is Darren??
Afternoon AKB’s
Afternoon Rico. Great post out of nix.
How do you do it?
Va Va Voom Lee.
I know Scott 😉 No idea re the twitter guy, just been reading him and John Cross nattering away…
Pure Luck Kev 😉
I know what you mean Rico….
But loaning is no option.
Sell or keep.
I think he’ll go back to Russia, ready to be the face of the next WC 🙂
Darren Dein????????
Rico,
Women’s boxing is going to be on soon. Interested?
Btw, no to selling Arshavin to Fulham/QPR. Anyone but Jol and Hughes. Hate both of those pricks.
Not really Satan, might put Murray/Federer on soon…
Hey, did any one read Sagna interview? He says AW motivates them like dad and after some of his children stab him in the back.
Nice one Satan.
Agree 100%
offski
Rico,
Don’t watch that. Might break heart. Federe all the way. lol.
A quick gloat….Sean scored a hat trick for our side yesterday,then backed up for a short handed side and potted another three.
After the ladies doubles of course 😉
Rico,
Oh yes. I am waiting for 100meter sprint. I am so looking forward to that. I wish theo was there participating. I guess he would have qualified for SF.
Was he playing Snooker Scott??
Murray is going to win today Satan, it’s only 3 sets, and the crowd will be right behind him. It’s written in the stars 😉
Bolt for silver imho 😉
Hiya Kev. How are you all??
I sent you a text msg by mobile and it was not received. It came back 24 hours later and stated that msg failed. 🙁
How do you all feel regarding Song??? I prefer Capoue and Wanyama. With Song’s fee we should easily get two good players and AW should press for around 17 million…..that is 7 million for Wanyama and 10 million for Capoue.
Rico,
Next time. This is Federer’s last hooray. And this year is of golden oldies i.e. Henry, Scholes and now Federer. Fairy tales they are.
He’s not tall enough Rico lol.
@Devil
Did your identity got stolen by Wenger?
Love reading this rubbish that you write and that many believe ! Victor wanyammas valuation at 7 million ? Please tell me who decided that , if he was already in England you could put a 2 in front of that , this young guy is absolute world class ! I read this week that wolves turned down 12 million for Steven fletcher from Sunderland who is very ordinary , maybe the 7 million is only for 1 of his legs , Glasgow Celtic do not have to sell victor and he also has three years left on his contract , we would not even consider a 7 million offer as we know what we have in this player , keep believing what you read if you want but I can assure you , and from Neil ,NO CHANCE
I do not know S2S. I still feel myself.
But why do you ask???
Same re Bolt. He’s too much of a United fan to cheer up. I am rooting for underdog Blake.
Devil:
You talk like AW. Get one off get two in. lol.
He’s got you there Devil 🙂
Hey folks I am finally thinking of registering for Fantasy football manager. Any tips?
That is the way it should be mate. Buy a player for 1 million, make him a star, sell him for a substantial fee and get in two players on a good fee for the price of the former.
That is good business economics
Satan…..you will get hooked.
Buy Cazorla!!!
Rico, any idea who Russia will be playing in the World Cup Final ?
Folks AW is in the house Fire away. lol.
You know I am glad Arsenal board believes in that. It will mean most of our grand kids may even get to see Arsenal play.
Nah Satan, Murray 😉
You know my thoughts about Song devil 😉
Hi Micko 😆
Well said Satan.
@Scott: Not in the first month. lot of money at stake. lol.
@Devil: That bad? Sounds like old Scotch.
Re: Capoue
An article today on London24 had the following;
Toulouse star Etienne Capoue has put Arsenal and Tottenham on alert by admitting he wants to leave his current club.
The 24-year-old defensive midfielder, who is reportedly wanted by some of Europe’s top clubs, has voiced his frustration at Toulouse’s failure to qualify for Europe last season.
“I want to play in the Champions League, and face the best teams in the continent. Toulouse cannot offer me that this season,” the former France Under-21 international told L’Equipe.
“We missed out on Europe at the end of the Championnat. Yes, I want to leave,
“It’s not that I’m not happy at Toulouse, but I want to progress, pass a course and integrate as quickly as possible in the France team.”
Toulouse president Olivier Sadran, however, insists the club have not received any offers for Capoue.
“For Etienne, I have not received any offers. Many big clubs think that some of our top players have yet to mature,” he said.
