Rumour post today! 😉
We knew it would happen, the rumours of players leaving and players rumoured to be ‘on the verge’ of signing.
Well, this happens every season just before the transfer window opens, agents start touting their players around in attempt to provoke a bidding war, others just do it because ‘their man’ is after more money where he is.
Most of it is all a game, especially when the players are linked to Arsenal 😉
Yesterday there was a rumour/story about our right back, no not Eboue sadly; it was about our real one, Bacary Sagna.
Suggestion is that Bayern Munich have tabled an off of £8 Million for our man, an offer which has been rejected.
How much of an insult is that though, in today’s climate, £8 Million for an international full back is a joke, I’d tell them to take a hike and don’t bother coming back. That kind of offer is even worse than a ‘Wenger kind of offer’!!
In any case, Sagna is ours, he has spoken about his belief in our manager and I don’t believe he’s on the lookout for a move. We need to keep him!
Couple of others linked to us in Red Tops today, Ben Foster who has reportedly said he will leave Birmingham if they get relegated and the regular Chris Samba link gathers more pace……
Let me just sneak in with the Theo Walcott to Juventus story – it won’t happen!
Another player who seems to be gathering attention from clubs abroad is Carlos Vela
Apparently, Belgium club Anderlecht and Italian club Chievo are both keen on signing our young Mexican.
Anderlecht’s sporting director Herman Van Holsbeeck has reportedly already visited London for talks about a potential deal and is now waiting for an answer from us.
Chievo would like to buy him or would even consider a loan deal for a season.
Personally, I think Carlos Vela needs to sit down with Arsene Wenger and sort his future out, once and for all! Surely, he’s seen enough loans in his career already.
When we signed him 100 years ago, he was hot property and Wenger won his signature. So why has he not been given a real chance to show just why so many clubs wanted to sign him?
I know he’s been involved in a bit of naughtiness while on international duty but who hasn’t been these days in the football world.
Why when so many players have been given chance after chance by Wenger, yet still disappoint all too often, has Carlos Vela not been given a proper run in the side and the opportunity to show the world just how good he is?
If I was him, I’d stick my two fingers up at Arsenal and go and sign for a club who really wanted me, a club who would give me a chance to play, give me a chance to earn my wage by performing on the pitch week in week out.
Not many players leave us and go on to do better at other clubs but I have a feeling this one might and we’ll live to regret it.
There are plenty of players I’d like to see leave before our Mexican does, just give him a chance Arsene, not just an odd game…..
If then it doesn’t work, then sell him but right now I don’t think he’s really had a proper chance…………
Unlike some who are still cack!!
Quick word on Benik Afobe, his on loan club beat Bournemouth last night to earn a showdown at Wembley for the right to play in the Championship next season. The scores were level after extra time at The Galpharm Stadium but Huddersfield won the penalty shoot-out, 4-2. Well done to him and of course to Huddersfield.
Finally, Robin van Persie is to be offered a new deal with us, his current contract expires in a couple of years but Arsenal are keen to keep the vultures at bay by offering him a substantial pay rise within a new deal.
That’s some good news then …..
Morning all….
Morning Rico, morning Fido
Anyone know anything about Antonio Michael Pedroza Whitham, English born 20 year-old Mexican striker. Another ‘Little Pea’ or what?
Then we have another Barca babe like in 16 year-old forward/wing-forward Hector Bellerini. 400,000 euro compo and he’s ours it seems
Morning kev – woof 🙂
Antonio Michael Pedroza Whitham (born February 20, 1991 in Chester, England) is an Anglo-Mexican professional football who currently plays for Jaguares in the Primera División de México as a striker.[
Can’t find anything about the other kid kev…
Morning all.interesting read rico.vela has all the talent in the world but in the crunch he seems to disappear.
