PL or CL? Berahino? Forget Benzema, alternative striker set to sign by Monday!

Morning all.

What is about football that seems to raise the temperature of us all, especially around this time of the year when the transfer window is open?

Well I guess we want Arsenal to be competitive, really competitive and make sure we start the season with a squad that be truly competitive! Heck no, we want a squad that can finally win the league again under Arsene Wenger… Don’t we?

I do and yes, give me the PL over the Champions League every year as I’m English, Arsenal are an English club and I want them to rule England. The PL is about ten months of football being played in dreadful weather at times, on a rugby pitch during others, dirty tactics some weeks and managerial astuteness. That’s why it’s the best, just ask Thierry Henry.

The Champions League is great for one major reason, to be in it earns money and the further a club goes in the competition, the wealthier it gets but it’s also about luck. Luck of the draw, luck of the referee, the fixture before and the fixture after….

The media were delighted when Chelsea won the CL a couple of seasons ago but what did we all say? Lucky lucky Chavs! Not so lucky Roberto Di Matteo….

Liverpool won it too but that was quite a few years ago now and to a degree, they had a bit of good fortune along the way too but you build your own luck eh….. What have they done since? Nothing, in fact they have lived off that one trophy for a while now…..

The likes of Barca, Real, Bayern and Utd under Fergie were able to win the CL but seldom has that been at the expense of winning the domestic stuff and that’s how I see the CL, a hindrance for our battle to win the PL.

But I know not everyone will agree with me as we all have different priorities and being honest, all the time we are so ‘gung ho’ when playing at home in the CL, we’re highly unlikely to win it anyway.

Nor will we imo without a strong and deep squad, which brings me right back to the transfer window and perhaps the reason why football fans and not just Arsenal ones, get so animated at this time of the year….

Gossip:

The Express reckon we will have signed Spain’s ‘Peter Crouch’ Fernando Llorente on Monday. I’m not sure if they made the story up or some other ‘rag’ somewhere.

Juventus have had a £15.6 million bid for Julian Draxler turned down so now of course it means we are ‘clear to snap him up’ That’s from…. yep, you guessed it, The Metro!

Finally, the poison dwarf has had a dig at Arsene Wenger for spending more money than him last summer… Poor chap, is Roman not feeding him enough pennies? Well what about the millions he spent when he first arrived at Chelsea, has he forgotten that?

I reckon he’s getting a bit concerned that his side might not be able to defend their league trophy and he’s right to be too, just one or two more signings and it might just be Arsenal who stop them!

Mind you, Arsene Wenger may have some other idea up his sleeve like Isaac Hayden to cover for Francis Coquelin and Chuba Akpom to be the striker craved for by many..

Or what about butting in on the neighbours chase for Saido Berahino? English, quick, cheap and young…..

That’s your lot for Tuesday….

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Hell Raising Devil
Hell Raising Devil
10 years ago

Berahino I like. Maybe Charlie Austin as well. but they will only add depth. they will not improve on what we have.

Good post boss.

Tai
Tai
10 years ago

Morning All,

Good post, Rico…

At least we have agreed on one thing…that Coquelin should be first choice DM…and just as well, for Coq is Wenger’s proof that he has been right all along… Solutions to deficient departments do not necessary mean buying…you can generate one within.

I believe we are now concerned with who steps in should Coq get injured long term. Go back to our pre-season matches and watch Carzola deeply. Something tells me that Carzola will hold with Ramsey beside him should Coq be absent…Carzola’s brain can do it.

Hell Raising Devil
Hell Raising Devil
10 years ago

Today in 2006 we played our very first game at the Emirates……and said good bye to DB10. (if I am not mistaken)

Tai
Tai
10 years ago

As for PL over CL…you’re on your own.

Give me one CL, keep 5PLs…if you believe in football and trophies then the ultimate club trophy must interest you.

Tai
Tai
10 years ago

And saving a thought for Mourinho…the Portuguese is the only one I know who starts a fight in an empty room. Most times he should be completely ignored…by Wenger, of course.

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Very good read…

Ok I lied. I never read it. 😛

Morning again folks.

Tai- shouldn’t Coquelin earn his place like everyone else in the team? Coquelin still needs to improve big time imho.

Dev- I agree with Kev, Rick is the man to ask about hayden. But also having seen Hayden a few times last season and half a dozen times over the last 3 years or so, like Rick has also agreed Hayden is more suitable as a CB imo.

All his best games for the club came when he played CB with Miquel at CB.
Imo, he is not ready yet but he has the legs and the exuberance to contribute if required. I know Aw tried to fast track him 2 seasons ago as a CDM because he was not happy with Frimps and Poldi’s attitude in the dressing room.

