It's time to say Goodbye. Defender and Midfielder both wanted by Wenger.

Morning all,

Get the champagne out of the fridge, or Cava if you are poor like me, and pop open the corks…

Abou Diaby is off his crutches and ready to rock and roll….

Well, walk and then maybe run!

I have come off the crutches. Now I have to start walking again.

I will start running again in a few weeks. I want to take my time with everything to ensure that it all goes smoothly.

This is going to sound harsh, but surely it’s time to cut him free and say goodbye. We know the club can reach an agreement to end a players contract, they have just done that with Denilson and he’s fit. So surely it’s time to for the club to say farewell to Arsene Wengers fellow countryman.

For too long now we as a club, well, Arsene Wenger, has clung on to hope that certain players will either come good, or in Diaby’s case will be fit enough to really make a difference to our squad because on his day he can be good. He just doesn’t have ‘his day’ very often.

I have always loved Tomas Rosicky too, I still do, yet how much has he cost us in wages?

He signed for us in the summer of 2006, yet he’s played just 128 games.

That all adds up to him featuring in an average of just of 18 matches!

Abou Diaby – he too signed in the same summer as Rosicky, yet he’s featured in less matches, just 123! His average works out just over 17 appearances a season.

Compare that with Robin van Persie, the other big sick note during his career with us, he signed back in 2004 and left in 2012, but he managed 194 appearances which by my calculations, works out an an average of 24 appearances a season…

When certain fans say things like ‘Diaby may come good, he could be another RvP’ – well it isn’t ever going to happen is it?

RvP had one great season which boosted his statistics but I doubt very much that Abou Diaby will ever get that kind of fortune.

It’s time to say goodbye, regardless of whether Diaby walks, runs or kicks a football.

It’s time to replace him with a player who is younger, fitter and better……

As for Tomas Rosicky, well he’s fit right now, but for how long……..?

Not much gossip:

Sky Sports are reporting that we are showing an interest in Lorenzo Melgarejo. The 22-year-old Paraguayan defender is valued at £5million. According to his agent:

Arsenal and Fenerbahce have enquired about Melgarejo. But so far there has been nothing concrete.

In other stories, suggestion is that we are interested in Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan, he has a €45million release clause in his contract apparently but it’s believed that Benfica would accept an offer lower than that.

Finally, Wilfried Bony is desperate to make a move to the Premier League and he wants to play in the Champions League:

To play in the Premier League, one of the best leagues in the world, is a unique opportunity. When the opportunity arises, I will fight to go. I am very unhappy with Vitesse. They have made promises that they have not kept.

That last sentence sounds familiar doesn’t it…….

Have a good day all, catch you in the comments..

0 thoughts on “It's time to say Goodbye. Defender and Midfielder both wanted by Wenger.

  1. useroz says:

    IDaby, you know what, you’ve taken your time for over 6 years and we are sick and tired it. And we don’t have 60k each week to play with. Go where you want to make your name; just leave. Oh, take Wenger with you thanks.

  2. rico says:

    He’ll be crocked again by then Wavy. He has to go this summer and finally replace that position…

    Prob a load of tosh, but I wouldn’t be at all to see him signed,..

  3. Dick Swiveller says:

    I’d be happy for Diaby to see out his contract, giving him a little longer to sort himself out, as long as Wenger doesn’t think of him as part of the squad.

    I think we only lost a few points due to lack of power last season, it’s less of an issue than it was, but when we can get someone who can help in that area and give us another option in the double pivot, we shouldn’t hold back because Diaby *might* be ‘cured’.

    I do think he’ll be replaced this summer, or is that hope?

  4. rico says:

    But how much will that cost us Ds, let him go and be paid by some other club.. All the time he stays, Wenger will be tempted to include him, just like he did this time last season when he started to recover…

  5. George says:

    morning Rico, Adam, Lee, Wavy , DS..

    Diaby should be kept for 10 games in till he gets injured again. I wouldn’t chance him against the tosh in the premier league, and play him in the big games where he might play well(last season v Liverpool) His knees will give way and he will be released by mutual consent. No one will touch him with a barge pole because of his injuries.

    We have paid his sort of wages to worse players so seeing as there is no sell value, he might do a rosicky and come good for 15 games

  6. tsgh says:

    Morning all,

    Where is Malaga gooner this morning? :O

    I am pleased for Diaby… to me he shows the type of determination and mental strength most people lack in their daily lives to get up after being knocked down a millionth time… I take my hat off to him for that… he could easily cash in on his insurance and take a coaching role if he wanted to but he hasn’t!

    Yes he is expensive but on the other hand there is no guarantee his replacement will be injury free either!

    Personally I do not look at how much we are paying him etc. as what he takes from AFC does not affect me one ounce.Politicians, big corporations, benefit cheats and the likes who pay no tax but take from hard working individuals affects my bottom line than what Diabolic does or doesn’t do.

    😀 Blame the G8 demo for that view… 😉

  7. Dick Swiveller says:

    I think he’s one hell of a player when fit and, like it or not, even with our influx of money, we’re still not playing with the big boys. A guy with the potential of Diaby would cost you 30m+ today, I think the worth (just about) outweighs the risk.

    I agree though, if there’s any doubt in Wenger’s mind about getting a player in due to Diaby being forced out, I’ll drive him to the glue factory myself.

  8. tsgh says:

    😀 George… Mg is more hilarious than those ‘beep beep’ idiots down there… .

    Mg never slates our club in fact he is entertaining and he has some good points unlike some pundits… lol

  9. Joaquim moreira says:

    Melgarejo is awful!
    Is the worst Benfica player of the season
    He is an adaptation of left back and Benfica wants now two left back.
    But, why we want another left back?

  10. tsgh says:

    I am with you Ds… considering some fans want us to pay 10M etc for Diame etc and he is also injury prone…

    As I said earlier people like Diaby pay at least 60% of their income to tax and help the economy… fans would like us to pay £200k pw for certain players and they do not even pay tax in this country….

