Daily Bits and Bobs

Wenger confirms three transfer targets! Our league challenge & he's staying….

Posted on by rico

Morning all,

So the boys have landed safe and sound and it’s all systems go as we prepare for our first friendly tomorrow.

But, instead of talking about what this tour has in store for our players, the first question asked of Arsene was all about Suarez and whether or not we really are prepared to make a better offer for the Liverpool striker….

But as always, Arsene says little and rightly so in my opinion:

As you know the transfer period demands secrets and confidentiality, so I can’t answer the question.

What his reply actually means is anyones guess…..

He was then asked about what is going on at the club and was quite honest about where the priorities have been over the last few years:

I think I knew when I committed to my last contract  and the contract before that the club were going through a very  sensitive period, because we had less financial resources and the challenge was to stay at the top and in the Champions League during that period.

I’m not for one minute suggesting the ‘top four is a trophy’ theory is quite true but clearly he knew he wouldn’t have too many millions handed to him each transfer window. If that really was what those above him wanted, then he hasn’t done a bad job has he?

Ok, there is no denying he has made a few howlers in the transfer market but as I said the other day, if Gervinho departs this summer, it suggests to me that Arsene Wenger isn’t prepared to hang on to players in hope they get better. Two seasons and out if it’s going wrong.

So things are on the change, the ‘sensitive period’ is soon to be a thing of the past and the challenge set for the manager is rising:

We are coming out of that period and I hope in the next two or three years the club will be competing for the Premier League.

Those next two to three years of challenging for a trophy is looking very likely to remain the task of Arsene Wenger as he confirmed yesterday that talks are going well over a new contract:

I am committed to staying longer at this club. I’ve already had a chat with Ivan. It went very well, not a problem.

So, love or hate him all you like, he’s staying and he’s looking to bring in big named quality players before the season starts. Talking about  Gonzalo Higuain, Wayne Rooney and Luis Suarez he said:

They are all realistic targets quality wise, but not all of them are available to join us. First of all, those players are under contract and it is the club who decide if they can go and, if they go, if they can join us.

I thought he wasn’t going speak about players – but I hope he tries hard and gets at least one of those three……

I want my fiver off of Allezkev…….

That’s it for another day, have a good one…

rico

0 thoughts on “Wenger confirms three transfer targets! Our league challenge & he's staying….”

  6. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Gunnerstown is a blog run by about 10 Arsenal supporters, one of whom is Andy Wood from Leeds …..

  8. southyorkshiregunner says:

    On As.com website this morning. Crappy translation

    Ancelotti now has 27 players and dispensed in the coming weeks for two to four players, with the club aims to raise cash. They could leave Adam, Jesus, Coentrao, Albiol, Di Maria, Higuain and even Kaka, if from a team that took over his record (nine million).

    Jam. Higuaín’s departure seemed imminent at the end of the season, after hearing the words of the player in June: “My decision is made.’s seven years old, but already decided. anger No, I need to go to another club and play” . However, since the club maintain that no offer has been received to date by the Pipita. Juve withdrew from the auction with the signing of Tevez and Arsenal has been interested in the striker, but there are no negotiations between the clubs. The Madrid will not let go for less than 35 million euros and now Carlo Ancelotti speak with Argentina on Monday to convince him to stay

  13. MICKEY says:

    GOODMORNING. I’M A DIE-HARD FAN OF ARSENAL FC IN NIGERIA-FOLLOWING SINCE ’95. I HOPE AND REALY HOPE WE’LL GET THINGS RIGHT THIS TIME!

  15. peres s simeon says:

    Up gunners! No matter d challenges arsenal is facing in transfers, management, nd team reshufflements. Arsenal all d way but jst sign a sharp stopper, hungry striker, dm, a defender. Up gunners.

  16. tsgh says:

    Morning all HHers,…

    Good piece… Rico,. What did you think of the grin on your boy Theo’s face when the lady was placing the flowery string around his neck? 😀

    SYG… a fine piece you posted…. the other yorkshire man is being a second favourite of mine…

  18. ktr7 says:

    morning…good read.it all sounds good when AW says stuff we want to hear but he needs to back up his words.in the past he has said similar things and we ended up with some really underwhelming signings.

  19. rico says:

    Thanks Ts – you know what, I thought to myself, ‘how happy does he look’ – in fact in thought that about all of them…

    And didn’t the fans look like they had just won the Euro millions….

  20. MICKEY says:

    IT WILL SOON BE THE START OF A NEW SEASON AND NO TANGIBLE SIGNINGS YET. IF WE HOPE TO COMPETE LIKE THE OTHER SERIOUS CLUBS, WE SHOULD GET SERIOUS.

  21. rico says:

    🙂 Scott

    Thanks Kt, agree, it’s still all talk but as long as he has told Gazidis and Law who he wants, it’s over to them to get business done…

  31. zakk nigeria says:

    Just 3 signings! To me, that is not enough, we need 5 quality players in this transfer window.

  32. Steve. says:

    Top players won’t come to arsenal,all this about,Suarez,Rooney,
    Higuain,etc is just Wenger. “BU LL– SHIT”.Every season when the transfer window opens,we get all this,all talk no action,the only action
    at the moment,is Wenger’s,new contract,to him that’s more important,i only wish it was left to Arsenal Supporters,if he stays or goes,i think he would have been out some time ago,none of the big clubs in the Premiership Division,would have stood Wenger. I have been an Arsenal supporter,long before Wenger came,and we were
    a great side,in them days teams feared us,THE MIGHTY ARSENAL,
    now teams in lower divisions can beat us quite comfortabley,the only thing you will get from Wenger is excuses.My predictions are,
    when the window closes,the outcome will be,Wenger given a nice new Fat Contract for the next four years,and the Arsenal supporters will have,two or three new players,well past their sell by date,that carn’t get in their team, plus half a dozen young kids that might make it in five years time.