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Dificult question rico…

but since in my dreams I normally zip up Aw’s jacket for him I would say AW will like to have won the title plus UCL and gone beaten imho….

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

difficult*

eduardo
eduardo
10 years ago

I see former West Brom manager Alan Irvine has said Berahino is not ready yet for a top four club, in fact he said he is not ready to be the main striker for a club like tottenham

Iceman
Iceman
10 years ago

Poor old Maureen! He has had complete memory failure and forgotten the £903m spent as a manager since 2005. He is a typical spoilt brat who cannot stand it now that the other kids have new toys too! What an odious twat!

Joe
Joe
10 years ago

Why can’t we have both PL and CL it’s going to be our year 🙂
Oh and the FA cup for third year in a row.
Youth team wins carling cup or what ever it’s called? 😉

Hell Raising Devil
Hell Raising Devil
10 years ago

Swap the 2004 Invincible season for a CL trophy???

Are you mad? touch of the sun??

Not even for anything else in the world.

That season will forever be immortal. and I would love to see it again.

Lee
Lee
10 years ago

No because we are going to win the CL soon!

Lee
Lee
10 years ago

Not with Wenger at the helm though…..

eduardo
eduardo
10 years ago

hell raising you are wrong about the Bergkamp match, it was on the 22nd of july 06

Joe
Joe
10 years ago

Morning Rico, good post is Sanogo Not as good as Berahino ;).
Morning to the rest of the house still can’t understand why Scotts not banned after posting a video of a spurs jersey it’s beginning to look like you can post anything on this site. 🙂

Hell Raising Devil
Hell Raising Devil
10 years ago

thanks Eduardo. I though it was today. but I was not sure.

Drake
Drake
10 years ago

Morning all,ts competion is great,the thing is some people here care too much about some players…you cant tell me that arteta is a great competions for coq,even coq too knows that no one is better than him at arsenal.i find it as overrated how some fans hype coq,the only thing i know is that he only showed us that we could play good football with a better dm only.

Joe
Joe
10 years ago

Wasn’t the problem in 2004 the fact that Wenger got greedy tried to win an FA cup semi-final and a CL quarter-final against Manu and Chelsea within 3-4 days?

Tai
Tai
10 years ago

Well, I wouldn’t swap the unbeaten tag for any other thing in football…but I’d swap the other Wenger trophies for one CL.

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Dev- before the major clear out 2 years ago, Yennaris, Olsson, Zelalem was ahead of Hayden in CDM.

Hayden played CB, RB, no.10, RW as required.

Whenever Frimps, or JW or Le Coq came back from loan or from injury Hayden was moved in CB or another position, He was that versatile.

I must admit I haven’t seen the youth play much since my fave players Afobe, Miquel, Frimps were dropped or released, but in the times when I saw Hayden played he was always at CB or RW…

Saying that AW has played him 2 times at senior level at CDM and 2 times at CB. Then again Chambers had never played CDM before he joined us but AW used him there…

Lets not forget Hayden is 20 y.o and in truth as much as I would like him to make it has not played as many games as he should have when compare to other 20 y.o such as Cole, Serge, Miquel, Gibbs, Frimps, JW etc …

Hopefully he will be a late bloomer like Le Coq.

Tai
Tai
10 years ago

Drake,

Coquelin is not being overrated…I’d say the contrary even…

Ozil has no competition…neither does Sanchez…Cech neither…it doesn’t stop them from giving in their best.

And the hardest competition Coq has is daily convincing Wenger that Le Prof doesn’t need another DM…that, to me, is the biggest competition yet!

Hector Ofuobi
Hector Ofuobi
10 years ago

We are the blazing gunners watch out for my guys this season we are going for every title this time around no one can stop the moving train.

Gunnerdna
Gunnerdna
10 years ago

Morning all, good post Rico.

scottfromoz
scottfromoz
10 years ago

Morning all.
Any competition that finds us the best team in Europe, yet that same team is 6th in its own League, is just a lottery, for mine.
PL any day of the week.
Once we are dominant, or at least ultra competitive in English, then the CL can be a realistic and logical target, IMO.

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Drake- Le Coq has always been loved. I remember when he played 18 minutes at left back for us 3 or 4 years ago before he got an hamstring injury. fans were raving.

I know Rico would not like this ‘I told you so’ stuff. 🙂 but before the season started I wrote a post last summer saying I was concerned we might not start the season well even though we had had a very good pre-season. My reason was that Arsenal has always struggled after every world cup or European cup year because our core players normally play very well and stay later into the competition.

