Morning all.
What is a so called ‘big named’ player?
Well in my opinion, that’s measured by whichever club is signing the player.
For example, Qpr signed Loic Remy last season, which I would say was a big name for them but if we signed him, fans wouldn’t be happy. He’s been touting for a move to the Premier League for years.
Same could be said about a few other signings Arry made, one of the best of course was the Brazilian goalkeeper. Surely he’d be classed as a big name at most clubs. I think many Arsenal fans would still love us to sign him but because Qpr pay him so much, £80k a week I read, I doubt we will.
Andy Carroll went to Liverpool for £25 million – big money indeed but a big named player? No, never in a million years but I strongly suspect that West Ham fans were delighted when they managed to get him for less than half of that price and it could be said that for the London club, Carroll was a big name signing.
Tottenham signed a few players last summer, big players? No, none of them really but for the tiny club they are, they were thought to big by their fans. (sorry, I couldn’t resist)
Michu went to Swansea for just over £2 million, was he considered to be a big name player? Maybe for them but he wouldn’t have been for us and no doubt had we signed him, Arsenal fans would not have been very happy. He turned out to be a very good signing, one who caused us a few problems at The Emirates.
Benteke to Aston Villa, pretty much unknown when they signed him but look at him now, he has a £25 million price tag according to his manager. He wasn’t a big name, but he put in many big performances.
Of course there are many more comparisons for clubs with and without mega riches, the latter of course just throw money after money on the latest ‘big name’ when they can but it doesn’t always bring glory.
Neither does being tight though, we are living proof of that these days but back a few years ago, whilst still being ‘careful’ with money, Wenger made a few magical signings. Not many were ‘big names’ in fact some came to us whilst struggling at their current club but back then, Wenger had the ability to take their game to another level.
Last summer we signed Podolski, Cazorla and Giroud – two of which are full international players and both had a very good reputation as players. Whether Arsene Wenger will push their game to another level remains to be seen….
Big named players, no, not by their price tag and not in many fans eyes but why not?
Do fans really believe that a Spanish and German international didn’t deserve that label in relation to the size of our club?
I was glad that we signed both, in fact all three, albeit wary that the Premier League is a very different ball game to the one they were used to and to be honest, that has shown at times. Too many times.
Giroud, well he definitely wasn’t a big name but he could go onto be over the next couple of seasons, already Valencia are rumoured to want him….
Big named players aren’t always big players and what we need is big players. Players who can win a match from a losing position. Players who will dig deep and give everything from start to finish and they don’t always need to cost £50 million.
They don’t always need to be a name that we’ve all heard of each and every day in the world of football.
But sometimes, we need to push the boat out and pay that little big extra when we and the whole world have seen what a player can do.
Old Red Nose did that last summer when he paid over £20 million for a 29 year old striker who knew and still knows where the net is.
If we do something similar and pay over the odds for just one special, proved Premier League player and then sign 2/3 more who will give their all for every second they are on the pitch, then we’ll be a lot stronger than we are today.
Isn’t that all we ask for?
That’s it for another day……
Morning all…
Got to nip out for an hour, good luck with understanding the post, I didn’t and I wrote it 😉
Laters
Was a bit confused right until the end but, pretty much sums up the arsenal fan at the moment. Good un as always. And, yea, that’s all we ask for.
Morning all.
Luther?
Isn’t he the bad guy in Superman?
Really astute article. The expectations at this club should be high. We should expect to be challenging every year. In fact we should be like Barca, Bayern, Real, Juventus. We need the ‘big’ players because the reason they are big is, in general, they are better. What hurts me is that from being a ‘Big’ club, with ‘Big’ players, we have shrunk to a background team who are as diluted as they have ever been. Or name once rang out in the world. The ‘invicibles’ gave joy to the world. Now the fans shed tears.
Morning all.
Liverpool certainly wish they paid 25 million for Any Carrol now!!!
…. if you’re Arsene Wenger armed with £100m and £500k a week in wages… you really can’t be coming out of a summer without any players. If you do… it kind of means you’re finished. ….
Oluwaseun….you are a dickhead.
No, that is not a positive thing.
Hello again all…
Scott – he’s gone…..
Every club has big name apart from arsenal, is time we get our own, when u talk of flops you better come to arsenal
Morning Scot and hi rico.
Who’s Oluwaseun and, where is he?
Morning all,
I think I missed an event or should I say a non-event.
Good call Rico.
That was just way over the top.
G’day CH, Ginge…everyone else 🙂
This is Wenger and not Alex Ferguson,Wenger will never ever compromise his principles not even for Messi.The man is procrastination in its living form.Suarez will come to Arsenal if we can get him for 40 mil not a penny more.Julio Cesar will come Arsenal if he decides to lower his wage demand and if not,forget about it.Wenger is loathe to spend,he once said when asked what he would do if the board gave him 100 mil to spend,Answer “Give it back”.
DG, we offered not a penny more, but a full pound more than the said 30 million 🙂
Morning Ts, think I missed it too.
Morning all…. good post rico.signing a big name player changes the feeling around the club.It gives us a positive athmosphere which is what we need right now.
Wow, I guess it must’ve been harsh to get Scott so worked up.
I think AW needs to accept that good honest hard working players can cost £15-18 million, top class, big names and PL proved top players are much much more…
If he’s worth £40 million then he is probably worth £50 I think. It is only money after all and we are making up for lost time in the transfer market.
Nah Bradster, i am cool.
Only had one crack at him.
The Queen deleted him witout a warning, so that should tell you how bad it was.
Hell, i am still here, so we know how tolerant Rico is 🙂
Thanks arsenal-steve & bondex..
