Kagawa bid accepted? Money over Trophies seems to be way forward…….

Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were both named in the England squad for the Euros yesterday, giving English Arsenal fans a reason to watch what is otherwise, a very old and boring team.

The Sun report that ‘tense and tetchy’ talks with Robin van Persie broke down yesterday with no agreement being found by the end of them. Where they get this information, no-one knows but our captain does write a column for the newspaper so maybe they get fed a bit of gossip, then again, they could just be making it all up!

According to the Twitter gossip last night, we have had a bid for Shinji Kagawa accepted by Borussia Dortmund, now it’s down to the player to decide where he wants to go and M’Vila will decide his future this weekend as the French league closes.

Not much other transfer gossip but it’s looking highly likely we will miss out on Jan Vertonghen as he seems set to join the neighbours, a big miss there.

Talking of defenders and defending:

Standing among a few thousand Gooners at The Hawthorns, watching Arsenal stagger over the finishing line brought back all those old misgivings I had at the beginning of this season and again in the New Year…

We all thought that Arsene Wenger and his coaches had worked on our defence and ironed out all those defensive frailties and weaknesses, but there they were again in all their glory or gory.

Just when we needed them the least.

3rd spot had seemed in the bag, then 3 points from a possible 12 against Wigan, Chelsea, Stoke and Norwich threw everything into the melting pot again.

No Arteta, no wins, could it really be as simple as that???

Well football is rarely that simple and the revelation that Wojciech Sir Chesney needed pain-killing injections to play over this period, certainly suggested some mitigating circumstances for the sudden uncertainty in our defence.

The loss of Theo Walcott also saw us without our 2nd most prolific goalscorer, whilst Robin’s goals output went into hibernation.

Well, we made it, much to the chagrin of all the know-nothing idiots in the Press and on TV.

It was also interesting to see the prize-money differentials on the final placings in the EPL…

For finishing 3rd, Arsenal earned £14.4 million.

Chelsea finished 6th, won the FA Cup and earned £12 million from their position in the EPL.

Liverpool finished 8th, won the League Cup and earned £10.4 million.

Both clubs were strongly tipped by the journo and ex-footballer ‘experts’, to finish in the top-four!

Not withstanding Chelsea’s Champions League final, I wouldn’t swap Arsenal’s 3rd place finish with either of England’s Europa Cup candidates…

Yes, I want silverware, but  want a top-four finish AND silverware.

Not instead of!

This is obviously a sentiment shared by the owners at Liverpool as King Kenny’s reign came to an end yesterday, they of course had won the Carling Cup and narrowly missed out on an FA Cup medal and trophy! Should Chelsea lose the Champions League final this Saturday, will an FA Cup final trophy and medal be enough to convince Roman to stand by Di Matteo?

I suspect not as they too will not be participating in the Champions League next season.

Winning trophies and medals are what every club should be striving for but securing a place in Europe’s finest competition seems to be what most clubs value the greatest.

Are we not living proof of just that?

Written by Allezkev

 

0 thoughts on “Kagawa bid accepted? Money over Trophies seems to be way forward…….

  1. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    I pray we sign Kagawa and M’Vila.

    I think people are jumping to conclusion about RVP’s deal. Since when were renewals sorted out in a day. If it’s not done when the Euros kick-off, then i’ll start to worry.

  2. rico says:

    Morning all

    Mighty fine one AK, sorry for a couple of the additions 😉

    Don’t think KK’s backing of the racist helped his cause but no had they finished top four and wond the CC, the owners would have backed him.

    Totally agee, Cups and CL football is what we as a club should be aiming for, not one or the other.

    Right now, it seems our only aim is securing the money that getting inot the PL brings.

    Anyone know what Citeh would have earned winning the PL?

  3. devilgunner says:

    Good Morning Fine Folk of the St Totteringham’s worship.

    Good article habib, raising enough valid points to last a whole week discussing and dissecting them.

    Sir AK……Winning trophies and medals are what every club should be striving for but securing a place in Europe’s finest competition seems to be what most clubs value the greatest……..

    that has hit the nail right on the head. We have been saying that for ages now. And when recently I pointed it out I was asked why do I have to put finances forward all the time.

    The answer is simple…………AFC (like all clubs) need finances to stay at the top level. Without them there will be no competing. And while at the moment everything seems dull and stormy, I have a feeling that all the foundations for a strong club are being built stone by stone. It takes time to build a super club. And we might not be there yet, but I feel that the ship is heading in the right direction. We might not agree with it but it is what we have in front of us.

    I also have had the feeling that AFC DO want to sell RVP. So they are playing hard ball due to the reasons that you mentioned a few days ago in your article. Injuries, age etc all come into factors. Remember that AW has the GPS now and can calculate much quicker than we do that a player is on the down. We might not see it but at the moment it might be sinking in very slowly, unnoticed to the naked eye. Remember the situation with Seaman, he was declining in his powers for around 3 years before he left. It was a slow process and since there was no one of his level he still seemed superior. So Robin might still be seen as a star player, however it might be that it is on the wane. We do not know. AW MIGHT know.

  4. rico says:

    Ditto Romford,

    did talks actually even take place, who knows… RvP departs to join the Dutch squad on saturday, best Ivan pulls is finger out today and get this mess sorted….

  5. devilgunner says:

    Hiya Lady.

    If we get Kagawa and M’Vila plus the already signed Podolski then its only the GK and a defender that need to be filled……….if they will be filled. (I have a feeling that Butland will be the next one in and I do hope so)

  6. devilgunner says:

    Mind you I will be sad to see RVP go. He is a player I like, not only for his skills but also for the dignity with which he conducted himself as a captain and managed to make a bunch of players into a team.

  7. rico says:

    devil –

    Some suggest that RvP and the club knew he was going to be sold a while back hence the signing of Podolski, I hope this is wrong though as the message it sends out is clear.

    The only way i would forgive Wenger for selling him is if he went and then got injured and I wouldn’t wish that on him…

  8. Adam says:

    Morning all. The stream of bullshit from the papers continues I see. But, on Robin, I say that it would be completely foolish to keep him for the final year of his contract if he wants to leave. I think it would damage team morale and be a festering wound hanging over the club for the whole year and no Arsenal article would ever be written without featuring it prominently. The club really must become proactive and set their own agenda this year. If he doesn’t want to stay then it is sad and certainly regrettable but, hey, we have a season to plan. Sell him to the highest bidder and do it soon and then re-invest the money on an absolutely top class striker. But do not make silly noises about keeping him for the final year as if it shows that the club is strong. It doesn’t. For me it shows the opposite. I sense a really big and massively important few weeks coming up and Wenger, Gazidis and Stan had better get their act together because right now they are sowing the seeds for what grows next season.

  9. rico says:

    Hi devil

    But then we are still in the same position, one striker in Podolski, a player we don’t even know will suit the PL yet…

    If RvP is sold off, we need another striker, a proven PL goal scorer, maybe even two…

  10. rico says:

    Hi Adam

    Until RvP signs or is sold and until the transfer window is shut, the stream of bull****e will remain, in fact it will get worse..

    As you point out and we all keep banging on about is that this is the summer where AW/Ivan needs to go a long way towards putting all that they have done wrong, right.

    Otherwise the slippery slide downwards will gather great pace next season….

  11. devilgunner says:

    Drogba for me……even at 34. He will still be able to handle the stokes, the qprs, and all the low lying koonts. Alternate him or play him with Podolski.

  12. rico says:

    Park has been dropped by Korea, I really feel sorry for the player, no club football and now no international football….

    I bet he thanks Arsenal for signing him…. What a waste of a year of that mans life….

  13. Scott From Oz says:

    Evening all.
    If RVP wants out,sell him….it’s that simple.
    Just make sure he goes to the highest bidder,and not the club of his choice…..is Russia calling?
    Did a bit of reading on Vertonghen,and it appears he is a very attacking minded defender……….that’s not what we need……we have those already.
    I maintain if we get a defensive minded defensive midfielder,then our back 4 will have the protection they need to grow into a fantastic back line.
    I heard a tasty little rumour…….Citeh are happy to sell Adebayor and Dzeko as the RVP deal is done and dusted……..aaaahhhhhh,rumours….gotta love them.
    If that’s right,let’s grab Dzeko!!!

  14. rico says:

    He’d be ideal devil, but think i suggested before, he’ll be after a bumper deal and a huge salary, he wouldn’t get that from us…

  15. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Arsene is really annoying me at the moment. If he doesn’t make the necessary signings needed this summer, i’ll be switching to the dark side.

  16. devilgunner says:

    Rico…..do you think that Dortmund and AFC have agreed to swap Park+money for Kagawa????

  17. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    It’s all well and good us throwing out names but will Wenger want them or be willing to pay the necessary money for them? I doubt it.

  18. devilgunner says:

    Although my preference would be Drogba, Dzeko will help us immensely Scott. Him plus money for RVP anyone????

  19. rico says:

    Hi Scott – Vertonghen is a centre back first and foremost, but he plays left back and defensive midfielder honest, he is no attacker…

  20. devilgunner says:

    Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:
    May 17, 2012 at 9:56 am

    It’s all well and good us throwing out names but will Wenger want them or be willing to pay the necessary money for them? I doubt it.

    Romford, you are 100% right and I agree with you. Although my choice would be Drogba (see above), I have a feeling that Lewandowski will be the next name on the manager’s list. He plays exactly as RVP does, the same style of false centreforward.

  21. rico says:

    devil – i don’t know but i did read that Dortmund are interested in Nikki B – now that one I like 😉

  22. Scott From Oz says:

    Devil,I jumped on a Citeh website……PLENTY do not want RVP,believe me.
    Probably 80% would rather they didn’t get him.
    They’re also scared of Dzeko coming here,as they reckon he’d be an out and out star playing for us.
    Again,my first choice is to keep RVP,but,unlike plenty,if he goes,I blame RVP himself for a lack of loyalty,loyalty that should be repaid for that shown when he was spending seasons at the medical centre.
    I certainly won’t blame the club.
    If he wants out,sell him but then replace him quickly.

  23. Scott From Oz says:

    RICO,I didn’t say he was an attacker,he’s in the mould of Vermaelen,a defender who loves to get forward.

  24. Adam says:

    Many people seem to see the RVP situation as a measure of Arsenal’s stature as a club. Keep him and you show the world…blah, blah, blah. But we have been here many times before haven’t we and for every reason to keep him I could make a good case for selling him. All that really matters is that the squad is strong enough for next year and I think we all know that, under Wenger, it won’t be. He will hang on to too many of our flakier players like Gervinho. And I am still not convinced that he realises that Chamakh is absolutely terrible and is a total negative as he eats up a squad number that could be filled by a decent player. Every year I think that Wenger will come to his senses and every year I understand that this is unlikely to happen. The frustration is overwhelmingly awful and quite horribly predictable.

  25. rico says:

    Maybe Scott but take RvP’s goals out and we’d have been in the bottom half of the table.

