Morning all.
I know we have touched on this but there’s such little news….
Remember RvP’s statement about Arsenal’s ambition not matching his own, just before he headed up north? Of course you do and after such words, the club went on to sign Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla.
Rumour has it that once Santi had been signed, RvP had second thoughts and wanted to stay at Arsenal but it was too late as one or both of Podolski and Giroud were signed as his replacement. Ok, neither have matched the goal scoring ability of our old Dutchmen but together, they have scored plenty of goals. Podolski would probably scored many more had he been given the chance but that’s another story.
Laurent Koscielny is in a very different situation to our old Dutchman, he’s just signed a shiny new contract, making sure he’s ours at least on paper, for a few years yet but as far as on the pitch goes, our French defender is equally as important to this current squad as RvP was back then.
Laurent is reported to have made these comments to the press whilst away with France:
We’ll need a goalkeeper, a right back, a midfielder and a striker.
It’s important to have a minimum of these four players so that we’ll be better able to challenge over the course of a whole season against teams like Manchester City, Chelsea or [Manchester] United. Winning the FA Cup can change things and lead to other players coming.
Yes, we need to recruit a very, very good striker, because it’s important for us, for competition for places, because Olivier needs that to become even better.
Having a striker who scores more than 30 goals a season can help us win the Premier League. Compared to the squads like Manchester City, even United, Chelsea. … You can see there’s a certain difference.
Can anyone argue with his view?
Well I would as I think we need a pacey winger too. So make that five.
Is his public message about how many players we need to sign telling Arsene Wenger to pull his socks up and make sure we are well prepared for the season ahead?
We have just won the FA Cup, players must be wanting more days like they experienced at Wembley and of course and the right 4/5 players could ensure that they do.
It’s quite unlike players, certainly Arsenal ones to come out in public and make sure a statement, even RvP didn’t go that far and it does make me wonder if what Laurent is really saying to Arsene Wenger and Arsenal is:
‘Shape up or I will ship out’?
Transfer Gossip:
Well apart from the story in The Mirror about Remy being desperate to sign for Arsenal and some Radio station in Spain suggesting that Arsenal have made an offer to Barcelona for Pedro, I can’t find any…
That’s it for this Saturday, have a great day all….
Kos is right of course, but will the stbborn one address the situation and find what we need? Nah! “We couldn’t find a quality player who was better than what we have, in the under 12’s! We have got enough.” Said just before he shuffled off to the counting house!
Top of the morning to you all.
I think he will Wavy 🙂
Morning to you and all….
Catch up in a couple of hours, got to pop out…
Good morning
Well 2 Portuguese coach in emirates cup.
Definetely, Fabregas goes to Chelsea
If Cesc really has gone to Chelsea then I can see that particular deal becoming more and more relevant if, as many suspect, Wenger will blow this transfer window like he has so many others. The Cesc deal merely ramps up the pressure.
He’ll have buy someone as good if not better…..Wilfried Umbong springs to mind!
Brudder. I suspect Umbongo will be out of our price range.
Morning all. Its pouring outside with thunder. It’s putting me in the mood for a Summer Of Discontent. What’s New!! Shake up AW, not even juicy rumours except one made up about Hulk. Lets wait till August 31st as usual. Must be an injured loanee around.
Hey Rico,
Ain’t you reading too much into it?
Btw, yesterday, we were talking about a dribbler and pop comes out Lorenzo Insigne. Isn’t he one of the better dribblers at Napoli?
Ox out of the WC
I am confident that AW has all his targets locked in and almost signed. AFC never play the press like lesser clubs ie Chelski, Citeh, Spuds and Liddypill, but its the job of the journalist to create problems. I for one agree with Kossy and yourself that we need those five new players but with one caviat, we should go for at least two Brits ! I would offer £30 mill for Stones and Coleman…NOW!
Then a superstar like Pogba plus Remy and Griezman. The goalie should be an experienced older player……Cassilas?
One last point…..when are we going to see (A) an enquiry into the four penalties we did not get in the final? and (B) Why have I not seen and stats for the full 120 minutes?
