Morning all.
Forget the price because that the game as it is today. Ridiculous and totally unjustified but it is what it is. Arsenal haven’t helped themselves over the years either because as Arsene Wenger has been frugal, the money in our personal bank has grown and grown. Everyone out there in the game knows we are a rich club, very rich and that now will bite us in the backside. Throw in a Lyon man called Jean-Michel Aulas who allegedly dislikes Arsene Wenger immensely, we are/were always going to get a rough end of any deal. He goal scoring stats are impressive but I know, I know, the French league is hardly the Premier League is it but then what league is? I don’t think there’s a league in any other country as tough as it is here, nor do I think there’s a league in which on any day, against any team, one of the top teams in the country can lose. Arsenal are living proof of that as are so many clubs in the Premier League.
Last season, Lacazette scored 37 goals in 45 appearances, which in itself is pretty darn good I’d say. But he can’t even keep Giroud out of the French national team is something I’ve read time and time again but as others have pointed out and as I believe, France play in a way which suits our big fella. Arsenal don’t, not often but from what I’ve seen of Lacazette which I’ll admit isn’t vast amounts, he is far more suited to the way Arsene Wenger likes us to set up. If he was on the market for £20 million, yes his signing might still be criticised but imo, by less than it might be if we get him.
I’m not suggesting for one minute suggesting there isn’t a better striker out there but unless he’s from the PL, then none of us really know just what an impact any player might make when they arrive in this tough league. Luis Suarez, yes, he’s been over here and done it, as has Costa but who’s to say spending even more than Lacazette is priced at would guarantee we signed a diamond rather than a polished stone? Anyway, if Wenger wants him and gets him then there’s nothing we can do about it. Whether he’s a flop, or success, it’s the skinny one of two Frenchman who will be held responsible in the end.
M’bappe is a different kettle of fish imo and one who’s worth taking a risk on. If Liverpool, who by all accounts have entered the race to sign him, get him, then it’ll be a disaster for us. It’s a win win situation as he’s young and even if one day he wants to move on to bigger and better as Anelka did many years ago, we’ll get every well spent penny back, if not more.
Right now though it’s all pie in the sky…..
There was an article in The Mail yesterday which suggested that if we give Alexis and Mesut a big pay rise we may be in breach of a ‘wages rule’ through overspending. I personally cannot see how that can be, certainly when other PL clubs pay a lot more players a lot more money than we do and they’ve never been called into question but if it is, then as the report suggests we may have to sell a few players in order to reduce our wage bill. Well that suits me fine as it’s not like we don’t have a few players on a good salary whom we wouldn’t really miss is there?
I can think of four without much of a thought, five if I include Yaya Sanogo but he’s gone, so at least that’s a fiver off the books each week…
Right, that’s the best I can do. Have a great Saturday and a lovely weekend.
You might get a post tomorrow if Arsenal manage to get the Lacazette deal over the line… lol
Booo! How is everyone?
Nice read for a Saturday morning, Lacazette is the alternative we have long needed . Selling though to reduce the wage bill might not be so easy as we pay average players too well. Other clubs may well pay the fees but matching the inflated salaries might be a different thing.
Boo to you Agag, we were only talking about you the other day, great to see you back, how’s things?
Thanks Potter.
Agree and said similar last night on here. Our problem isn’t what we pay, it’s who we pay what and far too many average players earn a lot more than perhaps they should. Theo is a good example as I think he earns more than any player in the Tottenham side, however, he really shouldn’t be.
Sorry to use the Totts as an example…
Morning rico, house. Nice post, hoping some action soon, otherwise we in danger of getting left behind which often happens.
Hi agag, mentioned you last night! We on last day of a cruise round Portugal and Spain, and waitress was from near Manila, Philippines. Was that your area?
Morning Andrew. I think the international friendlies and Con Cup might have slowed us down…. 😉
To be fair, other than City, no club has really got going yet, no excuse though I know…
Morning all.
AGAG, long time, No see 🙂
Great to have you back.
Lacazette-strange one, for mine.
Two years ago is when we should’ve got him, bud so be it.