    Our defending is shocking and if that isn’t rectified then we are in trouble…

    I admire you for staying positive but if we don’t make changes we are going to be in serious trouble imho…

  26. GunnerPete says:

    For Gods sake or whoever……..WE NEED DEFENDERS WHO CAN HOLD ONTO A LEAD…NOT MORE BLOODY MIDFIELDERS!
    Get real AFC….the only way to win a title is theb goals aginst tally.

  27. Scott From Oz says:

    Yeah but Rico,how could you suggest keeping a player who doesn’t want to be here?
    The club are showing,by signing Podolski,that change is in the air,so if RVP isn’t convinced,say goodbye.
    In fact,taking the emotion out of it,it’s probably great business if we can get 25 million out of a guy who’s been fit for one season.

  28. kc says:

    selling rvp and promoting afobe/campbell would send tyhe wrong message ang i bet my money that the greedy board will do as so

  29. rico says:

    Adam says:

    ‘Every year I think that Wenger will come to his senses and every year I understand that this is unlikely to happen. The frustration is overwhelmingly awful and quite horribly predictable.’

    Totally agree Adam….

  30. Scott From Oz says:

    No worries Rico….just what I read,as I’ve barely seen him play.
    Keep RVP,sign M’Villa and Kagawa,get Jussi(for Rico),get Arteta,BFG and Jack back,and we have a squad!

  31. Scott From Oz says:

    We’ve already signed a fantastic player,so you can’t bang on about Wenger not changing policy,even slightly.
    KC,nobody wants RavP gone,but I don’t want I’m here if he wants out.

  32. devilgunner says:

    rico says:
    May 17, 2012 at 10:03 am…………..take RvP’s goals out and we’d have been in the bottom half of the table

    Maybe yes, maybe no Lady. Erm didnt we do better without Cesc and the money grabbing tooth flasher??? Without him we would not have played with a man less. ok you might say Chamack and Park. But who knows how Chamack would have turned out given a run of games? Everyone says he is rubbish but then when he was given a run he did not do badly either. Ok not as good as RVP is but we can only speculate.

  33. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    I agree with Adam… Why is Wenger going to change his approach now? His stubborn nature is what’s causing us to decline season by season.

  34. allezkev says:

    Good Morning Gooners
    A Very Good Morning Rico.
    Wow, that was a mighty fine piece of sub-editing there…
    Adam would be impressed!

    Any Good News from JM today? 😉

  35. gavin oz says:

    great news on kagawa hope it’s true,don’t think rvp deal to be sorted till after euros but hope it’s sooner

  36. Scott From Oz says:

    Sorry guys,but this is frustrating.Wenger,Gazidis,Arsenal FCC HAVE SIGNED A TOP PLAYER ALREADY.
    This shows a change on certainly recent years,doesn’t it?
    Ok,it doesn’t mean they’ll be signing another ten players,nor does it guarantee future success,but stop saying he never changes when the Podolski signing proves otherwise.

  37. devilgunner says:

    Hiya Sir AK. Yes hopefully JM will tell us that AFC have agreed a deal with Messi and Barca to eschange him for Chamack and Park while have managed to persuade Mourinho to part with Ronaldo in exchange for Squilly and Djourou. RVP will go and Dzeko will come instead while Kagawa and Bendtner swap places. Ajax have seen the light and will give us Vertonghen in place of Denilson while AW manages to buy M’Vila and sign Hoillet on a free.

    I WIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHH

  38. Scott From Oz says:

    Hypothetical situations to consider……like it or not,every signing involves hypotheticals.
    We beg and plead with RVP to stay,and he does his ankle in Euros….where does that leave us?
    Or,we sell him,and he does an ankle at Euros…..
    Neither scenario is out of the question.

  39. Adam says:

    I hardly think that signing Podolski indicates a change of policy by Wenger. If you sold Chamakh and Gervinho and replaced them with two top players and then got the usual suspects out of the club while signing a true World-class striker for the £30 million they cost, then I might think a change is afoot. Wenger is a man in his middle 60’s who, by everything he has said over the years, is totally convinced in his own judgements. Nothing wrong with that I say. But the game is changing around him. He got lucky last year with RVPs fitness. To go through a whole PL season with one striker seems like gambling to me. He won last year, up to a point as we got CL football-just. If he rolls the dice again this year he may not be so lucky.

  40. Englishmik says:

    Pisses me off that players who have so many injury problems and are hardly ever available but still get paid show no loyalty to the clubs that stayed loyal to them and paid them regardless.
    I good year does not repay Arsenal’s loyalty.
    Robin Van Persie at least do the right thing.

  41. kc says:

    scott
    we know wenger had signed a top player but the question is’ is he a replacement or an addition

  42. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    I’m sorry Scott but this guy is not ruthless. He’s still talking about bringing Diaby back. That guy should’ve been sold two seasons ago.

  43. Scott From Oz says:

    Devil,taking everything into account,would you swap RVP for Dzeko?
    It’s not a loaded question…….just after our,and everyone else’s opinion.

  44. Thorny says:

    Morning

    At this stage (whether you believe the sun or not) its important to set the brain cells up for a summer transfer season.

    I would suggest asking yourself a couple of simple questions;

    1. We want trophys and RVP, but if you had to take 1 of those now would you not pick trophys?

    2. Could we build a better team with 40m from the RVP sale

    3. is this not a repeat of every other star player (if he leaves we’re dead)? last year it was flabbygas and then nasri aswell and we are 3rd not 4th now.

    you can sort your head out by telling yourself that RVP’s season was a bit of a fluke, he missed several sitters and he’l get injured soon and whoever owns him will be gutted. if you like.

  45. kc says:

    I good year does not repay Arsenal’s loyalty.
    Robin Van Persie at least do the right thing.
    ————————————————————–
    Afc board should equally do the right thing

  46. Scott From Oz says:

    Adam,look at Podolskis record…….he’s worth a hell of a lot more than we paid for him.
    Would we be feeling better about Wenger if he’d paid 30 million?
    KC,if he’s a replacement,then RVP should’ve had the decency to tell us he’s going elsewhere already.
    If RVP leaves and we don’t get another top striker in,then we try are fooked.
    Pele,Again I ask we’re people not suggesting the same thing of keeping RVP a few years back?

  47. Adam says:

    Seems to me that, although Man City use their money to financially bludgeon other clubs, we must bleed them as dry as we can at every opportunity. Look at the money we have had from them. Over £70 million and how many of those players we sold to them are we really missing. If they want Robin and he wants to go there then squeeze ’em. They only have to put a penny on a litre of petrol to fund it anyway so we pay it in the end. Funny old World ain’t it?

  48. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Difference is RVP has always displayed his quality when fit.. Diaby flatters to deceive… One good game in 10 before getting injured for another 4 months is just not on. Wenger is too loyal to certain players. We talk about all his good signings, but Chamakh, Park, Squillaci etc… It’s repulsive.

  49. devilgunner says:

    Just one thing guys………..have you considered the fact that the RVP scenario might just be a smokescreen to cover up all the AW dealings with other players?? It might be that they have agreed but so that the tiolet rolls would be full up of the RVP scenario in as much that they will not notice what AW is up to. It might be that AW wants it that way so as to fill the newspapers with RVP speculation while he gets his players quietly.

    Who knows.

  50. allezkev says:

    HC, i don’t think we are in the midst of a season by season decline mate.
    We are where we are.
    The same as we’ve been for the last 7 seasons…
    Decline would have been finishing 7th or 8th…
    And maybe winning the Carling Cup imho…

  51. Scott From Oz says:

    Fair enough Thorny on the swap.
    The difference between this year and last year is,for whatever reason,Wenger truly thought Fab and Nasri would stay.
    It’s exactly why I’m saying RVP must be given a deadline……sign by such and such a date or your going to the highest bidder.
    This will give us cash and time to replace him.
    If it drags on,then maybe our club truly is simply chasing the dollars.
    I’m giving them this transfer window to prove themselves one way or the other to me.

  52. Abiola says:

    People should stop saying without rvp goals we would be very low in the table. If rvp was injured all season, we will still play somehow and qualify for champions league. Rvp may be scoring but there are eleven players on the pitch. Consider removing messi goals for Barcelona and Ronaldo goals for Madrid. It can’t be looked from that perspective.

    As much as I love rvp if he wants to join city a direct Dzeko swap is ok for me. Arsenal is Arsenal not rvp.

    Rvp owes Arsenal more than Arsenal owe him. He spent seven years injured and wants to leave in his first fit season. The eight year wait by Arsenal for him should be considered.

    But I think rvp loves this club and his family is happy in London so I think he’ll stay.

  53. devilgunner says:

    Romford…if you say that we are in the midst of a season by season decline then I can safely say that you did not read my article yesterday. because I showed that the season just ended has been the 2nd best since our move to the Emirates while it betters the end of 1988/89 season.

  54. Thorny says:

    Devil
    yes, now we’re talking….why not. This is a multi billion pound industry with more people gagging over news and conjecture than politics. Machiavelli in gooner shirt!!!

  55. kc says:

    Scott From Oz says:
    May 17, 2012 at 10:33 am

    Pele,Diaby has always looked good for the ten minutes he plays.
    ———————————————————————————
    he is not paid to play ten minutes and i can’t swallow the anger of seeing a scum fan play for us

  56. Adam says:

    I think it is premature to say that Podolski is worth a hell of a lot more than we paid for him. He hasn’t kicked a ball for us yet. There is however always hope but, given Wenger’s recent form, that feels like swimming against the tide. To me anyway.

  57. Scott From Oz says:

    KC,if you think every player currently at Arsenal grew up supporting us,you’re kidding yourself.

  58. allezkev says:

    kc, Dennis Bergkamp was a Hoddle fan, and a closet Spud fan…
    But he wasn’t too bad was he?

  59. lawrie says:

    agree with you devil gooner,the same was said,that without nasri and cesc,we would be a middle table team,in the past three seasons,he hasnt been consistent on the tean bt we still won and scored goals without him,i personally dont think chamack is a bad player,just that because of van the mans form,he hasnt got much playing time

  60. Scott From Oz says:

    Adami said look at his record.
    It’s all we have to go on,and that’s the same with any new signing.
    Honestly,if we’d paid 20 million,it a Gooners alive would’ve complained.
    In fact,most wold love the fact we’d actually spent that kind of money.
    Funny,isn’t it.

  61. devilgunner says:

    The next two articles will show that it is usually the start of the season which affects badly how AFC fare. It is the first 14 games which put us back. And the reason might be that its the constant chopping and changing until the players gel. the second and third parts of the season are basically the same. and usually its the start which is the negative part. Had we not lost Eduardo to that savage imitiation of a monkey than we might have been celebrating another championship win because that season we dipped in the aftermath of Eduardo having lost 11 points following his injury. With those 11 points we would have been champions by 7 points.

  62. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    I’m sorry guys but we haven’t progressed in my opinion. We concede more goals every season. We were used to challenging at the top. We finished 19 points behind the Manchesters. Unless there is investment in serious talent, that gap won’t be narrowed.

