Daily Bits and Bobs

Sahin deal hits snag, Offer made for M'Vila & Two Years ago today…

Posted on by rico

Morning Gooners,

Today Highbury House is two years old………..

I really want to thank everyone who has made Highbury House what it is today.

Without you giving up your time each and every day, this place wouldn’t exist. Two years ago I wondered if it was all worth it but two years on and I know it sure as heck was and it will be for a long long time to come.

You truly are a great bunch of Ladies and Gents, yes, Ladies and Gents!!

Santi Cazorla has been chatting to the official site about his new found freedom:

The manager played me as a second striker, with the freedom that I like to have. It’s a position I really like, and it’s not one I’ve played in much in recent years, but I will play there without problems. It felt really good making my debut. Of course, it was not the result any of us wanted – we wanted to start the season by winning in front of our own fans, but we had chances and we did well. 

It’s a long season, so we can build on this. I had one chance and so did a few of my colleagues and that was the key to the game. We had complete control of the match but that final step just eluded us.

Every day I’m becoming more used to my team-mates and I’m enjoying myself more. The Club have done a lot to help me settle in the team and to make it easy for me to get used to life in the city. Every day is a little bit better and I feel a little more comfortable.

Here in England there is a faster rhythm to the game, a higher tempo. In Spain games are more cautious, more tactical. Here there is more tempo, more to-ing and fro-ing, but I like it.

Alex Song.

He has officially left us after seven years and what is there to say really other than good luck and thanks for last seasons eleven assists. I can’t be bothered to check out how many free kicks he gave away which ended up in us conceding a goal and I certainly can’t be fussed about his percentages of tackles in the final third or his sideways, backwards or any other kind of passing he was good at either….

Reality is, he is a good player and he always will be but we need more than good.

Just a thought, it’s been seven years without a trophy for us, how long has Song been here??

Onwards and upwards…

Annoyingly, it seems the deal for Nuri Sahin has hit a snag. Not sure what that snag is but we can only assume it’s something to do with the option to buy at the this season. Hopefully that will be sorted out today and he’ll be with us before the weekend.

Onto another player I really hope we are planning on signing and of course that’s Yann M’Vila. Rennes have confirmed that three offers have been made for their player, two of which are from Zenit and Tottenham. No mention of where the third offer came from but Speaking to Radio RMC, Rennes General Manager Pierre Dreossi said that he cannot rule out another move from Arsenal following the departure of Alex Song:

Arsenal? Maybe, you’ll have to call Arsene [Wenger]. But when Song leaves, we must say that Arsenal will reinforce that post. Same thing for a club that sells to Arsenal.

We maintain our price tag of around €20m [£15.7m].

‘Another move from Arsenal’?

So we are interested. Good and all he’ll cost is what we have just sold Song for!

The reserves had a good night, despite being down to ten men they beat Bolton 3-1…

That’s about it for another day….

Have a good one all….

rico

0 thoughts on “Sahin deal hits snag, Offer made for M'Vila & Two Years ago today…”

  1. Adam says:

    Good morning Rico and all. Happy birthday to HH, the best Arsenal blog by a mile because of all of you guys but especially Rico. She will certainly be blushing a little as she reads this but, from a personal point of view I think she is deserving of all our thanks for the way she runs the blog and keeps us all under control. She is knowledgable, funny and most of all, kind spirited and warm ( she’ll be reaching for the tissues about now) and I, for one, wish her all the very best. Even if she is very negative at times. 🙂

  5. Scott from Oz says:

    Happy birthday Rico,and a job well done.
    I’ve said enough because I truly believe it……you run the best forum around.
    Lovely of you to acknowledge our input,but the reason the regulars stick around is due to the fact you handle the trolls so well…..even me..its how I started out lol.
    Once again,congratulations.

  8. Billboy says:

    Happy Birthday HH. Well done Rico. I may not comment every day but I read it every day and it is the best for me. Balance and realism.

    I think the Sahin deal is taking time due to that shit Mourinho.

  9. rico says:

    Morning all…

    Thanks guys, but as I keep telling you all, it’s you that make it. It’s easy to set ground rules (just two) but everyone who posts here stick to them and make each day fun…

    So it’s you who deserve the praise….

    Adam – you wait!! 😉

  16. rico says:

    Billboy, I think you are right about Jose, he’s worried that sahin will have a blinder of a season and he’s not set the sell on price high enough…

  18. Thorny says:

    Happy birhday, this place is great, i am new to it but there’s like minded, knowledgable gooners to bounce stuff off when I have a rant or a question. Awesome.

    I am possitive that RVP doesnt function without Song (and sometimes Ramsey) fergies gonna have to learn that the hard way.

    Hope you get some good birthday news today,

  20. Scott from Oz says:

    I’m 100% convinced Sahin will be ours,but I think Mourinho wants the best of both worlds,and I can’t blame him.
    If he sells him,he looks silly for buying him in the first place.
    If he loans him out,we wouldn’t be his first choice,so to get Sahin,we must jump through some hoops…so be it.
    If he has a boomer of a season with us,Real WILL sell him to us,but at a premium.
    Still,if he’s good as well think,he’s worth the effort.
    M’Villa is nudging closer every day.

  21. Adam says:

    You would have thought that the fundamentals of the Sahin deal would have been agreed ages ago. But I suppose that, when you are dealing with a sociopath who tried to gouge the opponents assistant manager’s eye after a game, you never quite know where you are.

  22. PV4 says:

    Don’t post much on here but always read. A well balanced forum which manages to steer clear of the gutter language and scathing personal attacks. Congrats Rico – No: 1 on the net.

    PS: Does this now mean that Manu are deep in a crisis?

  25. GoonerB says:

    Happy Birthday HH. “Ladies and gents” and silky compliments to start the day. Rico you silver-tongued devil. Flattery will get you everywhere.

  26. rico says:

    Thorny – new or old, it matters not 😉

    I hope we all get birthday news, I think M’Vila and Sahin would be the perfect gifts….

    Adam beat me to it Scott, was sure it was more than once…

  27. rico says:

    I can’t keep typing thanks to you all, just know it’s in my mind 🙂

    PV4 – The media will just write that loss off as ‘bad day at the office’ – if it had been us, it would have been a headline grabbing fairytale for them…

  28. Lee says:

    Happy Birthday to The House!! Rico without your input it and masterly control it just wouldn’t be the same. Adam and AK did you post the pressie???

  30. Akoma JB says:

    HH,Happy birthday to u, my prayer is that u advocates for at least a serious holding midfielder for song replacement

  34. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Hiya everyone. Emma the AS.com story reads well.

    It’s Arsenal trying to arrange a stabilised FEE now, rather than have Madrid ballooning the FEE (if and) when Nuri Sahin becomes a success.
    Different permeations:
    1. If it don’t work out, he goes back
    2. If it does work out and Arsenal want him – we need to know how much NOW, and not later. We don’t want to be haggling over an extortionate amount of money next August because Madrid know Arsenal want him.
    3. The other angle is that Madrid will want him back if he’s a success.

    No. 2 sounds the most logical….

    As.com seems to be a sound Sports Rag and nothing like our tawdry broadsheets.

  35. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Scott from Oz says:
    August 21, 2012 at 9:31 am

    has it spot on !!!

    Sorry mate, didn’t see you there !!

  36. Joywedsjeff says:

    Happy birthday HH… What a way to celebrate… Rico you didnt mention the perfect birthday gift given us by van persie…. Strugling in a fergie shirt… Although he will score around 12 league goals, he will definitely struggle like the euros because the team is not built around him. We should have sold song to them too. Typical wenger gave fergie the car but sold the ignition to barca… None will function well without the other… Happy times ahead

  37. rico says:

    I was so tempted joyswed but I am saving that until May 😉

    ‘Typical wenger gave fergie the car but sold the ignition to barca’…

    cracking….

  43. Scott from Oz says:

    Apparently Conor Henderson mpressed in the reserves.
    He’s one I’ve heard of,but haven’t seen.
    I know he was doing well before injuring himself 12 months ago,but what can you guys add.

  48. Thorny says:

    joywedsjeff, true that! Its exactly the same as the Dutch squad with too much A Robben. It all comes down the flanks with Nanni etc and is totaly different to mini diagonal lobs through the centre. cant see scoles and crew sorting that out.

  49. rico says:

    Forgot that they aren’t reserves any more, they are ‘under 21’s’ 😉

    Henderson played well too apparently…

  50. Scott from Oz says:

    Zenit want Arshavin…
    Spuds looking at Andy Carroll and possibly Edin Dzeko,unless they can get Adebayor.

  51. Scott from Oz says:

    Anyone on Henderson?
    Rico,they’re saying they need a replacement for Dempsey…he refused to play for them last week.
    Top player,but im sorry Clint,you don’t do that.

  56. rico says:

    Yes Scott – i saw that about Dempsey, shocking behaviour from a player, no doubt encouraged by his agent to behave in such a way… Wants a move to Liverpool doesn’t he?

