M'Vila injured, Afellay is a must & is Wenger ready to sell Theo?

Morning Gooners,

Theo Walcott has been with us for a long time, he has had an up and down career to date and now that his contract is coming to the last year, negotiations will begin and we’ll see if Arsenal and Arsene Wenger intend to keep him or sell him.

Apparently Theo has been trying to get talks started for some time as it appears he is quite happy to stay, but Arsenal and Arsene have said they will talk about it after this coming Euro’s competition is over.

Now that doesn’t sound like a club that is too eager to tie him down to a new contract and that must be quite a worry for Theo and his family, but why are Arsenal and Arsene Dragging their heels? Usually Clubs and Managers alike are busting a gut to get a player entering their last year to agree terms.

I thought perhaps Wenger and Arsenal are waiting to see if Theo can make a name for himself at the Euros and increase his £20 million valuation.

So what do we know about Theo Walcott.

Theo James Walcott, aged 23 born on the 16th March 1989. He’s 5′ 9″ and weighs in at 147 lbs and currently plays on the wing although he often expresses his desire to play central.

This is Theo’s 4th club, he started at Newbury in 1999 then joined Swindon town in 2000, in the same year he joined Southampton and as we all know, he moved to Arsenal in 2005 for a transfer fee of £5 million which would then increase in supplements’ for appearances to a value of £12 Million, this contract was renegotiated and reduced to a total of £9.1 million

Theo’s senior career started at Southampton where he made 170 appearances and scored 30 goals and for the National team, he has made 23 appearances and scored 3 goals. I think its only fair to also include Theo’s involvement with England’s under 17, under 19 and under 21 where in all he made 39 appearances and scored a total of 9 goals.

Theo’s record with us is 149 appearances and scored 42 goals.

Private life:

Theo has an estimated fortune of £6 million he is an Author and has written 4 children’s books and also has published his autobiography. He is in a long-term relationship and appears extremely happy and like his father, he is a self-confessed Liverpool supporter.

Achievements:

Theo was a product of Southampton’s FC Academy and won the BBC young sports personality of the year award in 2006 he was a shock inclusion in the 2006 world cup squad and on the 30th of May 2006 he was named as England’s youngest senior football player ever at 17 and 75 days. He made his debut 2 years later against Andorra in a world cup qualifier on the 6th September 2008 and in his following match against Croatia Theo got a hat trick 10 September 2008.

Theo had arrived!!

Theo made his Arsenal debut coming on as a sub on 19th August 2006 against Aston Villa wearing his squad No 32 shirt but later change to 14 after being likened to Thierry Henry when he left.

Well that’s a little run down on Theo who is getting a little bit of abuse from the media and ex Arsenal players, some supporters are questioning his abilities but I think Theo Has the skills, there is no doubt about that but he has had a poor season by his standards and supporters after waiting 8 years for our next trophy, are getting inpatient.

Theo is getting some of the brunt of that frustration along with a few others.

We need more of this Theo…..

It is true that his form has dropped and its hard to remember when he had a good game, but my mind goes back to the Arsenal v’s Tottenham fixture when we were 2-0 down after 45 minutes.

Theo came to life in that game and made his mark – a good game to do it in too as supporters got off his back for a while.

With Theo entering his last season of his contract, other clubs are keeping tabs on his situation, his favourite club Liverpool are showing interest as are Chelsea.

What should Arsenal and Arsene Wenger decide, do we sell him now while we can still get a transfer fee or do we try and talk Theo into staying?

Word is out that he wants to stay and extend his contract but he’s after a pay rise to make the deal go through.

We have what I would consider a catch 22 situation, do we sell Theo for perhaps £20 Million or do we pay him another £10,000 a week to keep him here?

Theo maybe a product from Southampton’s Academy but he has been with us for many years now and it’s playing for Arsenal which has got him recognition from England Managers but his demise this year has happened at the time of decision-making and with competition from the likes of Ryo Miyaichi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has made the decision-making that much harder.

Has Theo just had an off-year or has his form just dipped, that is the question Wenger has to mull over.

Theo is without question an exciting prospect but will it be for us or another club?

What’s your view?

Written by Steve Palmer.

Titbits – which no doubt you know already…

Ibrahim Afellay is up for grabs at just £6 Million, Dutch, twenty-six years old, attacking midfielder/winger, has Champions League experience and is Robin van Persie’s buddy – he ticks every box and he is just the kind of signing that we need imho.

