Morning Gooners,
I’m not sure how many Arsenal fans read The Daily Mirror but John Cross is a rare breed when it comes to football journalists and his articles are always worth a read. He doesn’t seem to have an Arsenal ‘hate’ agenda and seldom does he criticise us without justification, well not that I have seen.
A bit like most fans really.
Yesterday he wrote an article about Robin van Persie, Manchester United and of course we are involved in there too and in case you missed it, here is some of it:
Who will win the RvP tug of love?
There are more than three weeks left in the transfer window and there’s only one club left in the hunt for Robin van Persie.
Well, two actually.
That’s because everyone appears to have disregarded Arsenal in this and just assumed that van Persie would be sold to the highest bidder.
Manchester United are the last club standing in the battle to sign van Persie. Van Persie has told Juventus he doesn’t want to join them. And in one of those conversations that are not supposed to take place between club and player, van Persie has done the same with Manchester City. So much for that being a done deal.
There’s been interest from other mega wealthy clubs – Paris Saint Germain and Anzhi Makhachkala – but it’s never got off the ground because he doesn’t want to go to either of those.
I think he was seriously tempted by Juventus – until their title-winning coach Antonio Conte got embroiled in Italy’s match fixing scandal. As someone in van Persie’s management company tweeted, it was “hardly the advert” to go to Italy .
So it’s Manchester United or bust for van Persie. And the fact is that Arsenal do not want to sell to a direct Premier League rival . That would be the same were City still in the running.
These days, people assume when a deal like this gathers momentum the it’s just a matter of time before it happens, such is the power of the player in getting what he wants.
Trouble is, it is very apparent from talking to people (for the millionth time this summer) close to the deal on Wednesday that Arsenal do not want to sell to Manchester United. Full stop.
They see them as a direct rival. While Juventus might have had an offer accepted for £20m, the price for United is higher. I actually think £25m is a conservative estimate. If Arsene Wenger has his way then it will be £30m.
This has become a point of principle, a real issue for Wenger. And if anyone doubts whether the board can be resolute on transfers, just think back to 2010.
Cesc Fabregas wanted to go to Barcelona. Chief executive Ivan Gazidis refused to sell, steadfastly stuck to his guns, made Fabregas wait for 12 months, got a better price and eventually sold to Barcelona.
It became a point of principle.
Arsenal are similarly digging in over van Persie and unless United hit the right price then they will not sell.
Surely United won’t top £20m for a player who is 29, with a poor injury record, one world class season in eight and will have no resale value in three years? Arsenal don’t think they will.
However, if they do, then Arsenal might change their stance and sell for a price that is hard to refuse. Maybe on August 25 (few deals ever happen overnight) they may be tempted to lower their sights and sell rather than risk losing him for free next summer.
But that wasn’t the impression I got on Wednesday. Arsenal have a price and United have to reach it.
Wenger is entrenched over this because last year it was Fabregas and Samir Nasri, this year it’s van Persie. Who will it be next year? He wants to draw a line. I think Wenger, Arsenal and the board deserve credit for that. They may still sell for the right price, but now they are not going to be bullied by Manchester United.
It’s a really tricky one because van Persie, according to the rest of the dressing room, has been focused, determined and working well . He’s put his head down and you’d never know this saga is going on around him.
There’s every chance he’ll stay with the training camp in Germany and play in Sunday’s friendly with Cologne. Crucially, Arsenal still believe they may persuade him to stay.
His attitude has suggested that he would not sulk even if a move to United does not happen. It’s in marked contrast to that of Fabregas last summer, who was desperate to join Barcelona and sulked all his way back to Spain.
However, if you analyse Arsenal’s signings they are hedging their bets in case van Persie goes. Olivier Giroud: centre forward. Santi Cazorla: new playmaker to fill number ten role. Lukas Podolski can play wide, through the middle or just behind.
There’s still a long way to go in this saga yet and Arsenal are being tough – but also realistic. The lessons have been learnt from last summer when they were forced into a mad supermarket sweep when Nasri went at the last minute.
Thankfully, they got the supermarket manager’s bargain of the week with Mikel Arteta (what a buy he’s proved to be!).
My feeling is United will come back with another offer. Then Arsenal must decide whether to stick or twist. Van Persie has gone public in saying he will not re-sign with the club . Can they tempt him to re-sign during the season? Or risk losing him for nothing.
Alex Ferguson:
It was rather amusing to read Sir Alex Ferguson’s comments said after United’s friendly in Gothenburg on Wednesday night.
Ferguson said:
We have made a bid and they’ve been trying to negotiate with other clubs. I don’t have a gut feeling on it at the moment, I must admit.
We’re not getting any breakthrough with Arsenal. It’s difficult to say why they’re operating this way. I don’t know what their thoughts are, because they’re not giving anything away.
I hate the Twitter tit-for-tat generation. But, I’m going to risk becoming a keyboard warrior for a moment.
I was trying to think of times when Ferguson wouldn’t sell a player to another specific club. Someone on Twitter duly reminded me.
Back in 2007, United had a similar saga when Gabriel Heinze wanted to move from Old Trafford to Liverpool, their deadly rivals.
Ferguson blocked it because it was Liverpool. It’s deeply personal between Ferguson and Liverpool. But moreover, it was a direct rival. He didn’t want to strengthen them.
Ferguson said at the time:
I can assure you, Liverpool will not be getting Gabriel Heinze. We can put that to bed right now and we have done so. We have had a couple offers for him and we have turned them down.
Heinze’s agents are rolling the ball all the time. But no matter what his agent thinks, we are in the driving seat.
I don’t exactly know what Gaby thinks because it is all coming from his agent but this has been going on for a year and a half now.
Heinze eventually went to Real Madrid that summer. Not Liverpool.
So when Ferguson talks about not understanding Arsenal’s thought process, maybe Heinze can provide a timely reminder.
Finally, what about van Persie himself?
Will he be accepted by Arsenal fans if he ends up staying after this whole saga?
Yes. If he scores a hat trick against Tottenham then that will buy him forgiveness.
As it stands today, yes I would forgive him after all he has said nothing since his ill-advised statement. As JC said in his article, he is not sulking, refusing to train or play and his attitude is just as it should be.
I think Arsene Wenger is right too, don’t sell to Manchester United or their neighbours unless they come up with the £30 Million price tag that our manager has put on him.
With that kind of money we can go straight back into the transfer market and re-invest in a younger, fitter, maybe even a better striker than Robin van Persie and that really would be showing intent.
Intent that may just come back to haunt both the player and club who eventually signs him!
In the meantime, Mr Ferguson and Mr Rooney can keep their comments about our captain and club to themselves!!
John Cross has written another good piece too about Alex Song, read here if you are interested… 😉
That’s it for today, isn’t Friday a signing day??
Have a good one all……
Morning………….
Yeah, I read that article earlier today and found some pretty good points as well. I really do hope we can sell him quickly and get pretty darn close to what we are asking for him. Does anyone really think he’ll go another year w/o injury? Just wait for international week! I’d love to not see RVP injured, but rather playing for another team we are beating and better than. That’s the biggest message AFC could send to any player. Not only can we survive without you, but we will thrive without you. Every cloud, right? Every cloud…and as long as we invest in a class player, why not? RVP got cockier as the year went on…from the horrendously arrogant chip he tried on Milan (does he think he’s Messi?) to the audacious penalty he scored against I forget whom…
Someone mentioned Micah Richards yesterday…I’ve wanted him to come home to Arsenal for ages and was quite upset that Wenger didn’t pursue him more…he is Gooner after all…and a beast. Imagine how much better his game would be had he been under Wenger rather than Sparkless, ManSunni, and whoever else has been at Sheik’s feet. Oh well. The only thing I really know about Arsenal for certain is that my BP rises every night before kickoff and at 4 am or whenever I get up to watch them play.
‘Night!
If some arsenal fans think its a good deal to get rid of Rvp for £25 million to the mancs,what if if if….. the mancs won the league by 1point and we came second…..Think about it lads and ladies
On the subject of selling Ronaldo, SAF said, “we wont sell them a virus”, thats before the transfer of Ronaldo to Real Madrid, SAF idea of playing ball in the transfer market
Morning all,
Can you tell there’s not much news around 🙂
First then Wath 😉
Night CG,…..
AW really doesn’t seem to want to sell to fergie fred, i hope he doesn’t but £30M and he’d seriously have to think about it….