  58. allezkev says:

    A Big Happy Birthday Rico, you don’t look a year over one, tbh….. 😀

    Morning AKB’s…
    Was that a Smudge vid Rico????

  62. Joywedsjeff says:

    Focusing on our own club… If we get sahin and no mvilla thats means we have a midfield of carzola arteta and sahin… A better upgrade on song, arteta and rosicky. This tells us what we need to know about song last season…. He was not ask to play as a defensive midfielder just to impersonate a creative player and he did it well.. At least on the assist count

  63. Benny says:

    It is a must, wenger brings in M’Villa to challenge Yaya and Faliani in the midfield, it is true sahin is good but physical presence is needed. Wenger please get our M for the Villa, we need him, if possible get two, we don’t want a repetition of last season to happen again, when injury rock the team and there wasn’t replacement from the first team.

  64. markzever says:

    Happy birthday HH, congrats RICO, I see RVP becoming the Torres of chelsea,mark my words,check out his stats come May

  65. rico says:

    Off to walk Fido whilst it’s cool…

    Back in an hour ish, have a good morning and who knows, whilst I’m out, Sahin will sign 🙂

  66. allezkev says:

    Scott, re: Henderson,
    He doesn’t charge around like a lunatic, he’s a neat and tidy player, gets the ball and moves it on…
    Accurate passer, left-footer, likes having a dig at goal, a classic Arsenal player.
    Not flash, doesn’t go charging into tackles so often doesn’t catch the eye, but i think he’s good Scott…

  67. allezkev says:

    Hiya Lee, i’m good mate.
    got some more diddling to do on the garage roof , very soon….
    Great to hear the ‘occassional’ posters coming on….
    Now don’t be shy you occassionals, you all have something to say and something we want to hear and debate, so come on, get posting… 😉
    Where’s Smudge? 🙂

    Btw, how did the Mancs escape only losing 1-0…..

    The smell of decay from OT is rank…..

  72. allezkev says:

    Tbh Scott, both Henderson and Frimpong, elicit a lot of doubt from certain sections of the fan-dom, but i see them as home-grown, with the club in their heart, and therefore must be given time to develop.
    Not least given time due to their horrendous injury misfortune…

  75. seyi boy says:

    We really need sahin and M’vila to upgrade our mid field position but don’t really know our good mexes is but we need a good DF 2 seriouly. Pls beg Mr Wenger to do something fast.

  78. Lee says:

    Adam, I can see him tethered to a post at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Barca really embracing this eco-drive with open arms…. 😉

  83. Adam says:

    I was thinking we could hire a room at The Emirates and carry Kev in, aloft, dressed in a toga while eating grapes. His saddled feet resting on Stan’s blond locks.

  88. Benny says:

    Good morning Gunners, I guess all the Gunners saw what Everton played ManU last night, Feliani was the engine room for Everton and thw was because of his physical approach. Wenger must bring M’Villa to the Emirate to challenge Yaya and Fellaini and if he wants to finish top four. Sahin is a good player no doubt, but the physical presence is much needed at the defensive midfield. wenger, you can get the two player if possible, At the central back wenger should go for Everton defender Phil Jagielka, he will be a better addition to the squad, we need quality on the bench as well not quantity.

  89. Canadian Gooner says:

    Good morning fellow Gooners.

    Happy Birthday to Highbury House. Only an infant, but I’m sure it has a long life ahead of it.

    Special thanks to Rico for giving birth to it and maintaining it’s high standards.

  90. essienspecial says:

    Happy birthday HH. Congrats Rico. I ALWAYS READ your articles everymorning for a year now. Though am more of the quiet type, I Dont bother to comment. Take it from me. HH, is d best arsenal blog out there and ur angelic personality on net just makes u a magnet to readers and bloggers! Have fun. With M’vila and Sahin, i wouldnt care if we go on relegation! I would be estatic all thru d season just watching those names wear our jersey every weekends, no matter d results. but i think we will do well! Love u all.

  92. mog says:

    happy birthday rico do’nt comment very often but always read. in fact never missed one i know people complian about le grove but they gave it a plug on the first day so i have to thank them for that. its just the twats that comment on there that let it down.

  93. essienspecial says:

    Happy birthday HH. congrats Rico. I constantly read ur articles for the past one year now, but am more of the quiet type, i dont bother to share a comment. Take it from a tighthroat like me, HH is the best arsenal blog out there, head and shoulders above the rest. Plus ur angelic personality on net just makes you a magnet to bloggerz all over! Especially the gents eh! 🙂 anyway, if we get M’vila and sahin, i wouldnt mind if we went on relegation coz I would be sooo estatic just to see those names on our jersey each weekends! But im sure we wil do well wit them. Have fun y’all!

  94. Merlin96 says:

    Morning everyone!

    Happy Brithday HH.

    This place is HOME to moi, love bantering overhere, no flaming, no gutter langauge, everyone respect everyone view………
    Best of all, no ad hominem fallacy.

    “What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility”
    Leo Tolstoy

  95. Canadian Gooner says:

    I’m sad to lose Song who could have given us some stability until the new boys bedded in. However, I’m very surprised to see the negative comments about the player attributed to a “club source”. That is unprecedented during Wenger’s tenure.

    I don’t buy the rebuttal of those statements by “a source close to Song” that the comments were just meant to make the sale more palatable to the fans. IF true, the rest of our team would know the truth of the matter and wouldn’t take kindly to the club slagging of a team mate by telling porkies. Arsene and Arsenal FC have always acted in a fair manner and been very careful in their public statements about departing players.

  96. Merlin96 says:

    SOng retorted: “The fact that Barca bought me said it all.”

    You think Barca will buy a lazy, indisciplined and highly individualistic players like Song……unless as a bench-warmer to Sergio?

    Or warming the seat till Yaya Toure returns to Barca in 2 years time?

  97. TT says:

    There is no way that the club would have said this to placate the fans as a majority of them as far as I can see are happy enough he was sold as long as we get another midfielder in.

    Happy birthday by the way 😛

  98. Merlin96 says:

    Chelski ……2 WIgan 0
    Abu Dhabi 3 Saints 2
    Arsenal ……0 Sunderland 0
    Newcastle ..2 Tiny Totts 1
    Everton…….1 ManU 0
    Liverpool…..0 WBA 3

    Not a bad first game of the season in contrast to those Top-6 teams.

  99. Merlin96 says:

    Yes.
    THe key is to get a better replacement.

    Onward to Theo…
    ANy rumor he signs or on his way to Liverpool?

  101. Canadian Gooner says:

    Merlin96 — Yes, I think Song is in for a surprise. I believe Farcalona have bought him as a squad player due to his versatility. I don’t see him as a regular first string player for them. He wont be the first transferee from Arsenal to have that experience. You’d think they would have learned that by now.

  102. Canadian Gooner says:

    SYG — A very good article. Thank you for the link.

    As Jamie states “He is not a finished product – he never will be now…”.

  104. Scott from Oz says:

    Sorry Merlin,but I don’t need a “club source” to tell me Song is lazy….my two eyes offer up all the evidence I need.

  105. Scott from Oz says:

    Everything is a bit quiet on Theo.
    I heard he wants to stay,and they want him to stay,and are nutting out final details.

  106. allezkev says:

    Jamie Sanderson‏@YoungGunsBlog

    Terms agreed with Nuri Sahin. Arsenal still talking details with Madrid late last night. Club had hoped to announce it by now

    From 50 mins ago

  107. allezkev says:

    Liam Morrissey‏@ElmoRed2011

    @YoungGunsBlog alrite mate Liverpool in for Adam Johnson it seems

    Expand Reply
    Retweet

    Favorite

    1hJamie Sanderson‏@YoungGunsBlog

    @ElmoRed2011 – Certainly some interest, but expect he’s more likely to move to Everton for regular playing time.

  109. allezkev says:

    Benjamin‏@blievens

    @YoungGunsBlog No chance of it being announced today? What’s the hold up?

    Expand Reply
    Retweet

    Favorite

    1hJamie Sanderson‏@YoungGunsBlog

    @blievens – Don’t know when they’ll announce it. Just heard talks had dragged on late last night. Club hopeful it will happen

  110. allezkev says:

    AFC_inside_me‏@AFC_inside_me

    @YoungGunsBlog Good article, one that I agree with. But how do u square the fact that Darren Dein’s dad is one of Wenger’s closest friends?

    Expand Reply
    Retweet

    Favorite

    1hJamie Sanderson‏@YoungGunsBlog

    @AFC_inside_me – They go back ages, but Darren Dein just doing his job, rightly or wrongly.

  113. vernat1066 says:

    Generally if the player or agent says it in public it wont happen Arsenal do their business mostly in private

  114. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    He’s not bad, however, I sincerely doubt we’re in for him. When a player says we’re in for him, we’re not/ Plus we can do better.

    Me personally, Gibbs will make that position his own IF he stays fit.

  115. Canadian Gooner says:

    Romford Pele — Thanks. I realized that it may just be a player trying to get a better deal with his club or an agent touting his client, but I was curious about the player.