Oh, he had a tough season because of a serious knee injury suffered in training which kept him out for seven months but he is now fit and ready for a new club.

Yann M’Vila – well he limped out of the France game last night in tears but news is his injury sustained is not as bad as first thought so if we really are about to sign him, this shouldn’t prevent that from going ahead. Mind you, knowing how tight we are, whoever is involved in the negotiations with Rennes will try and get a few pounds knocked of the price..

Real Sociedad coach Philippe Montanier has confirmed that the club hope to sign Carlos Vela:

We want to keep Vela,” Montanier told Infosport.

Have a good one, will RvP sign on today??

0 thoughts on “M'Vila injured, Afellay is a must & is Wenger ready to sell Theo?

  1. Lewis says:

    Morning peeps of the goner faith. Surprised ‘keep’ is ahead, was sure I was in the minority. Good post by the way.

  2. rico says:

    Please do 🙂

    Kagawa to Man U still hasn’t been confirmed, wonder if he is having doubts and thinking of us 😉

  3. Adam says:

    Ah Lee. Good morning. I ate insects this morning. Mostly soldier ants, deep fried and coated in Manuka honey. They were delicious. The wood lice were indifferent though. Not crunchy enough. And yourself? A chicken Korma perhaps?

  4. stevepalmer1 says:

    I have given Theo a fair bit of stick, he frustrates me with his lack of effort but i know he possesses the skills needed, i can understand why The Arsenal are dragging their feet when you look at some of the talent we have that have not graced the field many times but Theo has it whether he is used on the flanks or down the middle he can be a threat. we call on Wenger to buy this or that player and we moan when we lose a possible signing because a players price is too high but a lot of these so called players are untried in this league and we take what in all honesty is a chance, with Theo we know what we have and what he can do but it will be upto Theo and the coaches to get the best out of him. I also voted to keep him as i would hate myself if he came good in another side.

  5. rico says:

    Wonder what the odds are on Rogers being the first manager to be sacked, depends on who the chavs appoint I guess….

  6. Adam says:

    Lee. I realised early on that you are a man of considerable taste and a hedonist. Rico too, though a woman of taste obviously.

  7. vernat1066 says:

    Morning, give him a contract extension and the pay rise he wanted, this season with goals and assists i think he would get a pass mark (with the words could do better) but if we sell him we could be faced with the situation of a new player coming in and taking a season to adapt and that is time we cant afford. Extend his contract pay him what he wants and if he does not deliver sell him next season from a position of strength.

  8. rico says:

    Morning Steve, I strongly believe that better coaching would improve him, and if he goes to Liverpool, Rogers is one of those coaches who likes to attack, he’d get more from Theo i’m sure…

    But Theo isn’t alone, look what we did to Carlos Vela….

    We have two defensive coaches in now, but who will sort out the forwards…

  9. rico says:

    vernat, i’d love to see him start the season central, then if he can’t cut it, i’ll hold my hands up and admit i was wrong 😉

  10. Adam says:

    Vernatt. A decent plan. I like Theo too. On occasion he shreds defenses but he needs someone playing with him who knows where he needs the ball. With his back to goal he is poor.

  11. Scott From Oz says:

    Is it coaching or a formation chance that would help Theo???
    Taking the emotion out of it,if we could get 18-20 million for him,nobody here could seriously believe we couldn’t upgrade on him if we spent it,surely.
    I mean,Podolski for 12 million compared to 18 for Theo,it’s no contest…there’s bargains out there to be had.
    How many would take a straight swap for Afellay??
    Steve,great post,but right now,right this second,I have no problem with Wenger tring to save a quid in M’Villa,as he,his agent and club have been apply to delay with only one thought in mind…..a bigger transfer fee and wage.

  12. Adam says:

    That’s headbangingism Lee.
    So nice of Mancini to have started tapping up Robin through the press I think. He’s a classy guy from a classy club.

  13. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning Vern, my sentiments exactly 🙂
    Rico what i have witnessed this year is when the Arsenal are firering on all cylinders we are a match for anyone, against Milan they showed that working together and working hard they are a blinding team, but they run out of go, we need to get them playing like that for the full 90 do that and we are potentially the league champions.

  14. rico says:

    Scott – we don’t know yet how good or bad Podolski will be in the PL, he could be a flop… Not saying he will, but he could be…

  15. Adam says:

    Rico. Absolutely bang on. The spectre of Veron, Schevchenko, Rebrov and the rest looms large. And yet, who would have thought that Chamakh would have turned out so well?