The Europa league final was boring by the way…
Hi Kt, i just wish he could have been given the same chance that others have been given, look at Chick Pea, flying at the mancs and that’s because Fergie is playing him… and ahead of Berbytoff…
If AA departs we should not let Vela go…
Here’s another spin on two of our big favourites… Before Arsenal can think of unloading Denilson or Diaby, they have to think very carefully about a transfer fee for either, as i heard that Denilson is on £50,000 per week and Diaby on £60,000 p.w. Wow 60 grand a week to keep Colin Lewin company.
What bright spark ageed those contracts???
Thats just it kev, it’s not only about what we can get for the dross in our club it’s about wiping out a huge wage bill for players who often don’t play as they are rubbish or because of always being injured…
Rosicky – how much in wages have we wasted?
RvP – similar but, when he plays he more than earns his money, some ‘injured’ are worth keeping regardless, RvP is the only one surely….
Got to pop off for an hour or so, back in a bit 🙂
According to YG wenger is set to hand ryo a first team chance in preseason.we will also apply for a special talent visa for him.
I wouldn’t sell AA.he is a pretty useful player as his 10 goals and 18 assists show.remember that barca goal?thats what he can do.he can be a very good impact sub.
KT, that is good news on Miyaichi.
Many fans think he could do with another year on loan, and they might be right. But i’d rather have him on ‘our’ subs bench, a bit of pace and trickery to bring on later in games against tiring opponants. A lack of pace has been a problem for us in recent times…
Also, Miyaichi would bring a bit of enthusiasm, a quality that’s in quite short supply with certain members of our squad>>.
AK you can be sure ryo will run his guts off if he gets that chance.it will also be good to have a winger in the squad.
Morning mutleys………. 😉
AK I saw you asked about Falcao/Rolando last night.Falcao is an old fashioned no.9 who knows his way around the penalty area.he is pretty useless outside that area as he doesn’t have that vision/trickery/dribbling ability that the likes of rvp/shrek have.he is however a goal machine;he scored 34 goals last season and 37 goals this season.Rolando is a commanding CB about 6″3 tall.he is pretty decent in both the air and ground.his positioning and marking are good too.
Hi Wath.
Cheers KT, would you say they are Arsenal types???
Morning Wath. The Final Erection today!!!
Hope your gonna have a passing out ceremony AK to celebrate the passing of the erections……!
Just read YG, that’s good news on Ryo KT.
A lot of fans question if he’d be up to the more robust treatment you get in the EPL, but they’re not exactly a bunch of ‘pansies’ in the Eredivisie..De Jong anyone!
Wath, i reckon i’ll just drop [or is it droop] onto the lawn, and then have a kip…
I’ve heard the Europa Cup Final was dire last night KT/Wath? A touch of the Mourinho’s maybe???
Yann M’Vila is getting a lot of mentions again on the grapevine.
He’s obviously got a very persistant agent…
The porto coach Villas Boas is being likened to Mourinho.porto have not lost a single game all season.
One more cuppa, and then it’s getting down and dirty with my shovel… Rock and Roll.
See ya a bit later Gooners
KT, the Portugese league must be mind-numbingly dull. It seems like they all want to copy The Special One?
I wouldn’t buy either AK to be honest.Falcao is easily marked out and is quite small.he isn’t lightening quick either.Rolando is decent but am not yet 100% sure he is what we need.we need a brute who has a commanding presence and that he isn’t.
Mourinho wannabes…
Lets be honest you cant judge last nights game as two Portugese teams always play each other so easy to try just stop the other from playing, can’t imagine it was ever going to be a thriller. Agree with KT on Rolando, not sure abt Falcao although he’s gonna be silly money. I’d rather players from the prem lge who can settle straight in and thats what we need.
M’Vila is one of a very few i’d look at to bring in from outside the prem lge AK…..! He looks robust and tough and a no nonsense player.
Morning all.
More rumours ah. Just shore up our defences couple would do, bring back some of our good youngsters, and play them. Its almost certain that we will not sell our lesser players, because we very rarely do, so make the buggers sit and watch youngsters building confidence, yes we will probably lose but were used to that, but a couple of decent defenders mixed in with the decent ones we have, may encourage the forward players youngsters into a bit of a display.what else can we do, on two bob.
