Daily Bits and Bobs

Wenger to hijack N’Jie move? Striker fee agreed? Where’s our ambition?

Posted on by rico

Morning all.

Francis Coquelin, a player who has taken more than his fair share of criticism following last Sunday’s dreadful performance is the latest player to pass comment on the Arsenal Player:

It’s been a wake-up call for everyone. Considering the recent results we had before that, going really well in pre-season, it’s disappointing and it was not an Arsenal performance.

However, in bad things, good things can come out too. It’s good that it happened in the first game so that now we can pull ourselves together with 37 games left. We’ve got time to put things right and that needs to start on Sunday.

We need to pull ourselves together and it’s going to be a real test on Sunday because Crystal Palace have a really good squad. We know the quality we have and we need to respond straight away. We’ve been working really hard in training and we need to put all of the training effort into the game.

Earlier this year Arsenal went to Palace full of confidence, we’d won seven of our last eight games and by half-time we were 2-0 up thanks to a penalty from Santi Cazorla, and a second from Olivier Giroud who tucked home after Speroni couldn’t hold onto a Welbeck shot.

Goodness knows what happened at half-time but Pardews team were a very different side. Not in personnel but in attitude…

Had Alexis taken his chance early in the second half things might have been different but he didn’t and Palace really went for it. Dwight Gale had a great chance to pull a goal back but headed over and then with just minutes left in the game, Glen Murray gave them hope, the woodwork prevented the same player from snatching a point…..

This was our starting eleven on that day:

Ospina, Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ozil, Welbeck, Alexis and Giroud.

Substitutes: Bellerin, Walcott, Wilshere, Rosicky, Gibbs, Gabriel and Szczesny.

Injured: Ramsey, Debuchy and Flamini.

Alan Pardew has been busy this summer adding seven new players to what already was a decent squad, including making the loan deal for Wilfried Zaha permanent. Ok, nine players have left leaving him little choice perhaps but regardless, he’s been busy. Tomorrow will show us if his side are stronger.

We on the other hand have sent a lot of younger players out on loan and Podolski has gone for good, yet all the club have done is add Petr Cech to a squad which struggled at Selhurst Park! A squad which struggled for the first half of the season and in a few games towards the end.

Does that really show ambition? Or convince Arsenal fans that this really could be the season we win the league title again?

I don’t think so and I hope the manager and board feel the same because before this transfer window closes, Arsenal need more than just Petr Cech if they are serious about becoming PL Champions…..

Gossip:

Reports in the French media suggest Arsene Wenger is trying to hijack Spurs deal to sign Clinton N’Jie.

The Metro reckon Wenger hasn’t given up hope of signing Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer despite the forward signing a new contract.

There’s also a few stories about Benzema (shock, horror) and how both Real and Arsenal have agreed a fee….

That’s it for today, have a good Saturday all….

rico

128 thoughts on “Wenger to hijack N’Jie move? Striker fee agreed? Where’s our ambition?”

  1. Wavy says:

    Morning all.

    Transfers?
    All dreams and pipe dreams! No new players this way come, to misquote the Bard, and he knew a thing or two! If we buy any new recruits of sufficient quality I shall be hugely surprised.
    Adam summed him up earlier, on yesterday’s post. He’s old and stuck in his ways, too long in the tooth to embrace contemporary thinking. A shame, but there it is.
    Have a nice day now!

  3. Bt62 Gooner says:

    Thought i had gone back in time, Rico..
    Though i do think Arsenal will sign someone before the window shuts, as for who i have not a clue..

  5. allezkev says:

    Ah, that post Rico, it was like opening all your windows and letting a fresh breeze blow thru your home… 🙂

  6. allezkev says:

    Don’t despair Wavy, I have a feeling that there’s a massive signing in the offing…

    Either that, or it’s those prunes I had yesterday.

  7. frednerk says:

    Kev Joke for you

    Posh and Becks are traveling back from Heathrow Airport to Central London.
    “Where have you been?” asks the kev the cabbie.
    “New York,” says Beckham. “We saw a show and did some shopping.”
    “Did you have any nice meals?” asks the kev the cabbie.
    “Yes, one really great one.”
    “What was the name of the restaurant?” asks kev the cabbie.
    “Dunno. I can’t remember. Name some big railway stations in London,” says Beckham.
    kev the cabbie begins: “Waterloo, Paddington, Victoria…”
    Beckham interrupts excitedly: “That’s it! Victoria, what was the name of that restaurant we went to?”