  117. Scott from Oz says:

    I’m with Pele….I’ll go a step further and say Gibbs was our second best player on the weekend.

  118. Scott from Oz says:

    RICO,not sure if it can be done,but can comments taken out of moderation be played at the bottom of the page?

  119. rico says:

    They come on at the time the comments are left annoyingly Scott, pretty sure that can’ be changed … I’ll repost them just for you 😉

  120. rico says:

    essienspecial says:
    August 21, 2012 at 11:56 am (Edit)
    Happy birthday HH. congrats Rico. I constantly read ur articles for the past one year now, but am more of the quiet type, i dont bother to share a comment. Take it from a tighthroat like me, HH is the best arsenal blog out there, head and shoulders above the rest. Plus ur angelic personality on net just makes you a magnet to bloggerz all over! Especially the gents eh! anyway, if we get M’vila and sahin, i wouldnt mind if we went on relegation coz I would be sooo estatic just to see those names on our jersey each weekends! But im sure we wil do well wit them. Have fun y’all!

  121. rico says:

    M’Bengue was in the news a few days ago, he suggested that Arsenal have been interested in signing him but his coach says no player is leaving as their season has begun…

    Yeah right, money talks 😉

  122. rico says:

    Benny says:
    August 21, 2012 at 11:36 am (Edit)
    Good morning Gunners, I guess all the Gunners saw what Everton played ManU last night, Feliani was the engine room for Everton and thw was because of his physical approach. Wenger must bring M’Villa to the Emirate to challenge Yaya and Fellaini and if he wants to finish top four. Sahin is a good player no doubt, but the physical presence is much needed at the defensive midfield. wenger, you can get the two player if possible, At the central back wenger should go for Everton defender Phil Jagielka, he will be a better addition to the squad, we need quality on the bench as well not quantity.

  123. Canadian Gooner says:

    I realize its early days and you can’t draw too many conclusions from only one game, but I did enjoy watching Everton vs. ManUre yesterday. For once I was rooting for the boys in blue and they didn’t disappoint.

    Robin looked nervous and was relatively anonymous. He’s not the goto man at ManUre. He wont get the same service he was used to with us.

  125. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    I’m starting to think M’Vila is not going to happen. Sahin and a creative forward would do me.

  126. Scott from Oz says:

    Thanks Rico….don’t worry if it’s a bother though.
    I’d hate to miss good comments,thats all.

  127. TT says:

    Agree CG he won’t have the same influence at Manure as at Arsenal. We may actually be better off in goal scoring terms than last year as we will have much more varety this term with Poldi, Sexy (that’s my wife’s opinion) and Carolza, not to mention if we get Sahin and Gervinho steps up like I know he can.

  135. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    It just doesn’t make sense to buy M’Vila if we’re getting Sahin. We’re already well stocked in the middle as it is. Sahin, Cazorla and Arteta is a nice midfield three.

    Also if Arsene plans on using Ox in the middle, that’s another body in there.

  137. Canadian Gooner says:

    Romford Pele — I’m not so sure regards M’Vila. Most, if not all, of the quotes about him seem to be coming from his club. It may be the same quotes being redycled due to lack of real news, but it seems to me that Rennes are trying to drum up interest in a sale. Have Rennes completed the purchase of Makoun?

  138. NashuaGunners says:

    Good Morning Rico and all.

    Congrats and thank you for being so accommodative and patience with some of us especially me who never blogged before until I found HH. You give me something to look up to come every morning where Arsenal is concern.

  140. southyorkshiregunner says:

    L’Equipe
    We aren’t being linked, but we’re a bit short at right back

    Inter
    Maicon (Inter) would terminate his contract
    Douglas Maicon would terminate his contract unilaterally last year, says ace on its website . The Brazilian side, wearied by the attitude of its leaders could play Article 17 of the code of football in Italy and spend $ 2 million in his pocket. It would then be free to engage as it sees fit.

  144. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Hiya Pele…
    I know he’s been capped over 60 times by Brazil… Not seen him much for Inter

  145. rico says:

    CG, I think that is being done at the moment, M’Vila seems to definitely off, it’s just where to….

    Seriously, M’Vila and Sahin would allow proper rotation without jeopardising the team strength. We have four competitions to be playing in, we need to be able to rest/rotate players as the fixtures will come fast and furious very soon….

  146. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    CG, Yes Makoun is set to arrive which signifies that M’Vila will leave but that will leave the likes of Ramsey, Diaby and Coquelin with next to no game time.

    I’m not opposed to it Lee, I just don’t see it. And we’ve never ever played with a strict DM, so I don’t see why we’d start now. Arsene likes to have a rotating double pivot/midfield trio. It’s all about discipline and organisation more than having a no-nonsense tackler. Arteta performed the role well on Saturday and i’m sure him and Sahin can suffice there.

    Then again, i’ve always thought the role of a DM was overrated. May just be me though.

  147. Joaquim Moreira says:

    ARSENAL’S SAHIN DEAL ON THE ROCKS
    Arsene Wenger’s pursuit of Real Madrid’s Nuri Sahin was halted as talks about a loan deal hit a sticking point: the Gunners insist on an option to make the deal permanent next summer.

  148. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Hiya SYG, He’s a bit too old and his positional sense isn’t the best. Not a major improvement for me.

    I do agree on M’Vila, just don’t see Wenger doing it though.

  151. vernat1066 says:

    Alonso is out of contract at RM next year which is why they want to keep Sahin, i would have made a bid for Alonso who is a superb footballer and know s the league but i suppose RM wouldn’t sell him

  152. Andrew says:

    alonso will probably sign for them his happy at madrid with his family surely? And luka modrics going there! so alonso ozil kheidhra granero diarra and modric all vying for midfield!

  153. Canadian Gooner says:

    Romford Pele — Some good points there. However, re “And we’ve never ever played with a strict DM, so I don’t see why we’d start now.”; wasn’t our Brazilian Irishman Gilbert O’Silva exactly that?

    If Wenger is still interested in M’Vila, his purchase may depend on the completion of the Sahin loan/transfer. Wenger may be playing deadline day chicken with Rennes over the price. If so, I don’t think it will be Wenger who blinks first.

  155. Gunnerdna says:

    Mates it’s better to be safe than sorry let get M’vila or Coup, some of our MF are liability. Remember guys this is the hardest league in the world

  161. W.A.T.H says:

    Afternoon All, Happy Birthday Rico… 2yrs old you say…! I thought you were nearly as old as AK 😉

    Well done on running a great blog….. A well deserved round of applause.

  166. Micko says:

    Fatman and Robin didn’t exactly set the premiership alight last night did they ?
    Thorney, if your out there, how do the Man United fans feel about him.

  167. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    CG – Gilberto played box-to-box most of his Arsenal career. The DM role only really came into fashion when Makele left Real and they imploded. Before that, most Prem teams played a two-man CM partnership and they could both attack and defend.

    With modern football changing, the need to dominate the midfield has become paramount, which is why you see more teams deploying a three-man midfield and a lone striker. You could argue that more teams now prefer using DMs but I like complete midfielders like Alonso who can do it all.

  174. southyorkshiregunner says:

    I’ve no idea… Auclair…. maybe there’s some credence in it.?
    Left back with Lyon, but looking at the footage he is any position but left back.. He can wallop a ball though ..

  176. Canadian Gooner says:

    Romford — I still see Gilberto as more DM than box-to-box. I remember many Arsenal fans questioning what exactly he did for our team. It wasn’t until after the ‘Invisible Wall’ left that they understood.

  177. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Yeh he cost a lot of money SYG – and for someone who is 29, we can do better.

    I only think he played more defensively in big games CG – and that’s understandable as to not give anything away. But as I said earlier, M’Vila isn’t a pure DM anyway, he has a fantastic passing range and is a more complete player than Song, so i’d happily welcome him. My only gripe is that I don’t see it happening unless we shift a couple CMs. We’re already stocked.

  181. allezkev says:

    SYG, that Bastos has a hammer of a left-foot….

    What is he, defender, midfielder, or a bit of everything (very usefull)…?

  185. Andrew says:

    dont we have andre santos ?I dont see a need for bastos tbh…Still hopong on sahin his added creativity form deep will allow cazorla to play on the wings at times! like benayoun when we needed the extra passer in the game!!

  186. Canadian Gooner says:

    Well it is past dawn and I have to get some sleep. Till tomorrow fellow Gooners. Hopefully we have some good news re Sahin.

  188. allezkev says:

    John Cross‏@johncrossmirror

    #afc have deal agreed for Sahin – but still not confirmed. Wonder if Wenger having last minute second thoughts with so many midfielders…

  190. allezkev says:

    Mr. Arsenal ‏@OsmanZtheGooner

    M’Vila “I don’t know what’s happening with the clubs, but I would be keen on Arsenal and the Premier League.” #AFC

  191. NashuaGunners says:

    Lee, that what I’m talking about, Baines. No nonsense, epl experience but costly. Could make a difference if we get him.

  197. Micko says:

    What was the outcome of M’Vila’s court case, wasn’t he supposed to have punched a 17 year old in the face.