Rico, with Vermaelen back from injury he’s like a new signing so we don’t need another center half. Until we do of course. I’m just waiting for that familiar soundbite to leave Wengers lips. I honestly don’t see anything exciting happening for us in the transfer market. I only see disgruntled players leaving. Another summer spent expecting the worst but hoping for the best.
We signed anyone yet?? 😉
Hi again all….
Yeh a new deal for Denilson 100K a week…!
I’ll get the bunting out then WATH 😆
Or should that read Bun Tin for the dough head!
Bendtnersdad, we needed a CH before TV got injured, we ned one for sure now….
Pls Mr.Wenger…don’t sell Vela ..Give him more chances for playing our team…everybody known he is a really talent and great finisher…when we saw the other Mexican great season with our rival team…we are really sad about Vela…we want see him more games for arsenal..and then we need to let’s go some players form our squad and the sign one CB and give chances for our young talents like Henri,Miquel,Coquelin,Bartely,Frimpong…when we get permit for Miyaichi..and more talents we had!really lovely to watch arsenal&future forever and we wish more tittles…for our club…hopefully next season..win four tittles & great record at the world..:D HAHA..WE WISH!
I’d get 2 CH’s for good measure…!
Hope you’ve told your son to move to Germany bendtnersdad…….. If you haven’t pls pls pls tell him it would be a great idea as Arsenal are nowhere near good enough for him…….. Much appreciated.
I would too WATH, especially if Bartley heads back to Rangers, we’d be left wth Squilli and Miquel as back up for three, not good enough to challenge for silver….
Echo the Nikki comment 🙂
Rico, I’d send Bartley out on loan again along with Miguel both season long loans, sitting on the bench or playing reserves won’t help them if they are the real deal they need games and to learn. Least when they come back they are 100% ready or not good enough the decision is then simple not a maybe.
Squillaci has to go but mr egotistical won’t do that we know. We still need 2 centre backs I reckon adn both English.
i’m not suggesting keep bartley or miquel WATH, but i’d rather see bartley than sqilli in our defence…
and, if those two do go, we will get nowhere with just TV, Kos and JD..
Def two and def PL ready, i’d be happy with Samba and Cahill, but like you say, AW won’t get rid of Squilli so I can see us getting one out of those two…
good morning all!
any important news?
Hi JM, same old same old sadly, but we can’t expect any real news until after the fulham game…
GK: Sczcesny, Fabianski, Mannone
RB: Sagna, (Eastmond and Coquelin to standby if sagna injured)
LB: Clichy, Gibbs
CB: Vermaelen, DJ, Koscielny and new defender (Ignasi to be promoted to the FA cup and carling cup team)
DM: Song, Frimpong, Coquelin, Eastmond
AM: Ramsey, Wilshere, Diaby, Nasri (Henderson and Lansbury to be promoted to Carling cup team)
ST: RvP, walcott, Chamakh, new striker (JET, Miyachi and Afobe to be promoted to carling cup team)
Those that are likely to leave (or have no more future): Almunia, Eboue, Scquillaci, Denilson, Bendtner, Rosicky, Arshavin, Fabregas, Vela, Traore
We need at least one very good defender, one very good striker and one more attacking midfielder to make the team a very powerful one. Players like Samba, Cahill, Metzelder, Hazard, Kaka, Falcao will suit us good..
Hi Gallas
A CH and Striker are the minimum AW has to buy, we need more though to really be in contention..
Frimpong, Lansbury and Coquelin will be pushing for a place though….
Shopping and a walk for Fido calls, back in a bit….
I dont want to come across as a killjoy, or being overly pessimistic. But I really can’t see any change this summer to what’s happened over the past few summers.
It will be claimed that Verm and Ramsey will both be ‘new signings’ strengthening both defence and midfield. All the ‘kids’ have a years extra experience and have learned from their mistakes/losing the CC cup has galvanised the team.