    We’re supposed to be a big club but we sell our best players every season and don’t bring in top replacements. It’s not a surprise seeing our wage structure, yet Wenger pockets £7m a season. I wonder how much Gazidis takes home…

  63. allezkev says:

    Does anyone know if the Summer Transfer Window is actually open yet?

    Think we may all be beating ourselves up a bit too prematurely here…

  64. RON says:

    HII…everyone…all sorts of news on rvp’s future..i hope he stys..othrwise we need to part wth 25m to replace him wth a quality striker..else anothr season of struggle beckons

  65. kc says:

    scott,Allezkev

    i understand but diaby should had shut the fuck up in his medical room instead of telling us that he had a cock shirt in his room,

    now the dippers had sacked kk,,im worried….who is gonna buy theo walcot

  66. Adam says:

    Yes Scott. He just got relegated, played most of his career at Cologne. Went to a big club in Bayern Munich. Was a flop and went back to Cologne. I am sure he is a good player but let’s wait and see. Never judge a player on his performances at International tournaments.

  67. allezkev says:

    Morning Adam….

    I do worry mate…

    I just control it a bit better these days… 😉

    I was going into spasm at The Hawthorns on Sunday.

    The ‘voice of reason’, as you kindly put, was a ranting raving lunatic… 😛

  68. devilgunner says:

    Thorny…………..unfortunately, whether we like it or not FINANCES will always be the focal point of any player deal.

    I was asked once why do I have to keep mentioning finances all the time………the answer is that they determine everything.

    So regarding financial matters and taking into consideration everything then YES I our current centreforward has to go.

  69. onyeabor Gabriel says:

    If the bid is accepted, then remains m’villa, veltogon should not snub a club like arsenal fc. Preferred tottenham will not do him any favour.

  70. devilgunner says:

    AK……….it opens on the 1st of July

    Ron………what is the joke of day today???? 😉

  71. allezkev says:

    HC, i know what you are saying, but tbh, nobody has said we have progressed, it’s just that we don’t think either, that we are in decline.

    Lets say treading water and agree to disagree eh? 🙂

  72. vernat1066 says:

    Kagawa would be good but Utd have talked to him so lets wait and see, agree with Scott if RVP does not sign by a deadline then sell him and buy an replacement, Higuain from Real perhaps?

  73. Adam says:

    Kev. Statistics show that last season was a success but it is the definition of success that I question. As Lee rightly points out, 49 goals conceded shows where a lot of work needs to be done. Once we tamely accept Wenger’s definition of success we are on the slippery slope.

  74. Scott From Oz says:

    Adam,he’s scored 43 goals or Germany.
    3 in one game against your mob.
    I believe he’ll succeed,but it never know.
    That’s not my point though.
    He’s worth more than ten million,No doubt about it.

  75. devilgunner says:

    Although, in England, the transfer window formally opens on 1 July, transfers between clubs in the same association can take place as soon as the last competitive fixtures for the season have been played. However, many transfers will not be completed until 1 July because many players’ contracts expire on 30 June. Outside of the transfer window, a club may still sign players on an emergency basis, usually if they have no goalkeeper available. Special dispensation from their competition’s governing body, for example the Premier League, is required. The transfer window restriction does not apply to clubs below Football Conference level.

  76. Scott From Oz says:

    Also Adam,we are all talking about bringing Hoillett across……..he’s from a relegated club.
    Can’t hold that against a player.

  77. RON says:

    poldi is a good player..i thnk he will ply in d place of gervinho on d left…good crosser n good place..n has a grt left foot..is a good signing imo..

  78. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Lol, we won’t get Kagawa anyway. We have Eisfield remember? I’m sure Diaby will get a new contract too.

    This pessimism is as a result of the last 7/8 years. I hate to think how much money i’ve spent on the club in that time.

  79. allezkev says:

    kc, i hate the Spuds as much as you, and half my family supports them!

    But you know how dumb some players are and Diaby just confirmed that knowledge.

    All the same, make no mistake, if he was bearing down on the Spuds goal at The Slum, then he would score, as that is his job.

    And you and me would be jumping around like crazy.

    Not sure a Spud shirt would come into it then…

  80. Adam says:

    Scott. I am not talking about Hoilett. I think we should be setting our sights higher than him although he was good, in patches, for Blackburn.

  81. Scott From Oz says:

    Gervinho has been a major disappointment,no doubt Adam.
    I think,and hope,he will really improve next season.

  82. Scott From Oz says:

    Fair call Adam,it was a generalisation,because I’m not really spruiking Hoillett either.
    Unfortunately,so much is hanging on the RVP decision,it’s ridiculous.
    Again,players have way,way too much power.

  83. Thorny says:

    IF …………..RVP is stalling in order to get wenger to commit to a title winning side then he signs and wenger opens the coffers and goes to town, he really is a hero. at the same time if he doesnt sign we know we aint buying.

  84. RON says:

    i heard robin wanted to sign but ivan had forgot to bring a cartridge for his fountain pen.
    IVAN OUT!
    tht is bad…

  85. devilgunner says:

    Guys…………with Podolski the situation is one the following two. Either he is an RVP replacement, or else the formation has to be changed a bit for the simple reason that Podolski is not defensive by nature. So its either 4-4-1-1 with him or RVP or 4-3-3 with him instead of RVP. He is not there to replace Gervinho. If we get Hoilett or Kagawa than they are there to replace Gervinho. But Podolski is either beside or instead of RVP.

  86. allezkev says:

    Good point Adam, but despite the 49 goals, which was appalling i agree, [although take those two poor poor performances at Old Toilet & Ewood Park out of the equation and it looks more acceptable], but to recover from Arsenal’s worst start to a season since 1954 and then finish 3rd, shows an improvement of sorts…

    The trick is to continue it into next season. That imho, will show if there is any progress or that HC is correct [and he might be?].

  87. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    As I said… I’ll wait until the Euros kicks off before judging properly. If there hasn’t been any transfer action before then…

  88. devilgunner says:

    RON says:
    May 17, 2012 at 11:00 am

    i heard robin wanted to sign but ivan had forgot to bring a cartridge for his fountain pen.
    IVAN OUT!
    tht is bad…

    Joke number one mate. well done. now think of another.

  89. devilgunner says:

    Scott…………. only Ron is Master Joker and Quipper here.

    So please leave him to his job. 😉

  90. Steve says:

    The problem is we are all in the dark about the RVP situation. When this happens journalists all behave like sheep and very very quickly rumours become facts.

    One thing in Wenger’s favour – no manager has more experience in losing his best players.

  91. devilgunner says:

    Steve says:
    May 17, 2012 at 11:05 am………..

    One thing in Wenger’s favour – no manager has more experience in losing his best players.

    Yes mate……….and no manager has more experience in squeezing a good amount of money for them. Remember that both Barca and Shitty have sponsored us majorly these last few years….and Barca are still doing so since they are still paying the Hleb, Cesc money.

  92. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    I’m not sure Wenger should take much credit for getting us to third. It was his fault we were in that position to start with. If we had drawn at OT instead of losing heavily, I doubt we would’ve bought as many as we did on the final day.

    So if anything, we have United to partly thank for being in this position

  93. RON says:

    scott frm oz..ivan brought his pen n contract …but forgot to bring his brains..n offered the contract to diaby instd of robin..

  94. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    And what are we doing with the sponsorship money DG? Feeding the accounts of Wenger and the board members.

  95. allezkev says:

    Steve, Dario Gradi made a career out of doing just that….
    Nobody criticised him for improving players.

    And before you say it, yes, we are not Crewe.

    But even when we were Double Winners, other clubs were after our players.

    The Press tried to flog Vieira for us every year from 1998 until he actually left SEVEN years later…

    It’s the price we pay for having such a good coach as our manager.

  96. devilgunner says:

    That is a question I also ask Romford. And honestly I have no answer for that. Maybe what someone suggested a few days ago………..they are collecting it so as to pay a lump sum and get rid of the mortgage in one fell swoop while incurring only one penalty pay????

  97. Scott From Oz says:

    My name is Sean Jackson I like Arsenal.
    My favourite player is RVP.

    That was my boys introduction to HH,and his spelling and typing was better than dads lol.

  98. vernat1066 says:

    We don’t know what will happen with any money that comes in or existing money, lets give the manager and board a chance to see if they have learnt from last season and if the signings are the same age/experience as the majority signed last year.

  99. allezkev says:

    HC, but we’ll never really know if it ‘actually’ was Wenger’s fault or not?!

    We can blame him for the team and tatics at OT.

    But wasn’t it Gazides who fcuked up the Mata deal?

    And Gazides has, it seems, replicated the trick with Vertonghen???

  100. devilgunner says:

    Hiya Sean. Goody for you. Welcome aboard.

    Now go and give your dad a couple of whacks for having crap spelling and typing. He should be a role model to you. 😉

  101. devilgunner says:

    Hopefully you will do Sean. It will be great for you, make your dad happy and HH rightly proud. Pat Rice, Charlie George did it. And so can you.

  102. allezkev says:

    Of course kc, but nobody though [ 24 months ago] that Jack would have the impact that he has made.

    Many fans were criticising AW for ‘wasting’ money on AOC last summer.

    Many also wrote off Gibbs, who imho has shown a lot of improvement.
    Yes he has a lot to learn still, but the raw talent is there and if he stays fit, in 12 months time, we’ll have a top player on our hands.

    We don’t know how good Campbell is going to be.

    Coquelin has suprise a few this season and he went to the Lorient finishing school.

    And don’t forget Frimpong.
    Many casually write him off.
    Well i don’t…

    Look at the money Liverpool have wasted on big shiny signings…

    It’s not as simple as spending money, even Shittie almost fcuked up…

  103. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Give the manager and board a chance? Where have I heard that before?

    Wenger’s the one who decides wages right? Either way, Wenger and Gazidis are both to blame. We have the infrastructure and power behind us to dominate yet we are flagging so far behind.

    It’d be more acceptable to charge an arm and a leg if we had a competitive team. Why people try to make excuses for them is beyond me.

  104. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Liverpool wasted money on dud players – many knew they weren’t that good before they were signed. They went ahead and signed them regardless, that’s their own problem.

  105. devilgunner says:

    NICKLAS BENDTNER could be on his way to Germany with Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund ready to move for him now he has left Sunderland.

    Arsenal striker Bendtner spent last season on loan with the Black Cats and ended as the club’s eight-goal joint top-scorer, but the Wearsiders have no interest in signing him on a permanent basis.

    Bendtner’s form has been patchy over the course of the season and Black Cats boss Martin O’Neill has also been unimpressed with his off-field antics.

    O’Neill’s mind was made up long before Bendtner missed the team bus to the Stadium of Light for Sunday’s final game of the season against Manchester United, which cost the 24-year-old the chance of a farewell performance against the Red Devils.

    Bendtner has returned to Arsenal but wants to leave the Emirates, although he intends to wait until after this summer’s European Championships before settling his future.