  198. rico says:

    Re Bastos, If we really are in for a left back, I wish we would buy a left back, not a left back/left winger…

    We need a defender, not another gung ho player who can defend a bit….

  202. Lee says:

    You seen AK, the Christmas bash is fancy dress…Adam’s sortint it out, he’s got a room at the Emirates booked!!

  203. vernat1066 says:

    If we don’t have an option to buy on Sahin, then if RM don’t renew Alsonso’s contract and they have not done that yet, we should make an offer on Jan 1st for him either on pre contract for next season or to buy him as a midfield of Arteta, Cazorla and Alsonso would be superb.

  204. rico says:

    🙁 Lee…..

    Kev, they wouldn’t fetch much would they…. these players don’t realise how many young fans they upset do they….

  205. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    As much as i’d like Alonso, it will never happen. Wages will prevent that. If you’re not going to pay RVP big money, why would we do it for Alonso.

  206. Micko says:

    Kev, your not wrong.
    So will the Brittania be another stadium for you to tick off your list this weekend.

  208. Micko says:

    Romford, I bet Liverpool regret the day they let him go, they’d have him back in a flash if they could afford it.

  209. Lee says:

    Rico, Fabregas followed by RiP have been his favourite players…. maybe he’s the Jonah, I’ll get him a signed squillster shirt!!! 😉

  212. allezkev says:

    Yes Mick, i went to Stoke’s old slum back in the mid-1970’s…
    Loathsome people in the Potteries…

  213. rico says:

    Lee

    I have a shirt signed by Cesc and Theo, i’m waiting for the second disappointment soon …..

    Wonder how many names you could get on one shirt other than just Squillster 😉

  215. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Yeh good point Micko, though like Torres and Mascherano after him, if you want to leave, not much the club can do right?

    All I want is players who actually want to be here, and bar maybe Diaby, I think we now have that.

  218. rico says:

    That good old rumour site 😉

    21 Aug 2012 14:20:18
    I’ve heard yann mvilla is in London

    To sign for QPR

  220. NashuaGunners says:

    New players coming in for the first time worries me but player like Alfonso with epl experience is a bonus but costly. I wonder why that fool who was in Liverpool let him go. He could help seal the midfield in Arsenal’s shirt. RM current manager allowing Alfonso to leave for Arsenal is just a dream.

  225. agirlagunner says:

    Happy birthday, HH!! 🙂 🙂 rico, you’ve done an amazing job! 😉 Now please, everyone, click those ads.

  228. agirlagunner says:

    I don’t think M’Vila would want to join the Tots. Not when they’re not in the CL. He would be silly to.

    As for Song, the dotcom bid him bye but also wished him well. Unlike RIP. 🙂 II don’t think it was THAT acrimonious a parting.

    Everton’s win last night still makes me smile. And Fergusrednose was so ungracious about the loss. Ha!!

  229. rico says:

    But I must improve Arty, which means more bloggers need to start writing posts 🙂

    And a big thanks goes out to all who do ….

    I’m such a creep 😉

  232. rico says:

    Hi agag & bondex thank you, especially the bit about clicking the adverts agag 🙂

    looks like it Syg…

  234. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Everton with Mirallas has a very interesting team. They can fight for a place in european competiitions.
    Until when we can sign a new player for be able to play next sunday?

  235. rico says:

    agag, i didn’t realise the club didn’t wish ‘him’ all the best, i suspect they would had he joined Juve….

    Not too subtle Arty 😉

    Always count on you Micko….

  238. agirlagunner says:

    I click on those, rico. Especially the handbag ads. 🙂 And alwaaaays feel shoppingy afterwards. 😕

    How are you celebrating this fantastic achievement?

    And I’ll be right behind you, Micko. 😀

  241. KM says:

    Sahin is a stop gap it seems so Wilshere can get back on his feet slowly……

    We definately need M’Vila because we lack steel in the side.

    If we’re getting Bastos, I’m up for it because Gibbs is average, lacks attacking instincts. 2 Brazilian LB’s woohooooooo 😉

    Imo Marcello is the best LB out there – why? Because he’s so attack minded that he keeps the opposition right winger and right back back in their own halfs and the system at Madrid/Brazil allows him to raid

  243. rico says:

    JM, we could do with 3 😉

    Mirallas says he was in advanced talks with us too but chose Everton in the end…

    Makes me think we could still see a striker signing….

  245. agirlagunner says:

    The club just thanked RIP for his contribution, rico. 🙂 Very telling. We always wish players leaving the best of luck. Which is why it annoys me when RIP says there were no hard feelings.

    Hiya, Lee. 🙂

  247. KM says:

    Rico

    I’d love us to get Moses. He is explosive, EPL ready and Podolski can rotate between LW & CF.

    Gervinho can shift over to RW and share that wing with Oxo

    But imo we should get rid of Walcott…he does not fit in with our pass and move phiolsophy…..without him we will be extremely fluid in attack.

    If not Moses, get Navas/Johnson

  249. rico says:

    KM, totally agree re Sahin an M’Vila…

    Oh well agag, short and sweet goodbye for ‘him’ then, bit like his contributions for the years he was with us… No, I am not bitter….

  251. rico says:

    A few here would like Moses KM, still think he’s heading off to Chelsea, he’d be foolish though, he wouldn’t get much playing time there….

  252. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Sahin is a stop gap?! I hope you guys are not saying in terms of ability?! You do realise this guy was footballer of theyear in Germany before moving to Madrid.

    He was better than Gotze, Bender, Kagawa and Lewandowski who were all in the same team. This guy will be brought in to play with Wilshere, not replace him.

  256. KM says:

    Rico

    Chelsea & City both English talent only to be within the homegrown rule it seems to be. I can’t see them getting gametime there. Its a waste, Johnson is such a talented player but he’s gone way off track now. Would have him over Walcott anyday.

  257. allezkev says:

    Well there’s only one answer, Agag will have to for go her shopping trip and do a re-write for Mick….

  258. KM says:

    Get the feeling we’ve missed out on Mirallas, the boy’s got ability. Moyes can see that because he’s got an eye for picking talent on a small budget.

  259. KM says:

    One of my problems with Wenger is that he hangs onto crap players for too long (Walcott/Chamakh/Park/Mannone/Fabianski/Djurou and now Ramsey). If you get a near offer/ bid get rid of the player because you can bring in a better player in that position and raise the morale of the players and create competition and get you more bloody points which gives you more money at the end of the year when you come 1st/2nd.

  261. allezkev says:

    Nuri Sahin: part of an extraordinary revolution at Arsenal

    By Walter Broeckx

    Well the silence from Arsenal is deafening and that is usually a great sign.

    But on the internet and in the English papers, the rumours are spreading like mad that Nuri Sahin will join Arsenal on a one season loan spell from Real Madrid. If those rumours are to be believed he should be announced any day now.

    So what do we know about this Turkish-German player?

    He was born in Lüdenscheid (Germany) on 05 September 1988 and is 23 years old. He is 1m79 (or 5ft10in) and plays in midfield and is a left footed player.

    So what could we find about him? Is there a better place to search than with people who have seen him play at Dortmund?

    He became a first team player at Borrusia Dortmund at a very young age and is still the youngest goal scorer in the Bundesliga. Nothing seemed to stop his march to glory. He made his first appearance for the Turkish national team but then he suddenly had a bad spell. Dortmund sensed he needed a break and send him to Feyenoord Rotterdam. He won the KNVB Cup with Feyenoord that season. In those years Wenger named him one of the best talents in the football world.

    He then came back to Dortmund and became one of the central players of the young team under manager Klopp, a team built with lots of own youth players that won the Bundesliga in 2011. Real Madrid came along and off to Madrid he went. He won the league with Real Madrid but only played a handful of games so he will not have been that happy in Madrid.

    How do they describe his playing style? He likes to play in a central role and is not afraid of going in the challenge. He has a great long ball and has an eye for an opening before anyone sees it. Some could say a bit like Cesc. (Is that putting pressure on him?)

    His education in Germany also has resulted in him adapting the German way of life and playing football. He always is hard working, in training or in a game, he always gives himself 200% one could say. He likes to float around midfield, but most of the time plays a central part and he can defend rather strong. He is called a real fighter on the field.

    I think Podolski will know him from the Bundesliga and an incident between them in a game between Cologne and Dortmund where they stood nose to nose. A bit like Vermaelen and Van Persie once in the Ajax tournament.

    He could become one of those typical Wenger buys. Didn’t make it at a the “big team” and then coming to Arsenal to give a fresh start on his career. We all know Wenger has a hand in turning such players in to real big players.

    The talent is there, if he gets match fitness and sharpness he could become a big player for Arsenal this season. And who knows maybe for years to come if the loan can become a permanent deal.

  262. allezkev says:

    A couple of additional bits from Tony

    From what I have seen Sahin is an authoritative play maker par excellence, always getting into places where he can have the ball in order to start the attacks. He has the ability which we saw from Song a few times last season for making extraordinary passes exactly to the right player in the right position at the right moment.

