Daily Bits and Bobs

Lazy Sagna. Signing to be announced today. Do the neighbours really want Podolski?

Posted on by rico

Morning all.

So the transfer rumours went silly yesterday when someone suggested that Tottenham are interested in signing Lukas Podolski.

For anyone who thinks he would make that move, let me just remind you of what he said not that long ago about the North London club.

Q – Describe Spurs in one word?

A – I don’t think I can, there are too many families and children here.

Right, that’s that done and dusted and finished with. No way will our German international make a move to them but it does seem that other clubs are seriously interested in signing our German international. According to some mischief makers, we have rejected an enquiry from Schalke, Wolfsburg, Borussia Dortmund and Galatasaray. Mmm…!

Back to neighbours, Ramsey won’t ever join them either. He did answer the same question Podolski was asked and with just one word:

 Fifth

Or was it filth??

We should be hearing about our second new signing today, well, he’s not new really. He’s another freebie and it’s the return of Flamoney! What this is quite about goodness only knows, hopefully he’s just a squad boost as he’s hardly the dynamic midfield general we are so desperately in need of is he?

He can cover at both left and right back too. On his own, Flamoney is a really poor signing, but if Wenger adds a few top signings to him, then he wouldn’t seem like such a bad one but relying on players like him alone is wrong.

So that will make it two freebies this summer to date, the man doesn’t change does he and with eleven days left in the transfer window, the clock is ticking…..

The Daily Mirror still believe that Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria, Yohan Cabaye, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Valencia keeper Vicente Guaita are there on his list of dreams…

Finally, Bacary Sagna believes that the players have kept their side of the bargain by winning on Wednesday, now it’s time for the club to keep theirs….

Getting into the Champions League is so important for the club in terms of moving forward, attracting new players and also for the players and for the fans.

The pressure was on us because we lost last Saturday and we still had to qualify for the Champions League. We knew we had to perform and get a result.

See, good players want to see signings for the team, and the fans!

Jokingly, Bacary Sagna said:

I enjoy centre-back because, first of all, you run less; but you have to stay focused mentally all the time and stay strong because it’s all about winning the game.

Lazy beggar….

That’s it for another day….

rico

0 thoughts on “Lazy Sagna. Signing to be announced today. Do the neighbours really want Podolski?”

  1. tsgh says:

    Good morning fellow HHers,

    Another good and concise post considering Arsenal news is so dried up, and journos are running with twitter rumours….

    Wenger on Suarez saga: “It’s not the moment to talk about that.” Adds: “One day, maybe.”

  3. rico says:

    Thanks Ts..

    I’m with Kt, I don’t think that Suarez story is dead in the water just yet…

    I doubt it too Wavy..

  7. tsgh says:

    As i said earlier this week. re Adem being on everyone’s lips by next week.
    ‘If someone gets Adem Ljajić for around £10m, that will be equally as impressive as Villa (£2m) & Maher (£5.6m). #Viola

  8. ArsenalDK says:

    Sell Podolski? Buy Flamini? Flamini is good enough for FC Copenhagen maybe. But The Arsenal? Wenger has lost it…

  10. devilgunner says:

    Our recruitment can be the following……

    FB+DM cover…..Flamoney

    Midfield…….Cabaye

    Wing……….Di Maria

    Attack …… Benzema

    That is good.

    But we need better.

    Getting Flamoney as cover for the short term makes a little bit of sense since it would allow the players to recover and Bellerin to develop as understudy to Jenks if BS is to be moved to CB.

    I hope Sagna stays since he is important in covering all the defending positions.

  12. Gossy says:

    I am always surprised by the way your english media always think of arsenal as a lesser quantity in terms of individual players. It might be true to some extent but the difference between every arsenal team under wenger and the rest is that, wenger makes his team play for themselves irrespective of the kind of players he fields. Take your mind back to when we were still struggling to pay off our stadium debt when arsenal used kids for both the carling cup and always the last match of the champions league, these kids were not individual superstars but they played for themselves and enjoyed their football. To me this arsenal team are not lacking quality but quantity. Indeed we are short in a few places but not cause the ones we have there are not good enough but because we need someone to coverup when the bigger boys are not performing. In wenger you have a coach that can take even a team like norwich to champions league football, a manager that other teams envy. Arsenal fans had forgotten where they were before he took over, the phrase “the pride of london” that chelsea fans have always wanted for themselves wasn’t because of the amount of trophies arsenal has won but because of their style of plan “Team football”. To me he (Wenger) is and will still be the best manager arsenal football culub will have. He might be stubborn (believing too much on his players) but he aint stupid.

  13. tsgh says:

    De Telegraaf. It is alleged Rowley went to see PSV last season. He semms to have improved his game considerable this season.

    Inquiries were made but it appears they wanted to give CL qualification a chance. They are still in it after drawing with Milan at home.

    Twitter is also going wild with Poldi off to SC 04 on loan as he is really concerned he will not play in the coming WC. His last chance he believes. 🙁

  15. tsgh says:

    At the moment we are really struggling to recruit players who are not really/guaranteed starters for their country.

