Morning all.
The Aaron Ramsey story is in my opinion being blown out of all proportion. On his day he can be very good but those days are few and far between. A bit like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain when he was at the club. On paper, losing both appears a bad situation, a bad move by the club but in all reality, one wasn’t doing enough or performing consistently for the club and the other, still isn’t. In my opinion, the fuss being made because of our history of cocking contracts up and losing good players for free or great players for what seemed like a pittance. Sagna to City, Alexis to Utd, Nasri to City, Henry to Barcelona, RvP to Utd, Fabregas to Barcelona, Cole to Chelsea, Hleb to Barca. Those are the kind of departures which hurt us because when they left it hurt many of the fans and certainly the club. Some of you may disagree about Alexis but I loved him.
Ramsey has scored a few crucial goals, certainly in the FA Cup but, emotions aside, not that I have any for the Welshman, he’s not really been tearing up the Premier League has he?
When Unai Emery arrived, he couldn’t have praised Ramsey any more than he did. He was key to this Arsenal side and the club’s future said the Spaniard but for reasons only known to those at the club, that view appears to have changed. That is if the reports in the media are factual. Like Chinese whispers, much has been added to the reports of Arsenal withdrawing the contract offer, one in particular little snippet being that in principle, the deal between the player and club had been agreed. Again, true or not, I don’t know.
No doubt this subject will be the first thing Unai Emery is questioned about later today during his Press Conference and perhaps only then will we know the truth. Even then though we might not which I’d understand. If he going, I just hope the club sell him in January rather than he leaves for free in the summer because that would be the only foolish part of his leaving as far as I can see. Ramsey is replaceable and he can certainly be improved on. As said yesterday, Smith-Rowe might be the one, or the club might have already identified a different player who they plan to sign either in January or in the summer.
Right now I’d say Emery’s priority is the way we defend. Mustafi continues to disappoint, me anyway and until Koscielny comes back, the Spaniard has just three options. Sokratis, Mustafi and Holding. There’s no knowing how Koscielny will return either. He could suffer setbacks, he might not even be as good as he was before he suffered his injury and to be honest, he wasn’t the Koscielny of a few seasons ago even then. Which is why I’d have thought the most important winter signing would be a central defender. One who is pretty quick, strong in the air and the same on the ground. Someone who along with Sokratis can form a strong partnership for the next few seasons.
Then in the summer, agrees the rest…
That’s it for today, The Ryder Cup is up and running so I’ll struggle to tear myself away from that for the next three days..
Go Poults, Go Europe…
Ok, a bit cheesy I know but I don’t care…
Rico. You might be right about Ramsey and his interminable contract negotiations. Perhaps the club have decided to make a stand and try to shift the balance of power away from the player where it has ended up. You are right in that Emery certainly praised him and said the door was open to agreeing a new contract. Who knows what the terms offered were? It’s easy to imagine that his agent has been holding the interest of other clubs over the negotiations and that, after watching his rather lacklustre start to the season, Arsenal have decided to draw a line under the offer and move in a different direction.
It’s hard to make a strong case for Ramsey. He used to be a potential match-winner and perhaps he could be again but Guendouzi has rather shone a light on his inadequacies. If I was him I might cast an eye to what Alexis is doing at Old Trafford which is not much except earning enormous amounts of money. He might also find that, given his injury record and his preference for the Hollywood pass that so often puts the defence in trouble, the £10 million plus a year he is supposedly after, might give those few clubs who can afford it, pause for thought.
Arsenal, like the majority of clubs, have a budget so perhaps the new powers that be have decided they could use the money more wisely. Simple as that.
Thanks rico. Great post.
My sentiments entirely about Ramsey. He is not pulling up any trees, so if he wants out then let him go. Like you, I think we have sufficient players in our ranks to cover his loss. AML + Smith-Rowe for two. Try and get some cash in January would be my priority.
Our defence still looks shaky, thats got to be Unai’s absolute priority this January. Why not take a punt on either……Tarkowsky ( Burnley) Duffy ( Brighton ) Tomori ( Derby ). All these three are better than Mustafi surely.