  16. rico says:

    That’s when the subs should come in and refresh Steve, but if we take off RvP and Theo in a game when we are on fire – what are we left with up front?

    No pace and no end product 🙁

  17. Charlie George aka AK says:

    Morning Gooners.
    Morning Rico.
    Great post Stevo.
    Made the mistake of listening to Talkbollocks first thing today.
    L’pool, L’pool, L’pool,
    Bullshit, Bullshit, Bullshit,
    and of course no nothing, opinion on everything, Arsenal hater and proffessional Scouser Micky Quinn spouting a load of garbage.
    What a way to start the day. Ugh.

  18. rico says:

    Adam – I think most fans think that just because Pod is a german international he will be an instant hit…

    Two things niggle me, why was he so cheap and why did he not push his way into Bayerns side….

  19. rico says:

    😆 Lee, but its true, this league is a tough one….

    Morning Charlie, why do you make yourself suffer such tripe…

  20. Scott From Oz says:

    Podolski wll nail more goals than Theo this season.
    Theo’s been in he PL for years and is still to prove himself.
    If he had,this discussion wouldn’t be taking place.

  21. Scott From Oz says:

    RICO,he was cheap because Koln failed to live up to their original agreement which was to buy players and challenge for titles.
    Instead,they were in a relegation battle.

  22. rico says:

    I’d like to think that will be the case too Scott but until he plays, none of us know for sure….

  23. Scott From Oz says:

    Oh,and I think he will be a hit because I’ve seen him play,not just because he’s German.

  24. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning Scotty, when Fabregas went a lot of the passes that were threaded through stopped, i feel that was one of the reasons Theo has not shined personally having Jack out as well stifled the kind of ball that Theo used to love. Arteta analthough a good replacement for Cesc is not cesc and has tried to feed Robin more. I feel with jack he does a lot of work he holds a ball well and is intelegent with his distribution he was a big miss but things will be a lot different this year what with the injuries and suspensions a full Arsenal team will be a far cry from what we had last year with the inclusion of the Ox Ryo and Gervinho with a year under his belt Podolski and hopefully Robin as well things are on the up.

  25. vernat1066 says:

    Adam couldn’t agree more just because you are good in one league or team does not mean that you are going to be as good somewhere else.

  26. rico says:

    But a players value won’t change because of that, look at Torres, Liverpool were looking like a relegation side when the Chavs paid £50m for him….

  27. Scott From Oz says:

    We’ve all seen Theo,and none of us are any the wiser on him.
    Can he really play,or is he just fast?
    Will he make a top striker,or is he destined to play an unfulfilled career?
    Podolski did score 3 against that tough English defence you guys often talk about.
    Credit where it’s due,and he’s earned more than Theo as it stands.

  28. Adam says:

    Kev. Quinn was convicted of administering drugs to horses. Surely that says enough about his character. I just heard an incredible Arsenal from someone who once said hello to someone who once walked past the Emirates. That is the sort of fodder that TalkSport lap up.

  29. rico says:

    Paul Lambert has resigned from Norwich, off to Aston Villa then, bloomin heck, it’s all change in the PL management…

    Where is Wenger off to I wonder??

  30. Scott From Oz says:

    RICO,they had an agreement which was not lived up to,it has nothing to do with the team ot performing…they didn’t spend.
    Steve,I change my mind on Theo weekly,and I do like him.
    I just don’t see how he can be defended constantly,yet Podolski is questioned??
    My original statement is correct….Podolski at 12 million is a steal compared to Theo at 18-20.

  31. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning AK charlie Or Mr Cab whatever you like to be called, 🙂 you keep telling me to switch it off Talk Shite that is, do we keep Theo or what?

  32. Scott From Oz says:

    But Rico,how may teams has Theo torn apart in the last 4 or 5 years???
    He has moments,but they’re nowhere near frequent enough.
    Podolski is no one trick pony,either,he has tools that I’d love to see Theo have.
    I’m not picking apart Theo,but I really don’t understand why ou always defend him…..when does potential turn into performance???
    Can’t keep blaming Wenger,because,and you can ask Devil his opinion,he mistakes he makes should’ve been gone by 14 or 15.

  33. Adam says:

    Wenger is off to the World Economic crisis meeting Rico. Scott. We really don’t know if Podolski is a steal at that price as we haven’t seen him even kick a ball yet. He could well be. In fact I hope he is. But, as of now, we don’t know. There are many, many precedents that should remind us of this.