France set up to suit Giroud and his stats for his national side are fantastic, so I don’t see that as a negative for Lacazette.
60 million offers little value, but still, there aren’t a lot of top Class strikers available, and his stats suggest he’s top class.
£44 million for Lacazette Scott… Cheap as chips.. 😉
Hi All:
Liverpool has as much chance as getting Mbappe as me replacing AW as the next Arsenal manager.
The race for Mbappe is a three way race: Arsenal, PSG n Real. Real is not that anxious because they think they can get him 2-3 years from now since they don’t need him atm, unless they let PSG have Ronaldo. The story is that AW has spoken directly to Mbappe and/or his people over 5 times since the season ended…. hence the reason for little part of their conversation leaking out from time to time.
Scott it’s being reported by multiple outlets here that Arsenal offered 44m for Lacazette and Lyon wants 49m. If that is true, it’s much below the 60m.
OK Rico, you beat me to it re 44m for Lacazette
Let’s see what happens in the rest of the summer
I read that Obi, apparently we’ve offered very close to that amount so a deal is feasible imo..
Ok guys-I was going off the figures being spoken of a week back.
44 million-silly money, but at today’s prices, I guess it’s decent value.
In that case, I’d love to see us grab him.
Maybe it is a sign that AW would take the Europa seriously ….Lacazette is a prolific EL scorer..
You are easily swayed Scott… 😉
But, when we think that Vardy was going for £20M last summer and he’s older, it’s no surprise Lyon would ask for a silly price for Lacazette. He scores goals, period, although in a less strong league than the PL.
7 in 12 last season in Europe. Not too bad I guess…
Afternoon Rico n All.
Isn’t it €60million for Lacazette?
Well that’s what Lyon were reported to want.
That converts to a little over £52million.
So we must have bid approx €50million?
Afternoon Kev. Apparently he’s been told £44M and he can be a gonner…. According to Sky Sports anyway…
That’s basically swapping Lacazette for Alexis, who’ll be off for a similar fee and leaves us free to continue to chase Mbappe I guess…
I wonder if there is still an interest in Mahrez?
Not at £50million though.
Hey shopping buddy, good to hear from you, don’t be a stranger.
That’s all we can do Simon and if it’s another muck up with yet another bad start to the season, well as I always say, Wenger, Kroenke and the board deserve all they get from the fans.
That makes sense Rico, apparently we bid £30 million for him last summer, so Aulas will have made a nice profit in 12 months.
According to AFTV’s Robbie, Mesut Ozil is staying, but nothing on Alexis. Not surprising really!
Afternoon all. Nice to see that Agag dropped by.
Is Lacazzette any good though?
So much business to do, so little time.
I wonder if there’s any truth Rico in the rumours of Stan Kroenke speaking to certain players on the phone and telling them that they’re staying, as in Bellerin and Oxlade-Chamberlain?
Do you think Alexis is off then Kev? I’m far from convinced he is, not now Bayern seem to have pulled out of the race…
I’d be surprised if Kroenke has got involved Kev, he doesn’t usually does he. Would be nice if he did though, especially if he had that same conversation with Alexis..
No-one seems to want Ozil. 🙂
Yep, I think that Alexis is off Rico.
Kroenke isn’t going to let him run his contract down so Wenger & co can say what they like about not selling him to Man City or Chelsea, if they’re the only interested parties willing to pay the price, they get him.
No one wants Ozil for the kind of finance Arsenal would demand or match our salary offer. Personally I’m glad as I want him to stay.
Afternoon Rico and all. I sent you a mail Rico.
Nah Rico, there’s a big difference between the 60-65 million quoted, and 44 million:
I touched on this before, Stan might surprise a lot of people this season. It will not surprise me if Ozil and Alexis stay and Lacazette and Mbappe comes in.
Here is why? Stan could need as much as $4b to finance the Rams venture. The NFL, NHL and NBA board of governors do not approve financing using the asset to be finance as a collateral and their approval process is very scrutinized. Arsenal can be used to guarantee his financing since its an independent asset….reason why Usaminov bid wasn’t even considered. So even if he puts in 200m this season that could easily be 1b in financing, so why would he devalue Arsenal by selling and allowing players to leave.. When AW says Ozil and Sanchez are not leaving, they are looking at the bigger picture…. the $4 billion picture. Sure he may sell all of them later but not now….. which could be also the reason Stan signed AW for 2 more years, he needs a finance and economics man…..lol.