    One reason I have stopped paying into any club unless through TV or the 5 or so times I may go to watch football live a season…

    People and kids are hungry and getting killed daily and we stress about signings… lol

  11. rico says:

    Morning George..

    Ts – who on here says the club should pay £10 million for Diame??

    No-one as far as I know….

  12. SD_UK says:

    In the case of Diaby I don’t think player’s contracts are that simple, since it is a long time injury , I don’t think he will be getting a full salary after some months.

    Please if you know more about player contracts shed more light.

    By the way the reason arsenal still keeps Diaby is because when he is fit, he gives us more than say , Denilson, Scolaci,Arshavin or Charmakh.

  13. Scott from Oz says:

    Morning all.
    Who will take Diaby?
    Nobody.
    That is the reason he is still with us, surely.
    Same as Bendtner and others.

  14. rico says:

    That is what I hoped for but if he gets fit, AW will just put him in the squad and take a risk, so that’s why I hope he goes and he gets replaced….

    I don’t know enough about contracts either Sd, but in the real world he’d have been sacked for bad attendance 😉

  15. Adam says:

    Hi Lee. I am well thanks mate. Great to see you the other evening.
    I have come to realise that being afforded the title of Toad is actually an honour bestowed by our Queen of Cava. Wear the badge with pride my brudder.

  16. malaga gooner says:

    ffs i have just lost my piece i have sent,,it took me 1 hour and 4 joints to write and its gone,i am pissed now.
    nothing to villa rumours we tried in jan to do something its just his agent trying to rekindle a move.
    we have other targets

  17. rico says:

    No Scott, if you don’t turn up you aren’t putting in the hours – sacked 😉

    That load of tosh was on twitter this morning Malaga… And can you quit the ‘joints’ reference on here please, it’s not welcome.

  18. SD_UK says:

    No Rico , he wouldn’t have been sacked in real life, he would have been heavily compensated because he got injured while working for Arsenal.

    He will then be payed in full for at least 9 months of which they will review his case and if they try to reduce his salary and he knows his right, then he can then sue the company (lets say warehouse company) for unfair treatment.

    He if then chooses to leave, he can then claim further damages for making life unbearable for him which led to depression and stress because they are making him believe it was his fault he got injured by this time the company would have settled out of court.

    That is real life not to talk of the crazy world of football.

  19. tsgh says:

    I was just making a general comment Rico… re some fans wanting Diame to be bought…. in January Fat Sam said he would cost more than the 10M purported…. and sections of the media including past players thought Diame would be our answer…

    I have no sports legal or contractual knowledge but common sense tells me that if we can just get rid of players as some fans think can be done or , we would have done it I am sure… As an example Malouda chose to pocket his 90k a week salary and train not play with the reserves…

    Numerous players like Dyer and M. Johnson to name a few have been on the books of clubs with better cash flow than ours but those clubs could not shift them…

  20. tsgh says:

    Thats the one George…
    Good info SD_UK, I find it funny that fans think primadona like footballers will just walk away from their salaries just because of some abuse or not playing

  21. rico says:

    Maybe SD….

    I see Ts – you made it sound like you are referring to people on here…

    We have more sense 😉

  22. Jay says:

    Morning all ,it seems like groundhog day with the Diaby blogs ,it seems the issues over whether to keep him ,or hope that he will get over his appalling injury record will only end when he retires.Personally I feel sorry for the guy ,and I know he has been well paid for laying on a treatment table,but it all started because a vicous litte thug in a Sunderland shirt tried to make a name for himself by wrecking Diabys season.The little shit has disapeared into oblivion while Diaby has failed to turn into the player we all hoped he could become.Cant see anyone investing in him now ,so I guess we will be having this conversation this time next year.

  23. SD_UK says:

    But Diaby can help himself by retiring from international football, he should forget about it for now.

  24. George says:

    good point SD_UK…@11:52

    Rico better one at 10:37…have 2 job interviews thursday fingers crossed…

    Ginge…good old winston Bogarde@the chavs 40k a week for 3 years 1 appearance 10 years ago lol…in my last role i knew it was curtains at goldman sachs, but i stayed put till they binned me. No one in this day walks away from the money unless they are comfortable or have something lined up. The days of pride go out the window

  25. rico says:

    Agree Sd, used to say the same about the old badger…

    Fab news George, good luck and hope you get offered both….

  26. Micko says:

    SD, French football will be brought to it’s knees !
    Diaby will end up leaving on a free in the summer of 2015 when his contract expires, sign a pay as you play deal and see out the rest of his days in bed.
    George, did you see tsgh having a little dig at tax dodgers at 10.23, good luck with the job interviews tomorrow btw.

  27. malaga gooner says:

    i think diaby will retire if he breaks down again.
    did he not say something to that effect about a year ago.

  28. George says:

    Thanks Rico & Micko

    aah tax dodging -i could’ve done with a lesson there. i paid a years tax £5712 in March, then got made redundant in April. Got benefits eventually in May then CSA wiped the lot clean leaving me facing eviction!

    better times defo round the corner

    If we get a dozen games out of Diaby, then all’s well, as on his day he can be class.If he makes 4/5 assists and scores a goal or 2 and is released in 2015, then happy days. I can’t see him winning the trust of the mgr again..No one will buy him so its just a case of cut your losses or spend the 5-7m wages for the end of his contract.

  29. tsgh says:

    Hi Micko, you trouble maker… howdy?

    The very best of luck George.

    There is hope for Daibolic if Gourchuff can string more than 10 games together without an injury… and guess what he might be turning up to a club near you soon… lol

  30. tsgh says:

    Manuel and AW fell out over inside dealing…

    Being very good friends and AW recommending Manuel to RM 4 years ago… it is widely believed that Manuel informed AW of Malaga CF’s financial trouble in private conversation but not expecting Herr Wenger to maid his party… Monreal’s deal was agreed last summer pending one of the deadwooods i.e Santos leaving but that did not work out… reason Nancho was studying english..