Sure… We are a big club in terms of fan base, money and History. However, the people in charge are content to reap from past golories. There is little checks and balance in the clubs hierarchy. Money is successfully coming in without the need to seriously reinvest on field products. Until this formula is proven wrong, you can bet your 60k stadium for silverware. Arsenal leaders seem to be convinced that we have unlimited time and chances to experiment with on the field products (mould young players into stars and sell high). Injuries and other things that hinder to make more money (are jußt unfortunate incidents) they stay the course. Cheers
Adam, for the goodwill the extra 10 million would bring to the club, i am with you.
Adam ….. 😀 making up for lost time in the transfer market
Adam, that extra £10 million is 2.5 billion to me.:x
I agree Adam, What world class striker is still available? Man U will sell to EPL for silly money or normal price to a foreign club.
Lol, must be your positivity Scott that keeps you in her good books.
Scott. Agreed. It all stopped making financial sense years ago.
Apologies Rico.
I constantly applaud others posts, but that is only because yours are always of a great standard, so it is only me being complacent and taking it for granted 🙂
Ps….i truly mean every word.
Nah Bradster, i am the comic relief….the Aussie sidekick lol
CH. get down the Sterling Bank and get yourself an Arsenal card mate. 🙂
I happen to agree Adam, Gerv sale will pay the extra…
Hi Rico. Excellent post.
Yes, that little knob Arshavin cost half of that in wages alone last year because he couldn’t keep his zipper closed.
I keep mine closed at all times. 🙂 lest temptation appears. 🙂
Good day all.
Great post there Rico, I understood where you were headed!;)
Looking likely a big name with a big price tag won’t arrive but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be strengthening just about every facet of the team! Get on with it Arsene, the fans are getting very restless. Be it on ur head if we start the season with what we have now!
Great 10:14 Scott! Made me lol. What did the dick head write?
rico surely didn’t want me to see it, Scot.:)
On my way Adam, just boarded the Higua Express.
CH. You Nigerian guys are usually very resourceful financially.
Look, he comes on and basically says if Wenger doesn’t sign a big name player someone should take a gun to him.
There was no humour in the way he wrote it at all.
Hi, are still waiting?
At least the Espn show voted the invincible team as the best team in the EPL history ahead of Mauren-ho’s 95 points team. 😛
Is AA23 still our record signing? I thought it was Ox at 17M?
Scott you say that eveery day to me… Rico has not barred you yet? very unfair! 🙂 😀
Soldado is joining the Totts…
Thanks Adam & Lewis 😛
Its official, The Tiny Totts have bought Soldado. Thats three players for them. What about us? What is Wengers problem?
Oh, we are Adam, we are. One former governor is still in your jail for just that.
So just Chelsea and RM to go before we can try squeeze Liverpool for less than 50m
Honestly, i would rather one Rooney or Suarez than the 3 they have.
Still, at this stage we don’t even have the one 🙂
Ts 10:51, that’s because you’re inconsequential. Arsene is responsible for Theo’s wellbeing so, rico cannot chance any harm coming to him.:)
While one player is agitating for CL footy, another is giving it up. Different strokes…?
He was an arse. Scott is just a pain in one 😉
Aren’t we all Arses, rico?:/
Spurs getting Soldaldo,Chadli and Paulinho and we get nothing!!! If they manage to keep Bale then we are done for.
Rico, you just wait until April…..i am invading your country 🙂
Got to pick the best games/games to come over for.
Jeff, so we get told every single year.
They could get Messi and still find a way to stubb their toes 🙂
Zelalem is better and the snake CF04 is coming! keep the fsith.
Where is Cg, when you need him. lol
Micko talking about white pudding? What has he been drinking? lol
By the time you arrive Scott, we would have wrapped up our first CoC trophy. hippieee
How good is Salvio? I saw Arsenal rumoured to be interested and PSG bid 32m Euros.
Jeff, Bales gone…… well, pretty much, I’m sure they are already spending the £86 million they will get…
I know Scott, we here are all off to Australia at the same time 😉
When AW said Arsenal will go a whole season unbeaten, every man on the planet laughed at him. Why because even then Van Nisterooy was considered better than TH14 and Kanu, Butt and Keane were considered better PV04 and Silva/Edu/Grimaldi.
DB07 was definitely considered universal class above an injury prone Pires….
Tems are never considered good until they win something and certainly most players are not…
keep the faith as always…
Watching over bags of faith, Ginge.
Rico, the difference is our country learned a few hundred years ago not to let any more poms in…….all bloody criminals 🙂
Nah, nowhere to hide for you lol
Any chance we can all get to a game together??
And a pub beforehand, of course .
Ts, you reckon Cesc is returning?
Where as we let any old waif and stray Scott so you’ll get in easy 😉
I think those chances would be slim for a game and pub, pub sounds good though 😉
If not this window the next Rico.
He is one reason why AW has not bought any major MF’s…
AW has to leave at least £35M for CF04 just in case. £25M for buying and up to £10M for salary… then there is the adder himself Darren Deins fees.
Folks, even Porto and Shaktar did not want Paulinho.. don’t believe the hype friends.
Soldado is good but not better than Poldi….
I know Rico.
You guys have no standards at all.
I said earlier, HH keeps me around 🙂
Was it Charlie Chaplin that said it…..i do not wish to be a member of a club that would have me as a member?
Words to that effect lol
… and Jaap Stam was definitely better than a W.African 21 y.o bought for 500k.
G Neville was an England international far experienced and better than an African/Spainish RW turned RB in Lauren…
But AW may not be manager in a couple of years time Ts…
Pub it is Rico.
And many would be happy if we just signed him (Soldado) forgetting he may not be an upgrade…
😛 Scott….
Maybe that’s why he is saving the money for the next manager, rico. 🙂
Guys, Suarez has gone nowhere.
Rooney is still ahere he does not want to be.
Cesc..who knows.
Fellaini…available.
Torres….will be soon if Suarez goes to Chelski.
There is time, there are quality players available.
We must keep the faith for a few more weeks.
And Rico, it is your shout 🙂
Well, Kev’s fiver will get the first one lol
What is a pint worth over there??