    .

    Which is very interesting because when combined with a willingness to hold onto the ball until the right moment comes, and the ability to move it to the right man at the right time he is seemingly like Cazorla.

    .

    Also interesting is that his arrival would give us Cazorla, Arteta, Diaby, Wilshere Rosicky, Oxlade Chamberlain, and Ramsey all able to mix and match it in midfield.

    I would urge everyone not to be put off by the fact that Real Madrid are willing to let him go. In 2010/11 Kicker magazine and the German players’ union both made him player of the year. Real Madrid constantly do what Man City have done – overload their playing staff to cover every eventuality – something that FFP is due to try and stop. But it can mean that some highly talented players simply don’t get a game.

    If this deal goes through as we expect, Arsenal will now have only about 3 players left who were regulars in the team two years ago. What we are witnessing is a total revolution both in the playing staff and the style of game. A revolution similar to the one Wenger introduced when he first came to the club.

    From Untold Arsenal….

  263. agirlagunner says:

    Lee, a little. 😉 I waited a month. 🙂 🙂 Kev, Micko’s woofa will poop the document whole. 🙂 Just needs to be rinsed.

    Hello, KM. But no one wants to buy the players you named. 🙂 They are The Great Unwanted. 😀

  265. KM says:

    Agri

    Agree with you. Johnson has attitude problems. Navas did have homesickness issues, but he’s over them now.

    I think Wenger can turn them around though.

    TT

    He was a RM fan, so that froze everyone out.

  266. Merlin96 says:

    TT, he turned down Arsenal and wanted to join Real only.

    Bluntly, if player has a choice of joining Arsenal or Real or Barca, he will certainly not choose Arsenal…….like Benzema…like Affelay…

    Gnarby?
    He said his favorite club is Barca….guess what happen in 5 years time?

    Bellerin?
    He made a slip of his tongue and declared he will return to Barca one day.
    In 5 years time when he is developed and Barca makes a bid…guess what he will do?

    Of course, don’t forget Reyes who begged to be released to join…..Real.

    I am totally cynical and detested all these foreign youngsters who treated Arsenal FC as a sucker, a nursery for their development and then f**ked off – Flamini, Merida, Fabregas, Song…..

  267. Micko says:

    Agag, you’ve changed ! Got a wicked streak about you these days.

    KM, 5 of those 7 you mentioned are possibly crap, I’d persevere with Walcott and Ramsey myself although the latter must be a very worried man, he’s gonna struggle to get in this team as things stand.

  268. Merlin96 says:

    Sahin?

    I think we better forget him as MOurinho is using Wenger to develop him when Real retains the option to bring him back and release Alonso and Diarra.

    But with Ozil, Kherida, Grnaero,…..I think it is hard fro Sahin to break into teh side unless he proves he is better than them when playing fro us.

    Either way, it is a “lose-lose” proposal for Arsenal if we do not have an option to buy him as his price can balloon to 30-mil + with ABu Dhabi or CHelski or ManU or Liverpool snatching him from Arsenal in 2013/14 season.

    WHy are we nurturing another “Fabregas” fro Real?

  269. TT says:

    Well if that’s the case then we might as well go for M’Vila too. I Think I can see where the manager is coming from regarding this loan deal. Jack will need time to easy him self back into the game and Sahin plays somewhat similar role to the one I think Jack is best in, deep lying play maker that can tackle also.

  271. rico says:

    bondex, just kidding re the adverts 😉

    KM, I bet Adam Johnson wishes he’d never stepped foot in Manchester, super player ruined…

  273. TT says:

    If he is there to help cover for jack Merlin then his game time would start to taper off coming close to season end, unless we have an huge amount of injury’s. And the fact he may excel at Arsenal may not necessarily mean he will do so elsewhere as the system we play may suit him better.

  275. rico says:

    Micko, I’d stick with Walcott and Ramsey too, just have this sneaky feeling about both coming good…

    Both have stiff competition this season, could bring out the best of them and if it doesn’t then they are’t the players some thing they are…

  280. rico says:

    Micko, I reckon we will see 4 more joining, including Sahin on loan.

    I say that because I also believe that a few will start to leave now..

    Mannone
    Chamakh
    Park
    Arshavin
    Bendtner

    And of course Adam’s star man, the squillster….

  282. NashuaGunners says:

    @Micko, it too late to shape-up now, they should be thinking of shipping out before the TW close. The money can be well spent elsewhere.

  283. rico says:

    NG – Bendtner to Milan for cash is better, I’d rather we then got Sakho, VdW or someone a bit younger and more versatile…

    Mexes is old, passed it and always injured….

  285. NashuaGunners says:

    But the point is no one is come calling for Bendtner. I would take cash if the option is there but don’t see it coming.I would rather Bendtner stay than Chamack.

  286. rico says:

    Not sure on that NG, those players could well gel better with the new signings over the next few games…

  288. rico says:

    vida, why??

    NG, I’d rather Park stayed and the other two go. Park would give us something different…

  289. Micko says:

    Rico, that happens and I’ll be skipping around the front room like a school girl.
    Nashua, Mexes is well past his sell by date, can’t see Wenger falling for that one.

    Laters Gooners, over and out.

  290. agirlagunner says:

    I’m getting impatient for the new signings. 😀 (So this is what happens on transfer windows, I almost don’t remember how good a good purchase can feel.)

    Micko 😛

    Nashua, Bendtner has burned all bridges with the club. He never stopped shooting his mouth off about us. 🙁 Maybe if we get M’Vila, Chamakh could thrive.

  292. NashuaGunners says:

    Hi agag, true with Bendtner. He’s too big for himself. With Chamakh, I lost confidence long time ago.

  293. agirlagunner says:

    rico, i do not really know Sakho. vdW though, I do. 😉 Mabe we should get him and next for Affelay who by next year would be so frustrated by lack of playing time. 😉

  296. rico says:

    He does it with Korea NG, and agree, he deserves his chance, he could be the real no 9 we have been missing since Dudu…

  297. rico says:

    agag –

    Mamadou Sakho (born 13 February 1990) is a French international footballer who currently plays for French club Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1. He primarily plays as a centre back for his club, but can also deputized as a left back if necessary. Sakho is known for his leadership credentials, his tireless engine, hard-working attitude, and his tackling ability. He has also been praised for his “physical and tactical qualities

  298. tomstoned says:

    Happy Birthday Highbury House!!.. and a great Thx to all who makes this a great great Arsenal Blog..
    Best Regards Tom

  300. agirlagunner says:

    I know he’s been linked to us before; rico, has AW ever confirmed interest?

    And what is it with these players claiming they could have signed for us?? Mirallas? Pogba? Whodey?

  301. rico says:

    That’s all of us tomstoned – and that includes you 🙂

    Good JM, second season syndrome will come into effect, he’ll be average….

  302. tomstoned says:

    and there is no snag when it comes to sahin…that transfer must be seen in the light of modric’s move…..once thats cleared any Gooners who wants sahin can celebrate…
    me ill just have a beer and tip my hat off for the truly great Song…
    got a question from my misses last nght who is more interested in shopping than footy ;)why dont we just travel and watch Barca instead…..and my daughter suddenly agreed…she has been a big fan of cesc and then song…to me its means problems ahead…maybe i should just cave in and hope that wenger lets me go on the cheap ;)…

  303. agirlagunner says:

    tomstoned, NOOOOOO!! You cannot possibly let your daughter be led astray by the false gospel that is Barcelona. You bring the Missus and the daughter to the church of Arsenal!! Quick!!

    I think Song is capable of the spectacular and the dismal. He manages to be both in the same game. 😉

  304. allezkev says:

    Agag, it could be a case of Arsenal enquiring, having preliminary talks, then deciding not to progress or refusing to pay outrageous financial demands….
    Then being bitchy after joining their new club.
    You know, a woman scorned etc… 😉

    I hasten to add, none of the ladies on here would fall into that catagory. You’re all too high-class.. 😀

    Phew, got outta that…. 🙄

  305. tomstoned says:

    im hard headed Agirlagunner,but it will be expensive keeping the Girls happy ;)ill have to dig deep and rename my trip this year to a Wonderful Christmas shopping trip to Oxford Street 😉

    saved by the bell Allezkev ;)touche..

  306. allezkev says:

    Freddie Ljungberg has Tweeted that he has been offered a coaching role at Arsenal for 2013-14.
    And has accepted the role…..

  312. agirlagunner says:

    Well-done, Kev. 😛 You are very wise. We’re the ones to do the scorning… 😀 How’s the roof??

    tomstoned, you must not give in to the ladies, this time. You must put your foot down; rule with an iron fist; or just flex those financial muscles. They’re not getting any if it’s not Arsenal. 😉 Mind you, that’s no punishment– a bit of a reward, really.