  33. eplclubfootball says:

    I think the realistic target is Higuain. Suarez will not come to Arsenal because he is desperate to leave England. For Rooney, Arsenal is not yet financially strong to maintain the $250,000 weekly wage.To sum up, i see Arsenal buying Higuain and Felleni (only if Wenger decides to spend the money at his disposal). For EPL updates see eplclubfootball.com

  34. Scott from Oz says:

    Adam, i am not sure he should have walked, as such.
    My question, or concern, was that the edge was so thick, why did he even hesitate, because no umpire in the world could possibly miss that nick…….well, that’s what i thought at the time 🙂
    Andrew, HH has a rule.
    If you choose to act like a dickhead, then you MUST write the next days post.
    Since you so easily qualify, get typing.
    As one of Wengers few remaining fans ( 🙂 ), i must say he has not had funds at his dispersal to make a decent dent in the transfer market for years, regardless of what the idiots above him suggested.
    This time….no excuse at all.
    Why?
    Because Wenger himself has told us the cash is there.
    Back to Broad…was that 4 he just scored not a bye 🙂

  36. Scott from Oz says:

    Steve, you just volunteered for the day after Andy.
    Teams feared us before Wenger came?
    Was Wenger before or after our Invincible’s champ??

  39. Danish Gooner says:

    In May it was 3 or 4 players and proactive,today it is 1 or 2 quality signings and players under contract,we all know where this is going dont we !!!!

  41. ktr7 says:

    Am quite sceptical about all this talk to be honest because i’ve heard it all before…i don’t believe him but am willing to wait and see first but am not holding my breath.

  42. Scott from Oz says:

    But DG, if he did get, ahem, Suarez or Higuain and Cesc or Rooney, would you be happy with two, because i would 🙂

  43. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning all, Nice update Rico.
    Can’t see a lot happening till the boys get back, but it should bring a few more quid in.

  44. W.A.T.H says:

    I am with Adam, no not the bit about agreeing with Scott cos he’s always bloody wrong but the saving of the pessimism bit…!

  45. Canadian Gooner says:

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

    SYG – Thank you for posting the link to GunnersTown article on Suarez. It was a very very long read, but an excellent article. It will take a while to digest it all though.

  46. Scott from Oz says:

    KT, keep the faith.
    I am….one last time.
    I truly believe Wenger has made the most of a sub standard squad each and every one of the last several seasons.
    Yes, he has bought duds….name a manager that hasn’t….but because they have not been overshadowed by world class players, they have stood out.
    This season, as i said a little earlier, Wenger himself has said we over the tough period, and it is our time.
    He has no excuse NOT to soend.
    None.
    Come on Arsene, i have backed you not through loyalty but because i believed in you….don’t let me down!!

  47. Adam says:

    If Wenger doesn’t do the business there will be so much discontent among the fans and especially in the stadium that it will be the decisive factor in our season. It was tilting that way last season but the team pulled it back.
    We are all frustrated.

  49. Scott from Oz says:

    He has to Adam.
    He has not been hung out to dry this time by Ivan or PHW, it comes from his own mouth…….

  50. massa says:

    real gunners fan criticise where it is needed to be criticise.AW is not worthy to be arsenal manager.He always promise good to do but does bad things to arsenal fans.we can not win any trophy with sanogo.if AW does nothing this transfer period,we will be there and protest against this idiot.

  51. W.A.T.H says:

    For what it’s worth and yes I’m nearly always wrong as well Scott 😉

    I think Wenger happy to keep mentioning the names of Rooney, Hig and Suarez, yes he is obviously interested in those three which one or which ones we don’t know but I also think it makes a good cover for other targets that we are interested in. Just a thought..!

  52. Canadian Gooner says:

    I’m with Adam and W.A.T.H, I’ll save the pessimism till at least late August. In the meantime the world looks so much better and brighter through my rose coloured glasses.

    Scott – Remember you’re to practice your diplomacy.

  54. Adam says:

    It’s also a big window for Kroenke and his ludicrous syrup. With Usmanov waiting in the wings he really has to drive the club forward. That’s what good owners do. They set the tone for advancement.

  56. W.A.T.H says:

    CG, can’t see the point in slitting my wrists just yet…. 7 weeks left to buy new players and everyone at the club is saying we looking to bring in top quality and anyone picking up on Wenger saying players under contract he’s only mentioning the obvious…! We cannot buy players we may like “IF” a team refuses to sell simple as that but I think the club knows the players they want and are working on it as he says.

  58. W.A.T.H says:

    Good comment Adam, I also thought Arsene’s comment that it’s a big season for him was very telling…!

  59. devilgunner says:

    Haaaaaa!!!!!

    Back from the beach my friends. This morning it was gorgeous in the Med. Blue/green sea. The sun was not too hot. NW wind breeze and the sea was not so cold but not hot and the panorama was embellished by some lovely looking tourists of the daughters of Eve sort. 😉

    Good Morning Lady, Sir, Gentlemen and Ladies.

    The fiver is dangling dangerously closer to one side. Its within the grasp of someone who is reaching out for thirstily. 😆

    Signed anyone yet????

  60. Adam says:

    Wath. Me too. He hasn’t gone over the top to dampen expectations so far.
    That could come later though.

  63. devilgunner says:

    Suarez!!! The player yes but the person no.

    Rooney!!!! The player yes the person not so sure.

    Higuain!!!! The player yes and the person yes.

    CESC…….definitely yes.

    Bernard????? If we buy Cesc there is no need for him.

    But we definitely need a DM and CB..

  64. ktr7 says:

    Scott good for you…myself my expectations are low until AW proves otherwise.as WATH has said wenger would happily keep the media focussed on roon/hig/suarez for other targets but what am worried about is that he seems to prefer rough diamonds over ready made targets and it wouldn’t surprise me if he did it again.the fact we are letting go of so much deadwood shows you how poor he has been in the market over the past couple of years trying to polish rough diamonds that end up to not even being diamonds at all.i doubt he’ll change his ways and thats why he’ll gladly sign a new contract with us because he has the liberty to do so here whereas a club like PSG would sack him after one trophyless season.i hope am wrong but thats how i feel.