    If he has a good tournament with Denmark, he is likely to have several sides from across Europe eager to bring him on board.

    But, even before Euro 2012 gets under way, Dortmund have expressed an interest.

    GET KAGAWA INSTEAD MR AW.

  106. kc says:

    Allezkev,

    you wanna start the youth policy again??
    i equally have my hope on them and hope they live up to expectation,,, no more bischoff or Jet

  107. RON says:

    ty god..terry is going to d euros…othrwise england players would nt be able to concentrate on d euros…n instd be worried wtf terry must be doing back home..;)
    i say ask wayne bridge..he knws it all too well;)

  108. Scott From Oz says:

    Wengers been on the phone….Sean is his next signing.
    He will play for chocolates,hasn’t missed a game through injury and averages around 5-6 goals per game.
    Back to reality,is there any reason BD suddenly show an interest in Bendtner???

  109. devilgunner says:

    If we get Lewandowski I will be over the moon. He plays the false centreforward position well……….and still is 23.

  110. Scott From Oz says:

    Maybe Rio will pay Mrs Terry a visit when John is away,hey Ron?
    No wouldn’t that be the ultimate payback?

  111. allezkev says:

    kc, i think we have a good youth policy, but bringing players through isn’t an exact science.

    One new face a season, is a good return.
    And last season we saw the huge potential of Nico Yennaris. He is gonna be good mate….

    Afobe and Henderson both suffered injuries but they have a lot of promise.
    We’ll hopefully see that next season…

    And imho Ozyakup is gonna be a very good player…

    So there’s a lot to look forward to and it doesn’t all revolve around big shiny signings either…

  112. devilgunner says:

    JT……hiya missus. how are you back home???

    Missus JT……oh fine hubby. I just had a surprise visit. Rio de Janeiro.

    JT……oh really. did you enjoy seeing the statue on top of the mountain???

    Missus JT……oh you mean Jesus Christ!!!! I surely saw him.

  113. devilgunner says:

    Missus JT…especially when I was on top. The view from there was immense seeing all the panorama under me.

    JT……..Love you dear. be good. cu

    Missus JT…….Same goes JT.

  114. devilgunner says:

    thanks mate………you gave me the bug for it. 😆 😉

    But I will not take the honour from you. You are a good joker so if you get some more humorous quips just put them on HH. We would all like to read them.

  115. devilgunner says:

    Few people know this but Arsenal new boys Per Mertesacker and Gervinho happily live together under canvas on the Emirates pitch. ……..Sabotage Times.

    yuuuuuuuuuuukkkkkkkkkkkkkk

  116. RON says:

    no prob mate…let d jokes continue..in this depressing time of robin contact negotiations..will he sign or no..bound to be somethng to relax us gooners..

  117. devilgunner says:

    And St Peter is a Gunner’s fan. Yes mates……because all the statues of him are usually with three fingers aloft meaning 3rd place. In your face swampies.

  118. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    I repeat, the first team shouldn’t be used as an apprenticeship for young players. There are enough there already. I like Afobe and would have him as back up to RVP and Podolski – that’s it though.

  119. RON says:

    …hope d swapmies loose d cl qualifiers..if chelsea loose d cl final(hoping bayern thrash thm)….modric n d monkey kick thier ass n leave thm..bst team in 50 yrs..cannot beat arsenals wrst team in 15 yrs…

  120. Lee says:

    I can’t help but think RVP’s juices won’t be flowing at the prospect of lining up with Hoilet…..

  121. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Kagawa and M’Vila yes yes yes…. I’d even allow Wenger to not go after a defender

  122. devilgunner says:

    I agree Romford. The first team should be the finished articles not a work in progress. That means having 24 top players with an extra 11 young players. The rest should be loaned for experience. But remember……..5 out of the finishing 11 against WBA were all under 22 years.

    Chesney, Coquelin, Frimpong, Jenkinson, OX, Ramsey will all be better and wiser next year.

    But I agree with your thoughts and opinion.

  123. devilgunner says:

    Ron………did he really get more goals than Downing????

    Romford……..we need a defender who can cover a variety of positions even if we get M’Vila and Kagawa.

  124. Micko says:

    Afternoon all,
    Romford 10.43, that’s pretty much how I feel as well, I remember reading somewhere that Gazidas is in the top 3 of highest paid sports directors in the UK.
    I really hope us fans ain’t gonna get shafted again this summer.

    Scott, if it happens, as long as you give me notice I should be able to sort you out with some tickets next season.

  125. RON says:

    i guess so…it is posted on twitter…downing did nt score a single goal in d league..n howard has got one i thnk….n downing has been selected in englands squad..i guess roy does nt need goals..

  126. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Micko, if that’s true, that’s an abomination. I always wondered why we were bringing in a guy who was business savvy but not a football man. Dein would’ve never allowed things to spiral out of control like this. He controlled transfers, Arsene controlled the team. Things were so simple back then.

    DG, I agree. Just don’t think Wenger will do it. M’Vila and Arteta protecting Mertesacker, Verm and Kos should be ok if Bould is in charge of the defence. Doubt it’ll happen though.

    Downing – 0 goals, 0 assists looool

  127. rico says:

    Afternoon fine folk,

    Welcome to those just joining today – sorry for the delay in letting you out of moderation…

  128. devilgunner says:

    I am off now Fine Folk. Been a great morning here on HH.

    Scott……Good night mate.

    Ron………thanks for the larfs.

    Cu Romford, Lee, Micko

    Sir AK…….I salute you.

  129. RON says:

    we shld try n sign delpiero…at this age is still better thn hooka boy chamack n unused park..still a cracking plyr n grt finishr..plus experienced..n a winner which we lack..

  130. Scott From Oz says:

    Appreciate that Micko,I really do.
    It’s looking Likely at this stage,and I hope a few HHers can meet up at some stage.
    I will keep working and saving.

  131. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Del Piero has been awesome but his legs don’t move anymore! At 37 it’d really be clutching at straws if we went for him. It’d say something about our ambition too.

  132. RON says:

    romford pele agree..he has no legs..but still better th chamack n park..an has a grt impact while cmg on a substitute for d last 30 odd mins..n brng him on has a 3rd choice striker after vp..n buy anothr good one..do nt thnk poldi will be vp replacement..or back up..will be used wide left..in d same position he plys for germany

  133. Micko says:

    Ron, when I read your comments half the time I think your speaking in Swahili, i need to get my eyes tested.

  134. RON says:

    Jack Wilshere’s injury troubles show no signs of abating as Arsenal have confirmed the midfielder requires a minor knee operation.

    The England international missed the whole of last season on account of an ankle problem and lost his race against time to be fit for Euro 2012.

    Arsenal are confident he remains on track to be fit for the start of next season, but he will go under the surgeon’s knee to remedy a knee complaint.

    “Jack Wilshere is continuing to recover very well from the injury to his right ankle which ruled him out of action for the 2011/12 season,” a report on Arsenal’s official website read. “However, his ongoing rehabilitation has seen a long-standing slight issue with his patella tendon in his left knee flare up.

    “As a result, Jack will travel to Sweden for a minor procedure on his left knee in the next few days. This procedure is not expected to significantly affect Jack’s comeback ahead of next season.

    “On returning to England, Jack will resume his rehabilitation with the Arsenal medical team over the summer.”

  135. Lee says:

    AW over playing him,a fucking joke! Proves that the squads not good enough, so buy some quality you wanker!!!!!

  136. emma says:

    Another bad start to a good day. Wilshere injury is growing by the day. What kind of medical personnel do we have at Arsenal. Arsenal better start lining up a replacement hope we are not looking into another long protracted injury.

  137. rico says:

    emma – it’s down to the lack of depth in our squad last season, jack played far too many games at such a young age, we had no-one else to step in and give him a break…

    Is it the mediacl people of Wenger/Board for not signing enough players?

    Oh, and keeping hold of a few who either not good enough or are crocks themselves….

  138. rico says:

    Lee – is that real about Mankini?

    £5 million a year!!

    So Wenger earns £2 million more each year, just for getting CL spot…

  139. emma says:

    hi rico,
    It’s so sad to see such a promising young player still of the treatment table. No one knows how long this will keep him out for. I dont believe what Wenger or the medical team say any longer. When they say he will be back by pre-season. then you know it’s going to be at the start of the season. If he doesn’t make it at the start of the season, then i fear the worse. We should be thinking of getting rid of the dead horses in the team, count our loss and move in quality players. We can’t continue to really on believing that Wilshere/Diaby will be fit at the start of the season. Least before i forget we need a right back. Jenkinson doesn’t cut it for me, he is just far too inexperience in that position. Don’t know how long Sagna will be out

  140. DutchGooner10 says:

    I have got a splitting headache from all the scenarios suggested. I can make a Hamlet Broadway cracker out of it. 😉

  141. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    If God forbid Wilshere’s career ends up being threatened, Wenger must take the blame for not building a proper squad.

  142. Lee says:

    Yep Rico, he’s just got back from the middle east, the offer is a £20m p.a but he wants assurances that he can add to the squad…….hazard/cavani/rvp! I suppose their squad is definitely a bit light…….. 😆

  143. DutchGooner10 says:

    Afternoon Goonerdom faithful.

    Nice one AK you got the bandwagon stacked like an Indian lorry that carries a whole village to the market. 🙂

  144. rico says:

    emma – Jacks surgery is ‘minor’ – he’s big and strong and should recover ok..

    Re jenks, we have to remember that he came from playing football at a far lesser standard than what we try and play, he’s young and one for the future and last season was his first, i can’t be too harsh on him, he has afc running through his veins.

    Let’s give him a chance before casting him off… 😉 Also we have Yennaris who will be able to step in if Sagna isn’t fit for the beginning of the season but i suspect he’ll be back in time..

    We do seem to have far more than our fair share of injuries, the question why is so hard to answer, darned if i know… maybe we train too much?

  145. rico says:

    Hi DG…

    Lee – makes you sick doesn’t it…. I so wish Usmanov would come in and shake us up a bit….

  146. rico says:

    BlackHat – don’t read it then and go find another blog to insult as you are not welcome on here!!

  147. Adam says:

    I was told, in confidence, sometime before Christmas that Wilshire’s career was under threat but didn’t want to believe it. The medical fit teams at London clubs are quite close and gossip gets around.

  148. Thorny says:

    Ha…. The liverpool AVB rumour is gathering a little pace, some say he has been to boston to have a chat already.

    According to some RVP is a “wantaway gunner”

    And rico 1.26………please no.

  149. RON says:

    no owen…he n diaby can spend a lot of time together..both r always injured…hope jack gets fit soon..

  150. rico says:

    Adam 🙁

    I hope not too Thorny but we are all used to the way Wenger works. We are even being linked to ex Chav Claudio Pizarro, he’s free too…

    Dippers are in for Brendan Rodgers….

  151. rico says:

    Well if RvP has made it clear he is not going to sign on, then I’m with those who say get him of the market and sell him to the highest bidder….