    Manuel also said he thought one of his other players has agreed to join AFC this summer… lets home it is Isco… putting 2+2 together I think Malaga CF is the club IG was referring to… 😉

  31. Kevin KJ says:

    Afternoon all.
    George, good luck mate. This Country needs to start helping those that help themselves instead of chucking money at the bone idle or those who hate us.

  32. Kevin KJ says:

    Players contracts are currently all in the players favour. We discussed this before. If you fail to perform in your job, the chances are you will be given a warning and if you fail again, it is offski.

    Players can negotiate increased deals, well in advance of their contract end date. they can also get additional money if they sign a lengthy contract. But as soon as they play up or fail to perform you are stuffed.

    So when your £250,000 per week striker gets his new contract and then can’t hit a cows arse with a banjo you still have to pay him his £250k per week. Drop him and he sits on the bench for the remainder of his contract. As ‘arry Rednapp would say, ‘Lovely jubbly’.

    Diaby is a quality player and since he was ‘done’ by a typical English thug (like Aaron and Eduardo) he has been dogged by injury. As his injury happened while wearing our shirt, I am sympathetic towards him. I am not sympathetic to those that are incompetent or display signs of disloyalty. I would be happy to keep him in the squad and if the bloke could finally shake off these injuries, he would be some player. However, 15 games per season is a poor return.

  33. rico says:

    Had a little hi-cup at home, washing machine has decided to go wrong and bubbles over the utility room floor…

    Catch you folks in a bit…..

  34. Kevin KJ says:

    Rico
    “…….and bubbles over the utility room floor”

    What is Gareth Bale doing on your utility room floor? 🙂

  35. Lewis says:

    Good day all,

    Sad for diaby, he could have been a monster. Imagine if he had been fit all these years, progressing every year, wasn’t to be unfortunately. Man of Glass.

    Transfer window is a massive yawn. My only hope is the recent trend of giving dross nice long and fat contracts and shying away from the extra few million for top talent doesn’t continue. We all want a good deal for the club, but I think spending a little over the odds to get top players is more important this close season. No more f**king about Arsene, make us great again!

  36. Bradster says:

    Afternoon all,

    All teams have history of such players. Owen, Smith, Hargrieves and King to name a few. Only diffence is that the other teams knew to cut their losses.

    Wenger relied on Diaby every season and not signing a replacement. I want Wenger to write him off for 6.3mil and any game time he does get out of him is a bonus and a nice little farewell in 2015.

    Diaby will never be an RVP case. Diaby’s injuries cannot be fixed by placenta as it’s not just a ligament problem.

  37. Micko says:

    George, it will all work itself out in the end, usually does, meantime just stay off the garlic for the next couple of days !

  38. Kevin KJ says:

    Hi Lewis
    I agree Diaby would have been a hell of a player. Strength and ability on the ball combined.

    Transfer window is a yawn, speculating is pointless so too are the assumptions being made by some. Arsenal do not do deals via the media, we will know when they happen.

    All the media does is guess and make up stories, while the fans start throwing their dummy’s out of the pram, based on fresh air.

    Forget the recent trend we had bugger all to spend and now we are in a different place. If they don’t do what I expect them too, I will join the doom mongers on the blogs.

    Like it or not, we just have to wait Lewis and I agree it is a drag.

  39. tsgh says:

    Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi and his father are being investigated in Spain for allegedly defrauding the state of more than 4m euros (£3.4m).

    ha ha ha… the state clawing back money from everyone they can who is not ‘blue blood’

  40. malaga gooner says:

    ts,,that is only the start of it.

    looks like there starting at the top of tree.

    spanish football will collapse.

    madrid council selling land to madrid for nothing then real selling it back to for 22mill.

    the fun is only starting

  41. tsgh says:

    It is the way the world is going… football fans may have to consider if footballers earning ridiculous amounts and not paying tax is viable….

    I wonder what is happening with AS Monaco’s 200M tax bill?

  42. malaga gooner says:

    ts,this is what the average gooner does not understand,we can afford to pay around 150mill in wages now..

    we have survived with out any commercial deals since we moved to the emirate

    we will be the best and biggest club in the world in the next 5 years with out any debt

  43. rico says:

    How do you do think we will become the best Malaga Gooner…?

    That will never ever happen unless the club start spending some serious money on ‘proper’ footballers’ – and, we learn how to beat sides above and below us….

    Afternoon all….

  44. iyce says:

    Please if he recovers before the january transfer window, maybe we should loan him to some club somewhere, anywhere! Because arsene would never replace him if he still is in the squad!

  45. NashuaGunners says:

    Good Afternoon Rico and All.

    Diaby Diaby Diaby… I’ve forgive him over the Newcastle incident. I still feel his pain because this is not his wish to be on the treatment table. But Arsenal has to move on. We should get a replacement for him whether we keep him or not. How many chances has he been given during the said period and what impact or effect his absence has caused the M-field? I would say a lot.

    Would he get the same treatment with our rivals without adequate replacement ASAP (ManU,Chelsea, ManCity), I doubt that.

    This was said about Gerv; I think it also apply to Diaby as well…

    June1, 2013 @10:49
    “Would he get a place at any of our rival? how often has he made the difference? That’s what great players do. I have nothing against him except that I don’t see him as right for Arsenal when he is taking the place and wage-bill of someone who could be.”

  46. malaga gooner says:

    rico i can understand where your coming from.

    the club made a decision to move to a new stadium and we decided to go down the road of a youth policy to get us through a huge transition.

    dont get me wrong there has been loads of mistakes made especially with some crap signings.but the mistakes made have not effected the stability of the club.

    we did not spend what we all wanted on players but imagine if football had collapsed in england and we were standing there owing the bank over 400 mill.

    football is not just about turning on the tv and going to games its about a lifestyle and the community,everything around it can collapse as well.

    the club went about it the wrong way, the supporter groups should of had more consultation with the club but in away if you announce to every 1 what is going on you will never get any players to sign for you.

    no 1 can tell me the club said we build a new stadium and not have a plan.

    wenger pushed for the stadium thats why he is still the manger.the vision was to get to the new commercial deals and kick on.

    we will see this window

    a huge amount of money will be spent on quality

  47. rico says:

    Probably Lee, and much of it is on average players..