  314. allezkev says:

    Ditto Rico, one of my favourites was Freddie, a scorer of important goals…
    Met him in Harold Wood when he was running the line in a charity game…
    Top bloke…

  316. allezkev says:

    Got a big day roofing tomorrow Agag.
    Very messy, but a good way to get a nice sun tan.
    Not me though, i stay in the shade…. 😉

  317. rico says:

    I bet Andy Williams loves him too AK 😉

    I watched a television programme about him once, he was simply lovely and such a hoot when he shopped. Had his favourite place to shop for clothes in London, and watching him with the two gay guys who owned it was just tops…

    Love him….

  320. allezkev says:

    Adebayor leaves Arsenal to win stuff at city. Ends up at Tottenham after be touted about like a cheap stripper

  322. agirlagunner says:

    Ow, Kev. You should avoid Boracay, Phuket, Langkawi then. 😛 😛

    rico, you got all gushy over Ljungberg. 😆

  324. stevepalmer1 says:

    Evening all, Happy birthday HH and to all HH bloggers, Rico you have been a rock theres been some tough times with your fair share of Arsewipes but the gang has kept it the way you wanted it and i must admit i have followed some of our housemates comments and seen how they handled them, some of the ones that i thought were going to be pain in the arses have surprised me by turning out to be bloody good supporters good on ya you know who you are 🙂

  325. allezkev says:

    Jamie Sanderson‏@YoungGunsBlog

    Tottenham finally get Emmanuel Adebayor. #MCFC will give him a pay off to take a hit on his £175k-a-week wages. Madness.

  326. allezkev says:

    Jamie Sanderson‏@YoungGunsBlog

    Always feel sense of frustration with Adebayor. Tremendous potential has stalled by bad club choices. He’ll regret it, one day

  328. allezkev says:

    Adebayor could have been a fantastic centre-forward and an Arsenal legend…

    No brain cells between his ears, and an overblown feeling of his own self-importance…

  329. agirlagunner says:

    City are burning money. What a poorly run club. Adebayor is yet another one who overestimated his importance.

  332. stevepalmer1 says:

    Hi Agag, started to slow down a bit now, just as well as i’m knackered most of the time, you been down any dark alleys lately i Know a certain Adebayor would like to get the Agag greeting 🙂

  334. allezkev says:

    SSP, is that a knee in the groin…..?

    Yes, Adebayor certainly deserves one of those…

    Agag, i’ll hold your handbag… 😉

  338. rico says:

    Twitter:

    Arsene Wenger has been arrested for stealing £24 million from an old aged pensioner.

    😆 😆

    I’m off for dinner…..

  339. goonster says:

    dont worry mama bear ama write me a post soon. its to die for. anyway happy birthday HH, its almost like yesterday after i took a bashing from jaguar i stumbled upon a blog with a great name and hell i know the owner. we ve both been shut down at legrove so many times. thanks for a well read blog rico. i owe you a huge french kiss. its my home from home and helped me a lot during my father’s demise. heck i found a new father and uncles here. i may sound a bit ditsy most times guys but*misty eyed* i really love you guys. you re my FAMILY!

  340. emma says:

    4mins ago

    Guillem Balague ‏@GuillemBalague

    Arsenal and Madrid have agreed deal for Sahin. If player is happy with details, deal should be confirmed in the next few days

  343. allezkev says:

    Jamie Sanderson‏@YoungGunsBlog

    Surprised to see #MUFC get work permit for 18-year-old Ángelo Henríquez. No senior caps. 1 cap for Chile U23’s. They have a knack.

    Collapse Reply
    Retweet

    Favorite

    49 Retweets
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    11:53 AM – 21 Aug 12via web · Details

    19mshrek Gunner‏@shrek2be

    @YoungGunsBlog did Wellington Silva ever play in the Brazil youth teams ?

    Expand Reply
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    Favorite

    18m ?‏@onearsenewenger

    @YoungGunsBlog They have a brown paper envelope

    Expand

    18mDanny Carter ‏@FormidableRed

    @YoungGunsBlog – It’s United, what did you expect? They seem to have a different set of rules to everyone else.

    Typical, one rule for ManUre another rule for Arsenal….

  344. allezkev says:

    No Sir Steve, i am forever in your shadow…

    But thanks very much…. 🙂

    When are we going to enjoy one of your mighty posts again..?

  345. Will says:

    Evening Rico, Housers and a very happy birthday to HH and may there be many, many more.

    As for the Man Utd thing, what surprises me is that anyone is still surprised.

  346. Will says:

    From Ladyarse.

    The Spanish paper AS is reporting that the deal to bring Nuri Sahin to Arsenal has been completed and it is now just left for the two clubs to confirm the deal.
    The paper is stating that Sahin’s agent, Reza Fazeli, completed the deal yesterday which will see Sahin join Arsenal on a season long loan for wages of €2.8m with no option to buy the player at the end of the loan deal.
    Sahin, who was born in Ludenscheid, Germany, in 1988, started his football career at Meinerzhagen before joining Borrusia Dortmund’s academy in 2001. He would go on to become their youngest ever player, making his debut in August 2005 against Wolfsburg aged just 16 years and 335 days before becoming the youngest player to score in the Bundesliga, finding the net against Nuremburg just three months later. Sahin was also the youngest player to make an international debut for Turkey.
    Height: 179cm
    Weight: 65kg
    Nationality: Turkish/German
    This one is probably true. AS expect confirmation ‘within hours.’

  348. allezkev says:

    I look forward to reading it mate….

    Gotta do a couple more before i disappear up to London….

    Can’t rely on Agag and Wath to take up the slack… 😉

  350. allezkev says:

    I think he’s doing very well Steve.

    He’s not as grumpy as he was a few months ago…

    Must be the Grey Goose effect…?

    Either that or he’s passed his 11plus….. 😀

  351. allezkev says:

    He must be due to start in the ‘Big school’ Steve…

    You know, get his first pair of long trousers….

    He might even have a girl friend..? 😆

    You know what they’re like at that age… 😉

  352. stevepalmer1 says:

    Couldn’t handle him Happy 🙂 but nice to see Will still doing his Bit allways enjoyed Wills comments.

  353. allezkev says:

    Sky Sports sources understand a deal has been agreed for Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin to move to Arsenal.

    The Gunners have wanted to sign the former Borussia Dortmund star on loan and stepped up their interest after Monday’s sale of Alex Song to Barcelona.

    An agreement has now been reached between Arsenal and Real and the move could happen before the weekend if Sahin wants to make the switch to Emirates Stadium.

    Liverpool had also been linked with 23-year-old Turkey international but Arsene Wenger’s Gunners have always been favourites.

    Classy midfielder Sahin has struggled at Real since arriving in 2011 but could be considered the final piece of Arsenal’s summer redesign, which has seen significant changes in personnel in London.

    Former captain Robin van Persie was sold to Manchester United, while Song has joined Real’s Spanish rivals, Barcelona, among the reshuffle.

    But Wenger, who came in for criticism in Saturday’s season-opening 0-0 draw with Sunderland, has also brought in Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla.

  354. allezkev says:

    Yeah Steve, i’m glad he’s back, one of the orignals i remember from when i first came on….

    This blog has grown and grown and grown….

    It’s quite flattering to think that what we write actually interests other Gooners….

  356. rico says:

    Hi goonie, bless you, glad HH has been good for you, but french kisses… nah 😉

    Just off to shut the chickens up and then back….

  357. goonster says:

    hi guys, am one of the originals too………..i go by the name GOONERSTAN remember? cant imagine i ever blogged with such a goofy user name, yuck! hi sir sp, kev how re ya mate? afternoon W.A.T.H, what’s new?

  361. W.A.T.H says:

    I just sit here drinking GG SP, Rico does all the work mate I do nowt…!
    How’s you SP, how’s the fishing going..? That hip flask always come sin handy mate 😉

    Hey Stanley, morning to you fella hope all good. Looks like Sahin finally done but doesn’t seem to involve a clause to buy him end of the loan spell…! Oh well least we get a quality player for a season… 1 or 2 more to go and 5/6 out still and we’re proper..!

  363. stevepalmer1 says:

    Hi Stan, i allways think of you as Stan the man you can call yourself all the flash names but you will always be Stan the man who allways makes me smile. hope your being good 🙂

  364. allezkev says:

    Wath, who knows what the situation will be in 12 months time?
    Sahin might love it so much that he asks for a transfer?
    The problem would be the fee, if he does well at Arsenal.
    The better he does, the more we’d have to pay. No doubt that was in the minds of Real and Mourinho…
    Of course, it could backfire. Remember Julio Baptiste!

  365. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Zubizarreta: “Song era el primero en nuestra lista de prioridades” – jornal Marca – Spain
    but nothing about Sahin…
    The on-line newspaper have the new agree of Adebayour, a few news about the League but nothing about Sahin.

  366. allezkev says:

    In the final analysis, if Sahin helps Arsenal to end it’s trophy drought, then it’ll be a worthwhile agreement…
    Benayoun did the job for us and helped us get 3rd.

  367. stevepalmer1 says:

    this deal could work out better for us this way, i gotta say i don’t know much about this guy but if he turns out a duffun we send him back pitty we couldn’t have done that with some of the others, and if he likes it here and turns out a right gem he may turn out to want to stay.