The only exception was 2002 when France bombed in Korea/Japan and so TH14, Pires, Vieira came home and had a proper pre-season. The rest is history…

I have also heard Pep, Klopp, Redknapp, Rafa comment on why they think we failed in the early part of last season and they all said similar…
Our best players had tournament hangovers…

So imho, when fans make assertions that Le Coq is the reason why we played well from February onwards when as a fact the whole team started to play well and OG12 also got back from injury I find it a tad worrying…

I rate Coq but I think he was covered tactically by TR07 and SC19 big time. Like Potter and a few would admit, le Coq struggled in the second half of games and make silly tackles he wouldn’t normally make as he got tired very easily imho when in actual fact his distance covered stats is below Ozil, SC19, Ramsey…

but its all for debate… respectively hopefully. 😉

Tai
Tai
10 years ago

Hmmm…Scot, for once of late, we have different opinions…I wish I could ever come to terms that PL is a superior title to CL…that will be the day!

Malaga gooner
Malaga gooner
10 years ago

Morning rico and all
We don’t need a back up for le coq we need someone to compete with him

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Tai, we are agree on a lot but I must say Ozil has competition from TR07, Sc19 and JW.

cech may appear not to have competition to us fans because of his name but in actual fact Ospina did a sterling job. Also goalie is a one man job, unlike a CDM role where a missed tackle may not lead to a goal being conceded.

Even Per was dropped for Gabriel one or 2 times…

AW did not rush Ozil back because he had those said players.

scottfromoz
scottfromoz
10 years ago

Tai, I never said the PL is superior……just more important and certainly more achievable, at this point, IMO.
Once we win it, THEN we chase the CL.

Tai
Tai
10 years ago

Ts,

I’ve always respected your opinions for obvious reasons…but believe me, Coquelin contributed greatly to our second half blitz. Against Man U in the FA Cup at OT, he proved beyond all doubt he had come of age.

At 24 he can only improve…giving him the confidence of holding onto that position for season’s start is the biggest psychological boost he could get as a fast-growing footballer. I’m willing to place a bet, Coq will only get better, barring long term injuries, of course.

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

It funny how the mirror went on about Le Coq being the best CDM or tackler by comparing him to Charlie Austin, Hazard, Ashley Young, Barnes and other attackers…

I collect stats for reputable sites and even Sc19 made more tackles than Le coq from April onwards. I agree Le Coq was exception for about 8 games up to the Yanited game but following that he was hunging big time in second halves.

How many times was he subbed? apart from the Fa cup final he was subbed 4 out of the last 7 games.

Uwot?
Uwot?
10 years ago

It!’s obvious…we need another coq!

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Tai- Agreed.AW will give him that confidence.

AW has always given the French boys more chnces than they needed.

How many times has he been on loan before his recent break.

Some will argue that if those who were presumed to be good were good they would have made it else where..

If that was true, Le coq won’t have gone on season long loans 2 times and flopped big time at both…

Even at Charlton he was struggling…

scottfromoz
scottfromoz
10 years ago

It’s natural progression, for mine.
2 FA Cups were huge on the grand scheme of things.
A 3rd would be nice, but we crave more, and can achieve more….a League title.
I just don’t see the point in running 4th in the League and winning the CL…..it doesn’t prove a thing for mine.
I want Arsenal to be the best in England and Europe, of course, but you can’t be the best in Europe when 4th best in your own country.
I also believe CL should be open only to the Champions of the Leagues, but that is another topic 🙂

Drake
Drake
10 years ago

Tai ozil has carzola,cech has ospina,for rasmey it wilshere,for gibbs it monreal and for debuchy it bellerin.giroud need competion you cant tell me that welback can bench him.it three seasons now and we have not signed a player to compete with.the guy is having a easy ride than all the players we have

scottfromoz
scottfromoz
10 years ago

Ginge, Coquelin has a proper pre season behind him.
An uninterrupted few months of preparation, which he didn’t have last year.
Give him time.

Tai
Tai
10 years ago

Drake

Every team has players that are untouchable….Chelsea has Courtois, Matic, Hazard, Fabregas, Costa, Terry, Ivanovic…only injuries or rotation would make Mourinho change any of those! In Arsenal, be prepared to see Cech, Per, Kos, Coq, Ozil, Sanchez…to always start once fit.

Ts,

Don’t you think that because Arsenal was running a close call that Wenger was afraid of Coq getting injured, hence pulling him out late in games?

Drake
Drake
10 years ago

I know rico but theo will be a winger next season,plz dont ask me where did i get that lol

Tai
Tai
10 years ago

Did Mourinho bring Falcao to compete with Costa? Certainly not…just to fill in for Costa as the Spaniard is known for incessant injury spells. Will Mourinho go for Falcao if he had Welbeck? Don’t think so…

Hell Raising Devil
Hell Raising Devil
10 years ago

Joel Campbell has reportedly agreed to join Palermo on loan from Arsenal, with the Italian club’s president arriving in London to finalise the deal.