Good Post, Times have changed though, fans are now more impatient than the days of Henry, Vieira, Pires (players who became big names at Arsenal).
I think we (fans) deserve a big name signing, atleast as a gift for our patience and loyalty for the last 8years, maybe? #lol
The last time I felt this restless during a transfer window was the season we signed Na$ri, Boy! I was practically obssesed
I’d much rather Rooney, Suarez or Torres than Soldado…
Very expensive – nearly £4 for a Peroni or other decent lagers, Fosters is cheaper though 😉
Rooney. Fitness.
Maybe Ch, just maybe… If he doesn’t work things out this summer, that could be sooner rather than later – IF Kroenke grows a pair…
Jenny Samson homeless?
Me thinks he is trying to, rico. Optimist me. Am not sure SK will ever grow a pair re the manager who stood by him through very rough times.
What’s all this….. Scott causing trouble again I see, he must be on the Port he always gets rowdy after a few guzzles of that stuff…! It ferments his brain…!
Morning Spy WATH.
He’d soon get fit again, he’s getting there now…
Sad state of affairs Lewis, how can a top class footballer let all that happen… Very sad..
Welcome and thanks Teebajj – Nasri, now he was a git in the end wasn’t he, we were simply a stepping stone…
rico, what about the imaginary injury, wouldn’t that affect his fitness also?
What has he stepped to, rico, more money? Its not as if he is setting the world alight through footy.
No, not really, not if he’s been training hard since then… He wasn’t injured for long..
Thats my point, stepping stone to more money.
Ok, lets see who we manage to (not) sign.
Players of these days amaze me. Money over football.
Haven’t had a drop tonight Wath….could be the problem 🙂
Rico, they can not give Fosters away here.
CH, it is incredible.
As far as quality of life is concerned,is there really any difference between 70 and 90k a week?
I mean, it is a million per year…a heap of cash, but would it influence a players lifestyle at all?
Keep calm now, but it’s rumoured that we could snap up Darren Bent for £6million…
Grant Holt in the hole, Jack Shit as our def-mid???
Gets the juices flowing… 😉
That’s why they amaze me Scot. They keep wanting more just like Oliver, Oliver, Oliver Twist.
Holla Kev.
Kev, i hope they pay 35 million each for them 🙂
CH, they have the media and thei agents in their ears telling them how good they are.
That is the problem.
Thank You Rico, he was and still is a git, but I’m afraid many more might follow suit if we don’t show title intent (RVP et’al? )
Money and ambition seems to be the order of the ‘present football’ day, maybe we need too match that and stop relying on loyalty dues.
Suarez or Rooney are both football wise up to the class we want, however given there attitude issues are they worth paying the extra money for given how they agitate for moves away? I want Wenger to spend some money but on the right quality player with the right attitude which is the point of today’s post and I am not convinced especially on Suarez that he is the right person.
Scot, Bendtner’s agent must be on something we don’t know about.
AK where did you get that scoop from… Not Palmer surely..?
Afternoon Gooners.
Afternoon Rico…
Ginge, you have banged the drum consistently for Benteke.
Now I don’t know a lot about him and have only seen him briefly on MotD. So enlighten me, if you will?
From what I know, he’s had one reasonably good season at Aston Villa. And is now commonly touted as being worth £25million.
ManC, ManUre and Chelski have not been linked to him, to my knowledge…
Is he that good?
Is he another Adebayor??
Wath, hi mate.
I’m afraid that I simply cannot tell you Wath, that Adam told me… 😉
Cheers…
Ah now that would explain it AK, thanx 4 the inside info… I won’t tell Adam that you told me…!
I’d take a punt on Benteke but only if we got him for 15mil thats double what Villa paid..! that’s enough.
I’d rock the boat as well with a bid for Torres..! Def a bid for Rooney and lets make sure that Livpoo know Suarez isn’t our only option..!
I still think bottom line we’ll buy players because as pig headed and stubborn and egotistical that Wenger is surely even he knows he will lose the fans if he doesn’t buy this summer…!?!? surely surely he knows this…?
Not surprised Scott, it really is s***e 😉
I don’t see why we don’t go offer 35million for Lewandowski as well and bollox to all that Munich rubbish…! If we show some intent he make think we can be the new BM and compete with them, he said not more than 18 months ago he would love to join Arsenal…!
Yes, Bent will be unveiled as our marquee signing after Jim White has had his hysteria gland replaced for the screaming announcement on SSN. Wenger is conducting the deal from his retirement home in Bournemouth.
Scott, chuck some of that Port my way please mate… In dire need..!
Adam you closet football agent you……….. why have you kept it such a secret that Bent is your man 😉
Teebajj – we’ll never match he likes of City unless AU takes over…
Guys, are you watching the cricket?
Video ump??
Why bother?
Another totally wrong decision.
Rico, with the funds we’re generating we actually now do not need AU for his money, we need someone at board level it seems to hold our manager accountable and if he doesn’t want to do whats necessary then as harsh as it may sound he needs to be removed from office….! If the board are going to allow him to have things all his own way then they should remove themselves from office..!
Wath. I have never forgotten Bent’s composed finishing and neither has Wenger. Grant Holt next and possibly Titus Bramble as defensive cover and our spending will be done.
Afternoon Kev and Wath…
Wath, i am with you on Torres.
If the player thought for one minute we wanted him, he would start rocking the boat immediately.
Wath. Surely Torres is a busted flush.
Lewandowski offer the 40 million for him and in two or three years he can move to Bayern, I think we need a Centre half and a midfielder more than a striker spend 40 on those two signings and if we don’t buy a striker then OK we have options up front
Mourinho might be happy to sell him to old uncle Arsene the belligerent, stubborn codger. Why doesn’t someone just tell him?
Adam, it is hard to say on Torres, but the risk is worth it if the price was right, i reckon.
Who knows…he may find a new lease on life.
