Morning all.
Yesterday morning there was headline on NN relating to us and Man City defender, Matija Nastasic. To be fair to the author, he didn’t at any time suggest or make out that Arsenal were on the verge of signing him or anything such like, he just looked at City’s situation logically. They are on the verge of signing some all singing and dancing defender apparently which could in theory push Nastasic further down the pecking order.
Low and behold, today’s newspapers are full of headline which suggest we are now readying a £15 million bid for the player who has suddenly jumped to the top of the clubs transfer target list.
Just like all, well most of what we read in the newspapers is made up as we all know and I doubt this story holds any truth whatsoever but, if by some miracle there was a grain of truth behind the Nastastic stories, would Man City sell to another Premier Club I wonder? More so, would they sell to a club which is really trying to set itself up to win the Premier League?
We know Chelsea wouldn’t and I doubt Liverpool or Manchester Utd would, well the latter did not long ago and that was a disaster for us but no way would they sell us an upcoming star like Nastasic is supposed to be. We are used to selling players to City for a hefty transfer fee, not taking their players for £15 million.
Would you guys/gals like to see Nastasic at Arsenal?
He’s 21 years old, plays for Serbia but has just had a horrid injury plagued season. Sounds right up our alley….
Talking of young upcoming stars, a few of our own are expected to be included in the squad for the trip to America. Arsene Wenger is due to announce who will be travelling to face Thierry Henry’s side later today.
One who won’t be travelling of course is Theo Walcott as he continues his recovery. He’s doing well and should be back in full training towards the end of August.
Arsene Wenger is looking forward to the trip to the States and believes it’s the perfect time for Arsenal.
It is the first time since I [started to] go to World Cups that I’ve been stopped by so many American people. I can tell you something I’m completely convinced of – before people didn’t know who you were, but now every American guy I met knows Arsenal, knows England and knows the Premier League.
The enthusiasm about soccer in the States is new but big. I expect us to have a good crowd there. I hope that we can help to develop the interest in the game and that we can play a good match there to make people enjoy it.
It is the perfect time to go. I always wanted to go with Arsenal to the United States, so I’m personally very happy to do it.
Thankfully, the boys aren’t there for too long, just a quick visit, play and then home in time for the Emirates Cup on the 2nd August and that’s when we’ll see our two new signings, maybe even three with David Ospina set to be announced any day soon.
Could even be four if the story about Gino Peruzzi has substance to it.
According to The Metro, Arsenal have taken Serbian midfielder Mladen Micanovic on trial ahead of a possible transfer to the club before the end of the window. The 17-year-old, who plays for FK Javor Ivanjica, is regarded as a big talent in his homeland and Arsene Wenger has invited him to London for a trial.
The midfielder can play right back and centre back as well as in midfield.
That’s it for another day, have a good one…
Good Read
I’d definitely nab Nastasic at 15m. Mert/Kos aren’t getting any young and he can learn a lot from both of their games. Also when you have a younger player you don’t feel as bad leaving them on the bench. Like Verm, it feels terrible leaving him on the bench doesn’t it? A youngster not so bad lol. I think Opsina is a done deal and a great challenger for Scz.
Might be worth noting that the Khedira reports are kicking about again…when will they let this rest!
Would be interesting to see how the Croat is….That new Greek/German player we’ve signed “spanky” looks alright…based on youtube videos lol
Eisfeld gone, I like him. Always felt he was never going to make it though 🙁
https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/491880365196587008
Signing a player these days has become something of a ritual brimmed full of one upmanship, bluff, playing cards at the right time, keeping them close to your chest, refusing to strengthen a rival (count Arsenal out of this as they will sell to anyone with the money), brinkmanship and use of the press to float all kinds of rumours. These people love it and it makes Mourinho’s feel at least a quarter of an inch taller. For many of us it is the epitome of tedium but, let the egos have their day in the Sun (both the big shiny thing and the news rag) because after all the bleating, they love it and it gives us something to invent rubbish about.
Nastasic also seems decent stats-wise. Personally I dont know enough to really tell, but Nickie makes a good point about the younger ones – they will get their chances but wont complain too much on the bench as long as they learn and grow. 15m? Sounds a lot, but if he’s really good then its within the realms…
Good Post Rico.
Yes I would like to see Nastasic in. AS Nickie said………he is young and will definitely learn from the older Per and Kos.
But I still feel we need two CB. Simply to get the other two playing together and thus AW can rest Per and Kos toghether.
Ideally it would be two RB, two LB, 4 CB………..and play permutation A……Debuchy, Per, Kos, Gibbs………..and then play permutation B Jenks, CB,CB, Monreal in certain games which are easier to play. For example…..cup games, dead rubber games etc.
Eisfeldt gone????
Pity. I liked him.
But as I said……..No room for sentiment.
Just like Chuks Aneke, Eisfeld was never given a chance to prove himself. Wishing him all the best
Brilliant ramble Adam!
Thanks Roger. It’s that sort of day. 🙂
Good read Lady..
I am gutted for Thomas. 2 senior appearances 1 goal, 1 assist but still had a habit of being too efficient for the taste of Aw.
I wish him well… he will do well in the Championship.
I guess Miguel may move to Sociedad or Malaga soon too…
Now I get it why AW takes so long to sign a player and Mourinho takes only 20 minutes.
Simply look at their height!!!!! 😆
15 mil for a back up? A defender at that? Not while Wenger is still the boss. Besides, TV is not gone yet…and you’re right …Man City won’t sell to us. So, no need wasting time on this one, Rico.
In terms of players I was emotional attached to,I am only left with Olson and Bellerin in the Academy. I need to find some youth players to like…
Maybe this September in the UEFA u-19 cup i might find one…
I am not sold on Zelalem yet. A bit one dimensional but has the flashiness Aw adores so…
Morning again all… Thanks for the post comments..
I am quite surprised Thomas Eisfeld has gone…
Rumours are Willock is going to the US of A too…
Morning all, Eisfeld gone, not really surprised, more money in the kitty.
Even I am surprised that Eisfeld is gone. I hope that he will flourish in the Championship.
Hopefully AW might have a clause inserted in the transfer to Fulham.
I am with you on Zelalem Ginge. I was not overly impressed when I saw him.
But I would be a bit angry if Gnabry, Bellering and Akpom are not give the chance to play.
I feel that they have all the ingredients to make it.
So Spanoudakis became the 13th player to move between Arsenal and Barcelona? WoW
Dev. The favoured image is of Wenger, sitting in a semi darkened room agonising over whether he should spend some of the club’s money on one player or the other. One minute he thinks “Yes, we need him” and then it’s “Oh, but what about my legacy? And Diaby will be back soon”. It must be tortuous for him imagining all the various permutations of the disasters that could and probably will happen. I mean, imagine that last Christmas he had worked out that a couple of decent purchases might have taken the strain off Giroud and added something somewhere else that might have given us the lift and pushed Arsenal over the line. What argument could his complex thought process have come up with that told him that everything would somehow work out in the end given that he had been here quite a few times before and blown it? Even if the players he wanted weren’t available, were there no others that could have eased the strain? Perhaps not, but within such fine margins lie the possibilities for both victory and defeat so why not widen those very parameters and just ever so slightly over-egg the pudding?
Ts
I was attached to Eisfeld, as was my missus. I took am attached to Olsson and Bellerin. Got a soft spot for Hayden, Plezguelo, Akpom and Toral also 🙂
Tai
Look at the bigger picture….back up for now, premier league elite in 2-3 years with another 6-10 playing years after that first team. He has great potential and at 15m in this market it would be a steal in the long term
I like what I’ve seen of Eisfeld but I never reckoned he was going to grow into it, regarding how parked our midfield is presently…Ozil, Ramsey, Wilshere, Ox, Gnabry, Coq, etc – all likely to play till seven years or more…and Eisfeld is 20…, or am I wrong? The boy needs to grow elsewhere…
Add to it that we all want players to come from outside these days to replace those sold…when will he ever get the chance?
Oh my bad Akpom and Afobe are still around…
Players I have seen in the flesh a few times… that has made me a bit attached to them.
Dev I agree. Gedion has an eye for a pass but he seems to know or think he is too good for his own shoes..
i think AW promoted him to the full squad too early…
Personally olsson should be playing or promoted to the seniors this season. He has it all but maybe upper body strength is lacking even though he seems to be filling up very well.
http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/transfer-talk/news/fulham-sign-arsenal-youngster_166417.html
Olsson is a TR07 clone Ginge.
I too would promote him to the seniors.
Why is Le Coq still around?
Ts, agree with you on Zelalem, Dev,your right, no room for sentiment in modern football. I doff my cap to you Rico, once again.
Hopeful if Eisfield does well he can go back to BVB again…
Dev, this is what I like to see my playmaker do and Olsson does it so so well…
It goes to show the man upstairs still make them… 🙂
Olsson looks like he’s grown since last years pre season in terms of body and physically. He would only get stronger/better with a run in first team. Always been satisfied with his performances whenever I’ve seen him. Like his work ethic. He’s even growing Rosicky style hair! lol
Hi Bt, Gedion imo is not a dribbler to be a no.10 and lacks mobility and defensive awareness to play as a no.6 and has not got the eye for the goal yet as a no.8.
AW knows Best! I guess…
Its easier being an Armchair Expert. 🙂
Nickie- Olsson minds me of the Mozart in BVB in 2002-ish
Nickie, my desire for Arsenal is most times put in check by the fact Wenger is the one managing…the Wenger we all know will not spend 15 million on a back-up defender…he refused to spend 15 mil for Cahill, who would have been first choice…instead grabbed Per for 8 mil.
Any player Wenger spends 15 mil for, even in these times, must be a starter…why do you think we let Remy off?
You are on form this morning Adam… 😉
Thanks Bt and good, it’s too hot for hats.. 😉
Even in the way he runs, Olsson is a clone of TRo7. The same all action style, finding space. little triangles, eye for a long pass. And even the way he chipped the keeper reminds me of TR07’s earlier goal last season vs Sudnerland………
I hope he does not clone the injuries as well.
Olsson’s debut vs WBA. Note he was playinga against Mulumba etc
Correct Tai. But Rico asked whether we, being the supporters, would take him.
good point dev re injuries…
Tai – those days are long gone imo. AW doesn’t appear to be having much say in the finances.
Ozil, Sanchez and even Debucy show the club are prepared to spend big money on the right player…
Guys, Gedion is what, 16? I make no critique of players that age, only wish them well with their development, and when they approach 20, we see if they made it!
Thanks Rico. I could make a load of stuff up if you would like. 🙂
Sitting here, in front of a blank screen with a 6k word article due to be delivered by 6pm tends to focus the mind and mental games are just the way I limber up. 🙂
I’d be a little bit upset if Olsson never got real first team opportunities.
I did Nickie, and I probably would too.
He’s got many years ahead of him and £15 million isn’t that much imo, and if he has a great few seasons, AW might sell him for £35 million… lol
Remember mates……….players’ bodies do not develop fully till they are 22 years. Playing them too early will ruin their bodies.
Hopefully Olsson, Akpom and Bellerin will wait patiently till their bodies are well developed.
Ask ‘Jack about being overplayed.
Ts, seen both play for Afc youth teams, in relatively big games and to be honest both have disappointed, most of the time. Eisfeld in front of goal, was calm and pretty deadly, but overall was never really involved much. I see your reverting to type. lol
🙂 Adam. 6k, I struggle to think of 600 words…. lol
It makes you upset if Olsson never got real first team opportunities???
It makes me sick when I remember that clowns were given extended runs and got paid for doing naught.
I am a city fan and would like to see us persist with nasty, he will be a world class centre half if properly nurtured, he has a bad habit of being far to casual at times but everything else he does well, he would be a bargain for years to come at 15 mill, especially when Shaw is apparently worth 30, good read.
Bt- leopard and spots… 🙂 Always!
Good point Roger; I am not slating Gedion btw. I as i said above he was promoted too early.