Nasri will be hailed as the new King, as King Fab4 will depart for pastures new, be it Spain or Italy.
The money we generate from sales (Fab/Bendtner/Almunia) won’t be invested in players as at least 5 players will be getting massive pay increases (Nasri/Van Persie/Clichy and Song are all due new deals, which doesn’t even factor in all the youths like JET, Landsbury, Frimpong etc).
I would hope that one signing would be a CB (Gary Cahill being my preferred choice), but unless Squillaci is shown the door I just dont see this happening. Probably a striker from the French league and maybe a midfielder to balance the squad out, but nothing drastic as Arsene has always said that he doesn’t like to ‘upset’ the squad too much.
So, while the red tops will link us with a host of exciting, top names. I will not hold my breath. Nor will i waste countless hours over the summer months on NewsNow waiting for the next Big Name target to be linked to us.
Fact is Man U, Man C, Chelsea and Liverpool will all spend in the summer…. Big Time. Man U need a keeper, like we have for the past 4 years, however instead of waiting for Ben Amos to mature in a fine keeper or let Kuschack keep making blunders they will actually sign a quality keeper, perhaps Lloris or Neuer.
God only knows who Man C will bring in and Liverpool have been touted a 100m warchest… Ashley Young crossing for Andy Carroll and Suarez terrorising defenders, 2 good defensive signings and they have the makings of a very good team, once again challenging for a top 4 place.
I honestly think only 2 things will force Wengers hand in buying big, one being failure to finish top 4, the other being a half empty stadium and corporate sponsors drying up…… The question is would you sacrifice 2 years out of CL to get the big names in……????
How the hell Nik B gets in ahead of Vela I will never know.
from http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk
Why Wenger won’t change (and won’t sign Benzema, Cahill, Sakho or Parker either)
By John Cross
Published 22:59 18/05/11
Arsene Wenger has never been under such pressure in nearly 15 years as Arsenal boss.
A growing minority want a change of manager. The majority want to see a change in the manager, in terms of his philosophy.
Neither will happen this summer.
Instead, Wenger will tell the Arsenal board that they must be strong in the face of unprecedented unrest from supporters.
Wenger has been stressing that he needs “one more year” for his project to reach fruition and the clamour for big-money signings from supporters – who are being hit with ticket price rises of 6.5 per cent – must be ignored.
There will be signings this summer. But don’t get carried away.
Rather than the likes of big-money superstars like Karim Benzema, the signings will be less spectacular and in keeping with up and coming talents such as Lorient striker Kevin Gameiro.
Manchester City have made overtures for Bolton’s Gary Cahill and Arsenal also have one or two reservations about the England defender anyway. Namely his price and, more interestingly, a perceived lack of pace.
There is big interest in Paris Saint-Germain defender Mamadou Sakho and so his value is going up. Therefore, Arsenal are more likely to revisit a move for Blackburn’s Chris Samba, which they hope would represent better value for money.
Scott Parker is well down the list as there are reservations about him. He’s far more likely to end up at Tottenham.
Wenger knows his squad needs strengthening. But it will be done in his usual fashion – younger players, on a budget, and by shying away from superstars.
It’s all about “the project.”
Sadly for Wenger, that has not delivered for the past six years and fans are getting tired of waiting for jam tomorrow.
Even the possibility of a change in his No.2 appears to have gone.
Pat Rice has indicated he will stay for another year, while the rest of the backroom staff are believed to have committed for as long as Wenger’s contract which expires in 2014.
But there may well be a new appointment to the coaching staff, possibly even to see how it works before Rice goes.
You might think it would be an Arsenal legend or a renowned coach. But former Charlton boss Phil Parkinson is well liked and has been doing some coaching work for the Gunners.
There will also be something of a clear-out.
Denilson, Manuel Almunia and Emmanuel Eboue are all up for sale. Andrey Arshavin, awful in recent weeks, will be made available, with Zenit St Petersburg courting their former player.