    This has to be sorted asap….

    Its not what i hope for but….

  152. DutchGooner10 says:

    Hola missus HH.

    I say there’s 30 mln + wages from dross shifted and 70 mln in the Arsenal Transfer Fund. Take the acquisition of IPod off, that leaves 89 mln to spend.

    RvP’s extension does not fall in the category to punch hole in that amount. He should be penned by the EPL profits. That’s as far as I’m willing to take hypotheses.

  153. Adam says:

    Whenever a player “wants assurances” you can be certain that he wants out. I can think of nothing that would infuriate a control freak like Wenger more than to offer a player who has had one golden season £6 million a year plus a £5 million bonus and the continued captaincy for 3 years plus having stuck by him through thick, thin, lots of injuries, false rape charges etc, etc, than to have him ask “for assurances”. What assurances did the club have when they were paying his wages for months on end while he was on the treatment table? If Robin was going to stay, he should have signed months ago as a sign of good faith. If he wanted to leave after that then I doubt a contract would have made much difference, except to his price. Nothing is done yet, but the club must move on in a totally positive way with or without Robin. The European Championship this year changes the timescale.

  154. vernat1066 says:

    Maybe Wenger will do to Coquelin what he did to Lauren and turn him into a right back, and take Vermalen and make him a DM. Give Lansbury a chance, and buy two good players to add depth to the squad

  155. Adam says:

    Many seem to like Lansbury but I have never seen him do very much for Arsenal or West Ham. Is he really that good?

  156. rico says:

    😆 DG…

    Adam, but do we actually know RvP wants assurances, it’s all been pretty much paper talk…

  157. vernat1066 says:

    Who knows, but i think he is worth a look cant judge him on West ham form especially with Fat Sam as coach. To get through the summer i have decided that until proven otherwise (Sept 1) my Arsenal glass is going to be half full not half empty.

  158. DutchGooner10 says:

    No breaking news from tulipland. Rico. Rumours yes. Substance no.

    Hypothesis is a broke bloke from Greece, getting Ouzo and Moussaka on foodstamps anyway.

  159. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Rico, i’m pretty sure RVP wants assurances. No point signing on if the club can’t match your ambition.

    Vernat, we need match winners, not depth. We have enough unecessary depth. RVP is our only match winner. City have about 5 matchwinners, United 3/4, Chelsea the same.

  160. emma says:

    Vernat- i also thought about that, if wenger could covert vermalaen to a holding midfielder and pair kos and mert. It wouldnt’ be bad for an experiment during the pre-season

  161. rico says:

    vernat – agree re hammers, when sam dropped lansbury they kept drawing and losing, he bought back lansbury for the last few games and things changed imho ….

  162. Lee says:

    Or after yesterday’s meeting? We are signing M’Vila,Vertonghen & Kagawa now theres a good chap sign up for another 3yrs…..

  163. vernat1066 says:

    RC i think we need both, and if they stay, RVP, Walcott and Podolski are three match winners, i expect Gerv will play better in the second season. And Chelsea finished behind us, Utd have lost Berbatov and without Rooney i cant see a consistent match winner and we cant spend what City can so they are a bad example though if you look at them without Silva and YaYA not the same team.

    Lets wait and see once the window is over where we are and then lets judge until then stay positive.

  164. rico says:

    Romford, but we don’t know for sure 😉

    Adam – I don’t know

    RvP said he just wanted to play football, I’m giving him until 5pm tomorrow, after that he goes to the Euros and then his head will be turned if it hasn’t been already….

  165. Lee says:

    My mate is a hamster s/t holder and said “Lansbury is a fcking good player for WH, but he isn’t good enough for Arsenal…”

  166. rico says:

    I recall you saying that before Lee, but nor are half the players good enough for Arsenal 😉

    I’d still rather Lansbury over Ramsey and Diaby….

  167. Adam says:

    This is one of the problems with being an Arsenal fan isn’t it? After years of high hopes dashed against the transfer window slamming shut and those feelings of disappointment and the realisation that we know the squad isn’t going to be good enough. After Wenger stopped talking fact and sense and became a spinner of false predictions and after his crazy pronouncements that this squad, this year, was going to win something important. After all these things our default position is one of negativity. The fact is that I don’t trust him to be able to assemble a title winning squad anymore. This may be because he hasn’t got the finances or that his judgement is not that good anymore. But I don’t think he can do it because the experience of the past several seasons tells me so. I desperately want to be proved wrong though. For me, Robin is just a sideshow along the way.

  168. vernat1066 says:

    I agree past seasons have been disappointing however i am not totally convinced its all down to Wenger, the Board have to take some or more of the blame. We don’t definitely know why things have happened but this summer lets believe until proved otherwise that things will be different.

  169. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Lol, Walcott as a match winner?! I’ll have some of what you’re smoking please.

    I like Podolski but you can’t call him a matchwinner when he hasn’t played a single game for us yet.
    Gervinho will hopefully turn into one.

    They finished behind us but have already won a cup fnal and are in another. Berbatov does nothing anyway. Young, Nani and Valencia have all won United points by themselves.

    Aguero, Nasri, Tevez, Baloteeli, soon to be Hazard as well.

    Of course we can compete, when we have mongs like Djourou and Squillaci who collect over 50k per week, therein lies your issue.

    I can’t stay positive after watching the same drivel for the best part of a decade.

  170. Lewis says:

    Lansbury couldn’t hold down a starting birth with West Ham so I hardly think we should be looking to keep him.

  171. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    I agree with Lewis. I really like Lansbury, but if he was that good he’d command a starting place in a team which is full of mediocre players.

  172. Adam says:

    I wouldn’t know how to apportion blame Vernat because the board don’t see our achievements as failure. But, let us not ignore the fact that this is Stan’s first close-season as owner and I think he must try and make the board and it’s make- up of very old, old Etonians reflect more closely his business ethos. Younger, more ambitious and aggressive businessman who are used to achieving must be the way forward.

  173. vernat1066 says:

    Walcott 11 goals and 14 assists, 8 league goals and 8 assists in 35 games, not bad yes could be better but an improvement.

  174. rico says:

    Just why we need an owner who is prepared to football before finance Adam imho – then we would finally see if Wenger still has a magic hat in his cupboard or he’s all out of ideas….

  175. Thorny says:

    DG

    yes £ everywhere

    If Gibb’s tackle was a £30M tackle then why not spend it on RVP. Its money we may not have had. + £ from prem lg + sold off junk and wages savings + profits from nsri, fgas sales and other + Big staaans waaallet! Hypotheticaly!

  176. Lewis says:

    Thorny, I’d say it’s more £30mill for RVP’s contribution this season more than gibb’s 1 tackle. £1mill for each prem goal, ha.

  177. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    That’s not a matchwinner in my view. If the guy didn’t play for Arsenal, his poor approach play would be even more exposed. Bar his movement off the ball and decent finishing ability, he has poor link-up play, can’t pass, can’t head and generally lacks footballing ability.

    The guy has been at Arsenal for more than six years and has hardly grow a pair. If I had my own way, he’d be out the door. Wenger shows too much sentiment to players who don’t deserve it.

  178. Adam says:

    Thorny. Stan just ain’t rich enough. His wife has got all the dosh. In fact Stan seems to have very little liquid capital at all. Dein saw the writing on the wall and realised that Wenger can’t keep pulling rabbits out of the hat. And when he does, the rabbits are much greedier than they used to be.

  179. DutchGooner10 says:

    I use to be well informed on coaches,talent and tactics. My loyalty to Arsenal has nibbled like a school of piranhas on that interest. As long as I can’t insert that knowledge into club matters there’s little point in chasing all kind of alternatives and sources.

  180. Lee says:

    “I am very proud of this season because we were not only tested on the football front – which as a club we are used to – but on our mental solidity, unity and solidarity within,” Wenger told the club’s official website.

    The Frenchman added: “We were deeply tested, we did not show any weakness, kept united and in the end came back. It is a good lesson for everybody. At some stages everybody was wondering what we were doing.”

  181. Wavy says:

    Will Jack be fit in time for Diaby day? Or is this another hurdle to jump before he returns to the potential premiership winner’s enclosure!!?

  182. DutchGooner10 says:

    Thorny ;). My senses say we have become some sort of franchise ATM dosh machine. Finances fine, it’s important in modern football. But if it is a primary goal of a boardroom why don’t buy a printing street to fill their basement pools?? Get the obsession of your chest and have a few strokes in the morning. Makes the head clean and fresh and possibly receptacle to matters that doesn’t involve their ego.

  183. vernat1066 says:

    At least last season the profile of the transfers changed, older more experienced players with a couple of youngsters, hopefully this is the path that we are going to do this summer.

  184. vernat1066 says:

    Windies 117-4, Blowers still off his tits has Marlon Brando playing for them not Marlon Samuels, to much bollinger at lunch?

  185. Lee says:

    Exactly RP, AW’s inadequacy in the transfer market led to the drubbing plus he played a season long game of Russian roulette with RVP being our only proper striker!! He massively got away with it…..

  186. Thorny says:

    Vernat

    Thats classic. I remember him calling flintoff Botham for at least an our once. Waaaasted at lunch. Watched blowers talking on stage last summer, he’s got his own Coates du rhone called blowers rhone. filth!

  187. vernat1066 says:

    TMS absolutely love it funniest programme on air without a doubt, also remember him calling Monty Panesar Monty Python for a while as well

  188. DutchGooner10 says:

    Vernat re experienced players.

    The board is selling smoothies so fresh fruit is much more important to them. Youngsters want nothing else than becoming famous, those old heads were needed cuz we had few knowing the trades of a plumber. Haven’t you heard these statements about so and so is not ready as the defensive side of his game leaves wanting?? Forced by necessity in any business hardly changes a culture. Mostly it’s securing consistent income.