  34. Charlie George aka AK says:

    I had Rice Krispies this morning Adam.
    Does that make me poncified… :-D. :-D. 😀

  35. stevepalmer1 says:

    Scott you sound like you have seen a lot more of the pod than i have i reserve my judgement on him till the end of next season

  36. Scott From Oz says:

    Adam,I’m confident enough to say he’s a steal.
    No,I can’t declare it a certainty,but I’ve been hoping for around 18 months we’d get him,and we have,so I’d look silly jumping off him now.

  37. Adam says:

    I understand Scott. We all hope he is great for us. But, at this moment, it is your opinion. As for M’Vila? I have only seen him play the odd bit on TV and he certainly looks decent. He is a French international, but so is Squillaci, but I think there is a natural tendency for us to big-up players before we have seen them in the flesh.

  38. rico says:

    😆 Adam re AW…

    Like you, I truly hope Podolski is a real deal and makes a huge impact within the team – only time will tell.

    Hazard has recently said that Gervinho was the best player he played alongside, however, he didn’t hit the ground running with us.

    Most overseas players need a season to get used to this league and the rotten weather we have….

  39. Scott From Oz says:

    Rico,we are all trying to form an opinion on Podolski,aren’t we??
    Of course he needs to prove himself in the PL,but again,I will say he will score more than Theo next season because he’s a true goal scorer.

  40. Scott From Oz says:

    On M’Villa,at least he’s out enough to adapt….maybe that was the issue with Squillaci.

  41. Adam says:

    I have seen a lot more of Podolski playing for Germany than I have of M’Vila or Vertonghen or any of the other players we are being linked with.

  42. rico says:

    Same here with M’Vila – only seen a little of him but from what others here and in the media have said, he seems on paper just what we lack in midfield, or fellaini…

    But, M’Vila could very well be another who would take time to adapt, not every big strong french ‘the next vieira’ slot in aswell as the big man did…

    Just look at Diaby 😉

  43. stevepalmer1 says:

    I think what we all forget is that Wenger has more experience at finding players than any of us and although we have seen a few duds we have also seen some good ones as well, when Wenger buys he must have seen something in them and if he keeps us in the top four his judgement must be pretty good. Value for money is what he looks for and if he spends more than ten mill they are usually good

  44. Ozi says:

    Theo is on the verge of a huge breakthrough; Arsenal shouldn’t be stupid to cash in only to give the finished explosive article to another club to benefit having done the hard bit of nurturing

  45. rico says:

    Alex Song came 2nd in the player of the season votes with just 4.9% of the votes 😆

    RvP tops with 77.7 %

  46. rico says:

    I’m a realist Scott 😛

    Steve, I strongly suspect that if we looked at all Wengers signings, he has signed more duds than quality….

  47. Romford Pele (HC) says:

    Morning guys, quick one from me as I’m off to Brighton for a four day booze up 😀

    The Affelay chat was good yesterday. If we can get £18-20m for Walcott, sell him without a doubt. Glad M’Vila’s injury isn’t serious, he’s become number one on my wish list! Him and Affelay would make me a very happy boy 🙂

    Come on Wenger, you know what needs to be done!

    Have a good one this weekend guys!

  48. Scott From Oz says:

    I’d have thought Koscielny was an absolute stand out for second….he’s been brilliant.
    Steve,it would be an interesting comparison of all managers buys,how much they’ve spent and how many were failures.

  49. rico says:

    Lampard & Barry out of England, Theo looking a doubt – The Ox is going to get his chance, thats for sure…..

  50. Charlie George aka AK says:

    Morning Steve, yes i should know better than to listen to that tripe.
    Stevo, i would keep Theo.
    But not if he wants a stupid pay increase.

    Just had a parking ticket off of a couple of Plastic Coppers.
    What a great day it’s gonna be…….

  51. rico says:

    🙁 Charlie, what rotters they are….

    On and off for a bit, got to hobble around with a hoover 😉

  52. vernat1066 says:

    Since the 1996/97 season Arsenal have spent £315m on players and received £310.5m – a net spend of £4.5m. Over the same period, Manchester United’s net spend is £250m, Manchester City’s £472m, Chelsea’s £504.5m, Liverpool’s £204.5m and Tottenham’s £174.5m.and Tottenham’s £174.5m.