“John Cross is a rare breed when it comes to football journalists and his articles are always worth a read.”-
Oh Please! Only one out of 50 John Cross articles may be slightly supportive of Arsenal, the rest are made to unsettle the club.
John Cross is a horrible tabloid man, whose articleds most often lack any remote idea of a “quote”.
He has a mission to unsetlle Arsenal till he can get it into the shape HE believes it should be in.
Henry, Ljungberg, , … all had to come out several times on the same day to refute some baseless rumours John Cross invented in his good old fashioned sensationalist way.
If he had any actal insight, or remotely cared for Arsenal, he would not hype up the price for Cazorla to 20 M Pounds (like the Sun and Daily Mail love to do, i.e. hype up the price for any potential Arsenal target), and would have instead quoted the actual price that was widely reported in Marca and other Spanish media i.e 15 Million EUROS with some additional payments that would never get close to 20 M Pounds.
CG – Richards has a bit of a party attitude i think…
Good morning Rico. As it stands today is Man Utd’s squad better than Arsenal’s?
I really don’t think he’d make it another season injury free. It’s really a crap shot. But I will not fear him joining anyone as long as we invest back into our own squad. And when he goes down with injury this year if he stays with us, what then? Then a complete loss. Whether we like it or not, it’s a business as much as it is a sport. Maybe more so at this point. I don’t want to be frugal or anything like that, but he is an asset and apparently an a$$hole. He betrayed us, so I don’t care where he goes. He is great, I understand that. Our best player without a doubt. But I should head out to Vegas and put money on him getting injured this year. Easy money…surely I don’t want him go, but I will not want him to stay because I’m afraid he’d be the difference between us and them. It’s really a crap shot…and scared money don’t make money!
Good Morning Fine Folk.
Rico……….Finally, what about van Persie himself?
Will he be accepted by Arsenal fans if he ends up staying after this whole saga?
Yes. If he scores a hat trick against Tottenham then that will buy him forgiveness…………………….he has got to play in the first place.
Fredberk……If and what where never a happy lot. We cannot stay on saying if and if this or if that or what might be. Let me go about it another way………What if AW sold RVP to Manure for 25million and with that amount bought Falcao who gives us the league???
So for every question there is equally and possibly another question. Its like who came first the egg or the hen.
RVP. I think you may be guilty of the things you accuse John Cross of there.
RvP – I didn’t think he was that bad…
Morning Adam, no, I’d say ours is stronger right now and our keeper is better than theirs…
Now i understand than ever,wenger that’s the way to punish ur rival kip up gud job.i hate Man u
CowboyGunner says:
August 10, 2012 at 9:39 am
I really don’t think he’d make it another season injury free….that is why I would be smiling with a wide grin if we sold him to Manure for 25 million. it would mean 25million off their transfer power.
Rico the point is the mancs have a week till the season starts..yes 30million is a lot…but we have to start acting like a big club now.
Arsenal never gave Dennis the contract he wanted….can’t remember anyone moaning then can you..I know it was age related.. but we acted like were in control..don’t you think.
Adam…I’d take Vidic, of course…Nani over Theo…and Valencia perhaps. A healthy Fletcher is an enormous lawnmower…and Rooner over RVP. Rooney works harder for the team, IMO. The twins over Gibbs? I don’t know really. Perhaps. But I’d take our strongest 11 over theirs at this point…but then again…what is our strongest 11? I’m kind of biased. Though I admit they’ve had a much stronger mentality than we’ve had for quite a few years now. They seem to almost always pull it out when they are down whereas Arsenal seem to always sweat it out when they are ahead.
morning all…Adam i don’t see how they have a better squad asit stands today..IMHO RVP staying will add to the fear factor we are beginning to gather.I imagine a bench that has RVP on it.but if he goes to manure then i’ll wish he gets injured before he even begins playing for them.
Who gives a monkeys about the mancs budget…wise up
Bondex…if we are going to imagine things or hope for things I don’t want him injured…I want to beat him while he is healthy and at his best and finish first to his fifth. If you are going to wish for something, make it a good one! After all, it is just a wish!
Morning Rico, nothing in the European sports broadsheets worth talking about this morning… A few web blogs are quoting the Tello / Song p/x thing that was in Sport yesterday….
… The Nuri Sahin “thing” has gone quiet too..
All we are getting out of Madrid is Mourinho trying to offload Kaka and the Canales story … PSG are trying to offload Nene …. and Lloriente won’t be a Bilbao player… and Axel Witsel has turne down a eur. 40M move to Anzhi and seems to be courting a move to Real Madrid …
Let’s just look at the views of some Arsenal fans posted on a John Cross column today:
I think Cross is secretly anti-Arsenal. Who else would constantly write articles that are practically telling Arsenal to sell their key players?
John Cross Is an Official Clown, Please Keep Your Nonsense Stories To Yourself!!
Cross is at it again with another rubbish article,…
Think Cross has been watching the Arsenal on a parallel universe. The necessity to produce x amounts of media per week results in some real trash
Anyone drive a Chevy?
Morning devil & bondex…
That was JC asking that devil 😉
cowboyG i see your point.
So, if Arsenal are going to strengthen further and taking into consideration the fact that moving means uprooting and unsettling his family and moving from London to Manchester, the only other reason to want to move is money isn’t it? And isn’t that the one thing that van Persie said it wasn’t about?
RVP…Well, often the majority of people posting disagree…it’s easier to nod and stay silent than shake your head and be silent.
fred – they are seriously in debt, I don’t see them spending too much more this window. If thy really want Rvp then let them blow their transfer budget on him….
Win win for us….
RVP….but selling the real RVP won’t be a bad idea except you are actually defending your self. 😀
It’s interesting that Fergie is suddenly coming out with his claims of a bid etc – anyone think its anything to do with a certain share flotation that according to this morning’s news has already been hit with a likely price reduction against what was initially expected?
RVP – you always get that kind of comment, we get them here but imho, JC makes very valid points in this particular article, one which I consider to be quite pro Afc….
Adam…him declaring his intentions so early in the transfer market showed it was about the money. Do we really think we brought in three class players to please RVP? If we did, then the club is definitely going down. But then again, I am only surmising…we know nothing about what happens behind closed doors. It’s probably better that way and it provides such entertaining discourse, no?
RVP. So you are using comments on his column as your justification for the earlier post? Rico has linked 2 articles which are, on the whole, reasonably positive today. By your reckoning of 1 in 50 I estimate you should be able to link 100 recent negative articles that Cross has written about Arsenal. To support your initial assertion, please do so.
Morning Rico, nothing in the European sports broadsheets worth talking about this morning… A few web blogs are quoting the Tello / Song p/x thing that was in Sport yesterday….
… The Nuri Sahin “thing” has gone quiet too..
All we are getting out of Madrid is Mourinho trying to offload Kaka and the Canales story … PSG are trying to offload Nene …. and Lloriente won’t be a Bilbao player… and Axel Witsel has turne down a eur. 40M move to Anzhi and seems to be courting a move to Real Madrid …
Totally agree Adam.
It’s annoying that this debate has to even take place, RvP made his views public, we have signed 3 quality players so far, all of which are proven Internationals and yet he doesn’t budge.
As it stands, and unless RvP does a U-Turn, he remains a hypocrite in my view.
Respect your opinion rico..even devil Gumps
John Cross doesn’t come across as anti-Arsenal. there is “reason” in a lot of what he has said.
My Dad is an idiot for selling his ’55 Chevy Nomad Wagon thinking my Moms would get it in their divorce. If I had that car now (it was red, btw), I’d deck it out with white fenders and post images wherever I could with Arsenal written across the hood! What a sweet car that was…the best Chevy ever. Does GM have anything to do with them going public? I really don’t know. I hope GM pulls their sponsorship. After all, one out of every three of my hard earned dollars went to bail their a$$es out of the hole while teachers, police officers, firefighters, and public lands were put to the side…I don’t think GM even paid everything back yet…I need to fact check that…and now they are bailing out ManUre! Damn…I’m feeling a bit wooooosy now.
Hi Ryan – I think AFC confirmed the 3 bids for RvP, all of which were not deemed high enough. Juve have since offered £20M which, reports claim we have accepted but Robin doesn’t want to go there.
Fergie is cross because he is not getting it all his own way for a change, long may that be the case. He’s also sulking because PSG have outbid them for that young Brazilian. So much so he commented a day or so ago about how FIFA should look into their spending. The man is a k**b…
Morning Syg, they’ll be some later I suspect 😉 Sahin is off to Italy isn’t he??
