Santi, Diaby, Busquets, Song, Giroud & Has Robin van Persie got his Passport ready??

The PR exercise in the Far East is done and dusted, the hard work at the London Colney training ground is well under away and Steve Bould together with Neil Banfield will no doubt have been barking out the defensive orders. Orders which they and Wenger will be hoping bring a dramatic change in the way we defend.

When we are at our best we attack as a unit and at pace so it’s only right that any team should defend as a unit too and that’s something which the dynamic coaching duo will no doubt be trying to instil in our players.

The next step in our pre-season takes off on early next week when the players board the plane to Germany for further training and our final pre-season fixture against FC Cologne on the 12th but will our current captain be making that journey?

It would seem that Santi Cazorla has his big toe into the club and the confirmation of his signing is expected today and as we all know, talks with Real Madrid about signing Nuri Sahin are at an advanced stage – whether we get him on loan, on a permanent contract or even at all suggests that Arsene Wenger has changed his ways and should Sahin not accept the offer then another defence minded midfielder will be in his plans I’m sure.

Intent?

You bet it is and we still have nearly a month left in this transfer window and would anyone bet against another signing or two?

Nor would I and there are still ongoing talks with Caen about signing striker M’Baye Babacar Niang and let’s not forget the bargains on deadline day, our manager likes them..

This so far is one of our most exciting transfer windows in a long time, we may have signed in numbers last August but the damage in the Premier League had already been done.

The signings back then felt more like an Elastoplast Airstrip but one which wasn’t waterproof as we still leaked goals and we slumped to 17th in the league.

This summer though it feels so different, THREE International signings in very early and more seem to be on Wengers agenda.

This summer isn’t about papering over the cracks, this seems to be about getting our squad ready for the start of the new season, it’s been a long time coming and no doubt we all welcome it with open arms.

Will Robin van Persie being looking on and having a similar belief as we fans are starting to get?

If he’s on that aeroplane on Monday, I think that answer will be yes……

Few bits and bobs:

Diaby is looking forward to playing alongside Mikel Arteta this season:

Mikel is a great player and he showed last season that he is a very important player in our team. I am looking forward to playing next to him. 

I personally prefer to play with three midfielders because I can go forward and I can also defend. I think it is the position that will suit me the best.

Giroud wants to upset the odds and win the league as he did last season with his old club:

It’s true that it was an extraordinary season with Montpellier, I won’t ever forget that season because in a footballer’s career, winning the title isn’t forgotten so fast. 

There was a good mentality in the team, good quality, with some good players, and I look forward to finding that quality and spirit with Arsenal – that’s why I chose Arsenal. 

And finally, with all the rumours surrounding Alex Song and Barcelona, their official spokesman, Sergio Busquets has had this to say and he seems happy that Barca are in for our man:

Song is a very good player – young, a hard worker, with lots of physical power

Didn’t he start all that b****x last summer with Cesc….

That’s it for today, it’s Friday and it should be good…..

0 thoughts on “Santi, Diaby, Busquets, Song, Giroud & Has Robin van Persie got his Passport ready??

  1. NashuaGunners says:

    Good Morning all and to you Rico.
    I finally get my wish.
    RVP is not going anywhere just yet.

  2. rico says:

    Morning all…

    Seems RvP is planning on travelling to Germany, there could be a twist in this saga yet…

    gunnernet – depends how much they offer 😉

  3. gunnernet says:

    If transfers for Sahin and Cazorla go through then RVP will show his true colors. Even the most frustrated fans are satisfied.. If you are a true gunner as you claim sign the damn contract and lead the team to glory.

  4. EastSidePaul says:

    One of the main reasons I would like to see Usmanov take over at Arsenal is so we could go to Barca and strip the place of all but the copper wiring in the walls, any young prospect would be ripped out of their hands and put on a plane to london, every time they try to purchase an outstanding player we would be there to deny them, and when their cash strapped club is going down the tubes we will offer them next to nothing for their big stars.

  5. Neil says:

    Isnt it time someone told busquets that Spain is flat broke so Barca will have to spend their own money now.

  6. Tomo says:

    Announcement will be made today, could it be a double announcement?? Santi and sahin?? What a way to kick off the weekend!

  7. rico says:

    We could soon be able to do that anyway with the finacial probs in spain Esp..

    😆 gunnernet, you and me both…

  8. Dignity says:

    Gud morning my fellow gunners, we finally got our man santi, gud one 4 AW. Song is going nowhere.

  9. Scott fom Oz says:

    You know what??
    Tapping up only works if the player if interested.
    If Song wants out,let him go.
    Morning all.
    @ Adam,A 1931 Port tastes every it as good as I could’ve hoped!!!
    I’m glad I decided to indulge!!

  10. NashuaGunners says:

    If this is not intent then I don’t know what it is. Three internationals already in and there is hope for more. With RVP staying to help the new signings to bedded in and deadwood leaving to make room for juniors, we’re force to reckon with. AW has mojo is back.

  11. devilgunner says:

    Good Morning Fine Folk.

    Good post Rico. But Ramsey should have got a mention for his great game against Uruguay. Hope he does that for us next season and shove something down the throats of his negative critics.

    AFC.com has not said anything yet. They are so slow on the uptake. Hope they do so soon………and announce Cazorla.

    So RVP may yet remain and go to Germany. I wonder if AW will still leave him as captain. How will the supporters react? Will he kiss the badge???

  12. salisu kwaru says:

    wenger is really doing a good bussiness now,we can compete with any team in the world and emerge victorious, kudos to all Gunners.

  13. Adam says:

    Good morning all. I always thought that Robin was poorly advised in releasing that crass statement of his. We all need to feel wanted, but placing yourself at the centre of the Universe is delusional.

  14. The Cannon says:

    Buscut or whoever u r am sorry u r so broke i doubt if u can even aford 2 buy chamakh .n pliz tell cesc we r coming to break records at camp nou.

  15. walkpass says:

    The Diaby article seems funny gven he did not mention Song and at such a timing. Hopefully just a conjecture and nothing else

  16. rico says:

    Morning devil – Ramsey for another day 😉

    Welcome Neil – will being broke ever stop their antics?

  17. Neil says:

    I think that RVPs agents comment about his and Arsenals differences about the future were less to do with wages or silverware and more about a 4 year deal for a 29 year old, I doubt anyone offering 10 million a year (200k) a week for 4 years to someone with his fitness record. 130k a week and a 5m signing bonus (50k a week over 2 years) is about as good as it gets for him. So my bet is he stays

  18. Solebo kazeem says:

    Wenger do not sale Alex song to any club and let RVP to leave the club and make Nuri Sahin deal very fast, Wenger we need two or three more players in the club, the like of M’villa, N’zonzi and sohko. Gunners 4 life

  19. The Cannon says:

    Rvp is old n ripe to earn his pension let the fella go.if we continue to hold him he may get injured n that means paying him 4 doing nothing!