  65. W.A.T.H says:

    Oh and if anyone has had a read of the Arsenal XI game last night against Sutton United you’ll all see that Danny Crowley has been crowned world class already…! The youngster apparently showed glimpses of his talent and along with Jack Jebb played very well indeed. A look to the future there it seems. Now to add the quality that makes the first team a competitive unit.
    Hi Dev…!

  66. W.A.T.H says:

    Here’s one for perspective on the Broad incident….!!

    Great quote from the very competitive Ian Healy….” Walk in an Ashes test match ? Only if the car runs out of petrol “!!!!!

  67. Scott from Oz says:

    KT, the same PSG that are dying to get him though?
    Devil, not sure you have passed judgement before….Vermaelen….is he worth a try at DM??

  68. devilgunner says:

    Hi WATH. The reports of yesterday’s game all glorify Crowley. At 15/16 he looked a cut above the rest. Hopefully he will continue to develop into world class. and HOPEFULLY the grey matter between the ears is level headed and ego missing.

  69. W.A.T.H says:

    KT, your not wrong in a lot of what you say BUT if you look at his last 6/7 signings apart from Ox and Sanogo this year they have all been experienced quality ready made players. I think he has realised what we need… Not before the end of time either I will hasten to add.

  70. devilgunner says:

    Ahhhhhh. just remembered. What did you make about MURRAY winning Wimbledon WATH???? A fine victory for Britain aye??? (tongue in cheek) 😉

    Yes Scott.I would like to see him tried out at DM. but as long as we get a good beastly DM I am happy.

  71. W.A.T.H says:

    At 15/16 he has a long way to go Dev and as you say still needs to grow develop and hopefully stay grounded with a level headed attitude. We also hope he is not an early bloomer and this is as good as he gets…. Time will tell. Keep the expectations as low as possible but in this day and age that’s hard work.

  74. Scott from Oz says:

    Hayden labelled him world class, but that would be based on what he has seen at training as well.
    He is a baby.
    Let’s hope in 5 years time we are recalling this comment.

  75. W.A.T.H says:

    TV as a DM, if Wenger really thought he was worth a try do you all not think he would of tried that already, Personally think Koz would be a better DM than TV, he has a better footballing brain.

  76. ktr7 says:

    Scott you don’t get my point.AW likes to build his team his way.he has all the power.PSG may like him but there is a reason he doesn’t like them.they have a director of football who decides the ins and outs of the club irrespective of what the manager says.man city are similar since the appointment of Soriano.at Arsenal wenger can do pretty much what he likes but at clubs like PSG…no chance.

  77. tsgh says:

    Hi friends,

    In my view we should not expect any major dealings… AW dropped the 2 to 3 years line again… the goal post keep moving…

    As IG has said 10M spent on a player is big money… AW considered breaking even last summer with the purchases and sales a huge outlay…

    Personally, I don’t care who we get so far as the buys have a strong will to win and some strong work ethics…

  78. W.A.T.H says:

    Sorry for all those that were in moderation your all now free to post…! Rico off sun tanning again it seems hence you been there a while…!

  79. Scott from Oz says:

    Fair call KT, but i would suggest PSG would free him up if he decided to join them,at least, to a certain extent.
    Anyway, it doesn’t matter 🙂

  80. ktr7 says:

    WATH a few years back AW said the fans will be reassured by the top quality that he’ll bring…48 hours.later we unveiled silvestre 🙁 …is that what you count as experience 😉

  81. stevepalmer1 says:

    I still reckon Vermaelen is still quality, if we let him go we will definitely miss out. Ok he’s had a shit season but he’ll come good DM he’s worth a try he jumps he tackles he heads goals and he’s not that slow, had he been playing up front i bet he would have scored a few as well.

  82. Canadian Gooner says:

    An interesting article about Perez the President of UnReal. He definitely seems to want to make a point or points over the ‘possible’ Higuain transfer.

    http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/hope-for-arsenal-as-real-madrid-want-gonzalo-higuain-to-back-down

    At the moment the Higuain situation seems to be like one of those overblown mystery movies. It has a large cast with some cameo appearances by some high proile actors, the script/storyline is long and convoluted with lots of red herrings and conflicting information and even at the end your not sure what has actually happened. Is the story nearly over or is Act II about to start. Stay tuned for the next exciting episode of The Tranfer Window.

  84. tsgh says:

    WATH, Ak gave a brief summary of the young lads performances last night…

    JB said Crowley did not last long 45 minutes…

    I am pleased my boy Jebb is showing glimpses of his capabilities again after all the injuries…

  87. W.A.T.H says:

    Ts, I have to disagree mate, he know’s he must change, he knows the fans know there are huge sums in the bank, the years of being spoon fed the excuses has to stop and I think/believe he knows that. This summer has to be different otherwise the fans will hound him out… Fact…! Even Scott will agree with me lol

  90. Canadian Gooner says:

    Steve – I agree. Vermaelen has shown us what he is capable of. Surely the club can support him till he recovers. They have persevered with many younger players who have failed to deliver at all.

  92. tsgh says:

    🙂 WATH… I am with you on change… but his presser had the line 2or 3 in it. As Steve mentioned above, he said 4 players in May now it is 1or 2 quality players

  93. W.A.T.H says:

    KT that was 4 years ago and those years were indeed Wenger telling us lies when they were all playing games over are there funds are there not funds…! Not gonna happen again in my opinion, shit or bust time.

  94. devilgunner says:

    Good day Lady.

    Were you sun bathing or dipping in the sea??

    I spent the early hours lapping up the fresh crystal clear waters of the Med.

    Good post bdw.

  95. W.A.T.H says:

    Ts, he says quality over quantity does he actually mention 1 or 2… I thought he says we cannot buy them ALL….???

  96. Canadian Gooner says:

    W.A.T.H – “Even Scott will agree with me lol”. Is that the ringing endorsement you hope will convince us of the merit of your arguement?

  100. devilgunner says:

    So the 1st Era of AW (98-2005) should be known as BL (before lies).

    And the 3rd Era of AW 2012 onwards let it be known as AL (after lies).

  102. Canadian Gooner says:

    DG – W.A.T.H and Kev talk a good story, but can they deliver under pressure or will they be pschologically fragile like Phillipe Senderos?