As I do yours fred 🙂
I read an article about Milan the other day and how many of their posting supporters were declaring that PSG and such were stealing their best players like Thiago and Ibra…I asked them how it felt to be a “selling” club without being a selling club. Even Milan feel it now…I love Arsenal, but I’ll never forget growing up seeing Van Basten tear up Europe on one ankle. I think it’s fitting that other big clubs are seeing how small Arab oil money can make them.
SYG. Morning. I think there is not a lot of money about, but rather a lot of posturing. I imagine that Fergie is pissed off at seeing marquee signings, as they are called, going to Man City, Chelsea and PSG where once they would be dying to play for him at Man Utd. The stock flotation tells you where they are with their cash flow. No-one can compete with the billionaire clubs where pure buying power is concerned. I reckon it has left him fuming, hence his recent outbursts aboy PSG and Arsenal. There’s more to come I think.
Rico. If I had read your 10.01 I might not have bothered with my post which says essentially the same thing. Apart from your usual profanity that is. 🙂
Is Lee in Spain?
Juventus have reportedly made a eur. 20M offer for Lloriente, but the news is being overshadowed by the 10-month ban given to Conte.
Nothing about Sahin, even in the Turkish broadsheets.
Everything in France pointing to the fact that PSG have spent more than eur. 100M more than all the rest of Ligue 1 put together
It’s a good job that FFP is having such a good effect then isn’t it- not.
Great article and as for John Cross no doubt about it he has RED and WHITE flowing through his veins and always has done, while at the same time with a friend like wanna fly away Robin who needs an enemy?
The way he’s treated us is disgusting so stick to your guns Gooners
as a warning to other would be traitors in the future.
I think FFP is dead b/c Platini knows Wenger would thrive under it.
Dang…the diver from Malaysia could teach any footballer what it means to represent something bigger than yourself. The Olympics…pure sport. I get as much joy at watching the little countries win as I do my own. It’s too bad that’s now completely lost in football.
Good morning all.
Rico — “they are seriously in debt, I don’t see them spending too much more this window. If thy really want Rvp then let them blow their transfer budget on him….”
Yes, they are in debt, but they seemed willing to pay 25-30 million pounds for Lucas Moura, before he finally signed for PSG. So, they could match Arsene’s MU price; I think they just don’t want to. Hence, they seem to be taking a page out of Barcelona’s operating manual with the normally circumspect Auld Whisky Nose whining about Arsenal not co-operating in the sale. Then we have Vain Rooney playing the Iniesta/Xavi (substitute any Barca player’s name) part singing the siren song ‘Come To Us’. Are they hoping to entice Robin into agitating for the transfer in order to drive down the transfer fee?
I’m of two minds whether Robin should stay or go, but if he is to be sold to ManUre, make them pay through the nose and squeeze them till they squeel.
You said it all in that last paragraph CG.
😆 Adam
Yes, Lee should be sunning himself now, maybe even a pint of Estrella in his hand whilst sat by the pool….
Sunning by a pool in Spain? Hit the beach!
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/165/7979039/lukaku-not-joining-fulham-agent
This is NOT us is it?
I don’t think RVP will be foolish(pardon my language) enough to demand a transfer…
CG. Maybe not. It is easy to think that, as Platini was the initial driving force behind it, that it’s future lies with him. However as Gazidis said in his interview a couple of months ago, the momentum for its enforcement has passed from his hands. The big non-sugar daddy clubs like Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Man Utd and even Arsenal are seeing their years of growth and ascendency into big clubs with superior buying power usurped by Arab and Russian money. It is they who will push it and not that porky little man Platini. PSG is his club and I doubt he anticipated their new found wealth when he first introduced. It will certainly be interesting and I think it will get messy.
So Adam, do you think the big spenders will simply form their own SuperLeague? Does football need the big clubs? So we have the questions that make current football an ugly beast…Is the player bigger than the club? Is the club bigger than the sport?
Goona – sadly there will always be nasri’s around and RvP could be another, but he could yet stay too….
Canadian – agree, if they had that kind of money to spend on Moura then let them offer what we want for RvP, reality is though, who would pay that much for a 29 year old?
AW imho is playing a very clever ‘game’ for the want of a better word, he’s pricing RvP out of a move…
Whether that remains to be the case in two weeks time or not though could be a different thing…
Let me clarify that a bit…will the FFP delinquents form their own league? You are right about the old school big clubs like Real, Barca, Milan, et al. needing to stop the insanity. However, I would take a rich sugar daddy paying the bills rather than banks eventually calling out on defaulted loans leaving up to the ordinary person (many with a distaste for footy) to foot the bill. That’s what happened here in the States with our big corporations ignoring the statutes that were there to make things fair, equal, and accountable.
Can’t see Chelsea letting him join us Syg, unless something is going on there with RvP…
RVP to Chelsea for Lukaku and Siberian oil rights.
Adam – do you know when FFP ‘really’ takes effect? Thought I read that clubs have the next 3 seasons to break even, in which case, this could be the last summer of ‘silly spending’…
I’m really surprised how little Mankini has done in this TW so far, and Liverpool/Totts…
Reading however have nearly bought a whole team 😆 9 i think….
😆 Cowboy…
Adam,
I agree regards FFP. Platini has tied his Presidency to FFP as it was and is his initiative. Although I think its origins predates the Arab and Russian sugar daddies. I think his intent was to limit the financial power of the old European elite clubs (Arsenal was a member) that were threatening to break away from their national leagues and form a Pan-Europa League similar to the Champions League, but limited to approximately sixteen (16) teams. However, even these teams are experiencing the challenge of teams with ultra-rich owners with unlimited fuds
Evening all.
Whether or not FFP is the reason,spending by clubs is way down so far this TW.
Possibly it’s owners getting the dirty with constantly writing blank cheques for little real return on their investment.
Either way,Arsenal are very well positioned right now,and their activity so far shows this.
For all their spending,nobody could seriously say that Citeh,PSG,Malaga or Chelsea have actually dominated their respective league,could they?
It may still turn out that rather than VP’s comments being ill advised, he might just have been hoping the prospect of a repeat of last summer may get Wenger and Gazidis moving in the transfer market. If so, it worked.
Pique now talking about how good Alex song would fit in at Barca 🙄
Hi Scott – still need 2/3 more 😉
Bendtnersgone – It is probably more to do with so many ST’s not being sold, the club have been hit in the pocket, that’s the only way they would sit up and take note….
Man U don’t need RvP. They have a well balanced squad as is
CGx2. You know guys, I have no idea what will happen. I thought we could see some breakaway competition by either the haves or the have nots but just think of what that would entail. The finance, the TV deals, the creditation from a footballing governing body, the organization et. Not so sure. I think that the leading edge of FFP is with us now. I am sure I read a lengthy article on The Swiss Ramble some time ago. What is needed is a simple version that all of us can understand. But, from what I gather, a club like Chelsea or Man City have no chance of satisfying the regulations and would not comply. Hence the huge and rather dodgy sponsorship deal that Man City announced last year. Apparently this will not wash and I can only think that they announced that to cover themselves. Footballing wise, we live in interesting times. One thing is sure though and that is that the Corinthian Spirit died quite a while ago and nobody can remember where it is buried. We too will have to change with the times I think. Personally, though some don’t agree, I think Usmanov will play a part in our future.
Maybe I will get to work on that simple FFP post Adam, that is of course, if I can understand the difficult version 😉
Hi Rico and everyone else.
I don’t think it’s ST sales or last seasons debacle that have ignited the spending we are currently enjoying.
I reckon that Wengers predictions are starting to come true,and he’s taking advantage of his own foresight.
Clubs are going belly up.
Spending is down because clubs just don’t have the cash to splash around.
Arsenal have built up their war chest,and are setting themselves up rilliantly for the future.
It is no coincidence that he spending is taking place as other clubs show signs of struggling.
Alan,they may be well balanced,but that doesn’t mean they’re any good!
Cowboy — “Let me clarify that a bit…will the FFP delinquents form their own league?”
NO! The threat of this with the old elite is what got Platini started with FFP. A league like that would be direct competition with UEFA’s cash cows the Champions and Europa Leagues. UEFA would not allow it. When this was mooted about ten years ago, UEFA gave an empahatic NO, but did agree to giving the clubs participating in the Champions and Europa Leagues a bigger share of the television and advertising revenues. The Platitni subsequently promulgated UEFA FFP initiative.