    AW is not helping the situation by saying his first XI are guaranteed starters.I agree in a way.

    Rumours are that we wanted either Lamela as part of the Gerv deal (reason the deal took so long) but the player thinks he has a greater chances with representing Argentina (Messi, Hig, Tevez and Pun), if he stayed at AS Roma.

    Bender and Gustavo all said similar to us. Capoue had a chat with Grimandi but felt he was not going to be a starter and so he went with the swampies…

  17. vernat1066 says:

    Hi, Flamini when he played at his best with us was a very good player, how much of that is left in him I am not sure as it was his hunger and aggression on the pitch that made him a good player. Age wise he can still have that impact if he is fit and motivated and perhaps being let go has given him the necessary motivation but it is an underwhelming signing now perhaps not so at the end of the season if he can regain his form.

  18. potter says:

    I’ve no real problem with Flamini re-signing providing that his salary falls in line with the clubs policy of shedding the overpaid fringe player. We need bodies and nobody any good seems to trust us and it seems obvious to me that Wenger is waiting for Diaby yet again. We are now being linked with Isla a right back which probably means that Sagna will be C.B cover for quite a time. Don’t know what to make of the Podolski rumours , no doubt he wants world cup playing time so it makes me think that if he stays the Benzema idea is wide of the mark but I can see mileage in Di Maria which would boost Real’s coffers but not enough for them to prise Suarez away. Still the transfer window started yesterday apparently , should be fun for a bit.

  19. frednerk says:

    Morning rico and all,
    Did we all make a mistake in thinking the transfer window,
    was open at the beginning of june,
    only I was was picking up my daily paper and reading about all these teams signing players..got that wrong then.
    According to wenger the transfer window opened offically for us,
    9.45 wednesdaynight.
    So it seems the players we are after want champions league football..sorted.

    Great result for us wednesday,I thought the british lads held us
    together and took the game to the turks.
    Lets hope wenger can find at least one brit to buy..
    Rooney would do for me..he(coleen wants london).

    Just dreaming..must get back to my news paper.

  20. martin wengrow says:

    Podolski was yet another poor signing by Wenger. Could see after just a few games that his all round game is not good enough for top premiership level.Getting rid of him might show that Wenger is learning belatedly that the first loss is the best loss. Assuming we do some business, getting Podolski of the pay roll will be a very good result.

  22. Canadian Gooner says:

    Good Morning to the Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.

    I’m not pleased to hear the Flamoney rumours, as witnessed by my comments yesterday. I can’t see him as any more than than a one season cover, a squad player at best. Either Arsene will buy one of his long term targets next year &/or will promote one of the Young Guns for the DM position.

  23. SD Uk says:

    I think Flamini will be useful when playing against negative teams

    He is free and experienced and knows the Arsenal way, he could teach Ramsey and Wilshire one or two things but Wilshire being an Arsenal fan might not listen to him for leaving us in the first place. (oh my we needed him when he left)

    Wenger is a very forgiving soul that is why all clubs want Wenger, he brings sanity.

    We haven’t won anything recently but I think Wenger has made our club a club to be envied by other fans and club owners alike.

  25. c2hills says:

    Maybe I should’ve brought a court affidavit to show my change of name; didn’t do it on purpose though, twas wordpress. I’m waiting rico, thanks..

  27. tsgh says:

    Hi MW- Poldi got us more important goals than any other player. He has never been a flamoyant footballer. Most German greats were never flashy e.g Matthias Sammer and Lothar. The flashy ones are the children of immigrants like Ozil, Boateng etc….

    Poldi also scored 4 CL goals in 6 appearances and had 2 assists so i do not think he was a failure just a downgrade from PV10… imho

  29. potter says:

    Martin would you say the same about Giroud ? They are to me about as dangerous as each other in front of goal. Since 2003 according to Wiki, Podolski has had 387 games and scored151 goals which suggests that being used for what he is good at and being used correctly is a very efficient goal scorer. Playing him wide and expecting him to cover the full back position because we don’t have a midfield player to do it, doesn’t help his positioning around the goal where he does his best work.

  30. vernat1066 says:

    Podolski managed 16 goals last season and while he was not a major success that is hardly a failure especially as he was carrying and injury. With the Ox out I hope he has it in himself to stay and prove how good he can be when fit and more comfortable in the environment now that he has a season in the league.

  33. Canadian Gooner says:

    SD Uk – “Wenger is a very forgiving soul…” – I don’t see that at all. He is not usually one to resign players, especially ones that left under less than congenial circumstances. He is quite willing to help former players who left by mutual agreement though (e.g. Aliaddiere training until he found a new team).

  34. potter says:

    Rico :- providing that the signing on retainer covered his hotel bills that would appeal to me too. Can’t see it though , were that offered and declined, it would give our beloved press another stick to hit us with.

  35. c2hills says:

    I see Ginge and Vernat have answered the Poldi question.

    All good Ginge. Tried my hands on wordpress so I could change that hideous avatar I was given, turns out the one I want to use is too large and stupid android can’t resize. I see tis Flamoney.