Then again when a player has his father as his agent, AW has to be seen doing more so…
Rico. It’s all a matter of degree. Having said that I should add that the opening paragraph is often the most difficult, especially if you would rather be something else entirely and haven’t done the research you should. Both of which are entirely applicable this morning. Perhaps I’ll just cut and paste the whole thing. 🙂
Dev,
The point I was making is….
If he’s impressing us at this level give him a chance in the first team for a few games. That doesn’t mean continue to give him opportunities if he truly is shocking. I’m against players like Arshavin etc picking up their mean salary and giving 0 to the team.
It would be nice to see a breakthrough in youth. We talk about attachment to players, he’s a kid who tries hard so i’ll rephrase and say it would be a shame if he didn’t get a real crack at first team footy at Arsenal 🙂
Good luck with the article Adam.
Your ones are great read as usual…….they wet my appetite and lend legs to my brain synapses.
Adam,
Did you by any chance attend same school as Frederick Forsythe?
It’s not just that everything you say makes adult sense, it’s equally the way you string them together. I bow.
But then, you were the first man … say me hi to Eve…
Morning all.
Bt- re Eisfield that was why I said he was efficient. He seemed to be more tactical and keeping the team shape. Then again the club hardly played him in his natural position.
He is a CM or no.6 or no.8. He was never a winger or suitable for playing in a front 3 imho…
AW will never have promoted Scholes imho…
You only notices Paul was on the field when he made his tactical tackles which were often excused as crazy by the media or he scored one of his masterstroke goals…
In between that he sat behind Keane or Butt and orchestrated play from deep.
I find cut and paste very helpful Adam… 😉
Ts, i think Olsson has a better work ethic, than Eisfeld ever appeared to have. Gideon, still young so early days, but good luck to Eisfeld in his future endeavours.
hi all…..good read Rico..,….eisfield gone good for him as he wouldn’t have playing time at arsenal….
Tai. As you know, I created Eve from one of my ribs. But she left me for another and I learnt never to trust women again. So here I sit, in my man-cave alongside my life sized model of Arsene Wenger, flipping through the Arsenal sites and feeling rather ignorant at my lack of knowledge of the Zelalems and the Eisfelds of this world. It’s not that I haven’t seen them but rather that I have forgotten what I thought of them when I did.
Yes, Freddie Forsyth was my catamite. 🙂
I don’t get to see the younger players very much so can’t really comment on many.
Who do you guys reckon will be on the plane to America?
Because for me, this is where it all starts for them, they have Saturday and the Emirates Cup to show they are ready to be in the first team squad and ready to play.
Morning all.
6 mins ago BRENDAN RODGERS is weighing up a move for Karim Benzema. Liverpool are set to beat Arsenal to Javier Manquillo
Daily Express
according to my BVB buddies he was ahead of Gotze until he got injured and missed 2 years of his career before 19… just like Frimps
Thanks snaparse, I don’t think he will be the last either..
Hiya Mr Syg
Hiya Ginge.
It’s quiet out there, mate.
Syg, was there a quote for a fee ref JM?
They are going to be a strong outfit Syg…
It’s a two year loan Bt..
willock trained with the seniors so he might be on the B767 to NY…
Snap-Do you think TH14 will attempt to play part of the game for us like he did a few years back?
What about the Cavani news in France re not turning up for training yesterday?
Rico,
If we’re going on players who we should be looking at in and around the first team next year these would be candidates…
Olsson
Akpom
Bellerin
Hayden
Miquel?
Funnily enough most of them play in positions we need.
Toral needs more time, Adjeye, Plezguelo need more time. Zelalem and Willock too young at the moment.
Afobe won’t make it.
Hmmm…Adam, don’t let Rico hear that … thought both of you got along well together.
its hard to judge players now some take time to developer whilst others peak early xavi and iniesta took time to hit the height they were in now so its too early to say I think zalalem is more of a xavi than cesc but we will know how he might turn out in time for now its just for them to learn..having said that I love bellerin and I wish he has a good career with us
Nickie, agree with you on Afobe, just can’t see him making it.
hi ts I really don’t know about th14 playing for both side but would love him to……..re cavani news travel far huh it was in a few papers but I’m not sure how concrete they are will get to know later for sure but I think he wants out really
But he’s too young to be a first team player surely Ts…
Nickie, thanks – Miquel isn’t in the squad on afc.com, did he feature against Boreham Wood?
The rest you list are also still very young aren’t they?
I say that because Gnabry, who is built like a brick outhouse hardly played last season, yet we were crying out for him on the wing..
And he’s older than those I think…
Tai. We do, because she understands me. One look into my piercing blue eyes and I have her transfixed. 🙂
Shame about Afobe.. I like him a lot and not because he is African. SyG 😀
He still makes the right runs etc he just needs to getting back to match sharpness…
All this squit about Eisfield and the other kids that fall to the wayside just highlights again the problem of a proper structured league for them to play and take the final step in. At some point they have to play against adults and they don’t get that chance at the top clubs because those clubs can’t afford their learning mistakes. If you loan them the recipient club’s manager is under pressure for his job too and so they sit on the bench or worse never play at all. We need to bring back the Central league and the Football combination . Proper reserve football in a constructive competitive league.
He is Rico but Aw always takes 1 or 2 youngsters to expose them to the confines of being a pro at a club such as AFC…
The diet they eat, how players interact during spare time etc…
plus ts it is not on the Paris official site re cavani
Ditto that fully potter..
Only if Dyke can remember he is not collecting TV licence fee for the BBC of course.. 😉
Snap, i have my informant in all the leagues mate that is why i know… 🙂 😉
Rico, Miguel played at BW, first half i think, The Daily Twinkle had JM down at 20m. lol
Syg are you still coming down on friday?
Miguel is still not officially a first team player…
On paper he is the u-21 captain.. he has been since he joined us.
Van Gaal wants Cavani…
Miquel did play Rico and he looked very assured. He looked clumsy a couple of years ago but his touch, control everything had improved greatly from what I saw.
Talking about strength and bulk. One thing that gets me is why are we not training stronger CBs? Sure a player can build muscle but why not start with players that have the basis there? Our younger CBs look like push overs (Yes they’re young) but there are some strapping 16-18 year olds about lol. The 4 young CBs we showcased against Boreham looked like weeds and are not intimidating at all
Since Mourinho came to England and turned Carling/Capital One Cup into first team competition, we hardly get real chance to truly access young guns…their reserve/youth league/FA Cup hardly come on Tv…so, like Rico, I’ll be wrong trying to access most of them.
I’ve only seem glimpses of Zalalem but liked the little I saw. He has great vision and passes like Ozil in the final third. I think if he’s encouraged, he may fast-track like Cesc…but English FA should find a way of barring EPL first team players from Capital One Cup games…it hinders youth progress.
Spot on Potter!
Morning all,
Nastasic, never heard of him, Micanovic, never heard of him either, looks like the 2014 transfer window is about to kick in.
Eilsfeld, the young injury prone german crock that was gonna prove all us doubters wrong……another one bites the dust.
Adam, rumour had it you turned over a new leaf when you met Eve.
Or to put them up and out there for sale Ts…
The little I have seen of Hayden he is certainly not a DM… Rick or Kev may disagree.
But he is not matured nor experienced enough to play his best position as a CB so the club have opted to trial him as a DM in the game in featured for us.
ha ha rico…
Thanks Bt/Nickie.
Did he look assured enough to stop Costa?
Or will it be another Drogba/Senderos showing… 😉
Micko. Classic 🙂
Here we go again Micko.. 😀
Tai
Fully disagree. Carling cup is not a youth cup. People only get that idea because Wenger was one, if not the first to begin tinkering with youth for them games as he doesn’t rate the cup. Every manager has the right to field the strongest team they have in that cup. Before he did use all youth but that wasn’t a great idea, he’s now found a better balance in using youth and experience.
If every team is banned from using first team players doesn’t it just become a youth game?
Adam…I envy you.
Bt62. Not seen a fee for Manquillo only what we were reported at offering Madrid, and I doubt that was right.
—
Nickie @11:33
It’s very doubtful that any of them will make it.
Miguel I thought was a nice player on the ball but if Vermaelen couldn’t make an impression on Kos/Mert p/ship? Then I can’t see much of a future at Arsenal for Miguel. He needs big game time. Bellerin – just maybe, but the rest. Nope.
Places in midfield are really hard to come by, which just shows you, how good Gnabry actually is. (winger, I class as midfield)
Akpom appears better than the towel boy from Auxerre, but for whatever reason, he was over looked in favour of him. Saying that Bendtner was heads and shoulders over both of them but never got a game after Christmas…… which goes to show that Wenger isn’t for the team . With Wenger it is hard to figure him out. For as good as people think he is, he has made some really bum decisions.
The big signing in midfield is needed, and his favourite for that position appears to be Lars Bender.
The MIRROR foresaw both the Sanchez and Debuchy signings early on, and in the same article mentioned Bender. Maybe they have got it right? 3 out of 3?
Good Morning to the Lady of the House and all fellow Gooners in residence.
Interesting article Rico. May we live in interesting times.
If we offered Citeh cash up front for a quick sale I think they would take it. Between the
1.) Squad size restriction imposed for breaching FFP guidelines,
2.) them buying more foreign players (e.g. Mangella),
3.) Pellegrini saying they haven’t finished buying and
4.) most or all of the English/home grown players they warehoused, but never played, wanting to leave;
Citeh must sell some of their ‘foreign’ players to reduce and balance their squad.They may well have painted themselves into a corner. Although I’m not convinced Nastasic is worth £15 million to Arsenal.
Yesssss… who said Aw is a finished manager?
@Official RM
Real Madrid new boy James Rodriguez laughs off Man Utd link. “In the EPL, I choose only Arsenal because of the coach.
Rico…
Imagine a meerkat attempting to stop a charging rhino.
haha
You have a valid point Syg…
Micko. That was the rumour and I tried to, but a dozen eggs and a few olives turned me back to my former reprehensible self. 🙂
Luckily I am kept on a short leash.
But TV has been displaced because of injury not ability imho…
I think this season he might displace Per if he stays and starts well in the Community shield
Hi Cg…
beIN SPORTS @beINSPORTSUSA · 16h
DONE DEAL – @Arsenal have signed @D_Ospina1 on a four-year deal http://bit.ly/1sLAHBP
Ts, you’ll be doing a goonie now…lol
City Watch @City_Watch ·
City have had enquiries from Inter and Roma for Nastasic, favour selling abroad despite Arsenal guaranteeing quicker payment
Dev, I thought you might like this…
”Brazil new coach Dunga says that Arsene Wenger has been a mentor to his coaching career so far and spoke to AW few times asking things.”
SYG
sad thing is you’re probably correct which is a shame. Most look good enough for Championship and above. None really sparkle. It is nice to see a youth breakthrough. Unfortunately it doesn’t look as though we’ll see one for a while
ha ha ha Bt-
It looks like goonie has disappeared after weeing in front of the white house
Yeah. I’ve got a meeting a London Bridge at 10:30am, Ginge ….. I’m meeting my mate (from Chiswick) after that – the ex-marine I told you about who is a minder for the escort agency.
Back up north on the 5:00 train.
…and Afobe is injury prone and just not that good. Akpom is better, but I doubt if he’ll make it with us. Maybe WHU or Fulham.
Ask the Sheffield Wednesday supporters re: Afobe.
Our reserves/kids just aren’t that good full stop – which is the sole reason that they did so poor.
The league rarely lies. If they were shite against other reserves/kids, then you can’t really expect any of them to step up.
If we get one every three years we are doing well. Gibbs, Wilshere and Gnabry
I have to agree with Nickie. The League Cup is a cup and from the start to finish we should be trying to win it.
Our problem has all too often been not having a deep enough squad to compete on all four fronts…
Outside Jenks will be putting on a brave face, inside he will be hurting.
Was the 8-2 his first game for us, a real baptism of fire.