He looks like a good dribbler. But can’t just say so on the basis of you tube video.
Hi Rico,
On another quiet footbally day, you have come up with yet another super Post. 🙂
There isn’t much public comment from anyone at Arsenal about Wenger’s plans for incoming players, (now there’s a surprise), so we have to rely on rumours and outright speculation to whet our whistles, but despite the sarcasm from some, there have been comments from Gazidis about the financial resources of the club being available, and that Wenger has been authorised to spend ‘big’ money as necessary, and that there have been a lot of intense talks about signing players going on in the background.
The World Cup has clouded the TW this summer, and it is also easy to forget that the window doesn’t even open until the 1st July.
I am sure things will begin to happen in July, and speed up as teams get eliminated from the tournament and players are available to talk to would be buying clubs.
I guess we have to be patient. 🙂
Good read rico.I like what kos said because its basically what we as the fans see.he has every right to say so.Unfortunately I feel we are being reactive AGAIN in the market by waiting to see what will happen at other clubs instead of being proactive.we are rarely ever proactive and thats why we miss out on so many good players…I can see Giroud being our 1st choice forward next season too if we continue with this strategy.Cesc going to the chavs will only ramp up the pressure and if we don’t get those players the atmosphere at the Emirates will be poisonous like against Villa last season.
I know I sound pessimistic but thats my gut feeling.
Good morning all. Glad to see Ozil looking more confident yesterday he was impressive. Jerome Boateng could solve our RB issue plus he can play CB and LB too. Wonder if Wenger will go for Reus now that he’s injured lol
Problem is Henry B , that Gazidis’ mantra about money has been uttered before going back to Keith Edelman . You can’t blame supporters for being just a tad cynical.
Just feel this summer is playing out like every other one. With the WC starting next week we are gonna be chasing our tails again. while all else wrap up deals. Arsenal icn the transfer market is like clothes shopping with the missus!
Cynicism is fine, potter, we have all been guilty of that at times, and Arsenal do have a habit of disappointing fans in transfer matters.
All I am saying is that the circumstances this year are a bit different, and it is better to be patient as the window has not yet even opened and the players are away with their national teams which complicates negotiations.
Morning All…
Cloudy, damp, muggy and typical weather in London Town today…
Good post Rico..
Sorry Henry but the deals are done with agents before the player gets involved . All the player has to do is say o.k. do the deal and communications today mean he doesn’t physically have to be in the room until the signature bit. I don’t think the circumstances are any different this year to last or many more before that. Arsenal’s hierarchy are notoriously inept at thinking on their feet and frequently take too long to wrap things up.
Can’t find any info on Fabregarse going to the chavs. It may turn out that way but as has been said of all transfers everywhere it is all smoke and mirrors, till it happens.
I have a bit of a theory though re Cesc! What if Farca needed to raise money, same as the chavs before they could buy……so they decide who they can get the best money from their least wanted player, Cesc the fall guy. They make his availability known to all, sit back and wait for the bidding war to begin, thinking that at least €30m will be offered by Arsenal, they think they are laughing all the way to the bank……but…….there is no bidding war, in fact there are no bids….so, talk up the Chavs, suggest he has made an agreement to sign….load of bollox(Rico!)
The rumour mill rolls on…….Cesc stays put, but unwanted and we are left pondering what the f**k our lot are doing!!
Imo, of course!
Im not up for Insigne at all. For a start he is 163cm – he’s not going to handle the PL. Second he only scored 3 goals in SerieA last season from 25 starts and 11 sub appearances. Third he dribbles 1.2 times a game, which is reasonable but nothing more than most wingers. Finally, whoscored.com says he weakness is finishing. Therefore I veto 😉
Btw, Ive only been watching the highlights of the WC warmups, but Podolski looks amazing. Did anyone else notice he is now joint 3rd highest goalscorer for Germany of ALL TIME?? (47 goals).
Interesting point Henry, but like Potter, I have to say that I’m struggling to see any difference in circumstances…
12 months ago we needed 4 or 5 players and ended up with 2, Flamini and Ozil.
