Did Arsene Wenger do the right thing?

Morning all.

Jack Wilshere has been talking about his World Cup place.

I was panicking a bit about the squad, I wanted to be in it.

I thought I was ready but he said: ‘No, you’re not. You need to train alone if you are to have a good World Cup. You need a good fitness base and to be right in every aspect’.”

In other words, despite Jack believing he was fit to play for his club, Arsene Wenger knew just how important getting to Rio was for our midfielder and didn’t risk him just in case he suffered a set-back which would have ended his summer dream.

A short appearance, but very solid appearance in the FA Cup Final was clearly enough to prove his fitness and with it, a place in Roy Hodgsons England squad. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is in there with him too, despite not playing before the season ended.

But was it right of Arsene Wenger to put country before club?

As it turned out it didn’t matter as walked away from Wembley with the trophy in our hands but as said, he, Tomas and Sanogo all made a big difference to the way we played and some could be tempted to suggest that had they started, we may just have made the game easier for ourselves.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing eh and it must have been a hard decision to make leaving Jack out because with him playing we won 67% of our games, compared to just 57% without him.

Just like not signing a striker last summer was a crazy decision, just like not overplaying certain key players and had one been done and the other not, we could have won the double this season. It really was that close, a fit Aaron Ramsey and a striker with pace and scoring ability or even a winger with pace who can score would have given us something much different up front.

Nigel Winterburn has been talking about this summer transfer window:

A lot of people will be frustrated if we go into the last week of the transfer window and Arsene hasn’t made any major signings.

A lot of people are talking about three players that would really strengthen them. Obviously they need another centre forward, if not two.

People are talking about the right-back situation and maybe bringing in a strong holding midfielder. There are four or five positions [that need work].

Our old left-back isn’t the kind of man who’s all bitter and twisted when it comes to his old club. He speaks as a fan and he’s right, we need five signings to make us real challengers on all fronts.

Speaking of the World Cup that will happen on June 12, 2014 – who is your money on to win it?

284 thoughts on “Did Arsene Wenger do the right thing?

  1. AndrewH says:

    Morning rico and all. Been away on holidays, all over now before World Cup!

    Can you do me a favour and save me tons of reading? Can you provide a quick summary list of all our summer buys so far?

  2. tsgh says:

    Morning again Rico,

    It is good AW ensured JW was available to featured for us in the WC… if AW had done the same for France, the ‘ginger sniper’ at Talkshite and his likes will be out in arms protesting…

  3. rico says:

    Morning again to you Ts and all…

    I always wonder whether clubs should look after players when a WC is approaching and I guess we were in a position where Jack could work on his own fitness at no cost to the team.

    Not sure I agree with it though….

  4. Scott From Oz says:

    Morning all.
    I reckon we all know, just as much as NW, what is required.
    Let’s assume Arsene not only agrees, but does something about it.
    I believe Wenger did right by Arsenal in not playing Jack.
    If he went I. Underdone, he’d have failed to himself or the Arsenal justice, and probably injured himself again, to an extent we will not know, thank goodness.
    No, better leave a player off the pitch a week too long than bring him back a week too soon.

  5. rico says:

    Morning Scott..

    The cynic in me thinks Jack was fit and ready to play but AW thought that him returning would mean he’d have to make a decision on who to play… 😉

  6. tsgh says:

    Hi Ah… hope you had a good one..?

    The players we have signed are too numerous to list as you may suspect… 😉

    Rico, when either the WC or the Euros is approaching it has an effect of a double edge sword imo…

    As an example Poldi upped his game for us in order to make it to the WC…

    Santi was on the verge of missing out but in the last 2 months he upped his game too in all areas… he was even defending and tracking back…

    I think Per slacked off in the last 2 months.. we could factor fatigue into it but when Loew makes comments such as ‘Hummels is returning from injury at the right time, which will make him fresh for Brazil’… I guess it could make a player like Per think hold on a second I might get injured and miss out even though he had been superb for large part of the season…

  7. rico says:

    Maybe Ts, or maybe players just upped their game because they knew they had to for us to get into the top 4.

    We’ll never know for sure..

  8. tsgh says:

    It worked out well with Jw so hopefully he helps us out to a good world cup..