Yes Wath, but with him we’d have a bit of ambition and a board who will make it happen. Under Kroenke, there seems to be little fire in the boards belly…
It’s a risk I wouldn’t take Scott but, as September 2nd approaches?
I still feel that the path is set towards Wenger’s eventual demise as manager. Then we can start looking forward but while we have a man who puts himself before the club and fans we could tread water for a while. It’s suicide by torpor for me. Joyless and rather negative.
Vernat, actually your right, offer the 40million and be done with it, on a long term contract who cares if in 3 years he wants to leave and we recoup most of the fee but he wins us trophies in that time..?
Torres was always class Adam, you can’t just lose that…? maybe he is to consumed with how to spend his salary..?
The fact we are bidding so much for Suarez is at least a decent sign weare getting serious.
Better late than never, but to show us all they are serious, they need to get the thing done.
12.42 Wath. Spot on.
Thing is Rico the board do Stan’s bidding so they toothless to actually put their foot down unless it’s on Stans say so…! Thats how the status quo looks in any case.
Very interesting point of views amazing how we look back and see what was good and what was bad.
I all look at what we had last season, see the departures look at the arrivals and think are we stronger or weaker.
Again, so far this summer 1 in how many out? Are we stronger than last season. No, especially if we get injuries early on.
I completely agree that its not the amount you spend it where you spend it.
Right now even the spuds have spent £42m compared to our ZERO. Yes they will loose Bale but we are yet to see what they get in return. I bet they will still have a stronger squad that last year.
We need strength in depth and that is what we dont have right now.
Adam,he wold not be my first choice….rather a guy who has not been in a 3 season slump lol.
As a late option..agreed.
Wath, our style of play would suit Torres, but he would still have a lot to prove.
Wath. “Was” always class. Very true. What about the last 2 seasons though. I wouldn’ t do it, but it might work.
Really sad news about Kenny Sansom. The best left-back of all time. Wonder if the ex-pros will rally round like they do every time Gascoigne fecks up!
Realistically, we shold not even be talking about a player who has been a slump for so long as a viable option.
Wenger, what have you done to me 🙂
Probably too worried about their jobs Wath and what it earns them…
I had hoped a bit of younger blood would have been drafted in when PHW went but no such luck.. And no, I don’t mean Josh 😉
Spot on Lawrence, strength and depth, we’ve been lacking that for many a season now. Plenty of players in the squad, too many though were average at best..
Thing is Scott the club have been made to look rather daft with a bid to activate a clause that actually now doesn’t seem to be a clause…. Who gave the info and why..? If we are prepared to spend that kind of money then there are definitely other players out there worth bidding that kind of money on that would make us a better team. How long do we keep all our eggs in the one basket or are we happy to wait til the last minute..? As said why are the other deals not being done as Suarez alone will not make us title contenders think we all agree on that one..! The club has had many weeks to make things happen and for all concerned like i said yesterday new players as early as possible to bed in surely makes sense…?
Adam, think you’ll agree you don’t lose the class it’s just why is he not showing it…? Can we get the best out of him again and if it’s for 15 mil I would take a risk…!
They may lose Bale but we all know the yids will spend that money they get for him and try and buy decent players, we have that amount and more and yet we’re still faffing about…!
Spot on Bob John, lets hope the PFA sort Kenny out…! Was there the day he signed on the marble steps and got his signature… top man and top player, hope he comes right.
Wath, i know what you mean.
Of all the players around, and think of him how you will, i think the single player that would have the most positive impact on the pitch is Cesc.
Theo is coming good….ok, slowly, but improving.
Giroud will be much better this season.
Podolski is a guy who needs to have the right service so he can just pull the trigger.
Who is the one player in the world that can produce that final pass to set these guys up better than all others?
Cesc.
The reason we need a striker is because the guys i named can not really create goals put of nothing…not often enough, anyway.
That is where a Suarez or Rooney enters the conversation.
Off for the night.
Enjoy the day guys.
Well, everyone except the video ump 🙂
Do people really want it in football??
To counter that though Scott we have a few players to play killer passes would Cewsc make that much of a difference compared to a big physical midfielder which we are totally lacking and a lot would say we need far more of that type of player than a “Cesc”…?
I thought so too Bj, really sad….
Night Scott..
Night Scott….! Don’t worry mate time you wake up KP will be on 126 N/O….!
No Wath, Root and Cook will still be at the crease 😉
The way “your” umps are going, i wouldn’t doubt it Wath lol
Who makes the killer passes now though??
Nobody we have is even close to Cesc.
Our biggest weakness, imo, is our lack of goals in the big games.
We struggle v top opposition.
We lack creativity and the ability to break down well organised defences.
Cesc can break down any side.
Gone now 🙂
Ramsey Scott 😆 😆
He is busy cleaning up after Theo 🙂
Reeeeeeaaaalllllly gone now.
Promise.
Pffffff 😉
I think Cesc is no different to what we have… everything goes through the middle of the pitch we lack width which is why we can’t break teams down, Santi, Jack, Aaron, Arteta can all make great passes but it’s always through the centre of the pitch and teams know how to defend that and then we clueless…! Width is what we lack and what we need, proper width and a big strong midfielder to make up for 5 game a season Diaby..! Just my opinion of course…
Our umpires… ain’t they South African…? they hate us…! your southern hemisphere mates…!
Good article by John Cross…
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenals-summer-transfer-window-far-2112190
And, how many times was Cesc guilty of passing sideways or backwards?
All because we lacked and still lack width.
I’d love us to get a proper out and out winger with pace on the left, someone who can keep up with TW. Have Suarez in the middle, who is far from slow and we’d batter defences….
Add a ‘DM’ kind of player and a keeper and we’re done 😉
Is that article a blank page Wath?
JC has written exactly what most fans feel and think..
does it open Rico…?