I’m sure when wenger signed him he would have seen him as sagna’s replacement, this should have been his season but wenger obviously doesn’t trust him.
50 odd appearances in the last 3 seasons, double that of wengers love child, would like to think wenger still has a place for him in this squad.
Hi all. Many of our youngsters are sent on loan and can’t even hold down a place in the clubs they are loaned to. The likes of Miquel, Afobe and Lansbury spring to mind. Thaf seals the deal for me as far as ever making it at Arsenal.
Nickie,
There are too many games in England, yet no winter break….if you check, England was most affected by injuries prior to World Cup. Germany that won the World Cup, had over 80% players from their 18-team league, no equivalent of COC games and a three-week long winter break.
Capital One Cup is a huge distraction to first team players…it should be for reserves, youth and recuperating players, imo.
To me, English FA are interested in the money, not in players’ welfare and development.
Morning Cg..
I agree about City needing to offload a few, especially as they took a slap on the wrist from uefa for breaching ffp, but I’m not convinced they’d sell to us although Pellegrini seems more of a decent chap than the Chelsea man…
£15 million is a lot of money, but that’s the crazy game these days. Don’t like it personally…
I wonder if James has watched many Arsenal games recently…
Ts, Dunga wasn’t asking him about defensive tactics that’s for sure.
Hinge I do not like it when players come because of AW. What happens when he goes?
Agree Micko, that guy bleeds Arsenal, he’ll be hurting if he thinks his days are numbered… Although I don’t think they are..
Lansbury is doing well now though Bj….
Where’s Bracket… 😉
Ginge – Good morning. I think Wenger is noncommittal on TV because he wants to see if TV is willing to fight for his place in the team. I agree that he is capable of being a good player for us again, but does he want it enough.
Tai
It’s down the manager to manage his team. Down to medical staff to say whether a player is fit/available. Final decision is with the manager. The carling cup is the least important cup but it’s still a cup. The youth and reserves have their cups. The youth and reserves also have a league. Believe it or not they do play games. If a youth/reserve is ready to step up it shouldn’t matter what competition they’re doing it in. If you’re good enough to play, you’re good enough to play.
The FA do not decide what players go out on the pitch the manager does. Carling cup may be nothing to us but a team like West Brom(no disrespect) may see it as a chance to get some silverware.
Rico. Do you think that Wenger is serious about not buying another striker?
Welcome Gary, sorry for the delay in letting you out of moderation..
Thanks re the post, do you think he’ll be sold though?
Adam, your earlier didn’t go unnoticed… 😉
No I don’t think he’s serious…
Bt, if he did, AW would have been left speechless, for once, whilst rapidly hunting down Steve Bould….
I thought not. 🙂
Interesting re the striker thing.
Adam, i sincerely hope he wasn’t serious, about not signing a striker..
I imagine there is a buy back clause in the Eisfeld deal, just in case. Wenger knows best
£15.8m for Jeremy Mathieu!!! It’s all gone mad
Do you think he was being serious Adam?
rico 12.16, your wasted on here.
BT. Me too but the more obvious the need, the less likely it is to happen.
Rico – Since UEFA revamped the European club competitions into the Champions and Europa Leagues; with most of the money, by far, being in the Champions League most of the top English teams have viewed the League Cup as a distraction. It has never had the prestige of the FA Cup and none of the top teams want to waste time playing for entry into the Europa League.
Arsene deemed it a distraction and drain on the squad. So, he used it as an opportunity to give the younger and marginal players more playing time for them to develop and for him to assess them.
When Happy Harry was at Spurs and they weren’t in Europe he lambasted Arsene for making a mockery of the League Cup by fielding a ‘reserve team’. Yet, as soon as Spuds managed to sneek into the Champions League, he did exactly the same thing. As someone already mentioned the FA like it because it is another money winner for them. The teams gain gain very little from it.
Flex, you can get away with saying that on here… 😉
Although I’m far from convinced he does….
Not this time of day Micko.. 😉
I knew you would spot it….
Last week we were close to something but…and there’s always a but. I really don’t know at the moment. If there will be a striker he will have to be better than Remy, who I think was bursting to come.
Adam, if the last 2 windows are anything to go by, you may be right.
Lol ts I suppose u done..
BT. What do you think they are smoking at The Emirates? 🙂
Cg, you are of course absolutely spot on but just imagine if we had won the league cup a few years ago, all this 5,6,7,8,9 years without a trophy would never have happened.
I appreciate it’s not a big cup, but it’s a cup, a winning something experience and footballs get so much confidence from that.
AW has always put the CL first, just a shame he’s never really built a squad to win it. Things look like they are changing though, fingers crossed that come 11pm on the final day of the transfer window, we look the business squad wise…
Don’t forget the Emirates Cup Rico.
Cg,
At least someone is with me on this Capital One Cup thing!
Adam,
I don’t just think, I know Wenger was dead serious when he said we didn’t need another striker. Funny thing is I go completely with him.
And most of you would, if you took time to appreciate the quality and variety Sanchez just brought to the plate. If Wenger could maximally manage that strike force, squeezing out the maximum from respective potentials, and rotating effectively, we’d all smile by next May.
Tai. I must respectfully disagree. What if Sanchez breaks a leg in the first game? Where’s the contingency?
Adam, with all the talk of IG special fund, i know for definite, it’ll be a lot better than anything i can afford…..lol …Maybe Chamak left the odd pipe. laying about when he left.
BT. Or a hookah perhaps?
https://vine.co/v/M2IDzgHP5Ju
haha
I think its possible Nastasic could be sold in order to free up room, it would be a mistake though, same as savic who was let go in order to sign nasty, he has since gone on to thrive at fiorentina and was someone else who you could see had potential. I would just like to say this community that you have on the website is like nothing I have seen before, its absolutely fantastic, while I am a city fan I have always had a soft spot for Arsenal because of the football Wenger plays and now I am definitely going to be visiting this website regularly.
Not enough of whatever it is Adam…
Rico – Arsene said “we don’t need another striker”. He didn’t say he wouldn’t buy one. He was obviously looking earlier in the TW, most perticularly at Alvaro Marota. The club had been in contact regarding Remy, but Remy’s wage demands put them off.
This could be one of those last minute deals when clubs and/or players moderate their demands.
We don’t win that these days Adam…
Depressing but true Rico. I forgot.
CG………take AW’s comments with a pinch of salt.
Better still……..two pinches.
Both in favour and against you should never trust AW. He does not lie. He says half truths……….which are worse than outright lies.
Thanks Gary, really kind of you…
You must have to ship out a few players don’t you?
Cg, I think he’ll sign a striker. I believe little of what AW tells the media..
Anyone else sick of seeing LVG’s face on the television this morning, anyone would think Man Utd are the only club in the PL…
Adam,
It is possible that Sanchez could break his leg…no one prays for that though. But, we all agree that long-term injuries to TW14 and AR16 were reasons for our slump. It means without Sanchez but with Ramsey and Walcott, we’d get by until the Chilean came around. It’d be bad luck at its extreme to have all three injured at same time … in which case that luck wouldn’t spare this ‘other’ striker if we got him.
Only Yaya scored more from midfield last term than Ramsey(forget Gerrard…all goals came from pens)…only Hazard could match Walcott in goals from wings. OG12 has become a 20 goals-a-season striker, thank God. Podolski is not entirely useless either. Carzola comes in with the goals too.
If Wenger grabs a big striker now, he’d most certainly close shop. But he MUST get a real DM to balance the squad. I’d welcome any other top striker as luxury but DM must be sorted out first!
Perruzi price scary!
http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/724786488?-11203:5805
afternoon all, we seemly missed out on manguillo because of wenger,s pussy footing around. Manquillo now has he,s heart set on liverpool.now he,s looking at peruzzi, all loan deals.He,s too mean to buy a right back. Thats two players gone to liverpool we should of had. As for ospina ,3 weeks now im hearing were close to signing. jesus just sign im if your serious. I said it before i really think once a keeper and right back is EVENTUALLY signed, I can see the tight fucker closing up shop this season. as always hope im wrong.
Rico,
makes it all the more sweeter when he fails at Man U lol
The chances of getting another striker are very slight Tai.
For the following reasons……….
1) OG12 does not run fast. He turns slowly. So he does not have the quickness of the feet which entails defenders to foul him in order to stop him. If he was fast then the chances of him breaking a leg would increase as defenders would loose the ball and get the leg.
2) Few defenders would tackle him since he does not hold the ball too much. One, two mostly three touches are all that OG12 gets. Jack is more liable to get hurt since he takes 5/6/7 touches of the ball while dribbling.
3) For all his size and bulk OG12 (if people have noticed it) is rarely on the ground on two legs. Its incredible but many times he is in air. Especially when shooting.
I have to disagree too Tai.
I don’t see how signing a striker would mean AW has to be finished in the TW, not at all.
My own thought is we will see a DM/HM and a striker before the end of August and if TV goes, a CB too….
So unless AW considers it a risk he will not buy. IMO he would have bought Lewandowski because the style is similiar.
Calm down dublin.. 😉
Sure will Nickie, sure will….
And when he has Theo and now Sanchez he would prefer to play one of them centrally, Campbell and Akpom behind them in the pecking order, but not buy another striker in the mould of Balotelli etc.
Then again………now that I have said that it would be probable that he would surprise us.
Peruzzi, who rejected Sunderland to move to Catania last summer, is wanted by Arsenal on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent deal in 12 months time.Typical wenger , wants he,s cake and eat it. no wonder players look elswhere. sorry for rant rico
Dev, has Theo, ever stayed injury free, through a season?
Devil – I never take what Arsene says at face value, especially selected quotes excised from a longer interview. Everything must be evaluated with respect to when, where and why it was said.
He is a cross between a politician and a professional card player. He never tells you the whole story unless it is about to go public and never reveals his hand until he knows it is a sure thing.
You have to be analytical and dispassionate when reading or listening to what Arsene says. Too many people read in what they want to hear.
Ok, Rico,
The bet is on…Wenger won’t bring in another striker …even if anyone we have gets injured before transfer closes. I would love to lose the bet though. but I’ve learnt the hard way to always place reality above my desires. And we’re supposed to know Wenger well!
No Bt62. He has never stayed injury free throughout a season. And the reasons I listed above are the reason. Theo is fast. So he gets more tackles and kicks than any other player.
I was talking about OG12 though….not Theo.
Bt,
Nether did RVP until he turned 28! With Sanchez now, Theo should be rotated to protect him and prolong his season.
I’m off for the night. Have a great day fellow Gooners and our Citeh visitor.
Keep The Faith!
dublin, you rant on, was only pulling your leg….
Night Cg..
Tai, ok.
Does this make me chuckle?????
It does make me cry!!!! We paid thousands to this moron. If he was good an inch of what he said clubs would be running after him. instead I think he will either have to lower his demands or else stay lapping the sun in bikinis.
Former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner is still without a club after his move to Eintracht Frankfurt collapsed due to high wage demands.
After being released by Arsenal this summer, the 26-year-old is a free agent and currently looking for a new club.
He had been expected to complete a move to Frankfurt, with the Bundesliga side keen to add the striker to their squad.
However, German news outlet Kicker are now reporting that contract talks have broken down due to Bendtner’s excessive wage demands.
The Dane was on £52,000-a-week during his time in North London and it is believed he is reluctant to see that figure drop.
Read more at http://talksport.com/football/arsenal-flop-bendnter-still-free-agent-wage-demands-scupper-frankfurt-switch-140723103374#jzg4xxDTdAJj36lX.99
Afternoon All…
Afternoon Rico, intetesting post, like you I cannot see City allowing one of their better players to join Arsenal.
Likewise Milner….
For that reason, allowing Verm to join ManUre is an absolute no no, unless we get a player in return.
ManUre can insist on a cash only deal if they like, and we should tell them to jog on…
6,000 words Adam…
Yes, cut & paste seems the sensible answer…
Gary of City, welcome mate.
Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy Devil…!