    Scott, you still haven’t given me your views on Jedinak your national captain…

  9. Nickie says:

    Morning all,

    got a good feeling about Jack at the world cup and next season. it’s his turn to shine, in his cameos for england and Arsenal he looked sharp and fresh

  10. rico says:

    Agree there Ts, hope Jack has a great WC and shuts up a few of his critics…

    Hi Nickie.. Fingers crossed on both…

  11. tsgh says:

    The less JW and Ox play in Brazil the better it is for us in August as we have to play in the CL qualifier plus the community shield so…

    It looks like OG12 will be playing in most of Frances’ games…
    Poldi will be a bit part player but Germany will be expected to get far in the tournament…

    SC19 too is in similar situation…

    We will have CJ25, Ramsey, Abu Dhabi,Gibbs, Flamster, MA08 who should be frsh and ready to go so fingers crossed…

  12. rogerbij says:

    Top players want to play always – just look at Costa and the Champions league final. He believed he could play, but anyone who has had a hamstring injury (I’ve done it too many times) knows this is a 3 week layoff. Now, with Jack, Wenger shows he cares about the player, he knows he’s not at peak fitness yet, and knows that the WC experience will be a big one for Jack. He’ll take that experience back to Arsenal – especially if he/england do well – and he’ll be a happier, more settled player for us. I didnt mind him on the bench for the final because we had more than enough midfield firepower on the field and he wasnt match fit. He still got his cameo, we won the cup, and now its the world cup. Bingo, good management from Wenger, and one hell of a final!

  13. Nickie says:

    I’d personally like jack and ox to get a decent world cup under their belt. Boost their confidence. Couple of weeks rest before season they’ll be fresh

  14. potter says:

    Nickie it will be good for their confidence to have a good Brazil trip but that doesn’t mean getting flogged to death , half hour at a time should be o.k. The conditions out there will mean squad management will be all important , thank God Wenger’s not in charge.

  15. tsgh says:

    Lol Potter… ‘thank God Wenger’s not in charge’.

    Our manager and AW are cut from the same old cloth…

  16. rico says:

    Ts, I have a feeling both Jack and Alex will have a big part to play, however, I don’t anticipate England getting past the group stages…

  17. Scott From Oz says:

    Sorry Ginge, I missed that request mate……
    Medinak is fantastic.
    He is big, strong, courageous and skilful…..remember his volley that shook our crossbar early in the season?
    He is also a very well respected man, and a sensational choice as skipper.
    Honestly, I would be rapt to see him at Arsenal, because he is an Aussie, naturally, but also because he is good!

  18. rico says:

    roger, kind of slightly disagree as it wasn’t until Jack, Tomas and Yaya came on that we looked like we would win..

    I know it all worked out well in the end but…. just my view of course.. 😉

  19. Scott From Oz says:

    Guys, I am actually tipping England to perform better than the experts predict.
    It seems they have finally rid themselves of some of the old guard, and have some fresh legs that bring pace to the squad.
    I don’t mind them at all.

  20. tsgh says:

    Ghana and England can’t both be out in the group stages… 🙂

    I may end up supporting Belgium or Chile..

    My plan B teams Germany and Holland currently look more suspect than AW against Chelsea…

    Has anyone seen the Holland squad… ? the worst in decades imho…

  21. Nickie says:

    I’d like to see this team Start Wednesday

    ———Hart———
    John–Jag-Cah–Bain
    ——-Gerrard——–
    —-Bark—–Wils—–
    Ox——————Lalla
    ———Stur————-

  22. Scott From Oz says:

    Ginge, I’ll have a friendly wager on Ox being the better player in a few years time /)

  23. tsgh says:

    Of course Scott; Ox has the world at his feet.. in my view what is holding him back is his want to play centrally which I doubt he is ready for… not in the next 2 seasons at least…

  24. AndrewH says:

    Ts, rico, good thanks, all the better for that cup final win before I went. Daft how much one game can make to a summer!!

  25. tsgh says:

    At this stage I see Serge a better all round player than Ox but Ox is obviously more exciting to watch…
    Obviously Serge is more continental so he is a bit more advanced tactically than most players…

    Its like Llalana… I like him a lot but most assume he is only 22y.o but in actual fact he is 26 y.o

  26. tsgh says:

    Personally, Barkley is the best English player… his football brains is superior even in his teens as compared to players like Llalana and even Sterling.. I know different players and all but…

  27. tsgh says:

    Nickie, your midfield 3 who will be the no. 10? And what role is Barkley playing assuming its a traditional 4-2-3-1 set-up?

  28. AndrewH says:

    Barkley reminds me of Rooney breaking through and being a potential world class player. But despite the hype, he has never really made it to the very top level. Maybe this WC is his chance, but I suspect he wont take it by the scruff of the neck. Barkley has potential to go further, be interesting to see. Bad news for JWs place though!

  29. tsgh says:

    Totally agree Ah…

    Barkley can play across the whole midfield too… Barkley is a big game player as well and because he is right footed he is a bit more fluid.