Yes Wath, just thought it might be blank as we haven’t done any transfer business 😉
That’s the blank cheque Rico 😛
Ha ha – really good article though, he always seems to be quite honest without showing hatred like so many others do when they write about us…
Seems like Arsenal are offering Sansom help and support… Good.
That piece by John Cross, is pretty much the scenario that Adam has painted all summer.
Imagine the reaction of the crowd, on Sept 1st, if an Arsenal team, boasting only Sanogo as it’s summers transfer activity, is turned over at The Grove, by a Spuds team minus Bale, but with £70m in new additions in it’s line-up???
It could be nasty…
The player bit too Kev, in a post I suggested about all the players are buzzing with all the talk of new players…
It will absolutely rock all their hopes of being a good side and heads will drop big time and one man will be to blame…
Good read.looking forward to the Emirates cup game vs Napoli to give us a clear indication of how we are setting up for the coming season.
Rico check your mail.
Thanks Kt, I have and replied, can’t open the document for some reason…
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/08/01/liverpool-agree-deal-to-sell-luis-suarez-arsenal-miss-out-formal-announcement-imminent/?
What is happening at Arsenal is just part of the pain that must be endured for the club to progress. Gazidis knows this.
Sent a new one rico.
Got it Kt, all ok this time – thanks 🙂
Just hope he’s not the one to make way Adam, when the poop hits the fan. IF of course things stay the same on Sept 3rd…
I seriously doubt that AW would be so stupid not to make a few good signings…
I’m thirsty…………..
Really Rico? He’s done it on many previous occasions. Last January we were crying out for a striker and he bought a last minute left back and only because Gibbs got injured. History is littered with those who were once high achievers making stupid mistakes and going on for too long.
The fact is that no-one at the club is big enough to take action. I am convinced that Gazidis sees it but is forced to let it play out.
I see that Wenger did do the Google webcast thing but the questions were heavily vetted and really very limp. “Do you prefer man to man or zonal marking?” “What country have you enjoyed visiting the most?”
Pathetic really and embarrassing.
You really think they are going to let proper questions be fired at him Adam….? come on mate get real lol
Me too Wath….
Yes Adam, I do think he will make signings, but I strongly doubt it will be Suarez or any other ‘big name’ player….
Adam, that horrible scenario we discussed is getting closer and closer mate… lets hope we are both very wrong…!
I believe you Rico.
Glad I didn’t bother tuning into that then Adam…
What horrible scenario?
No you don’t Adam, you fibber 😉
Seriously, it’s just my thought, maybe it’s more hope but I sure as hell hope I am right…
Otherwise Arsenal FC is deep is the mire as players will want to jump ship at the first chance they get…
Hi Kev,
In relation to Benteke, he could be the new Adeba-whore no one knows; all I know is that Genk and Standard Liege have said no bad words against him.
The same can’t be said about Suarez so it is a difficult one; and that is going on all the way back to Nacional. According to wiki Suárez joined local side Nacional’s youth team at the age of 14. At the age of 15, Suárez was red carded for headbutting a referee. One night he was caught drinking and partying, and his coach threatened Suárez would never play unless he started playing football more seriously.
In terms of links and rumours, Suarez has not been liked with anyone not even Unreal but I am sure he is a fabulous player.
I like Benteke just because even as a lump he is fast and works hard.
A lot of fans especially AFC hate or loathe Ade-da ba-hoe but some will say he contributes more to other societies who need it the most…. 😉
Ts, I like Benteke too.
Did you see the link I posted about Suarez, Caughtoffside have proclaimed to know that he’s going abroad. And I know, that like me, you believe everything they write 😉
CoF is like a believer in the Gnostic gospels… even if I believed in what they say I am not going to admit to it… 🙂
I haven’t seen Agag on here for a while…
I wonder why Agag’s national team nor Nigeria did not claim Alaba for themselves.. he was class for Bayern last night.
Pep, has converted Lahm to a central midfielder now… lol
Don’t blame you Ts…
I bet agag is on holiday again 😉
This is why AW does not like to spend… lol
On his favourite muesli
I wish I had time for a favourite. I suppose Alpen but really I was very much into Ricicles before Kellog’s pulled them off the shelves. I will never forgive them for that.
Is that from his day out on google?
Arsene Wenger insists that his young Gunners will form the basis of a strong squad this season regardless of whether he adds any new players ahead of the transfer deadline which expires at the end of August.
Arsenal are still targeting new players, following the remarks made by chief executive Ivan Gazidis who claims the club are in a position to make the most of their “new financial firepower.”
Those who have been targeted by Wenger this summer include Gonzalo Higuain, Luis Suarez, Marouane Fellaini and Wayne Rooney.
Higuain has already left Real Madrid for Italian side Napoli, while the other three are still at Liverpool, Everton and Manchester United respectively.
But Wenger said: “We are still working on improving our squad but we have a base of young players who get a chance here and who started in the Premier League, such as (Wojciech) Szczesny, (Carl) Jenkinson, (Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain, (Jack) Wilshere, (Aaron) Ramsey, (Theo) Walcott – that is unique, nobody else has done that.
“These players can have a special bond and they are on the way upwards, they are not over the hill.
“They will be better next year and that is why I am confident we will be stronger next season.
“We had a fantastic end to the season because we won eight of our last 10 (league) games.
“We have had a good pre-season and for the first time in recent seasons we have not sold any player (we have wanted to keep).”
However, the wage bill has been reduced thanks to the off-loading of Andrey Arshavin and Sebastien Squillaci and possible departure of Gervinho to Roma.
With the transfer window open until the end of August, Wenger has reportedly been handed £70m to spend on new players.
Yes it was …. google +
Fine and good the players might get better but we need to sign a centre half and a midfielder at least and preferably two midfielders to give some depth there as Rosicky cant stay fit and Wiltshere’s fitness has to be in doubt as well.
What a joke Ts…
Yes v10 – they might be, but this squad will win nothing, you are right, we need to add…
I thought this might be the week, but I guess I was very wrong….