Abou Diaby has become frustrated by his stop-start career at Arsenal and the time may have come for a change. If they bring in a striker, expect either Nicklas Bendtner or Marouane Chamakh to go.
While there will be some senior players signed, there will be more of an emphasis on young players to boost the ranks.
Japanese teenager Ryo Miyaichi is tearing up the Dutch league with Feyenoord while on loan from the Emirates. Arsenal have set up a deal for Charlton’s teenage defender Carl Jenkinson and also want Southampton duo Alex Chamberlain and Luke Shaw.
Seem familiar? Yes. That’s because it is.
In fact, it seems like Groundhog Day, with Wenger insisting that his grand plan will be realised next season.
Wenger’s success in the past and achievements for the club will leave the board wondering and hoping that they are on the brink of a new era of success.
Whether the fans buy into it is quite another matter – especially when ticket prices are going up by 6.5 per cent. They want the increased prices paid for players, and for the calibre of signings to go up as well.
The fans want proven quality to deliver success beyond just securing Champions League football. It hasn’t worked this time, so why will it next year?
It’s a massive test for the Arsenal board.
They are fully committed to Wenger and there is no question of a change in their eyes.
In fact, the Frenchman is so powerful at the club that he will probably tell them when it is time for change.
While the balance sheet is good, Wenger is not under intense boardroom pressure.
After all, he has compromised to some degree. He has given the green light to the club’s first money-spinning tour to the Far East in July, promoting Arsenal in Malaysia and China as well as some high-profile European friendlies.
But surely it’s not about the board being strong by standing up for Wenger. But being strong by standing up to Wenger.
hi!
Valencia is interesting (very much !) in Kevin Gameiro
In fact, the Frenchman is so powerful at the club that he will probably tell them when it is time for change.
While the balance sheet is good, Wenger is not under intense boardroom pressure.
______________________________________________
No way with Kroenke in charge.
He will demand “success” to get his money back and some.
Theo?
Like Bendtner, I think he is watsed at Arsenal wiht him playing as an attacking right-flank forward.
Theo is only good as a central striker – like Michael Owen – and is useless at right flank as he does not have that football brain to cross accurately and the knack of a mdifielder to decide between crossing, passing and shooting like the peripheral vision and assists of Henry.
It is best to cash in Theo when a 20+ million offer coems along.
I don’t think Theo will make it, poorly coached by Wenger, and just overhyped simply because he is an Englishman playing for Arsenal.
Isn’t that is the policy of Wenger and Board?
Buy cheap and sell high with tens of millions in profit as in a corporate world?
Football news:
a) Barcelona plans to make the trip to London on the 28th, where the final race of the Champions League with Manchester United, Arsenal to discuss with the hiring of Cesc Fabregas.
In case of defeat at Wembley, the Catalan leaders will seek meeting with British counterparts the next day, putting on the table a proposal for 30 million euros by the Spanish. The blaugrana must also submit a list of four young players, offering to pick two Arsenal – Barca would be entitled to purchase option.
According to the daily Mundo Deportivo, victory in the Champions League final could delay the negotiations, seeking to Barcelona to play with time and with the desire for Fabregas to head to Camp Nou.
b) Alex Ferguson revealed on Thursday that Manchester United plans to hire three players for next season.
“We have excellent young players and many of them have evolved, which allows us to have a strong team. But three players who seek to enhance the quality of our squad, “said the Scot, told the club’s television, stating:” We have some ideas and hopefully make them happen. ”
“Gary Neville has already retreated, Edwin van der Sar’s career ends at the end of the season, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are near retirement … We must therefore ensure a secure bridge for the next year, “explained Alex Ferguson.
David De Gea, Atletico Madrid, Ashley Young of Aston Villa, and Wesley Sneijder, Inter, reinforcements are on the agenda of the Red Devils.