  103. tsgh says:

    WATH.. you might be right there… we shall wait and see…

    I want us to do well like all fans…

    Last season there were lots of empty seats during high profile matches… the board are either concerned or are not.

    All the faithful fans on here who complain about the state of affairs have all ree-newed their ST after some empty promises by IG who has given this club nothing…

    All the fans abroad can mostly be attributed to AW’s early days and brand of football and nothing else… most will choose to disagree but the age of most of the fans says it all.

    My point is if the board are concerned, things will be forced upon AW. Its a chicken and egg scenario… is AW important or is the future of AFC without AW in the short to median term so bleek?

    He is being offered a new contract… AW has tried to dampen it by saying it is conditional on the season’s results…

  104. W.A.T.H says:

    CG, you have no idea mate even now I’d sort out our central midfield problem…. I’d only last about ten mins but you’d love the ten mins cameo 😀

  105. ktr7 says:

    I still don’t believe him wath.I can’t see him changing as much as id like to.he’ll have to prove it first.Gazidis may have sounded really optimistic in that interview when he said we could afford rooney he also said something that hasn’t been focussed on.he also said what AW sees in a player may not excite the normal fan.that gives the hint that we may after all not buy those big names fans are hoping for.id like a suarez or a higuain but AW may have his eyes focussed on an entirely different set of players.

  106. Canadian Gooner says:

    W.A.T.H – I would call that a rare occurrence; the merit(s) of which, if any, are open for discussion.

  107. devilgunner says:

    Resident historian??? hmmmmm. I like history. Esp till the early modern age. After that its mostly politics etc.

    But resident historian????

    More like resident swimmer at the moment.

  110. Scott from Oz says:

    Ginge, you are right.
    Arsenal became suddenly popular in the mid 90’s over here.
    Then it was Utd.
    Then Chelski.
    Now Citeh.
    Whoever is winning!!
    Still, plenty of us have been Gooners longer than thousand of English born fans 🙂

  112. Canadian Gooner says:

    W.A.T.H – You may well be able to sort out the central midfield problem, but as for your (and Kev’s) 10 minute cameo? Well, I have images of Laurel and Hardy wandereing onto the field by accident and being caught up in the play. Unfortunately we’ll never know for sure.

  113. devilgunner says:

    yes and no Rico. I wish I was in the Alpine mountains Rico. Go the news and you will see we are being invaded by illegal immigrants. Practically the whole of Africa is trying to come and live here.

    But regarding the sea yes…..we are lucky.

  114. W.A.T.H says:

    KT, I hear ya mate your preaching to the converted…. What I feel is that he will buy maybe 2/3 rough diamonds with potential as he always does BUT he’ll also buy exactly what we need for the first time in a long long while…!

  115. stevepalmer1 says:

    seems to me this tour is more important to the club than next years Premier league. Personally i would have sorted out the weaknesses and took their replacements with me, I know we still have loads of time but why have a tour if you cannot use it to blood your new players. Unless of course he has sorted out his targets and are letting them rest for a while, after all a lot of them were probably playing for their countries. We hope.

  117. ktr7 says:

    Time will tell WATH…

    rico i doubt iven can tell AW to do anything.wenger seems to have all the power.he even decides how much we bid on a player and his wages if he does come…no wonder we miss out on so many targets.shouldn’t that be ivan’s job?…

  118. devilgunner says:

    Laurel and Hardy……aka………..WATH and KEV. 😆

    got to pick myself from the floor laughing mate. That one is crackers.

  119. tsgh says:

    Since Sir Chips took over, has he given an address on his vision during his tenure? No!

    I keep replaying PHW tellling those who want to listen on several occasions that AFC will never spent £50M on a single player. So what has changed?

    Its comical when some fans thing an alleged clause in MF’s contract will ensure we pay them a lower fee or so when they paid around £14M for him a few years back?

    If that clause does exists, what would actually happen as it did with Pastore case was that a bidding war ensued and then the price goes higher…
    If Wooney should become available do we honestly think he would choose us over the chavs who will most certainly bid higher than us…

  121. tsgh says:

    Will the club buy before the CL qualifier?

    Why is TV injured and A Williams has not been forced on AW? Its all about penny pinching.. some will say it is AW’s fault… I think they are all party to it…

  122. ktr7 says:

    Dortmund’s new signing Aubameyang has been recorded to run 30 meters in 3.7 seconds…!!!thats electric.

  123. Canadian Gooner says:

    Steve – That is one purpose for a tour, but I’m sure Arsene would rather have done that in the quiet of the Austrian Alps like they used to. The main reason for the tour is a commercial one, to raise the profile of the club in the Far East. The bigger the brand the more shirts & souvenirs you sell and the bigger the sponsorship deals you can negotiate.

  126. W.A.T.H says:

    Does he then collapse in a big heap KT…?

    Ts, Why would we buy Williams, for me he a media buy… Also think he’s a yard dog…!

    Yes I also stupidly genuinely believe Roo would choose us over the chavs…! I did say I am stupid…!

    Chips can say nothing mate he ain’t the owner it’s not his vision to chat about is it..?

  127. Scott from Oz says:

    Would Rooney prefer to join a club where he is THE man, or a club where he is part of a group?
    Considering his beef with Yanited is playing second fiddle to RVP then surely, if the money was comparable, he’d prefer us over Chelski any day of the week.

  128. allezkev says:

    WHERE HAS MICKEY GONE???

    Morning/Afternoon/Evening Gooners….

    Rico, put yourself out of your misery and just gimme that Fiver…
    Why prolong the agony boss, we ain’t buying Jack Shit…. 😉

  129. devilgunner says:

    With us Rooney can be a legend and the leader that he craves to be. The main man.

    With the Chavs it will be back to what he was at manure.

  130. Canadian Gooner says:

    I’m sure that not all of the delay in signing some of the club’s transfer targets can be laid at the feet of Arsene or any of the club’s employees. UnReal’s President Perez is obviously trying to make a point with Arsenal and/or Higuain. Does he not want to sell Higuain, does he not want to sell to Arsenal, is he hoping another club(s) will enter the bidding, or is he just trying to run up the price? I’m sure Arsenal have discussed figures with UnReal, but may not have submitted a formal written offer.