Afternoon Kev, TV to Utd is a big no no from me too.
Wenger said after RvP left that we would never sell to them again. Watch this space….
Yes and no habib.
I would tell Manure to choose…………25 million cash upfront if they want TommyV ………..or………in exchange for Phil Jones.
If they come up with the right amount of money no player who is not in the 1st 11 is indispensable.
Dg,
Everything Wenger does, well, apart from substitutions, makes sense. Javi Manquillo never made one sense. Imho, Carll Jenkinson is better than JM presently. Why get a player from another club to develop and send your own on same mission elsewhere?
I’m beginning to suspect, and gladly too, that Wenger has learnt to send teams on ‘false flag’ missions. Leading managers who depend on his sense to spot talents to wrong targets while keeping real targets to his chest.
Everyone believed it was Aurier until Debuchy was sealed. Press all but confirmed Balotelli and in a flash, Sanchez was done…all eyes on Casillas and bang, we’re having Ospina…think our dear AW has just become the 007 of transfers!
I fully understand you regarding the TV05 situation mates. However if AFC recoup the transfer fee they paid and his wages in one single stroke then the better. Or if they get Jones for the player. Yes I would go for it.
But on my terms not their terms.
As I said………no player who is not 1st team choice is priceless.
The problem is that AW does not spend what he gets for TommyV. That is the only reason why I will be reluctant to sell. If AW buys like for like and juggles the team every year than OK.
you are right Tai. I would like AW to sign another Kos type of player…..out of French ligue 2 and BANG……..we have a star.
Tai., yeah i know Van skunk wasn’t fit for years, myself wanted him gone before the start of his magical season. Then again in that season, we won diddly-squat.
Here is a man with proper balls ……………… What shall we give to have another captain like him……or him leading the club…..
.
.
.
.
Manchester City and Patrick Vieira took the decision to abandon their Under-21 pre-season friendly against HNK Rijeka after midfielder Seko Fofana was allegedly the victim of racial abuse.
Vieira, whose Elite Development Side are currently on a 10-day pre-season training camp in Croatia, entered the field to speak to the referee after Fofana was sent-off for lashing out at an opponent.
The former Arsenal enforcer acted, with the unilateral backing of management staff, after 19-year-old Fofana claimed he was racially abused prior to the incident.
A City club statement: ‘Manchester City’s EDS U21 game with HNK Rijeka has today been cancelled due to an alleged incident of racial abuse toward the Club’s young midfielder, Seko Fofana by a member of the opposing team.
‘Following an alleged incident in the latter stages of the first half of the game, being played in Novigrad, Croatia, a decision was taken by the management staff to withdraw the City team from the field of play and cancel the game.
‘Club representatives in Croatia and in Manchester are liaising with officials, the match organisers and the Croatian Football Association to pursue this matter further.’
HNK Rijeka, however, appear to have distanced themselves from speculation that one of their players made racist comments towards Frenchman Fofana.
wow thank god bendtner,s contract is up, he,d be coming back to us again for this season.jesus wenger did lose it for a while. long contracts and crazy money. Even djourou, in 2012 when he clearly wasnt up to it, wenger gave him a 3 year extension and the loaned him out a few months later. just shows the madness of our manager. A. Madrid sniffing around monrael and cazorla again.
Wenger has been secretive and quiet about transfers since he first came to Arsenal. It’s not a surprise. More often than not we don’t sign players we are really linked to. Ozil for example, the first real substance came before deadline day either Wenger or Gazidis said the deal took months to put into place. More than likely Wenger knows who he wants and has people working on those deals. Most rumours are regurgitated rubbish by media outlets gagging for clicks/site visits.
Sanchez talks were going on long before Balotelli’s name found the back pages Tai..
I think you are perhaps giving AW a bit too much credit, and possibly not enough to many here.
None of us believed any player was on his way to Arsenal until the club announce a deal is done.
If we searched the back page transfer gossip for all clubs, all will have been linked to players other than those signed and that’s because the newspapers make things up for a juicy story…
Afternoon all. Another hot one!
Seems to me that most cash rich clubs can choose who they buy by hook or by crook! Equally they can pick and choose who they sell to, with maybe one exception…..us! We will sell to any club who come along, especially if the price is right! Greed on our part and true misunderstanding of the ‘market’ RVP a case in point! However, we are now one of the cash rich clubs, heaven forfend! If TV wants to go to Manure and he has a year left on his contract, then he stays with us, end of! Let him go for free next year, will horse droppings still want him, probably not that gap will have already been filled! Loss to us, in this day and age, £10m not a lot, (can’t believe I’ve just written that!), but in the football scheme of things, amongst the rich and powerful £10m is peanuts, especially when enriching another club with one of our more reliable players does nothing but make us poorer, not financially but in playing capability.
Selling to a rival is not a good strategy, selling abroad is just about acceptable, but never to the enemy!
I thought similar when I heard that news Devil. Good for Paddy…
Spot on Nickie..
Although AW said that Ozil wasn’t available until late.. 😉 But even then, it’s most likely that someone else pushed that deal through, had it been left to AW, he’d still be umming and ahring over whether to sign him….
Agree Wavy…It’s not even the amount that bothers me. It’s principle, do NOT sell to rivals
You make a good point there Wavy.
AW did not sign CJ25 though… Brady did apparently…
What did Aw say when he heard CJ25 had opted for England instead of Finland?
Exactly, Wavy and Nickie, you do NOT sell to your rivals!!!
Enlighten us Ts, what did AW say?
Apparently, Brady pushed AW into signing Olsson too…
Sorry, meant Wavy.
I’m here to help Bt/Nickie… 😉
oh I know wenger will always surprise with he,s transfer, some work out and some, well ye know. i remember 2 seasons ago we were linked with dozens of players,and right at the start of the season Santi Cazorla popped up who ashamedly i had never heard off.He can pull of great coups, but some have just been bad judgement, and some just cuttin of he,s nose to spite his face. as we all know.
Rico,
Well, I may possibly be giving AW too much credit, possibly…but never undermining the respective integrity of great minds here…take that off my mail bag, please.
But I’m convinced Wenger approached this year’s transfer quite differently from past eight, 10 years. When last did he make a big transfer like Sanchez this early? Wenger convinced Sanchez in Brazil…the Chilean confessed as much…all that time in Brazil, papers were pointing to Balotelli, until Wenger himself, rubbished that. By then he had sealed Sanchez.
For me, AW is a huge improvement on his transfer deals thus far…I don’t remember when last we signed players a day before dead line day. And believe me, I can bet again we never truly wanted Manquillo…even Remy, I suspect we never did!
Arshavin, Monreal, Kallstrom, Ozil, Mertesacker, Santos, Arteta were all dead line deals I believe
Tai………yesterday I said it………was it AFC who wanted Remy? Or was it Remy who wanted AFC?
Same with other players mentioned in the toilet rags.
Imo when the players themselves spout to the papers its always them who want/use AFC.
Did you hear Sanchez say anything before he was signed??
Further to point when has he ever bar Ozil made a transfer where the player was already World Class? Wenger made “big” signings 2012 in Pod, Giroud early with Cazorla coming before the first game of the season
Cheers Rico, i see you’ve, another betting scam on the go..lol
Agree dublin…
Tai – I think it’s more likely to have been IG and Dickie Law who have got these deals done early and I strongly suspect that AW was told how this TW window would be conducted and his involvement would be only with the player and not the finances.
Your mail bag is empty… 😉
I’ll win this one Bt… 😉
Got to pop off for an hour or two, catch up a little later…
Yes, Dev…
These days, the best way to have teams coming after you is to say Wenger is interested…that’s why Remy smartly came to the Arsenal last game at the Emirates.
Rico, thanks…I can breath freely again.
Note Chelsea wanted OG12 as a replacement for Drogba but he signed for us instead…
Per and Santos came after the 8-2 defeat but not on the deadline day…
Hell Raising Devil says:
July 23, 2014 at 1:52 pm
Here is a man with proper balls ?
Not really. Here is a guy with an agenda trying to make a point.
What next – A team takes its ball in because one of the players are spat at, punched, head butted, kicked or bitten ?
What’s worse name calling or violence?
The law states the latter every single time.
On the field the referee should deal with it. Then its up to the ruling bodies to act. That’s the way it has always been.
Not ex-players with agendas
Politics ruins the grace of the game.
thats true tai. it seems to be mostly liverpool, any player truely linked to us seem to get a second glance from the liverpool board.There getting linked to benzema today.
Ts,
That 8 – 2 defeat was the third league match of the season…how close could deals after that come closer to deadline?
Well, however it is or whoever is now in change, we’ve improved on transfers…and whatever structure put in place , no player gets signed without Wenger first signifying interest and finally giving the nod. If he is giving them this early…bravo!
I like conspiracies but I can’t get with the flow on why when signings such as Sanchez is made it is due to IG/Law but whe we miss out on a player then it is Wenger’s fault…
Yes and no SYG.
Me saying that PV has balls does not mean that I condone or say that what he did was right.
Its actions like that which earn you the respect and fear of a coach or captain……that is what I applauded.
If every time an opposing player or coach insulted me during any of the games I played or coached I walked off then I would have walked all of the games. Instead I always did my talking in another way. Like……..that player would be looking at the sun face up within two minutes of saying that (if I was playing).
I applauded the decision and the courage of PV04. He stuck to his principles.
PS…..I do not agree that a team walks off the pitch to protest against racism, and neither do I agree to lashing out with the hands if insulted.
Ts…
Per and Santos were signed and confirmed 31/08/2011 along with Arteta and Park :p
Ginge……..you are right mate.
But I still feel that this summer AW’s say in finances is limited.
look at this from the BBC Transfer deadline day of 2011
1043: RUMOUR MILL
Rumour Mill
Ooh, I love things like this. Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has some interesting news for Arsenal fans, tweeting: “Park Chu Young is not the only player Lille have mispaced. Eden Hazard has filed a transfer request to force Arsenal move.”
Tai, that window we bought Gervinho,CJ25 and Ox early…
The whole window was spent trying to sort out the Nasri and Cesc saga…
Lets be honest… IG/Law are business men and will always put money first…
Who tried to reduce a Cabaye’s asking price by insulting the player?
If we deduce our selling policy on what goes on at the club from what Cesc and Sir Fergie said after we lost both Cesc and RvP… it is always AW who concorted the clauses into Cesc and Vela’s deals.
PHW and co were willing to sell RvP for £10m; according to fergie it was Aw he had to negotiate with i.e the phrase ‘poker player from …’
OptaJoe on Twitter: “2.7 – Only five players have created more chances per 90 mins in the Premier League since 06/07 than Mikel Arteta. Bid.”
Another piece from the 2011 deadline day.
Could we say Wenger dropped Arteta deep too soon?
Nickie, I agree but, how long does international clearance take…?
I reported on here that we would be signing a swedish midfielder 2 days before he was signed you can check my posts on 29th January.
Most clubs announce signing of players with the caveat after international clearance we wait until all is done first.
We signed Gervinho 2 weeks before but it was not on .com until his international clearance had been confirmed.. same as Nasri.
Dev, i agree ref the finances, that’s the way it should be and should always have been, including contracts.
i didnt know that tsgh. learn something new every day
Oh ok Ts.
I was going by dates from beeb and Arsenal.com
I have no idea re international clearance.
Wow, it’s so strange going back over the bbc deadline day of past years. Reliving the Arteta “will we won’t we” deal lol. 19.28pm deal was dead! What an emotional, exciting transfer deadline day for us gooners
true Nickie
We could afford to sign Arteta last minute because we did not need international clearance as he had played in this league the season before… he was signed 25 minutes before window without a medical.
AA23 was signed at least 1 day before window but the FA could only ratify deal apparently on the stroke of midnight after he had received clearance internationally.
We only went for Ba last minute as I have said since last summer because, Di Natale’s club Udinese said they could not get Serie A to ratify the deal for their replacement who would probably have come from South America as their window closed 6 hours before ours…
Ts, were did you read OG/Dogba rumour?