  36. tsgh says:

    Manager Arsene Wenger is confident Arsenal will tie up deals for new players before the transfer window closes in 10 days.

    The Gunners have been unsuccessful in their attempts to lure Luis Suarez and Gonzalo Higuain to the Emirates, with Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria now on the radar.

    And despite an overriding sense of frustration among fans, Wenger is hopeful of adding to his squad.

    “Yes, I’m confident that we’ll make the signings we need because of the desire of the players to join us,” said the Frenchman.

    “There’s also the fact that while we maybe don’t have as much money as everybody writes, we have some funds available to do transfers.

    “While we maybe don’t have as much money as everybody writes, we have some funds available to do transfers.”

    Arsene Wenger

    “We’ve worked on it very hard but it hasn’t come off as quickly and as well as we wanted.

    “You’d be surprised how early we acted. In our job, you can spend a lot of time, not going on holiday and work on things without it coming off.

    “In football, you have to deal with any situation and be patient. As long as the window is open, anything can happen until the last minute.”

    Wenger also refused to be drawn on whether Mathieu Flamini would be rejoining the Gunners, saying the midfielder is only training with the club.

    Wenger added: “He is just here to work on his fitness and he does that very well. I don’t say there’s no chance, and I don’t say there is a chance.”

  37. tsgh says:

    Ditto- SD UK

    We haven’t won anything recently but I think Wenger has made our club a club to be envied by other fans and club owners alike.

  39. Canadian Gooner says:

    potter – Arsene has been very careful not to make any comment on Flamoney, possibly because any deal might be sunk by Bendtner syndrome (greed before career). Just another ‘unfounded’ rumour. Arsene has helped other former player by letting them train while looking for a new club.

    If Flamoney has to come, a pay for play deal would be best.

  40. tsgh says:

    The players I consider to be big game players in our squad are
    K(B)oss, Theo, Ramsey, Sagna, Poldi, Arteta and possibly the BFG.

    We need a squad so Poldi to SC 04 who we may face in the CL group stages makes no sense but Bild are normally not far off.

    My understanding is that when we placed a bid for Uchida, SC04 asked about Poldi’s availability. SC 04 can’t afford to pay the £15M or so we will demand anyways. And Draxler, Pukki and sicknote Huntelaar are also there so there is no guarantee Poldi will get the games the media thinks he will get.

  42. Canadian Gooner says:

    Ginge – It seems a number of players, especially some of those playing in France and Germany, have passed up the chance to join us as they felt they could get more playing time elsewhere. With the World Cup next summer anyone with a chance of making their national team is trying to catch their coach’s eye.

    I’ll be curious to see if we do any significant business in the January window or go back in next summer for some of the young players like Grenier if they don’t make their national squads. Next year could be a much changed transfer scenario, for all Europe, not just Arsenal.

  43. tsgh says:

    I totally agree Cg. it is also striking that the not so bright footballers who were ill-adviced by their agents to join Monaco and PSG are waking up to the severity of the 75% tax burden.

    Spain’s tax burden is also 2 or 3% higher than UK’s and so with some shrewd business activities we could be pulling off more last minute SC19’s. imo

  44. Canadian Gooner says:

    Ginge – That is why I mentioned Bendtner syndrome. He left Arsenal for more money at ACM. When he left us his career was promising and on the up, but subsequently stalled.

    He may not have much choice with us. I can’t see Arsenal offering him any more than a one year contract like ACM did.

  46. Canadian Gooner says:

    Ginge – Have Monaco agreed to the equalization payments or tax equivalency with the France FA or are they still threatening to take the FFA to court?

  47. tsgh says:

    They are in dialogue for a compromise, the last I read.
    The FFA were originally demanding 220M for Monaco to participate in the league. That demand has been lessen for the good of French football but the new government is keen to make money off high earners.

    Las Provincias: Arsenal will try to sign Guaita up until the deadline. #VCF want £12m. Dick Law still in Spain. http://bit.ly/19BvXCU

  49. JJ says:

    No more useful players please, we need more super talented guys like Erik Lamela, they could bring more things to us particularly in difficulty. However, useful players could not play essentially as biz.

  52. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning all, Nice one Rico,
    Sagna probably gets fed up with running up and down and finding no one to help him, seeing how Walcott is looking for a microphone 🙂
    I dont think theres any doubt that Wenger has his Transfer boots on he wears them every year about this time and they are still brand spanking good. Wengers like an animal that hibernates and the sun has just come out in North London. I can imagine league managers dredding this time of year they have just got their act in gear and along comes Wenger to shake a few players up. It has to be said that whoever a player may play for when Wenger goes knocking, it must turn heads. Wenger must have been watching Swansea last night Michu and Williams never put a foot wrong Laudrup must be hoping Wenger doesn’t come a calling. Flamany, strange one that, but would i want Bendtner or would i pick Flam got to be flam on a free he can do a job if needed. Of course i wouldn’t want him to replace better players i still want them of course but with the clear out there is room for him. If we had been looking for stand ins which i didn’t think we was Parker could have been a good one for a couple of years ok he’s getting on but he is a grafter and he would try all day, a good one in reserve withouy breaking the bank. Wenger is a cagey old bugger he wont spend unless he feels he needs them, I’m sure he has a master plan that none of us could work out in a million years but he does follow his guidlines, and he always has somebody to cover, ie Sagna as CH. anyway sags is getting on a bit still a blinding player but he needs to be looked after. I’m with you lot and hoping for good news, but i still expext it later.