Good articles JM, I am not sure if Cesc will leave or not this summer. I was sure he would not last summer but now…
As for Wenger, I think Stan will want to win things and get the name of Arsenal in all Asian and American households and make mega cash. I think we will see a couple of big name surprises this summer.
Hi Guys and Gals…
I’m going to stay positive and expect at least a couple of signings that will make us stronger..
Merlin – i respect your opinion but no way in the world would i like to see Theo go, he’s the future of our club… But, I do think he is dreadfully wasted on the wing but played in the right place he could co similar for us to what Henry did…
Wenger has said his intention is to play him more central, best he get on and do that soon…
Hi JM, interesting articles but the articles in the mirror are worse than those in The Sun 😉
Traore and Vela is a classic example of our delusions over “Wenger’s famed youth scouting” policy.
We bought CLichy, Traore and Botelho (you all remember him?)
Fergusion bought Evra, Fabio and Rafael.
We bought Denilson.
Ferguson bought Anderson.
We bought SIlvestre, Koscielny and Squillaci,
Ferguson bought Vidic, Smalling with Evans coming thru’ the rank.
Liverpool bought Skrtel and Agger.
We bought Arshavin.
Ferguson bought Park, Nani and Valencia.
We bought Vela.
Ferguson bought Hernandez.
We bought Theo.
S*CUMS bought Bales.
Like us fans living in memory of 2003/04…so is Wenger living wiht his “one hit wonder” in Fabregas, coverign up all his deficiencies of his “famed youth policy” and “astute transfer policies”….whihc bought us nothing but 6 trophyless seasons..and counting…
Care to name our so-called “worldclass youths” – starting in 1997/98 season – breaking into 1st team in contrast to the likes of ManU, CITEH, Liverpool, CHelski and S*CUMS???
It is most interesting to compare the influence of Theo, Bales, Valencia and Nani to their respective team.
Theo is far better than Bale, don’t believe his hype.
Rico, if Wenger persists in hanging Theo out on the right flank in 2011/12 season….then we don’t have to wait to sell Thoe…but a frustrated Theo, without a regular startign berth, will definitely not extend his contract and will join one of his many suitors and admirers who will promise him regular football as starter in his favorite central forward position.
That is the gist of my posting.
Play him as a central striker or sell him.
Remember, after 2007/08 season, Wenger mentioned somethign like “THeo is ready for acentral striker’s role”.
And Wenger said that he put Theo at right flank is for him to learn ball control and dribble out of a tight situation, and when he is rotated back to central, he will develop an understanding of the role of flank players which will improve his link-up plays in Total Football.
Well then, “apprenticeship” over for Theo at right flank, time for Theo to stand-up and be counted as central striker in 2011/12 season.
Will, I am not too sure.
Perhaps Bales is a “one season wonder” – like Theo’s hattrick against Croatia – but the jury is still out and we will know during 2011/12 season.
Give me their stats from last season.
Merlin, i am glad we have Theo rather than Bale, a couple of great games by Bale and now he’s faded….
Hasn’t Valencia been out for most of this season??
Merlin, re the selling of Theo – one day, afc could have a different manager, he’ll know where to play him….
The thing we do agree on is, Theo needs to play up front with a second striker like Robin.
But Wenger agrees too Will, he has said it in an interview, what he suggests is playing on the wing right now will help his game – excuse my language but bollox, his game is as a striker, we have seen this season how he can be clinical in front of goal and his movement takes players away to free up others…
I think Wenger wants him to take the Henry path…
Certainly agree about playing him together with Robin, they seem to ‘get on’… (footballing terms 😉 )
Time now to play him up front with Vela on the bench and Nik B in Italy.
Vela needs to have his chance Will, what we have done to him is beyond understanding – but Nik, i don’t care where he is as long as not with us….
Germany is my best bet on him….
hello everyone!!!
Wenger will buy hazard i think hopefully
cos arshavin leaves then we are short in the flanks as wenger had already stated didnt he.
actually the money from the arshavin sale could be used for hazaerd i think.