    Afternoon Ng, exactly, move on and get someone new – it’s all too easy to say ‘but his replacement may get injured’ – well that’s football, that could happen to any player.

    It’s about time Arsenal FC lived in the here and now and sometimes, AW needs to be a bit more ruthless with the dross and the constant walking wounded….

  48. malaga gooner says:

    sorry lee thats what i am saying

    we have no problem being able to afford around 150mill a year with out the new commercial deals.

    the new commercial deals will not have to go towards the stadium debt.

    the stadium debt is not even worth talking about it takes care of it self..

    i think the stadium debt and the wages works out as long as 48k supporters turn up for a game we are covered(i could be wrong on the exact figure but its around that)

  49. rico says:

    Malaga, we fans were told we moved to The Emirates so that we could compete with the best, well watching Arsenal week in week out over the last few years tells me we are are far off doing that..

    Mistakes have been made, wasting money on crap players is one huge one….

  50. rico says:

    ‘football is not just about turning on the tv and going to games its about a lifestyle and the community,everything around it can collapse as well’.

    Really!!

    Well if the club carry on the way they are going, that will all collapse because fans who pay huge amounts of money for ST’s and other tickets are getting seriously fed up…

    Malaga, you also make it sound like you know all that is going on within the club, which I doubt is the case at all….

    HH is very different to The Rumour site, we don’t like to just make stuff up and see who falls for it…..

  51. malaga gooner says:

    i agree rico,thats what fitz (rip) stated but no 1 seen how football has exploded. the way it did.

    the plan the club had did not involve all the arabs,yanks and russians getting involved.

    we are where we are of our own back.

    if we win the pl or cl next year would you not be proud that we did it the way a football clubs should be run

  52. Wavy says:

    Yer but look at the future. Is it not bright? We should have eough cash in the bank to buy almost any player(s) we wish because of the cash generated by the stadium crowds and the increase in revenue streams from commercial deals etc. then we may see the quality of players improve and results and even some pieces of silverware!
    Roll on utopia street!

  53. rico says:

    If we won the CL or PL next season with this current squad and under Wenger, I’d need a paramedic….

    Do you live in Spain?

  54. malaga gooner says:

    my wife is spanish,we have a home over there.

    when we bought it there was no boom time

    i live close to the ferry in ireland so its not hard to walk on and get the train to go to a game.its just time

  55. NashuaGunners says:

    Hi tsgh, how the ups and ups?

    Suppose Diaby comes good down the line and ManCity makes an offer just like Nasri, would Diaby turn it down and be grateful for all the time Arsenal has been there for him ?????

  56. Kevin KJ says:

    Malaga Gooner 4:04 and 4: 29
    Spot on. Unfortunately, this subject is a tetchy one as the whole Arsenal refinancing project is totally misunderstood by some fans. Time will prove you are right but at the moment the last 8 years is looked on as a prediction for the future. In defence of the fans, the club has let them down in many ways, especially the decision to sell our best players. I do not believe that was necessary, despite my massive support for the refinancing project. However, we are where we are and the new sponsorship deals alone will generate the equivalent of 6 players wages at around £250K per week. If you cant get excited about that, well. Arsenal are about to become massive.

  57. rico says:

    Yes it is Mg…

    Eactly Kj, history has made the ‘misunderstanding fans’ very sceptical..

    With good reason…

    I’m really hoping that all the ‘positive fans’ – the ones who profess to know that everything will be rosy this summer, turn out to be true as I only want for our club to be successful.

    And successful for me doesn’t mean having lots of money in the bank, it means looking like a side who can challenge those above us….

    You know, like we once were under Wenger.

  58. tsgh says:

    Hi NG… that is assuming he comes good eventually in this league… my point was we can’t just get rid of players… it depends on the terms of contracts and the coach or player wanting to move…

    As an example,if we had sold Vpursey when he had glass limps… we may have made 2m and paid PSV 20%…. a few years later arguable afterhelping us to the CL which brought in 25 bars we got an extra 24 bars… is that bad business? Even when he was a crook CFC wanted him in 2010…

    Some will say but we could have replaced him with someone better… like who is my question… considering Fergie paid that much for him to ensure he can retire on a high…

    Anyway as I said it makes no difference to my life…. its just my opinion

  59. Kevin KJ says:

    Malaga,

    “…as your site says its ok to disagree”

    To be fair to Rico, this site is a breath of fresh air and she allows fair debate. There is no abuse or use of the ‘c’ word. Rico and I have had our ups and downs, always on this subject because like us, Rico has strong views on the subject. Nothing wrong with that, we are all entitled to our own opinions, just sometimes it comes across the wrong way. Emotions.

    Unfortunately, the financial aspects hit a raw nerve and divide fans. The real problem is the poor communication given by the club in this respect. Rico and I have debated this. It frustrates me that I have had to spend hours upon hours of time researching the subject of the clubs financing because the club poorly communicate. It drives me bananas. Someone needs sacking.

    It also irritates me that some fans regurgitate the same nonsense over and over again, as if it is the truth. . Again. I blame the club and the mischief makers in the media.

    So put your point across, your views will be aired but expected a tough ride on this subject. Don’t feel persecuted. Stick to your guns and avoid being confrontational. I agree with much of what you say, so it isn’t that bad.

    We are all Gooners who want the best for the club so never forget that. -:)

  60. rico says:

    Until this bit Kj,

    ‘I agree with much of what you say, so it isn’t that bad’.

    I liked your comment 😉

  61. George says:

    Hi all, thanks for the thumbs up.

    one interview has been postponed till Monday..:(

    Forgot Diaby was even on the payroll…

    NG makes a good point @5.12, I suspect he’d jump ship if Manshitty came in for the money and the chance of silverware, albeit bankrolled by stupid economics

    The money is there ,just we won’t spend it till other clubs are in the dire muck re Malaga , Cologne where we manipulate others financial situations to get decent players on a cut price -re Santi Cazorla for example.