  54. tsgh says:

    That is you barred Sir Steve. ”Sagna probably gets fed up with running up and down and finding no one to help him, seeing how Walcott is looking for a microphone 🙂 ” lol

  55. Canadian Gooner says:

    Ginge – What Pardew and Newcastle FC know about gentlemany could be written on the head of a straight pin with a rock chisel.

  57. Gtid says:

    Why would poldi leave when we’re still short quantity-wise. Don’t see it happening.
    Good morning fellow HHers

  58. Joel says:

    Good morning fellow gunners and its nice to hear (key word, “hear”) that wenger is interested in signing d players we’ve been linked with but the ones that concern me most are those of a DM and a striker..bringing in flamoney isn’t a bad idea imho cos I feel he has loads of experience the upcoming lads will learn from..as for benzeama, am I the only one who sees that he’s the only senior striker madrid has? I personally don’t think a deal is going to happen unless madrid sign suarez (which I have money on by the way) and even then its still a 50-50 scenario..

  66. Judge me in May says:

    Hi TSGH,
    You better apply for the soon to be vacant position AFC chief scout. .
    You could help your mate Arsene, and while you are at it let us know what the heck is going on.. lol..

  68. rico says:

    I could see us letting Pod go if the price is right..

    Judge, I’m applying too, I’ve learned how to get onto youtube 😉

  69. tsgh says:

    I believe in conspiracies too much to be a scout JMIM. lol

    I doubt the ‘Red Shields’ will want someone like me telling them to buy player X or Y.

  71. tsgh says:

    Oh dear… the babe magnet loses his dosh.

    Sven-Goran Eriksson, the former England manager, has spoken emotionally of his financial problems after allegedly losing £10 million through the actions of his former financial adviser, Samir Khan.

  72. Gtid says:

    John Cross @johncrossmirror
    Wenger hints #afc were badly advised in their attempts to sign Luis Suarez. And is asked about Benzema and Di Maria http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport /football/transfer-news/luis-suarez- transfer-arsenal- boss-2211071#ixzz2cmuPbFsN

  76. tsgh says:

    tim caple ‏@timcaple 27m

    Bizarre why #Bayern s Mandzukic would be interested in going to Zenit ! For 30 mill would leave Bayern with Pizarro Benzema

  78. tsgh says:

    The worst press conference questions are being asked by the journos….

    ‘If you don’t make any signings are you happy with squad’ -hardly going to say no but when he says yes WENGER HAPPY IF HE MAKES NO SIGNINGS

  79. Judge me in May says:

    He should just emphasise that he will make signings.. So then if he doesn’t we can call him all sorts of names..

  81. Federico says:

    So they are waiting until they sign a big name signing before announcing Flamini? How bloody stupid are this lot?? We need players and many would be fine with this especially considering how light weight our squad is.

    I’d much rather see Flamini on the bench than Frimpong

  82. rico says:

    AW also said that he won’t be signing Flamoney, he’s just keeping fit and training with the squad…

    Mmmmm

  83. rico says:

    Federico, I can understand why you would say that about Frimpong but, I’d like to see what stage his game/fitness is at before writing him off totally.

  84. Woody says:

    Afternoon All.

    Things are supposed to be warming up, but I’m finding it all far too tedious to bother with now.

    Luckily the cricket is on! That provides me with the perfect distraction and peace!

  85. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Flamini..free… tell me, why we had loan Coquelin?
    If we sell/loan Podolsky (he has a very high wage, hasn’t he?) the balance between the in and out will be negative… We need a deep good squad of 21/22 players. We haven’t central and full backs enougth. (Coquelin again could play at right back…). We have also good players at he midfield but all of them in five games, 2 or 3 are injury (Wil.shere,Rosicky,Arteta,OX.Cazorla…Diaby in 5, is 6 games out).We need a diferent type of midfields. I Like that new Aston Villa player. For me, he has class for playing in Arsenal. We can solve (?) the question of the forwards but if we haven’t a strong defence, and a strong defence starts in the midfield or forward, we don’t go anywhere.

  86. rico says:

    Me too Woody, all very predictable from AW and quite boring…

    Hope we can avoid the follow on. Root is going well…

  87. rico says:

    JM, I am hoping that the answer to that is because AW plans to sign someone to fill the hole in midfield. However, he is leaving it all very late in the day..

    As usual!

  88. potter says:

    Which ever way you care to dress it up , the mixed messages that come out of the various factions in the club suggests that all is not harmonious in the club.