  20. Adam says:

    If it’s us or Galataseray for Sahin I am afraid we cannot compete with the ritual sacrifice of a lamb before the game. Will an ant do?

  21. rico says:

    It’s win win really with RvP, if he goes and we get £20+ for him AND re-invest every penny we gain..

    If he stays, we send a huge message out to others who think they can wave their money around without success…

  22. NashuaGunners says:

    Hi Adam, you been MIA for the past 2 days now. Glad to know you’re back.

    I’ll say it again, if he stay I give him credit for speaking out. Because it was becoming a pattern every year to sell our best players.

  23. rico says:

    You taught me everything Adam 😉

    I could understand if Sahin chose Turkey, and if we get Capoue instead or M’Vila, all wouldn’t be so bad would it?

  24. Neil says:

    Hi Rico, I suspect Catalan banks have been bailing them out for years but not any more. Yahoo says it’ll need a 24billion to prop up the banking system. I think football is way down on their list of priorities now.

    Maybe we’ll see Busquets bigging up Matt Lawless of Luton soon!

  25. Adam says:

    Well, thank you Nashua. Glad to see that you noticed my absence. I was with you all in spirit though. I was eating Dutch shrimps and fries with mayonnais while simultaneously talking nonsense.

  26. ktr7 says:

    Good read.Last night Madrid played LA Galaxy and Mou played Sahin at LB 😮 thats as clear a sign as any he is on his bike.after the game Mou said its up to Sahin wherever he goes and apparently he wants us according to Jamie Sanderson.we even spoke to the player yesterday and it must help since AW speaks German.fingers crossed…

  27. rico says:

    Morning Lee – it certainly is and he’s stepped up his fitness programme in training apparently ….

    Neil, the way they do business is a joke isn’t it, I’d love to see them topple in the financial probs in Spain, I really would…

    Good to see you here and sticking around by the way, hope you become a regular….

  28. Adam says:

    Lee. I have made plans but while Mrs Adam is circling suspiciously I must be careful. She thinks I am surfing watch sites. 🙂

  29. NashuaGunners says:

    I’ll never bad mouth the young man until I know otherwise. It takes a really man to stand up and speak out for those without voice even though you know that you’re going to ruffle some feathers. This is what captain does when the situation demands it. Wake up call

  30. Adam says:

    Neil. I agree. There is something vaguely delicious about the demise of Spanish club’s lack of readies.

  31. rico says:

    Do ‘Smart’ make watches Adam 😉

    Hi Kt, someone mentioned the Jose comments about Sahin earlier too, did he indicate whether its a loan or permanent move?

  32. Adam says:

    You’ve got it Rico. I am looking for a Smart car to take the place of the Robin. The stability that 4 wheels bring is not to be underestimated.
    Lee. My watch buying days are over, for another week.

  33. ktr7 says:

    I don’t think Madrid want to sell him.he is earmarked to be Alonso’s long term replacement thats why they have him on such a long contract.

  34. Canadian Gooner says:

    @EastSidePaul
    What makes you think that Usmanov would be a sugar daddy and pour monjey into the club. All we have from him is ‘politician’s promises’ that he knows he will never have to keep. He is the only major shareholder &/or board member that has requested that the club pay a dividend. Something that the club has NOT done in over three decades.
    Do some research on Mr. Usmanov’s background, his ethics (or lack thereof), his character, his criminal record. This will be far more difficult since he threatened the former British ambassador to Russia to use his shady billions to have his lawyers tie the ambassador up in court until he was bankrupt. In response to these threats, the ambassador removed all reference to Mr. Usmanov from his website.
    Do you want Arsenal to be just another Chelski or Abu Dahbi City?

  35. rico says:

    Hi NG –

    In principle, RvP has only said what most of us have been saying on here for ages so he has done little wrong in my eyes.

    However, what irks most is him going public with his views.

    As we said yesterday, if he was purely telling the truth, or even trying to get the club to react then good on him, IF, he makes a U-Turn and shows that he was being honest and not just chasing money.

    Part of me believes he just wants the best for us all, but deep down there is also a niggle that its all about money….

  36. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Morning Rico. Good paragraph from LeGrove re: Song this morning..

    …..When I say like for like, what I actually mean is we bring in someone who is better. For every Hollywood pass he makes, there are 4 others that go nowhere. When we’re looking at the 49 goals conceded figure, you’d be hard pushed to tell me he’s absolved of responsibility because of his 12 assists. We miss a Gilberto like figure in midfield. There needs to be at least one player in the side who doesn’t want 5 goals a season. Every team needs an anchor who loves to tackle and defend. Alex Song has proved year after year he’s not that man. If Barca want to play him in the Keita role, fantastic, maybe that’ll work out for him… however, I can’t help but think him going there has Alex Hleb written all over it.

    It was stated prior to all the media frenzy that his agent set the ball rolling via a sport or sports witness blog very early 02:00am ish yesterday morning

  37. Adam says:

    Lee. Time Zone, Watchnet, The Big Watch Forum, The Purists and TZ-UK. But don’t tell Mrs Lee that I encouraged you.

  38. rico says:

    Theo to stay for me Neil, apparently his contract renewal has been offered and now it’s up to Theo, I strongly suspect he will stay. Who wouldn’t with the players we could be signing…

    Oh, RvP 😉

  39. rico says:

    Morning Syg,

    Think we have been saying the same here, plenty of assists, which is great but for each great pass another ten or more go astray…

  40. Adam says:

    Seems to me that whether we “like” a player or not depends on more than just his footballing abilities. Le Grove are living proof of that. They have their favorites, as we do. But check Song’s stats against those of Modric and bear in mind that Spurs want £40 million for the little bloke. Great players change games and that’s why they cost the big bucks. They turn draws into wins and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. I’ve seem Song do this with his passes but seldom seen Modric do the same.

  41. Lee says:

    Mrs Lee is contemplating getting another finger grafted onto each hand so that she can wear more jewellery…..

  42. rico says:

    Welcome Canadian Gooner..

    AU is a changed man and he won’t turn us into another Citeh or Chavs – he doesn’t need too. Both of those clubs needed a mass overhaul, we don’t…

  43. NashuaGunners says:

    Hi Lee. Theo and Song should stay imo. We need to keep our best and improve on them. Vern99 said it yesterday, the guy is improving.

  44. Adam says:

    Lee. She likes a bit of Tom does she? I’ve got a mate in Hatton Garden who would be happy to relive you of some wad.

  45. dude says:

    I think Arsenal has the best scouting network with regards to snaring Carzola from under the noses of all the big clubs – what an absolute coup for Arsenal !
    Are you watching persie ?

  46. Neil says:

    My view on the whole RVP ” running the risk of losing him on a free next year” point is, if he goes and we get 20m is fine BUT we may not qualify for the C.L. If he stays and we don’t get 20m we DO qualify and get 20m tv money either way it’s 20m.