    I have always said to friends that Rooney should become a CAM instead of a striker to make him a top top player…

  30. tsgh says:

    It looks like the saints are being lynched from all angles… they may struggle next season…

    Morgan for me please AW…

  31. Nickie says:

    TS

    Barkley furthest forward out of the 3, Gerrard deep and Wilshere the one who can make runs from deep linking defence to attack

  32. rico says:

    I recall when we played Everton last season that someone on here got laughed at when they suggested Barkley was really good against us..

    In fact one person suggested that it was Arteta being poor that made him look good…

    Hmmmm 😆

  33. tsgh says:

    I like that Nickie, good mix but all our opinions…

    I see Hodgson playing JW as a no.10 though…

    Watching footie this weekend every team I saw was playing AW and Peps 4-1-4-1 now..

  34. Scott From Oz says:

    Ginge, not as lone striker….never.
    For me, playing off the shoulder of a Giroud could be dynamic.
    He is smart enough to time his runs, and that’s what we miss when Giroud gets his head to the ball.
    Ox is fast, direct and can shoot.
    He can also beat his man.
    I can’t see any downside, to be honest.
    Now…my turn…..what do YOU think of our big Aussie.

  35. tsgh says:

    Rico, I remember that; I think it was Dna who said so… 😉

    I if you recall I was calling for Barkley instead of Fellaini all last summer…

  36. potter says:

    Barkley is now flavour of the month as Jack was before the combined thuggery of the Premierleague decided to kick him out of it. Barkley will get similar treatment but is bigger and more able to deal with it. Like Xavi and Iniesta Jack needs to learn when and where to put himself in danger and with a long uninterrupted run of games will start to kick on again.

  37. rico says:

    I have to put my hands up. I wanted us to sign Rooney last summer, a friend of mine said he was on the decline but I didn’t agree.

    I was wrong. I think he’s finished…..

    Sturrige and Wellbeck surely offer England much more…..

  38. Nickie says:

    If we wasn’t so spoiled in midfield I’d want Barkley at arsenal. I was the same Rico, was excited at the prospect of Rooney but he has looked pants all season and doesn’t deserve the England start.

  39. tsgh says:

    Which big Aussie?

    Scott, I am with you on Ox as a no.10-ish but until he improves how he shields the ball with his back to goal it is not going to happen…
    Most teams do not play with the high back line anymore…

    Like JW and loads of our English based players they struggle in that area…

    Ox likes it when he has acres in front of him to turn on the turbo-chargers… ;0

    It will be like Theo struggling with teams playing very deep as his pace can’t be utilised…

  40. Scott From Oz says:

    Yes you have, Rico 🙂
    I don’t think Rooney is finished, unless he stays at Yanited.
    They were so ridiculously naive to pay him 300k a week.
    He is set.
    He is in his comfort zone.
    That’s a bad place to be for a footballer.

  41. Scott From Oz says:

    On the comfort zone thing, I will throw this one up.
    If Messi ever leaves Barca, he will go up a notch as a player!!!

  42. tsgh says:

    I have to agree Potter…

    The issue is always with us on this Island who view players like Townsend as exciting…

    I always ask how often you see Ronaldo, Gotze, Robben etc just run with the ball for no reason?

    Even Salah has stopped running with the ball since he joined Jose…

    JW, I have always said should keep it simple like a proper no.6… he has the God-given talent.

    That is why I like Barkley; at his age he knows when to dictate play or just keep things ticking along…

    The issue with JW and most of our English players is that they assume they have to do something exciting to be appreciated…

  43. tsgh says:

    I like Wooney; I agree with you Scott but just maybe he hit his peak too early in his career and so the only way is down from here…

  44. tsgh says:

    If you referring to Jedinak then he should be playing Aussie Rules not in the EPL. 😛

    Saying that he is with the right Rugby coach at Palace…

    Joking aside… he has it all for his height. At 28 he looks liek he is hitting his peak and he is the type of signing AW should be making imho…

  45. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Morning all, maybe the penny has finally dropped with Arsene, only play players when they’re fully fit. As for the Ox, needs to stay fit and used on a regular basis in the first team, a talent but in what position.As for England, can see them just getting out of the group, though not really interested. More worried about Ozil performances, missed a sitter last night.Big up for the Ladies yesterday, great way for Kerr to leave, Rico any ideas on the next manager? The demon Fake Java bug appeared again last night, as i was catching up on the Cesc lovefest. dam that bug.

  46. Scott From Oz says:

    Ginge, what did I say about Aaron…..once he simplifies his game, he will show his true worth.
    Yes, Jack can learn that same lesson.
    He has an incredible gift, so should stop trying so hard to do it all.

  47. Scott From Oz says:

    Andrew, I agree.
    Theo has shown a massive improvement in his football brain over the last 18 months, when playing.