  89. ArsenalDK says:

    Rico, Wenger never said that he’s not buying Flamini. He’s neither confirming nor denying that he will buy him: “I don’t say there is no chance and I don’t say there is a chance [of him joining.”

  90. Woody says:

    It’s funny that Wenger says the figures being written about are incorrect, yet these figures came from the mouth of Ivan.

    Hopefully it’s Wenger showing Ivan he was an idiot to open his mouth and that it hasn’t helped with negotiations and now he’s trying to cover for him…

  91. Woody says:

    We’re looking on target to avoid the follow on Rico, it’s just a shame that the pitch is too good. It’s makes for boring cricket in my mind.

    Pretty much whoever bats first can’t lose and sport should never be decided by the toss of a coin.

  93. ralph says:

    Arsenal are good at many things…
    They TRACK players
    they plot moves
    they inquire
    they show interest
    they are interested in players
    they monitor players
    they watch players
    they sometimes make derisory bids for players
    they close-in on players
    they set to table bids
    they are keen on players
    they are set to trigger release clauses
    they get confident on signings sometimes
    ENOUGH ???? because there’s more…
    One thing they DON’T do is actually SIGN PLAYERS… unless they’re free or under 17
    Wenger/Gazidis… why don’t you bugger off ???

  96. potter says:

    I don’t think Gazidis mentioned an actual figure. Those were put into the equation on the basis of supposition by the press and blogs that purport to understand the figures which have probably been exaggerated in the need for headlines and clicks. One thing is clear though, there is money to spend but the figure available has been set down by higher beings than either Wenger or Gazidis , most likely from a bunker somewhere in Colorado or from the famous Harvard think tank . It doesn’t help if the £70 million we started with has now risen to £ 100 m. The chairmen of less prudent clubs will see an approach from Arsenal as a get out of jail free card. We would have been better off keeping our powder not only dry but also well out of sight until we were ready to do the business.

  97. ktr7 says:

    Good read rico.I see wenger has just said flamini is training with us to regain fitness…i highly doubt that.wenger knows how volatile the sitiuation is with the fans and it would be a potential own goal to announce your 2nd signing to be on a free following Sanogo who was also free with a week left in the transfer window.di maria by all indications seems like he’ll be our 1st big name and i think if we can get another one or two is when we’ll announce flamini.right now it would be unwise to announce it.

  99. ktr7 says:

    whats up with chelsea and all these midfielders?…oscar,mata,hazard,de bruyne,mikel,lampard,ramieres,willian,moses,schurrle,van ginkel for 5 midfield slots seems a little excessive to me considering 7 of the aforementioned players only play in attacking midfield (3 slots).

  103. ktr7 says:

    I won’t shed a tear if poldi leaves.he just seems incompatible with us and if di maria does arrive then he is a bit part player in a worldcup year.competition is fierce for a Germany slot and its understandable he would want to leave because we can no longer guarantee him playing time.

  105. ktr7 says:

    Also with flamini signing it seems wenger is using him as cover to allow ox/arteta and diaby to recover gradually without permanently replacing them.its a reasonable deal so long as he isn’t our only midfield signing.

  106. ktr7 says:

    hi ts.i don’t think wenger views it that way.i think he wants ryo and gnabry to be slowly integrated into the 1st team as poldi’s replacement so long as we get Benz/di maria.i don’t see us at this stage of the window signing more than 2 attackers.

    also where do you think di maria will play?

  107. tsgh says:

    We have had Pires, Ljunberg all training with us in the past. I am not sure Flamini has a contract offer yet or at all. What I believe will happen is that by the middle of next week if our proposed target are arriving then he might be offered a deal. I suspect Flamini will move to Monaco or Lyon.

    He does not have to be signed before 2nd either as he is a free agent.

  109. tsgh says:

    I think Di Maria will be a backup to Theo…

    Di Maria is very lame on the left but very effective behind the striker or on the RHS…

    Ryo and Gnabry are cover for Gerv as wingers.

    without Poldi we will only have OG12 and Sanogo unless Akpom gets promoted to the first team. I doubt Poldi will leave in any case.

    I know it is early days but,SC04 have had 3 draws in all competitions thus far this season. It will be a very backward step for poldi imho…

  111. ktr7 says:

    ts i have a sneaky suspicion he will be our #10.he isn’t going to come and play 2nd fiddle to theo and i suspect santi will stay on the left but he and di maria can freely interchange during matches.he has dribbling skills,vision,pace and technique to play there.most importantly is the workrate that would allow us to press from the front with jack/ramsey behind him.it could be a masterstroke imho.

  113. ktr7 says:

    If we are to persist with jack and ramsey as our double pivot we’ll have to press aggressively from the front high up the pitch like we did against fenerbahce since they aren’t specialist defensive players that can be relied upon to defend if we sit deep.with theoretically santi/di maria/benz as 3 of our front 4 with theo acting as our outlet we have enough technical ability to keep the ball further up the pitch and to immediately press when we lose it.however for this to work Benz if he does come will have to up his workrate.suarez would’ve been perfect for such a setup.