If it wasn’t so bloody sad there might be a small amount of humour to be extracted from it.
Scott will be pleased with todays performance in the cricket….
I’m not 🙁
Have they replaced the umpires with premier league referees? standard this series is useless
I don’t find that piece from Sky Sports at all funny, we have heard the same for the last 5/6 seasons….
Why does he have to say things like that, does he think we are all walking around with a white stick and a lovely Labrador??
Gazidis must be furious!
Ha ha v10, a few utterly awful decisions…
What really cheeses me off more and more as each day of each season that goes by is we all waste time out of our lives talking about a club we love, when that tosser treats us like idiots!!
Why do we bother?
It’s his personal power struggle Rico. He is quite happy that the fans should pay for his little trips of vanity. But, as I said, he is so powerful that the game has to end before he takes his ball home.
If Kroenke had balls Adam, he’d know what to do!
Who can sack the great Arsene Wenger?
I just don’t get it – if I was Kroenke and I truly cared about ‘my’ club and its status, winning and being a top club, I’d be here in the UK and have a meeting with him. I’d make it clear that he needs to sign players and if not, he will not get a new deal.
As they say in the USA – Period!
http://arsenalanalysis.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/arsenals-squad-is-thin-and-unbalanced.html
Off for dinner…
Personally Ginge, I cannot see Benteke leaving Villa during this Window…
So I shall keep a special eye out for him, and report back… 😉
Same here Kev… just wishing… lol
I liked Douglas Costa of Shaktar but he has extended his contract.
The biggest name of all is still available HULK. 😀
Why do they keep playing the Arsenal Under-21s v Manchester United Under-21s game at Boreham Wood? 😡
I see Flamini is still a free agent… how the ‘mighty’ have fallen.
Rico. But, if you were Kroenke and you asked him what the hell was going on and he gave you the same old spiel he trotted out this afternoon and has been trotting out for the past several years, what would you say. He is Arsene Wenger the man who has managed 10,000 games, blah, blah, blah. You are only Stan Kroenke, American billionaire. Wenger’s reluctance to improve the squad through the transfer market was probably one of the main reasons you borrowed all that money to buy the club. If you sacked him you could be in for a world of pain. Why not let old Ivan try to talk some sense into him? Oh, but that’s where we are anyway isn’t it?
Kroenke’s main concern will be the share price. I am afraid that, if Wenger does what Wenger does this time round, the fans will turn, big time.
You remember when I said to you last season that at least non qualification for the CL would be a tangible consequence of the stupid decisions he has made?
Evening rico, Ginge, Adam and all.
Are we still keeping the faith Ginge? :)…As if there’s something else for me to do…
That’ll be that done and eaten then…
CH. What faith is that?
I guess I’m not Kroenke Adam because I wouldn’t behave in such a way. I wouldn’t invest a lot of my money into a project just to see it decline…
I’d have thought that we as a club would be worth a lot more if we were PL and FA Cup Champions, rather than just a top 4 club…
But hey, thats just me….
How Ts. He was a free agent when he left us….
George Michael had faith…..
Hi Ch
CH, always. I have no choice…. I don’t tend to worry about things I can’t influence. Am I happy with us not finishing in top 2? Hell NO! but I get a lot of joy from supporting AFC.
Nights like the 7-5 win make it special. Its only at Arsenal that youi get that emotional rollercoaster,but then I am a different breed. Some will say I am a sadist but then that is what following sports is all about.
Would I swap $hitty’s signings for our predicament? I don’t know really? Some people won’t have anything to moan and mourn about…
All I know is that Arsenal will be here in 15 years time whilst other clubs may vaporise with an unfortunate disappearance by their owners.
I agree Rico. But to move the club toward that position you have to convince Arsene Wenger and as we hear, he is convinced by the present squad because they have something “unique”. This means something that no other club has.
So, by clearing the deadwood from an underachieving squad with an injured captain and £120 million in the kitty that you don’t want to spend and by ignoring very single person who might also have both Arsenal’s future in their heart and a brain you are going to make the same mistakes you have made for the past several years yet again and alienate the fans even more. Mmm, yeah, that’s quite a plan. I bet nobody else has thought about that. We are after all, unique. Tell you what, why not sell Cazorla in January? That’ll really show ’em who’s boss.
If true, this is interesting..
http://www.givemesport.com/365117-liverpool-submit-brazilian-striker-offer?autoplay=on
Douglas Costa renewed his contract at Shaktar last month… I doubt the dippers are going for him unless the chavs are in for him..
Flamini has run his cotract down and awaits another signing on fee. PAR for the course.
Well, the way I see it, if Kroenke is happy to go along with all that Wenger is doing, then he is the root of the problem….
Guess I am simplifying things but to me it all makes sense.
We can all sit back and slag off Wenger for what he’s doing but ultimately, the one man who could change that, sits on his butt and does naff all to change it…
And please please don’t think I am defending Wenger because I am not…
I am off for the evening. Night Rico.
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Just hope AW isn’t thinking about him Potter… We all know he likes a freebie.
Night Adam….
Or he is tosh… lol
Hi Potter
Arsenal FC has gone from being regarded as one of the best in world to ‘are STILL one of the best in the world’… I hope it doesnt come down to ‘WERE one of the best in the world’… My patience is wearing thinner by the day…
Everybody knows we need to sign players unless Arsene has decided to bring in the few talent reserve players, I dunno know how this transfer window is gonna end.
Fingers crossed he gets the right results Ts…
Swansea is playing on ITV4 if interested… 😉
Gtid – I think that ‘were’ is already in place, what we need to get it back to is ‘are’…
That task is in Wengers hands, not sure he quite realises that….
Funny enough Ts, I’m not 😉
Adam, faith that we’ll somehow come good.
With you Ginge but, tis very difficult at the mo.
I’m replying through dinner rico.
And Ch??