Nickie, if I remember correctly Arteta played forward of Song initially when he signed but his legs were going by mid- January…
If you rememeber Arteta scored some crucial goals for us including the 1-0 win at emirates…
Before we signed Arteta he had just come back from injury 5 months before a very long knee injury…
AW was never really interested… MA08 had to take a paycut and prove himself… the following summer he was offered more money to match what he earned at Everton…
Bt- I can’t find the L’Equipe interview but below says something similar…
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jun/27/france-olivier-giroud-chelsea-arsenal
Bt- Louis Nicollin said so on TV and in several interviews that he gave OG12 a chance but he got in the way of a small club like Montpellier making big money from Chelsea by insisting he would only sign for Chelsea and told AFC what his clause was…
Bt- I can’t find the L’Equipe interview but below says something similar…
France’s Olivier Giroud reveals why he snubbed Chelsea for Arsenal
• Giroud joined Arsenal from Montpellier for £13m
• ‘I am not convinced Di Matteo knows who I am’
Share 9
inShare0
Email
Press Association
theguardian.com, Wednesday 27 June 2012 14.05 BST
(FILES) A picture taken on May 13, 2012
Olivier Giroud has revealed why he chose Arsenal over Chelsea. Photograph: Boris Horvat/AFP/Getty Images
The France striker Olivier Giroud has revealed why he snubbed a move to Chelsea in favour of joining Arsenal. Giroud completed his £13m transfer from Montpellier on Tuesday after rejecting the chance to sign for the Champions League winners.
The 25-year-old said he prefers the setup at Arsenal, including its French influence, and suspected the Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo knew little about him.
“Why did I choose Arsenal rather than Chelsea?” Giroud told French newspaper L’Equipe. “Because it is a club I love and I thought it would be easier for my adaptation.
“Arsenal is a great club, the facilities are wonderful, but I feel it is a club that takes big care before signing a player, notably considering human values.
“There are French players. There is also Arsène Wenger [the manager] who let me understand he really wanted me. Chelsea is very nice, it is a great club, but I am not convinced Di Matteo knows who I am.”
Giroud denies he has been bought by Arsenal as a replacement for Robin van Persie, who is stalling over agreeing a new contract and has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester City.
“When you make the decision to join a great club, you know there is already a great forward. I know what to expect,” Giroud said. “Van Persie is a fantastic player who was outstanding last season.
“He has been at Arsenal for eight years and I hope I will have time to adapt and improve. Anyway, I don’t go there to take his place.”
The link is in moderation so…
Ts,
I say this for you…you truly know the trade. Take a bow.
Arteta is a model to younger players. It meant everything for him to test himself at a higher level even if it meant taking a pay cut. I respect him greatly, a great professional.
Yeah he did start further ahead which is why I asked the question of whether or not Wenger dropped him deep too soon. Like you say, his legs had gone mid-Jan, Wenger had learned of Arteta’s handicap and did drop him deep at the right time. From then Arteta has learned the position well, dropping him deeper any later and he may not be as tactically astute as he is today.
Our new look team that season, I remember the thriller against Blackburn which we lost. I was so disappointed.
I was at that Blackburn game away… Santos coasting when we were setting an offside trap… what a lazy sod…
Tai, just a fan of the game mate…
Ts, you certainly know how cut and paste.
ok, Ts…there are fans and there are fans.
If you recall.. the sperds made a big fuss about how the FA allowed us to sign AA23 so late…
The Spuds even threatened that if they failed to qualify for UCL place it would be due to AA23 being allowed to be signed after the window had closed…
The FA had to clarify what had happened to the EPL world…
Andrei Arshavin signs for Arsenal at last
One of the most protracted transfers in recent memory finally went through today when the £16.9 million transfer of Andrei Arshavin, to Arsenal, was ratified by the Premier League.
By John Ley
1:36PM GMT 03 Feb 2009
CommentsComment
The League extended yesterday’s 5pm deadline, because of the weather conditions, but only for deals already agreed.
It is understood Arshavin’s transfer, from Russian club Zenit St Petersburg, was held up over paperwork concerning agents involved in the deal.
“I am so happy to be joining Arsenal,” Arshavin said. “They are one of the leading football clubs in the world, with a group of fantastic young players and a great manager. I am looking forward to making the Arsenal supporters happy and helping this great club win trophies.”
Yesterday, only one of the Premier League officials assigned transfer window duty, was able to brave the heavy snow and get into the offices, and Arshavin’s transfer was, according to a spokesman, “one of a number of transfers awaiting Premier League approval”.
The transfer of Arshavin, 27, involved more than 40 separate documents, all of which had to be ratified and agreed, by the Premier League and the Football Association. Work permit clearance was another factor in the protracted negotiations.
Related Articles
Another Russian mystery in London
03 Feb 2009
Arshavin’s first steps to greatness
03 Feb 2009
Paper View: West Ham win Olympic Stadium race
10 Feb 2011
Transfer deadline day
02 Feb 2009
January: Full list of transfers
05 Feb 2009
Done deals in January
27 Jan 2009
61-year-old hits double hole-in-one BOSS Watches
A statement on Arsenal’s website confirmed that their new recruit would wear the No 23 jersey, as Arshavin had revealed earlier on his official website. The number had been unused since the departure from the club of Sol Campbell, who chose the shirt in honour of basketball legend Michael Jordan, who also wore the number.
Manager Arsene Wenger said: “We are delighted to have signed Andrei Arshavin, he is a player I have admired for a long time. He is a versatile player with great experience, who will add real quality to our squad.
“Andrei is an exciting impact player with a huge amount of ability and has been an influential force with both Zenit St Petersburg and the Russian national team in recent seasons.”
Arsenal had insisted they would not break their strict wage-structure just to add Arshavin to their squad, and it seemed they would not pay more than £12m for the player.
But the fee, confirmed at £16.9m fee, smashes the club’s previous record – the £11m paid for they paid for Sylvain Wiltord, from Bordeaux, in August 2000.
According to officials at the Russian club the final figure is made up of £15m fee, a further £1.5m in compensation for breaking a long-term contract and a further £450,000 in unpaid bonuses and included in the transfer sum.
Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said: “Andrei was identified by Arsene as a quality creative player that would add something special to this youthful but talented squad.
“The Board has always backed the manager with his transfer targets and we are delighted to welcome Andrei to the club where he will help us to challenge for honours this season.”
🙂 Bt… you cheeky sod… you definitely in the virtual book now.. 🙂
Ts, i consider that an honour, i’m sure i’ll be in some illustrious company…lol
Arshavin….where to begin with him.
Great player with one of these “already made it” attitudes. Even said that during his time at Arsenal he didn’t care much for football anymore. Big Shame.
Nickie re 3:07 that is why he is amongst my fave players in the squad…
If you also watch videos of the fans open day training session at Emirates he and TR07 end up spending almost all the time talking about set-up on the pitch…
AW has come to respect him dearly..
All teh intelligent players say how much TR07, MA08 are the best players in the squad and how they are always there to offer advice…
I really want him to be our Enrique when he retires…
Plus he has been our actual captain since he joined us…
talking with AW on the pitch…*
Nickie, if AA23 was an african we would say he was older than what he said he was.. 😛
I agree he had lost his mojo with the big move…
I think the way AA23 ended put AW off Dzagoev.. he is a top player too…
A bit fearful for CJ25 if what was suggested was true, vis, CJ was a Brady boy! I’ve. Feeling that towards the end Liam was not top of the pops with AW. Now we all know AW can be a spiteful man and is quite prepared to cut off his nose to spite his face. I can see him ridding himself of the FB because he was mentored and promoted by Brady if only show everybody and all other upstarts that HE iS THE BOSS.
So CJ 25 is expendable, despite being English.
The rumour mill should be looking for a suitable English replacement not Peruzzi more likely Clyne.
Imo of course!
Will PHW be right if AU’s assets end up being seized according to rumours?
Asharvin was one of the many players sacrificed for Fabregas to have control of our midfield. The Russian was an attacking midfielder forced to the wings like Rosicky, Hleb, Vela, etc…just for Fabregas…
Add Nasri to the list too…
Agreed Ts.
I’d love it if the club was to offer him a coaching role. Groom him to become our long term replacement for Wenger. Him and TR07 are 2 of my favourite players of Arsenal along with Per. Their footballing brains are amazing and the advice/comfort that they give to other players can’t be overlooked.
I watched a video on Arsenal.com of Arteta, talking about Signings and the kit launch. Arsenal is in his blood and i’m saddened it’s his position we need a recruitment for. He will still have a big part to play this season.
I hope for Arteta and Rosicky’s sake we win something for them if this is to be their last year.
Ts, what about Roman A assets being seized, is he not just a dodgy as AU? Who is doing the seizing?
hehe definitely Ts! Has Dzageov done anything great since he burst onto the scenes at Euro 2012?
Coach, Phil Jones or Chris Smalling would be a decent swap for Verm, both clubs having to give something to gain something.
All the same, i’d rather we didn’t do any business with them.
Abramovitch having his assets seized is a beautiful thought, but I reckon that he’s paid his ‘dues’ to those in charge, and is made of Teflon.
Daniel Hobson of Arsenal Latest has done it again!!!
Stop Press: Atletico Madrid are targeting Santi Cazorla and Nacho Monreal…
Yes ‘Scoop Hobson’ has revealed this stunning news approx 6 weeks after everybody else.
Kev, he used to be, so far up Putins derriere . that he got his wiped first.
Kev, I’d play hard ball and ask for both or one of Smalling/Jones and Hernandez… 😛
Arshavin was a great player until he came to England and started waving his old chap around at the ladies. A Gulag-free permissive society and the little prick, on about £4-5 million a year, couldn’t keep it buttoned in his strides. How much did the club waste on that dickbrain midget? £35 mill.
I am sounding like Brudder Lee now. 🙂
You are Adam, very much so…. 😉
Where is Lee by the way, he seems to have gone awol….. lol
Even I am of the same thought Kev. I dont like Manure heap one bit. Yet if push came to shove then yes I would ask them for Phil Jones. Or better still give them TommyV+5million and they would give us Jones and Smalling.
But then only in my dreams.
Jones for TommyV is my preference since Phil plays in three positions.
I believe Lee is at his massive villa complex in Spain Rico. The one with the heliport.
Dev. Problem is that Jones is crap in two of those. 🙂
So we are getting Hazzard? 🙂
Or is it Hazard?
Tend to agree with Tai, Arshavin was one of a long line of ruined players made to play out of position to suit Wenger’s style. I can’t see why if you want a winger you don’t just go and get one.
Are we getting a Hazard? Yes 3 years ago, allegedly. There was not a snowballs chance in hell that we’d have signed Eden H then or even less now….we’ve Sancheeeeeez instead, the better option imo.
But you knew that, anyway!
I remember an interview given by Arshavin where he agreed to play wide until Wenger could play him behind the striker. Problem was as soon as he got him there Wenger stopped looking.
Ah yes, of course he is Adam. I forgot.
Just the two re Jones?
Potter….AW is obsessed with forward inclined playmaking footballers. In his ideal world he would have five ball playing inside forward footballers who would interchange and mesmerise the opposition (and us at the same time). He does not like a player for one position (a winger for ex). Rather he wants players who can play anywhere in the pitch.
That is why I keep banging the drum on his obsession that he wants 5 forward thinking footballers and 5 defensive minded footballers who can fit anywhere in their department.
That is why Arshavin heads the long list of players ruined. One because of Cesc, the other because AW buys inside forwards/advanced midfielder/2nd strikers and pretends that they can fit in anywhere he wants.
Good Afternoon Rico and All.
Adam and Potter: It looks like those days are over now. Taking CF to play RB.
I remember few years ago SteveP wrote a post about AW should be only responsible for the coaching and on pitch aspect of things. And he should identify the players he wants and IG/Law go out and get them. Maybe they’re learning something from HH. If only they’ve done it sooner.