  115. ktr7 says:

    Regardless of what goal.shit says i believe we are in advanced negotiations for di maria since apparently dick law is still in spain and di maria is gettable.Benz on the other hand may rumble on till deadline day since there are a lot of factors that could affect a potential deal.

  118. ktr7 says:

    Is it true that SSN have said that when Ancelotti joined the club Di maria, Benzema and kaka all asked to leave?…

    also the BILD who are quite reliable are reporting that madrid would be willing to let go of Ozil for £40 mil.

  119. tsgh says:

    ‘I take this opportunity to thank you for your continued and valued support of Arsenal Football Club plc. 😀 😀

  120. tsgh says:

    Well the fans see it as ‘Arsenal Football Club’, while the Club sees it as ‘Arsenal Football Club PLC’. That says it all.
    😛

  121. tsgh says:

    Coentrao maybe but Ozil for £40m? Bild also said Benzema was moving to Bayern in place of Mandu who is Russia bound…

    I doubt Ka ka asked to leave he feaatured in almost all their preseason games…

    Bild have been Malaga gooner level this summer. 🙂

  122. Gtid says:

    Di Maria – second fiddle to Theo? I dont see that happening because he’s better than theo in all aspect maybe except for speed and he needs to be more clinical with his finishing.
    From pre-season till wed, Theo has not really been playing well but i hope to see him step up and if he continues like that, I see Gnabry starting ahead of him

  123. tsgh says:

    AFC plc are trying to recruit a new set of talented multi-linguist sales rep to make cold calls to clubs across the globe during transfer windows. lol

  125. tsgh says:

    I get your point Gtid re Di Maria. If you are referring to my earlier post what I meant was for Di Maria to rotate with Theo on the RHS as Parlour/Wiltord and Ljunberg rotated in 2002-2005; and Reyes/Pires rotated on the LHS.

    Ryo is more effective on the LHS even though he is a right footer.
    AW from the 80’s has always liked to play left footers on the RHS and right footers on the LHS.

    Serge is also more effective on the LHS than the RHS that is why Eisfield has mainly occupied the RHS of the forward line.

    Theo is a starter if we like it all not imho… I bash him more than most about his off the ball work rate but no one can deny he is a big game player. He has scored more goals than TH14 in cup finals 😉

  126. rico says:

    Ts, at least I don’t make up the stories, all I do is save you all reading the dross in the newspapers… 😉

  128. ktr7 says:

    David Ornstein @ bbcsport_david 13m
    Chelsea agree £30m deal to sign Willian
    subject to work permit. Medical this
    weekend, hearing next week. #Cfc moved
    at 6pm on Thursday #thfc

  130. martin wengrow says:

    Hi Potter. Yes I understand the points you make about Podolski, but I’m referring to what he offers as footballer in general terms,not good enough to my way of thinking. Also there were so many games last year that he contributed so little , that at times it seemed like we had 10 men on the pitch.With reference to Giroud, also not good enough for me. First game last season, looking at his lack of pace , I couldn’t believe that we’d signed this player.What on earth are Wenger and his scouts up to. It beggars belief for me, especially following on from Van Persie. I accept Giroud as maybe a number three striker, but would be very happy to unload Podolski.

  132. rico says:

    Gtid, I’d like to see Theo switch to the left. Most will think I am mad, but I’m not honest…

    Said it for a few seasons now…

  134. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Let me see: we have 2 Gk(we need one more); 7 backs (we need one more);8 midfields (I include Diaby, out usually 9/10 of the season, Frimpong and Ryo maybe on loan soon), 7 forwards (I include Bendtner,Park and Podolsky). Without those, we have, in normal conditions, 18 fit players. ok, lets include Pod. and diaby 20 players. In my opinion, we need 5 more class players: 1 gk,1-2 defenders,1-2 midfields, 1-2 forwards. Our target will be 24-25 players, 2 players for position, 3 Gk and more 1-2 players.So, our squad it’s very limited, not strong enought and need more confidence.

  135. Woody says:

    I agree with Theo on the left.

    He played his first few games on the left and I think it would suit him a lot more. For a start he doesn’t always have the best ball control and it’s easier for a right footer to cut in from the left then the right.

    If you look at some Messi moments when he started in the wide right position under Pep, he would cut in on to his left and either pick a pass (with his left foot) or shoot.

    When Walcott cuts in he doesn’t look too effective and normally looks for the simple pass. There are of course a few exceptions, but I think he’s have more goals from the left ala Thierry.

  136. tsgh says:

    Oh wee…

    Will JW will chastised for this comment? very harsh and stern words from the player most consider to be Mr Arsenal.

    ”Wenger has been there for so many years and he’s always delivered trophies. OK we’ve had a little dip in the last five or six years, but he’s a great manager and people who question his ability are ridiculous.”

    “I want to win things with Arsenal and I want to be there in the future, but if the boss leaves then things could change.”

  139. c2hills says:

    Good afternoon rico and all.

    Re Theo switching to the left, it will work against him in the long run seeing as his ball control isn’t as good as we would like, imo. Players who do well in an unnatural wing either have very good ball control or are good at dribbling; we all know where Theo’s at when it comes to these skills.