    It would not surprise me in the slightest if we ended up buying players we were in for 3 years ago, like Gourcuff…who is now cheaper since injury…

    Our manager is still confident of signing “an Overmars with a broken leg” …remember that one..

    David Dein really needs to come back to the club and get stuck in again. Wages and transfer dealings were a whole lot easier …

  62. George says:

    Kev KJ, nice post @5.32

    Malaga, Smudger on the board would be ace, as would the romford pele himself…

  63. Kevin KJ says:

    Rico
    We have to debate these things and accept each others argument. This site does that well. Ultimately we all want the same, success for this great club. No point Arsenal fans falling out with each other.

    Blogsites are a great way for people to share views and log their protests.

    Mention the financial situation on other blogsites, like Le Grove and you get seriously abused. In fact, it is hysterical, you are not allowed an opposing opinion on there. The ‘c’ word is in frequent use, bloggers pretend they are Arsenal fans and others have the social skills of a serial killer. What is that all about?

    “I’m really hoping that all the ‘positive fans’ – the ones who profess to know that everything will be rosy this summer”

    I think the use of the word ‘know’ is unfair Rico. I do not know that everything will be rosy. 😉

    What I do ‘know’ is that the refinancing and the new sponsorship deals means the excuses stop now. I do know we can be competitive again and that we will finally have serious money to spend. If it does not get spent, then we are back struggling for that final CL place and I will admit my positivity was ill placed.

    We all ‘know’ that we need some marque signings and the dross off our books and if that happens, lets light that blue touch paper and enjoy the ride………… And i look forward to sharing the joyous celebrations with you and that bottle of Cava.

  64. rico says:

    That is a very good question Malaga and not one I can answer ‘off cuff’ – a true Arsenal man for me, someone who talks sense and doesn’t just jump on Arsenal bandwagons, whether that be good or bad ones.

    Someone who can see both sides of stability and investment and meets the two equally.

    Because that is all most ‘sensible’ fans want.

    Those fans don’t want us to sign Ronaldo for or Messi, because they are well out of our reach, but they don’t want us to sign some old cheapie who may become good in five years either…

  65. rico says:

    Did I mention you and the word know Kj?? 😉

    And yes, the excuses will no longer wash, you are spot on…

    Lets see what happens – the club have around 3/4 weeks before they go on tour, we need players signed and part of that tour….

    I won’t buy that bottle of Cava yet though, just in case it has a ‘drink by’ date 😉

  66. Adam says:

    One of the most disappointing things about modern day society is that point where human nature clashes with the Internet. In a very real sense I believe that knowledge does empower people. This can be a positive thing but is too often abused as knowledge can also be used in less tasteful ways. It can be used to destroy, humiliate or facilitate self importance. Few people seem to exhibit much in the way of humility these days. Very few lights lie concealed beneath bushels.

    I have noticed that so many here have lost all reason when it comes to differentiating between fact, fiction and knowledge. Thus we get people spouting their “expert” views over everything from who Arsenal are wanting to buy to high finance where Mr Usmanov and Mr Kroenke are concerned.

    There is no mandatory need in life to have an opinion on everything or be an expert or ” in the know” on all things Arsenal. If you have so much knowledge on finances then you should be in an excellent position to earn several billion yourself, buy the club and make your predictions come true.

    The rest is a bunch of bullshit. You may get some lift from it, but those of us who are interested in Arsenal and where the club might be heading are perhaps less enlightened and/ or less intelligent. Highbury House must remain a place for sensible debate and a good laugh as this is what has made it so great. I have met friends here that I hope to have for the rest of my life.

    Let us please not turn it into Arsenal Rumours, a site dominated by psychopathy and silliness.

  67. stevepalmer1 says:

    Evening all, Rico you have your work cut out and i admire your tenacity. Writing posts every day and bringing us very little information as there isn’t any. Gazedez telling us how well off we are but then telling us they want value for money says to me that we will start the season with 2 or 3 unheard offs and then he tells us to compliment what we have already, the man lives on another planet. Reading between the lines on his question and answer night makes me think that things will improve at Arsenal in the next couple of seasons but it wont be for players . He said we have a plan in place and we will stick with it that tells me we will stay with cheapies like we have in the past and Wenger will do his best to get an extra point than he got this year , meanwhile sponsors will sign up with us and pay huge sum’s for advertising and next year Gazedez will tell us there is now a hundred million in the fund. I hope i’m wrong and Gazedez makes me look a complete plank but i don’t see much changing at all, And this time next year we will still be waiting for the great Diaby to recover from his second game of the season.

  68. rico says:

    Thanks Sp and evening to you.

    I’m afraid I too am done with all the spin, the bollox, the ‘we are ready to spend big’ stuff…

    No more!

    If Wenger can’t shape up, then push off and get a manager in that will.

    If Kroenke cares more about money than the squad and the fans, then he can push off too!!!

    As said earlier, we are off on tour in just a few weeks, IF, and that IF is bloody huge, this club is finally going to wake up, then those signings need to be done before than plane takes off…..

  69. Adam says:

    Couldn’t agree more Rico. We are like the bride who is always waiting at the alter while Gazidis explains to the bored congregation that the groom will be along momentarily.

  70. rico says:

    You know what Adam, when I heard IG make his great statement, I truly believed that the club were about to announce a deal or two to back it up but it’s all bollox….

    Just like it always has been…

    Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want us to watse money on any player just because his name ends in ‘inho’ like City have done, and pay over priced fees just because they can but come on I say.

    There are players who are for sale, show some bloody intent!

  71. stevepalmer1 says:

    Yep your right Rico, I want to see these players before the start of the season, but i suspect it will be the last few minutes as it always is.

  72. stevepalmer1 says:

    At the end of the day Rico, we are in the right position for our club, its painful to say it but we cannot compete with the 3 clubs above us whoever we want to buy can be outbid by one of those teams and there is nothing we can do about it. But havind said that a lot of clubs below us are saying that about us, 🙂

  73. Adam says:

    Rico. But we are looking at top, top quality, just like last year. I expect a massive announcement in the next few hours or days-or even weeks and perhaps years. Wenger’s new contract perhaps?
    Still, with good old Stan in charge and his record of unbridled success in American sport, we are in good hands.