—- So Capoue may yet be a Gunner this season.
Seriously mate………Fantasy Football Manager gets you hooked. If you do not watch it you will not be leaving your PC for whole days on end.
@Scott:
I know. I( had the same argument with one of my United mate and he was more like who cares about that? That’s the difference between SAF and AW.
@Devil
Then I better not. HH is more than enough for me.
@Rico
Fedex, its about fairy tales. After Felps its his turn to write one.
Scott – we have signed Cazorla, his seat is book on the plane to Germany…
Folks off to watch Women try to knock each other’s heads off. Catch you all latter.
Is that certain Rico?
I hope so CG….
Not into fairy tales Satan, I rooting for another GB Gold 🙂
Never thought I’d say this,but I thoroughly enjoyed watching the marathon!!
Don’t you trust me Scott 😉
Prefer eating them Scott
Later Satan, enjoy…
Glad you enjoyed reading Stuart gillies – can only guess at his value from the news, if he is worth more then that’s great for Celtic, You should get a good price for him then….
All the best in your league….
Bloody women….can’t trust any of them lol.
I did read a bit earlier that the issues have been sorted out at Malagas end,so it’s a matter of time.
I keep reading we are looking hard at De Jong,as well.
😆 – My bet is tomorrow Scott….
I really must pop off for a while now, those remaining turf won’t jump into place 😉
Back later folks, have a good sleep Scott..
Bye Rico…I’m off guys,have a great day.
Celtic fan here.
The speculation linking Wanyama with a move down south refuses to go away. As has already been mentioned, he is a central midfielder who has been deployed at centre back , however both Vic and Celtic look far better when he is given a midfield role.
Wanyama absolutely oozes quality. At 21 years old, he is already built like the side of a barn door. I cannot recall him entering into a challenge for possession and coming off second-best. Unlike Alex Song, who frequently resorts to wrestling his opponent to the ground, Wanyama uses his body strength to rob his opponent of possession before dancing away and moving the ball on. Despite his aptitude at breaking up play, ‘The Notorious V.I.C’ is also surprisingly comfortable in possession and has already displayed an eye for goal, sometimes in spectacular fashion.
I genuinely believe that given a couple of years of development at a top club in a top league, he could go on to be recognised as one of the best holding midfielders in world football. He went toe-to-toe with some fantastic midfielders in our Europa league campaign in matches against Rennes, Udinese and eventual winners, Atletico Madrid. At no point did he look overawed in this company and the lesson he gave to long-time Arsenal target M’Vila was bordering on the frightening.
In my opinion, the fees being quoted for M’vila would represent value for Wanyama, however you would probably be able to acquire him for under 10 million. Replacing Song with Wanyama would give you a more solid fulcrum to your midfield to provide a platform for Cazorla, Arteta, Wilshere and (hopefully) Sahin to do what they do best.
I hope we keep hold of Vic for another year so that he can strut his stuff in the Champions league, but am resigned to the fact that he is destined for bigger and better things than the SPL. In the eventuality of his departure, I can think of no better team for him to continue his development with than the Gunners.
Good luck this season, hopefully you can bring your title back from the mancs.
Hail Hail
Wanyama started at centre half yesterday due to injuries…
But after a lack lustre performance by Celtic Lennon pushed wanyama into centre mid where he played a blinder and winning mom after 45 mins there.
I will be very very sad to see this boy go …
I have seen great players at Celtic in my lifetime .. Larsson,hartson,Sutton,mcclair,mcstay,Nicholas…
But this boy really really excites me…
A rough diamond with massive massive potential.
If you get him for under £10m
You will have made a steal … Honestly …
He is EXACTLY the type of defensive midfielder your team needs ….
NOBODY will enjoy playing against him NOBODY
I mean if joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey are rated £15m
And struggled to make an impact against Ki seung of Celtic in their Olympic exit yesterday then they should be thankful that they were not playing against wanyama .
Ki is half the player of wanyama …
Victor would have broken them and left them demoralised if they played like that against him .
He’s fit , quick , big, aggressive, hard tackling, fearless,ambitious focussed
He NEVER gives up ,never over plays and does the simple ball when needed…
And!
Can score the odd screamer !
Thanks Martin Mac – good comment..
Good luck to Celtic too, SPL is in the bag already isn’t it? 😉
Thanks to you too Paulo, he sounds like just what we at Arsenal need…
MartinMac, thanks for the info.