  140. rico says:

    JM, how can you even think about including Bendtner and Park 😉

    Woody, Newcastle last year was enough to convince me, not that I needed it to…

    It’s just so natural for a right footed player to cut in from the left, Bobby did it with great results, as did Henry and to a degree, Anelka.

    I think we are missing out with him on the right and when he’s pressed he struggles because his left foot is rubbish…

  141. tsgh says:

    You can’t help but worry at the amount of players who are at Arsenal because of Wenger. Even the English players seem to love AW more…

    But then again I strongly believe football is meant to be fun and life/death. Sports as a whole is not only about reaching the very top, its about affecting lives in a positive way!
    Wenger is adored and respected by almost every person and player he has worked wit, this alone speaks about his personality!

  142. rico says:

    Well said Jack, well said….

    Hi Ch, can’t see how it could work against him, not with his speed, one touch inside his defender and with his pace, he’s through on goal..

    Don’t count me in on those lack of skills you mention…

  144. Gtid says:

    Yeah, i’v seen him play on the right a couple of times..he’ll be handful there if he can learn to cut and shoot

  145. tsgh says:

    Halo Gooner ‏@db10Halo 3h
    Sky Sports guy outside the Bernabeu just said when Ancelotti join Real Madrid 3 players asked him to leave 2 of them Benzema & AdM! #AFC

  146. c2hills says:

    Rico, you want him to be a one-trick pony? Theo > Zidane.
    On a serious note though, I think defenders will find him out quickly.

  151. rico says:

    Each to their own Ch.. By the way, what is your new website going to be about, Arsenal? If so, good luck to you, when is it going to up and running?

  153. rico says:

    Isn’t that the same for Man City under Mancini and now Pellgrini, Utd because of Fergie and Chelsea, because they have had big named managers.

    Would the Totts have signed who they have if Arry was still there?

    If players were so attracted to signing for AW, why are we now sat with no real signings and just 10 days to go in this window?

  154. c2hills says:

    Rico, not at all. If I do have a website, it would be about other interests. Arsenal rules the football blogosphere, what could I possibly add to it. Just wanted to change my gravatar which, even now, hasn’t been changed to my liking.

  155. potter says:

    We will have to disagree then Martin , I see a class act that is a fair goalscorer being played out wide.Possibly the way we set up doesnt suit him.Although he plays left for Germany they have specialist midfielders that allow him the freedom to play across the front line and score the goals he does.We insist on him going back as we did with Arshavin and although he does it more often it doesnt suit his game.

  156. rico says:

    But you have a web address attached to your name, just thought you might be setting up a new afc website and wanted to wish you well…

  158. c2hills says:

    No rico, thanks though. The web address is a theme that keeps running around in my head; still thinking of what to do with it.

  159. Gtid says:

    Yeah, left.
    Off topic – it’s funny how some arsenal fans said A.Song does not deserve to wear an arsenal shirt, now he plays for Barca though he warms their bench most of the time. We still havent replaced him..infact we haven’t replace a lot of players who left

  161. stevepalmer1 says:

    Evening all, Theo on the left he’s fcked everybody up with his switching, if you ask me he would probably do better standing next to Giroud that way the fullbacks will know he’s never there and when Giroud controls the ball Theo can dash forward and grab the glory. Theo’s crosses are not that good one in ten might find sombody and thats luck most of the time. Theo’s workrate can be questionable he is definitly not a get stuck in type but he is a good oppotunist. Ide like to put him against a wall and throw stones at him but he would scarper before i picked a stone up. In wartime Theo would be the guy to go and get help as soon as the enemy aproached.

  163. stevepalmer1 says:

    Theo has many suporters Rico he scores goals when others dont I hold my hands up and say that at this time he is probaly our deadliest stiker and without him many of our goals would dry up. but he just Ranckles me thats all. 🙂

  165. potter says:

    The thing with a lot of our players is that we tend to see what they don’t do rather than what they can. I was talking to Martin earlier about Podolski and now you are talking in a similar vein about Theo. Of course it’s much easier in the stands , we have been Andy Grey educated , we all know that a wide player should not get offside and every forward should shoot across the keeper and make him work but on the pitch it’s not so clear. Both Lucas and Theo contribute in their own way and it’s the clubs job to play in such a way that gets the most out of both of them.

  168. rico says:

    You certainly are…

    It is all too easy to criticise, perhaps that’s because we have over the past few seasons had too many players who just don’t seem to get it right very often.

  169. tsgh says:

    Getting instructions by the boss in training. Team is hot for the derby…;) #afc #derby #poldi #9 #aha #podolski pic.twitter.com/Zq8g5tHSoM

  170. frednerk says:

    Arsene Wenger has revealed his confidence that the remainder of the transfer window will be a success for the Gunners, because targets have told the club they want to join.

    Any ideas?

  171. rico says:

    Hi fred, no idea, but it could be all to do with the CL I guess, top players want to be playing in that.