  48. Scott From Oz says:

    Ginge, Jedinak was a late bloomer, so still has plenty to offer.
    He’d be a ripper signing for Arsenal.

  49. rico says:

    Nickie, I’d rather we went and offered £25 million for Barkley, than pay Barca for Cesc.

    Although I think Barkley would cost a lot more than that purely because he’s English and on the rise….

  50. tsgh says:

    Oh I agree with Rico again what is happening? 😛

    Last summer when B04 rejected our bid for Lars I said I would pay £19m for Barkley instead but his rating is so high this time round Kenwright would expect £30M.. but if he is offered 60k salary it won’t be a bad investment imho…

  51. Nickie says:

    tbh, I don’t really want Cesc to make a return. Like you say i’d rather Barkley for 25mil. I’d hate to see Cesc go to our rivals though, I lose in every possible way unless he goes elsewhere in Europe

  52. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Ts, if Ozil has a bad world cup and not feature a lot for Germany, his fragile confidence could take a big hit.

  53. Scott From Oz says:

    I doubt Pulis will want to lose him, Ginge.
    Still, we could get him for a good price, and as I said, I reckon he’d have plenty of years left in his tank.
    Of course you were right, Szczesny saved it….no crossbar intervention in that one 🙂

  54. rico says:

    Ts, I think sometimes you need to be right, that’s when you agree with me… 😉

    I reckon Chelsea might try for Barkley….

  55. tsgh says:

    I don’t want Cesc either but I don’t have a lot of ambition… 🙂

    Cesc was another big game bottler in his last 2 seasons with us… when he started off his performance against PV04’s inter was world class but when he hit the big time I thought he started to bottle it in the big games… just my humble opinion of course.

    Cesc also never had the engine; I guess Aw played him into the ground but I could stand him going missing in the winter..

  56. tsgh says:

    Bt- Loew has put his whole managerial career on Ozil…

    As I mentioned earlier I didn’t like how he tried to blame Ozil for that performance…

    Loew is an idiot for not picking Keisling and Kruse… tbh

  57. Scott From Oz says:

    Ginge, do you reckon Cesc was NOT a player that a team could be built around, or have his side lean on him?

  58. tsgh says:

    Scott, if Pulis sells to AW? lol

    It will be like Mark Hughes refusing to sell your other country man to us after Al Fayed had agreed to sell to us…

  59. tsgh says:

    Scott, imo Cesc thrived on being the center of things… that is why he probably ‘failed’ at Barca… (I am not saying he failed btw….)

    It was interesting how his comment digging at AW about lack of specified tactics back fired on him at Camp Nou… he could not handle linking play between Busquet, and Xavi and Messi… too many cooks comes to mind…

    😀 Potter

  60. rogerbij says:

    Hey Rico 10:37, but I totally agree with you actually – that when they came on we had more freshness and zip. I just dont think Jack shouldve started or played more than 45 mins or so. Hull were dead on their feet in extra time so fresh legs (and quality) got us over the line with a great win in the end 🙂

  61. Scott From Oz says:

    Fair enough Ginge.
    He loved it……..but it may not have loved him….that’s what I was trying to get at 🙂

  62. rico says:

    I thought he was once Scott, but once he got a bee in his bonnet about returning to Spain, it was all over….

  63. Scott From Oz says:

    Rico, I must say that at the time…actually, until recently…I was of the opinion Cesc was simply homesick and did little wrong.
    I have changed tack a bit.
    He is quality, but the info I got was no way he will be back.
    Time will tell, as always 🙂

  64. rico says:

    I didn’t begrudge him going back home either Scott, but I sure as heck didn’t like the way he went about it…

    I’m sure I read somewhere that IG said he sulked and refused to play for us towards the end….

  65. tsgh says:

    lol.. re Cesc… shame but I put my neck on the line..

    He will sign for Pelle’ and join Sagna and Nasri.. more money too

  66. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Rico. i think i read somewhere it can’t be confirmed till 10 of June or perhaps Arsenes trying to get him for a fiver from QPR. lol

  67. tsgh says:

    As I always say to Micko obviously internet has ears so I have to be careful but he was hardly ever injured with his 3 to 6 weeks hamstring injuries so…

    And that dubious back pass well???

  68. Canadian Gooner says:

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

    Rico – Idon’t think Arsene was thinking about England when he delayed Wilshere’s return. I think he was trying to make sure he was fully fit before returning and trying to impress Hodgeson to make the England team. Many of the younger players don’t listen to their bodies and ar prone to re-injuring themselves. The last thing we need is an injured player sitting around moping and watching his national team at the WC.

    I think it was Scott that said “better a week late than a week early”. Did I just quote Scott, what’s next?