  53. Charlie George aka AK says:

    Hiya Scott.
    They haven’t got anything better to do with their time.
    Glad the Govnmt have buggered up their pension.
    So Theo is injured now!!!
    Dropping like nine pins.

  54. Terry says:

    this is wengers pplan for this summer:

    Podolski RVp gerviniho
    Rosicky arteta Song
    Santos Vermy Kozzer Sagna
    Schezny

    walcott out his replacement is Podolski
    he will sell chamakh and get giroud so the accounts are settled there.
    he will snap up hoilet on free straight replacement for yossi and arshavin so we have saved around 7m from the arshavin money.
    he will sell nikki b and get kagawa using the balance arshavin money.
    he will then sell vela and park for a sum of around 10m
    squillachi will go and djouru is now in talks with juve he will promote bartley internally so there he makes another 5m
    he will then sell flappy and mannone and get a keeper
    he is hoping for wilsahre and diaby to gain fitness.

    this is the squad he has in mind for next season:
    Rvp, giroud, joel cambell
    podolski, gerviniho, Aoc, hoilet
    rosicky, wilsahre, diaby, arteta, song, ramsay, coquellen
    santos, gibbs, sagna, mert, vermy, kozzer, bartely, jenko
    schezny and the new goilee.

    he may not get hoilet and use joel cambell in his place.
    trust me Mvilla was never in his plans.
    if he cannot get kagawa he will definately look for an alternative:
    but his wish list is definately:
    Giroud
    Kagawa
    Podolski
    and he will make 15- 20m by sale of players.

  55. Scott From Oz says:

    Run the bastards over next time AK lol.
    Terry,is that Wengers plan or what you think it is??

  56. Terry says:

    lol its what i think… def wenger is not my friend to tell me what his plans are but he will definitely sign players. but i can bet on anything we will not sign M’villa.

  57. vernat1066 says:

    Most French journalists picking their team of the year choose Capoue not M’Vila. Might he be better value and a better fit for us?

  58. rico says:

    I don’t mind either vernat, as long as we fill that great big hole that we keep on leaving in midfield…

  59. rico says:

    Arsenal are delighted to confirm their involvement in the Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday, July 14.

    The competition, now in its second year, will see the Gunners join hosts Southampton and Scottish Premier League runners-up Glasgow Rangers for a round-robin tournament of three 45-minute long games.

    Southampton – newly promoted to the Premier League – kick things off against Rangers at 5.15pm.

    The opening match will be followed by a procession of the Olympic torch around the stadium, before the Gunners take to the field for their first game with Rangers at 6.45pm.

    Arsenal will then face the Saints at 8pm to bring the competition to a close.

    Further details including ticket information will follow in due course.

    Arsenal Fans would be more delighted if the club got on and signed 2/3 players 😛

  60. Ivan says:

    Ibrahim Afelly has a long list of injuries when playing for PSV and Barcelona and he will not cope with Premierleage so i say BIG NO to this signing

  61. tesfaytsgehiwet says:

    i ‘m so proud of supporting arsenal fc!!!
    but;i ‘m not on wenger;what a fuck ‘s why don’t appoint mr.usmanove as tottaly a shere holder?;i ‘m sure that he ‘s a truly lover of the club;as well as he knows more on foot ball;;;;;;;;;;;
    i ‘m more enjoy on foot ball & great supporter of arsenal clup started from 4 years of age,,,i love this club as my life & my girl friend ”’,,,,,i want to see that more changes this summer ; but before all—— the board leaders”””!!!!! should be build again
    usmanov,,,,,usmanov,,,,usmanov,,,,,,next to seif mensur of man city”’!!!!!before signing of quality players we want to make it on!!!!!
    ,,,,,,,,,,,,I ‘M FROM A FAMOUS COUNTRY OF ”’ETHIOPIA””,,,,,,,,
    to that gains around 90% of suuporting to the gunners”’
    ””””’ I HOPE TO SEE ”’ARSENAL”’ AS ”’BARCELONA FC”’ IN MANY WAYS,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,UP GUNNERS,,,,,,,,turn the 2003/4

  62. rico says:

    Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis will be quizzed on why Alisher Usmanov has not been given a place on the club’s board and whether Arsene Wenger will be asked to spend heavily this summer in what could be a stormy meeting with supporters next Wednesday.

    Gazidis will meet with 300 supporters consisting of the Arsenal Supporters Trust (AST) and other supporters groups at the Emirates Stadium.