Despite impressing for Costa Rica at the 2014 World Cup, Campbell was once again unable to force himself into Arsene Wenger’s first-team plans, and spent the second-half of the season on loan at Villarreal.

And according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 23-year-old is now set for another temporary move, this time with Serie A side Palermo.

Campbell is understood to have agreed to the move, with Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini flying into London to seal the deal.

David Moyes is believed to have made an attempt to bring Campbell to Real Sociedad, but now appears to have lost out on the forward.

Drake
Drake
10 years ago

Tai how funny that you name all classy players for chelsea…but for us it giroud?i want someone better than him or play theo then sign a winger is that too much?giroud will never be a 20+ goals striker maybe theo can…ts how about those who say coq is better than matic?lol off topic have you seen how good is kalmp now under tuchel?im impressed

Canadian Gooner
Canadian Gooner
10 years ago

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

Rico – Another great article. I see it got a little feisty in the House yesterday, after I left.

As long as we continue to qualify for the UCL, I’d rather win the UCL than the BPL. It is a truly international game these days and players are more interested in the UCL than any parochial league. If we want to continue to buying world class players, we must be able to compete in the UCL. At the least, making it beyond the group stages.

allezkev
allezkev
10 years ago

I remember seeing Olsson and Akpom in a preseason game at Borehamwood a few years ago…

Olsson looked a very accomplished player and seemed earmarked as the eventual successor to Arteta.

Wonder where he is now?

allezkev
allezkev
10 years ago

Akpom was superb, he played wide, then in the hole and then ad centre-forward…

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

A friend of mine who spends a lot of time around WBA suggested Berahinho to me last season. He reckons he is quite skilled and not just a goal poacher. It is so critical that quality young players get the right manager at the right time. Look at how Ross Barkley has stalled under windbag Martinez. Under Wenger I feel he could be quite something.

Tai
Tai
10 years ago

Drake,

How many goals did Giroud score last season despite being three months off? And by how far was Costa better? But Giroud doesn’t just score goals…he’s the ricochet for Walcott, Sanchez, Ramsey, Ozil, Carzola…no team is structured like that in the EPL and Wenger is not likely to change that now it’s about to explode!

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

I’m with you Rico and Scott. The PL title all day every day over the CL. It’s a much harder trophy to win and a stiffer examination of the squad. Many say that the PL is the toughest league, so winning it is a great thing. Unless of course it is Chelsea and then it is devalued and leaves a rather unpleasant odour around the place. The presence of vile racist Terry and sociopath Mourinho ensures that.

Canadian Gooner
Canadian Gooner
10 years ago

As for Le Coq, I think he has great potential, but one good season does not make him a great player. We have all seen players, for Arsenal and other teams. who have burned brightly for one season or one tournament, but could not replicate it.

George Graham bought Jon Jensen on the strength of his performance for Denmark at the European Championships. Jon played well for Denmark and helped them win the tournament, but rarely, if ever, played as well for The Arsenal.

Le Coq does not need a backup, he needs real competition for the CDM position. While Mikel Arteta is a good squad player he is not true competition nor a long term alternative.

Drake
Drake
10 years ago

Db that what im trying to say too

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

You have a valid point Tai.

Scott- that is my expectation too on Le Coq’s fitness.

Kev- Wiki tells me Ollson has formaly signed for the club he was sent on loan for…

The conspiracy in me says he was shipped out for voicing his opinion on twitter.

Funny how AW tried so hard to get him when we had competition from Chelsea and RM and then wasted him…

Malaga gooner
Malaga gooner
10 years ago

Nice post Rico
The conversation over the last couple of weeks was do we need cover for le coq or do we need to sign a world class dm.
I want a word class dm to come in. I don’t want a 2nd rate back up

Drake
Drake
10 years ago

Tia we will buy someone who is better but similar to giroud,someone like benzema or lewandoski

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

Rico. Sign him up then. :). The new Defoe?

Canadian Gooner
Canadian Gooner
10 years ago

Rico – I wouldn’t worry about the Petulant Portuguese Pygmy or his mind games. He is much like Sir Anal Fergusmoan was. As one manager was quoted as saying; if your team was no threat to his, he was gracious. However, if your team was a potential challenger; all you got from him was bile and malevolence.

Me thinks that Maureen views Arsenal as true competition for the championship.

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

Or the new Kaba Diawara? 🙂

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Drake- It found it funny how the media loved Klopp so much; Klopp had charisma big.