  69. Scott From Oz says:

    CG, it is becoming a trend……ask Rico 🙂
    Ginge, Citeh is what I heard for Cesc……..

  70. rico says:

    By the way Nickie, good to see you keep returning. So many pop on here, leave a rude comment and then go…….

  71. Scott From Oz says:

    Rico, I resent that.
    I made thousands of rude comments and stayed.
    Credit where it’s due, please 🙂

  72. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Rico, can’t really answer that one,thought that strange myself, the other side is, have Arsenal agreed a fee with QPR yet?

  73. Scott From Oz says:

    Nickie, it’s limited to clubs that can afford him, and I’d suggest he wants Arsenal to have every chance to buy him before he sets his sights elsewhere, but we may not be interested.
    Who knows?
    Bloody transfer windows!

  74. Gunnerdna says:

    Morning all, Good post rico..

    “Rico, I remember that; I think it was Dna who said so”… 😉

    Ts, which Everton game was this home or away?

    Don’t get carried away with the hype on Barkley just yet, see what happen to JW. As soon as a english player have a couple good/average games in EPL he is deemed world class. Which other team in the world would carry Raheem Sterling to a world cup?

  75. Wath says:

    I think there is a cabbie somewhere crying in his tea reading that we don’t want that bloke from Barca to return to us…. As for the lunatic that is Balotelli………….. Why would any sane manager buy that nutcase….!

  76. Nickie says:

    I see this Fabregas situation as a distraction for Wenger. He will dither all summer, should I? or shouldn’t I? over Fabregas which will take away from the signings we actually need. In the end I can see Wenger being so caught up with Fab that some of the more important areas aren’t addressed and because we have no time left he just signs Fab.

  77. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Rico, apparently window officially opens July1, deals can be annonuced beforehand, I think all parties involved in these deals, have to be in agreement. Maybe it was July 10 i saw, don’t even trust myself anymore! lol

  78. Wath says:

    Would I ever do that Potter 😉

    Hey wait a second here your all jumping the gun… I not said anything about our esteemed one being a headcase…!

  79. Canadian Gooner says:

    Regarding Cesc: even the Spanish papers can’t keep the story straight. One had him staying at Barcelona and 24 to 48 hrs. stated he was definitely going for the equivalent of 30 million pounds. We’re just going to have to wait until some team or the player makes an announcement.

    Rico – Arsenal never announce a player is signed until all the paperwork is done (player, clubs, FA) and his registration received by the FA.

  80. rico says:

    PL official site Bt:

    When does the transfer window open and close?

    There are two transfer windows in each Barclays Premier League season.

    The first commences at midnight on the last day of the season and ends on 31 August if a working day – or, if not, on the first working day thereafter, at a time determined by the Board.

    The second transfer window commences at midnight on the 31 December and ends on the 31 January if a working day, and again, if not, on the first working day thereafter, at a time determined by the Board.

    Temporary transfers can be made permanent outside of the transfer windows. For further information please see the rules in the Premier League Handbook.

    Now I’m really confused 😉

  81. potter says:

    Financially the Cesc deal shouldn’t be too taxing. They still do owe us apparently for both him and Song so a deal could be struck and if we insert a delayed payment like they did with us it’s just a case of Wenger saying yes and sending his minnions to do the deal. Barca do not have Laporta twisting his parents this time and playing on his “” DNA “”. Perhaps we should play on his daughter living in London . As for him going to Chelsea , it’s just like Maureen to stick his oar in but just tell Santi to keep whispering Mata in his ear throughout the World Cup and that should make him see sense.

  82. Scott From Oz says:

    Yes Rico, once Ramsey came good you all loved me a hahahahaha.
    Potter, I read Barca still owe us 15 million or so…..I can’t say that news is 100% accurate though.

  83. Canadian Gooner says:

    Scott – You say people quoting you is becoming a trend. Is that another indicator that this is truly the ‘Silly Season’?

    As for Cesc, one source has him waiting to talk to the new coach about his place on the FC Farcelona team before making up his mind. I doubt he will want to leave unless he has no part/place.

  84. Wath says:

    The last guesstimate from Swiss ramble was 15million euro end of August 2013 but now it could be as low as 6/7 million euro…. Still a nice chunk for a down payment on Alexis Sanchez….!

  85. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Rico, i was taking the July date from the Daily Mirror article on the transfer windows opening and closing.lol. Still if there is no agreement with QPR, then no announcement. I only seen personnel terms agreed, so confusing!! lol

  86. Scott From Oz says:

    CG, it’s the world gone mad!!
    Ask Lee, I’m never right, so you lot quoting me must be even worse lol.

  87. Scott From Oz says:

    Wath, so that was only a guess and old info…apologies……I never realised that bit.