  189. terry says:

    this is what i have in mind …. we should keep RVP at any cost and get a replacement for Park, Diaby,djouru, Ramsay and Flappy.
    if we cannot keep RVP sell him to the highest bidder and get a Good CF… my preferences are Loriente/Dzeko/ Neymar/ Higuain/ Saldado. with the transfer fee we get for Robin, we can easily afford any of the above mentioned.
    Now back to the above mentioned players…. honestly our best midfield trio are rosicky, song and arteta, any one of them injured and we tend to loose our midfield battles. our record after artetas injury speaks for itsself.
    we cannot expect wilsahre to come in next season and start playing like a super star… he needs to be introduced slowly into the game just like rosicky was not be rushed and handed too much responsiblity as rambo was this season…. these players are young and one of the main reason they looked so good was the presence of fab in the midfield….
    we already have got a replacemnt for park in Podolski so there one of our concers is sorted out.
    next is Diaby the best player who could replace diaby according to me is Shain from real madrid.. a player with very good vision and loves to play deep jus like arteta,,, he intiates the attacks…
    a perfect ramsay replacement would be our very own wilshare and lansbury… ramsay should be sent on loan to norwich or some other newly promoted team he has bags of potential but i feel he has too much pressure on him when he is playing for us… a loan spell to up his confidence is what he needs.
    djouru has been very poor he is 6’4 but he hardly makes it know by his defending… he is at best championship player vertonghen would be the ideal replacement for him.
    and last but not the least bye bye flappy and hello al al habsi is what we need to say.
    so my summer shopping list would be:
    Shain, vertongen, al habsi and hoilet on a free (in case we donot buy yossi)
    we need to understand that if we want hazard we need to sell walcott or gerviniho…. he is a first team player you cannot sell arshavin and say he is his replacement… how menay game has arsh played for us???
    similarly its simple if we want to buy a first team starter we need to sell one of our.
    the total wenger would have to spend is somewhere around 20m.
    and he can easily generate these funds by selling nikki b, vela, park, diaby, djouru, flappy, mannone, denielson and make some profit may be 😛

    this is how our squad would look:
    schezny, al habsi
    santos, gibbs, sagna, vermy, kozzer, vertongen, mert.
    song, shain, rosicky, wilshare, arteta, coquellen, lansbury.
    walcott, gerviniho, Aoc, hoilet.
    Rvp, podolski, chamak, arshavin.
    8 home grown players: Schezny, gibbs, song, lansbury, walcott, Aoc, Hoilet, wilshare
    this looks like a good team and with the right attitude and hopefully some good defensive coaching can challenge for the title next season.

  190. Joaquim Moreira says:

    good afternoon
    Luis Suarez – Barcelona?
    Toure – R. Madrid ?
    kagawa (BD) – M.United – 8,5 million euros?
    Lewadorsky (BD) M.United – 12 million eruos?
    Nani (m. United)?

  191. allezkev says:

    Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere to undergo minor knee surgery
    Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is to undergo minor knee surgery in Sweden over the next few days.

    The 20-year-old missed the whole of the 2011-12 campaign with an ankle problem, which has also ended his hopes of representing England at Euro 2012.

    Jack Wilshere’s 2010-11
    •Arsenal: 49 appearances, two goals
    •England: 5 appearances

    A long-standing knee injury has flared up during his rehabilitation from that ankle problem.

    A club statement read: “This procedure is not expected to significantly affect Jack’s comeback ahead of next season.”

    It added: “On returning to England, Jack will resume his rehabilitation with the Arsenal medical team over the summer.”

    This latest operation will cast further doubt on Wilshere participating in the London 2012 Olympic Games.

    It was understood Stuart Pearce was considering Wilshere for Team GB in the men’s football tournament starting on 26 July.

    And Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will be looking to determine whether his midfield dynamo will be fit for pre-season training starting on 9 July.

  192. allezkev says:

    If he has a slight problem, then why not sort it out rather than let Stuat Pearce get his hands on him?

    Scott that physio rumour you heard, mate, i did not like that one little bit!

  193. DutchGooner10 says:

    Van Persie’s words, when interviewed after the West Bromwich game, were understandably non-committal, although they certainly hinted that he might be on his way. However, his actions after the last home match of the season, versus Norwich, seems to leave less doubt.

    The match, and the lap of appreciation, were all done and dusted by 3 p.m., but van Persie stayed at the ground until 6 p.m., during which time he had photos taken of him all over the place with different things, such as the statues outside, and with all the people he knew at the ground. The conclusion would be that he did not anticipate being around to get the opportunity again.

    Full article here http://www.arsenalinsider.com/6070/rvp-the-signs-that-say-goodbye/

    A bit of a downer but cuts some weeds away around al the gossip and raincoat guys hissing inside intel.

  194. rico says:

    ‘Hot Stuff’ star Donna Summer has died after a long battle with cancer….

    🙁 🙁 🙁

    Feckin Feckin disease takes another……

    RIP

  195. rico says:

    Thats great news Adam, he’ll be like a new signing having not played for so long….. Hope we added a sell on clause to his contract…..

    Or should that read ‘give away’ clause….

  196. vernat1066 says:

    yes but Shiv is still there great player, but decent performance by England for first test at Lords

  197. rico says:

    Its not bad vernat, Broad needs to keep his heels behind the line….

    Me too Adam, I kind of grew up with her music, super singer and it’s a sad day hearing that she has gone…

  198. Lee says:

    Terrible disease…. I’ve appointment with some strong European lager, squilaci is our saviour!!! 😉

  199. rico says:

    K1664 by chance Lee?? 😉

    Saying that vernat, maybe he’d sell more shirts for the mancs… 😉

  200. vernat1066 says:

    Lets hope our German connection can tell him that we are the better club for him to join.

  201. vernat1066 says:

    Anderson superb bowler, Broad can be a bit or a brat some times but has improved on that and his general play.

  202. stevepalmer1 says:

    Evening all.
    Nice one SAK, our minds must be linked,must be the dubbin of the sword, 🙂
    Good post, we hit on this the other day, what constitutes a successful year, obviously the Carling cup is what we all thought it was a Micky Mouse competition, but if i speak the truth i would have loved us to have won it, I don’t care what cup we win just so long as we win, I have been happy with the Emirates cup but we wasn’t even good enough to win that.
    I see Wenger has stated that he wants another Invincible season, maybe next year, is he on drugs or what. He needs to spend a few quid and pack our defence with quality players that know how to defend together before he makes statements like that, from what i have seen of this defence i wouldn’t want them for a fishing net. Steve Bould has he’s work cut out as we know that Wenger only wants to practice going forward, and with a pea brain in Walcott and a hair pelmet in Gervinho we wont be that exciting up front. Steve Bould needs to spend quality time with our back line their not bad players but they must be talking a diferent language Hopefully Bouldy will sort them out.

  203. rico says:

    I love Broad vernat, he has that winning attitude, spikey yes, but he’s a winner….

    Time will tell Jon, a lot may depend on who fergie buys…. will he get a chance there?

  204. devilgunner says:

    Good evening Fine Folk of the St Totteringham’s faith.

    Sir SP……….when AW made a statement like that everyone laughed at him…yet two years later everyone was with eggs on their faces and he was the one laughing. I know that I agree with you on what you said but we should be careful since this team is growing and when a team is growing its like a child.,…..it goes through growing pains.

  205. stevepalmer1 says:

    Jack Wilshere is having a little op on his left knee in Sweden but should be back in time for the new season, Never rains but it pours

  206. John says:

    Any new signing I can’t see replacing anybody like Walcott or Gervinho. It maybe more to replace Bendtner, Vela, Park or Chamakh because the criticism of Arsenal is the squad has no depth. Never nothing to do with the starting 11 but the depth, when those players are injured. What Wenger needs to do in the next month and half is to sign player to convince RVP & Walcott this is the place to be in the next 4 or 5 years.

  207. devilgunner says:

    St John’s Junior School’s headteacher would often instruct Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to serve in the centre of defence.

    Sometimes the youngster would be asked to don the gloves and take his place in goal.

    For Tony Shrubsall, it seemed only fair.

    After all, the prodigiously-talented midfielder mercilessly destroyed all-comers when the ball was at his feet.

    Oxlade-Chamberlain would score directly from corners with embarrassing ease. In fact, he would net in almost every match he played.

    In four years, St John’s Junior School team lost just once, conceded only two goals and won every single trophy for which they competed.

    At the hub of the side was Oxlade-Chamberlain, the Pompey-born footballer who some seven years later would be in the England squad heading to Euro 2012.

    Should he appear in the Ukraine and Poland, he would be the fifth player from the city to represent England, along with Reg Flewin, Peter Harris, Ray Crawford and Steve Foster.

    For maximum effect during those school days, Shrubsall would employ this worryingly-diminutive youngster in the heart of midfield.

    When graven-faced opposition managers pleaded mid-onslaught whether it would be possible to remove Oxlade-Chamberlain, his manager naturally obliged.

    Except the star all-rounder would prove to be just as magnificent in defence or as a goalkeeper.

    From the age of seven until 11, the boy who grew up in Port Solent – as son to former Pompey midfielder Mark Chamberlain – was under the wing of Shrubsall at Southsea-based St John’s.

    And the junior school headteacher fondly remembers the youngster he always knew would become a footballing star.

    He said: ‘I remember the senior school’s former headmaster, Nigel Thorne, one day turning to me saying we should be proud to have been involved in the development of a player who would go on to appear for England.

    ‘Alex was aged eight at the time.

    ‘There was something special about him. It was his natural ability that made him that much better.

    ‘In 20 years of being a teacher, I have never seen talent like it.

    ‘You knew if he was in the football team, you were going to win.

    ‘That’s how it proved because in four years, the team lost just once and conceded two goals.

    ‘They won every single tournament they entered.

    ‘Even playing five-a-side, for three years his side didn’t concede a goal.

    ‘In fairness, Alex was part of a very talented team but he was by far the stand-out player.

    ‘We played him in the centre of midfield because it is the most influential position on the park.

    ‘He took all the corners and all the free-kicks. In fact, he scored quite a few goals direct from corners with the ball curling in.

    ‘Very often we would put him in to defence to give other teams a chance. Sometimes their managers would come across to me and ask if I could do something. The problem was, when he was in defence they would never get a shot in on goal.

    ‘Even when we put him in goal he was superb. He was just naturally talented.

    ‘Mind you, I’m sure for England he will end up in central midfield.’

    At the age of 11, Oxlade-Chamberlain moved up into senior school and played rugby for the next five years.

    However, the youngster would still play football while on the books of Southampton.

    In 2009 he left the Southsea school with nine GCSEs and joined the St Mary’s club full-time before joining Arsenal for £12m last summer.

    Since then, the 18-year-old has made 26 appearances for the Gunners. Now he has been named in Roy Hodgson’s maiden England squad – much to the delight of those who used to teach him.

    Shrubsall added: ‘Alex comes back from time-to-time to see us. He was here only recently and donated a signed Arsenal shirt to raise money for our Malaysian World Challenge.

    ‘My sons Ollie and Jack went to school with him and remain friends. I also like to tell people I coached Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain!

    ‘Mind you, his dad was more of an influence than me – he was also his biggest critic by a mile.

    ‘He would come and watch him every game and I can tell you he was never satisfied!’

    Next in line………..SEAN JACKSON.

  208. rico says:

    devil – but for how many years have we all had to witness growing pains?

    seriously, I understand what you are saying but each year we hear ‘we have a great crop coming through’ or ‘this is the best squad’ or ‘ I believe in this group of players’….

    But, reality is, had over that same period of time, the club had invested in just or two better players, we would have been real challengers by now….

    Not just scraping 3rd by the skin of our teeth on the final day of the seaosn 🙁

  209. rico says:

    John – I really don’t want us to replace walcott, I want us to coach him better and get the best from him, we all witnessed his second half against the totts – we need that every game from him….

  210. devilgunner says:

    Rico….I agree 100%..especially with the following………But, reality is, had over that same period of time, the club had invested in just or two better players, we would have been real challengers by now….