Obviously I don’t include Sanogo as he was a youngster signed for the future…
Hey Presto, we move on 12 months needing, what, 4 or 5 players…
With roughly the same cash in the bank that we had a year ago…
All that’s changed my friend, IMHO, is that we are FACup holders and we now wear a Puma shirt…
Afternoon guys and gals, thanks for the kind comments 😉
Umbongo has been snapped up by ‘Arry Lee… 😉
Beautiful sunshine and slue skies here now….
Kev, haven’t we got a lot more money than this time last year as the Emirates and Puma deals have been sealed?
“…it does make me wonder if what Laurent is really saying to Arsene Wenger and Arsenal is: ‘Shape up or I will ship out’? ”
Yeah – the right time to issue an ultimatum is less than a month after you’ve signed a new contract!!!! I think that what Kos is saying is that as Sagna and Fabianski have gone we’ll need to find replacements (like nobody expected that!) and signing a forward and midfielder would also be good – well that’s out of the blue too isn’t it!!!! What truly desperate stuff some blogging is!
Amos, not sure what you are trying to say???
Your point is…..what??
What exactly do contracts mean these days Amos??
Other than to ensure a player has a good selling valuation of course…
nice read Rico…….agree totally with kos and i am with too re needing a winger just hope the deals get sorted out ASAP but as its arsenal we have to take them as they come
Cesc in chelshit blue with moaning ho in charge??? No chance. Every barfa player hates that loud mouth uncouth son of a milkless cow. Cesc will be in blue alright…wastelands blue replacing PSG bound yaya toure. Morning HH
Thanks snaparse, as long as they are all signed up by the time the players get together for pre-season, I’ll be happy..
Although I need one to be signed before the WC to win by bet with Lee and Bt. 🙂
City don’t want Cesc according to reports…
Hey rico let that flea bitten “anus” be. It’s folks like him that can’t offer or proffer any solution to the world’s problems only criticize moaning and bitching.
And we don’t want wenger but hey he signed 😀
I’m saying nothing more goonster…
😛 re AW staying…
Forget the media rico…they like winding us arsenal fans up. I bet you pique didn’t even talk about cesc let alone saying he’s been sold for 35 million. Come on now. We ve been here before.
Afternoon Rico, Goonie, Snap and all…
Trust me goonster, I don’t believe a word those newspaper buffoons type…
Where is adam?
Afternoon Ts…
Adam has an afternoon tea party to go to 🙂
Hahahahahahhaha buffons huh? It’s been a while I heard that word….Howdy ginge how are ya?
Anna The Mad Ruski @MadRuskiGunner · 20h
This Ozil guy looks mighty good compared to the solution to all problems 🙂 pic.twitter.com/Kw6NbYpzGF
Embedded image permalink
That’s so adam….lol
Not bad at all Adonis… just chilling a bit…
A bit saddened Reus is out of WC… but Poldi and Ozil were sensational last night; both came on in 2nd half and changed the game from 1-1 to win 6-1…
SC19 super freekick in training…
https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/BDB57C8BD31084126973724438528_1ae30e3f8d6.4.8.10302500950263006091.mp4?versionId=pwIt4AGkezWLz5rGqQ6iZPJ_BRaCedWm
Good point Rico.
Yes, we do have more to spend than we did 13 months ago…
All I would counter is, Arsene didn’t spend last season.
So, I have no reason, to think he’ll do it this time…
roger 12.28. I didn’t know that, pretty good eh…
I still think the world cup ll be won by a pragmatic coach. Not one hell bent on out scoring the opposition. Am tipping italy. You heard it here first.
Kev, I am praying that either the owner or board have a big stick ready for AW if he tries any of that ‘tight’ nonsense this summer….