    And in a series of questions submitted to the 47-year-old in advance, the AST have made clear that the club’s future is on the agenda, with one question asking whether the club’s wage policy should be ripped up in a bid to keep top stars such as Robin Van Persie.

    Arsenal have not won a trophy since the 2005 FA Cup but fans are perhaps less mutinous than a year ago when a rise of 6.5 per cent in season-ticket prices was followed by the sales of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

    Yet the future of captain Van Persie, who is out of contract at the end of next season and has so far refused to sign a new deal, are top of the agenda with one question asking whether Usmanov, who owns just under 30 per cent of the club, should be granted a seat on the board.

    So far Stan Kroenke, the majority shareholder, has refused to allow a representative of Red and White Holdings, Usmanov’s investment vehicle, to be represented at board meetings, but the AST will ask whether Arsenal should accept the Uzbeki’s offer of financial assistance to prevent them falling further behind Manchester City and Manchester United.

    Questions will also be asked of whether Gazidis and his chief negotiator, Richard Law, have learnt the lessons of last summer, when Fabregas and Nasri were sold late in the transfer window and Arsenal made their worst start to a season in 58 years.

    But there will be no questions over the future of manager Wenger, whose performance was criticised by some fans before an impressive rally saw the club finish third in the Premier League, ensuring direct entry into next season’s Champions League.

    Yet the club’s future appears to rest largely on whether Van Persie can be convinced to remain at the club while other high-class additions are brought in, with Lukas Podolski the only confirmed signing so far.

  63. frednerk says:

    M’Vila,done deal,bid is in,player want’s to play for us(When a certain frenchmen want’s you, how can you say no)quote from M’Vila 6weeks ago.
    Podolski deal a bit different we got him cheap we paid up front in feburary the germans needed the money urgent.
    22million euro’s for M’Vila deal agreed on condition he come’s back fit and still’s want’s to play for Wenger.

  64. vernat1066 says:

    Yet the club’s future appears to rest largely on whether Van Persie can be convinced to remain at the club while other high-class additions are brought in, with Lukas Podolski the only confirmed signing so far. = Rubbish AFC future does not or never will rest on one player, as far as the AST go they have their own well know n agenda

  65. vernat1066 says:

    If you are talking about the questionnaire Rico (leaving aside how skewed it was) then yeah i suppose you would, I don’t have a problem with fans criticising the club and manager but the glass is empty attitude annoys me no end.

    I did like the the life of Brian segment at the end had me chuckling away, perspective is a wonderful thing and in the end surely we all the best for Arsenal how can constant criticism and FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt) help?

  66. Lee says:

    Roberto Mancini claims it would be ‘impossible’ for Manchester City to find the funds to buy Robin van Persie or Edinson Cavani.

    The City chief continues to be linked with Arsenal’s Dutch international hot-shot, Van Persie, while Italian side Napoli’s Uruguayan frontman, Cavani, has also been mentioned as a possible summer target, despite him claiming he is happy with his current crop of strikers at the Etihad Stadium.

    And, when quizzed over which of the duo he would prefer to take to the Premier League champions in the transfer market, Mancini admitted that they do not have the funds to entice either of the players’ respective clubs to part with them.

    Mancini told Tuttosport: “Who would I choose between Van Persie and Cavani? The Dutchman is a champion, while the Uruguayan has everything and I wanted to take him to Inter Milan when he played at Palermo.

    “But to take him at the current price is impossible and Van Persie is a different matter altogether.”

    Mancini has confirmed that he is looking to add some defensive reinforcements to his squad this summer, but ruled out the possibility of signing Juventus’ Giorgio Chiellini and AC Milan’s Thiago Silva.

    He added: “Chiellini? I thought about him last year, not now. There are many other options.

    “Thiago Silva? AC Milan will not sell him.”

  67. Lewis says:

    It’s weally annoying when the pwess fabwicate all this nonsense!

    Thanks for the fixtures Rico.

  68. Lee says:

    The piece I just posted…….. “Mancini admitted that they do not have the funds to entice either of the players’ respective clubs to part with them. ”
    err, you do!!

  69. rico says:

    vernat – that section of fans moan and groan, but when it comes down to ticking a box, their answers don’t reflect their views….

    Mancini is indeed a bit of a pratt 😉

    isn’t RvP meant to be signing his contract today Lee 😉

  70. frednerk says:

    Can’t be 100% sure,I know how wenger operate’s,no other team’s involved why? other team’s could be waiting developement’s ie:Mata and offer him a better deal,everybody that wenger know’s will tell you he like’s to keep it quiet.