  47. Adam says:

    Rico. You country girls expect too much. 🙂
    If you want a defender then let me suggest Squillaci. Now, don’t bridle at the very thought.

  48. rico says:

    My own view on Song is another win win, if we get £20M for him from Barca and we use the money to sign a proper DM then fine.

    If he stays, he stays….

    but it would be nice to know what his actual role is supposed to be. If he has been given the freedom to roam and neglect his defensive duties by AW then we are being harsh on him. But if he is supposed to be our DM and he’s been told to protect the back five then he really isn’t doing his job….

  49. Adam says:

    Neil. I tend to agree. He has made his own bed. If he still wants to go, then goodbye. If he wants to stay he has to sign at least a two year deal. I am sure he felt that he controlled the situation but it looks like Arsenal do at the moment.

  50. southyorkshiregunner says:

    I liked that word, Rico. INTENT
    Reminds of the pre-season we bought Campbell, Wright, Jeffers and Van Bronkhurst

    We went on to do the double the following year. I’ll take that.

    There is a question though. Why is the deadwood still hanging around. Why hasn’t Bendtner joined AC Milan for £50M etc.

  51. NashuaGunners says:

    Spot on Adam. there is room for Song in the team and he can only get better year after year. Give him competition and you bring the best out of him.

    Syg said the other day if the guy is that good how come no team has come calling? Well, Barca for starter.

  52. rico says:

    Neil – I honestly can’t see another club offering the £30million that AW wants for him, nor can I see any club beating the wage we have offered him.

    If he was 25 years old and had no injury history yes, but 29, and a true crock, no chance so he may well have to stay….

  53. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Nash. There was talk of M’Vila coming to Arsenal from Rennes…. In the next paragraph it said that Song “would be assessing his options” which put into laymans terms states he know’s if M’Vila comes he’d lose his place in the team.
    Wenger is stubborn, but not stupid. He knows who the better players are.
    It will be interesting to see how the rest of the weekend pans out. It would be nice to offload some of the dross.

  54. southyorkshiregunner says:

    It is looking like Van Persie has shot himself in the foot..
    It may be that he me be part of some DEAL that involves another player…. or it may be that he runs his contract down

  55. ktr7 says:

    Remember in 07/08 when we finished 3 points off the mancs.in the March/April period we went through 7 games without a win.Ade was hopeless in that period despite us creating a catalogue of chances.eddy was injured,bendy was…well bendy but the question is where the f**k was Mr.Ambition?we would’ve wrapped up that title if he wasn’t on his annual leave to the medics.

  56. rico says:

    Campbell and VB were ok weren’t they Syg 😉

    Do we travel to Germany on Monday? I think that will be the day we learn a lot about who is staying/going…

    You are a ‘odds man’ Syg, what are the odds on RvP being on the plane and Song not…..

  57. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Morning guys,

    Yes Rico, either Sunday or Monday we travel for a week-long training camp. Both Cazorla and Sahin are expected to make the trip too.

    Arsenal.Com just need to confirm it and stop being so slow!!

  58. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Nash I think the Barcelona rumour is bullshit,… but then again Guardiola isn’t in charge any more …. One of the best managers in the world isn’t there …. Guardiola has gone …..
    …Some great things always come to an end… ….and if there is any credibility to the story that they want Song.., it just shows their newly acquired ambition under Tito Vilanova… a nothing player who has never managed a side before … Barcelona are a team on the slide …

  59. rico says:

    Was that the same season as the Billy Gallas strop?

    Hi Romford – 11 am is the time afc.com wake up isn’t it? 😉

    Thanks, can’t wait to see who is on that plane….

  60. southyorkshiregunner says:

    … Odds ….
    I think to get Song out of Arsenal it would be a baseball bat job on his hands whilst clinging to the exit doors ….. He won’t go unless there is a major reason … M’Vila for one… or he’s pushed… Same with Diaby …

    ..Van Persie … I really, really think that his public footstamp has HELPED the club, providing that Sahin is brought here and Rico gets her wish and one of her DM’s are brought in… I really do. He wanted to know which way the club were heading … I think Wenger has shown him just that …. He’s also been shown that not that many clubs want him …..

  61. NashuaGunners says:

    Syg you really don’t see Song the way others do. But he is a good player. As you said AW is not stupid and that why he played Song in every game. With M’Villa coming, I hope he does and if Song stays we can only see the best of him. Btw, it would take a whole season for M’Villa to get adjusted if history teaches wright.

  62. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Lazy sods if that’s the case Rico 😉

    I’ve been to the Arsenal media office before. There’s actually only three editors there all in all.

    Still, I can’t really see what the hold-up is. Medical was done yesterday and all the photoshoots should’ve been completed too!

  63. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Yes I do Nash. A lot of people fans the same.
    I appreciate the dynamics of a team working as one unit … a finely tuned machine of power, speed and grace – a Maserati.
    …But I like to know that the pistons form a part of the V8 engine and are not sat in the drivers seat looking in the mirror or hanging out the window with the radio on full blast…

  64. NashuaGunners says:

    Soccer is a collective sport, so when Song is up the pitch there should be others covering for him. Modric asking price is 40mil yet still he does not have the killer passes that Song posses. I like TV but don’t he go further down the pitch? how come no one is slaming him? Cohering as a unit and taking responsibility that what makes a team great. imho.

  65. Scott fom Oz says:

    I honestly think Modric is one of the most overrated players in the world.
    Not for one second am I suggesting he’s no good,he is a terrific player.
    He’s just not anywhere near as good as people make out.
    If he was,we’d have never caught Spuds last season.
    When everyone else is faltering,a 40 million rated player steps up.
    He went missing with his mates.
    Forgive my ignorance…..did Cazorla definitely have a medical already!!!

  66. Micko says:

    Morning all,
    Tomo 9.29, Overmars and Petit was a real treat and a half, another double signing this weekend would be mind blowing.
    Adam, having trouble working out what makes you tick.

  67. allezkev says:

    Morning AKB’s
    Morning Rico.
    These ‘cold callers’ are a bloody nusance.
    I usually put the phone down… 🙂
    Off to read up

  68. rico says:

    NG –

    TV , Gibbs and Santos all get a bashing over being too attacking..

    Morning Micko & Scott and yes, he’s had his medical…

  69. Neil says:

    It bothers me a bit when players say they “leave to win things” take Fabregas, if you want to win it don’t back heel the ball in your own area against barca. And as for cashly, he must be really proud of being the first player to have the ball hit him on the ass 100 times in a CL final!
    And finally Nasri putting his shirt on back to front as he came off his position on the bench to put the cup on his head.

  70. NashuaGunners says:

    The Maserati has several parts that formed a unit. Every part working in collaboration with others. When one is missing the Maserati does not run well. Is the same with Arsenal squad. When Song is missing we lose 8-2 Manu. That speaks volume mate. AW is not a stupid man. We have to show appreciation to some of these links especially when they go missing.