I think Tuchel will be a super name very soon.

So may say I act like I know it all, but I always said BVB’s successes was hugely due to the then fitness coach. I was hounded for that by Goonie and few on here…

I think Kev, let me know that Le Grove wrote a post highlighting that same point last season…

Drake
Drake
10 years ago

Sorry imean canadian gooner

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

TS. Is Tuchel of the Wenger or Mourinho or Klopp school of management?
Or does he tread his own path?

Drake
Drake
10 years ago

Ts im starting to like tuchel too,bayern will have to fight harder to win next season

RwinnerB89
RwinnerB89
10 years ago

Afternoon Everyone

The main reason I would choose the Champions league over the Premier League is because we have never won the Champions League and I for one would like to get that monkey of our backs and be crowned the best in Europe. would be great!! :-).

I think we do need a CDM and a CF but I doubt Arsene will spend plus I would like to see Hayden, Akpom and even Bielik get a chance to prove them self, we need to take a risk now that we have a well balanced squad. Playing youth now will be different from playing youth when we had to because of the financial strain. Don’t get me wrong I would love to see Lars Bender at Arsenal but then that means Coq (sounds so gay when you say it out loud), Hayden and Bielik get pushed down the pecking order and could hinder their progression. Give them until January and then buy if we need to.

P.S. Didn’t know I would be nervous while writing a comment but it is my first one so go easy! Lol.

Gdna
Gdna
10 years ago

Tai, I hope Coq replicate his form from he had in the last 19 games of last season, if u re-watched the games Coq was asked to do a specific job beside SC and it worked, how can anyone be sure if it will work with AR or JW operating in CM?

AW on Coq – ‘He has analyzed well what he is good at,’ said Wenger. ‘Defending in midfield. He was in between the playmaking position and the box-to-box player and he is not that. He is a sitting player who can win the ball.

‘He has restricted his game to that and you make success in life with what you’re good at. You don’t have all the qualities but you have to express what you’re good at and he’s good at that. I think he can do that job. He is doing it now.

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

Hi GDNA.

Gdna
Gdna
10 years ago

Adam, sup Boss? Charity shield Yes or No. lol

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

No, no CS for me. I hate Wembley but am gearing up for the new season after renewing the STs-again.

Seems Sky Sports have looked into Mourinho’s claims and found them to be quite wrong. Again.

scottfromoz
scottfromoz
10 years ago

Twice we agree in one day then, Adam.
I’d take Barkley in a heartbeat.
I think there’s a super player in that kid.

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

Scott. That is worrying. 🙂

Gdna
Gdna
10 years ago

Adam, I hope Arsenal win the PL this season, I admire how Arsenal fans support them by spending their hard earn bread. The turnout on Sunday was impressive. My respect Sir, hope this season give you another your wife another reason to renew next year. Hold it down bro! You know I be following it from the sofa, I’m plastic but a good one, but I will be watching. lol.

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

GDNA. They also serve who sit and watch. Cheers. 🙂

Gdna
Gdna
10 years ago

Adam, that’s what’s up. lol

potter
potter
10 years ago

Just dropping by can’t stay. Le Coq was tiring to the end of the season and the league is the target cups are just a bonus

scottfromoz
scottfromoz
10 years ago

Adam, you’re slipping lol

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Adam- I think Tuchel is making his own path. Based on how Mainz play I would say he is more of a Beckenbeur or fergie than AW. from what I read and hear from those who watch German football(youth) he is very good at coaching.

He had a very disappointing playing career like most top managers.

Klopp did very well for BVB winning the title 2 times when Bayern were in some sort of adjustment. My issue with him a the very minute few BVB fans I meet when going to watch BVB is that, players like Bender and a few of the youth did not quite accomplish what fans expected.

The also disliked Klopp putting his needs above the clubs by keeping Lewandowski when he was not going to renew his contract.

The BV fans I knew hated S04 having younger players come through

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Rico- Interesting move for Aranguiz. I am pleased for him. He deserves to make some Euros’ too.. 😉

I would have preferred him as our player but…

Joe
Joe
10 years ago

Drake
Giroud’s goal record
19 goals -2014-15
22 goals 2013-14
17 goals 2012-13
True he has not been a 20 goal a season in two of the three years but it’s fair to say he hasn’t been far off.
I also feel that if it wasn’t for the injury last season he would have beaten the 20 goal a season. But maybe the more important fact is that he has moved in to the group of strikers who score a goal in less than one in two games.

Joe
Joe
10 years ago

The above post contains no stats 🙂

Joe
Joe
10 years ago

Looks like the Brazilian footballer Fred failed a drugs test in recent Copa America test on B sample on going.