I think both are contributory Scott and Gazidis said they would not replicate last summers final day fiasco.
Thankfully, he appears to have been telling us the truth so far
Yes Piqué has started and so has fat Rooney, no doubt under Fergie’s instructions. I think that this will only entrench Arsenal even more.
Song is an interesting one. Nobody really knows what Vilanova is going to be like but I think it’s safe to say that, as Xavier and Puyol are in the evening of their careers, he won’t be as good as Guardiola and I bet that that great sportsman Mourinho is quite happy that he will be facing him this year. After all he has already tried to gouge his eye out.
If Song was sold I could see him being another Hleb. Arsenal need to defend their interests at all costs and I sense they are prepared to do just that.
You are right, Adam. It would take a revolution…and we could either choose to boycott certain teams or something like that which is a bit irrational or do what saved American football. A salary cap. Every year there is a buzz about ten different teams in the NFL…and each has their pundits and critics declaring how they can or can’t be the Super Bowl champs…I really don’t think EuroFooty fans really enjoy that, except for Champions League, i guess. But we never know who will win the NFL…there are favorites, but there is definite parity. The NFL is a great business model if people are truly fans of the GAME and not their own club. So what is bigger? Your club or the game? I often say, “I’m not a football fan…I’m a Gunners/Cowbloy fan.” When I think about my comment(s), I realize how shallow they really are.
So what do you think of a salary cap?
*Cowboy…oops.
I really don’t get the Song to Barca one at all Adam…. Unless Cesc wants a friend by his side….
I thought he went there to be with his “friends.”
Rico,you may well be right,but either way,let’s enjoy the ride.
Matias Suarez someone said. Now that would be an interesting signing.
Seems to me that Song has neither the discipline or the first touch to do much over there.
Adam,Suarez failed a medical recently,and apparently(don’t you love that word??) requires a minor operation on his knee, but enough to keep him out for a few months.
You should write a new book, Rico. FFP for Dummies. I’d read it.
Maybe Barca are trying to show that they really do love Cameroonians. Cameroons?
I’m certainly not complaining scott, said the other day in a post, what has been done can’t be changed, learn from the errors and move on…
The future is what is important now, and if that doesn’t include RvP or Song, then so be it…
Adam, I read that about Matias Suarez, rumour was we sorted a deal back in january for him….
I didn’t know that Scott… interesting..
Cowboy, I’ll do my best…
Got to pop off for an hour now, need to clear a space in my shed for the rowing machine, look out Rio, rico is getting ready for the water…
Later all….
Morning, i think the only the way to sort out the spending is to go with a variation of the MLB model where you can spend over the amount set but if you do a tac is levied this goes into a pool and is distributed, this should be brought in with the money going to Unicef and other charities so at least there would be some positives from the obscene spending
Good day to you, good night to me. Peace and I look forward to perusing your posts when I wake up in five hours.
The story goes CSKA Moscow had the deal done with Anderlecht,until this problem reared it’s head.
Rico — I think Barcelona’s interest in Song is based on his versatility. He can play as an attacking, box-to-box, or defensive midfielder and as a centreback.
We shall do our best to give you some interesting reading,Cowboy.
If wanna fly away Robin eventually gets his wish and ends up at the enemy he’ll make Nasri appear to be an angel.
But on the other hand he may not fly away in the end and we’ll all live happily ever after won’t we ???????????????…………..
Oh yeah…Congrats USA Women’s Team! Sorry CanadianGooner…I know it was a hand ball…not as bad as Titi’s, though!
Thanks Scott. I’m sure ya’ll will. Lates.
I’ve just read confirmation that Suarez definitely failed the medical,and is looking at a 4 month recovery period.
His manager has stated he guy is a better,more talented player than Lukaku,who his club sold to Chelsea.
4 months….it’s a long time with no guarantee of a full recovery.
Scott, I never knew that about Suarez but whenever I’ve seen him I thought he had just about everything that a great player needs.
CG. Versatility- yes. Discipline-no. People think about Song’s assists for RVP and Theo but forget his lapses defensively. Whenever we concede at the Emirates last year I would take a mental snapshot of our defensive formation. Most times Song was in the opposition’s half, ambling back. I like him as a player but think that Wenger has tolerated the bad for the good. A defensive minded midfielder who took no shit would be my wish at the moment. I believe it would change our pattern of play completely.
Stramaccioni “Inter need a midfielder”
That was quoted by all the Corriere Dello Sport after they got turned over by Hajduk Split last night.
” The weak point is the midfield. “In midfield we need a strong player because even in terms of number we are in trouble” – that’s even though they’ve already got Esteban Cambiasso, Sneijder, Álvarez, Coutinho, Fredy Guarín and Stanković
Don’t be surprised if “Song to Inter” does the rounds.
It’s strange that Chelsea are looking at Napoli’s Caviani and have not been seen to show any interest in Van Persie?
Cowboy — It wouldn’t have been so bad; but the same thing, only more blatant, happened in the US box and nothing was given. The US coach even said after the game that she was mistified by some of the referee’s calls. The Norwegian ref was, to say the least, inconsistent. Our ladies were gutted and may still face IOC/FIFA discipline and sanctions.
Adam,CSKA had him for 11 million.
If we could get him at a reduced price,he may still be worth the risk.
Song……he has his fans,but for me,he is very,very easily replaced with a better player for less money,imo.
He cost us plenty of goals last season through laziness.
My opinion has been that our back 4 are placed under undue pressure because they get little or no protection….unless Arteta plays,of course.
I do like Song,and think he has a lot of ability,but I doubt anyone would not do a straight swap for M’Villa,not that I’m suggesting that’s a possibility.
John Cross, now there’s a subject that splits opinion.
He is, an Arsenal fan, but he is also a tabloid journalist.
It’s his job, therefore he is going to be controversial.
If he isn’t controversial, then he is not employed.
Go on Le Grove if you want to read real anti-Arsenal/Wenger comment/poison.
And those guys claim to be Arsenal fans!
I think it’s as good an objective article on Arsenal, as you are going to get, from a rabid anti-Arsenal press.
He does make some reasonable points.
Nice post Rico, although a bit of a Bleacher Report tbh 😉
Adam would be impressed.
Morning AKB’s.
Kev. Steady on with TBR…:)
Adam — I agree, but with no creative midfielder in the team for many of our games, he was given licence to roam forward. With Cazorla &/or Podolski in the team there will be less need of him up front and he should revert to a conventional DM.
AK,I am saying nothing about Le Grove….nothing at all.
If I was to comment,which I’m not,I’d say they’re the scum on the sole of a Spuds fans shoe,but that would be nasty,so I’ll keep my thoughts to myself.
Nope,you’re not dragging me in 🙂
Morning all,
Thanks but no thanks re the Song link rico, think I’ll give it a miss.
CG,will he though?
Song didn’t track back when he needed to last year,so is it wishful thinking he will start now?
I’d be happy if he stays,but he’d need to change his mindset to that of a true DM.
Allezkev — “I think it’s as good an objective article on Arsenal, as you are going to get, from a rabid anti-Arsenal press.” Spot on mate.
Adam 11:30am … “A defensive minded midfielder who took no shit would be my wish at the moment. I believe it would change our pattern of play completely.”
That it WOULD Adam, that it would. It’s JUST a tweek to the dynamics of the overall system.
The media “noted” during the early 2003 season after we got off to a great start, kicking off with a 4-0 mauling of ‘Boro, why we as a club were looking a very different prospect
The season prior we HAD thrown away the league in the last few games, drawing 2-2 (a) with Bolton after being 2-0 up, losing 2-3 at home to the ‘Mighty Whites’ who were in complete disarray and who we should have taken to the cleaners, and then when the pressure was off we duly caned Southampton 6-1 courtesy of Pires and Pennant….
The press all put it down to one thing. The £6M invisible wall that was Gilberto.
in 2002/3 we had Edu and Viera – who were both hands-down better players than Song, but their play was similar in that they powered between the boxes, at times neglecting the Adams-less rear.
That following season we were on for the treble and would have walked it, if it hadn’t been for Wenger’s lack of spine in NOT playing his best 11.
Football’s full of different permeations, but having a disciplined team and going forward with your best eleven is a cracking way of taking on all comers.