  71. ExPatGooner says:

    Love the banter on this site have been following all for weeks but decided this site had better quality discussion 😀
    Arsenal.com never show anything till after midday and I have a feeling it could be a double signing they want to show to all of us.
    COYG!

  72. Scott fom Oz says:

    Nashua,there were other players missing v UTD.
    He was very good last season.
    He was very bad last season.
    Depends which game you watch,and how openly it’s viewed.

  73. Scott fom Oz says:

    Thanks Rico….I’d read he’s passed the medical,but jus thought I’d check,and since you’re in Theo’s ear…………:)

  74. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rico,
    What evidence do you have that Mr. Usmanov is a ‘changed man’? I am judging him on his record, not his self-serving press statements and open letters. He’s probably s spots.hired some of the terminated writers/’journalists’, with some political campaign experience, from the now defunct News of the World to write his opinions for him. A leopard doesn’t change it’s spots.

  75. Scott fom Oz says:

    Canadian,mate,this topics been done to death on here.
    We all agree that nobody can prove exactly what has happened in his past,and nor can we know with any certainty what he’ll bring to the club.

  76. mo says:

    You are all deluded my friends! Take it from me VP will leave Arsenal and the only reason for that is MONEY, so live with it and move on!!!

  77. Satan says:

    Hey all of you and Rico, hope every one is having a cracking day.

    On RvP I wanted to ask this for a while. Isn’t there a thing where a player leaves on Bosman, the club he goes to has to pay some of his past training and other expenses? I remember when Pinnear went to Spurs on Bosman they paid Everton some 3-4million.

    So if RvP goes on free won’t we get 6-8million for him? And also some 5 million saving on his bonuses? And with him we’d definitely get good revenue while progressing in CL et al. So its 20 million there too.

    So won’t it be underselling him if we sell him even for 30mln? I think the fair price of him has to be around 40 million.

    Any thoughts?

  78. Neil says:

    Talksport are running an article by Stuart Robson saying Arsenal should take 12m for RVP what they forgot to add was “Adrian Durham is standing in for Stuart Robson today”

  79. southyorkshiregunner says:

    We lost 2-8 Nash and 0-2 to Liverpool because the team was in turmoil with the loss of Nasri and Fabregas … and that Alex Song decided to stamp on a player in the first game of the season and get suspended for 3 games …. Needless.

    It is that fragile mentality and ill discipline that costs the team points.. I look at Diaby and I think the same….

    Arteta coming helped shore the holes.. at £10M he was the signing of last summer ….

    You like Song, I have no problem with that. But there a lot better players out there. He’s a squad player at best in my opinion. But that is my opinion.

    Like Lee said – I’ll certainly not stand in his way if he wanted out.

  80. Neil says:

    Never thought it say this but ” I agree with Satan” I’ll get my worry beads and say a few hail Mary’s

  81. Scott fom Oz says:

    Mo,I heard you had dinner last night with RVP.
    How is is missus?
    Tosser!!
    Plenty on here said a month ago it was about money,so pull your head in,and give us something we DON’T know!!

  82. rico says:

    Hi bondex..

    I wish Scott 😉

    Canadian, everyone has a past, I won’t judge him on that, he has made public what his intentions are and that was not to lose sight of our history, nor would he set out to ruin the club. He’s here for a long time and imho, he’d give us more than Silent Stan has been of late..

    But, right no SK is our owner and until that changes you have little to worry about…

  83. EastSidePaul says:

    If RVP stays do we stay with the 4-5-1? Or do we play 4-4-1-1 with RVP behind Giroud? Podolski on one wing Cazorla on the other?

  84. NashuaGunners says:

    Scott we should keep our views very objestive especially for players that do have a positive role or challenging position to play in the team. Is not like the other teams are laying down their arm for defeat, are they? For every game players are going to make mistakes, don’t they?

  85. Scott fom Oz says:

    Can someone slap some sense into me please??
    I have no idea….I can’t explain it.
    I have been fighting it,attempting to understand it.
    Diaby is set for a bloody good year,and will remain quite injury free.
    There,I said it,I’m facing my demons!!

  86. allezkev says:

    Bon jour Lee, a good night mon ami…
    Rocky must still be in bed…. 😉
    Adam, how are you mate.
    Nice restaurant Adam, you gotta come next time.

    Have a good one Wath, you naughty boy…..

  87. EastSidePaul says:

    I have always felt Diaby is a very good footballer, has a tendency to over do it on the ball though.
    Will he remain injury free though?!

  88. rico says:

    Steady Scott – that’s unlike you of late – he/she is only trying to be big by calling us deluded, just ignore and move on…

  89. Scott fom Oz says:

    Everything you just said was correct there Nashua,but equally,being objective shows me that Song had some terrible games last season.
    I like him,and have suggested he might be more important to our team last season than people realised,but that doesn’t change the fact he had some shockers.
    I said on several occasions that when he played well the side played well,whilst if he was ordinary,so we’re we.
    Objectivity is the key word…..it goes both ways though.

  90. NashuaGunners says:

    You’re right Syg. You and me is just opinions, at the end of the day it does not matter. The man that call the shot and who opinion matter is AW. For now Song is a asset in Arsenal shirt and that all that matters

  91. allezkev says:

    Hi Ex-Pat, what do you think of Cazorla’s signing and the possible arrival of Sahin???
    Look at the transfer business Wenger did in the summer’s of 1997 & 2001…
    The result= Double in 1998 & 2002….
    I rest my case M’Lord

  92. Satan says:

    Btw folks, however we slag our management off they’re really good. You know some of the sponsorship are set to expire soon and we would want to get good deals for new sponsorship. For that we’d definitely do better than last season and show some improvement on last season so better deals can be fetched.

    Other than that we’d need player that attracts to global crowd so considering that we’ve brought in super stars from Germany, France and now Spain. And we’ll still add one more that attracts global crowd.

    Trust me its pure business but its good business. When every fan and supporter and even non supporter reflects positively on club its really good business.

  93. Scott fom Oz says:

    Nashua,I think Song is replaceable,but I’d be more than happy if he stays…..I do like him,and think he has more improvement in him as a player.

  94. Lee says:

    Sell Song to arselona for £15m buy M’Vila and have money in the bank I’d do that deal in a heartbeat!

  95. Scott fom Oz says:

    Satan,I love the way the clubs run,and always have.
    I think that managements biggest downfall is their lack of transparency…..fans just want to know what’s happening,what their direction is and why certain decisions are made.
    Any sensible fan will love the business they’re doing of late though.

  96. bondex says:

    the other positive about signing good players(cazorla) is that it keeps other players on their toes.so hopefully it also remind Song that their is a better attacking player in front of him

  97. NashuaGunners says:

    With regards to Diaby, if he stay fit he will be Arsenal player of the year. I have said it before and I have said it again. My prediction.

  98. Satan says:

    Mate, as fans we can not ask them to be transparent or ask them to run business in a way we like it. The only people who can ask that is Shareholders and Government. But the only thing that pisses me off this that they ain’t even transparent to their own shareholders. Ask AU how pissed he is with some of the antics of current management. Being 30% owner and still not able to become a board member is a joke.