  211. rico says:

    I hope Wenger doesn’t see that article devil, he’ll use it as an excuse not to strengthen the defence…. 😉

  212. devilgunner says:

    The 49 goals conceded weigh heavily on a coach’s shoulders. He should take that into consideration. Even though 15 of them were conceded in three games. That would make it 34 goals in 35 games….less than one per game. But still. 49 is difficult to swallow.

    Righto I am off fine folk.

    Cu tomorrow. Hope the Lady’s menu will serve another fine dish.

  213. rico says:

    And that is what frustrates so many fans devil and why so many call for his sacking, over the last 5/6 years, we have been £15-£20 million spending away from being champions of the PL but AW/Gazidis/Stan or whoever can’t see it….

  214. rico says:

    49 is a disgrace devil and there is a €10 million signing out there who could help remedy that but no, he looks to be heading off down the road, and he’ll make them stronger.

    In the meantime we will no doubt rely on Miquel and Bartley, maybe even Squilli….

    Deep joy….

    Nighty to you devil, have a lovely evening….

  215. allezkev says:

    Yeah Adam. Re: physio rumour, of course, it was you.
    Lost i/n connection so couldn’t get on….
    HC still moaning….. 🙄 😉

  216. rico says:

    Evening AK, just seen that your mighty fine post is number two in the NN charts 😉

    Get you eh 😉

  217. allezkev says:

    Rico, have you had a few trolls trying to get on today?
    I saw you giving some idiot a cyber kicking earlier.
    🙂

  218. Micko says:

    Renewal came through today, has to be in for June 1st, will I or won’t I, its like dangling a carrot in front of a donkey, I can’t resist it.
    Catch you tomorrow.

  219. allezkev says:

    Rico, for some reason i didn’t get sent the post today?!
    Are WordPress playing up again.. 🙄 ???

    Can you e-mail me todays post… Cheers

  220. DutchGooner10 says:

    How you feeling Sir?? I’ve been through mixed emotions today about the upcoming events. I’m more concerned about Arsenal’s future at the moment than interested in the Euros.

  221. allezkev says:

    Manchester City star Samir Nasri refuted claims that he hit out at former club Arsenal as he celebrated winning the Premier League with the Blues.

  222. allezkev says:

    The France international was heavily criticised for leaving the Gunners in the summer, with fans claiming that his £24 million move was all about money, and French TV channel TF1 quoted him says that Arsenal regularly “settle for second best”.

  223. allezkev says:

    However, using his Twitter account on Thursday, Nasri has dismissed the quotes as false.

    He stated: “Wow just saw the article… my apologies to the arsenal fans i never said something like this.”

    Backtracking, the buck-toothed tosser.
    I’m good Dutch.
    How are you mate?

  224. allezkev says:

    Vedo Gooner ‏@ArsenalTransfex

    BREAKING : Matias Suarez just needs work-permit and he could become new Arsenal FC player

    Twitter rumour of the day..!!

  225. Joaquim Moreira says:

    The “gunners” offered a new proposal to Van Persie to try to convince the club to continue in English. Arsenal are willing to offer a salary of 130,000 pounds per week (more than 161 000 euros), according avaça britâncio the newspaper “The Sun”.
    However, the Dutch international has not signed any agreement, but the club want him to fulfill his contract, which is valid until June 2013.
    The player of 28 years showed 37 goals this season, making it the object of lust for many clubs, including Manchester City.

  226. DutchGooner10 says:

    If Na$rita is so adamant about us moving on, why he keeps mouthing off. Knowing full well Gooners knock back when being jabbed.

    The points raised by the beaver are discussed on blogs to death. So it isn’t a newsroom scoop sort a speak.

  227. rico says:

    DG – Nasri is just like a jilted partner who reckons they ahve moved on… but clearly hasn’t… I think he is wishing he stayed already….

  228. Scott From Oz says:

    Love your 7.33 Devil lol.
    Doing my best to be totally unbiased,Sean has dribbling ability that personally have never seen for a kid his age.
    His right foot is a little rocket.
    I remember when he was 18 months old,I found him,after turning for about ten seconds,hanging ten on the back of the lounge,full of confidence,so his balance is certainly there.
    If an opponent breaks clear,his determination helps Sean find another gear,and inevitably he chases the kid down.
    He really has everything,but is a baby,so I most certainly do not push him….quite the opposite,in fact.
    He loves the game.
    From 7.00 in the morning til he goes to sleep,he is either asking questions about it or dribbling up and down the hallway.
    You can’t put determination or love for a game into any kid,and he has them so who knows?
    It’s my dream,but here’s no way I’d ask or persuade the kid to do anything he doesn’t want to do,but luckily(for me) he wants to play for Arsenal.
    A few weeks back,i read an article on Wenger,and his ability to spot kids with potential.
    He said one thing stood out with potential good players,and that was when they receive the ball,he first instinct is to look up,as 99% of young kids will just off with the ball.
    I started watching,and the little bloke does this every time.
    There’s no way I’m silly enough to suggest he will become a great player,or even a good one,but at the moment,he shows everything he needs,so I am just going to give him every opportunity,if he wants it.
    It would be a hell of a story for us to look back on and talk about in 12-15 years time though.
    Thank you or indulging a proud dad.
    Ps…that really was him posting earlier…..

  229. DutchGooner10 says:

    Buenas Tardes JM.

    RvP will make up his mind before Friday I think. Some say it could drag on till July. As the assurances Robin wants won’t be completed before the end of the European Championship.

    AK the Vertonghen saga flipped my mood a bit. Thought we had a bell on this cat for sure.

  230. DutchGooner10 says:

    Scott it’s a wonderful thing he has the enthusiasm foremost. And he has a dad that talks sense. 😉

  231. allezkev says:

    Rico, quick, before you go….

    Re: Tweet, just a few rumour mongers on there.
    Usual stuff, but it’s good to speculate… 😀

  232. Scott From Oz says:

    I’m convinced now we I’ll get M’Villa.
    The more I read,the more I believe it.
    I’m such a good judge,he will no doubt end up at Etihad!

  233. Scott From Oz says:

    11.14 and 11.23 am Rico.
    He’s a curious little bugger buy ill informed….poor bugger thinks I’m a champion lol.
    He saw what the site was about and started reading,so I thought he should say hello,and handed him the IPad.

  234. allezkev says:

    Fabiański: “I hope this is the end of my career at #AFC. I told the boss about my aims, he also had few things to say

    Sir Chesney was injured for our last 5 games, and Flappy didn’t get a look in…

    Does that tell him anything?

    Because that tells me everything!!!

  235. Scott From Oz says:

    How old are your kids AK?
    I’ve got a girl at nearly 18,and the lad at 6.
    She’s got the voice of an angel,he’s a demon with a ball at his feet.
    I can’t sing,and was a very average player……

  236. allezkev says:

    Latest Twitter Transfer Rumour… 😛

    TRANSFER NEWS: Mamadou Sakho’s poor form has led to PSG wanting to sell, and French press say that talks have begun with Arsenal! #afc

  237. Scott From Oz says:

    Fabianski is similar to Gervinho IMO.
    The both seem to be like a deer in front of a headlight.

  238. allezkev says:

    My eldest is 31, and my baby is 28… 🙂

    Both fanatical Gooners

    I brought ’em up proper…. 😉

  239. Scott From Oz says:

    I heard singing whilst dribbling up and down the hall the other day.
    We hate Tott’nam and we hate Tott’nam………
    I pissed myself laughing.
    Wife reckons I’m a bad influence.

  240. DutchGooner10 says:

    JM Rennes can still go 5th making Euro League. By the way good call on Arsenal 3rd exactly 70 points like you predicted.

  241. allezkev says:

    Scott, i really like Sakho, but when PSG got all that Oil money, i thought ‘forget him’, but he looked a decent player to me, and with the right coaching, could regain his form.
    Is he in the French Euro team..?

  242. Scott From Oz says:

    I couldn’t tell you if he’s off to Euros.
    Speak of the devil,Sean says good morning.

  243. allezkev says:

    It’s gone a bit quiet Scott on that one, despite all the rumours.
    And, after all, that’s all they are.
    We all love a bit of transfer speculation.
    But if you pinned me down, i’d say we will get M’Vila….

  244. DutchGooner10 says:

    AK re Sakho I carbon copy that every word of it.

    Good morning to you as well Sean from Holland.

  245. Scott From Oz says:

    Hello there I am watching the darts with my dad and Whitlock is losing against Taylor.

    Sean says hi guys.

  246. allezkev says:

    Sahko, M’Vila, not a bad summers work….

    Chuck in Matias Suarez and get Theo & Robin to sign and i’ll be quite satisfied…

  247. Scott From Oz says:

    Scanning other club forums nd you realise everyone is in the same boat.
    Nobody knows what negotiations really are taking place,and every fan speculates.

  248. allezkev says:

    According to journo Rob Shepherd, a well know West Ham fan.
    Robin wants £200k a week…..

    Not sure about that, but if true, then there’s no chance of him staying imho.

  249. Scott From Oz says:

    If thats what he asking for,then he really wants out.
    He knows we won’t pay that,but he can then leave and say Arsenal didn’t come to the party.

  250. DutchGooner10 says:

    Simon Whitlock now that’s a hard nail man. Saw him throwing arrows when a day before he broke his leg, won that game by a landslide. Don’t worry Sean ‘the magician’ will win the Embassy some day.

    AK that would put my wishes to rest. Except I want Dzeko or Giroud as I think Suarez need time to adjust and he’s got a chocolate left leg.

  251. Joaquim Moreira says:

    ok, Montpelier maybe the winner, PSG,Lille,Lyon and maybe Rennes…
    Anyway, M’villa will play in other team next year

  252. DutchGooner10 says:

    AK I’m into bullsh*t not bullseye. Na mate, done it once or twice all in fun and cafe sportmanship.

  253. Scott From Oz says:

    Dutch,he truly is a great guy,our Whitlock.
    I’m doing my all to bring Sean to the Emirates for a game next year…any chance you can get over Dutch?

  254. DutchGooner10 says:

    Did you guys know that if a player doesn’t put in a official transfer request before June, FIFA rules state he gets 5% off the transfer fee?? Read it on Arsenal Insider.

  255. Scott From Oz says:

    I don’t like the games.
    The rules seem to be in the players favour,and allows them to hold a club to ransom.

  256. DutchGooner10 says:

    Scott proper fella Whitlock. Like his calm personality. I will most definitely go to the Ems. Next year?? I keep that pending as good Dutch tradition requires me to do. 😛

  257. Scott From Oz says:

    I’m off for the day guys.
    As always,it’s been a pleasure.
    Taylor came good and beat Whitlock,but a good,tough game.
    Sleep well gents.

  258. allezkev says:

    Read some vof the guff in The Sun and the equally appalling Mirror, about Van Persie.
    And basically, both know fcuk all….
    But then we all guessed that that was the case…

  259. DutchGooner10 says:

    Night Scott. Be sure to throw in a Donna Summer in your day. Queen of the disco has parted from us.