Gotta confess that I know nothing about your lad.
He certainly sounds the real deal.
It must feel strange you you guys this season?!
Part of football’s attraction, is it’s uncertainty.
So going into this season, with the feeling that the SPL is in the bag must be surreal?
Anyway, good luck and have a great season.
Hi Kev, busy day??
Rico, gotta say that I’d still like to see Coquelin given a chance.
Hi Kev, Rico.
Yes Rico, but knocking off soon.
Good to both Kev, home soon?
Coq’s time will come but not sure if he’s ready yet 🙁
Hi Adam, enjoying the sunshine?
What a first set from Murray….
Got a lunch date Rico.
Home Saturday.
Adam, how fare de well?
Offski, have a good one. 🙂
Get you Kev 😉
It’s somebody’s birthday this week isn’t it, Thursday??
You too Kev, catch up soon…
Not bad Kev. Quiet day at home before a storm of writing this week. Got a couple of big pieces to write.
Watching the cricket too. And a new garden shed arriving on Tuesday. Might have to get our resident gardner’s advice about that.
How are we doing in the cricket Adam, just watching the tennis at the mo…
AFter all.
Busy with Olympics and I though best moment was that unbelievable joy when Le Clos beta his idol by a touch.
But nothign beat the joy of wathcing Mo Farrah running a tactical race to beta those Africans..and his training mate winning the silver too!
Unbelievbale emotional scene of two trianing mates jumping with joy and congratulating eahc other!
Plus that set-up (PR stunt?) of his family on the track…and the joy of the British spectators was unbelievably……
That was the best moment of the Olympic for moi.
C”mon Arsenal!
Run a tactical race to win in May 2013!
I know nothing about this Wanyama character but I am surprised no mention of Sahin in this article.
I have heard rumours that Real has already agreed with a loan deal for Sahin with us and that it is only up to Sahin to accept the terms.
I dont know about anyone else but for me I am a big fan of Sahin. It was my hope that we would sign him a year ago when his buy out clause was only 10million euros and that was well within Wengers range but Real got to him first.
As for the potential signing of Wanyama spelling the end of Song, i think that is rubbish. we all know how injuries ravage us every season, so what is wrong with some depth? Diaby is a ticking time bomb and i am definitely not holding my breath over his sustained fitness…
LSG, Sahin chose Real over Arsenal.
AT that time, Real creamed the crop of Sahin and Khedira and Ozil…
You win some, you lose some..and Sahin is the loser.
with Poldolski here…and ManU sudden interest, nothing is sure as Sahin may veyr well choose ManU or even Galatasary..
Sahin had turned us down once..no guarantee he will come here.
Mancini may even hijack this move …….as he loves Arsenla players and Wenger’s targets…
Hi Merlin, enjoyed Mo Farah and his celebrations too, a great evening all round for GB …
I can barely keep up with the number/names of players linked to us. 😉
vdW had a torrid time at the Euros, but then again which Dutch player didn’t? 😀
rico, bet you’re enjoying the tennis!! Well-done Mo!!
Hello, all!
LSG – the question was ‘would it’ not it will, it’s not rubbish as you suggest it’s a valid question, if AW signs a DM, then just where does Song fit into a squad of 25??
As for Sahin, he’s been mentioned on previous posts, you can’t have read those…
Hi agag – tennis is good at the moment, but no writing Federer off just yet 😉
Not a fan of Federer, you know I’m a Nadal girl; so I’m cheering on Murray. 🙂 Fantastic performance by team GB last night; and the golds came one after the other.
I thought Ramsey played well last night. Shame about Sturridge’s pen.
I very disappointed with Ramsey agag – he is representing GB but couldn’t even be bothered to sing our National Anthem.
None of the Welsh or Scots did – absolute disgrace!
Ramsey could have won in in normal time with his second penalty chance.. Hopeless 😉
I did not notice that, rico. 🙁 🙁 That is disgraceful. 😕
On a happier note, at least he’d be training with AFC soon.
I see Ca$hley is as cla$$y a$ ever. Now there is another disgrace. 😉
Is that good news agag 😉 😉
He could be off to China I read, following the money again, he’s not nice is he….
Hiya Rico. Nice post.
Sounds good re: Wanyama.
No disrespect to Scottish football as in the past it was AWESOME and produced some fantastic sides and not just the big two. Aberdeen, Dundee, Hibs, Hearts and Kilmarnock all had their day; and some of the players were exceptional. In fact very exceptional.