  8. allezkev says:

    Yes, Adam does paint a picture of a grumpy old chap, when he describes Wenger…

    You can imagine him when he’s at home.
    Remote control in hand.
    Spot welded to the settee….

    Hang on? 😉

  10. frednerk says:

    We all know roughly how palace
    will play tomorrow..don’t we.
    100 mile an hour stuff first 20mins
    bit like the second half last season
    that’s if pardew has learnt.
    With that in mind what will wenger
    do with our midfield this week.

  11. Dublingunner says:

    Morning, good read, Rico, kev luv your analogy of Rico,s post 10.32.
    N,jie link to us, most probably His agent trying to speed up a deal with Spurs, let them think we,re interested, their a canny but predictable lot.
    Another season of United playing s**t, but scraping 3 points.

  13. scottfromoz says:

    I’m stuffed if I know how you guys can say we won’t sign anyone else.
    Who has ever known exactly what Wenger will do??
    Morning all.
    Transfer window remains an absolute mystery, and even the recent signings of Ozil and Samchez still aren’t enough for Wenger to avoid being called a tight arse.
    Short memories.
    I’m not saying we will sign anyone, because I’m as in the dark as everyone else here.
    I said yesterday……Wenger doesn’t even tell himself what he’s doing, so us poor fans have no chance.
    He’d better sign a few, though……..for the good of the club, the fans and himself.
    If he doesn’t, the backlash will be worse than anything else he’s ever copped, I reckon, because there are absolutely no excuses at all not to, and I dare say no fan will defend him.

  15. Danish Gooner says:

    It is better If Wenger isnt allowed anymore signings,he havnt Got a clue On how to integrate them,it is far better when a new manager comes in he Will have a lot of dosh to spend.

  16. rico says:

    Thanks Dublin…

    I still think AW will make a couple of signings but perhaps not who we hope for…

    That’s his way, leave it until the last couple of weeks…

  17. scottfromoz says:

    Rico, and as we’ve all agreed, it’s a stupid method.
    I’ll never understand why he leaves it late.
    Surely it can’t be to save some wages…….it couldn’t be, could it?

  18. Dublingunner says:

    Very latest twitter posts from the top 2 supposedly, ITK, reporters concerning us.
    Krychowiak is a transfer target for Arsenal but is not their priority. Wenger will refuse to pay €30m. [@Kike_Marin_] Benzema deal is on: best offer is from Arsenal, £45mln. They will take a decision soon. He wants to reach Wenger. @EmaGiulianelli
    Interesting if true.

  20. rico says:

    I reckon so Scott…

    The most logical thing is to go in hard in June but he doesn’t… Also though, I suspect it’s about the selling clubs who want a certain player out to fund another, AW probably thinks he’s likely to get them cheaper as time goes on….

  22. frednerk says:

    The transfer windows fail in my opinion
    Why is it going on when the season
    starts,then opens up again half way
    through.
    What’s the point of naming squads for
    this and that and then encouraging
    managers like wenger to farty-arse about
    with it.

  23. scottfromoz says:

    I’ll never agree on the January window.
    Squads should be set by seasons start and that’s it.
    Squads shouldn’t need topping up, as the depth should be there.
    All it does is allows managers who’ve bought the wrong players to try and save themselves, or managers who haven’t bought enough players to do the same.

  24. Dublingunner says:

    I still think this Benzema deal could go down to the last few hours. Whether he,s worth 45m,Maybe not, but at 27, they do say a players best years are from 27 to 31, thats the hope anyway.

  25. rico says:

    I agree Fred, should be shut before the season starts and many managers are saying the same. Open the Transfer window June 1st and shut it the weekend before the season starts..

    Kind of feel sorry for Everton, at what stage will they give in for Stones and if the owners sell, how do they replace him in such short time….

  30. potter says:

    It’s a chain .When you try for an experienced player the selling team need to find a replacement. However I am not sure what Benzema brings to the party. Instead of a Giroudalike something different surely

  31. scottfromoz says:

    Potter, I really, a Suarez/Aguero type….someone who can create something from nothing.
    If not, at the very least, Benzema will satisfy the majority of fans….for a while, at least.

  32. rico says:

    Scott, they are trying to keep him but as we know more than most, when a silly offer comes in, they go….