  71. rico says:

    fred – he certainly keeps his cards close to his chest with transfers, but if he faffs around, some other club will soon snap him up….

  72. Adam says:

    Mancini brings new meaning to the word hypocrisy. He’ll be bleating on about not being able to afford this and that player all summer I imagine. My heart bleeds for the revolting floppy-haired little creep.

  73. Lee says:

    Rico, you can rest easy, looks like Durham,Jay-Kay,pulis,squil,tampon & Mankini won’t be at the HH Christmas bash….

  74. Adam says:

    I would need to consult the Internet laws on libel and slander before I could really tell you what I think of him Rico. But, briefly, I think he is a two-faced, two-bob opportunist dickhead who gives onanists a bad name. And when you stop to consider the number of prize onanists in the world of football, that is no small accolade. His rantings as to how half-man, half-ox Tevez and the cretinous Balotelli would never play for Man City again, only to have them show up on the field at the end of the season removed the slightest and most minuscule amount of respect that I may have retained for him, but probably didn’t.

  75. Charlie George aka AK says:

    I nominate Stan dresses up as Santa Claus.
    I was told that he kinda enjoys role play…. 🙂

  76. Adam says:

    If we have a whip round we could give the money to Arsene and ask him to negotiate for the drinks. Is there an Asda nearby?

  77. rico says:

    I never know why people do that, selfish bastards, that train driver has to live with that for the rest of his life!

  78. Lee says:

    Does it come in a brown paper bag?
    Actually I use cheap vodka when I make sloe-vodka…….mmmmm!

  79. rico says:

    Charlie & Adam 😛

    Aldi, they are cheaper – I know i went there the other day, had a good long chat with Arsene & Ivan 😉

  80. Adam says:

    I hear that at Aldi this week if you buy a Chamakh you get a Squillaci free. Gazidis wants to know if they still take Green Shield Stamps or would they take some 8-track cassettes of early Tom Jones albums in p/ex for the next Ronaldo.

  81. Adam says:

    If it wasn’t so bloody tragic it might be funny. Still, I have finished all the decorating and the new stuff has been delivered and installed. But now I have a toothache.

  82. Adam says:

    Lee. I asked that the other night hoping that a HH’er might say. “Yes Adam, I have a docklands flat from which you can watch while I serve you canapes and Dom Perignon”. But the silence was deafening so it’s cold baked beans with Manuka Honey and the telly for me and my fifth wife.

  83. Lee says:

    Unless the flotilla detours on to the River Colne, I won’t be seeing it.My wife in her infinite wisdom has arranged a BBQ on Monday, so I’ll be mostly freezing my gonads off in the pouring rain slaving over a Weber! If your passing Colchester drop in….

  84. Adam says:

    Ok I am coming. Will it be the house with the giant red and white flag flying and will you be serving chicken and sausages?

  85. Lee says:

    Asparagus and Halloumi on the BBQ……
    Times are hard Adam, gone are the halcyon days of Kobe beef and Bresse Chixxxn gently cooked over the coals……

  86. rico says:

    Halloumi I love, especially on the BBQ, and funny enough, having Asparagus for dinner, with salmon

    £1 a bunch on offer at Tesco 🙂

  87. rico says:

    Really cross though, have run out of colmans hollandaise and can’t be bothered to faff around making it…

    Waste of egg whites 😉

  88. Adam says:

    That sounds great Lee. I will bring Mrs Adam The fifth. There was an unfortunate, some say sickening, incident with Mrs Adam The Fourth, myself and an exotic sausage at a friend’s BBQ a few years back. It was a Cormorant and Leek variety I believe. All I know is that it spelled the end of our too-brief marriage and is too painful for me to recall in anything but the vaguest detail.

  89. Lee says:

    Adam, you cannot use the “C” word on here matey!
    I’d rather Rico came out of retirement, Vernat!! 😆

  90. Adam says:

    I’d rather watch Squillaci play that have to sit through Avatar again or anything to do with Harry Bleeding Potter.

  91. Lee says:

    Someone in the office was just talking about golf….tiggled me, the phrase “a dennis wise”……..nasy five footer!!! 😆

  92. vernat1066 says:

    Which youngster or youngsters do you think will break into the first team next year and be LANS ?