However, the reality is that recently both Anthony Stokes and Kyle Bartley did well up there and they got nowhere near our first eleven.
Celtic will walk the SPL and wrap it up by February as there is NO competition. Anyone can look good against shit sides – Look at Diaby. But the shit sides in Scotland are similar to the back end of our “Championship”.
eg. Would Ipswich, Blackpool, Leeds beat Aberdeen, Dundee, Hibs, Motherwell etc.? 8 times out of 10, Yes.
I’d go with most that M’Vila would be a good signing.
Read the Rennes blogs. The only time the whine about him is that he plays his position and doesn’t score goals.
The Van Der Weil rumour sounds VERY good, but that may mean Jenkinson could go on loan..
..It would be nice to be a fly on the wall in Wenger’s office ….
It is good news, rico. Can’t have him slacking off! He looks fit, at least. 🙂
Cashley is yuck.
Where’s that Satan – Andy Murray gets GOLD 😛
Rico,
you win. Murray wins. Fedex derailed. Sad for him. Really.
Hi Syg, thanks re the post.
Some really good reviews on Wanyama from the Celtic fans but yes, the SPL is very similar to the Spanish league, two main sides and nothing too threatening after them…
I am here. Was watching Federer leaving. Really feel for him.
😆 Satan
Andy Murray battered him, simply battered him and I loved it 🙂
Aww..no fairy tales for Federer. I hope his career will end at Wimbledon and with a fairy tale ending.
Yay to Murray!!!
Yes Rico, I love that Mo’s victory and celebrations veyr much..still a warm glow in moi.
People, we really really need decent FB, nto that mediocre bunch we are having now.
Der Weil?
Not too sure but if he is only 7-mil, worth a punt as he will be better than Jenkinson surely…..and Sagna fracturign his leg twice, we need experienced cover, especially wtih Theo at right flank.
But we will never knwo Wenger as I feel strongly that he will prefer to give Yennaris or Coquelin or even Bellerin a stint at RB while waiting for Sagna to recover.
C”mon, people, surely Wenger should realsie by now that Jenkinson is a disaster at RB, no positional sense, lack tacticala wareness liek Gibbs, with opponents running behind him easily…liek Gibbs, always caught out of position..
Like Lauren, Santos has the experience to commit “intelligent foul” to stop players from running pass him.
Gibbs and Jenkinson don’t.
Luke Shaw?
We have Meades. DO we need Luke Shaw?
I believe FB wil be our achille heel this season..especaily with Theo and Gervinho not tracking back…
Rico. Sorry I went missing there. Rain stopped play at the cricket. South Africa are such a boring team.
He’ll have one more year playing the Slams I suspect, say his farewell and then retire.
I like Federer and Nadal but today was about GB so even I had to support Murray….
Federer is on the decline and winning Wembledon was his 2nd wind like a marathon runner.
I doubt Federer will ever win another Grand Slam title ever….
Hurray for Murray as perhaps he had broken through that psychological barreir of not winning a major..like that 4-min mile….
Now then, time for our bunch of”7 tropyless seasons” losers to break thru’ that psychological barrier of not winning a piece of silverware. I am confident that winning the first piece during 2012/13 wil lead to a continual stream fo silverwares to come….
Of course, we need to “buy” that piece of silverware liek CHelski, Abu DHabi, ManU and Liverpool by spending 50-mil and counting this summer.
Was it Murray who said prior to Wembledon FInal that he will win for England…preferably in Scotland?
I personally would like us to sign Shaw, yes merlin …. but I’d rather we signed Baines…
No problem Adam – I keep popping off to keep up the games too, what have they done now?
Tennis is so tedious.
No merlin, when asked who he wanted to win the WC/Euros he replied ‘anyone but England’…
Pieterson, who is the most exciting thing about cricket at the moment, was out after a couple of balls. This means that the borefest resumes until he comes back to the crease. I’ve had sports overdose though I am finding the social phenomena Of the Olympics slightly amusing.
Good Afternoon Fine Folks.
Saw this in the Sun. I hope to see the Chavs through some more results like this next season. It will be interesting.
ROBERTO DI MATTEO will be cracking the whip with his Chelsea stars this week.