I’ve just read comments from Pique on Song.
Contrary to reports,he never tapped him up.
He stated “Song is a great player with an impressive physical ability and good technique,” said Pique.
“If he comes, which, from what I’ve read looks like it could happen, we are happy to welcome you.”
Now some Arsenal fans are being precious if they think that’s tapping up.
A week or so back,Arteta made complimentary comments on Cazorla,and none of us thought he was tapping the guy up.
Storm in a teacup.
CG. My problem is that I think he is a liability as a DM and that’s another reason why we need a beast in there. When deep lying. Song gives away too many free kicks in dangerous positions and gives the ball away too many times. Watch M’Vila and you will see he wins the ball and looks to set up attacks by playing it wide or inside an opposition player but still wide, to set up a counter attack. Song’s out ball is too often straight down the middle to the feet of an opposition player. Then they are straight down our throats with the ball over the top and Song is out of the game. It seems to me like DMs are seldom eye catching but, as a rotation point for the whole team, they are invaluable. If we want to concede less goals this year- and we simply must do this, then a better defensive shape is vital and I am sure that Bould is working on this as we speak.
I wasn’t suggesting this site,or any members were making these claims……there’s plenty accusing Piqué everywhere else,though.
Scott — “…will he though”; that’s up to Wenger to sort out. With Wilshere coming back there will be even less need for his forays forward, so he has no excuse for neglecting his DM duties.
SYG. Great point about Gilberto.
SYG, a pennant hattrick and no-one there to see it.
You’re right Adam.
When our guys played well last season,we weren’t constantly trying for the “perfect” pass,as usually,it’s the simple pass that’s best.
Simple passes,movement off the ball,we never lost a game playing this method.
CG,agreed,100%
I think Pennant scored a hatrick for a Parkhurst eleven behind locked doors.
Was Adams pushing the wall back 10 yards.
Adam – I loved Edu as a player.
Over the years I have seen two great performances by Arsenal midfielder’s who, due to the result or a great goal or outstanding performance from a striker never got their deserved plaudits. Edu was one of the two.
Edu v’ Boro (h) 0-1 in the League Cup semi’s. He and Parlour were the only regulars in the side full of reserves, and Edu bossed it all. Pity about the Juninho goal.
The other was John Jensen (a player I never really rated) v’s PSG in the ECW semi’s.
Both had outstanding games and both played on the defence.
Gilberto gave the side the right balance. Power and discipline – Never the show man
Micko. 🙂
There you go Micko
SYG. I think. Lot of people only realised how good Gilberto was when he was missing with that long injury.
Adam. You my friend are spot on. After he came back the lad was never the same.
What a clip. What memories. Thanks.
Adam — I certainly wouldn’t object if we we acquired a DM in the Petit/Gilberto or the current Capoue/M’Villa mould and kept Song as a versatile squad player to give us added depth. Then with our recent signings, especially if we retain RvP, we could have regular squad rotatation and be able to deploy ‘horses for courses’. Put out our more robust and physical members for the likes of Stoke and give them a taste of their own medicine. Next to Ferguson, the one manager I like to hear whine is Tony Clueless.
Javier “Javi” Martínez Aguinaga…
Now he’d be a good signing 🙂
Got a bit warm in the shed, and the chickens kept pecking my toes 😆
Hello again all….
CG. Mankini’s been having a right old moan at his press conference. What a total, absolute and complete plonker that man is. Tony Pubis too. Neanderthal Pratt.
More manure from ManUre about RvP. If only life were as simple as this ‘Journalist’ thinks it to be.
http://www.eatsleepsport.com/Manchester-United/United-to-force-van-Persie-climbdown-1452514.html
😆 Adam, is he still sulking because he can’t have his new toy….
http://www.turkish-football.com/news_read.php?id=3323
Yes Rico. Now he’s having a pop at that other dickhead Brian Marwood. The common factor is that these idiots are talking about players still contracted to Arsenal. It seems that Piqué, Rooney, Ferguson, Mankini, to name but 4, are miffed that Arsenal aren’t going to play their games this season. Perhaps silent Stan’s influence? Personally I wish they would all get hit by a shower of micro meteors, alongside Durham, the perv Collymore, Robbie Savage.. The list could go on for quite some time. But I am sure you get my point. Oh, and Tony Pubis too, and Daniel Levy, john Terry, et. Etc.
I’m not convinced we’ll get him Syg…
Ashley Cole, Shawcross, Huth, McLeish, Bale, Nasri……
Adebayor, Niall Quinn, Mourinho..
Ha ha Adam, Marwood won’t be happy then…. wonder what his bosses will think of his comments…
I’m sure we could all add a few to your list, but there are not enough hours in the day….
Mark Hughes….sorry Rico but he just had to go on.
Schadenfreude where these people are concerned is a beautiful thing.
Gary Linekar, Alan Hanson…
Fine by me Adam…. Did he really play for Barcelona?? 😉
It’s looking ok for Sahin.
Apparently,the issues are we want a purchase option Included in any loan deal,and what percentage of his wages Real are to pay.
Real may even sell him to us now…..they’re yet to make a call on a full time deal or just a loan.
It will drag on for a while yet.
Adam — We haven’t got time fro your full and inclusive list. There is no shortage of Richard craniums in this world. Let’ confine ourselves to the ‘Premier League’ caliber ones.
As for Mankini (I like that) he’s more angry with our old player Marwood than he is with Arsene. Brian wont give him any money to buy new toys as his pram is already overflowing. So, Mankini can’t do anything better than spit his dummy out and throw a very public tantrum.
CG. Schadenfreude?
There you go …. an update by Marca
http://www.marca.com/2012/08/10/futbol/equipos/barcelona/1344593251.html
The winner of the Champions League will get eur. 37.4M
I think we should actually go for it this year
SYG. Translation please?
Rico — Re your earlier question about the deadline for full compliance with FFP. I believe its the 2013/2014 secausedason. Anyway, there is no doubt that has resulted in a severe case of constipation in Abu Dhabi Citeh’s tranfer plans. They are really bunged-up until they can get the very expensive bench warmers like Adebuymore of their wage rolls. They haven’t been able to excrete him, even at a fraction of his original purchase price. A shame isn’t it (queue crocodile tears and a gnashing of teeth).
I’m not up on my official league rules, but isn’t talking about a player who is still under contract with another club not tapping up?!
I though Milan were now favs to get sahin??
Talking of Ferguson’s comments re: Arsenal and the hypocrasy surrounding them… especially when he blocked a players passage to their greatest rivals ….
34yo Gabriel Heinze is expected to leave Roma and sign a contract with Newell’s Old Boys
Sorry, that should read season. The cursor on this borrowed laptop roams around like a teenager’s hands with his first girlfriend.
For Adam …
Tito is in no hurry by Alex Song
Tito Vilanova is expecting a last booster and preferences are in a midfielder after the departure of Seydou Keita. Of course, the technician is aware that patience when negotiating is key and not get nervous. “The deadline for signing is open, still open, so there is no hurry,” he said after the game against Manchester.
Publicly, the Barca coach does not give many clues about what their preferences: “If you prefer a center or a defense? What we need is to bring a good player. If not central, we will continue to assist Mascherano in that position. If is central, as we have to Mascherano. “When asked directly by Song, balls out, “I’d rather not talk about players not on our team, because it is disrespectful.”
The truth is that Barcelona is already negotiating with Arsenal Song. In the Catalan club already know from experience that the English club is a tough nut to crack. It happened with Cesc Fabregas and Wenger is not willing to get rid of a player he also discovered just like that.
It was the Frenchman who noticed the player when I was at Bastia and was a teenager. He signed for less than € 1 million last season and was a fixture in the Arsenal line-ups.
Barcelona confident that Arsenal finished by agreeing to negotiate Song. It is not the only objective, but it is the most like in Barcelona. “It’s a good player. If you come you will receive with open arms,” said Gerard Pique.
What Song Balls out means I don’t know? Song Balls up maybe
SYG. Many thanks. Nice to know that others have noticed.
Hiya Canadian@12:57… is the teenager a male or female?
ESP — UEFA/FIFA will only act if they receive an official complaint from the player’s current club.
“The truth is that Barcelona is already negotiating with Arsenal Song.” Marca. Spain’s No. 1 sports paper
SYG — These days in the spirit of inclusion and political correctness, it really doesn’t matter. I’ll leave that to your active imagination.