Said the same for years Potter. Stop filling round holes with square pegs..
Who knows, had Bendtner played as a striker, he may have been ok….
Agree Potter. Asharvin was ruined by AW but you see he has this ‘thing’ about total football and that all players can play in positions that are not ‘their own’. I think this is because he once read somewhere that all the Ajax players were played in unfamiliar roles even Bergkamp was expected to play full back so he could appreciate, first hand what a defender in that position had to go through. It’s why he fiddles with the players, in the nicest possible way, of course.
Trouble is more often than not his fiddling is all out of key and the players play like dis chords on a g string, (esp OG12) instead of making harmonic easy listening music, as is his expectation!
Or am I making too much out of his positional eccentricities?
Afternoon Ng..
I remember that post and he was spot on.
Shame it all went wrong and he departed, Sp I mean, not Wenger
Bt- as Mr Kev said roman has different masters…
All the fuss on Tv is only to pacify us mere mortals..
All these ‘suits’ are playing a part scripted by those on the tip of the pyramid operating right below the hierarchy of the Eye of Horus of course. 😉
Rico. Yes it all went wrong but, some were hard on him during his later part. George calling him name or insulting him and later apologised. You and him had a strong debate about Gays’s Rights.
What would AFC fans say if we spent £63 on a striker who scored 9 goals in 34 appearances last season?- James Rodgriguez
T’s. Maybe he’s playing for the wrong club; with us and the chances we created he could be scoring more. I know the pricetag is way too much.
Ts,
I’d start chuckling till I wake up. As an Arsenal fan, it’d only happen in our dreams.
Adam, don’t forget I told you tomorrow would be jueves 4yrs ago, I think!! 😉
Not sure we have a debate on Gay rights Ng, I just thought his comment about not wanting your kid to play with ‘one of them’ was utterly wrong. It is 2014 after all…
Still, Sp is not here, so I think it would be unfair to discuss him.
I hope one day he returns…
I’d be thrilled to bits if we had signed Sanchez and then James….
Ng I rate James… just playing the devils advocate…
The season before he scored loads of goals in Portugal
Enjoying the sun Lee?
No ear infections this year I hope…
So do I Rico.
“One of them…” a spud?
Lee. You and your stats. Even when you’re on holiday. I dunno. 🙂
If we signed those two Rico I would say that it smells like ambition.
It’s really hot (36c) today and no ear infections…..yet! Fingers crossed!!
I have slipped into moderation. Like a knife through butter.
Statistically it’s fcking hot here brudder!
Have a lovely time with the family mate. 🙂
Moi aussi Brudder!
AA23 was great…that season he came…though he came in January, he led us to top 4 …
I remember matches where he played top striker for Arsenal…the small man got tired of playing from the wings and returning to mark and bottled it. I love Wenger but there’s an extremist part of him that revolts. He sees football just his own way only.
Besides, he was obsessed with Fabregas that he sacrificed a lot of players to please the Spaniard. Many may not agree with me but greater part of our trophyless years was caused by Fabregas…not directly though. All teams needed to stop us was stop Fabregas and he never ever ended seasons injury-free. Once he’s off, we’re cooked!
And he returns very slowly from lay offs. Unlike RVP who gets firing that moment he steps onto the pitch even after six-month lay offs.
Like Potter said, why not go straight and get a winger when you need one? Must you be involved in developing a player? He converts midfielders to wingers and wingers to strikers….I hope Sanchez doesn’t end up displacing Szczesny.
I would estimate that it is 10% hotter Brudder but, taking the angle of the Sun into consideration 21.5% more dangerous where sunburn is concerned.
Actually it is horribly hot here.
Mrs L is off to Murcia City shopping for the day tomorrow…I’d rather gently saute my genitalia in olive oil over a moderate heat than go shopping in this heat!!!
I’m in charge of the kids tomorrow….or vica versa?!?!?
Lee/Adam – you are free 😉
Tai. I went to every home game that Arshavin played and quite a few away games and while I think you have a point re his position, I have to say that his attitude and team ethic stank and that became his major problem. In the end it didn’t matter where he played, his heart wasn’t in it and it was painful to watch.
5.28 Adam. As would I….
We are trying a steak restaurant this evening….works out about €15 per head including beer and wine! I fancy getting busy on BT’s rum/coke/Guinness cocktails, they sounded wonderful!!!
There are only three players I would have spent a folly sum for…..Muller, Ronaldo and (hate to say it) Bale. The others I would not. Not even Messi. Since I do not think his body is suited to the EPL.
It would almost be worth flying over for the day to see that Lee.
Oi Adam, Lee. You both know stats are a no no on here! 😉
Garden needs watering 🙁
I think Rico mentioned it the other day if AW brings in a proper striker he’ll have to be better than Remy…… I really didn’t like the idea of Balotelli but I’m warming to the idea now.
I quite liked Eisfeld. I don`t think he was ever given a fair crack, but he will do well at Fulham.
Having just read that one paper has a story that AW is putting his search for a `midfield general` on hold, while he assesses the fitness of Diaby, has made my blood boil. This has to be the sickest of jokes by the paper. The manager must know he could never, ever justify this to we fans, even given the strength of his desire always to save money.
Lee started it Rico. You know better than anyone what he’s like. 🙂
Currently I am doing a statistical analysis on how many times Ginge, Adam and Lee mention stats and compare them to how many times Rico has told them they are not appreciated. 😉
A madman in the camp is surely never a bad thing Lee. 🙂
Adam. Have to agree with you about Arshavin. I am convinced he was a piss artist. He used to line up right in front of my seat on the half way line and would have his hands on his knees before the game even started! One game against West Ham he made a run down the wing from kick off and looked like he was going to chuck up on the touchline. No way a professional sportsman could be that unfit without ‘issues’!
Dev. I am on my last warning from Rico. I may be relegated to The Bleacher Report quite soon. 🙂
If Wenger gambles on Diaby’s fitness he’s fucking mental…he got away with judas van purse strings and got away with it!!
Bob. A piss artist and fornicator may be a generally attractive notion, but not for a pro footballer perhaps?
Dodgey prawn??
http://youtu.be/B5ui2He4esE
What a Pratt!
Capable of this though…..
http://youtu.be/fK_APlcnyKs
His footwork very similar to yours Adam…
Adam, have you seen the Wealdstone Raider clip, it’s old but funny?
Adam, Bob,
Have to give it to you guys when it comes on on-the-spot analysis of players that I only see on screen. AA was terrible in his later years, sure but I always attributed it on forcing round peg into square hole or the other way round!
Adam. It ruined my career!
Not unlike our Kev…. “Old and funny” I’ll get a dig off him at the next HHCC evening! 😉
And mine….
Whereas Rico has learned to live with it….
Tai, I think it was Arshavin trying to put his round peg in various holes that led to his downfall….take note le Quiff!!!
Is Monreal really going to Athletico?
http://youtu.be/sAhEFuq62-I
A young rather diminutive Maureenhoe….
Lee,
Hahaha…that’s excessively unprofessional…was John Terry giving him tips?
John Terry and Adam park their respective Bentleys where ever they chose…. really unprofessional!
So all we need is a goal thirsty centre forward and a monster of a DM…..simples!!
Kalou and Barry…
Why Kalou and Barry Lee???
Song and Bendtner should do.
Lee. I remember that bloke. It is funny.
You know I only borrowed that Bentley Lee. 🙂
Bob. That’s a shame really as I believe you had a great career ahead of you. 🙂
As I always say to Lee and Kev, a professional athlete must resist the temptations of the bottle and the flesh. Neither have taken any notice though.
I have had to learn to live with anything Lee… 😉 Think I might get a slap for that, thank goodness this is never viewed… 😉
You and Adam are on a bit of roll aren’t you… 😉
Safe travel boys.
http://t.co/fRVAsAX2SV
6.23 Lee. Spot on!
5.44 Adam. Just why I love you on here…. 😉 😉
Evening Rico and the house
Bellerin Olsson Miqual Akpom Heydon Toral Zelalem all on flight.
Rico. Thank you. 🙂 🙂
I think.
Gdna. That’s a great pic. Thanks for posting.
Adam u r welcome. lol
What about this 1?
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BtPuqVaCIAA8VSM.jpg:large
Evening Rick..
Of course Adam… 😉
Guys, I’m not sure all of you saw/read Gary’s comment earlier today.
He’s a Man City fan but wants to come back on here because of you lot, the way you all chat, laugh, get on and show respect to each other….
Says a lot doesn’t it?
Thanks folks, big time……
Gdna. Have you been at the old photoshop with that one? Lol
Rico. He hasn’t seen us at our best yet either. 🙂
I know Adam. I thought it was lovely coming from a fan of a different club. Can’t imagine a Utd, Chav or Liverpool fan being so complimentary…
AFCPressWatch™
@AFCPressWatch
Podolski: “Sami Khedira knows how much fun he could have with me, Ozil and Mertesacker at Arsenal.
AFCPressWatch™ @AFCPressWatch · 3h
Joel Campbell will not be travelling to New York for Arsenal tour. He is heading to Austria training camp on Monday #AFC
Very Nice of Gary…
Word Gary. You will get a presidential stats showing how oftenYaya enjoys Placali before a match… 😛
Are we going to Austria Gdna, no fixtures listed on .com…
Ts. He won’t!
Andy and Gary
Did they fly on a B-757?
I am pleased Toral will get another closer look.
Hopeful Olson will get a few minutes before Austria
Who cares Ts, as long as they arrive in the US safely… lol
Off to walk the woofa now as the sun has gone down…
Catch up later, if not tomorrow….
Rico, I think you were on your hols when I posted the fact that
The team were flying to Austria fora 3 day training camp after the New york game
Have you seen the blog on the main site showing what is the agenda for he visit. The Gooners are taking New York over for the next few days.
ha ha ha the funniest thing I ever read…
Real Madrid didn’t need to request a bank loan for the signing of James Rodriguez thanks to the revenue from the UCL win. [El Confidencial]
Hi Rick
AFCPressWatch™
@AFCPressWatch
Joel Campbell was at London Colney training ground today. He trained separately from the first team after reporting early for Arsenal duties.
Gary, prepare yourself for a bit of verbal sword fencing, no taking the pish come the Charity Shield mind ya ! We gotta draw the line somewhere.
Ginge I have seen the comments about Eisfeld and to be honest in a way I am not suprised he has left. I think he was behined Olsson and Toral in the pecking order and with Crowley coming through icould not see him getting many games.
I must say the rumour that Arsene was thinking of buying another right back as a back up is a joke. He dos not make mstakes like that.
Rick, i see Benik is not going, to the States.
I am in Scotland.
Einsfeld today…
I read the news We will havê a completely different squad next season
Balotelli and Bender….we’ll kick arse!!
Lee, have you tried the rum concoction yet?
Be careful up there JM….two guys to be careful of, Ben Doon & Phil Mcavity!!!
No BT but I’m itching to get involved…they sound the bollocks!!
Rico has them for breakfast….
Lee, where in Espana are you chillin?
I’m in a village near Murcia called Corvera…
Near Murcia City I meant…
Not too far from La Manga..
But far enough… Lol
You still up Lee?
The handbrake has called an end to the festivities….so I’ll bid you all a good night! This truly is a wonderful melting pot for like minded people to talk Arsenal, oh and utter bollocks!! Peace love and happiness to you all….buenos noches!!!!
Yes brudder.
Adam doing absolutely fuck all takes it’s toll….gives Mrs A my regards! X
Gives = give gone now!
I shall and goodnight mate.
Folks have a spot up by Torrevieja.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-ready-end-midfielder-transfer-3902843
Wow!!
JM, third world countries can be very dangerous at nite, see if you can make your way to Hadrians wall and cross the border into england from there, you’ll probably arrive at a place where the locals speak very broken english (Newcastle) best of luck buddy, let us know how you get on.