  368. allezkev says:

    21 August 2012

    France international Yann M’Vila said he would be content to stay at Rennes if a transfer to Spurs or Arsenal fails to come off this summer.

    The north London rivals have both been linked with a move for the player, with the Gunners said to be considering a bid following the sale of Alex Song to Barcelona for £15million.

    The arrival of Cameroon defensive midfielder Jean Makoun on loan from Aston Villa could further hasten M’Vila’s departure, but the midfielder himself is putting matters concerning his future to one side.

    “In France we have until September 4th [when the transfer window closes]”, M’Vila told Sport 24.

    “If I have to stay with Rennes for another year, I’ll stay – if I go, that is life – but whilst I am here, I am 100 per cent focused.”

    Rennes general manager Pierre Dreossi said the club are still holding out for a fee of £15.7million.

    “For the moment, there are three offers”, Dreossi told French radio station RMC. “There is no agreement. We enter negotiations this week and hope to find a solution.

    “It’s a complicated project with clubs who are not even internally agreed [Tottenham], and clubs that Yann does not want to go to [Zenit].

    “Arsenal? Maybe, you’ll have to call Arsene [Wenger].”

    Any move would represent a u-turn from Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas, after he ruled out a move for M’Vila last week, saying: “He is an interesting player, but I don’t think he will join Tottenham.”

    “The player is a player of defensive characteristics.

    “We had initial interest in M’Vila but we have moved on from that one and are now looking for a more creative player.”

  369. W.A.T.H says:

    Think thats what we were trying to get sorted AK, A deal where they named the price now and not an inflated price in 12months if he has a great season !! We’ll see…!

    Who could forget Baptiste… lol

  371. allezkev says:

    Could be a 31st August deal, or maybe January?

    Isn’t he entering his last year at Rennes (Rennie)..?

  372. allezkev says:

    21 August 2012

    Arsenal vice-captain Mikel Arteta insists the Gunners are in good shape, despite the loss of star striker Robin van Persie and midfield enforcer Alex Song.

    Cameroon international Song followed Van Persie out of the Emirates Stadium this week when he signed a five-year deal with Barcelona in what is understood to be a £15million deal.

    Arsenal are expected to bring in some reinforcements ahead of the transfer deadline – a loan move for Turkish international Nuri Sahin is on the agenda if terms with Real Madrid can be agreed, while the club are also said to still be monitoring long-term target Yann M’Vila at Rennes, who are holding out for a £17million fee.

    Arteta was appointed vice-captain to new skipper Thomas Vermaelen following Van Persie’s £24million switch to Manchester United, who lost 1-0 at Everton last night with the Dutchman starting on the bench.

    The Spaniard believes the summer additions of Olivier Giroud, Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla, who particularly impressed in midfield on his debut in the goalless draw with Sunderland, mean the Gunners are already well stocked for the battles ahead.

    “We are looking good. We looked really organised on Saturday, just maybe in the final third we didn’t take the chances we should have done,” Arteta told http://www.arsenal.com.

    “It will take a while because there have been some new players coming in and we are building a new team. We have lost some important players too, so we will need some time.

    “We know that our new players can make the difference as well. We will have to give them a chance to settle into a new place.”

    Arteta linked up well with Cazorla and Abou Diaby, back from an injury lay-off, in a midfield which was without its usual anchor.

    The 30-year-old added: “I felt really comfortable when I played with Alex last year, he was a terrific player, but if he and the club decided that the best option was for him to leave we have to accept it.

    “I think we are good enough to carry on without him.”

  375. gunnerdna says:

    This Sahin transfer is not good for the club, he will play well and next season he will be sold to Man City for 60 mil and we have to start all over again, OMG reinvest some of the cash from vp and song transfer, AW for once. Why AFC Jesus??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

  376. Joaquim Moreira says:

    International: Representatives of ‘spurs’ in Brazil Leandro Damiao
    The Brazilian press revealed that Tottenham representatives are in Brazil to try to reach an agreement with the International pass the advanced Leandro Damiao.
    According to Globoesportes, Tottenham twice saw the International refuse proposals 12 and 18 million by Leandro Damiao.
    By the English club will have to open the purse strings to ensure the hiring of striker, who was featured in the Olympic Games, where he was the top scorer with six goals.

  378. allezkev says:

    Probably broke even again Steve….

    But wage settlements and signing-on fees are monumental these days….
    Look at what ManUre have to pay RIP over the four years of his contract…

    Mindblowing amounts of dosh.
    Even for me… 😉

  379. Will says:

    Hi Rico, I just have a sneaky feeling that Wenger will say Diaby will replace Song and we are well stocked in midfield.

  381. rico says:

    Sahin Will, he’ll be the one that AW will cite, not Diaby imho…

    But, i wouldn’t write off M’Vila just yet….

  382. stevepalmer1 says:

    Hiya Will, understand what your saying but i never expected a signing before the season ended so things have been changed in the Arsenal way of thinking, i get the impression that they feel its imperitive we win something this year, i reckon Kroenke has had a provy out

  383. goonster says:

    yes will, keep that to yourself. christ! we ve already completed the deal for sahin now we need mvilla, capoue or yanga mbiwa and we can really start dreaming or creaming which ever is appropriate to you.

  384. allezkev says:

    Tbh Will, we are actually well-stocked in midfield…
    We just lack a dyed-in-the-wool def/mid…
    Who knows who will come to the fore in that position this season?

  385. allezkev says:

    I personally think AW will bring in two more to bolster the squad.
    The Miralles saga shows that Arsene is looking for another striker.

  391. Will says:

    Agree with you there Kev.

    Ok, so if we get Sahin and I am guessing he is an attacking midfielder, who gets dropped?

  392. stevepalmer1 says:

    You could be right there Rico but if they keep getting players in there won’t be too many renting out their tickets this year.

  394. allezkev says:

    Not sure anyone gets dropped Will, not anymore.
    Just more options to rotate and rest players.
    Don’t know that i could name a 1st XI anymore!

  397. Will says:

    Rico, it is just every video I have seen of the guy have him spraying long balls and getting into the box. Is he an out and out DM?

  399. stevepalmer1 says:

    What worries me if we have a good season which i’m expecting just how much profit will we make next year

  402. allezkev says:

    HaHaHa, how many clubs is that SYG….?

    Seems they all lose interest when that pillock begins to negotiate

  403. rico says:

    No Will, not out and out….

    Good, that could mean no Mexes Syg 😉
    Vast amounts SP, bum on seats, money from winning a trophy maybe and a much better sponsership lined up 🙂

  404. allezkev says:

    Depends on the job AW wants Sahin to do Will..?

    You know Arsene has his own ideas about where certain players play…

    But from what i’ve seen, he can do a quarterback type of job.
    Imagine him picking out Podolski with those long surgical passes, turning defence into attack with one sweeping pass instead of our usual slow build-up?!!!

  405. gunnerdna says:

    @ rico, can you confirm if Man U is owned by the Queen, how on planet earth that young kid that just signed for Man U given a work permit the first day in put his feet on England soil, and AFC have players who they have to be sending on loan in Spain for the last 4 yrs. OMG. That the reason AW sell Alex the username (RIP) and sell the password to Barca (Song)

  406. Will says:

    I think we have enough midfielders and having one for one season seems a little silly to me. Saying that, losing Arteta scares me, for me, he is in the lynch pin of the entire midfield and we have no one like him.

  407. stevepalmer1 says:

    I’m going to wish you all a very good night and am going to hit Waths favorite tipple night all

  408. gunnerdna says:

    @goonster, it ain’t bad, climate is good for the past couple of day. can’t wait to have some of the southern food..lol

  410. rico says:

    No idea gdna….

    I’m following SP my day in HH is done and my pillow is calling me….

    Great day again everyone, catch up tomorrow…

    Night all, stay safe..

  411. NashuaGunners says:

    Cazorla took some headache before sorted out and look how impressive he was in the first game; Sahin would be no different. Just want the deal to go through so we can shot up some of critics like Alan Shearer.

  412. goonster says:

    nasher you read my mind….i ll send that twat faced bastard a few tweets myself….DNA you re gonna love it here.

  415. Canadian Gooner says:

    Kev @9:47 pm — I agree re Sahin. We have lacked that quick break upfield for some time now. I think we saw glimpses of that in the Koln game, especially in the first half. We need that fast trasition from defense to attack against the ‘park the bus’ teams when they make the ocassional counter-attack. We need to be in scoring position before they flood back into defense.

    Sahin and Arteta would make a good holding pair with each rotating between box-to-box and holding as required. Wilshere could be eased back into the team. Then we could rotate the three into the two positions to give each a rest and cover for any injuries.

  417. allezkev says:

    Will, we can never have ‘too many’ players…

    Our injury record in recent years kinda speaks for itself…

    Great to see Conor Henderson playing so well.
    And with Freddie Ljungberg in mind, do i detect a bit of Freddie in the style of Thomas Eisfeld???
    One to watch methinks…..