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/908118-arsenal-tell-flop-striker-park-chu-young-he-must-find-new-club
First. Take the No. 9 jersey off him and give it to Cazorla
Thanks Canadian re FFP
Esp, they are all at it, but Afc do nothing about it…
I think they are too Syg and that’s why their manager wouldn’t comment…
Olympiacos want The Squillster – hoo-bloody-rah 😛
Bad news.
Back to the shed for me… later guys..
Good news Adam, good news, be strong…. 😉
Rico. You can be cruel sometimes.
I think we will be able to clearout most, if not all, of our deadwood; but a lot of the rransfers may be deadline day deals. So, we’ll just have to be patient.
Re: Squiilaci? I’ve just trawled through the Greek papers and nothing was mention of him – and they are all football-mad.
All the news revolves around Panathinakos v Malaga
I think if we can’t clearout ALL the deadwood next best thing is a firing squad..! Problem solved.
It’s the new me Adam 😆
WATH — For a minute there, I thought I had strayed onto that paragon of moderation Le Grove. I don’t think the Gunners nor the Gooners need to be so militant.
One from The Rumour Site 😆 😆
10 Aug 2012 11:49:08
Here’s one you didn’t see coming! Flight plans submitted at Heathrow airport for a chartered flight to Moscow Saturday 11th August. The flight then returns to London Sunday 12th. Outward passenger list has a certain Mr A Arshavin. The return list has a Mr K Honda! My brother is flight operation manager at heathrow and a massive gooner!
It was Wath being ironic Canadian 😉
Daniel Sturridge could heading out of Stamford Bridge The striker is now 6/4 to make the switch to London neighbours Spurs…
If Chelsea want RvP, I’d be happy if we got Sturridge as part of the deal….
Just saying 😉
Off again 😉
If I was being “Militant” CG i’d actually make the deadwood get off their arses and earn the 40/50k a week we waste on them… Maybe they could clean the Emirates after a game..!!
Your spending far to much time in that shed Rico your not making anything in there are you..? 😉
Not sure about Sturridge Rico, he spends far to much time rolling around on the floor or tripping over blades of grass…!
Rico –Thanks, I realized that and for the record; I was being sarcastic. An all too common occurence with me.
WATH — No offence intended and thanks for the chuckle.
Rest assured CG i don’t take offence to much at all mate…!
Too many sarky bastards on here for my liking.
I wouldn’t want Sturridge in P/X, Rico – We have too many similar players who are better than him at the club already.
Torres is the only striker in the Premiership that appeals outside of Aguero, Suarez and Tevez that I wouldn’t mind losing for Van Persie for. All four would fit into the Arsenal style of play with ease.
Llorente is good and looks like a courageous and interested Nicklas Bendtner type, however OUR style of play is not that of ariel bombardment.
Benzema looks the business but he’s a Real Madrid shoe-in nowadays. Neymar appears Barcelona-bound.
We’ve already got France’s/Ligue One’s top forward in our ranks…
If there’s anything else out there !!!!????
Ah Mr PC himself……….. How’s you Micko 😉
SYG, spot on with the style/type of striker that would fit in with us…! David Villa would fit in as well but think that boat has long sailed..! I’d still take Torres all day long, there is still a classy player he’s just got a little lost.
Well dawn approaches. So, goodnight to me and a Good Afternoon to my fellow Gooners. Till tomorrow.
Another week at the fun factory nearly over wath, I reckon rico must be having trouble finding that box of bulbs she dug up in 1976.
Laters CG.
Cheers CG,
I reckon Rico is burying someone in the garden mate let alone bulbs and this excuse of a rowing machine…! Very dodgy…!
A mess Wath, that’s what I am making 🙂
Vela move has been confirmed.
Fairy snuff, no Sturridge then 🙂
Blame Adam for the shed, his new big one gave me inspiration to clear mine out…. 😉
😆 Micko & Wath
Esp, another failed ‘project youth’ goes…..
Must go, later all….
Rather have Moses from Wigan than Sturridge, I think he would fit into our system better and offers another threat with pace up front
Vernat, thought Chelsea had pretty much wrapped up a deal for Moses, as for Sturridge not for me either.
Am with you Vernat I like Moses…!
I think that body must be stinking Micko she is in a hurry to get it buried……..
Just out in Spain
…….that Javi Martinez could be up for a move – with Bayern one of his suitors … it also states that they have “enquired” about Song’s availability …..
http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20120810/fc-barcelona/barca-fichajes-bayern-song-melo-javi-martinez-bilbao_54335522218.html
Sorry but it’s a bitch to translate
Wath, my auntie lived opposite Dennis Nilsen and she didn’t have a clue what was going on, its not as if the chickens are gonna grass her up is it.
I think it’s all very dodgy Micko….. Rico the mad hatchet murderer…!
That mean he coming t us SYG…? 😉 what kind of money they talking..?
AFternoon all…
Look liek Theo had slipped beneath the radar and nobody ahs a clue whetehr he signs or won’t signs…….like FLamini…or Michale Owen.
AT the end of the day, FLamini just leave on a Bosman and Michael owen got his wish to join Real on the cheap..
A dead-line hsould be set for Theo to sign else he will leave on a Bosman in July and signing a pre-contract in Janaury 2013….
Song?
Hold him for one more year and then sells him in summer 2013 if he still refuses to sign a contract extension…
No big loss as we are rebuilding and needs a core group of players that will remain for at least 4 years or more…
2012/13 is vital for us to bloddy all those youngsters as well as to settle in all those new players.
Then come 2013, all those disloyal players can f**K off….good riddance to bad rubbish including Van Persie on a Bosman in JUly 2013.
Set a date-line by next week and then sells him if he still refuses to sign a contract….
I hate palyers who after a 20-minute cameo at Euro2012 and deemed himself a supersatr entitled to earn 100,000pw as…a blind alley runner???
Mega bucks for Martinez WATH …. in excess of £20M
Hello Merlin – Speed typing again, mate?
Dennis Nilsen eh Micko. You don’t here much of him nowadays. Loved his song “Without You”
Merlin, from what I can gather seems Theo happy to stay he says the contract takes time and he will sign when it’s ready he said the last one took 6 months to sort out…!
Agree with the rest of what you say though if players don’t wanna be there then fk off simple as that..!
Thing is SYG, they stating mega bucks BUT they are all so skint if we offer a decent amount AND money up front that will work in out favour just look at Cazorla for 12mil…!
You’re right there WATH. I’d have had Toulalan off Malaga too…
As for Spanish football there’s talk of Modric for £40M and Witsel for £40M going to Madrid coupled with the “fact” that Neymar is on his way to Barcelona in 2013 for god knows what fee…
They don’t look potless as such..
Bilbao ??? All their players are like the “Lisbon Lions” of 1967. All local (Basque) lads. I can’t see them being in too much debt to give their prized asset away…
i think Rvp should sign or go to hell,i wouldn`t mind.same goes to other player with 1year contract.we are not a feeder club.we need a stable club and a trophy.red nose should shut up before he disgrace himself cos next time he says such a comment,he`ll be disgracing he arsehole.saaaaaaaaaaaaanti cazorla,poldolski and geroud wil add substance too Mighty AFC.
Evening everyone, have we signed anyone today 🙂
I’ve been to the dump 🙂
Witsel for £40 million? Surely not.
Spooky about Martinez, I mentioned him earlier 🙂
Rico. What about Martinez? Is this the Bilbao player?
His club can whistle for that amount of money…..
maybe we`ll sign a malaysian!!!!!so signing still to come.Rico
Wasn’t Witsel the player who received one of the longest bans in football for deliberately breaking a player’s leg in a thoroughly disgusting tackle?
I bet Tony Pubis would love to sign him.
In 2013 Spain should be completely broke so the Neymar thing looks shaky to me.
I’m quite disappointed with our activity in the transfer market, if I’m honest. Why haven’t we signed up Torres yet? 😀
Hello, rico, Adam, Seedou. 🙂 What are you busy with now, rico? Did you finish all that you had to write, Adam?
Stop Press:
Squillaci to Olympiakos Shocker!!!
The Bleacher Report reports on unrest among the fans at this staggering news.
It quotes Adam of Holloway “I am so upset that i’ve cancelled my holiday to Newbury.
Lee of Essex says “This news has put me off of my curry”
Mick of Finsbury said “Where’s my pot noodle?”