    Got to hope deals are all but done pending us getting through…

    It’s our only hope and last chance….

  172. potter says:

    Which brings us back to the horses for courses situation. Just my opinion but I often think that Wenger buys too many players of the same sort and then tries to mould them to his plan. As I see it , if you want a winger don’t play Bendtner or Podolski there. If you want a player to work forward and back , don’t buy a 5 foot 5 ” winger and tell him to defend. Buy a bloody specialist to do the job they do. If you want a player to play box to box buy Barry and burn him out and then buy another one. No point in trying to change players , it doesn’t work.

  173. stevepalmer1 says:

    Evening Potter, very true mate. Trouble with me Potter is i played football as well, not to this standard of course. But what i like to see is a workmanlike performance. I cringe when i see a player duck out. Things are a lot different nowadays the players all have their instructions and if they dont do what has been asked of them they face the consequences. Theo is often singled out and in fairness to him he has put a few between the posts. He excites me with his pace and just lately with his finishing as well. He speaks well on tv and its not always about himself. But when i saw this lad as a youngster i thought he was going to be the real deal, now he hasn’t done to bad for himself but with a little bit more agression he could be a great. Theo at the moment is lightweight i like to think he will change but i doubt it after all this time. He wants to go uptop but he isn’t agressive enough, through balls yes but digging in and roughing it is just not in him. I want the lad to do well but without agression he still has a way to go.

  174. frednerk says:

    Hi potter,
    in coaching circles depending on the view 2 games are going on,
    high up in the stands looking down a coach will see the move,a split second before it happens,
    pitch side level its to fast to spot.
    suppose thats why we have different opinions.

  175. rico says:

    Good old square pegs made to fit into round holes and it doesn’t work. I have been banging the same drum for years, as have many.

    AW seems to have an obsession with midfielders too, attacking ones, I’d love to know just how many young ones he has signed over the years, most of which have always been battling against another of the same age.

    Then, one by one they leave because they don’t get a chance, or they are not deemed good enough…

  176. rico says:

    Sp, many of our players are lightweight, even our defenders. AW relies on them being fast and agile and able to use their pace to intercept the oppositions play with their speed.

    Well, most barring Merts of course but with him, I guess its his experience and being able to read the game…

  177. potter says:

    Steve so did we all, I made what in the day was called senior amateur / county league stuff and yes I think back to the way we were trained and a St John’s ambulance man with a sponge telling me to get up and run it off when I had broken a tibia and fibula. I want to see more physical commitment but we now live in a world where the physio will bring players off whether they want it or not. I will agree that Theo frustrates me too sometimes but he also excites me and when he does I can forgive the mistakes he makes.

    Any way speak again because I am going for my weekly Friday night swim.

  179. rico says:

    Enjoy your swim potter, night..

    He did fred, but we know that doesn’t always mean it’s going to work with all players and maybe AW believes it will regardless…

  183. stevepalmer1 says:

    I’m praying for a tall brickwall rico that can outsprint Theo. But my Mrs had hoped for that and got me, 🙂

  186. tsgh says:

    Michael ⚽ Gooner ‏@MickTheGooner 12m
    Arsenal bid £40m + £1 for Suárez = Club lack class

    Mourinho mocks Sp*rs as Chelsea hijack Willian = Good business

  189. martin wengrow says:

    Yes it’s all about our individual opinions, but I get the distinct feeling that Wenger doesn’t fancy Podolski. Strange cos he bought him !

  192. frednerk says:

    Morning rico & all,
    Guess what…….keep it to yourself,
    Did you know it takes:
    the buying club,the selling club and wait for it,
    the player……to all agree before a transfer,
    happens.
    Thanks arsene.

  195. frednerk says:

    Waiting for positive news from the arsenal these days,
    is like sitting in the dentist chair……rico.

  198. rico says:

    Certainly is fred, I don’t get why we are not signing players when AW reckons they are queuing up to join us…

  199. frednerk says:

    Wenger says that the squad is to small,
    signings will be made..maybe 3/4
    top quality he says.
    I knew someone who worked in an
    insurance company a few years ago,
    who tipped me of now and again.
    I hear the scouts at the arsenal,
    don’t know who wengers got in mind.

  200. rico says:

    Maybe that is the downfall of a 433.

    I’m no tactician, and not pretending to be, if I was, I’d be applying for the vacant Womans England manager post not sat here writing posts…

    But, surely a four man midfield with two strikers would mean that players like Podolski would not be expected to defend quite so often.

    Unless we were getting battered by the opposition of course and it was backs against the wall..

  202. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning all,
    When all around are shouting that Marquee players all want to play CL you can only expect the transfer saga at Arsenal will only start when that is confirmed.

  203. frednerk says:

    Read a few on hear taking systems,
    plan,A,B,C..call it what you like,
    depends on the players your have available,
    and the result you want,
    the pro licence holders know it all.

  205. rico says:

    Transfers on Wednesday then Sp 😉

    Yet only devil is a footie coach fred, makes me wonder why others aren’t employed in the game….

    New post up now….

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