  74. stevepalmer1 says:

    we always seem to wait to see if anybody else is looking at them Rico thats why we leave it to the last minute chances are we won’t be outbid and we also know they are trying for a sale

  75. rico says:

    I disagree Sp, I think we can compete to a degree. We just choose not to. There has always been money, the accounts tell us that but for whatever reason (Wenger/Kroenke) it’s not been spent.

    However, we all now know that sponsorship deals have been complete and more money is coming in. Spend it, other clubs like Liverpool, Toots, City, Everton have to worry about FFP, we don’t because we have money…

    I would bet my mortgage on Arsenal having tied up up the new kit deal, they just won’t announce it yet because it will put more pressure on them to spend…

  76. stevepalmer1 says:

    Just when a player believes he must spend the next season on the same money and the same club, up pops Wenger with a couple of grand to entice his prey. Clever that you know. 🙂

  77. stevepalmer1 says:

    I don’t believe we have that kind of money in the transfer fund. Someone said to me years ago if you have any money invest it in property you can’t lose on property. Wouldn’t suprise me at all if we don’ t invest all that sponsorship in property

  78. rico says:

    Exactly what is wrong with the way we work in the transfer window Sp..

    Wouldn’t it be nice if for once we actually beat another top PL side to a signing. The last was Ramsey… Deep joy!

    We didn’t even manage to get Zaha, a Gooner who wanted to sign for us and who was all ready to move to us…. but…

  79. tsgh says:

    SP1 you make a good point at 6:58am.

    If and buts… maybe if we tried to compete with the 3 teams above us we will not be here or have the sponsorship deals etc…

    RM will not be around if they did not have the local government and Santander paying inflated amounts for reserve kit… 😉

    ——————————————————————————–
    Cops use water cannon on wheelchair-bound man in Turkish demos

    Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4965852/Police-in-Turkey-riots-use-water-cannon-on-man-in-wheelchair.html#ixzz2W21FL7B3

  80. rico says:

    It’s not so much about how much money we have had Sp, it’s about how we have spent it.

    What would you prefer, two players – ie Gerv, Park and Squilli for
    £20-25million or one player like Mata?

    This is my huge gripe….

    They say money is sparse, well stop feckin wasting it on s***e….

  81. tsgh says:

    Apologies evening btw….

    With AW we have to take the good with the bad unfortunately imho…

    My logic is that if we have to spend to win or increase our chances of winning…. general belief? Then based on our resources we will still be 3rd or 4th in the league if we took AW out of the equation.

    In all honesty if I had or was worth 2 Billion I will not spend Roman amount of money on Arsenal… and most fans won’t 😉 ask Hercules Elton John… 😉 Its business pure and simple

  82. George says:

    Remember the Fox in ther box Franny Jeffers at 10m and Richard Wright at £6m…. they made signings like Gervinho and co look world class…

    everyone gets it wrong Rico, but I see your point Mata was a safe bet, and we “ballsd”that 1 up proper

  83. tsgh says:

    Park and Squid had better credentials than Mata before they joined… it just didn’t work Rico…

  84. rico says:

    Mata is not alone either George….

    Come on Ts, you have to be kidding?? Squid was an x international on the decline and Park was awesome for…. oh, his country.

    But, if you honestly believe Park was so good, can you defend our manager for not playing him??

  85. George says:

    I’m with Rico here Ts, Park was hardly prolific , an international but playing at his real level, bottom end la liga team

    As for Squid we got him past his best and at a bargain basement cut price.He wasnt bad, but he wasnt good. He wasnt a spring chicken or in good form when we got him

    truth I reckon is without Dein, we are pony negotiators

  86. rico says:

    Silvestre was part of a great Man Utd squad which won many things, does that mean he was a top class signing?

    No, he was s***e!!

  87. Adam says:

    Rico. As an Arsenal fan I hover in the netherworld between hope, reality and cynicism. Missing Mata was a shocking bit of management.

  88. rico says:

    Oh, and going back to Carrick Ts, he may have robbed the Mancs of much more money during his stay there but there is one huge difference. Fergie didn’t rely on him and Fergie had a squad that could still win trophies with him being in the squad..

    We however… have won naff all!

  89. tsgh says:

    I get your point Rico re quality players… but looking at the bigger picture or applying a different logic will you have 5000 SAS, SBS and SRS protecting this country or 80k PWRR and Paras and Marines…

    My point is no football team can have only 15 Messi or Iniesta… players can get injured and you will need a mixture of world class squad to train and practice in training…

    My gripe is that some players have no belief and do not apply themselves consistently enough at AFC… Is that AW’s fault? He has a big part in it! But in my view if a 25 y.o things he deserves to earn 5m a year then he needs to be able to motivate themselves…. pure and simple.
    …….
    The Bavaran squad is not better than BVB09’s but they have a bigger squad and have played together for 3 to 4 years. We like BVB09 sell our better players every year… that is what must stop in my opinion!

  90. rico says:

    Yes it was Adam, and it seems that Jose will cast him aside now. Will Wenger think about signing him from Chelsea??

    I doubt it, yet he would slot right into our style of play….

  91. rico says:

    Ts

    ‘but looking at the bigger picture or applying a different logic will you have 5000 SAS, SBS and SRS protecting this country or 80k PWRR and Paras and Marines’

    What has all that got to do with Arsenal??

    I don’t even understand what the CAPS stand for, most of us won’t..

  92. tsgh says:

    Hargreaves you meant… I get your point 😉

    Silvestre was top class at Inter and Man U …he played 250 times in 8 years at manure he replaced Stam, Blanc after 2004 in central defence … Rico…

    Park was a very good striker in ligue 1 and scored important goals for AS Monaco… he just did not fit in…. the same as Denilson not being able to learn English at his time here.

    I am not sure what your argument is…. but hey…

    I think you are very passionate about this we won naff all….