Gdna, haven’t been able to keep any food down since you posted that pic of bendtner the other day, i’m withering away like an old piece of fruit, you owe me big time !
Nite all.
Morning all you early risers.I have had a late night so I thought I would start an early debate.
The most significant omission from the New York squad is Sir no Go
who has been left behined “for unknown reasons” With Afobi also not making it, it means that Akpom is the only striker in the squad.
It will be interesting to see if Sir no go or Afobi make the team for the Harrow game on sat If they dont ???
might be carrying knocks , I can’t see Wenger giving up on Sirnogoals so soon.
http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/real-madrid/estrategia-del-madrid-para-amortizar-fichaje-james-rodriguez-3403514
Good Morning Squeaks and Peeps.
Already over two months since we last won a cup.
This long span in time is killing me.
We should invent a tournament every week so that we will get more chances to win cups.
Tsk Tsk.
Sirnogoals not on the plane????
Good. That means that Akpom will get a chance.
So if true JW will be our “new” DM??? Surely not….
Morning coach and all….
I’ve a horrible feeling that AW, after he signs a keeper has done all his transfer business…..unless TV leaves then he’ll swap or buy a replacement!!! I really really hope I’m wrong….
Is the red bull game on ESPN?
Morning All, er…what about Cg? Must be afternoon, mate.
Sirnogoals! Why do we paint our own with negative vibes? The lad is good and will certainly come great. he’s only starting a career…let’s encourage him.
Knowing Wenger means knowing a guy who never does what others expect him to do. He may have finished his business this window. That’d be terrible.
Tai, I hope I’m wrong BUT I think AW has completed all his business and that would be inexcusable imho! I know we’ve got over a month of the window to go, so fingers crossed!!
Morning Rico, Lee, Tai and all. If that was the case then it could be considered a potential disaster. Weren’t the fans sold the coming season on the back of the FA Cup and the fact that somehow the penny had finally dropped which meant that we would no longer pursue the path of failure that Wenger’s ‘make-do’ philosophy had set us on. Personally, if Wenger is sticking by this method then I really can’t see why he bothered to sign a new 3 year contract (£25 mill), because, I can say with some certainty, that if it goes tits up then the home crowd will make life extremely uncomfortable for him.
I still think there will be at least one more significant signing myself though.
Hope and optimism from your fans are not to be taken lightly. They are worth a lot.
Lee, you just have to be wrong.
It appears Ospina deal shall be completed this week following clearance.And then deal will be announced subject to work permit.
I read he has an EU passport too.not sure if TRUE.
Morning Rico,Tai et al
Lee. I know that about a week ago we were in for a ‘proper’ player but it has gone quiet. Perhaps the fee was too large. Knowing Arsenal, that would make a lot of sense.
I just hope I’m wrong Adam….
Morning Adam,
Most times, it’s pretty difficult trying to discern what goes on in Wenger’s brain. What every body around sees as a problem, the Frenchman believes otherwise, assures he has a solution when even a kid in kindergarten knows he doesn’t.
Last season, everyone shouted for a DM, he ended up with Flamini…ok, the ex-Milan star was there training with him…Wenger long made up his mind to sign him but delayed until Arteta got injured just few days to first match against Aston Villa…he lined out Wilshere and ramsey and lost! Then he signed Flamini, after dropping three points!I we grabbed those three points, we would have challenged till the last day, and who knows?
Buying Sanchez would be worthless if Wenger ended up not buying a very solid DM.
Good Morning Rico, T’s, Tai, Devil, Lee, Adam
@Tai. Your 7:27
How many clubs in the top 4 in the EPL you think will use Sirnogoal as their top striker in a Championship League and a backup Striker in the EPL?
We’re almost where we’re 2 Transfer Windows ago and we lost the lead and start to chase top 4.
Tai. I agree. Morning Nashua.
Minus Sanchez, we are where we were 2 transfer windows ago.
Nashua,
Don’t think we are. Sanogo(I hate this Sirnogoal stuff, really do)…has potential. I may not have watched him life and may not truly asses his runs and positioning off the ball but I watched him in three matches…just three mathes, mate…and I saw enough
Against Bayern in CL, against Liverpool in FA Cup and against Hull at Wembley.
The boy never hid … he was a torn in the flesh of all defenses and besides not scoring, showed every attributes of a real centre forward. The goals will come.
And if we indeed tried to sign Morata, why shouldn’t we give our own a chance? If Sanogo stays fit thi season I’m sure that coinage Sirnogoal would change to Sirgoals and even Sirmanygoals!
Tai…….the reason we call him Sirnogoals is simply because he has no goals to his name. Yet.
If and when he gets one……….we will call him with his proper name.
Yes he has potential. And better than the barn door at that. And I hope he scores a hatful.
But I would hate it if he is given more chances than Akpom who has been with AFC since his umbilical cord was sliced in two.
when he scores we will coin his name to be as you said Sirgoals……when he reaches 9 goals it would be Sirninegoals. 😉
Tai. I have had the privilege of watching him live at both the Emirates and at Wembley and you may be right, he might be one for the future. But I think we need players who can help win a championship and for a club of Arsenal’s stature and I presume, ambition? Sangho is a sideshow and should be bought along toward the first team but he’s never going to help the club win something big. Not at the moment anyway. Bearing in mind the money we have bought in this year and what we have spent, we still have ample room and monies for 2 high quality players who can hit the ground running and have the temperament and desire to push the team upwards.
Nash……we said the same when Anelka made his debut. Granted…there was Wright as well but we all groaned when he began the season. And we groaned much more when he left.
Until the Black Leopard arrived to break records.
Sirnogoals will surely score. I am convinced.
But until then…………we will call him affectionately SIRNOGOALS.
😛
What we do need is not ‘Potential’, we need proving striker and a proving Dm if we want to compete among the top four. Potential is for the Capital One Cup, The Reserved and for the future.
Would Mancity Chelsea Liverpool ManU and even Spurs use Sonogo as backup? I don’t think so.
And remember mates……..we never know what AW will do. What he says we take with a pinch of salt.
And remember that the fekking window still has 37 more fekking days to run.
And we all know how much AW loves a freebie or two and low cost airlines….ooooppsssss….sorry……..low cost players.
Does he haggle with the AFC canteen for a lesser price on coffee?
Or does he pretend its a freebie to him?
I guess he appreciated that its all on the house.
Reports are Yaya is in discussion with 2 foriegn clubs and 1 championship club re loan.
Hi Ng,Dev
Nashua. I am with you on this one. No disrespect to Sanogo intended.
So……..with Jack dropping back it will be him, Arteta and FLamini who will be manning that crucial department.
Lets hope that the three of them and Diaby stay fit.
I still do not feel at ease with Jack playing there.
Wenger really must improve the depth of the squad by using the money that has cost Arsenal so much in actually acquiring. Sitting in the bank it is effectively useless. Who wouldn’t rather see it on the field?
Dev. It was only a story in the Daily Mirror that suggested that. Hardly a shining bastion of truth is it?
According to the toilet papers the line up next year will be the following…….
Aurier,
Debuchy, Manquillo, Lichtsteiner, Peruzzi,
Isla, Piczsek, Bender
Cuadrado, Coleman, Chambers.
Blimey………..a whole team of right backs.
And only Debuchy signed. Tsk Tsk
Hi Ginge
Oh for a young TH14…..
Adam…..with seeing money playing in the field, actually AW will have one less worry. Fitness. Money runs so fast. Its incredible.
They vanish with the capacity that only Flash Gordon knows how.
I still think Balotelli happens…..
Nash,
Funny both words start with a ‘p’…potential and proven but one follows the other. From potential, we get to proven and I can bet anything Sanogo will shut many mouths soon, pretty soon. I’ve not gone wrong on assessing a young player…Sanogo is a born centre forward, better than Giroud. Give him two years!
On 31st August….
That’s the whole crux though Tai, “give him two years” we need players ready now!
I am there as well Lee.
Balotelli for 8 million on 31st August at midnight.
Tai………I hope he will shut our mouths. really hope so.
But then…..with our mouths shut how can we eat humble pies 😛
as I told you……….SIRNOGOALS is an affectionate name mate.
https://www.clubcall.com/arsenal/gunners-ace-linked-with-milan-1734020.html?
In my view,a player of Theo’s pedigree and reputation coming back from major injury lay offs should be all the more incentive for a manager to buy another striker.
Theo has only 2 years left on his contract. By the time he comes back to top shape he will be looking at doing a Nasri and holding the club to ransom like he did a year and a half ago….
Players like Ox and Theo are walking time bombs for another ACL injury according to AW’s own observation on past players in that regard.
Babies born today might still be in nappies when they are two years old.
Ask Goonie. He still wears them due his white lave flow.
The heat is on…………….
There’s the deal if Wenger wants Balotelli….
Dev,
I’d Akpom to get his chances too but Akpom can hardly lead the line on his own at this stage. Unless we’re playing a 4-4-2, Akpom lacks the physicality to lead our attack presently against an EPL side. But Sanogo is endowed with perfect physical attributes to challenge the John Terrys without blinking. That’s why I believe the French striker is ahead of Akpom.
That deal has been on the cards for awhile…
AW is probably gauging and sussing fans views/reaction… Milan are preparing for life without Balo’. The player himself has apparently looked at houses in London…
Dev 8.49…
Liking that team buddy! lol
Morning everyone.
Ts,
Balotelli up again! Do we really need him? Wenger should get us a DM first …balance our squad first before looking for luxuries!
Another striker is a luxury … but A DM is dire necessity!
If I remember correctly, the Italian media lambasted Balotelli for not tracking back to defend and help out.
With AFC that would not be a problem. Infact he will rarely venture out of the opposing teams’ penalty areas seeing that we attack relentlessly all the time.
The only time when he will go towards our goal is when he will be taking penalties for us……..so that he can get a good run back to kick the ball.
Mr Dev. Did you get the chance to see bits of Van Gaal’s set-up against LA Galaxy?
I thought Van Gaal playing the same 3-4-3/3-4-1-2 he did with Netherlands is in the WC was a tad predictable. Do you think that can be used in the EPL over long durations?
I’m surprised at the amount of goals that formation brings. Shaw and Valencia are good going forward. I think that formation suits Man U, they’re a bit light on quality wingers
Ginge…..what is all this Mr-ing about?? lol
I did not get the chance to see MAnure’s game.
However 3-4-3 might have an initial success. …….until he is sussed out. Than the 4 in the middle will have their eggs fried trying to keep up with the ball.
I would like to see LVG play that set-up against Shitty, Chavs and us. That would be a chuckle and a half.
Having said that I would really like Le Prof to play a 3-5-2 team in some of the games.
Tai, I am with you on that one… even though I think we still need another forward.
We can’t count on Ramsey to resue us from midfield again.
Not slating SC19 but he only came back just before WC announcement.
Before that he had played consistently well for the first 6 months of his arrival.
Personally I have given up on us getting Morgan… maybe Khedira last minute… Asier too is on the cards…
I know lots of folks here are not sold on Morgan but were raving about Lallana last season.
Bearing in mind Morgan was voted players and fans player of the season it must say a lot.
Even Makelele never got voted fans and players player of the season at the same time ever.
Different pond I gather but Lallana was bought by the dippers for massive money… just a thought.
Lol Dev…
Thanks for your view… I think it is brave to experiment that in a league like this…
Saying that Roberto Martinez beat us 3-1 with that last season. We went 4-1-4-1 and got overrun in midfield.
Hi Nickie
It appears Akpom is the only forward in the squad for NYRB game…
Good for him…
I am not sure why Yaya needs extra conditioning since he did not feature in any internationals during the summer…
In the round of 16 in the Champions League whenever we met BM or Barca, we always get knockout of the competition.
Do we pose enough threat against them for the pundits to call the game in our favor? Even we the supporters don’t believe we can knock them out. Recently, history taught us that. Because we don’t have the team.
Tai- Mirror published a story which I feared ‘Arsene not buying midfielder due to Wilshere and Diaby’.