  131. Joaquim Moreira says:

    Back again!
    signed anyone yet?
    Bernard? From A. Mineiro? Probably we can watch him but with Porto colours.
    Fulham has a new owner. What are his goals?

  134. tsgh says:

    Impressive re Aubameyang… he could have been a decent forward for us… I rate him highly…

    WATH… I am always optimistic but I believe action speaks better than words…

    I will remain positive no matter what. Maybe because I do not own a ST anymore.

    You are right on Williams… but I think he is British and used to this league and will not necessarily want to start as another big name…

    As I normally say I do not like to comment on defenders… some rate TA06 I rated Keown higher… and Thuram, Koeman, Giacinto Facchetti, Cannavaro and Baressi.

    Lets wait and see I wouldn’t mind a big slice of a humble pie though 🙂

  135. devilgunner says:

    see you lads and lasses.

    Off to the sea again. This time armed to dive underwater.

    Octopuses here I come.

    I want to catch tomorrow’s dinner. Slurp.

    cu later lads and lasses

  137. W.A.T.H says:

    Have fun Dev,
    Ts, agree mate talks cheap and hot air merely blows up balloons but teams are all just posturing and deals being done, we would all like players there for a tour but is it really realistic so early in the season to have 4/5 players in… I’d say no…!

  138. Scott from Oz says:

    I am off guys.
    Sean has a tournament tomorrow, so a big day for us all.
    Night everyone.

  140. Canadian Gooner says:

    “Real Madrid are considering a bid for Chilean international Arturo Vidal, according to talkSPORT. The 26-year-old has also been linked with Premier League champions Manchester United and Arsenal, but new Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is understood to be determined to add the Juventus star to the Santiago Bernabeu ranks in this window.

    Madrid have already confirmed the signing of two new midfielders – Asier Illarramendi from Real Sociedad and Isco from Malaga.”

    Surely UnReal will have to sell a few players to balance their squadlist. Who will they be, Higuain?

  145. tsgh says:

    Gills was interviewed by Rednose before he took the role.Fergie use to do what AW does..difference between head coach I.e harry at QPR and a manager

  147. Joaquim Moreira says:

    yes rico, but did anyone know him or what is has in his mind?
    Did anyone watch England women yesterday?

  149. Canadian Gooner says:

    massa – There is something going on behind the scenes at UnReal. They will have to sell some players. Which players they sell and to which clubs they are sold, we’ll have to wait and see. I think Arsenal may go back in for him.

  150. emma says:

    Hi everyone,

    Looks like Gerv is off to Roma. Julio Caesar to napoli. Good to learn that Wenger is staying

  151. rico says:

    Know nothing about him JM. Didn’t see the women play either.

    Vilareal want Cesar too I think emma..

  153. Joaquim Moreira says:

    yes, Vila Real and Napoly both want Cesar
    Tootts make a strong offer for Benteke.
    R.Madrid supporters want Bale in the team

  155. rico says:

    Cg, I bet if we make a bid for him, he’d join us but seems to me that AW believes in who he has…

  156. Canadian Gooner says:

    Rico – Another case of conflicting stories. It will be interesting to see how this plays out as I don’t think Napoli need three keepers. I’m sure Happy Harry could use our transfer fee. All will become clear in the fullness of time.

  157. emma says:

    CG – I don’t think it’s conflicting. De Santis is moving to Roma in this window and they bought Cabral only last month. Julio will be there for the season to guide him me think

  159. Canadian Gooner says:

    emma – You may be one step ahead of me. If true, I think we lost an opportunity to get a proven keeper for a pittance. There is obviously more to this than we are being told.

    Rico – All we have seen to date is a few marqee signings by the nouvea riche and ‘big’ teams and lots of released/Bosmans players for free. Many teams, especially in Spain; don’t have much, if any, money to buy players. They must sell to buy. It will take a while for the market to get moving, then it will be like falling dominoes. Hopefully Arsenal can sign the two to four quality players they need.

  160. massa says:

    ca.gooner,emma is right jc is wanted by Napoli on loan,but gooner be noted that if wenger dont buy quality players this transfer period making continueation of trophyless at emirates,we gunners fans from MALAWI have organised a tour to go to England and protest against arsenal board.we dont want here in Malawi to cry again with other club’s fans.

  161. Canadian Gooner says:

    I’m of to bed before the morning is completely gone. So, have a great day fellow Gooners. Keep the Faith!

  162. rico says:

    Agree Cg, and paid over the odds to get them. 2/3 quality and a couple for the squad and I’d be pretty happy…

  164. massa says:

    jc is an exprienced keeper and its something very very painful to hear that he is going to Napoli as if arsenal board has no pounds to splash on that man,at the i can see arsenal buy only one player(midfielder)

  165. southyorkshiregunner says:

    1 David Seaman ……………… Walbert Szczesny
    24 Richard Wright ………….. Luiz Fabianski
    13 Stuart Taylor

    12 Lauren …………………….. Bacary Sagna
    2 Lee Dixon ………………….. Carl Jenkinson

    5 Martin Keown ……………. Thomas Vermaelen
    6 Tony Adams ………………. Laurent Koscelny
    23 Sol Campbell …………… Per Mertesacker
    20 Matthew Upson ………..

    3 Ashley Cole ………………. Kieran Gibbs
    22 Oleg Luzhny ……………. Nacho Monreal

    4 Patrick Vieira …………….. Aaron Ramsey
    7 Robert Pirès ……………… Tomas Rosicky
    8 Fredrik Ljungberg ……… Alex Chamberlain
    16 Gio van Bronckhorst … Abou Diaby
    17 Edu ……………………….. Jack Wilshere
    18 Gilles Grimandi ………. Mikel Areta
    15 Ray Parlour ……………. Theo Walcott

    9 Francis Jeffers ………….. Lukasz Podolski
    10 Dennis Bergkamp …… Olivier Giroud
    11 Sylvain Wiltord ………. Gervais
    14 Thierry Henry…………..
    25 Nwankwo Kanu ……..
    31 Jérémie Aliadière ……

    This is how we look now compared the the 2002 double winning squad.