  99. NashuaGunners says:

    Come on S2S, everyone is relpaceable in Arsenal. What men have done man can still do. But for now we have to appreciate Song. People still blaming him even though he didn’t play Manu game.

  100. Scott fom Oz says:

    I understand that Satan,but the club,it’s fans and the board itself would be much better off if they did open up,in my opinion.

  101. bondex says:

    i will judge song when all he has to do is defend in the midfield and he doesn’t….imo, i feel song has been burdened with the fact that we really haven’t had a good team.

  102. Neil says:

    Remember it’s not only someone’s price tag or reputation that counts its also a matter of the right peg in the right hole and the individuals ability to play the system, my highlight of last year was rosicky and yossi bossing the midfield.

  103. NashuaGunners says:

    @bondex, but do feel AW would have scold him if he is not playing the way he want him to? He must have been playing exactly the way the manager wanted him that why he plays in every game unless he ‘s suspended.

  104. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    I’m not sure I can ever back Diaby or Song fully, definitely with SYG on this one.

    It’s not even their footballing ability i’m talking about. I question their mentality, aptitude and attitude towards games. Their is no doubt that they can both be useful players and very effective on their day, but how long can we continue to mask and defend their inconsistencies.

    Neither Song or Diaby strike me as the sort of player that would put their heart on the line for Arsenal. Say what you want about Gibbs, but I doubt Song or Diaby would’ve made that challenge on the last day of the season against WBA.

    I just think that neither are fuly right in the head. As SYG said, look at Song’s stupid stamp on Barton on the first day of last season. Now we all know that Barton is scum, however, playing in the most important area of the pitch, you need to be more savvy and streetwise with the way you go about certain things. We all know what followed in the games that Song missed. What kind of key play does that, and who’s to say that it won’t happen again? Same with Diaby. I’ve never forgiven him after what happened against Newcastle when we were 4-0 up – that was honestly one of the most silly things i’ve ever seen. Yet again, succumbing to Barton’s bait.

    We haven’t even gotten onto their flaws whilst playing, but i’ve gone over it numerous times that I don’t see the point in bringing it up again. Even if we were to get rid of Song and Diaby, and bring in M’Vila, we’d still be well stocked in the midfield department.

  105. Satan says:

    @NG

    No issues mate.

    @Scott

    You can’t be entirely transparent in business. And that is what board follow. But still for some of the things they do our beyond my understanding.

    @Pele

    Do you really blame Diaby for at what he did at NC against Barton? Sorry mate, not even a million year I’d say that.

  106. NashuaGunners says:

    @Scott, “nashua,I’ve never read a comment by anyone blaming Song for the Utd debacle.” Well mate, you must not be reading Syg comment at all. There is nothing good SYG will say about Song.( Syg at 11:11)

  107. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Satan,

    Of course I do. Naturally I sympathise with him for the horrendous leg break, I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. Despite that, you know what’s going to happen if you react like that to a tackle. Just let the ref deal with it. Joey Barton will always get his comeuppance, as has been shown so many times in recent history.

    That was a simple 3 points cost because of that error. We had to bring on Squillaci….

    And I remember a month later, we played B’Pool away and he nearly got sent of again. It’s like the dude never learns. The hypocrisy of this whole thing is that Diaby is no saint when it comes to tackling either.

  108. Scott fom Oz says:

    Ok Nashua,I did miss that,but your comment suggested there was people,not just a person,blaming Song,so that was not correct,either.
    Anyway,splitting hairs here.
    The referee was solely responsible for the Newcastle draw.
    There were 100 factors that led to the Utd debacle.

  109. Satan says:

    @Scott

    Same here.

    @Pele

    The player you can blame is the ones who were on the field. They didn’t show any backbone after that. Diaby is no saint when it comes to tackling but not Barton either. Barton literally took his trailing leg with him for a ride. The man had just come back from horrendous spell on sideline and Baron sent him there again.

  110. NashuaGunners says:

    @Scott, Yesterday WYG comment was out of place but take a look at SYG comment about Diaby Song Gerviho and Ebou? wouldn’t you come to such conclusion if you don’t know any better? He constantly pick on these guys that they are not good enough for Arsenal. And yet every body was WYG case besides Vernat1066.

  111. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Of course. I also blame those players. Backbone and mental strength is something that Wenger claims we have, but we’ve been found wanting so many times. However, we should not have been in that position to start with.

    I’ve already said that Barton is scum, everyone knows this – and this is why Diaby should’ve known better than to react the way he did. He was the catalyst and it’s not been the first time. The guy is a liability. I can’t for the life of me understand why people are trying to find excuses for him. People defend the likes of him and Song to the earth, despite the fact they’ve played more than 200 games for the club.Yet Ramsey has a bad couple of months and people jump on him like locust.

  112. Lee says:

    Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has given reported Arsenal target Nuri Sahin his blessing to leave the Spanish champions.

    Sahin, 23, joined Real last summer on a six-year contract after helping Borussia Dortmund to the Bundesliga title – but made just four appearances in La Liga.

    The Turkey international has been told that he is likely to be a peripheral figure again next season – and Mourinho is willing to let the player decide his own future, with the Gunners believed to be interested in a season-long loan deal for the deep-lying midfielder.

    “The point is, he’s a young boy, he wants to play every match,” Mourinho said. “He wants to play to be happy. And in Real Madrid with Xabi Alonso, with [Sami] Khedira, with Lassana [Diarra], [Esteban] Granero, [Mesut] Ozil, the situation is not easy.

    “Real Madrid is very difficult. It is not an easy club, because we demand a lot. We have great players, and when you don’t start well, it is difficult to do it. If he stays, he’s not a problem for me, he’s one more solution. We leave [the situation] in his hands. Be happy.

    “Decide what you want to decide, to be happy. If you decide to leave we are going to help you to leave. If you decide to stay, we are going to support you and try to succeed this season.”

  113. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Hi Nash. Fair point, but what, apart from colour, do these guys have in common? Underachievers for starters. I know there are plenty more that can be added to that list, but people shouldn’t just immediately focus on colour when they read a report. If I say AA, Bendtner, Ramsey, Almunia and Fabianski are all shit no-one would have batted an eyelid. Why? They are all the same the same race. But the ovewhelming point is that it is true.. Thaey are all shit. (Scott, I know Rambo can improve before you get fiesty with me!!) but then I think Gerv will improve massively this year. But let’s not drag all this up again!! As WYG said yesterday… Water under the bridge.

  114. Scott fom Oz says:

    Nashua,leave the racist debate alone please…..I want nothing to do with it. To make any kind of accusations,you need to be damn sure you’re right.
    I said yesterday I’m yet to read anything on this forum that I believe has been racially motivated,and believe me,if I DID find something along those lines,I’d be the first to react.