    I think Stones would look better in red than blue.. 😉

  33. scottfromoz says:

    Rico, to be honest, I can’t say I’ve seen much of him, but I know a few here, including you, rate him highly.
    I don’t want him going to Chelksi because they want him lol

  34. Dublingunner says:

    Obviously, Wenger must see something in him we don,t, he,s been a long, term target, if reports are to be believed. I think he could be more clinical than anything we have at the moment, maybe.?

  37. rico says:

    If he’s any sense Scott, he won’t go to that classless lot! If I was a pro footballer looking at all what goes on at that club, I’d seriously think twice before going there….

  42. allezkev says:

    N’Jie, sounds like some rapper…

    No doubt the press will hammer Wenger on missing out on him, nevermind that we weren’t interested in him anyway…
    Never let the truth get in the way of a good story…

    DG 🙂

  43. Dublingunner says:

    7 goals in 37 appearances since 2012. am i missing something.
    Don,t even think he,s an upgrade on Soldado. that,s saying something

  44. arsenal11730 says:

    I agree Rico unsure of Benz being worth 45mill. We need a good performance tomorrow as dodgy untd got the points again

  48. Tai says:

    Well, the first reality check has happened…we know fully now that our club is still Arsenal…that shock over, tomorrow we see the other side of our team yet…NEVER say the Gunners are down and out.

    Arsenal will not only win tomorrow…they’ll end the day not having and negative on the goal difference column after two matches.

    Afternoon All…

    Good read Rico…

  50. Adam says:

    Brudder. I would like to mention to that bloke that he needs to learn to tune the instrument first but I fear that might put him over the edge completely. 🙂
    Sound like my mate Tony Weird trying to master Stairway To Heaven.

  55. Adam says:

    GDNA. I don’t know if that is or isn’t the case but there is no question that familiarity breeds complacency. The unknown can be a scary proposition.

  58. Gdna says:

    Adam, everyone connected with AFC is frustrated of all the excuses that there is no player out there to improve the squad. Yesterday i mention that opportunist signings, what would be the plan B if Real Madrid decide Benzema is not leaving. Secondly MA, MF and TR command total wages of approximately 200+ mil and are useless, what was the reason not to get a better player than those 3 and pay him 140. I’m afraid this might be AW last season, the excuses are running out. Its just frustration all around two players needed to compete and this dude sitting on his hands talking about cohesion.

  60. Adam says:

    GDNA. With many supporters there are only black or white situations. You either think that Wenger should stay forever or you think that he should go now. To believe that a new direction is needed is close to sacrilege and indicates an ungrateful and mean-spirited mindset of someone who knows nothing about football apparently. To believe that Wenger has and is a great manager but has had his day is never considered. With Arsene you know where you are. The team will play some great football this season. We know that. We will win some big games and lose some to teams like West Ham. The analysis will be done. We will perhaps be described, rightly, as being the best footballing team in the PL on our day but will lack what it takes (over the season) to win the big prizes. Arsene will say we were lacking cohesion, composure and energy. He will say that we were serious and harshly treated. All this has been played out season after season. But, behind the scenes the club will be comfortable. The money will keep rolling in and Arsene will prevaricate over possible transfers.
    Would Schneiderlin have improved us? Or should we stick with Arteta? That sort of stuff. We can all write the script right now, as can all the opposing PL managers.
    What a new top manager would do is to challenge the board and Kroenke to match his ambition before signing up. He would out some of the old guard and add new players, hopefully of the highest quality. Fans, who are paying a fortune every year to watch the games live will see a completely new brand and style of football. It may or may not be successful. I really don’t know. If I felt there was a plan to improve the club with the right business and if I saw more
    of the pragmatism that reared its head last season then I might really believe we could win the PL or the CL because that is what I believe Arsene must achieve this year. Many don’t agree. Consistency wins the league I think. Anything else is a cop out for me. The time for gentle improvement is over. This is top-line sport with all the ruthlessness and extraordinary financial rewards that those involved are happy to take. If they can’t win the top prizes then changes have to be made. Arsenal fans have every right to believe that they can win the PL this year.

  62. Gdna says:

    Very true Adam, the days of AW being the most clever guy in the room is over. The club might want him to stay because the bank balance are good, but with Klopp & CA out of a job, fans might force the board hands.

  64. Adam says:

    I doubt the fans have that much power. Arsene will go when he wants to go and in many ways he has completely earned that right.

  65. Gdna says:

    Bt, the stoke train station incident caught him by surprise, if Arsenal don’t have a favorable result against CP tomorrow, it will be mayhem. The 200 mil line from Lord whatever his name and the spending by the smaller clubs has fans expectation level higher.