    Keeper-wise we currently have two decent keepers, but none great.
    In 2002 we had one great keeper coming to the end of his tenure, and the hottest prospect in League football and an England international as his No. 2

    I think our current defence is fine, but the difference in 2002 was that all our defence were experienced internationals with a winning mentality. Four of whom could be described as being world class/exceptional players.

    Our midfield/wing in 2002 was also exceptional. We had seven experienced midfielder’s, four of who were world class/exceptional and two of whom were very good and a Frenchman called Grimandi.
    Nowadays we have Diaby who cannot be relied on and is a waste of a squad place and six players, all of whom are good, but none of whom we could say are world class/exceptional. Maybe in time, but not just yet

    Our forward line in 2002 possessed two exceptional players, one very good player in Kanu, and one good player in Wiltord, who should have given us a lot more than he did. Jeffers was the hottest prospect in England at the time as was Aliadiere in France. Both were like Diaby in that they were injury prone.
    In 2013 we need two world class/exceptional strikers. Giroud and Podolski are good but not great.

    Begovic
    Williams
    Cesc
    Fellani
    Suarez
    Higuain

    are all gettable and would make the current squad as good as the 2002 squad if not better.

  166. southyorkshiregunner says:

    Joaquim Moreira says:
    July 13, 2013 at 12:44 pm

    Al Fayed trusts Mr. khan it was stated on twitter this morning …. what that meant I don’t know …

    Craven Cottage is prime real estate on the south bank.
    Watch this space …
    Fulham may jet end up playing in Milton Keynes groundsharing with the Dons… and Craven Cottage may be the next Highbury Park …
    …. I would have stated with a shop on each corner but I didn’t …. Don’t want to be slated as being a Suarezist

  170. W.A.T.H says:

    Rico, did you hear about the whisper that we have made a bid for that reading keeper…? Thought you may be interested to know that.
    You forgot Rooney off the to buy list SY…. 😉

  171. allezkev says:

    Canuck, you really need to get more sleep.

    JM, Estamos Condenados.

    Rico, if you can only afford £4, you can pay me that and give me the other quid when your fixed up….. 😛

  174. allezkev says:

    So, Higuain is gonna stay at Real Madrid.

    Jovetic is going to Man City.

    Rooney is staying at ManUre. Or.
    Rooney is joining Chelski.

    Fellaini is staying at Everton.

    Fabregas is staying at Barcelona.

    Wenger is signing a new 3 year contract.

    Gazides is set for another mamouth bonus.

    Rico owes me £5.

    Have I missed anything???

    Roll on Sept 2nd. Put us out of our torment.

  175. potter says:

    C.G. I believe the presidential elections are coming up at Real this year. Perez being typical upper rich Spanish does not want to lose face to an Argentinian family that has done all the running in trying to leave the club. It’s all about pride and posturing and only when he can sell the idea of Higuain’s departure being good for the club to his voters will he agree to let him go,

  178. rico says:

    I’m hanging on for your fiver Kev, so no chance 😉

    My fiver is safe Wath, I am quietly confident….

  183. tsgh says:

    Syg re 3:21 I agree with you for the first time. 😀
    was Sylvinho still around then?
    You left out Reyes…

    AK,3:52 spot on…

  186. rico says:

    No no JM, the aim will be far higher than beating those nobodies….

    Isn’t it just Adam, cloud cover on it’s way 🙂

  187. Adam says:

    We need a bit of help. The pitch has died and we are having to grind it out now. Cloud cover might bring a bit of swing perhaps.

  192. massa says:

    rico and w.a.t.h have you heard the whisper that arsenal is preparing bid for Tom krul a Newcastle united keeper?

  195. Adam says:

    I did some stuff with Les Mckeown Rico when my mate was his drummer after the BCR split. Wow, that was a sad day.

  203. devilgunner says:

    Back again.

    Caught two small octopuses each around 9 inches long. That’s tomorrow’s dinner settled then. Stewed octopus in garlic and basel. yummmmmmmyyyyy.

    Have we signed Rooney, Ronaldo, Kevinaldo, Wathinho, Adaminho, Rico and Ginginho yet?

    I have calculated the cost of all those players and I reckon that lot would cost a BOMB. 😉

  204. Adam says:

    Rico. 🙂

    Devil. You don’t indulge in that appalling practice of smashing the Octopus on rocks to soften it do you? I have seen people in Greece and Spain do it in front of me on the beach. It is truly horrible, but I speak as a Townie.

  206. devilgunner says:

    I leave it alive mate. I do not smash it on the beach. I just boil it first then let it stew.

  208. Adam says:

    All in all I would rather have an omelette but, as I say, I am a Townie softie and not a hunter gatherer like yourself. 🙂

  210. agirlagunner says:

    Boooo!!! I prefer Suarez to Shrek. But he has to stop diving and biting, first. 😀

    Dev, having a lovely time, I see. I like baby octopus, any larger and the suckers feel ick. 🙂 🙂

    Adam, you should have chicken pinikpikan. 😉

  211. devilgunner says:

    AGAG if you let it simmer slowly in the stew the suckers would not feel ick. They would be tasty.

    How are you AGAG?

    I prefer shrek to Suarez. Shrek would stay with us till the end of his playing days…..especially if he becomes the main man. Suarez would leave after three seasons.

  212. agirlagunner says:

    I don’t cook Dev. 🙁 I like baby octopus adobo stye. 🙂 (stewed in soy sauce, vinegar, peppercorns, bayleaf)

    I am well. It’s rainy season all over SE Asia though. Bummer.