Wish wenger would be a bit more specific this time about transfers cos if he doesnt win any silverware next season he will be out for sure.
Fergie on the other hand says he target 3 signings wish wenger would do that.
I think fergie could go for bale cos giggs is retiring both are welsh he could see the new giggs in him.
hi arsenal fan, you been reading those sites that suggest the deal has already been done? 😉 😉
I have 😉
Vela is the best finisher at the club. Why Nik ( I need 10 shots per goal) b is played I will not know.
And that is what baffles most Will…..
me too.
But i think even if we let go of fabregas we are not that badly of.
if go back to our good old fashioned 4-4-2
with rvp n chamakh up front,nasri n hazard at the wings, song n diaby as cm we would cos fear into any team though would love benzema with rvp.
With miyachi coming up n lansbury it would be good side.
arsenal fan,
Diaby????
Diaby?
If Cesc goes, I would play Rambo and Jack together.
Sagna Inter?
Song Italy?
I think if we stay in 3rd or 4th will be very important because:
a) Because of the acquisitions, because the CL will allow us to enter directly into a favorable position in the group stage. This allows us to gain advantage in acquiring players, who know little or have never played in the CL. The same thinking applies for those who stays;
b) Because if we stay in 4th, the CL is almost to forget and we turn to the internal competitions . In this case, I doubt there is any player from another league, motivated enough to join a team to bet on internal competitions. Like most players are referred to it as well for teams in the CL and they pay more, we will only buy players who play in the Premiership and are not referenced by other clubs,or “unknow” players. Be 4th, is the biggest obstacle to staying the current players.
Absolutely Will..
JM, neither of those two players will leave, i’m sure 🙂
I’m off guys and gals, seems you have all gone too…
catch up tomorrow…
nighty…
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3590887/Denilson-has-told-Arsenal-he-is-quitting-the-club-on-Sunday.html
DENILSON rocked Arsenal last night by announcing: “I want to leave.”
The Brazilian star is flying home after Sunday’s game at Fulham and admits he is fed up after five years in London without a trophy.
He said: “This has been the worst season of my life and I am so upset, so frustrated.
“I am a winner and I came here to win trophies but I’ve been here for five years and won nothing.
“A footballer’s career is over very quickly so it is time for me to move on.
“This is not a sudden decision. I made up my mind eight months ago.
“I was fed up of coming home and feeling down.
“But I haven’t said anything until now because I did not want to disrupt the team during the season. And I haven’t caused a big scene.
“I’ve simply been to see Arsene Wenger and told him how I felt and he’s agreed to let me go.
“I know some people will think I am crazy. They are right. It is a great club with a great organisation, a great manager and so many talented players.
“Yes, I make a good living at Arsenal but other things in life are important.
“I need a fresh challenge and although I know I’m taking a big gamble I am ready to take that risk.”
Denilson, 23, added: “I can’t see myself returning in a Chelsea shirt, or Liverpool or Manchester City – and definitely not Tottenham. I think my future will be in Spain or Italy.”
His parting message to Arsenal is powerful and poignant. “It’s great to play beautiful football but sometimes to be a winner you have to play ugly if you want to succeed.”
___________________________________________________
Exodus had begun.
Who is the next rat to jump a sinking Wenger’s Ship?
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3590701/Denilson-Theres-something-missing-at-Arsenal.html
THE giant, red suitcases already lined up in the hall of his Hertfordshire home say a lot.
But it is the look on the face of Arsenal star Denilson that says it all.
It’s a mixture of relief and regret.
Relief that manager Arsene Wenger has agreed to his request to leave after five years in North London.
Regret that he was unable to help end the six-year silverware famine that has blighted Arsene Wenger’s team.
And the 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder is as bemused as anyone as to why it has all gone so horribly wrong.
He sighs: “There’s something missing at Arsenal but no one knows what it is. Not the manager, not the players – nobody.
“Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool spend millions and millions on players.
“But we are still the best footballing side in Britain, we play beautiful football. Only Barcelona do it better. But we don’t win trophies.