Wath of Islington said ” I need a stiff drink”.
No change there then.
Some guy in Yorkshire fell into a hole with the shock.
Stan of Arnhem said ” I need a change of clothing”.
Rico of Berks said ” I need a bacon sandwich”.
Scott of Down Under said ” Strewth”.
Agag of Manila said ” Give me my Amex, quick”…
As the shockwaves reverberated around the globe. Roberto Mankini was reported to retort ” I want my Mummy”.
Kev. Brilliant. 🙂
Hi Agag. Just a couple of edits over the weekend and then it’s off to the publishers. What is it with you and Torres?
😆 Kev. We need a credit card so that we can pay Olympiakos to take Squilli off our hands.
You okay, Adam? The Squidster is leaving, you must be… prostrate with grief over this latest development. 😀 😀
Torres is the only player outside our club that I like. 🙂 He would slot right in. 🙂 Our style of play suits him.
Front page NEWS in Denmark
ARSENAL CHASE CHELSEA PLAYER
is it Fernando Torres??????????????????????????
http://www.sporten.dk/superligaen/broendby-lurer-paa-tidligere-chelsea-spiller
Seedou – I’m sure tehre is 🙂
Not sure on Witsel Adam re the ban
Hi agag, all ok with you?? Nothing much really, just clearing out my shed ready for the rowing machine, but to honest, we need a new one and I blame Adam for my sudden inspiration…
Hi Kev, that comment is bloomin funny – love it 🙂
You tease Syg, that translates to:
Arsenal are testing this week the former Chelsea talent Emmanuel Sarki, who can play at both right and left edges.
A single club in the Premier League has not yet touched on in the summer transfer window, and it is Arsenal who else could use some reinforcements after last season’s disappointing ninth place. But now it may be that the first new player is coming to Arsenal.
Anyway, the club from the Copenhagen Vestegn this week visit by the 24-year-old winger Emmanuel Sarki who have the week to convince Auri Skarbalius and Co.. that he is worth offering a contract.
Emmanuel Sarki is available on the market after he extended the contract with Beveren in Belgium, but it’s a great club, Chelsea, to nigeria transferee has been the longest contract. He had never debut for the English club, and in four seasons in a row, he was hired out to Westerlo in Belgium. Then we went to Ashdod in Israel, before he returned to Belgium and Beveren.
But now he is therefore kontraktløs and possibly on his way to Arsenal, who join the club’s website that Sarki can play at both right and left edges.
Emmanuel Sarki was last summer to try-out in Sønderjyske without throwing a contract with him.
I know Rico….. I’ve even been surfing the sports broadsheets of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina to see if anything’s happening..
NOTHING is.
The Danish press haven’t mentioned anything re: Bendtner – neither the Greeks have with Squillaci, yet they both stay at Colney?
SYG, grrr. 😉
The sun shone today, finally! 🙂 Before torrential rains pounded the metro again. 😉 Do I sense a shed purchase??
haha agirlagunner.
i think you should pray that i got the money and buy Mighty AFC asap.i will bring in torres,messi,and ronaldo for gunner.
any news from the spokeman of barca,pique?
Boring isn’t it Syg 😉
I time agag, in time. We inherited the one that just about stands, but it has little mouse holes in the corners and last year the bigger furry ones started to appear, the ones with the long horrid tails.
After a sound investment in an air rifle, the latter are long gone…. 🙂
And Capoue or M’Vila for me I hope seedou and of course, ensure Theo signs a new contract…. 🙂
yep rico and maybe morinho as wenger`s assistant.
seedou, that sounds like a plan!! I would be laughing the hardest when Bankruptlona goes down. I hate Pique and Puyol; the unnaturally pale Iniesta; that diver Busquets; but above all I hate Xavi. I think Xavi is as repulsive as Evra.
rico, is there anything you do not do?? 😆 But I do think Adam has just inspired you to get a new shed, too. 😀
bankruptlona players are shit
No thanks to Jose seedou….
He has agag 🙂
I’ll try anything, but seldom to I succeed, I don’t mind though 😉
Alex Song is closing in on a move to Barcelona as Arsenal prepare to launch a bid for Anderlecht star Cheikhou Kouyate a Squeaky Bum Time source tells us.
The Cameroon international was one of the Gunners star performers last season and caught the eye of Tito Vilanova with the new Barca boss after striking up a productive understanding with Robin Van Persie.
Vilanova is keen to reinforce his sides defensive strength having allowed Seydou Keita to leave earlier in the summer and has made Song his priority target.
There is no suggestion that the 24-year-old is angling to leave the Emirates Stadium but we’re told a deal isn’t far away from being completed amid reports the Spanish giants have submitted a £12.5 million bid.
And Gerard Pique has added further fuel to the flames acknowledging the midfielder would be a welcome addition to the Catalan ranks telling El Mundo Deportivo: “I have followed his career and he has become a very good player.
“He is physically very strong and is good with the ball at his feet.
“We are open to his arrival,” he added. “If he comes, and from what I have read he could do, we would love to have him.”
Arsene Wenger will use the money raised by the sale of Song to fund a move for Senegal defender Kouyate after he impressed for his country at the London Olympics earlier this month.
The 22-year-old has been watched by scouts from Gunners, Newcastle United and West Ham United in recent weeks and Wenger is hoping to steal a march in the race for his signature.
Kouyate currently ineligible for a British work permit but that is unlikely to deter the Frenchman having been on his radar since before his move to the Belgian side in 2008.
His agent Tedir Bekir revealed on Thursday that there is plenty of interest in his client saying:
“I have received several calls during the Games.
“Almost every English team, but also Russian and Turkish teams. His versatility is an asset.”
rico, the idea of you shooting rodents is just too funny. 😆
seedou, hateful hateful team.
Why agag?
The thought of missing them is more funny 🙂
Agag. Please don’t start Rico on the shed jokes. Everyone thinks she is so innocent and I get the blame. She slid one in earlier that she thinks I missed.
I’m squeamish about that sort of stuff is why! And you’ve never struck me as bloodthirsty! 😛
I think I missed it, Adam. Or could be I am sloooow. 😀
rico is sweet and innocent!! 🙂 Of course, you’d get the blame, Adam.
I knew you wouldn’t have missed that one Adam 😉
Not blood thirsty agag, just hate those things with long tails 😉
Off to get dinner, back in 30 mins….
Rico. Mail check.
At the moment I have this image of her in full combat gear with a rifle slung over her shoulder, planning a rodent kill. Curiouser and curiouser. But I am just a simple town boy.
Agag. Goonster got outraged with last night and accused me of being inappropriate with sweet little Rico.
That’s cos Goonie thinks he has the market cornered on being inappropriate. 😀 I am kidding, goonster. 🙂
What are you guys, cooking?
Sun dried tomatoes, mashed with 8 garlic cloves, pine nuts, grated fresh parmesan, chillies and extra virgin Italian olive oil then slowly cooked with cherry tomatoes and a few chopped black olives. Add some big prawns and pour over some Buccatini pasta. Season with more Olive oil and black pepper. Mrs Adam loves it. But then she likes anything that she doesn’t have to cook. What about you Agag?
Show off, Adam. 😛 I had a boiled egg and instant coffee for dinner, I was too tired to wait for proper dinner to be served. 😀
Well, you did ask! It only took about 20 minutes. I’ve got some over if you want to pop round Agag..
I’m there in spirit, Adam; and I’ve just eaten everything. Not a kitten lick left. 😀 😀
Shame. Mrs Adam wanted to show you her new sunglasses.
Ok, that was 50 mins 😆
🙂 Tell Mrs Adam to send me a link. You guys shop a lot. 🙂
I am sweet and innocent, trust me 😆
Don’t they just agag, Mr and Mrs Adam shop more in a week than I do in a year, mind you, you Lee and Kev aren’t far behind them 😉
I know, my shopping buddy, AK shops a lot!! Now we know what he does on his “tea breaks”.
I should imagine, Lee and Mrs Lee are the same. 🙂 🙂
Nah, you’re racy rico to me now. 🙂
racy agag?
Cos you’ve been all about “erections” lately. 😀
Ah, no more, I promise 😉
i think song and Rvp should clear the air before sunday game.what do you think?
OMG, not you too…….jeez, i think i need a vacation.
Yeeeeee —- Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
According to reports on Sky Sports News, Arsenal have agreed a deal with Olympiakos which will see Sebastien Squillaci leave Arsenal after two ‘bumpy’ years.