  93. rico says:

    Oh, and no-one here is calling for 15 Messi’s, – come on Ts, keep it real and practical…

    As for the Bavaran squad, just like I said earlier, i don’t give a toot about them or others, I care only for one club and that’s why HH is in existence….

  94. George says:

    On another pleasing note, I spoke to John Colquhoun , Theo Walcotts agent to arrange my 8yr old boy to see him and take a pic perhaps a signed photo(for some reason its his soccer idol) and once Walcott is back from getting married he has agreed …Well cool and nice I thought considering most professionals are so far up their own with all that money. The agent said he’d do it for free, and even had someone from their soho offices call me.

    I may be an unmeployed dad, but just for once i felt like the hero dad !

    Get in!

  95. stevepalmer1 says:

    What we have to remember is that a not so good player can come into a good team and although he may not be great, he will get better but if you put a shit player in an already shit team you just make the team shittier and that’s what we do bar the odd one.

  96. tsgh says:

    Mata… is gone end of…

    I do not know the reason behind why we did not buy him apart from what was leaked in the press by Valencia. i.e that Arsenal could only pay the agreed fee when Barca paid for Cesc…

    If it is AWs fault… let it be… if it is IG and Stan’s fault because we had not qualified for the CL proper yet then, it is what it is…

    2 nights ago when a supporter at the meeting asked IG if CL qualification will affect signings… did he answer the question? He did not! He skipped around it like Bill Clinton talking about Monica Lewinsky 😉

  97. Adam says:

    Not to put words in Rico’s mouth but I think she is just getting real TS. It’s a pity our club doesn’t. Of course that is a cue for some to say that the problem is that we are too real. As we know, football is a poor substitute for reality.

  98. rico says:

    Oops, yes, I meant Hargreaves, I’ love Carrick though… 😉

    Ts – read your comment and it will tell you so much. Each player you mention ‘WAS’ good etc etc…..

    And no, I am not so passionate about us not winning, I am passionate about us not looking like a squad/team than could win …

    And right now we don’t.

    3/4 top signings would change that!!

  99. tsgh says:

    Keep it real and practical.? ?? Lmfao

    Whats all this insulting for… I thought we were just having a debate?

    Anyway enjoy!

    Night all

  100. rico says:

    Lovely comment George, Theo was brought up near me and went to my old school. Maybe part of the reason I love him so much. Still think he’s rubbish sometimes though 😉

    But a lovely guy….

  101. tsgh says:

    Mg… most people know about the SAS, SBS and SRS ie 22 Regiment Special Air Service, Sp Boat Service and Sp Recon Service all part of the UK Spec Forces Grp…

    Its a question most people ask often in parliament… do we need all the soldiers? Will a special service soldier be able to provide humanitarian aid? etc

    Night all…

  102. rico says:

    Sp – 8.50 – good point….

    Carl Jenkinson has shown that you can come from a lower league club into a side like ours and improve it…

    What does that say 😉 😉

  103. rico says:

    Ts – I don’t know about any of that stuff…. Most don’t unless they are service people….

    And I thought we were having a debate 😉

  104. malaga gooner says:

    ts,im not into army stuff,i believe in peace and love,its just the old hippy in me.

    i have not lived in england for over 25,i think the last time i watched anything to do with parliament was when maggie my local mp was in office

    if i have offended you i apologise

  105. rico says:

    I’m off too now, maybe tomorrow I will wake with positive vibes…

    In the meantime,you folks all stay safe…

    Night all..

    Good luck for tomorrow George…

  106. Scott from Oz says:

    Morning all….midnight to you 🙂
    I read some bloody interesting posts from you all…..bravo guys.
    George, mate, i have every smgle thing crossed that things work out for you asap.
    You keep your chin up mate, and if your son thinks you are the best dad on earth, NOTHING else matters!,
    He will never, ever forget that pic!,

  107. allezkev says:

    £1.81 is a good start Rico…. Only another £3.19 & you can send me that postal order… 😛

    Anyone still believe that Wenger is gonna spend big on a marquee player or three…???

    There is absolutely no chance.

    No Rooney. No Higuain. No Fellaini. No Fabregas. No Jovetic.

    No Uncle Tom Cobbley & All….

    Forget it. The club are just making fools of us again.

    It’s what they do…

    It’s in the clubs DNA…

    Rant over… Goodnight Gooners

    Morning Lee…

  108. devilgunner says:

    1st of the day. 😀

    Good morning Lady and Gentlemen.

    Just read that Zaha was not signed after DD interfered!!!! 😕

    it beats me how DD can be involved, unless…….. ?????

  109. Lee says:

    Morning Kev and all……….half empty for me today! Loads of tyre kicking in the transfer market or saying how we nearly signed blah and blah or turned our noses up at blah! It’s all fucking tedious tbh, why can’t these fuckers just buy what we need, not haggle just do it?
    Rant over….

  110. rico says:

    Morning Devil, Lee and all…

    DD interfering with transfer targets, surely that can’t be so….

  111. devilgunner says:

    Morning Lee and MG.

    DD interfering with transfer targets means only one thing. How can he reject Zaha to AFC?

    Eo either a journo has been in slumber for the past 7 years or else AFC are affected by underwater currents.

  112. rico says:

    I just had a read of that story Devil, it’s a strange one for sure. Unless of course DD knows AW’s plans for transfers..

    Wouldn’t be difficult as I doubt there is much of one 😉

  113. rico says:

    From the Daily Mirror..

    Everton’s Marouane Fellaini wants a move to London… which will test Arsenal’s claims that Arsene Wenger is ready to spend big this summer.

    Belgium midfielder Fellaini’s dream transfer has so far been scuppered by the Gunners’ reluctance to meet a £23million release clause in his contract.

    Despite widespread talk of an Arsenal approach for permission to speak to Fellaini, the Mirror understands the Toffees are yet to receive a single inquiry about him.

    New boss Roberto Martinez is bracing himself for a bid though, with the 25-year-old revealing to close friends that he would love a switch to the capital – where he would be less than two hours on the Eurostar away from his Brussels birthplace.