  88. rico says:

    It is confusing Bt, but the Liverpool signing of Lambert shows that PL to PL transfers can be done now.

    My guess is the Remy talk is just that, all talk and no substance….

  89. Scott From Oz says:

    And rightly so!!
    I am not sure I want to discuss all things Arsenal with people who agree with my opinions.
    You lot may have no standards, but i most certainly do.

  90. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Afternoon all.

    Would I want Fabregas to return?
    Why not. He’s an 83-cap international with plenty of goals and in him.
    When he played for us the team had holes in it – Almunia, Eboue, Denilson etc and he was for most of the time the stand-out performer.
    We now have a proper team …

    We have loads of midfielders already? Really?
    Diaby is bollocksed, Arteta is almost washed-up, Flamini is Flamini – Rosicky -as much as I like him – he is 34 this year…..

    Fabregas would be a good purchase and you know with him in the team that we wouldn’t be getting caned 0-6, 1-5 etc..

    Is he the solution to a problem?
    No, but he would help and he is world class.

    Javier Martinez is also part-solution to the problem and he is also a £30M midfielder.

  91. Canadian Gooner says:

    Scott – I’m sure us agreeing with you is only a temporary aberration, normal service will be resumed.

  92. rico says:

    Hi Syg…

    It sure will be Cg, starting from now. Seeing as Scott is asleep its a good time. lol

  93. potter says:

    I repeat what I said earlier :- As for him going to Chelsea , it’s just like Maureen to stick his oar in but just tell Santi to keep whispering Mata in his ear throughout the World Cup and that should make him see sense.

  94. rico says:

    I don’t think for too long though. Wenger said he wants a signing or two before the WC didn’t he?

    You may just turn out to be right potter….

  95. Bt62 Gooner says:

    I see Grizemann scored a cracker for France, Arsene likened it to a Pires finish. Smoke and mirrors ref Arsenes’ transfer quotes, hard to do before world cup, hard to do after, players on hols, Market congested with big money buyers, expects signings early!! Aah!! lol

  96. Wath says:

    Cesc to the Chavs means he gets to stay in London with the Mrs and kid and also gets to earn a huge salary… Am sure he’s smiling big time…!

  97. Wath says:

    Bt, Don’t forget AW also likes to make others think he wants players that they then buy at inflated prices when he wasn’t interested at all… He wants to try buy players with as little fuss as possible hence his comments from all over the place.

    We still like to do our business as quietly as possible but in this world of social media it’s becoming harder and harder but still not impossible.

  98. Wath says:

    As an aside Bt, It would be interesting to see how someone like Moreenyo would play Cesc…!

  99. rico says:

    Trouble is, AW makes so many conflicting statements I think even he forgets who he wants to sign. Maybe that’s why it always takes him so long… lol

  100. Wath says:

    He’s at the age Rico where he now has a list to remind himself… It works for Grandad Kev he been doing it for years…!

  101. tsgh says:

    Hi WAth… Balo’ is a mad genius ask Einstein? 🙂

    Syg, stop dreaming Sir and lay off Eboue and the Spanish waiter? How was your trip to Cyprus? Did you see the photo of Song and Poldi throwing up their ‘gang’ signs? lol

    Song was really making Ozil and Khedira look very average but that is another story..

    For those who missed the Belgium game.. lets put £25m down for Lukaku..
    http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1xycj2_sweden-vs-belgium-0-2-hd-all-goals-highlights-friendly-match-01-06-14_sport

  102. rico says:

    Sky Bet have cut the odds on Cesc Fabregas and Ross Barkley moving to Stamford Bridge, and they also report money for Micah Richards to Liverpool

  103. Wath says:

    Ts, no doubting the talent of Balo but the bloke is a complete headcase and who ever takes him is just taking on so much trouble he just not worth the risk even for free…!

    I’d rather Hazard Ts 😉

  104. tsgh says:

    lol.. and those who think Tv is average and 3rd choice material… him next to Kompany was colossal imho…

    Again Fellaini was on the bench for Witsel, Dembele starting…

    😀 Dna re Barkley it depends on what you expect from a player…

    If Xavi was from this league he won’t be talked about same as Carrick because he hardly scores…

  105. tsgh says:

    Wath Lol.. £30m plus and a 150k a week salary; you want to kill AW?

    Seriously, though I agree with you.. I just believe he is bound to grow up eventually…

    Gattuso was sent to the SPL before he matured so…

  106. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Wath, as i said smoke and mirrors, it would be a lot easier to keep deals quiet at times, if he didn’t make insulting offers. Couldn’t see Cesc being allowed to roam the pitch under Maureen.