  115. Adam says:

    Seems like I missed something interesting yesterday. Were there fruity exchanges? We all have our favorite and not so favorite players and always will.

  116. Satan says:

    Mate, I really doubt Diaby has 200 caps. And I do defend Diaby. And on that day at that time Ref wasn’t doing his job. He didn’t whistle when Barton took Diaby for spin. He just watched it. He is a good player. He is a flair player and like most of them he’s some what lazy. But he’s not as much lazy. When he’s on the field he knows what to do. He’s a good player and if he stays fit and positive he’d be where every one thinks he should be.

    P.S. I am a big big big Rambo fan. I’d tell you this that he’s going to be bigger than Cesc. And he wasn’t as bad as people make him out to be. He was like the most important player when the team was in turmoil and before Rosicky started stepping up. I don’t slag him.

  117. EastSidePaul says:

    I’m not the biggest fan of Song, he can be a fantastic DM a times, but for some reason he fancies himself as an attacking option, not what the team needs, we leak goals, not just because the defence is shaky (and we all know it is!), but also because there is no cover from the midfield, which is Songs main duty, which he seldom fulfills.

    Viera was a player who could do both, a real box to box player, I feel Song position is suspect at times and hasn’t got the speed to get back once there is a break against us.

    Song and one other are now trying to do a job that Vieira, Gilberto and Flamini did for Arsenal, and today the two can’t do the same job which the aforementioned trio did on their own in years gone by. Which is a bloody shame.

  118. NashuaGunners says:

    @Rocky, with AA I would have challenge you because he is not shit but just lazy.With re. Diaby, the guy is injured and why can’t we cut him a slack and give him the same time and patient we gave RVP?

  119. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Hi Satan.. I said last night to AK and Lee (and I was really shocked th.e words came out of my mouth) that I think Diaby, if he sorts his fitness and concentration out, could have an immense season for us this year. I really hope he stays fit because I would like to see more of him (Well, it would be impossible to see less of him really….)

  120. rico says:

    NG – no race stuff here today please, this site nor it’s contributors are racist!!

    Our club has many black players on its books, some are rubbish, some average, some very good – they get mentioned because of their ability, not colour so draw a line!

  121. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Hi nash… Ok, I agree, not shit…. Underachievers. As for Diaby, my above post that I just submitted suggests I ‘m inclined to gree with you

  122. rockyrocastle07 says:

    And I agree. The same courtesy should be extended to Diaby that was given to RvP… After all, both were tipped to do great things.

  123. Scott fom Oz says:

    Nashua,the only person so cut RVP slack and showed patience was Wenger…..the man that counts.
    Gooners wouldn’t have given two hoots if he’d been should a few seasons back,and Diaby is being given exactly the same chance to come good,so you are wrong in your assumptions.
    This is wearing thin!

  124. Adam says:

    Hi Rocky. Yes mate but I have moved upmarket now. I trowel on salad cream with a vengeance these days. I just had a Gravadlax sandwich with Dill mustard and a quarter pound of good old Heinz salad cream. I may have a pound of candy floss for afters, with a Cormorant milkshake….obviously.

  125. Scott fom Oz says:

    Adam/Lee,if you want the best watch site around,yell out.
    I’ve bought five watches this year…buggered if I know where the sudden fetish came from….my fave is a Tag Heuer replica,believe it or not.
    Even a top watch maker couldn’t pick it,I kid you not,and for a wee fraction of the price.

  126. NashuaGunners says:

    @Lee and Scott, I’ve been around for some time now and I’ll never make such accusation to anyone without facts. My point was why these guys? If I did know any better that would be my assumption. We all have our favors players even why they are shit sometime, but come.

    @Rocky, I have seen you standup for colour players against Alan. Enough said.

  127. rockyrocastle07 says:

    eating your way to type 2 diabetes Adam!! attaboy! Salad cream does rule though. I was distraught a few years back when heinz said they were stopping it (very clever ploy as sales rocketed!)

  128. Scott fom Oz says:

    Nashua,you keep saying “if I didn’t know any better”,suggesting you DO know better,yet you keep dredging it up.
    Enough already,please.

  129. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Satan,

    I’ve just checked the Arsenal website. I apologise. Not 200, but still in excess of 150 games, inclding sub appearances. For me, that is more than enough time to judge whether a play can hack it at a club or not.

    I know he’s been injured but for me that isn’t a good enough excuse. Even when he has been fit, he’s never demonstrated enough to me that shows he can be a starter IMO.

    And i’m not so sure about the notion that all flair players are lazy. Barca are the benchmark, they have many flair players but they all work hard for the cause to achieve a common goal. I don’t get that vibe from either Diaby or Song.

    For me, Arsenal are at their best when we’re moving the ball at pace with quick and incisive one and two-touch football. Song and Diaby for me like to spend too long dwelling on the ball when a quick pass would’ve been the better option. I’m not saying that the guy isn’t good. He definitely has ability. I’m just not sure he’s best suited to us. And considering he’s approaching 26, he needs to start showin it more often.

  130. Scott fom Oz says:

    Never heard of it ESP!
    A yank millionaire put me onto this mob….he buys his genuines,then the replicas for day to day use,and the one I got nearly burst my eyeballs when it arrived and I opened it.
    It’s just perfect.
    My brother has a genuine Tag,and he’s feeling stupid that for app. 1/20th the price,could have had mine lol!

  131. Scott fom Oz says:

    Pele,you’re 100% right.
    The difference between Barcelona and the rest is not the work they do on the ball,but what appens off it.

  132. Adam says:

    When I asked for it in The Wolseley they refused so I take my own now. Scott, I have a lot of watches now and have promised Mrs Adam that I won’t buy any more. I should add that she has 6 of her own that she has stolen from me. Lucky she’s a Gooner.

  133. Lee says:

    Rocky, I stock piled Heinz Salad cream when that story broke! I’m just finishing off my last bottle…..

  134. EastSidePaul says:

    Ah good, got dicked over by Jomashop a few weeks back!
    A genuine Tag!?! Those things are €2,000+ !!

  135. southyorkshiregunner says:

    What is this sycophantic admiration or is it total obsession you have with Song, Nashua? Is it some form of insecurity? whatever it is it all sounds very unhealthy.

    Eboue was a reserve right back. A flailing falling actress, who went to ground at the mere sight of a tackle. A fragile mentality too. Not many subs get subbed, apart from Niall Quinn of course. He did well to make as many starts as he did.
    Diaby and Song? You know my feelings. Both have fragile mentalities and both are ill disciplined. Diaby has the odd 1:5 decent game, but all last season Arsenal paid his wages when he wasn’t there. He’ll get injured again. He’s a liability. He knows it is make or break time. In reality he needs shipping out. Song’s overall game states that he is a squad player at best. There are better options. Like a lot have said, M’Vila fits the Arsenal profile much, much better.
    Make no bones about it Gervais was the cheap alternative to Eden Hazard. He got sent off in game one. OK, he was new to the PL and he gives the team an outlet, but so does the exit door in the bar. He has the raw skill, but again, I wonder about what goes on upstairs. Is his mentality right? A few twists and turns and a sideways pass; a few step overs a blind alley run and a flash of the choppers when he bollockses it up. For a forward he’s not that fond of shooting too. And you have to ask, what happened with him after the ACN
    He could be a good player. “Could” is the optimum word.
    Sometimes the difference between average and good, or good and great player is in the make up of that person – i.e the head.