The European champions were a shadow of the side that conquered Bayern Munich in May and well beaten by the Seagulls of Di Matteo’s old Stamford Bridge mucker, Gus Poyet.
Di Matteo said: “We need to do a lot of work this week. I was expecting a little bit more from my team, for a better performance.”
Chelsea led through Frank Lampard but ex-Spain star Vicente rolled in Brighton’s equaliser. Ashley Barnes then cracked a second just before half-time and Andrew Crofts, just re-signed from Norwich, wrapped it up lat
I really struggle to cheer on that dour faced git!
But he’s a Gooner Lee.
Rico, again you will never know Wenger.
He may surprise us all by singing Baines like Arteta on 31 August at 23:59:59!
I like his comments afetr Asian Tour that some of the players are not ready for premiership…meaning……he is eyeing experienced players now and accepted that his youth project will not flower in 2012/13..maybe in 2014/15…
I suspect Jenkinson is like Armand Toure, neither here nor there as a FB or winger…..just a mediocre squad member..
Looks like he’s been sucking lemons!
I see he has cracked a smile while wrapping himself in the Union Jack.
Merlin96 says:
August 5, 2012 at 4:40 pm
Rico, again you will never know Wenger.
I guess not even his wife knows him well enough!!!!!! 😆
He’s still a w@nker imho!
Brilliant sunshine and pouring rain here, bizarre!
Surprised it wasn’t a Paraguay shirt…
Why do you say that Devil? In many ways none of us will ever know anyone.
D_G, De Matteo just got lucky with an ageing squad and he got a massive task of reshaping CHelski with all those new players.
Like Mancini, he will go trophyless for 1 or 2 seasons beofre he ahs a team.
You think Abramovich will have the patience to go even a single season with trophy, and worse, out of TOp-4?
f you analysed Chelski during their heydays under Mourinho, they got a strogn English SPine with Terry as the Leader, plus Lampard’s infleucne in midfield.
Take out Terry and Lamaprd, De Matteo lost that primary ingredient that made CHelski so successful under mOurinho – leaders in every department.
That is why Arsenal was struggling after Vieira and Sol Campbell. No leaders.
Merlin, Mo Farah came though with flying colours last night, there was a lot of argy bargy going on in that race, he was at the Emirates a couple of seasons ago and came on at the half time interval to a standing ovation.
Micko. He was there more recently than that. This past season in fact.
Adam, turn the TV off 🙂
Hi devil, always nice to see the Chavs lose… De Matteo could have his work cut out keeping all the egos in check, AVB all over again…
Lee, did you pop off for 40 winks 😉
It probably was last season then Adam, they just whizz past.
Rico. I can’t turn it off. I am really beginning to “feel” his sincerity. For me he is the best.
Jenks imho will be a centre back in a couple of years and a bloomin good one, he has the heart of Tony Adams, now he just needs to keep working…
Hey Micko, was a tough one for Mo, but my word didn’t he finish well 🙂
Hi Micko. Love that Mo’s victory….what a tactical race, patiently running at his own pace and then attack the pack at the home straight.
We need that kind of belief and detemrinaiton in our squad to win something this season.
There’s only one man in the squad with that fierce will to win in my opinion.
You are a hoot Adam 🙂
Going to cut the grass before it rains, and before my back really does give up on me 🙁
Faster than a vindaloo rico.
Merlin, well it’s looking a bit better than this time last season isn’t it.
Rico, you ithe rhave it or you don’t.
Remind you of Jusitn Hoyte and Jay SImpson isn’t it?
All heart and determination but simply lack that talent, that like bit of “extras” to go to the top.
A similar contrast is a 17 year old Fabregas and a 19 year old Ramsey. That tacitcl awareness and peripheral vision, playing with the ehad up searching for passing channels and the ability to pass and move and anticipate palys on the pitch….
You either have it or you don’t.
Sure Micko.
This everlasting optimist and dreamer is always looking for a repeat fo 2007/08 with 6 wins on the trot in AUg/Sept.
Let’s hope Theo signs his extension next week…and RvP makes an 11th hour U-turn…like Steve Gerrard…and promptly went on to win the CL Cup..
Betdaq have Sergio Aguero and Wayne Rooney at around 15/2 to become the Premierships top goalscorer.
… Gervinho is 246/1
Allardyce is the bookies favourites for first manager to get the sack at 6/1
SYG. What price is Squillaci?
Yes Rico, you know me well. I took advantage of an empty house and grabbed a power nap, I feel worse now!