  107. Gunnerdna says:

    Ts, ” Dna re Barkley it depends on what you expect from a player…

    If Xavi was from this league he won’t be talked about same as Carrick because he hardly score.” lol

    Using Barkley and Carrick in the same sentence with Xavi, u r a brave man. lol

    England leave their best left back at home for a WC and fans calling for Raheem Sterling to start so u might have a point.

  108. Wath says:

    Ts, Only 30bar on Hazard… more like 45/50….! Yep you just know AW would have a kitten parting with such money lol be worth seeing his face though 😀

  109. Wath says:

    I also like Sterling, quick and direct and causes defenders problems….! Can’t see what your problem is with him Gdna….

  110. BrainwashedKev says:

    Typical, the Chavs get Cesc and Barkley, meanwhile Arsenal’s busy summer grinds on snoozing…

    Afternoon All.
    Afternoon Rico
    Afternoon Wath

  111. tsgh says:

    Lol WAth… the look on AW’s face will definitely be a box office moment.

    Hiya Kev… I didn’t get much for birthday and Christmas as a child so my expectations are as low as it can get. 😀

  112. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Hiya Ginge…

    Lukaku ….. £25M …. Bony …. Benteke … £25M ???

    You’re getting as bad as Clarence Seedorf ….

  113. Wavy says:

    Afternoon Adam and Rico and SYG and Kev and WATH and…..transfer discussions are all very well but they are really only like playing fantasy football or champ manager!
    I’m not holding my breath waiting for our first signing (if there is one), as I fear I will die first and then I’ll never know! Not a good plan for the future!

  114. Rick says:

    Afternoon Rico and the house.
    Wow whats up all the big Guns on together.
    Sorry one missing
    Wake up Scott.

  115. Rick says:

    I dont know Rico it’s been great reading the last few days.
    Like you I think something big is on the cards.

  116. Wath says:

    I saw Lee earlier Rico, he posted a pic of himself on twitter gazing out of a window….! Quite bizarre then realised he was waiting for the pub to open.

  117. Wath says:

    You need to wrap up warm then Wavy………… 😉

    I find a bottle of whiskey helps……..

  118. Lenz says:

    Tgsh

    sorry,but van buyten was the guy who was with kompany yesterday and van buyten was superb
    he led the counter attack for the eden hazard’s goal
    Vermaleen played at left back.have to say but witsel and dembele looked good

    Re:lukaku
    good goal but doesnt know how to connect with his mildfielder,would defo improve with age even at everton he struggled with this.

  119. tsgh says:

    lol… Syg.. I haven’t even come to why Benteke who is injured is worth £30m plus yet… 🙂

    Hi Rick

  120. Rick says:

    Hi Ginge hows things
    Did you see Ozykup played for Turkey last night and is reported to have had a good game. Pitty he saw fitt to leave.

  121. tsgh says:

    Not too bad Sir.. and you?I saw highlights because of klinsmann…
    ozykup heeded RVp’s advice apparently…

  122. BrainwashedKev says:

    Ginge, my expectations are what they usually are…

    We are in the archetypal early transfer window, with the oh so boring but predictable pre-season ticket renewal bullshit behind us and now several weeks of frustration ahead of us as Chelsea, Man City, ManUre and maybe this time even Liverpool, hoovering up all the targets we’d hoped to see at Arsenal…

    Imagine this Ginge: Mourinho bringing in Costa, Fabregas, Barkley, two fingers to FFP eh?

    In one summer, any EPL hopes Arsenal had, blown away…

    Still we might get Remy…

  123. Wath says:

    Grandad…. Behave or I’ll have to put you back on your tabs……..

    Only team who has actually bought anyone is Liverpool, a 32yr old striker…! Don’t tell me that’s upset you…?

    As for all the other players who are linked with Tom Dick n Harry until it happens nothing has happened…!

  124. Wath says:

    Rico, I really don’t care where he goes as long as we buy what we need… let him take his attitude elsewhere… Funny how today I have read stories saying Barca upset with his attitude….! Funny…!

  125. rico says:

    I’m with you there Wath. I asked the question the other day, ‘why are Barca prepared to let him go’?

  126. tsgh says:

    good question Rico… already made Xavi replacement apparently but they are prepared to allo someone with that dna to leave..

    Barca could make more money selling Alexis if it was about money…
    then again I am bitter so… 🙂

    Kev, I want Jose to buy want he wants and still fail so that Roman can sack him… lol

  127. rico says:

    Especially as so much fuss was made to tap him up and get him signed Ts.

    I just don’t get why they would sell him, unless he is causing a bit of a problem in the camp.