    Example: Compare Gary Neville with Eboue.
    Eboue had far more power and skill than Neville ever could hope to possess.
    However Neville’s mentality and reading of the game was by far the superior. As a player Neville won everything; and skill-wise, he wasn’t that good.

  136. EastSidePaul says:

    Bah they only accept wired transfers outside of the states, but they don’t tell you this until you have already paid for the watch with your VIsa, so you essentially have to pay twice for the watch for them to send it out..

  137. Lee says:

    The surgeon that grafted the extra fingers for my wife may be able to put a couple of extra arms on for Mrs A?

  138. Scott fom Oz says:

    Esp,the one I bought cost me $175.00 Oz dollars….around 100 quid for you guys,I guess.
    Brilliant quality.

  139. southyorkshiregunner says:

    We could do with a mark II version of Viera, Adam.

    I always remember away at Stamford Bridge, when we went 0-1 down in seconds and both Viera and Edu bossed the midfield and both scored to make it 2-1.

    We never looked like losing, and Chelsea had a very good side.

  140. ktr7 says:

    According to young guns Cazorla is at the training ground to complete his move.he has already met the players.

  141. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Jamie Sanderson ‏@YoungGunsBlog (very reliable source)

    Santi Cazorla at the Arsenal training ground this morning to complete move. Met the players. Medical done. Virtually done now.

    Arsenal.com :grr:

  142. EastSidePaul says:

    Nope, not as of yet, I have to wait for them to cancel the order and then I had to get the visa people involved to try get it back, its still on going! It was only for €110, but its the principle for the whole thing at this point!

  143. Scott fom Oz says:

    ESP,I paid by credit card,they gave me a despatch tracking code,and I could jump on the transport companies site and see exactly where the thing was…..just fantastic service all round.
    I was very,very pleasantly surprised.

  144. rockyrocastle07 says:

    in fact, I may do that right now! Never made it into work today as my trains are gash (thenks Greater Anglia… Thanks for fleecing me of £3,000 a year for nothing!) so am sitting on my sofa, Olympics on the tv, talking crap on here. Working from home…. it’s the future!

  145. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Afternoon AK. I’m still trying to work out what the hell it was we we served! Tasted amazing, whatever it was!

  146. rockyrocastle07 says:

    I have a £10 retro Casio which I bought before they became trendy again, 11 years ago. still works great, and the battery still hasn’t run out! That’ll do me!

  147. Adam says:

    Rocky. Funny enough I bought a new Tiptree the other week. Rhubarb and Vanilla. I might have some on a toasted bagel with an espresso when I have finished this candy floss. Is this not good for me then?

  148. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Sure did Rico!

    That sounds good Lee… Babybel, salad cream (only heinz will do) and grapees. Winner.

  149. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Lool, the dude left like two weeks ago – yet we’ve got time to be producing articles on the Olympics! Arsenal and their priorities eh? 😉

    I’m feeling so apprehensive right now!

  150. EastSidePaul says:

    Damn you Scott! I’m going to spend the rest of my day looking at watches!
    You recommend the site?

  151. NashuaGunners says:

    Self seeking admiration for Song or what part of Song wages that fulfill my needs that I should feel the need to be insecure Syg? I give players their dues when it comes to critisms. If the guy is that rubbish in you opinion and eveyone eye I don’t he would be wearing Arsenal shirt. But your de-taste for those player mentioned is really beyond believe.

  152. rockyrocastle07 says:

    I have a really jank gold one Adam. Never worn it. Maybe I’ll get about a tenner for it now?!

  153. Scott fom Oz says:

    Adam,not sure if you caught my comment earlier…..the ’31 port drinks exactly how i Hoped…..smoooooothly.

  154. Potter says:

    RVP age 28 joined 2004 -194 games average 23 games per year.

    Diaby age 26 joined 2006 – 112 games ave 18 .66 games per year.

    I would suggest that their chances have been similar. Like Song he is at best a squad player that to my mind has not yet given full value for money.

    Canadian , welcome . however regarding Usmanov be very careful which reports on his past you accept. Bear in mind the country and political turmoil in which he was living and try to accept that his enemies within the political regime were more likely to be disparaging than supportive. It is one of the problems with the internet being a free forum things are posted and despite receiving denials remain in the public domain.

    From my prospective , I don’t know , and as such have an open mind about him, should he get some say in the Arsenal , i will judge him on what he does then.

  155. allezkev says:

    I think that Gervinho could have a very good season.
    Last season started disastrously and was truncated thanks to the ACN.
    A good pre-season and lower expectations from the fans should do the trick.
    Agree with lazybones, er Rocky, re: Diaby the Messiah

  156. Scott fom Oz says:

    ESP,I could not recommend the service and quality and more adamantly mate.
    I can only go on one transaction,but it went absolutely perfectly.
    I look at the bloody thing every day like its a ring with an inscription,forged from the depths of……..you get the point 🙂

  157. Micko says:

    Bit of a mancrush going on here this morning, not that there’s anything wrong with that.
    Rocky, hope it came with a calculator or you woz robbed mate.

  158. Scott fom Oz says:

    If you ever come over,drop in Adam.
    I will be having a small one every now and then….should get a year or two out of it.

  159. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Hi Micko. It didn! I wanted that one, but settled for the silver metal one instead!

    Ak – Lazybones you cheeky sod! I am doing SOME work! Just not ALL work….

  160. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Jesus Adam, must be such a hard life being you! I got to go to Edinburgh for a work trip. No-one’s invioted me to Oz!

  161. rico says:

    Only nipped off to see the GB girls get Gold, and so many comments 🙂

    One of my favs too rocky..

    Haven’t tried the marmite ones, guess you either love them or hate them 😉

  162. Scott fom Oz says:

    ESP,I’m serious,a watchmaker could not believe the quality,and had to look twice when told it was a replica.
    What you see in the pics doesn’t do them justice.

  163. allezkev says:

    Rocky,I still don’t have a clue what we ate, but it was delicious.
    Gotta do it again and drag Adam along…

  164. Adam says:

    Rocky. In my business I have a hard forged reputation as a miserable sod who doesn’t go on press trips. A long flight like that is a real bummer for me. But it looks like China next. Oohh, all that fried jellyfish. Can’t wait.

  165. Scott fom Oz says:

    Rocky,any HHer is welcome here mate…don’t feel left out.
    hang on……Rico,is Gambon still classed as one of us 🙂

  166. ktr7 says:

    Rumour has it we have signed Sahin on loan with an option to buy for £17mil at the end of the season.