It gets quite boring reading the same old views on every single site.
If Farca and RM fans don’t get what they want they do something about it. Cyber moaning gets no one anywhere. It certainly doesn’t get AW out!
Ch, as I said I am not happy either. In fact I am concerned that we have not been able to make even ‘squad filler’ type signings,but then again if we did the treble or finish 6th, it won’t affect my life 1 bit. I still have to pay my tax and get up and work.
Man U fans gloated when the won their trophy but the joy wore out and they are back to square 1.
Life goes on… every single person on here can go on about how Aw is clues but at the end of the day, he seems content with his performance at least his boss does.
What??? 😮
Funny enough Ts, I’m not 😉
Your “and” question just reminded me of an episode in Boston Legal rico. Wanna know what the point is, right?
Not really Ch, I guess our humour is different… It matters not..
Time for me to catch up on Eastenders and then watch Janet Street-Porter on Master Chef…
Now there’s a woman who would tell Wenger what’s what!!
Night Ts, Ch & all….
Rumour site 🙂
01 Aug 2013 18:42:11
Source Credit: Darren Mackenzie (Arsenal insider)
“Good news or bad news for some but there is a chance arsenal may remove the renewed contract offer made to Wenger a few months ago. Why? Well board have requested once again the squad be added to and gave the funds to spend”
“Also Wenger is not playing ball in current transfer dealings. Plus there is his training ground behaviour such as lack of defensive training etc. Club are really looking at letting his contract end. ”
What do you guys think, good or bad news?
On that note, I’m gone…
😀 😀
Night Rico
Yea Ginge, life goes on hence you must try not to evade tax. I get that. :). Tis true anyways, your comment.
Hope I haven’t become unbearable rico? The dinner statement wasn’t about humour, twas just a statement since you were the one talking about dinner. Was just about to get humour out of it when you shot it down.
Michu just scored…
Maybe Aw is like Mugabe… we can’t get rid. 🙂
Night mama…
Ch, are you in Lagos or Abuja?
Oh dear, bayern is losing again…
Evening all gooners…Been on the miss as i have 3 crap jobs..
Have we signed anyone yet?
Morning all.
Did someone mention the cricket 🙂
Ts whats up?
Hey George, we were wondering where you have been.
Hi Scott and Dna…
Swansea have bought well… Bony has just scored his 2nd goal on his proper debut.
ts u watching the Bayern/man city game?
Hi Scot, George and Dna.
Na Ginge, currently in Asaba but live in Benin (the one in Nigeria).
Yes buddy… 2-1 bayern.
Negredo is the only player who has moved to the EPL this summer that I wish we had. 🙁
I think the dippers lost their 2nd most important player in Shelvey…
$hitty look like a team of nephilims..
what u think about the bayern #11?
An interesting and sensible interview on TS of all places…
http://www.talksport.co.uk/radio/kickoff/130801/stillman-wenger-and-arsenal%E2%80%99s-lack-spending-202891?
Ts which players would u go for this late in the transfer window that would b an upgrade to the squad.
Shaqiri is no better than Gerv. imo
Cabaye or De Guzman, Benteke/Michu, Coleman for RB
think im in moderation lol its been that long
Rangel, Benat, Inigo Martinez
Ts we still need a goalkeeper, Scez and Fab ain’t good enough. imo
No George u ain’t in moderation mate 😉
Gunner DNA, our goalies arent good enough, they’re not mad jens or seaman true….but they can only improve…
i do like Britton of Swansea as a player- very very underrated
Off guys, night.
Britton is truly underrated
George this season is not a development season, we need to win a trophy. The tension from the fans is getting stronger.
Hi Wath! Long time mate…..
Ginge, he should be called up for the national side…
Night CH
Night Ch..
See you popped in… have you ran out of GG?
Is the Diego Costa rumour true?
I agree we need a consistent keeper; I just do not honestly see JC as a major upgrade. I rate Begovic highly…
I merely observe Ts, GG is plentiful mate…!
Britton was on our books as a youth and we let him go, he is an ok player but not what we need he is hardly better than what we have is he..?
Hope your doing ok George…..!
He is very small… re Britton
WATH, that Bony guy looks a player and a half…
with you on that one Ginge -JC would only be there for the quick buck
Gunner DNA , I know…I ‘m one of them who knows we need to win something – and fast…any mickeymouse cup would do..
Cant have that cowboy lot from down the road giving it the big one.
Soldado is no better than giroud…Once Bale …Bails out they will end up like liverpool
Chezza is the beter keeper from the 2 poles. Think Mannone going might bite us on the arse if Paulo Di canio gets him playing to his potential
You so know he will become Gordon Banks against us when we play sunderland
You got to love the daily fail…
‘You’re a fat tub of lard’: Text message mother received from sofa company when she complained about faulty £499 piece of furniture
I now it’s on Holland Ts but the goals the fella scored were top notch, both feet and with the head…!
JC is ok but would he be better in a good team rather than at QPR…?
Think we missed a trick big time with Schwartzer as we did with Friedel….! both free both huge experienced good keepers.
WATH been slaving away…work is pony , had a girlfriend she lasted 8 days and Gareth baled on me and went back to her abusive ex, same old same old..
Haven’t we signed anyone other than yoyo whatever he’s called?
Its frustrating ts because we haven’t address the problem areas in the squad, i would b surprised if we win anything with the current squad.
I total agree on Schwartzer…
Its indeed frustrating. The way I look at it AW has never ever had a complete squad. Have we forgotten about the ‘fox in the box’ even when we had TH14 and DB10.
I think the issue now is who steps in when a key player is missing.
For instance during the better days, PV04 use to get a lot of suspensions but Parlour will tuck inside and we will introduce Grimandi or Edu. But now without MA08 the experience level drops completely in midfield.
We need a bigger squad more than a marquee signing.