I think both Alexis and Ozil will stay Kev. The signings this summer have to be about us looking like contenders. Do that and Alexis will see the club are being positive..
Afternoon Adam, thank you.
There is Scott, around £19 million…lol
It’s all going to happen next week.
I can feel it in my water…
Obi, that all makes sense but this is Kroenke we are talking about…. 😉
I do wonder if Ox’s girlfriend has photoshopped her body though.
Evening all and thanks Rico.
Interest angle from Obi, just adds more for conspiracy theorist`s .
I`d like to pat myself on the back ! 🙂
a while ago I posted about our slim chance of winning the FA Cup was down to pitch size, I also commented on how the Spuds high pressing was easier on their pitch (which was the 2nd smalest in the EPL after Stoke`s) and how Wembley`s big pitch made them suffer ( check their results there ! 🙂 ) well, you must have read about The Spuds trying to get the Wembley pitch reduced in size for the up and coming season !……………………..they were told to basically fcuk off ! hahaha
My different angle of pitch size does have merit then ! …………………..so basically the old adage is correct !………………………………..size does matter !…………………….Arsenal having a bigger one the the Spuds !………it`s no wonder we erupt in celebrations more often than they do !…………………they`ve been having problems since 1961………….time to see a doctor I think !
🙂
I also saw the Ox at left wing back first so another pat on the back please ! hahahaha
Shit weather here, feels like autumn !
Problem with getting rid of the “deadwood” is as you say Rico…………..too many average players on good money !…………..and are not going to go easy as will they get better wages from the interested clubs ?.
They say footballers are a different breed to anyone else in that they want to play first and foremost, but I think that`s bollox !……………………….do we seriously think some of these players are willing to have a pay cut of say 50% ?…………..because we know that some players are well over paid, seriously, how much does anyone think Theo is worth per week ?………………is there anyone who actually thinks he`s worth £100K per week ?
I like Theo, but 100 grand !
You old cynic Kev 😉
All 37 goals !………………………..11 pens !………………………..number 36 reminds me a little of that DB10 goal against Newcastle…..slightly ! hahaha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRl9xhgljgA
Robbie from AFTV said his reliable source say`s Lacazette is a done deal and also Ozil will sign an extention !………………………my sauce is on my Chips !………………….stay down Keswick !……I said I was having you around for dinner and you`re mucking up my table cloth !
Yeah , Probably been touched up . ( but I didn’t say that )
That was a reply to Adam’s 6.30.
Far too many Lc. If the story about Kroenke is right, looks like a few could go, but not the ‘stars’…
I know I’m in the minority, but I won’t be displeased at all if Lacazette does sign..
Some tasty goals in there Lc, the one against Nice, I can see what you mean..
Not sure I’d want him taking our penalties though…. lol
Who, moi cynical..?
That’s cut me to the quick Rico, how could you? ?
rico 12.19, no offence but I think I’ll give your local chipper a wide berth if that’s ok lol.
🙂 Kev.
Haven’t had a chip for yonks Micko, not good for my waistline… lol
Oh I dunno rico, close sources tell me you have a stomach like an ironing board !
Still think Benzema could be the final piece in the jigsaw puzzle for us, very close to signing him in 2009, maybe Arsene could make it happen in 2017 !!!
Nite Gooners, keep it real.
It’s often behind an ironing board Micko, but that’s as close as it gets…
Morning…
Oh well, catch up later…. 🙂
Morning Rico.
Morning all.
Morning Rico,
Morning All
and
Morning Mr Adam
Good day Mr Allezkev.
Shit !…….missed the morning all stuff !…………….so afternoon all instead ! 🙂
See this on another site and liked it so much I thought I would share it……………..I think they are in Cornwall, if not the Caribbean ! hahahaha
No idea who the chap in the shirt and tie is, but I`m struggling on one player, the one between Alan Ball and Bertie Mee, Is it John Devine ?………………..John Roberts has my body after this morning`s gym workout !……no wonder he had the best leap of any footballer I have seen, never see anyone beat him in the air………it`s all in the abs ! hahaha
Can you name them all ?