Ramsey can do things on the pitch that nobody else at the club can, and we’ve seen that, but nowhere near often enough.
If it is about money, get rid of him.
If it’s about playing a certain position, keep him or Ozil but not both.
His best position is central, and up the pitch but we have Ozil, so no need for both though it’s absolutely ridiculous to let him go on a free at seasons end, best we get something for him in January.
Then again, why wasn’t he sold 3 months back?
Then again, why did we extend Ozil on 300k a week lol
Ridiculous situation but then, how often have we said that over the years?
Who’s stuffed this up this time??
Thanks Vcc.
Just applying logic Adam. 😜
Totally agree re Guendouzi, I think he’s been superb. Yes he makes the odd mistake but he’s young, he’ll learn but Ramsey is a seasoned international player who isn’t doing one thing at all well. He tries to be clever but hasn’t got the skill to carry it out and ends up looking stupid.
Imo, Ozil doesn’t deserve £300k a week and neither does Ramsey, in fact £100k a week would be too much.
Vcc, I googled Championship defenders yesterday and there’s a few with super reviews. Mostly British, mid 20’s and tall. I’d go there if I was Emery because I reckon we are in desperate need of a good old fashioned defender.
Those who stuffèd up up with Ozil Scott are now gone and they are the same ones who stood by whilst Ramsey ran down his contract.
Rico, a bit harsh saying he looks stupid.
2 assists the other day suggests he’s offering us plenty, at times.
Plenty of goals over his career, and important ones as well as assists and some of his goals have been ridiculously good, even world class so he has got the skill to pull it off, just not the consistency.
I’ve always said when he plays the simple game, he’s much more effective, no question but he has had a decent career with us, but just too patchy with his form.
I don’t know what it takes to switch him on and off and maybe Emery isn’t appreciating his attitude which has seen him concentrate on the flashy stuff of late, rather than what makes him a superb player at times-the simple stuff.
He’s the type of player that I’d hate having play against us as he can produce absolutely anything at times.
Rico, you can’t blame Wenger for Ramsey not being sold in the summer.
As you said, Emery was talking him up.
The more I think about what’s unfolded over the last ten months, the more I think Gazidis had nothing, or very little to do with the changes which were made. I think they’ve come from Josh Kroenke. Imo, no evidence whatsoever, is that both Gazidis and Wenger were sacked.
The club is too ‘nice’ to portray it that way, they’ve just kept things neat and tidy as one was free to leave at the end of the season, the other, find a new job.
It all adds up doesn’t it? Right down to the headline which suggested Gazidis chose his successors which I don’t buy for one second. The day Raul Sanllehi stepped foot into the club was the day Gazidis probably knew his days were numbered.
So many bad decisions had been made over contracts etc, enough was enough and Ramsey was on a hiding to nothing when his demands were so high.
Makes sense in my head… 😜
Rico, the word I got in January/February was that Wenger didn’t want to manage this season, only staying at the request of the club until the new staff could bed in and a new manager appointed.
It’s said he never signed a contract, so kept his word that he wouldn’t break one.
Imo, his demeanour last season during games and press conferences shows a man much less agitated and stressed about life so I reckon that Mail was pretty spot on.
I meant when he tries all his fancy flicks and tricks Scott. I agree, cut them out and he’s better. But he’s neither Arthur or Martha most of the time..
Re his contract, I meant allowing it to get into the last year. His contract should have been sorted the summer before imo, or sold then because once the final year arrives, the value drops. I think emery wanted him to stay, possibly still does but money has clearly proved to be his priority. If it’s all true of course.
My thoughts were purely a hunch Scott. Perhaps he was told he wouldn’t be staying after his final season? The two year only contract would suggest so.
Publicly, he hinted it was the fans who kind of pushed him out. I don’t know and I guess now, it matters not about the how’s and whys I suppose..
rico….10:38.
Its a no brainer.
I watched this kid on Tuesday night playing for Derby…..Tomori. He had pace strength and had a pair. He weren’t in awe of the United players.
I know I will get the usual ” you’ve only seen him once” from the doomers. BUT, why not take a punt…..he will be £millions cheaper than of the shelf ready made hyped up johnnie foreigner.