Squillaci, who signed in the summer of 2010 from Sevilla, struggled to get in to the Arsenal side after a relatively decent first few months at the club. Since his arrival two years ago he has made a total of 34 starts scoring two goals.
Moving from Sevilla after just two years with the Spanish side, Squillaci has one year left on his contract and is not being offered a new deal as Arsenal look to move the 31 year old as soon as possible.
His performances during his first season got progressively worse, mainly due to being unable to get a consistent run in the side, and in the summer of 2011 the arrival of Per Mertesacker saw the Frenchman fall even further down the pecking order.
Squillaci did not make a single league start for the club last season with 30 of his 34 starts coming in his first season with the club.
The fee was for the centreback was being reported as being around £1m.
😆 😆 😆
rvp ball skills in the arsenal training video are clearly worth 15m only.
seedou – if they both want to go, then I say naff off and let’s get the money in and re-invest sharpish…..
afternoon good people, how’s it going? i see mr chips left huh? well i wish him the best. dont get me started on RIPrick. i dont wanna talk about him. now even fuck face rooney thinks he ll look better in manure red? good grief, flog him to juve now!!!!
What’s up with you now goonie??? 😉
vida, for the rest we want another £15M….
Mrs Adam shops more than me Agag. She saw a pair of electric blue Adidas Evil Eye cycling glasses and bought them.
I think we all see you in a new light now Rico. My shed has inspired you and your racy side. I am very naive compared to you
Chill Stanley….. good evening to you…..
You are such a hoot Adam 😉
wow now watch adam slit his wrist……squilster to olympiacos!!!! sorry adam i feel your pain.
Did I hear someone mention erections?
great news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!xx
I think that subject popped up Kev 😉 You home now??
Goonie. In the light of this sad news I stand erect. Like a rod of iron, unbending in the wind of change.
Rico. A quick mail for Agag.
Kev. Well done. You made it through the week. 🙂
christ in heaven give me strength, adam, each time you say that, my skin crawls. you re creeping me out man. stop it……….aughhhh
how much is Squillaci wages
used to be the only erector on here.
But Adam’s shed blew me away.
A mega erection indeed.
I am not worthy.
Stan, 🙂
what in the world!!!!! even AK has picked up this erection thingy!!!! that;s it am going home.
Home tomorrow Rico.
Sunday I start on the garage roof.
Adam, if you need help with a soakaway, i’m your man.
Agag, no spending for awhile. I got withdrawal symtoms.
Didn’t even get to that shop I told you about.
Missed bargains. Very painfull.
Stan, you changed your pants yet?
Stan. If you traced it back to its genesis you would see that sweet, innocent little Rico started the whole thing.
hahahahahahha genesis huh? rico and adam right? makes perfect sence. rico are you eve?
wenger once ask Cesc to clear the air and he did that,then the following season he left.
anyway,Mighty AFC is bigger than song and Rvp!
That question is a big ‘un Stan.
kev, pants? what are those? we dont wear them here….makes it easier for the females.
Great news re:Squillaci. Stepanovs, Cygan, Tavrilidis, Silvestre, Arsene does have ‘previous’…
Boo, goonie!! Calm down!! You okay, Adam? Squilli leaving and all that?? 😀
Hiya, shopping buddy!! I bet you’re sad the Olympic games are drawing to a close. 😀
seydou, tell them to fuck off on my behalf
No Agag. I am very upset about the whole thing to be honest.
Aren’t those like professional cycling stuff, Adam? 🙂 🙂
Agag i’m devestated.
A two week break. Then the Paraolympics start.
Just as I come back. Arrrrggggghhhhh.
Other than that Agag, i’m chipper 😉
Rico. Did you see Alyson Felix at the Emirates?
hey AGAG, how’s my city?
Seedou, Song would be silly to have his head turned. Does he imagine that he would get a starting berth?? Barcelona love to unsettle our players.
I wish we had more of the Koz, TV5 types; fuss free contract extensions.
Saving up for a big ticket item, KEV?? 🙂 Adam, you can always buy that car; would console you in no time at all. 🙂
Yes Rico, but they are unbelievably light and come with two pairs of lenses. They don’t let light in at the edges either.
Stan you always stuck me as a man in a thong…
Don’t know why, guess it’s my overactive imagination..?!
ahhhhh alyson felix!!!!! i have a huge crush on her. can anyone get me her number?
She’s a Gooner Stan.
you re spot on kev……its kinda airy and free. gives “tendies” a breathing space.
That was my IPhone Agag.
A fantastic piece of kit, I must say….
Now, as you suspected, I must save…. 🙁
vida – don’t care as long as another club but ours is paying them 😉
I’m not sure about Arnhem, goonie, but Manila is recovering from devastation. 😉 Are you chill yet??
I didn’t know the Paralympics was scheduled so soon, Kev. 🙂
she is!!!!! sign me adam…..am in love.
The car is on hold Agag. :). Sad, but true.
Great new Kev, bet you can’t wait… even though the garage looms 😉
Adam & Stanley – you both pack it in now 😆
Look on the Arsenal site Stan. You will find an interview with her.
Adam – i had a pair of Oakley’s like that in my cricket playing days – nice 😉
manila is my adopted home AGAG, hell you live there dont ya? besides my wildest fantasies are in that city. gosh manila city of GOD! am coming baby.
Alyson Felix Adam, I din’t see her – I was more interested in Mo Farah 😉
Tell me Adam, when is your article going to appear in the Bleacher Report.
I’m all of a quiver in anticipation.
That’s me done guys and gals – off to sort the chickens out for bed and water the turfs …
Another great day all, and that’s down to such a wonderful group of people who have chosen to chat on HH…..
Makes it all worthwhile, thanks to all…
Night Night everyone, enjoy the rest of you day…
’til tomorrow, stay safe…..
whoa kev, adam is writting for “bullshit report” now? i knew it. adam is weird in a conventional way. God help us.
Agag, are you also of a quiver of anticipation, knowing that Stanley is heading to Manila….?
rico, specifics. call out our names. jeez, i like a little praise every now and then.
In the next few weeks Kev. I will keep you informed.
I too am signing off for the day. My very best to Kev,
Agag, Goonster of course and all Gooners. Night, night.
Rico, i’m gonna be hitting them there keys, with a vengence, when I get home.
Plenty of ideas… 🙂
shut up kev, dont scare her…
night adam….have a good one
Sleep well Rico.
Post help is on it’s way.
I’ll make sure to be away if Goonie does decide to brave the mad streets of my beloved city, Kev. 😆
Good night, Adam, happy shopping! 😛
Nighty night, rico. 🙂 We’re close to 3 million hits. 🙂
Night Adam.
What’s the actual total Agag?
Also, what’s the situation in Manila now?
Are you getting back to normality?
Are you back at work?
hahahahahahaha that wont be necessary…..i promise to be well behaved. hell i might meet your folks. first impression they say…..who knows i could be the future MR AGAG. yeahhhhh baby.
That’s me done. Early start tomorrow.
Night Agag, take care now buddy.
Nignt Stan. Try to stay outta trouble ok.
night guys…….i gotta prepare for my date. see ya lil mama. say me well to manila.
The counter at the top right corner says: 2,930,687 hits!! 😛
We’re so used to it, Kev. Every year there’s something similar, so yes, we’re returning to normal. This made me laugh:
http://www.divaasia.com/media_photo/17921
People are coping as you may see:
http://palaisip.blogspot.com/2012/08/flood-more-fun-in-philippines.html
Good night, friends. 🙂 🙂
Morning all.
English weather here today……around 10 degrees and raining.
Poor little 6 y.o’s are still playing though!!
Then again,I cant remember many games ever being called off when I was a kid…..oh,how the world has changed.
Kids are suddenly very fragile,at least,in their parents eyes.
Are they getting soft,or are we making them soft??
park knows where the post is…..goodnight dear friends..goonster where have you been,agag shows up and here you are.
Bondex, he’s like a dog with 2 dicks !!!
Anyone see Frimpy’s tweet? “Loyalty in football is gone. I will find it and bring it home.” RvP or Song?
http://www.soccersouls.com/2012/08/frimpong-hints-rvp-exit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=frimpong-hints-rvp-exit
Morning all…
Cowboy, I think we know loyalty is gone, its a shame but that’s what money has done to the game. He could be referring Squilli of course 😉 😉
New Post up