Adam, is AW building his new team around the Squillster?
For the 3.30 at Kempton.
Those Sunday afternoon naps can leave you feeling groggy Lee, especially when it’s hot.
@ Adam, 😆
I wouldn’t fancy an arm wrestle against Claire Balding!
We really aren’t getting shot of our shit players, are we? A by-product of putting them on lucrative contacts….
We are good at Olympic sports that involve sitting down.
Malaga’s Julio Baptista, who previously spent time on loan with Arsenal, has today tweeted to give his best wishes to Santi Cazorla and tell him that he will miss him. Tweeting on his confirmed account, Baptista said……….I’d like to send a greeting to my two companions who were, Santi Cazorla and a big hug Salomon Rondon will miss you.
Cazorla was reported to have passed his medical last week and have met Arsenal players at Colney. The uncertain situation at Malaga has been the reason for the holdup with the official announcement which is widely expected to come at the start of the week.
Earlier today, Malaga midfielder Enzo Maresca also confirmed that Cazorla had been sold.
Rondon has joined Rubin Kazan in a deal reported to be worth €10m as the Spanish side look to sell players in order to clear their debts.
So Rico………Rondon is not going to the Tiny Totts
Lee, we’re probably see other clubs sniffing around us on DD knowing there’s a good chance they’ll get a bargain, we’ll end up cutting our losses.
Yes I suppose that’ll happen shame we can’t lose them now!
I just read that M’Vila has agreed terms with that pile shite up the road…..
You guys dream of buying a brand spanking new car, I just dream of buying a tip top Atco Cylinder Lawn Mower……..
Lee, M’Vila to the Tiny Totts 😮
Adam – 4.47 = Squilli 😛
M’vila to spuds would be annoying more than anything else but with sandro n parker for that roll they’ll prob stick same as us with frimpong, coquelin n song. Suspect sales before we see m’vila in N London. Plus the rumoured price to spuds was less then 10 mill
hi jimario – i think m’vila would spell the end of sandro for them.. If its less that £10m, best AW gets in there fast, unless he is after Capoue…
But, this may not be true, M’Vila said he wants CL footie, he won’t get that with them….
Hows things rico? For that price you’d hope he would. I think m’vila would rather stay at rennes then go to spuds about the same standard. Capoue remains a possibility but still depends on song staying or going. Personally don’t think we’ll see any DM changes
All good with me thank jimario, you??
M’Vila made it clear that he wants to play for AW, I’m not sure he’d entertain joining the totts for the reasons you say…
Agent talk maybe?
Lee – where did you see the M’vila story?
Jimario, maybe he’s just stopping off at Tottenham to have a pish against the stadium, that’s all I can think of.
😆 Micko…
The Metro are running the M’Vila story…
Off to get dinner, later all….
Thats about the best use for WHL. The fact he declaired his like for arsenal and wenger i think we are his only planned destination or stay put, but money talks. Hopefully cazorla will be officialised early this week so that doesnt turn into an m’vila-esq saga, most of us thought he’d signed a month ago though cazorla seem, by all reports 99% done
hi all….so we are finally settled on “the CAZ”…almost can’t believe all these things are happening at arsenal….August 18 hmm.
jimario – Cazorla is done i think, just needs Malaga to sign his contract off or something similar – reckon tomorrow he will be confirmed. Then he can join the boys in Germany…
If the only story about M’Vila is from the Metro, then who knows, they are normally as bad as the Daily Mail 😉
Hi bondex, yes, not long to go before the RvP deadline is upon us….
hi Rico..how have you been? i honestly won’t mind if AW goes on pause mode now and Bould works on our defence..as bad as the our defending was last season,if we had taken 60% of all the chances we had last season or made all our possession count,we’d be top of the league…this doesn’t mean i’m satisfied though.
Tip top thanks bondex, you?
No, no pausiNG FOR AW, he needs to get on and sign who he plans too. Leave the BB team to get on with their job too, they don’t need AW interfering 😉
i’m fine Rico thanks…..but in the light of what happened last season,i’m not just setting my self up for disappointments…till they all happen
You and me both bondex – until afc.com announce any signings, rumours are just rumours…
But, Cazorla is done I believe and afc would have confirmed it by now but for the mess at malaga…
I’m done for the day guys and gals – enjoy the rest of yours….