I’d even go with Duffy from Brighton for a couple of seasons. A no nonsense big athletic defender. And wouldn’t break the bank.
PS. I’ve sent my CV to Unai. Applying for a scouts job. What do you think of my chances of an interview??????? LMFAO
Yep, money gets to so many of these players and with agents, managers, family in their ear, their value is suddenly inflated in their own heads hahahaha
I know 100k a week isn’t ridiculous money,
Relatively speaking, but inconsistency alone demands he doesn’t get that.
Such a shame.
I’d love to know what Emery wants in the Ramsey situation.
I’d also love to know exactly how much influence the Kroenkes are having.
So many questions, as usual with the Arsenal!!
VCC, you only need to see a player once to know if he’s a proper footballer, I reckon, so no negatives from me.
I saw the young CB we have, Ballard, play a while back and if he doesn’t make it, I’ll give it away.
Of course, I probably should give it away, anyway lol
Vcc sorry but holding looked a far better player back in the lower leagues I ‘ll rather keep faith with Rob and mavropanos and buy another seasoned professional they ‘ll learn off than bring in another “kid”. Morning Rico great post again. Still can’t believe you don’t rate Rambo. Like you said if only he could cut out his tricks and flicks he ‘ll be a monumental player for us. I ‘ve seen him play for Wales a million times and wonder where is this Ramsey when he dorns the arsenal shirt. I feel we never got to see the heights he could have ascended. Shawcross did him in good. I wish we could trash out a deal that ‘ll have him stay and retire at the arsenal but for 250k?? Nah let him go. Bummer.
Ha ha Vcc but yep, it’s a no brainier for me too. Look at Maguire now, he’s in great demand and VvD too who whilst at Celtic, only Southampton took the chance. Where were we?
Morning Goonster. I just don’t think he’s as good as he thinks he is. Perhaps he shines for Wales because other than Bale, the rest are pretty average… 😜
Rico, I reckon he’s every bit as good as he thinks he is, but he seems hellbent on showing us all the time rather than just playing what’s in front of him.
I keep going back to when he just keeps things simple, the flair kicks in when needed and it’s superb but he wants to show that skill too often, and it’s counter productive.
Anyway, that’s inconsistency is why we won’t miss him as much as we probably
Should.
Howdy Scotty oz how’s down under today?? Sunny I bet?? God I so want to see Tasmania before I croak. It’s the layovers and flight distances that has been stopping me from flying to Australia. Beautiful country from what I ve heard and seen.
We agree on the last bit Scott.. lol
Tasmania is where I’m heading in a few years, Stan.
It’s just stunning, and peaceful,
And where I’d like to settle.
The only thing stopping us is Sean’s schooling.
He’s getting every chance to become a footballer so I can hold off for a few more years lol
We had a gorgeous day today, and a few chilly ones coming up, but in general, life’s pretty good here.
When I flew over to London, I had a 90 layover and that’s it.
I got it done and dusted within 24 hours and I reckon it’s the way to go.
Aaah but Rico, we don’t miss Alexis, either 🙂 🙂
I do wonder how he’d have responded to Emery’s style of play, though.
Goonster 11:15. I know what you mean about lower league letting average players shine. But this was Derby v ManUre at Old Toilet. Against a credible United side. He was marking Lukaku no less. I could never see Holding marking Lukaku out of the game. He is far too timid, he looks frightened of his own shadow.
He’d have flourished I suspect Scott. Unlike at Utd.. it’s a mess up there and I love it.
I agree Vcc, Holding still looks like a boy to me, as does Chambers. We need men at the back..
Sokratis back tomorrow…
Thats pleasing to know rico. We will need Socrates against Deeley. Dread to think what he might do against a back pairing of Mustafa and Holding………….
Agree Vcc, Sokratis will show Deeney who has cajones…. 😜
Ramsey’s situation boils down to one thing, the contract offered by the club was not acceptable to him, we don’t know why but can surmise it was money. the club has two options, allow him to run down his contract, while paying him in excess of £100,000 per week, or sell him in January for whatever we can get. My solution is to sell him as soon as possible, rather than have him hanging around like a fart in a phone box.