“That’s so frustrating, you can’t imagine how frustrating.
“Arsenal is a great club, we have a great manager and so many talented players. So we should be collecting silverware. And there are no excuses for it.
“Some people say we don’t succeed because we are too young and naive – but that’s no excuse.
“We didn’t lose the Carling Cup final to Birmingham because we were too young. We lost because our confidence collapsed completely when Obafemi Martins scored for them.
“This was a final we should have won, we were the favourites.
“It was the opportunity to silence all our critics. Here’s a trophy to shut you all up after five years – and this is going to be the start of many.
“What a lift that would have given us all. Especially as we were in such a fantastic position in all the other competitions too.
“The quarter-finals of the FA Cup, quarter finals of the Champions League and sitting second in the league. It was all there for us and we were so motivated.
“But when Martins scored it was all over. You could see it in the eyes of the players and the supporters there at Wembley. Our confidence just drained away and we never got it back. It was a catastrophe.
“That was the moment our season was ruined, it started a domino effect and no one could stop it.
“I knew it was a massive moment, the point where it all started to go badly wrong and I think we all knew.
“I went home afterwards and just cried. I was very upset, very sad and I was ashamed.”
Denilson was not alone. He says the whole squad, the entire Arsenal staff was devastated.
The crippling damage of that final defeat proved impossible to repair.
Within a fortnight an Arsenal side that was on course for an historic Quadruple was in freefall.
The Gunners were knocked out in the Champions League quarter finals by Barcelona, despite a first-leg lead. And then a third body blow followed when they were dispatched in the FA Cup quarters by Manchester United.
The triple whammy of despair left them so shattered that they have since slipped out of the title race too.
Slumping from second in the table to fourth and facing the prospect of having to qualify for the Champions League next term even if they win at Fulham on Sunday.
Denilson said: “After Birmingham the boss told us to hold our heads up and stressed there was still so much to play for.
“We had Barca and United coming up and we were chasing the title. But although we went into both those games still believing we could win, it wasn’t enough. Since then everything has fallen away.”
Denilson can barely believe how Arsenal have slumped out of contention. He says they are paying the price for some expensive lapses in games they should have won.
“I remember leading Liverpool 1-0 and they scored in the last seconds. We were 4-0 up at Newcastle but drew.
“We also lost to Newcastle at home and West Brom and Aston Villa.
“We threw it away against Sunderland and Blackburn at the Emirates.
“Let’s be honest, some of those games were shocking, shameful. We are better than that.
“But until Arsenal stop throwing away those silly points in those stupid games nothing will change.”
Denilson’s sorrow is real but he can feel the pain and anguish of his manager too.
“All the players are hurting but we know the supporters suffer even more than we do.
“And most of all the boss suffers it worst of all and that makes me sad because he is a great man and a great manager.”
Denilson says Wenger has been brilliant in dealing with his desire to leave. “I went to see him and told him of my decision and he understood.
“He says he will not stand in my way and if the club receive a good offer for me I can go. I was so relieved to hear that. I am very grateful.
“Not every manager would have been like Arsene Wenger, not every club would act like Arsenal. I know in a year’s time I might regret it and be wishing I’d stayed. I may go somewhere and find it’s just not the same.
“But my heart tells me I have to take that risk, I have to be honest with myself, be true to myself.
“I am a footballer and I want to play every week because I want the chance to play for Brazil.
“Look at Lucas at Liverpool. He’s been playing regularly and he’s in the Brazil team. That’s where I want to be.
“I would love to be able to do that at Arsenal but based on how things have gone this season, I think it’s time for a change.
“So I am flying home to Brazil on Sunday and I’m hoping I can make a fresh start in Spain or maybe Italy.”
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3590701/Denilson-Theres-something-missing-at-Arsenal.html#ixzz1MqrayUd9
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Very telling “disclosures”…adn why we collapsed so spectacularly.
Morning….
New Post is up…