  421. NashuaGunners says:

    With all the midfielders we have right now and those comeback from injuries…TR7 and JW10…it going to be hard for some players to get spot.

  424. W.A.T.H says:

    With all fit……………!?!?!? Now you are having a laugh Nash… When are we EVER all fit…? Not going to happen, Sahin is cover so we don’t have to push Jack back to soon and eases the pressure on him and the expectations and also allows a couple of the younger players time to mature and grow as well. Agree with Kev can never have to many quality players not at all and if they all pulling in the same direction with no big ego’s spoiling the party then can only be good for the club.

  427. W.A.T.H says:

    Nite Kev,

    GDNA, I don’t mean cover literally mate I mean it as a fall back on the back of not having Jack available for a few months not having to rush him as we have Sahin… I’ve seen plenty of him and he’s a top top player gives our midfield a lot of options thats for sure although IMO we still short of a big physical player in there still..! Sahin Arteta Jack with Cazorla plain just in front of those three…! So many permutations…!

  428. Canadian Gooner says:

    Nash — I think we will see a lot more squad rotation this season. We now have the depth to cover all positions in case of injury. As Kev (I think) mentioned we wont have a regular starting eleven. We can now compete on all fronts without fielding a second string in the League Cup. The younger players can be given playing time individually at all levels rather than as a group in the League Cup.

    With this depth and regular rotation I would hope that we would see less injuries to key players and that those would be less serious. We would no longer have to worry about a Plan B as we now have a lot more flexible squad. Arsene could choose horses for courses; optimising the team for the current opposition.

  431. W.A.T.H says:

    Cheers CG….!

    Still think we need an out and out defensive midfielder but wenger may see if completely different and want three similar players in there all of whom graft and work as a unit..? Not sure that will work against hoof ball united like Stoke and a few others..!

  433. NashuaGunners says:

    Agreed there WATH, different team, different strategy. When we play Mancity YaYa always bully Ramsey in the md, the last game he was off with an injury. A proper Defensive Midfielder is really necessary in certain game like Stoke.

  434. NashuaGunners says:

    Quote of the Week
    “Of course you question yourself, and you question what you can do about it, even more than you do when all is going well. When things are going well the players, the press and the fans all have more certainty, and so it’s easier. But it’s these moments when experience helps, because it’s important not to question and change the wrong things.

    “How do you know what is right and what is wrong? Well you just try to analyse the situation as well as you can.We do that as a group in the coaching team, of course, and as well I go home and think about things by myself. Part of the job is to make decisions, and in the end somebody has to do that. You have to be decisive – it’s better to make a bad decision than no decision at all.” Arsene Wenger admitting that he questioned himself at times this season

  435. NashuaGunners says:

    However, now that the first game of the season is in the books, Arsenal’s next away match against Stoke City will be a crucial one.

    So with this, here are six areas the Gunners must improve on so that they can beat Stoke.

  436. NashuaGunners says:

    Despite the fact that the Gunners maintained a clean sheet by the end of the match, there were still a few holes in the Arsenal defense that could have proven to be costly if Sunderland managed to finish their chances.

    Early in the match, James McClean received a pass that went right between Per Mertesacker and Thomas Vermaelen. McClean then turned, but his shot was saved by Wojciech Szczesny.

    Arsenal had a few more defensive lapses that led to good Sunderland chances, but The Black Cats couldn’t score.

    Against Stoke, these kind of defensive lapses are bound to result in goals.

    So ultimately, the back four needs to tighten up and not make mistakes. It will be too costly and will result in a disappointing loss.

  438. NashuaGunners says:

    In the match against Sunderland, Arsenal did have quite a few chances to score. Santi Cazorla made a huge impact in his debut by being the leader of the attack. It was he who was producing a large amount of the Gunners’ chances.

    Early in the first half, Cazorla had a blistering run in which he charged down the center. He then had a great left-footed shot that was eventually saved by Mignolet.

    Then, in the second half, Olivier Giroud had a couple of good chances. One was a volley off a cross that went over the crossbar. His other chance was probably the best of the match. He received a clever pass from Cazorla into the box, but then, Giroud just couldn’t finish unfortunately.

    The Gunners had a good amount of chances against Sunderland, but no goals resulted from the opportunities.

    Against Stoke, Arsenal will need to produce more chances to be able to score goals and win the match.

  439. NashuaGunners says:

    Out of the good chances Arsenal managed to produce, none of them were able to become good goals.

    One of the first good chances of the match came from Arsenal’s new Spaniard, Santi Cazorla, when he charged through the field and took a strike from outside the box It was a good shot, but it was not good enough to get by Mignolet.

    Another good chance came from Abou Diaby a bit later, as he took a good shot from just outside the box. The Sunderland goalkeeper managed to get his hand to the shot to keep the match at 0-0.

    What was arguably the best chance of the match for Arsenal came in the second half from Olivier Giroud. The chance was produced by Cazorla; he made an incisive pass that provided Giroud with a right-footed attempt. What seemed like an easy shot turned out to be a disaster as he put the attempt wide of the goal.

    In the upcoming match against Stoke, the Gunners just have to be able to finish their chances. With the number of chances Arsenal had against Sunderland, it is a surprise that Arsenal didn’t score.

    The forwards will need to be more clinical with their finishing if they are to beat their upcoming adversary.

  440. NashuaGunners says:

    Throughout the season opener, Arsenal had many chances to score, as mentioned earlier. Of those, some of them were crosses that just weren’t good enough to reach a Gunner in the box.

    With a forward like Giroud who will be in the box, the crosses will need to be good so that Giroud can get his head to the ball.

    Then, the ground crosses must be strong, incisive ones as well so that it can reach a player in the box.

    In the first match, the Gunners didn’t have any great crosses, so this is an area that Arsenal will need to improve ahead of their next match.

  441. NashuaGunners says:

    Arsenal did have quite a few set-piece opportunities against The Black Cats. They had numerous corners and some free kicks as well.

    With the free kicks, Mikel Arteta had a strike that went quite above the crossbar. Then, Lukas Podolski had a free kick chance with his strong left foot; his opportunity went just over the bar.

    In terms of corners, the Gunners just couldn’t capitalize on their chances with aerial threats such as Olivier Giroud and Per Mertesacker.

    Set pieces are a strong part of Arsenal’s play, so the Gunners should make better use of these chances when they receive them against Stoke City.

  442. seedou says:

    Happy birthday to Highbury House!!wish this site many more to come.special thanks to all the followers especially my friend Adam,Rico……………Arsenal even i died.x

  443. NashuaGunners says:

    The Gunners managed to maintain a high quantity of possession against Sunderland. They managed to produce quite a few chances as a result of their possession.

    However, there were some periods of time where the Gunners had a few lapses in their possession, where they weren’t making much productivity with their attack.

    When Arsenal was making quick, precise passes, many good chances rose from what seemed to be nothing.

    When the pace of the match was slow, it became gradually difficult to find a good opportunity to score.

    Keeping a fast pace going throughout the match will be crucial for Arsenal to beat Stoke. It could be the most important part of the Gunners’ game plan against Stoke.

    Quick passing and off the ball movement will allow Arsenal to get in a rhythm and score; it won’t only allow Arsenal to beat Stoke, but any other team in the Premier League.

  448. seedou says:

    according to Arsenal fans forever on facebook,Sahin`s buy-out clause is settle to 14m,so he`ll be a Gunner like me before weekend hopefully tomorrow.i`m buzzing !!!!!!!!

  449. Adam says:

    It’s midnight in London and I have to get up early in the morning so I am going to bed. Let’s hope that Sahin is confirmed tomorrow and some more before the weekend. Goodnight Seedou and anybody else still up.

  454. seedou says:

    NashuaGunners
    cheers,i will sleep on my left ear tonight,so that i would hear Sahin signing confirmed before i wake up.

  456. NashuaGunners says:

    Seedou, I still know some people that live in The Gambia, another lady friend that I stayed with in Gambia now lives in Canada with her family. Hope to chat with some day, Cheers.

  457. gavin oz says:

    happy birthday H.H.well done rico great work in bringing arsenal fans together. whats the story with santos done for speeding,might end up in jail we may end up needing a new left back.

  464. Lee says:

    “AFC are the most important thing,players are just grains of sand on the beach. Arsenal are 125 years old.” G.Neville

  468. Lee says:

    Morning peeps!! Yes Neville wrote that and he’s gone up in estimation! The Kaka thing was on shitter…

  469. Scott from Oz says:

    Lee,that to me says Neville is true football lover……all credit to the man.
    Kaka…..not sure what to think.

  474. Scott from Oz says:

    Fox sports in Australia has just stated a deal is in place for Sahin.
    Believe me…when they make any announcement on football,it’s spot on.
    No great surprise,of course,but it’s the next best thing to appearing on Arsenals website,in my opinion.

  478. rico says:

    Hi Scott – that Tiote rumour was started yesterday by a newcastle fan.

    Not long ago he signed a 6 year deal with the geordies and he loves life with them…

    I wouldn’t believe that one personally…

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