(Mino Raiola) Balotelli’s Agent” I made a mistake by bringing him to Italy” Ac milan are ready to sell him to reshape the team
Interesting from Jon Cross…
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsene-wenger-contacts-zinedine-zidane-3650949
Hey Amos, how are things down at the Woolpack…
Zozou and AW meeting…
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BpZtgPEIIAEjNVE.jpg:large
Oh boy not good ginge not good at all. Then it’s benzene then. God help me. Benzene over fabregas??? Somebody shoot me. Shoot me now.
Farfan of S04 says he is available… one of the best wingers in Europe and top 10 best dribblers in UCL for past 3 seasons
Really looking forward to the Soccer Aid match, shame Mourinho is involved….
Lmfao Adonis.. more like Morato…
What time is Englands match again please?
Adonis- Koeman flew iton Heathrow on Tuesday.. expectation was that he was about to sign for Southampton but no news still… do you have any news on him?
How are the oranje pre-tournament form?
Morato benzene what’s the difference? I ll rather chuck yaya sanogo in there and watch hum grow into the position than take a sulky fella or a kid that ll be pinning for a move back to Madrid in 2 years. Get cracking back arsene you dim wit. Grrr am so angry.
into*
So true but several people on here want Morato though so…
I hate koeman ginge…I don’t care if he signs for the spuds. As for the oranj this is the worst team we ve put out in 59 years. I see us in the quarter finals and that’s it. Am not overly fussed about the world cup ginge. Heck am in the USA for crying out loud.
Several people??? Is WATH amongst them? Figures.
Lol.. I am with you on the assessment of your national team but maybe without the big names/egos you may surprise the world like Spain did in 2006…
Janmaart, Georginio,Blind are more than decent… its your defence that is a bit shaky but…
Klinsman will do well with the US of A me think…
No Wath is too pragmatic mate? lol
goonster, I think many here wouldn’t have minded seeing Morata join on loan back in Jan when we could have done with him.
Now though, I think ‘most’ here hope we sign someone with more experience.
Also, I’d have thought Tom Ince would be a better option, just a thought…
Oh, and he’s free… lol
Real say Di Maria will cost £40 million, according to the Express….
I suppose that FFP has the effect of stopping the likes of Chekski and Shittie signing Di Maria, just to stop anyone else getting him…
We’ll see how that one pans out…
If Real Madrid are serious about Suarez, then they’ll have to sell to balance the books…
Now news on Remy then Rico, or any other striker for that matter. Not even Vela.
When exactly does the Summer Window open Rico…
I’m constantly reading conflicting reports on when it is open?
Or if it is open now?
Or if it even exists???
No news on anyone Kev annoyingly.
Chavs got £50m for Luiz so I bet they will carry on spending….
It must be open now Kev as Liverpool have signed two players.
But officially, I believe it’s July 1st….
Tsgh
Looks like the England game is starting after 9.30pm on itv most likely 10pm
I’ll be fast asleep by the joe… 😉
July 1st Rico, yeah, that’s when I was under the impression that it opened…
But I read a post a couple of days ago that stated that it opened directly after the last league games were played, so I guess the last Play-Off Final???
the = then..
Thanks Gj.hope you well?
The FA website says it opens after the last league game Kev but I think deals are ‘official’ from the 1st July as that’s when contracts seem to start/expire…
I could be talking rubbish though… 😉
Tbh, I sed no logical reason why it should be July 1st…
The January Window is different but during the summer, there seems no point…
Could be, and I guess this is how Arsenal (tightwads) operate, is that contracts usually expire on June 30th, so it save two or three weeks wages…!
Big time operators eh?
Snap….. 😉
TRUE that Kev re 2:51.psg and Monaco have also been quiet thus far…
We agreed a deal for Podolski long before the season ended so I would imagine that if two clubs come to a simple agreement, then it’s easy.
It really warm and sunny in London Town now…
Lots of people out enjoying the City…
So you won’t be watching the game tonight then Rico?
Well we can only hope Ginge, that the much derided FFP actually does bring some sanity, fairness and actual competition back into the European game…
Even when many Serie A clubs were subsidised, there was a limit as to how much their wealthy owners could spend…
The tactic of stockpiling players is anti-competitive and actually, in the long term, could damage the game by killing interest…
The EPL is the No.1 League because it is so competitive…
Interest in La Liga has grown thanks to Atletico…
The Bundesliga is a Bayern procession every season.