    I don’t think Rooney has the discipline to shape up though. Suarez can leave after three seasons after he has helped us secure all the PL and CL trophies, of course. Then like all those others who complete their dream moves to Some Nothing Club, he would become a nobody. 😉

  214. tsgh says:

    Hi Agag… have you changed your mind about catching a plane to see OG12 in the flesh? 🙂

    Best news today… Moyes loses his first match, 1-0 against the chinese Singha all stars… I hope its the signs of things ahead…

  215. agirlagunner says:

    Ginge, how was dinner last night? 🙂 I’ll see Giroud and his blue eyes and spiky lashes in London. Well, that’s the plan, at least. 😀

  216. tsgh says:

    Dinner was ‘divine’ Agag… we went to a Brazilian dinery/wine bar in the west end of london…

    I think some other Indonesian lasses are trying to upsurge you…. AR16 is a close second with theo…

  217. agirlagunner says:

    Good to hear, I hope Mrs Ginge used her new bag. 😉 Rambo would not look out of place in a boy band, and that look sells very well here, so it’s no surprise.

    OG12 = 😳

  218. tsgh says:

    She did… she used the bag today too… she says it has grown on her and one of her girlfriends thing I have excellent taste…

    She was not pleased when her buddy said that 😛

  220. tsgh says:

    Ox is surprisingly very popular with the ladies… he has to be careful, he does not want to be chased out of there by a crossed husband/boyfriend… 🙂

  221. Adam says:

    Agag. hi. Is it anything like Balut ? 🙂
    If so I will probably have to take a rain check. 🙂

  222. agirlagunner says:

    I suspect she was looking forward to the Aperlai’s. 😛 Great to know she loves it now. 🙂 🙂

    A boy kissed The Ox. Sooo weird. 🙂 Theo is very popular in Asia, I must say.

  223. agirlagunner says:

    Go google it, Adam. I loved it until I realized the manner of prep. 😕 What did you make Mrs Adam for dinner?

  224. Adam says:

    Agag. Actually we had something very English. Roast chicken, roast potatoes and mangetout with Gravy. All washed down with a fine bottle of Chardonnay. It was simple but good. It is so hot in London that even making that was hard work. 🙂
    Nothing as exotic as TS’s Brazilian grub though.

  226. Adam says:

    Agag. I just looked that recipe up. I am afraid it would be illegal in this country. Please, never mention that to Rico.
    But, it is seriously horrible isn’t it?

  227. potter says:

    Tuna fish stuffed peppers straight from the fridge , crisp and cool, 1/2 bottle of Vina sol finish it off later with the barbequed chicken.

  228. tsgh says:

    Adam… its hot but perfect for red chinos and silk cravat… lol

    I normally take the mrs to maroush or adiva for her birthday, but we thought the flame brazillian mixed grill will do this time 😉

  229. agirlagunner says:

    That sounds so lovely, Adam. 🙂 I love mangetout. It is good to hear it does get hot in London. In my head, it is perennially grey. 😛

    Theo should give rico a commission. 😛

  231. Adam says:

    TS. Is that in the West End then?
    Potter. That sounds great. Are you in Norfolk?
    It was ok Agag. 31 centigrade here today. ‘Orrible….

  232. agirlagunner says:

    Niiiice, Potter. Wow, we have lots of cooks here, it seems. 🙂

    Adam, I had it on a trip to Baguio. I was appalled when I found out how something that tasted so comforting and hearty was prepared so… well… viciously. Never had it again.

  233. Adam says:

    TS. Some of the TOWIE sat behind us in the fish restaurant a couple of months back. Lots of fake tans and heavy perfume and of course, immense silicon cleavages. My red trousers drew a few admiring glances 🙂

    I am off to Bletchley Park on Wednesday. I know you will know all about that place.

  234. rico says:

    I am not even going to look up that food agag/Adam…

    Hello all…

    Baked Cod with freshly dug new potatoes and steamed veg for me..

    Simples 😉

  236. agirlagunner says:

    What are those, Ginge?

    Adam, were your red trousers embellished?

    rico, don’t. It’s as bad as “azucena”. Eeeeek.

  237. tsgh says:

    Interesting Bletchley park… its now just a science park or something if I am not mistaking… are you going site seeing? there is now the DES near Milton Keynes 😉

    Covent garden Adam… nothing fancy just Cubana… you might love the bbq’d stuff this time of the year.

  239. devilgunner says:

    why dont you steam the cod Rico??? It would surely taste better if you steam it and put some herbs on it together with onions.

  240. rico says:

    No fear. I won’t….

    Isn’t it lovely though that we all talk about things other than footie when times are quiet. Unlike some places where they just prefer to type moaning and groaning stuff….

  242. Adam says:

    TS. A friend and I are going to look round Station X,
    the Enigma machines and the reconstructed Bombes of Alan Turing. Yes, just sightseeing. Code breaking has always fascinated me.

  243. Adam says:

    It’s true Devil. Overcooked all the way. Carbonise at the French would say.
    I can still moan Rico but I am saving it for September 2nd.

  244. devilgunner says:

    you can overcook it if you steam it Rico. you can also barbecue it slowly if you wrap it in tin foil and let it cook slowly.

    I do it with cod, salmon and all types of fish.

  245. agirlagunner says:

    Ha ha ha. I have no words, Adam. None. 😆

    rico, I never liked the language in other blogs. It’s so toxic. And I think I’ll be banned from bringing up shoes and stuff. Haha.

  248. devilgunner says:

    its great Rico. yes we can talk about anything here. as you said we do not moan all the time. Some of the sites complain so much that I feel that they would prefer AW to buy Rooney today for 25 million, then sell him tomorrow for 30million, then buy him the next day again for 25 million and resell him the day after for 35million. Then buy Ronaldo for…………….yawn ad nauseam

  249. tsgh says:

    The clever guys in cheltenham go a stellar job snooping into our lives… coming from me of course 😉

  252. rico says:

    Exactly Adam, same here….

    I’m set in my ways Devil and you won’t change me 😉

    Agag, I think you might be right, me too re my chickens and wellies 😉

    Oh, and I get the language thing, I am sure we all get frustrated and use all words. I do! But like you, I don’t want to read them all day long in general comments…

  254. potter says:

    Yes I am in Norfolk quite warm here today , watching Sanogo in the final. Not doing much really.