‘Til tomorrow…
Night all, and stay safe….
Pls can I get an update regarding Sahin Loan deal? Have not heard anymore detail regarding the loan deal..
Thanks for your concern RICO ! And thank you for your well wishes in our league , which I am sure like you say it is already in the bag , just like your one ! Not sure why the English fa will not allow GCFC entry in to the EPL , Cardiff. Swansea are hardly English but then again your GB team only had the welsh in it , the spl was slated by the. English as a two horse race ! The epl. Is ONE of the best leagues in the world but it is and will continue to be for quite sometime a 2 horse race. !!! Anybody that thinks different is just wishfull thinking , arsenal used to be a great team to watch , there team of today would get absoloutly thrashed by there team of 10 years ago ! A head strong manager who thinks he can prove every other manager in Britain wrong ! Now isn’t that unlike the French !! And he continues to get everyone’s backing as every other team gets better ! Gone are the days of anyone fearing arsenal ! And as for RICO if you are able to Finnish above any Manchester team in the league I will walk to London and by you a pint my friend. As I am sure these two horses will be to strong again ! Worry about your own team and league my friend !
Oh dear, will someone buy Stuart a pint of bitter !
Hey Mick, never mind dopey Stuart, mines a pint of lager.
Come on, get ’em in.
Get a life Stuart.
Smile,it won’t hurt……..too much 🙂
All the Celtic fans have been polite and informative apart from the idiot stuart who attacked Rico and Arsenal for NO reason whatsoever.Dunno what you said to upset him Rico oh and Stuart Rico is a lady so a bit of respect please.
Looks like Arsenal failed to agree a fee with Caen for Niang…
Personally I’m not too disappointed.
I’d rather see Akpom given the chances that Niang may have taken up.
We have so many great young players in our Reserves, Youths & Academy, so let’s give them the opportunities!
M’Vila to the Spuds?
That would be a turn up, especially after long term target (so the media claimed) Vertonghen, ended up moving to Lasagne Lane.
AK,I’m happy we’ve concentrated on class players for today,not for three or four years time,so I’m with you on Niang.
The thing is,if we can start winning trophies,kids will want to join us,and not need convincing.
I’ve watched this Wanyama guy in a few Europa League games last season, he was absolute class. The last time Kenya played in the AFCON is in 2004, and has already been knocked out of next year’s edition. I got a feeling he’s the guy to solve Arsenal’s defensive problems.
Morning all..
R.I.P Henry Chinonso Ihelewere….
Morning Lee and all…
That is tragic news – 21 years old….
RIP young fella…..
I know Rico, I’ve got shoes older than that! 🙁
Puts everything else into perspective doesn’t it Lee, very very sad…
Morning all. As you say Rico. Very, very sad.
I see mankini has almost given up on our captain they are now after de rossi!
Lee. The size and depth of Mankini’s pouting can only be imagined.
Morning Adam
I don’t believe a word that comes out of that mans mouth, he is desperate to get Rvp…
The foot stamping from the Ethiad is deafening!
How are you this morning Adam?
I wouldn’t think that Wenger would like seeing van Persie at Man Utd though Rico. If he has to go then Juventus seems the best option.
Not bad Lee thank you. Still slightly tearful after seeing Andy Murray win yesterday. As you know I love him deeply, but in a manly way. And your handsome self?
He’s staying Adam 🙂
I’m off to the new post, can’t cope with tearful men 😆
Like you I was deeply under-whelmed by his victory! I’m feeling more human today and looking forward to seeing the family on Thursday even though it’s only a swift trip!
If that is true Rico then I will put his picture back on my wall and dance like a dervish on my Staddle stone.
No word on Sahin loan deal yet?
Absolute rubbish. RvP told Wenger nothing will be won with Song in the team? Where do you get this rubbish from?
Song is an integral part of our team now. It would be a major blow to lose him. Anyone who thinks Diaby could replace Song as our “DM” (defensive midfielder) are deluded. Song is the new “old” Michael Essien, box-to-box, strong tackler but likes to push forward and attack. He is not a rigid DM like Makelele was. He shouldn’t be criticised for sometimes drifting out of position because without him doing that we would have missed out on 12-odd goals. A true DM should be signed ie M’Vila, Wanyama etc. So Song can play in his true position alongside Arteta, Ramsey or Wilshere. Or Sahin if he signs. The holy midfield trinity tackler-possesion-driver