Rico
Early mornings are a killer not sure my wife would like to see you telling the world your going to be ” fast a sleep by the Joe” 🙂
Tsgh
All well with me when I am feeling upset I remember the we won the cup it just makes me smile. I see your talking a lot of sence about the transfer market.
Probably not Kev, I just can’t get into this pre WC stuff….
🙂 🙂 joe, I hope your wife isn’t reading…. lol
Gj,don’t know about talking sense but the window and Arsenal is like OPEC and fuel prices in UK…
All or most motorists in UK know we are being shafted but we have no other choice so we go with flow…
Kev,spot on again re Serie A.
The likes of Berlusconi and his inter counterpart bought big but still brought through enough home grown talent to win international tournaments.
In my view a whole generation of potentially world class players like Wright,Parker etc were lost due to Chelsea stockpiling them…
Lol Rico
Rico
Me to know 🙂
Now
Tsgh
The UK needs to go electric that’s my plan for my next car some high mileage cars and SUV’s coming down line. Wanted to say road 🙂
Hopefully, if she is joe, she’d have seen my correction. 🙂
🙂 Mistakes happen
Hey did any Swamp dweller make the English team to the world cup??
Was it two years ago they had like 5 players on the national team?
swamp dweller goonie? You mean Liverpool?? 😉
They do joe, especially when it comes to my typos 😉
No maam the spuddies..lol
Gee rico whatever did the losercoonts do to you to hate them that much?
That’s true I am always making typos even when i am speaking. Watching a great woman’s tennis match
Oh trust me goonster with absolute passion, I detest them!
I’m watching the French final too Joe, a really good match.
Halep has done well to get back in this, I’m rooting for her….
Hahahahahah I like a woman with teeth 😀
So rico did any spurm make the world cup squad?
Rico
Have ever had this deep hatred looked in to by a professional
ManUre are in for Sanchez then, £20million seems a good price…
Goonerjoe 😀
Rico no favorite just enjoying the tennis
Howdy kev….Manure won’t get him. He wants champions league footie.
Southampton are in a very crucial position…
I suppose it could depend on who they bring in as manager?!!!
Make the right choice, then try and retain their players…
The alternative is losing about five players…
Money talks Stan…
I hope they go down stupid le tissier running his mouth.
Not in this case kev…..Am sorry
What did he say then Stan?
Can’t say that I’d like to see Southampton go down, especially as we usually beat them. 😉
OK then Stan, if you say so… 🙂
Where do you think Sanchez will go then?
But we didn’t at St marys kev….they took a point off us and lost to the chavs. Grrrr. I hate teams who ll put up a fight against us but roll over for manure chelshit and co. It irks me. Grrrr.
No goonster, well, not for England… 😉
He ain’t going no where kev like my American friend ll say. It’s all paper talk. I bet both Cesc and Alexis ll still be at barfa next season.
joe – same here really but the way haleb has come back into this game makes me kind of hope she wins…
Hahahahah are u serious? Not even “hairy lemon”…..hahahahahahhaha this is rich.
I like Le Tiss…..
I can’t stand “le piss” sorry maam.
Rico
This is some of the best woman’s tennis i’av seen in a long time.
Afternoon Rico and the House.
Its been a nice sunny day where I am the right weather for a BBQ.
Good post Rico but I think there is a big difference between the Dutchman and Koss. The little boy stated he did not agree with Arsenes transfer policy and went so far as to call him an idiot when he subbed AA for the Ox agianst Man U. On the other hand Koss has nothing but praise for the boss and was only saying what we are all thinking I dont think the little boy was.
Now the transfer window opens on july 1St and transfers cannot take place untill then.But Clubs can talk to each other before then and agree for a transfer if the player agrees after the final game of the season.
Stupid is’nt it.
That’s ok goonster…
Agree joe, I’ve always been a big fan of Martina and Chris Evert, loved their battles… It’s been a long time since we have seen that kind of a game.