Is it just me or do players in the 30`s just look like they are over 50 years old ?
http://www.propermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/FRED-TRAINING-IN-1936-2.jpg
I reckon you have a physique like Ronnie Barker had really Lc… 😉
Afternoon Adam, Kev and all…
Willoch sign for Benfica! 🙁
Walcoot – West Ham?
More like Ronnie Corbett ! 🙂
This should make you laugh ! 🙂
https://twitter.com/_AndyHa/status/878917719453818883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Farsenalarsenal.net%2F2017%2F06%2F24%2Fseason-assessment-centre-backs%2F
Who won the Grand Prix..?
I think it was Fangio Kev.
Bit of controversy at the GP, that’s for sure…
Sure was Rico.
It’ll rumble on for a while yet Adam…
A bit like our transfer news…. lol
Where did Stirling Moss finish Adam?
Jm, I’ll be surprised if West Ham pay him what he’s on at Arsenal.
Catch up tomorrow.. night.
Aussie boy wins 🙂
German taking out a Pom in a GP-where did I see that before?
It seems more and more obvious that Sanchez do not want to be at Arsenal, a Sanchez and Aguero swap is not a bad deal…..for Arsenal. Sanchez on the other hand, might not play as often at City, so good deal for Chile also, he will be fresh for the WC…. although I am still not convinced that Pep wants him, he just doesn’t fit Pep style of play.
Obi, Pep sold him and that’s sticks in my mind.
Pep’s decision then was Alexis or Messi , with Xavi and Iniesta playing behind he was always going to be 2nd choice bench warming . Chances are that he might be at City too but player’s egos never allow them to think that way. Here he is a big fish in the Atlantic whereas at City a smaller fish in the Pacific.
Just why I hold out hope that he’ll stay. He’s a star with us, he won’t be elsewhere and he loves that from what I can make out.
Morning all.
Steady on Scott, all this ‘pom’ bashing can offend… 😉
I wouldn’t want to see us swap Alexis for Aguero. Smacks of another Gallas/Cole deal for us…
Rico, the Germans did the bashing, from what u heard lol.
Schumacher did it to Hill all those years ago to win a world title, and now Vettel.
Ruthless buggers 🙂
On Alexis, we either sell him, or pay him and extend.
It would be suicidal to keep him and allow his contract to run down, as no good can come of it.
Sorry, from what I heard……
Morning all………………….at least it`s not raining !
Always wondered where the term “pom” come from ?……………………….googled it and it`s not very complimentary to us “pom`s” !………………..like I`m really offended ! hahaha
It seems to be lost somewhere !…………..some say it comes from POHM…..Prisoner of his Majesty !…………………..some say it`s a slang of immigrant ……Pomegranate !………………………although I have come up with my own guess work of it being……………………….. Penis of Marsupial !…………………..I`ve just offened myself ! hahaha
Love Alexis Sanchez…………..I always remember me and my son watching him play for Udinese and thinking wow !..lets buy him, he reminded me of Disney`s cartoon of The Tasmanian Devil and have always thought of him as……………… The Sanchezmanian Devil.
Swap ?……………………..love Aguero too, but he`s a year older and seems to get injured a lot ( Hamstring`s ?)……………think he scored more goals, but I think Alexis had more assists ……………………..a proper sign of intent would be to turn it on it`s head and bid for Aguero and have both !……………………………suns out !
Mbappe, Aguero and Sanchezmanian Devil up front !………..sunstroke has a hold of me already ! hahaha
You know what Scott, I think I might be one of a few with the view but I wouldn’t sell Alexis to a PL club. I’d rather drop the £40M next summer than gift another club…
What we need to be doing is making the signings to convince him we mean the business this season. Then he’d stay imo.
Exactly Lc and couldn’t agree more. Have both Alexis and Agureo, not one or the other. Otherwise it’s one step forward, two steps back all the time…
New post up now.
I see a new post being on newsnow ! 🙂