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

lol Joe.

Drake – do you have Benzema, Lew and Higuain stats at hand?

Canadian Gooner
Canadian Gooner
10 years ago

Arsene Wenger: My response to Jose Mourinho’s Liverpool, Arsenal and Man Utd jibes;

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/456302/Arsene-Wenger-Arsenal-press-conference

Canadian Gooner
Canadian Gooner
10 years ago

Have a great day everyone. Only five more sleeps until the community Shield game kicks off a new season. HOORAY!!!!!

Keep The Faith!

allezkev
allezkev
10 years ago

I take Mourinhos snide remarks as a compliment, and how worried he is, of the current Arsenal…

Now if Arsene just holds his tongue and lets his team do the talking, I’ll be delighted.

Drake
Drake
10 years ago

Ts i dont have stats,but i do know that if wenger can improve giroud what would stopping him from getting lewo or benzema.and plz dont tell me about higuan,he is very similar to giroud the guy has cost messi and co. A world cup and copa lol.
Guys we are linked linked with busi of barca,they wenger has asked about him.i dont which position the player we will sign but all i can tell he will shock many people and including our rivals

Drake
Drake
10 years ago

All im saying is they will be a monster player signed…we have 200m and we are taking our time,can i name the player?no!,can the media name him?no!all we can do is wait until he is on arsenal.com

potter
potter
10 years ago

I would take that £ 200 million with a pinch of salt. It reminds me of the quotes from Edelman , Fiszman , Hill Wood & Gazidis in the past. The money has been there most of the time but it’s a case of how you choose to spend it or not as the case may be.

Dublingunner
Dublingunner
10 years ago

Afternoon , A few interesting titbits doing the rounds today, Benzema putting pics of himself on Instagram on a flight to where, nobody knows, but he is not with the team, and is said to have a small injury. Someone just said that the hashtag Benzema used “Turfu” is slang for “Future direction”. Confirmed
Yes, it’s a french slang which means “future” and before that, he said “Leave the past in the past”
Also Reports coming in, Wenger has asked the board to buy Busquets, it,s said he see,s him as he,s DM. Barca, however, don’t want to sell and it’s not thought Busquets wants to leave, but the Gunners will put together a financial package to change minds.

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

Busquets and Benzema in one day?

Utterly amazing and it must be true because it is in The Bleacher Report.

Joe
Joe
10 years ago

Yep the hell of the transfer window a Benzema picture on plane and he’s not with Real team add some cryptic words and hope goes in over drive Dublin I hate this time of year.

Dublingunner
Dublingunner
10 years ago

think it was sport.es that broke the busquets first, adam, likely to be bo***x, be nice to know where Benz was going to, could be just compassionate leave, but seemed all smiles in his pics aboard his flight.

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

DG. One never knows. Arsene moves in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform. 🙂

Gdna
Gdna
10 years ago

Adam – I know you have a connect. lol. Benzema AFC new CF or Benzema and Cash for David de Gea???

Gdna
Gdna
10 years ago

*Cash and David de Gea for Benzema.

Dublingunner
Dublingunner
10 years ago

Just trying to find news to stimulate the brain on what has to be one of the quietest summer T,W in Arsene,s tenure, which posed another question, when was the last time we had a summer T.W where we brought in none or only one player. I think it was 2009/10, I think we only brought in Vermaelan. Couldn,t happen this season, could it.

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

Gdna. I really have no idea. Honest. 🙂

allezkev
allezkev
10 years ago

Benzema, Busquets, Bender, Bender, Bent.

The dream ticket…

Adam, are you on the settee? 🙂

Micko
Micko
10 years ago

C’mon kev, everyone knows Adam has a sofa-bed !

Wouldn’t it be great if for just one summer we could watch the transfer window unfold in reverse !

Dublin, we’ll only find out in the last 48 hours…Arsene knows.

allezkev
allezkev
10 years ago

Hi Mick, you coming over for any games in the near future?

Micko
Micko
10 years ago

Would like to do a couple of away games again this season kev, maybe a home game around Christmas all going well.

Dublingunner
Dublingunner
10 years ago

I think he just likes the spotlight at the end of the T.W. I,d gladly wait till the last 48 hrs, if we were to be told we,ve signed Busquets and a W.C striker.

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

MVila, Postiga and Pallicios. lol

Who would have thought Brenda had a buy to let portfolio of 102 homes…
What a numpty?