  128. BrainwashedKev says:

    We’ll all be taking tablets, by the August 31st deadline… 🙁

    Lee, the only thing that keeps my spirits up is the thought of seeing Kalou and Bent leading the Arsenal attack….
    Mind you, add a Bender to that mix and now your talking…

  129. Wath says:

    Him cause problems in the camp… never Rico… unheard of….! lol

    One of the big reasons they bought him back as well was due to the usual presidential battle….!

  130. rico says:

    Who has decided to ship him out Wath, do you know?

    The new manager isn’t even in post yet is he?

  131. tsgh says:

    Luis Enrique was a fine pragmatic player who I suspect would value Cesc if something was not brewing in the background…

    Do we really want Darren Dein sniffing around again?

  132. Wavy says:

    The only news around is that there is no news!
    We are presently in the false war period! It’s a bit like the false no 9. It’s an intangible bale thing everyone can see it and feel it but nobody can quite put their finger on it!
    A transfer is in the offing but we don’t know who, we don’t know when and we don’t know how much!……………but it is going to happen………..is t it?

  133. rico says:

    And what am I supposed to write between now and then Ts?? 😉

    Wavy, you must have an idea of a post, come on, get your pen out!! 🙂

  134. Wath says:

    Rico no idea obviously and lets be honest one minute he off the next he staying but it does seem he’s ruffled feathers at Barca….! They obviously want as much as possible for him which is also why it’s all smoke n mirrors….

  135. Wath says:

    Morning Scott….

    Mate those number I commented on are from Swiss Ramble… what you said about the 15mil was right according to Aug 2013 but no one knows whats been paid in the interim…! SR estimated that the figure would now be approx 6/7million outstanding. BUT no one will know exactly until next financial results are released.

  136. Wath says:

    As is the norm Rico… Marca and ElMundo are complete and utter bullshit artists… they make our red tops look like proper investigative papers with full on 100% proper inside info…!

  137. Wavy says:

    I’ll see what I can do. Don’t hold your breath and just to say I gave up pens in 2009 now I only use swords!

  138. Scott From Oz says:

    No worries, Wath.
    Let’s hope it’s still 15 million…gives us more leverage whichever way it plays out.
    Let’s get Messi!!
    Nah, from what I’ve seen of them, Sanchez is the man that would upgrade us, and Alonso from Real would do as well.
    They are the two players from Spain I’d love.

  139. Scott From Oz says:

    He is now Jedinak though 🙂
    Kidding of course.
    Alonso is no nonsense, get the job done type of player, and we can use one or two like that.

  140. tsgh says:

    What is happening on HH… Scott into Alonso? 😛

    To me he is what a DM should be; he is not the destroyer but he does the job perfectly…

    We were going to get Alonso last season when Asier was signed but against the Cesc rumours slowed things down…

  141. rico says:

    It’s that time of day for me…

    You all have a good night, good day for you Scott…

    Night all…..

  142. Scott From Oz says:

    Night Rico.
    Ginge, I’ve always rated the guy very highly.
    Jedinak is big enough and strong enough to play Aussie rules lol.

  143. Scott From Oz says:

    Ginge, he is tall enough, but with a solid frame as well.
    As with Alonso, no nonsense, get the job done.
    He’d never take a backward step and I will say this….with his heart, we would NEVER be beaten 6-0.

  144. BrainwashedKev says:

    Wilfred Bony for £19 million?
    Or
    Mario Balotelli for £20 million?
    Or
    Jean-Christophe Bahebeck for a Free+ 50% of any sell-on fee?
    Or
    Saloman Kalou for a Double Pie n Mash…?

  145. Lee says:

    Morning all, I hate all this transfer bollox! Trouble is, looking at newsnow is so addictive but also a massive crock of shit!
    Saying that, the dippers are trying to nick Aurier! 😉

  146. rico says:

    Morning Lee.

    Jamie Sanderson is the ‘sauce’ for the Aurier story, he used to be reliable but maybe he’s been ‘Metro’d’…. 😉

  147. rico says:

    Thierry Henry reckons AW is to hit the big time again and win more trophies….

    Maybe AW has taken up green bowling…. 😉

  148. Sukky says:

    Despite leaving in 2011,Fabregas has played the most accurate 2RU ball in Epl and he has picked up the highest assist since he left.Can’t see why we should be debating on That type of player.World class players is not too many in a team.

  149. rico says:

    I guess we debate Cesc Sukky because not all fans think it’s wise to bring him back…

    But it matters not really because AW will make his own mind up at some stage and if he wants to resign him, he’ll return…

  150. Scott From Oz says:

    We need to talk about transfer rumours because there’s nothing else happening lol.

  151. rico says:

    Absolutely Scott, and there’s nothing happening in the transfer window either…

    Very good Potter… lol

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