Never been a huge fan of the Williams sisters so I’ve not really watched too much tennis of late….
I used to have a crush on hingis 😀 Martina hingis that is.
Afternoon Rick. Thanks re the post…
RvP and Kos are like chalk and cheese, but I have to try and get a discussion going so a little cheeky post is the only way… 😉
But, I honestly believe that if Arsenal faff around and don’t build on the squad we have, some of our better players will be tempted to leave…
goonster, there’s only one Martina, and it’s not Hingis… 😉
Rico
I liked Chris Evert as well but I always had a soft spot blonde athletic woman. This is proof my wife doesn’t read your blog. 🙂
And you do it well Rico.
I am confident that he will build this summer and we will all be happy gooners.
🙂 joe
Thanks Rick, and so do I. I truly believe this summer will be good. May not be the names we all talk about but I think it’ll be a good summer…
We have just made our first signing according to the rumour mill,
a bubble and squeek left back 17-year-old Elias Chatzitheodoridis.
I know no ones signed no one yet,so it could be a porky pie.
Not sure who to have on the back of my new puma shirt,
Bender or Chatzitheodoridis.
Fred
Chat-zit-he-odor-I’d-is I know he’s supposed to be Greek but this makes me think it’s a porkie like you said.
fred, that signing is true, he’s for the academy and jeorgebird confirmed it a few days ago….
Ok Rico when he makes the first team the name on the shirt will him and the club a lot of money.
Make him
joe, I said a couple of days ago that I hope he never makes the first team, because I’ll never be able to remember how to spell his name….
🙂 too many letters eh….
This window like all recent windows seems to be going the same way,
all the staff at the arsenal are on holiday..except for the membership vultures.
Arsenal have an Academy in Greece…
Two Greek lads have joined our U18’s this summer…
The Academy have signed a Portugese winger, a Swedish midfielder and are close to signing a Bulgarian (I think) striker…
Kev that a keep the locals happy,
what happened to the geezer fulham bought,,did he get a game in the end.Kostas(a lot of money)Metroglou.
Thought I’d give you my shopping list for this transfer window
Williams 4-5m
Remy 8-10m
Vela 3.5m
Cesc 28-30m
That’s a spend of between 43.5m-48.5m and if we have 70m I’ll let Wenger spend the rest i.e a goalkeeper.
I’d rather spend the big money on bring Cesc back than spend it on a striker.
Also no sales of everyone still on a contract.
Who is the Portuguese?
I never knew that about the Greek Academy Kev…
I’m off for the day guys, have a lovely evening all and catch up tomorrow…
Night all….
Yeah Fred, weren’t we linked to him…?
Tavralidis was good though, wasn’t he?! 😉
Night Rico…
JM, the Portugese winger (from Fulham as Fred said) is: Jonatos Centeno…
Hi Kev the Swedish midfielder is Da Graca and joins ” In the Summer”
The striker you refer to is (I think) Martin Graicar. I believe he will be joining in April next year when he becomes 16
Have you heard that the Assistant Directer at Hale End is leaving
shortly end of the month I believe .
Hi Rick… No I haven’t heard that tbh…
Could be another move to freshen up the Academy.
It had the feel that things were a little stale.
I’m really looking forward to Jonker getting to work and seeing an improvement…
Really enjoyed watching England this evening…
Should have won, but a positive result vs Italy is more important…
This squad of players could be a bit of a suprise package…
They play with a verve and enthusiasm that I haven’t seen from an England team since Euro 96…
Barkley, Lallana, Wilshere, Sturridge, Henderson, all look comfortable and confident with the ball. No lumping it…
I’m quite looking forward to the World Cup, for a change…
Hope we’re not disappointed……again!
With Ingerland that is.
And the Ox who seems to be recovering well under Gary as opposed to his cousin.
Morning Potter and all..
Said yesterday the storms were forecast to be widespread. Poor England…. 😉
Does make you wonder about our physio doesn’t it….
New post up now..