Going to keep my opinion to myself before Micko tells me I am beginning to sound like Ed Milipede… lol

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

The 42-year-old football boss – whose properties are said to be scattered around the UK – had a conviction for neglecting a rental property quashed in April.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3177331/Brendan-Rodgers-divorce-goes-Court.html#ixzz3hCn4h8cW
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

Micko, hit me in future if you want to roll with an AKBer for an away game…

I am doing NUFC on 29th Aug. Depending on how transfers go it will be an interesting train ride home. 😉

Micko
Micko
10 years ago

I’d never give you any grief tsgh, you going this weekend ?

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

No mate.
I fell out with my chav neighbour.so I didn’t get an invite. lol

Very nice man but he is becoming to paranoid for my liking…

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

I wonder what Agag will do if Busquet was to join us.. 😀

Dublingunner
Dublingunner
10 years ago

With Barca said to be favourites, to sign pogba, they,ll need funds for such a bid. Maybe Wenger will test the water, with a bid for Sergio, could make sense. Or maybe “he knows something we don,t”

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

The away games before the transfer window closes is always so intense.

Half of fans wanting us to win regardless and others thinking if we get thrashed then Aw will get sacked or will go out and spend big. lol

I think the last such away game was the 0-0 game verse stoke where Abou Diaby played … a midfield trio of SC19, Arteta and King Abou.

One fella was like he wanted Abou Diaby to get injured so we can go out and buy a CDM

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

I would prefer Rakitic myself Dg.

Definitely not a CDM but he can do the job and also score goals (big ones) when needed.

Dublingunner
Dublingunner
10 years ago

Rakitic is a fab player, but I think we have more than enough players that can do what Rakitic can, but have we got enough players that can do what Busquets can, He could be the reason Wenger pulled of the schneiderlin deal, oh, wouldn,t ye love to know, what the sly old fox is up to.

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Dg- Oh I love Busquet too… That is my ideal CDM.

Arsenal fans want a proper DM though from what I read.

He will be a big name signing. Is he any different to Arteta or Sc19 though in that role.

Like Carrick, Busquet does not tackle much but recycles the ball superbly

Joe
Joe
10 years ago

Tsgh doesn’t it say it all when Arsenal have fans who want to see our players injured playing for the club or the team loses on the off chance the manger might get sacked.
They really have no idea how Arsenal is run or the history of the club.

eduardo
eduardo
10 years ago

Abou Diaby has signed for Marseille on a two-year contract. a pay-as-you-play deal.

Dublingunner
Dublingunner
10 years ago

Jeez Madrid quick to respond to todays Benzema,s instagram pic, by saying “Real Madrid say Karim Benzema still with squad in Shanghai before next game against AC Milan. Private jet pic? Believed to be from holiday.”

Dublingunner
Dublingunner
10 years ago

Pulis nearly got his man, not quite !!!

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

Evening Rico and all.
I am now Kev, after a long Skype call rather wore me out. 🙂

Dublingunner
Dublingunner
10 years ago

Any word on Flamini or Campbell, rico, I thought they were supposed to be off.

allezkev
allezkev
10 years ago

Adam, you have to very careful with those Skype calls, they can be literally exhausting… 🙂

allezkev
allezkev
10 years ago

Rico, you have mail… 😉

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

Rico. Do you have Skype?

Dublingunner
Dublingunner
10 years ago

ye Campbell,s better off, I wasnt aware he was on loan, the last i heard of flamini was, gala, were supposed to be in talks with him. then went quiet.

eduardo
eduardo
10 years ago

Iwobi had Campbell’s no.28 kit at training today, as food a sign as any that Joel is leaving and Iwobi will be part of the first team squad this season. Rene-Adelaide also had a change of number from the weekend, he was in the 30’s today

Malaga gooner
Malaga gooner
10 years ago

Evening all
Campbel is of to Palermo

Malaga gooner
Malaga gooner
10 years ago

I think so Rico, do you think he has a future at the club

eduardo
eduardo
10 years ago

I know that rico, what I’m saying is that it looks like the will be officially named in our first team squad, like Hayden, Zelalem, Bielik, Akpom etc last season. Many young players train with the first team squad, some on a very regular basis, but don’t get named in senior squad and when in training have a slightly different way of numbering the tops, first team players have their number under the Arsenal crest, non first team members have their number under the puma

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Solid test for the chavs tonight against Psg

Malaga gooner
Malaga gooner
10 years ago

Ginge their playing Barcelona,

Tai
Tai
10 years ago

Morning to anybody around…,

So quiet this morning!

Tai
Tai
10 years ago

How many home grown do we have….Martinez, Gibbs, Chambers, Ramsey, Wilshere, Chamberlain, Walcott, Welbeck…eight!

Will Wenger keep any of these out of the squad? Not likely unless there’s a home grown replacement.