WoW George sounds like you got a lucky escape if you ask me re GF…
George sounds bad mate but think she did you a favour you don’t need that shit round your neck mate…
Ts, a marquee signing for me and that makes it far easier to then get 2/3 other very good players in… they go hand in hand i reckon and we need exactly what you say, only top quality players BUT we been saying that for 5 years that we on;y 2/3 players short and he never addresses the problem.
Evening Nasher…
I suppose with the Suarez deal in a state of stalemate, it makes sense for Wenger to look at other targets…
I get the feeling, considering the weight of rumours, that the Board are running out of patience, and even a stubborn man like Wenger must realise that he cannot continue to disregard his employers forever.
Therefore we have links to Ajax attacking-mid Eriksen…
Not sure about that one, but it’s good to see them doing something.
Or pretending to do something…
I don’t know who or what to believe re AFC, everybody seems to be on different wave length. CEO saying we got money, manager saying squad is strong enough, its just a big joke to see grown people acting like they are retarded.
Don’t worry, Diaby is almost fit…
Well Wath, what happened to your predicted ‘big transfers’…?
I suspect that Arsene has been telling your porkies, again… 😉
Hi Kev, I agree with you there. But is Eriksen is not better than Adam Maher and will come cheaper.
Eriksen has been a potential star for ever. Bony was voted the best player in Eredivisie…
There are players like Jong, Fischer, De Vrij (spelling) will all add something to our team. I think the Dutch league is proving very fertile…
Its end of time, the rich will get richer and the poor will get poorer. The fulfillment of prophecy.
Anyway, I’m off to kip, nighty night you Gooners…
Good to have you back George…
Dna, but AW is never going to be like harry and say we need 10 players otherwise we are doomed… he has to make sure that what and who we have is mentally ready. I still think we will get at least 4 additions.
I always thought the British spirit included doing the best with what we have.
Ginge, I’ve been told by a Dufch guy, who obviously follows the Eredivisie, that Eriksen is too lightweight for the EPL…
Therefore Arsene will definately sign him… 😀
Gone now
AK your money ain’t safe til Sep 2nd…. u know what they say about counting chickens… Just ask Rico 😉
Arsene told me all would be done before Emirates cup the lying shit….! Wait till I see him…!
I know a Danish fella very well who knows his footie big time and reckons Eriksen is good but lacks the quality to make it at the top level, says he never steps up to grab a game by the scruff of the neck, flatters to deceive…!
Dna, you are going all biblical on me re 10:28 😀
Night Dev
AK sounds like your Dutch fella says the same thing as my Danish mate..!
Exactly WATH, that is why he has never been given the chance to move to a bigger club. But he is still 21/22 so more time. JHust not the £20M they will want for him…
Night Kev even…
Night Gents…
Cheers Ts….!
ts. lol. Why does the hierarchy of AFC treating us like their step child, people who travel up on down on tubes, loose their voice singing on match days, pay gate receipts and buy expensive souvenirs are all clowns and whoever doing this act is the Lord Jesus, untouchable. God never sleeps he deserve all the praise, we need to be careful, this is highway robbery.
Fucking hell.
What…………….?
Don’t tell me Darren Bent has gone and rejected us and signed for Orient Adam…?
Unfortunately not Wath.
Cheers AK
Thanks Ginge and WATH when times are hard…the birds arent grouse they’re crows lol
Evenin Adam
Anyone reckon chupa chops will get a lookin in this season ? He’s playing well atm and eats his potatoes…
Hi George. How’s things?
Working like a dog Adam…Birds area not tooo shabby and selling the motor much to my dislike…
Otherwise was hoping my other bird AFC would cheer me up- Im boycotting the emirates cup…I don’t fancy watching um bongo
How’s you?
Hot tonight in London. I am pissed about Wenger’s pissing about. If he doesn’t make the signings we need then it will be another season down the pan.
Where are you based George?
I’m based in Cuffley Adam..
Wenger is pissing about because David Dein doesn’t manage the transfers anymore- we have that lying bar stand IG , kroenke puppet-big signings +£1=Gas(also referred to as Flatulence)
A nice part of outer town mate. Not too far from London Colney. I drove through there a few weeks back.
Not too sure about that appraisal George. I think you will find that IG and Stan want Wenger to spend. You are probably right about Dein though. Have you seen Wenger lately? He looks unwell and strained to me.
I am off. Night George and Wath.
Le prof is unwell….. Probably contemplating doing a fergie and retiring…
I work in London Colney in removals. I moved Henri Lansbury to Nottingham
We won’t sing suarez or Feillani or wooney. Wont sign williams and we’ll just about unload star trek and pink boots
Im afraid we’re lumbered with shisha…no one will buy him
Cuffley is nice- i’ve been renting there since I divorced 4 yrs ago
Night Adam
Sorry Adam got involved with a mate on skype and you’ll be chuffed to knowe have now solved all of Arsenals transfer problems.
I lived in Hoddesdon for a few years when I was a nipper George…! It is nice out that way just to many swampies….!
I’m off for the night, Good chatting George and take it easy mate…!
Morning all…
Morning Rico and all.
Glad to see that there is nothing new today , bad for the heart all this excitement.
Morning Adam, looks like there’s no gossip this morning from the journos.
Morning potter. Seems they’re running out of targets to link us with, nice change though.
CH. There is always gossip. But the facts are there for all to see. The problem for the club is that there are two clear factions operating and to the detriment of those who go to the games and supporters in general, this is to the detriment of the club’s progress. Even the players got in on the act a couple of weeks ago by saying they were excited with the prospect of high quality arrivals.
Perhaps they will still arrive.
Perhaps they will still arrive. That is what I’m holding onto because aside quality, we are short number-wise.
Think of the wages were saving, Morning all, cant win the league in the closed season. 🙂
Morning Adam and all…
New post is up now – see you there shortly..
Morning SP1. That’s my thinking too. The law of making up the numbers means we would sign and, you can’t replace deadwood with more deadwood.