  255. agirlagunner says:

    Ginge, I don’t really watch much TV. I have a short attention span. I just watch AFC, really. 😉

  260. agirlagunner says:

    Adam, Mrs Adam loves you and doesn’t want you to be judged harshly for your taste in trousers. 😛

    rico, overcooked, haha. I don’t know what so much cursing can achieve, tbh.

  261. devilgunner says:

    you might like Summer, but I hate it. here we end up fried and roasted. too much sweat. but at least I have around 70 days off. BLISSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

  263. Adam says:

    Fun today. I wish Rico and al HH’ers a lovely evening as I am off to water the garden and then to watch a movie.
    Evening all.

  264. rico says:

    It achieves nothing agag, just more inner frustration…

    Devil, you get the warm weather each year, for us here in the UK, its a novelty… 😉

    Who is Zelalem Ts 😉

  267. devilgunner says:

    tbh I prefer the summer of the Alps. The sun shines yes but it does not go beyond the 28 degree mark. Here we get 38+ between late June till mid September.

  268. agirlagunner says:

    Good night, Adam. 🙂 rico, isn’t he touted as “The Next Cesc”? Whatever that means.

  269. devilgunner says:

    Watching France combining power, speed and skill shows how much England have to learn at youth level. Uruguay, Ghana and Iraq all made the under 20 WC semifinals. Surely a country with the amount of population England has, should be able to produce better footballers we say in the early rounds.

    Sanogo should have scored today. But he was a bit poor during the final.

  272. potter says:

    Gone to extra time 0 – 0. Sanogo quiet but not getting any service , but as a bunch of kids are keeping him quiet here I can’t see him as ready for us yet. Another Joel Campbell will probably be loaned out to obscurity.

  274. tsgh says:

    Podga and the other high profile players are all quiet…

    Thauvin is a decent performer in ligue 1

  277. rico says:

    Hopefully to a PL club potter, or a really good Championship side like Reading 😉

    I’m done guys/gals, catch up tomorrow….

    Match day 😛

    Night all, stay safe…..

  279. devilgunner says:

    Good night Lady. Sleep well. And Happy Dreams.

    Kondogbia is quite strong on the ball and uses his body well. But although he is powerful I think that he will need quite some months to adapt to the EPL. Its more faster for him than the primera liga where he is given time to think. But at 20 years of age I think he will eventually make it.

    Unlike PV04 who hit the ground running and was made for the EPL since he took to it like a duck to water. But then Petit was not that fast was he, although he had one heck of a left foot.

  280. potter says:

    Kondogbia? Quiet , but really France are not doing much and Uruguay are closing them down . France have little cohesion.

  281. devilgunner says:

    Although the froggies are a bit poor today, comparing them with the standard they have set in the tournament, they are still a cut above the Uruk hais. The French are simply playing against the keeper sometimes. However the french midfield is not giving a good service to the forwards.

  282. tsgh says:

    I am not sure kondogbia is defensive enough… at least not the way the bandwagon generals say he is… and at £15M I will pass too… Medel is the terrier in the Seville squad…

    He looks like he has a future but as you rightly said he will take time to adapt. Considering he was a defender before he does not read the game well defensively. Ginter looked far superior.

    Night lady rico…

  283. devilgunner says:

    I am there with you Ginge. Gintner for me.

    I would have preferred Illaramendi tbh, but Gingetner 😉 is a good level as well.

  286. potter says:

    Not really impressed by either of them , first touches poor, Would not buy Kondogbia on this showing but have to say it’s my first real look at him.

  288. devilgunner says:

    Areola has saved two. but they were piss poor penalties and did not stretch him.

    3-0 France

  289. devilgunner says:

    Areola has to win the MOTM today. he made two good saves in the game and also during the penalties.

  290. tsgh says:

    Very good penalties… it seems the french have managed to rebuild for the future, and we are still thinking about 4-4-2 or 4-5-1

  292. devilgunner says:

    the French are not yet at the level they were when they had all those superstars circa 1992-94 still playing for the under 20, but a coach can only work with what he has. However as you said Ginge….they have managed to rebuild for the future.

  295. devilgunner says:

    People like Robson can say what they want. the thing is that Sanogo has an under 20 WC winners medal. So far no one on Wikipedia has commented upon how many winners’s medal Robson has to his name.

  297. devilgunner says:

    So you are a swinger Kev.

    I suspected all along habib.

    Get a harder grip on that fiver since I see it slipping away mate.;

  298. tsgh says:

    😀 Dev you got me in stitches with that comment.

    That 1920 b rogues again… you are going to get WATH away from his cellar. 🙂

  300. Andy Mack says:

    4th isn’t a trophy but it’s a dam sight better that the mid-table position we used to get in our bad years before AW.

  301. richard dale in spain says:

    I just wish he would go and splash the cash,bickering about paying too much here and there good players cost but they get you the results along with the trophies and of course the dosh for winning so come on Arsene stop arsing about

  303. useroz says:

    Wenger’s back to selling vision again…competing in 2 to 3 years’ What?? With proper and smart spending and selling of dross, we should be competing next season.

    Of course, if people still believe in the annual ritual of ‘Diaby ‘s back in 3 weeks and is like a new signing..’ God helps them. Or if wenger pay 8.1m for some obscure French African from somewhere and pay him 60k pw, sure we may know in 2 to 3 years if he could compete in the PL or, like gervinho, should be rid of asap.

    Buy qualiteeee PL proven players, Wenger, it’s no shame if they are not 16 year olds nor you are their father figure!!! AFC pays you 7 to 8m to win (at least the fans do) not to run an orphanage ffs.

    Also someone must be speaking less than the whole truth…PHW, IG, and Fitzman said in the media that there was money set aside for new players and f Wenger wanted to spend 30m on a player the Board would back him etc. Frankly I’d incline to say Wenger is doing his annual BS and still wants to indulge in his kids program. He chose to spend the budget on increasing his and the kids’ wages to level beyond the market (PL at least) so much so his dross could not be moved on because other clubs aren’t prepare to pay silly wages for this sort of qualiteeee Wenger treasures so much. That’s not paying a premium for talent/potential. It’s financial negligence.

    Don’t see Wenger would change, sadly.

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