According to Emery, Koscielny wont return to full training until November. By the time he’s fit enough to play a full match it will be December at least. hardly enough time to assess his future worth to the team before the transfer window opens. There have to be doubts about his fitness going forward so it makes sense to be looking at available options now, with a view to tying up a deal as early as possible. Gary Cahill wants to leave Chelsea, snap him up Sven.
Vcc I ‘ll refer you to our last fa cup triumph. Rob was bossing it against a fitter and beastier Diego Costa. I think holding suffered from lack of coaching. Remember he was wanted by a host of clubs. Top clubs that’s is. He was likened to John stones but more talent.
Scott maybe I ‘ll move there with brianna😁😁😁is there room for a blonde Adonis in Tasmania???
Spot on Stan, dodged a bullet with John Stones and saved ourselves 45 million in the process, it’s not like he’s gone on to be a regular for England and a top defender…….long live Rob Holding.
As for Aaron, not sure what all the fuss is about, when it comes to wingers he’s up there with Glen Helder lol.
Evening all and thanks Rico for another belter of a post.
Where to start ?……………………my old mate VCC, I think the rustiness of your zimmer frame is effecting your eye scouting brain as your mate Tomori is a Chav player on loan to Derby………no chance !.
Agree also as per Rico nad many that the most important thing is ………get another decent CB !
VvD was scouted by Arsenal and Rowley didn`t like his persona or something similar………..could have had him for something like £12M………………..another one to the long list of players we could have had, but we settled for second bests………………..and that is Wenger`s tight fisted fault !
I like Ramsey and I like Holding full stop.
The tweet from the man(Ornstein) who knows more about the ongoings at Arsenal than the rest of us put together states as written also by Rico……………..”A new + improved 4yr contract was recently agreed between Arsenal & Aaron Ramsey. But #AFC withdrew offer, are now not in a position to proceed. Most likely he’ll leave for free next summer, unless the perfect opportunity for both parties arises in January”…………………….that (Cicero) says nothing about Ramseys demands, it clearly says that a deal was agreed by both parties and then Arsenal pulled out !…………….read the tweet and obsorb it in the brain ! hahahaha
I was thinking more of a Denilson Micko… lol
Thanks Lc, must be down to his performances then or maybe there is something about Ramsey we don’t know. He fell out with Alexis after all.
Goonster, lets agree to disagree reference Holding. Ive never seen him boss anybody. I’d like to eat my hat but I’m confident Its highly unlikely I will see him do this in the near future.
LCM, Tomori, a Chelsea player, whats that got to do with not being able to sign him, Chelsea do sell players………Costa for one. Timor will not get into the Chelsea first team for some time, he will not dislodge, Azpillicueta, Luiz, Cahill, Rudiger, Alonso. So why not go in for a cheeky bid and try and convince the player he would be better off with us as he would get playing time. That tactic has worked on many players through history.
LCM, I think the Cornwall sun has affected your thinking!!!!!!!!! ” I like both Holding and Ramsey” ????? you won’t win championships with those two IMO.
Everyone fell out with that little arsehole though, Rico-even the tea lady 🙂 🙂
Stan, there’s only room for one ladies man in Tassie, and lucky for you, there is still a vacancy hahahaha
Holding is a young man with plenty of time on his side.
Doesn’t mean he will make it, but I believe the talent is there, without question.
The entire Ramsey situation displays the trouble with today’s football.
He wants more money, fair enough as don’t we all?
His agent tells him to play the strategic game to get what he wants, and as he’s paying the little putrid piece of shit good money for the advice, he does what he’s told.
It drags on and on……..and on, some more.
The player starts looking more and more a greedy prick and the club looks incompetent when really, the man in the middle is causing all problems, earning a stack of money for doing nobody any good, but harming the reputation of both sides of the argument, yet who is it we DON’T discuss?
Agents ought to be flogged in the main square of the city.
They’ve brought no good to the game, but plenty of bad and make a damn fortune out of it.
How often have we seen this exact scenario play out, and it happens to all clubs.
Morning all.
New post up now.