How many senior non-home grown? Cech, Ospina, Debuchy, Kos, Per, Gabriel, Monreal, Coq, Carzola, Arteta, Flamini, Ozil, Rosicky, Sanchez, Giroud…15…don’t know exactly where Bellerin will belong this season…will he be 21 soon?

23 players without counting Bellerin…if Flamini goes, we’ll have 22. Is Wenger likely to start an EPL challenge without filling the extra two/three slots? Don’t think so…so, hold it yet…Le Prof seemingly has an ace up his sleeve!

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Morning Tai, Rico and all…

Scott, I suss you are ‘skulking’ somewhere. 😉

There is nothing quite like waking up to Jose slanting someone else’s wife.

allezkev
allezkev
10 years ago

Morning All

Morning Rico

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Tai- le Coq is home grown.. and so was Scez (assumingRoma deal happens)

Tai
Tai
10 years ago

Again, where does Gnabry belong?

Tai
Tai
10 years ago

Morning Ts,

Thanks…never knew Coq has been with us for eight years…how time flies!

What about Bellerin and Gnabry? Are they still u-20 for this season?

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

Morning Rico, TS, Kev, Tai and all. I do like it when someone else has a pop at Jose.

Tai
Tai
10 years ago

Morning Adam….

I’d treat Mourinho as if he didn’t exist.

allezkev
allezkev
10 years ago

Morning Adam

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

Hi Tai. I imagine that is the fear that haunts him and fuels his unpleasant and confrontational nature. One of the things the sociopath cannot abide is the thought that they are being ignored. It’s the first step on the road to manipulation and in the British press he has found many willing to be manipulated. It is shameful how dumb most football writers are in this country. Alcohol dependency will do that to you though.

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Serge, Bellerin are still u-23 but fall under home grown rule.

Morning adam, kev

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Adam- have you seen the faces of some of the ‘peers of the Elm’ claiming £8k+ in expenses for attending parliament 30 times only…

I bet disco Dave gets less than that, but the media ‘dupe’ us to believe that the likes of Disco dave (with shorter life expectancy) are the ones draining the nations coffers.

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

TS. I have. It’s infuriating isn’t it? Many of them live near The Other Place too.
When I receive my peerage I shall get Kev to drive me to and from work. 🙂
If he refuses I shall thrash him.

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

the great Westminster Rip Off

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Most of the men look like people one couldn’t trust their kids with either…

When you get the peerage don’t forget to claim VAT on the red spandex. 😉

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

TS. 🙂
What has happened to the bloke who was caught snorting coke from some girl’s breasts? He seems to have vanished. I bet he’s holed up in Dolphin Square along with Lord Lucan.

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

lol Rico. I feel sorry for Disco Dave. I blame Wath. 😀

Adam- As you know Lord Sewel is a man of high integrity; He even helped establish the code of conduct for the House of lords. 😛

Amazing how he can’t be stripped of his title but if one was a doctor, scientist or chartered member of any professional society and you were busted you would lose the acquired title for bring the institution into disrepute

allezkev
allezkev
10 years ago

Morning Ginge…

Adam, just like in Tom Browns Schooldays I hope…

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

My resentment of him and his ilk is dwarfed by my feelings for the sick bastard dentist who killed that magnificent Lion though. What an absolute scumbag. He kills animals for sport and then says how much he “loves” doing it. As a peace-loving man generally I would like to see something awful happen to that disgraceful shithead.

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Maybe Mugabe was half right when he said the difference between western politicians and the government of a dictatorship country was the western politician wearing a suit whilst the others wore military gear.

Still believing in democracy is delusional.
I guess Mark Twain was right if votes mattered politicians wouldn’t allow us to vote. 🙂

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

Yes Kev. Naturally. 🙂

Adam
Adam
10 years ago

TS. At least it looks as though we will be spared Sol Campbell as Mayor though. Mind you, him over Livingstone every day.

tsgh
tsgh
10 years ago

Its awful… re. dentist

I wonder how he managed to ship his kill as a trophy through customs.

allezkev
allezkev
10 years ago

Don’t worry Ginge, under that posh spiv, David Cameron, this government wants to increase the membership of the Lords from 800 odd, to over 1,000…

Jobs for the boys ( n girls)…

A nice little earner for doing fcuk all and living off the State in their subsidised restaurants and bars…

allezkev
allezkev
10 years ago

Adam, or should I say Flashman, I look forward to it… 🙂

Wavy
Wavy
10 years ago

Morning Al.
I thought Disco Dave claimed he was a Villain, in every sense of the word! When he was asked during the hustings who supported he forgot their name until he was reminded by one of his press officers. I believe he only supports them cos Prince William does! Furthermore more, I should hate him to be a goner, not a good thing at all, almost as bad as having to put up with Piers the knob!