  93. rico says:

    Ah yes, I forgot him, have a feeling he’ll stay out on loan for the first part of the season…

  94. goonster says:

    Mine ll be gnabry. Love that little fella. Reminds me of wilshere three years ago. What a player we have on our hands.

  95. rico says:

    Evening stanley, you are kidding, its Arsenal we are talking about 😉

    Mind you, no PL club has made ae any signings yet…

  96. goonster says:

    Hey lee, you mind passing that vodka this way? Am a little parched. Hi ya adam, still waiting.

  97. rico says:

    I really like Coquelin vernat, but if we get M’Vila, what happens to him?

    Maybe Song is off and Coq will learn from his fellow frenchman…

  98. rico says:

    goonster – some say the deal for M’Vila is nearly done, others think its all poppycock….

  99. vernat1066 says:

    I am not sure that i would rather not see Coquelin play there Rico and spend the money on another part of the team

  100. goonster says:

    Evening vernat I think so too. Flog song and let’s have a healthy competition between the three of them, coqpong and mvilla that is! Never really rated song, he’s shit to me.

  101. goonster says:

    My take is mvilla has signed but wenger is waiting to announce one other signing. My guess is gourcuff! Watch this space.

  102. rico says:

    Not sure on that verant, we need a big lump in the middle, one to fill the gap….

    goonster – i reckon it’s Afellay rather than Gourcuff…

  103. vernat1066 says:

    Evening Goonster, rather see the money spent on a Centre Back or and an attacking midfielder

  104. rico says:

    We need a centre back and a DM before any other signing imho…

    Other than getting Rvp to sign on the dotted line….

  105. vernat1066 says:

    With Arteta playing we conceded 26 goals in 28 games with Arteta and Coquelin we would concede less again and the addition of Coquelin’s work rate would help offensively as well.

  106. Can'tBeArsed says:

    Rico, our board are greedy, not thick, you’d hope they’ve got the savy to thrash out a couple of deals before the euro’s kicks off, don’t wanna be looking at sloppy seconds come August.
    Would be great to wake up in the morning to a surprise new signing, when was the last time that happened ? Too long.

  107. rico says:

    Still hope for M’Vila vernat…

    CBA – You’d hope so but don’t hold your breath, even though AW said we won’t wait until DD, do you believe him?

    That is you isn’t it Micko? 😉

  108. devilgunner says:

    Good Evening Fine Folk.

    Lee says:
    June 1, 2012 at 4:13 pm………………

    I’d rather Rico came out of retirement, Vernat!!

    I can assure you that Rico is the fittest of the lot here on HH. And with proof.

  109. devilgunner says:

    Well I can dare anyone here to raise up some chicken and when they are fit try to catch one around a room. I presume that you do try to catch one if it escapes Lady. And running after a grown up chicken is no joke. It can twist and turn more than AW’s tongue during a press conference on transfer targets. 😆

  110. rico says:

    😆 devil, oh yes they have been chased, especially when one had to go to the vet – took a bit of time i’ll tell you 😉

  111. devilgunner says:

    And if you managed to catch it then you are quite fit. As I told you………….they can twist and turn more than AW’s tongue during a press conference on transfer targets. I know……grandpa had quite a good amount of chicken and to catch one borders on the impossible.

  112. rico says:

    I’m offski guys and gals, have a good evening…

    Nighty devil and all, catch up tomorrow sometime 🙂

  113. devilgunner says:

    I have just seen the first half of Russia against Italy. Russia are playing in a 4231 formation. AA is the captain of the team. and he plays in the 3 behind the striker together with Dzagoev and Denisov. And in the first half he has debunked some myths…………

    1) It is not true that he cannot play on the wing. Out of the 45 minutes he has played around one third of it on the left wing.

    2) He is most effective when he plays in the center behind the striker. We knew that already.

    3) He can change at will in any of those 3 positions. And HE FEELS COMFORTABLE in all of them. He created from the left, from the center and the right.

    4) He does track back. It is only at AFC that he does not. He was helping at the back all the time and setting up attacks from deep lying position.

    I think that there is something at AFC with AA because in the first 45 minutes he did more work than he did at AFC between August and January.

  114. Scott From Oz says:

    Morning all.
    I just saw some footage on a certain Wellington Silva for the first time.
    A week or so back I said Hazard was as good at beating a player as anone I’d seen.
    Well,this kid doesn’t lose much in comparison…..absolutely phenomenal.

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