  260. agirlagunner says:

    Boo!! Good write, AK!! Good morning from my side of the planet. You guys should be in bed! I don’t like it one bit, this Robin business. 😕

  261. DutchGooner10 says:

    Sean watch your dad’s China vases. The windows are insured. Fine day to you 😛 😛

  262. allezkev says:

    Tbh, i had my doubts that there would be any agreement with RVP, prior to the Euros.
    So now this saga is gonna drag on all summer,
    I hope Gazides and co. don’t get sidetracked, and just concentrate on bringing in 2 or 3 more signings and just let Robin get on with it…

  263. agirlagunner says:

    And hello to our youngest blogger. 🙂 🙂 Hello, allezkev; no shopping. 🙁 Finally sat down and tallied my shoe expenses. Tut tut. I’m told I fritter away my money on frivolities… And they may well be right. Lol.

    Hiya, Dutch. 🙂 🙂 How are ya??

  264. DutchGooner10 says:

    Boo tropical butterfly!!! You have too many coconut trees around you to have any worries. 😉

  265. agirlagunner says:

    I hope he puts pen to paper today; it’s such a morale downer for other players when big names want away. 🙁

  266. Scott From Oz says:

    I’m back,but briefly.
    Hello Agag,how’s the shopping going?
    You will know when Sean is posting……the comments are well thought out,intelligent and relevant.

  267. allezkev says:

    Llew Davies‏@LlewAFC

    Patrick Vieira: “Robin wants to win trophies – and Arsenal have to prove he can do it with them.” Make what you want of that.

    Arsenal legend, or leg end???

  268. Scott From Oz says:

    The club really need to stand their ground,and if it’s looking unlikely that he will sign,put him up for auction and work in a replacement.
    Don’t leave it too late guys.

  269. allezkev says:

    Patrick Vieira cannot believe Arsenal are at risk of losing Robin van Persie by letting his contract roll into its final year.

    And he fears if they do not keep hold of him the club could continue to lose their star players in future seasons.

    If Van Persie leaves the club it will be the second summer in a row they have lost their top players after Barcelona signed Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri moved to Manchester City in the break last year.

    And their former captain, the last player to lift a cup for the Gunners in 2005, believes the likes of Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere could follow if Arsene Wenger does not stabilise the club.

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2145995/Patrick-Vieira-warns-Arsenal-Robin-van-Persie-costs-risk-high-profile-departures.html#ixzz1vAUTJbdX

  270. allezkev says:

    The Frenchman said: ‘It’s really difficult to find players of the quality of Robin van Persie with one year left all around the world.

    ‘I think losing Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas last year was a big shock for Arsenal. For the fans, for the people who love Arsenal.

    ‘I think if they lose Robin van Persie this year it will be a drama. With Samir and Cesc you can say “OK, those two are gone but behind you know that there is Wilshere and Van Persie still at the club”.

    ‘But if Robin leaves that means next year it may be Theo Walcott, next year’s going to be Wilshere, it’s going to be difficult for Arsenal to keep the top players.

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2145995/Patrick-Vieira-warns-Arsenal-Robin-van-Persie-costs-risk-high-profile-departures.html#ixzz1vAUdRj8Z

  271. allezkev says:

    On the other side if they keep Robin they’re going to send a positive message to all the clubs and to all the people around and I think it’s really important to keep him.’

    According to Vieira the only way Arsenal can get him to stay is to convince him they can end their seven-year trophy drought.

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2145995/Patrick-Vieira-warns-Arsenal-Robin-van-Persie-costs-risk-high-profile-departures.html#ixzz1vAUtxMcr

  272. allezkev says:

    The 35-year-old added: ‘Robin wants to win trophies. He wants to win. Arsenal have to show him he can do it with Arsenal. The best way for them to get him to sign a contract is to bring players to the club who can show him that the club are in the same line as him.

    ‘It’s really important because we know how Robin loves Arsenal that’s not the question, the question is how Arsene Wenger will convince Robin they can win trophies.’

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2145995/Patrick-Vieira-warns-Arsenal-Robin-van-Persie-costs-risk-high-profile-departures.html#ixzz1vAV2kL1w

  273. agirlagunner says:

    Leg end, definitely. 😉 Citeh with their billion dollar splurging barely won. Please!!

    no shopping, Scott. Other than that, I’m okay. 😉 Seems like you have an AFC player in the making. 😉

  274. Scott From Oz says:

    Agag,he’s a Gooner,and he has ability….you never know.
    Tell you what,he could show of our lads how to dribble lol.

  275. Scott From Oz says:

    Agag,I measure and quote wardrobes for a living,and haven’t I seen some women’s shoe collections!!!!!!!
    Yours sounds like its pretty impressive though.

  276. DutchGooner10 says:

    Agag yeah on anyone dumb enough to walk around without a helmet. You all own scooters right?? 😛

    AK Vieira was a legend when playing. Still regard him as one. But now as football director for the petrol consortium he’s a nuisance. I grow repulsion on him each time he opens his French gob.

  277. allezkev says:

    Righto, i’m offski.
    See ya Agag, good luck with the new economics… 😆

    Good night Dutch and goodnight again Scott.
    Goodnight JM, good news only, or i’ll tell Rico.

    See ya’ll tomorrow…

  278. allezkev says:

    Dutch, Vieira is becoming a bit of a traitor.

    I know he has to earn a living.

    But he can still earn a living without twisting the knief into the back of the man who saved his career…

  279. Scott From Oz says:

    See ya AK.
    Vieira should really show our club the respect of not commenting about this situation.
    It’s funny what money does to a person.

  280. agirlagunner says:

    Scott, get him on trials. He’ll be like Little Jack. Proper Arsenal. 🙂 🙂

    I love your work, Scott. I like looking at other people’s shoe collections. Always puts a smile on my face. 🙂 🙂

  281. agirlagunner says:

    Dutch, Manila air is too polluted for scooters. AK, I need loads of luck now. Bye, Scott and Sean.

    Off to work. 🙁 Bummer. Have a good day/night wherever you are. 🙂 🙂

  282. Lee says:

    Plucked from relative obscurity and career resurrected by AW and the twat is spouting off in the media. Why do these wankers have such short memories??
    Morning Rico….

  283. rico says:

    Perfectly said Lee – all becuase Citeh want to buy him I guess, and the longer it goes on, the more its going hurt us….

  284. allezkev says:

    Manchester United are bracing themselves for a new supporter backlash after their latest accounts revealed they lost £71million to financial obligations imposed by owners the Glazers over the last nine months.

    While neighbours Manchester City have been taking the Barclays Premier League trophy from them and signing players like Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure in recent times, figures released on Thursday showed much of the Old Trafford revenue has been lost to interest payments and bond buybacks.

    Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2145794/Manchester-United-net-debt-rises-26m.html#ixzz1vCnAe2Mm

  285. allezkev says:

    That’s it your American parasites…
    Bleed ’em dry…..

    Good morning Rico.
    Morning Lee

  286. Lee says:

    I really think we need to be more hard nosed with player’s contracts…..here’s the offer this is the date it has to be signed by, if not you’ll be sold.No one knows what was said in the meeting apart from those present…the shit in the media is all speculation! As you think too Rico, RVP is motivated by winning silverware first money second. The whole uncertainty is very counter productive to what we are trying to do as a football club, so this needs a swift outcome!

  287. stevepalmer1 says:

    I think we have to realise that until we get an owner who wants to compete and win things we will stay as a feeder club for the wealthy clubs, Arsenal is all about profit they will hold out on Van Persie untill the season ticket money is in they have brought a mirrow image of Van Persie already and stand to make a cool 10 mill thats big business our players will win trophies but it will be with other clubs were not in it for trophies only the money.

  288. allezkev says:

    Lee, i accept all that you say re; RVP.

    But those responsible for transfers should now put Robin’s future to one side and do some business.
    Actually, they should do business in a manner as if Robin was leaving…

    And if he stays, then great…

    But don’t focus the whole season on one player.

    Frankly, it’s an unprofessional way to run a football club…

  289. rico says:

    Morning devil

    And the only way we will win silverware Lee is to sign players who are able and willing enough to do so. And that as we all know is where it goes wrong…

    Totally agree re the contracts, we are a joke…

  290. allezkev says:

    And who know’s?

    If and when Robin returns from the Euro’s.

    And there’s 2 or 3 more new quality players on board.
    And all the talk is of them and not him…
    Then who knows???

  291. allezkev says:

    I think it would be counter-productive for the club to focus all, or the majority, of it’s time on one player.

    What will be will be.

    Let the Press speculate.
    All they’re interested in, is in causing division…

  292. rico says:

    AK, agree there to a point too – but the TW isn’t open yet so signing players is restricted.

  293. allezkev says:

    Not sure Rico, Stan’s not done what the Glaziers have, at any of his other clubs.

    And anyway, maybe Ursmanov can block him…?!

  294. rico says:

    My own view is that RvP isn’t sorted before he departs tomorrow for the Euros, he will never play in red and white again ….

  295. allezkev says:

    Rico, Theo likewise.

    The club must continue to do business as if they are both leaving.

    Wenger knows where we need improving, at the same time he could line up a replacement for Robin.

    The replacement for Theo are at the club now, so no sweat on his decision…

  296. rico says:

    Still think Stan will bleed us dry, maybe not on the financial front but on the pitch, and for us fans, that what matters most.

    Then as we slip further away from the top four, we are no longer a club that will earn big sponserships etc etc….

    If things really don’t change in the next few weeks and we don’t make signings that we all hope for, I’ll have to jump ship onto LG and leave my comments 😉

  297. allezkev says:

    That could be correct Rico.
    and if so, then what i said still applies.
    Get on and do some business.

    Otherwise those dorks can go and whistle for their season ticket money.

  298. allezkev says:

    If Arsenal slip outta the top four and lose income Rico, then how will that help Stan…?

    I’m like you, i don’t trust him either.
    But he’s no fool.
    There’s plenty of ways where he can earn income.
    Like the InterNet…

  299. rico says:

    Then he needs to be sold now devil, and to the highest offer and then as AK says, get on and sign the right players to reassure fans we are not just a selling club.

    Podolski is only a 5th of what we need imho….

  300. allezkev says:

    Rico, there is one big difference between Theo and Robin.

    the former is wanted [ or was ], by liverpool.
    A step up???

    Robin is wanted by the really big clubs.
    And liverpool aren’t one of those anymore!

  301. rico says:

    It wouldn’t help Stan AK, not one bit but unless he hands AW a vast amount of money and makes him spend it we will slip away from the top four.

    That will hurt us all …

    Actually, should that happen, he’d probably jump ship anyway…

  302. rico says:

    But if Pep takes over at liverpool and he comes calling for Theo, he’d prob go, and if Pep is as good as so many think, they will be a club on the up….

  303. The Cabbie says:

    Paper talk we were never in for any one .Look out for bus parade around N5 as we show off our bank balance

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