  167. rockyrocastle07 says:

    Thanks Scott! My mate moved out to Melbourne 7 years ago but I’ve never been over there to see him. Not that good a mate obviously!

    Adam, in life, I am generally known as a miserable sod. In fact my boss labelled me “Mr Angry from Hertfordshire” earlier after I told him I had another email rant at the train operators.

    AK – Yeah, the more the merrier!

  168. rockyrocastle07 says:

    That’s a snip if that’s true KT. Hope it is!

    Just seen the Spuds are apparently setting their sights on Rondon.

  169. rico says:

    Ivan Gazidis appointed to governing posts

    The two prestigious appointments will see Gazidis contribute to the decision-making process at the game’s governing level, impacting the way the sport develops from grassroots upwards.

    As one of four appointments made by the Premier League to the PGB, Gazidis will play a key role in supporting and advising the FA Board on matters relating to the professional game. The committee has a broad remit including administering the FA Cup, the national England set-up and the FA’s relationship with FIFA and UEFA.

    Gazidis also becomes one of eight Premier League representatives to sit on the FA Council for the 2012/13 campaign. The body recently gave its vote in support of a significant youth development review which will see small-sided games made mandatory for players up to under-12 level, phased in by the start of the 2014/15 season.

    In addition to these new appointments, Gazidis will continue his work with a number of the senior governing bodies with which he is already involved. These include FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber, the European Clubs Association where he is chairman of the Legal Advisory Panel, and the Premier League Working Group for Elite Player Performance.

    Gazidis said: “I am delighted to be joining these important footballing bodies. The appointments mean Arsenal will be represented in many of the key debates in the game both here in the UK and in Europe.”

  170. Scott fom Oz says:

    Maybe the Sahin deal is a good one…..if the 17 million clause is true.
    It means we have him now,and can spread our spending over two seasons…brilliant.
    You’re right Rico…can’t remember him either,all of a sudden lol.
    ESP,I hope you have a similar experience..

  171. rico says:

    Glad there is there is a clause set in the loan deal if true, if he has a good season then you watch the likes of Citeh try and sign him. Hope we have first option on him too and of course he wants to stay…

    If this snippet is real… Anyone reckon we will hear about both deals at the same time???

  172. EastSidePaul says:

    I think a bit of surf will be in order! Thats if I ever see any water when I’m there! 🙁

  173. Scott fom Oz says:

    ESP,check out the details,it will tell you whether it’s waterproof or not.
    I’m no surfer,never was,but a few of the guys at work are terrific,and will get you sorted.

  174. Scott fom Oz says:

    Get Cazorla done,Sahin in,RVP will then want to stay,and who knows who else these dealings will attract!

  175. EastSidePaul says:

    Thanks Scott! Sounds great, I have a feeling I will end up in western Australia though, thats were the minerals industry is popping off at the moment!

    Any sign of an official Cazorla announcement happening soon?!

  176. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Only Arsenal could take this long with a signing 😆

    Ah well, as long as he comes in, that’s all that matters. Still, it’d be good for him and Sahin to go to Germany next week and integrate with the lads.

  177. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Hope you’re right there Rico. I just want the guys to have enough time to get together and integrate well.

  178. southyorkshiregunner says:

    hiya Lee.
    They are quoting us a 12/1… A good price at the minute. Well worth a £20 punt. With Sahin to come plus whoever else … We’ve got a really strong case.

    What about these?
    Manchester City 1st, Arsenal 2nd 16/1

    Arsenal 1st, Manchester City 2nd 28/1

    Manchester United 1st, Arsenal 2nd 33/1

    Arsenal 1st, Manchester United 2nd 40/1

  179. rico says:

    According to Sky Sports News there will be no official confirmation regarding the signing of Santi Cazorla from Malaga, due to confusion which has arisen over who is signing off on the transfer from the Spanish club, until this issue can be resolved.

    Malaga are currently in the process of trying to sell the club with one group already withdrawing from the sale process. The latest news regarding the ownership of the club is that former President , Fernando Sanz, could possibly take the club over again after a clause which was inserted in to the purchase agreement when the club was sold to Abdullah Al-Thani, which stated that should the club default on any of their payments the seller could take control of the club again was revealed.

    Cazorla has been widely reported to be in London and have passed his medical with Arsenal. One journalist tweeted that the player had met other members of the squad at London Colney and that the deal was all but completed.

    Sky Sports News expect that the official announcement to be delivered early next week.

  180. rico says:

    Off out with Fido now, back later…..

    Hopefully Sky are wrong and we hear some news later…

    Have a good afternoon all….

  181. southyorkshiregunner says:

    William Hill have got Giroud at 33/1 for PL’s top scorer.
    If he players regularly he’ll certainly get the chances and has more chance of winning it than Luis Suarez playing in a shit team and at 16/1

  182. Lee says:

    Liverpool have downing’s contribution to look forward to…….err no goals and no assists last season!

  183. southyorkshiregunner says:

    It’s looking really good Lee.

    I still can’t understand why Bendtner, Park and Chamakh are still here…

  184. bondex says:

    The Daily Mirror reports that Robin van Persie will join Arsenal’s training camp in Germany next Tuesday despite being given a deadline of the same day by Juventus to decide whether he wants to move to Italy….

  185. southyorkshiregunner says:

    We managed Monday and Wednesday, so far Lee. I’ve been running the gym over in Scunny until 2:00am other nights – a lot of the lads at the gym are Muslim – and its Ramadan so I’ve extended the hours for a month…

  186. southyorkshiregunner says:

    …. Friday night is always good, Lee.

    Just been browsing through the comments section of LeGrove.. You thought it was getting feisty re: Song on here … Seriously nasty over there…

  187. Romford Pele (formerly HC) says:

    Have a great weekend guys – off to Prague with the girlfriend for a couple days. Hopefully Cazorla and Sahin will be signed, sealed and delivered by Monday 🙂

  188. rico says:

    Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy!!!

    Joey Barton is set to sign a six-month loan deal with League Two Fleetwood from QPR, BBC Radio Lancashire reports.

  189. Potter says:

    Bartons only gone so that as they have a large number of early games he can reduce the time of his ban.

  190. devilgunner says:

    Good evening Fine Folk.

    Had another busy day today.

    Seems as if there are some difficulties in the Cazorla deal. As I said….be secure only when he is seen in an AFC shirt on the pitch. Otherwise do not count your chicks.

    Do you count yours everyday Rico???? 😉

  191. allezkev says:

    It seems that Terry Burton has picked a mixture of Youths with a few junior reserves, to take on Chesham today.
    Meaning that the senior reserves must be playing the 1st team, behind closed doors, prior to the final 1st team friendly in Koln?

  192. allezkev says:

    Lipman, Jebb, Akpom, Vickers, Kamara, all 1st year scholars in the squad.
    Gonna be an interesting game.

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