I saw that last night Ts…very worrying indeed. it’s not really a position you can muck about with, it defines the solidity defensively of the team.
Hopefully Akpom gives a good account of himself.
So true Ng.
Imo our team is set-up to make 2nd round UCL and 4th as a minimum.
To progress higher will require luck of a good draw in the group stages to get us to finish first.
AW knows only teams who finish 1st in the groups progress; based on past results at least but he has periodically chanced one or 2 games in the group stages when we are guaranteed 2nd.
The cup games are left to luck to bring in trophies…
To get beyond 3rd will need a lot of luck and bad performances from our rivals.
Saying all of that I have no managerial experience so…
Gooood morning all, sit back, relax and watch it all unfold.
ha ha Bt… we have no choice…
Damn… why am I still flirting with the dark side? 😉
AW know BEST!
Ts, I believe we do not need another forward to have a good season once we sign that DM. Besides OG12, we have versatility in our attack…we can always shuffle to accommodate injuries and suspensions. But whoever rejects a good player. Getting another quality forward only makes the team better…but we must sort out our priorities first!
That’s about the long and short of it BT….
All the keepers which were linked to us at one time or another.
Ospina,
Casillas, Cech, Lopez, Cesar,
Krul, Navas, Ochoa,
Pantilimon. Vorm, Casilla (kiko)
Blimey…..are we going to play in the penalty area only???
Only bought Ospina it seems.
Now that would be a larf and a half.
Ts, I read the mirror stuff…but believed it was just written to push Wenger and I liked it that he is being pushed. Problem is when you push Wenger hard, he never does that thing!
Morning guys.
Tai, Yes if we buy a DM.
AW wont buy a DM but maybe a CM.
Khedira is never a DM so I am not so sure he will help stop the implosions or give us the variety we need in certain games.
Just maybe Diaby can get 15 games this season…
But my fear is that AW gets a first 15 and then sticks to it until injury…
Diaby got injured because Aw decided to play him 2 days after he had played for France and then blamed Deschamp for it…
We all knew he was not ready for playing every 3 days but AW still did that…
Evening Scott
Hi Scott. Howdy mate?
Hiya Scott
morning all….still prefer the flat 4-3-3…..that’s why I prefer we buy Morgan……Morgan wilshere and Ramsey with ozil on the lhs will be awesome we can rotate wilshere with arteta also……
Not keen on that Snap, Ozil is less effective outwide. I’d want him in the number 10 role with pace either side so he always has an outlet. Giroud up top
Assuming Wenger gets a striker worth say 16 mil…will it add value to our squad?
Hi Snap…
Nickie, as with the Die Adler in Brazil, Ozil was used on the wings sometimes as he is not naturally equipped to terrorise the opposition DM. If you recall Kroos was played as the no.10 after the Ghana and Algeria games where Germany was run very close…
I think in some games Ozil on the rhs like he played at RM will bevery effective with Ramsey, JW/Arteta and Khedira/Morgan making us solid through the middle will be much more effective..
Ts, you visited the dark side, you liked it, that’s why your still flirting….like must your scared of change, come let me comfort you..shouting won’t stop the voices within…..lol…
Ts, are you suggesting Ozil takes the place of Walcott? Or in the absence of Walcott?
Tai, there are no decent 16m strikers that I can think of, that wouldve been better than Remy (who was half the price). Im pretty mad about that one – its going to bite us on the ass as soon as we have an injury.
And if this Metro article is half true, and we dont buy a DM because Wilshire can play there, then I am doubly mad: http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-ready-end-midfielder-transfer-3902843
Tai, I think a striker with better conversion rate may help in the change our approach…
At the moment we are the most ineffective team at creating chances even though we creat a lot of chances.. 3rd in the league…. we have a minimum of 7 players touching the ball before we score whilst other teams have 5 maximum…
I know fans are counting on Theo to hit the ground running but since he signed his contract nearly 2 years ago how many games has he scored in…?
Last season he scored 6 goals against 3 teams. On paper he scored 6 times out of 10 appearances but no one is asking why he only played 10 times with 5 of those as subs before his injury?
Theo has been inconsistent; we are being brave to expect him to just start off from where he ended at WHL imo…
Check fans views on 18/09/2013 when we were playing against OM away in the CL…
How goes things guys?
Does anyone know how I can supplement my income?
I have an 8 year old that eats.
Then eats.
Then eats.
Eats some more.
Then a bit more.
It’s incredible!
He’s costing us a fortune in food.
Roger aside from Mad Balo’s baggage he is up there with Lewandowski imho… he will cost £15m if we are serious.
Milan need cash… check who they are buying now…
😀 Scott. my answer to your 10:02 is not suitable for HH. 😛
Lee, forgot to mention, double up on the Morgans’, mate, though in Espana that might not be needed.
Imo AW will never venture beyong the 4-2-3-1 or the 4-4-2.
Infact all the players are geared for these two systems and even the whole club plays like that.
Will Ozil take the place of Theo? Maybe yes maybe no.
Atm Theo has no place. And when he will come back he will have to earn it.
So expect that next year will be tough for Theo.
Cazorla can play in the hole as well.
So expect the following…….
Wilshere Ramsey
Ozil Cazorla Sanchez
Giroud
Some of you said that Cazorla upped his game because the WC came around.
Not at all.
He upped his game when Ozil was injured. Because he played again in the hole.
Ozil performed well on the RW for Germany in the WC.
He gave balance to the team.
And bdw………AW experimented with Podolski in the CF role. The chances that he will use our number 9 in the centre with Theo and OX on the wings are more than 75%.
So the following permutation can also be considered……
Diaby, Flamini
OX, Arteta Theo
Podolski.
It does not mean it will work.
But it means that AW DOES have two players for every position now bar CB.
Where the above two permutation leaves the future SirManyGoals and JC is open to another discussion.
Do not for one moment think that I forgot TR07.
I feel that he will feature more this year…..albeit from the subs bench.
its important that he is kept in every team. Maybe even start ahead of Diaby or to rest him.
Ginge, I’m not attractive enough to earn money that way hahahaha.
Devil, should a kid be eating more than his dad???
Seriously, it’s unbelievable.
Well, I just noticed a striker valued at 16 mil…he scored in both past UCL and World Cup, led his country to WC q-final. Is 22 and wanted by AC Milan … would such striker interest us as back up to OG12 and AS17? Just like Remy who didn’t play in the past UCL and didn’t get a chance in the World Cup would have…
Yup, true Tsgh, but like Rico I am not at all keen on Balo. Genius one moment, mad man the next, unreliable off the field potentially disruptive if he doesnt get what he wants – he could break all the wonderful positive energy our players share together. There seemed to be a real Arsenal love among players last season…
You have a point Dev..
Note, SC19 was injured for over 2 months too…
But Ozil hardly ever played in the hole for us…
In fact on his debut against Sunderland away he played on the LHS… whilst JW played in the hole…
He played more times on the wings than as a proper no.10.
hi nickie it will be a fluid system as with all arsene teams ozil will act like the pores in the team and wilshere or Ramsey can go over to lhs is ozil drifts in ozil it’s not a rigid system rather a fluid one
Campbell is already there TAi……….it depends whether he impresses AW most.
After all…………we keep commenting on how the papers keep linking us to players and that we do not believe them.
Fair chance then that when they say other clubs want our players we do not believe them either.
😀 Scott.. you dirt minded perv. 😉
I give up Tai, who is it?
Ozil vs Sunderland
As Snap said it a fluid system
Maybe he drifts unto the wings I should say…
hi ts I see u still rate asier?
I think he is a ball playing DM if you like…
hi ts I see u still rate asier? IMO he is better as a DM than khedira
Oh right, you mean JOEL CAMPBELL! who managed 8 goals in 31 games in the Greek league last year. Right, sure he is better than Remy… oh and in the WC he scored 1/5 games, and in the CL 1/5 games. Potential… but not better than Remy right now by a long way.
Roger, he is on his way to kick off his career with Arsenal…his name is Joel Campbell, and in my rating, better than Morata.
I got with you completely on Balotelli…we don’t need him at the Emirates…he brings forth more than his goals worth of troubles.
true ts but Carlo always played him infront of modric and he always struggled I think if guided properly he can be like xabi Alonso
Snap- different type of players though…
From the little I have seen from Asier he is more an Arteta than Sami… Sami will be perfect playing ahead of Asier or Arteta or even Flamini;
My concern is that Flamini averages less than 2 successful tackles per game… and Sami avaerages less than 1 tackle per game…
Arteta averages just under 4 tackles per game… he and Morgan are the highest in the league with Liverpool’s Lucas.
I am sorry mates…..but those who are thinking that AW will buy another forward are simply living in a dream.
There is more chance of him getting Costa than another forward.
I repeat……….NO forward will join the club now.
Look at the permutations above.
And I did not include Campbell, Sanogo and Akpom.
IF we aren’t going for a DM….in terms of our 2 man CM my preference would be for the new season
Ramsey – Diaby (if fit)
Ramsey – Arteta
Ramsey – Flamini
Ramsey – Ox
Ramsey – Wilshere
And having watched back a few videos of Ozil on the Lw-rw for Germany I retract my statement about him being ineffective. Great tracking back, great energy, created great space out wide(shame none of his team mates picked him out) and still made a lot of chances. I recall being impressed with his work ethic out there. So, in short i’m not against it lol. But if we had a fully fit squad it would have to be Sanchez LW, Ozil CAM, Walcott RW, Giroud CF
Ts, Ozil drifts to the wings, never started any match for Arsenal on the wings…he drifts, especially the right wing because opponents crowd him all times in the middle, and because of lack of fast-paced attackers, he holds the ball from the wings, cutting in, waiting for the right movement to pass. When Sanchez and Walcott get going on both wings, our German would be electric in the middle.
Agree there Dev…
Dev,
Don’t let Rico hear you on your 10.33. She’s betting with me we would be getting another striker this summer and I know we won’t, don’t need to.
Tai, against Naples he played on the wings though with Ramsey and TR07 in the middle…
againsT Yanited he played outside of JW though
But it is very fluid…
Ozil hardly played no.10 for RM; Di Maria did more from there…
OK dev but it will be a shame imo ……sanogo isn’t ready yet same as akpom so does he want to make Campbell our second cf? Walcott is not back yet so Sanchez will start on the wings and even when Walcott comes back he needs time to recover fully and how effective will he be straight away it’s a gamble not buying a striker IMO as I see Sanchez as an option but not a solution
Where is Rico? No new post today?
Tai you want two years for Sanogo to develop and lead our line that’s ,fine i agree in two years we will know more about him. You can have him and Campbell in the club but not to blood them at the same time. If this is Campbell’s chance then” SIr no goal so far” must go elsewhere on a loan for at least the first one of them.
Snap…..what you said implies one thing and proves me right. There is more chance of AW buying an AM who can play centrally and on the wings than a striker.
The percentage of him getting Costa or someone like Firmino (who has popped up now on NN) are far more bigger than him getting an out and out striker.
New Post up…..
Nickie, I like you combinations but Ramsey looks like he has to play almost every game… lol
Oligarch Wath of New found GG-land.
Nickie, you combination shows why we need some with legs in CM next season to push further than 4th imho…
Without Ramsey against any team with standard of Everton and Up we will struggle…
Unless King Abou stays fit of course…
Without Ramsey I will play TR07 as a box to box player like he did at BVB and recently for the Czech’s…
Sp,
This is Arsenal top strikers, I mean CF in descending order of Wenger’s preference …OG12, AS19, Sanogo, Campbell, Akpom …then of course TW14, who craves to strike.I didn’t even mention LP9!
A team that plays 4-4-2, we are ok in the cf department, unless you want a striker that will displace OG completely but because of what he brings besides striking, Wenger won’t try to bring any striker to keep OG out. So, forget it…no striker…Dev guessed right. All we need is that DM, keep TV and we’re good to go.
I meant 4-3-3.
Morning All