    Former Goodison boss David Moyes is also thought to be interested in taking the player with him to Manchester United, but sources close to Fellaini suggest that if Arsenal or Chelsea make a move, then he would encourage their interest.

  114. devilgunner says:

    or a giant octopus MG.

    you know….the one with eight arms full of suckers. or in Malaga you have only seen Jaws. 😉

  115. devilgunner says:

    The chavs have put Torres up for sale for 17million

    I would definitely go for him.

    Rico and Agag would be speechless and their eyes will be wide with wonder.

    oh…..those thighs they would swoon!!!! 😛

  116. devilgunner says:

    your wife is full of suckers???? I pity you mate.

    that is why you seem pretty sucked up then!!!! 😆

  117. rico says:

    If we bid at all…. All puff and wind is our management, the whole bloomin lot of them….

    I’m off to fitness now, new post will be up around 9.30….

  118. Lee says:

    FFS Adam, there’s no need to be brutally honest….AMoD pretty quiet at the moment but happy clappers are circling!

  119. devilgunner says:

    off to fitness Rico????? hmmmmm. already getting into shape for those thighs I see!!!!

    Morning Adam. No its not the ministry of disinformation. its the ministry of cheats, spin and lies.

  120. Bradster says:

    Morning all,

    I’m still calling for Wenger to buy Torres. He would be better than buying Villa and has premier experience. Watched yesterday how he scored a hattrick in the confederations cup here in SA. He can’t just lose it and be a dud like he is now.

    Doubt he will on the salary he is on currently.

  121. Adam says:

    I have never understood why Wenger needs to be so involved in the financial side of things. Surely that is what Gazidis and Law are paid for. Wenger should name the players he wants and shut up.

  122. Lewis says:

    Morning all,

    I’d take Torres as well, something to prove and I thought his form was picking up at the end of last season.

    The British summer has landed!

  123. gnarleygeorge9 says:

    Evening all,

    Still no signings then, Its groundhog day………….again 😉

    In case you were wondering about where Tim Cahill is these daze, he’s getting ready to spend some time in Brasil, and a big CHAMONE to that 😀

  124. tsgh says:

    Morning all,

    A very dull morning even made worse by this ridiculous transfer window…

    Ak, I totally agree with your 1:54am post…. you seem to think clearly during the graveyard shift… 😛

  125. devilgunner says:

    Hiya Ginge.

    How are you mate?

    Any conspiracy theories….like the one involving DD with Zaha refusal???

  126. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning all,
    Why do some of you guys want Torres, Yes he may have great thighs but a couple of barren years and he becomes an Arsenal target now he’s considered cheap. He is like a Gun without the amunition, Most supporters want Wenger to move on because he is the sticking point that stops us buying Quality but then supporters believe that Wenger can get the best out of him. My view is we find a striker that is fireing on all cylinders and snap the bugger up. Lets go for form players not maybe’s.

  127. devilgunner says:

    and neither he is posting shit GG. 😉 😆

    I tried to do MG……….however the post office master would not allow me saying that too many people seem to want to do so these days. They have to refuse until the government gives the go ahead or has clear laws on how one should post shit.

  128. malaga gooner says:

    gnarley its desperate over there,i thought ireland was bad,,
    great time to buy if you have any cash.

    maybe that where all the arsenal cash has been invested

  129. devilgunner says:

    Franny Jeffers was a form player when we snapped him up Sir SP.

    He did not turn out well did he?

    TH14 was a gun without the ammunition when we signed him from Juve.

    He turned out to be a little bit better mate 😉

  130. devilgunner says:

    If AW fucks this transfer window up and turds next season there will be a revolt on the last day at the Emirates. And it will not only be AW who will bear the brunt. It will be IG, Sk and all the board as well.

  131. tsgh says:

    😀 Hi Dev… not this time… you know me too well…. 😉

    I feel like I need to clarify that I want AFC to do well as much as any other fan either from Timbuktu or Islington N5…. but I have come to the realisation that either AW or the board see us as naive CUSTOMERS.

    My analogy is always that if one goes to a michellin star restaurant hoping to have fresh organic veg and meat but is served Iceland special… then questions have to be asked if the owner is aware of what the head chef is serving.

    If both the owner and the chef know what is going on because customers are complaining but the owner fails to address the issue but award the chef a pay increment, then they are both in cahoots.

    In our case it is absolutely insulting for the likes of IG to imply AW wants to buy world class at reasonable price for the club, when the club can push the boat out a little…

  132. stevepalmer1 says:

    Lewandowski , I was reading a bit about him the other day and it said that he could be brought for £20 to £25 mill and if he had £90 grand a week he would consider that good. Now that guy looks quality i know its a gamble in our league but i think this guy has talent. Devil good points you make about those guys but they never went on to make names for themselves neither Lewendowski will. Spelt that wrong i know. 🙂

  133. Kevin KJ says:

    Morning all,
    Whether its true or not about Zaha, which I assume is just more press garbage, he is not a player we need. We have had enough players with promise, we need the finished articles now. Top proven players.

    Torres is a debatable one but I personally believe the chavs ruined him.Pprior to moving to that horrible club, the guy was unplayable at times and he would fit into the way we play.

  134. devilgunner says:

    Torres will be a success with either us or Barca KKJ and SirSP.

    And I tell you that he will do better than RVP did last season. you do not loose it all of a sudden. As KKJ said………the chavs ruined him.

  135. tsgh says:

    Lewandowski is what we need to spearhead our formation… I have been comenting on him here since last summer… He has a better conversion rate than the likes of Cavani and Suarez…. that should say something…

  136. devilgunner says:

    I still believe that Torres we can get for 15million. reasonable price, a good player with a point to prove and one who will surely add quality to our side.

    Rico is pumping iron for him. Reason enough for him to join AFC.

  137. stevepalmer1 says:

    If i was in Wengers position and had £70 million burning a hole in my pocket i would go all out and buy 3 players Ceasar GK, Luiz DM and lewendowski Goal Machine. these players would all bring more money when sold than what we’ll pay for them. and we’ll challenge for everything.

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