  69. BT62 Gooner says:

    Gdna, true the Stoke incident may have shaking AW, though it also may have strengthened his resolve to prove them wrong. The statement from Lord Harris will be interpreted in different ways by different people to suit their own agenda.I agree that seeing smaller clubs spending bigger amounts than before, has raised the expectation levels of some fans.. The season is young, the window is still open,but the script may already have been written….

  70. Adam says:

    Not sure about that Gdna. Arsenal have always tried to do things properly and it isn’t their style to strong-arm a man who has done so much for the club. Personally, I would love to see him win big this season and bring the whole thing to a smiling conclusion. But I share the general frustration that has become the transfer window’s annual ordeal for the fans. On the other hand, there is still time to strengthen (he said with a strained grin on his face).
    As ever, we shall see. 🙂

  71. Tai says:

    Just one match into the season and the daggers are out…a manager who won back-to-back FA Cups and Community Shields deserves at least end of season to face the jury.

    But, of course, some fans assume being more Arsenal than others where not having the privilege of living in London and visiting The Emirates for live matches mean you don’t have a clue of what is going on.

    However, I’ve watched enough of football to understand either of Szczesny or Ospina could have kept a clean sheet against West Ham…and no one in his right senses would question the choice of Cech over those two. Big signings don’t necessarily transform to big trophies. Arsene is very much aware and is bringing this team back to top top level gradually. One fast tweak and you could tip the balance…better keep this team on 3rd position at end of the season than go the Man U way of missing the top four.

    And on that I believe he will sign a forward….sending Akpom on loan all but confirms that. If he convinces himself Walcott will join the middle with Giroud and Welbeck, then he’ll go for a top top winger…if Walcott will operate from the wings, then expect the so-called world class striker.

    DM? With Flamini and Arteta staying, I don’t expect Wenger to sign any DM until at least January.

  72. Gdna says:

    Adam, i agree, you are in the stadium on a weekly basis so u are more closer to action than me. I’m just going off what i see on TV. But why AW make do this ever transfer window is beyond explanation.

  74. Tai says:

    You can’t be arguing continuously as if the team has not made progress…it used to be trophyless years…now, it’s no EPL tilted years!

    Even the great Barcelona team may not win the EPL if the Catalans join the English wagon….I’m not overtly happy with our transfers so far but I see clearly Wenger’s caution!

  77. eduardo says:

    from jeorge bird
    Players in training today: Cech, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Ramsey, Coquelin, Ozil, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud, Cazorla, Ospina, Gibbs, Debuchy, Gabriel, Sanchez, Walcott, Arteta, Flamini, Chambers, Bellerin, Campbell, Bennacer,

    our U18’s beat Norwich 2-0 with Nelson and Nketiah with the goals

  79. Gdna says:

    “But, of course, some fans assume being more Arsenal than others where not having the privilege of living in London and visiting The Emirates for live matches mean you don’t have a clue of what is going on.” THIS!!!

  81. Adam says:

    Tai. No worries. It’s just a few mates sitting around on a Saturday afternoon having a natter. Some of us write stuff, look back at it and think that it reads more extreme than we meant it to be. As you rightly say, passion also plays a big part. 🙂

  86. tsgh says:

    Interesting happenings at RM…

    Assier and Silva need to be flogged. If Reus moves then things might start the ball rolling as Rico has said.

    Agreed with Adam. we fans don’t have as much power.
    The Stoke incident had less to do with the 1-0 loss but to do with the train that was meant to have arrived getting cancelled so that the clubs empty Virgin train can carry the deal…

    Its interesting how things can get reported.

  87. Hell Raising Devil says:

    Fiery lot? And I wasn’t even here. Then it would have been volcanic lot.

    Good Afternoon Lovelies and Hunkies.

    That was a good post boss. Full of ambition, aye.

    How many games we played? By the sound of some supporters we are 2nd from bottom with one match remaining.

    Ahh. We played a meaningless friendly against the hammers. Hopefully tomorrow will not be a friendly as well.

    We need jenks as well. He played keeper after Adrian was sent off. Jenks for keeper. Cech for tea lady

  95. rico says:

    Thanks guys.. but really, it was rubbish. I was in a ‘can’t be Arsenal’d’ mood this morning…

    Jenks ended up in goal for West Ham today 🙂

  102. Wavy says:

    We’re still 19th but after tomorrow we could be as high as 5th or even rock bottom! Have a good day tomorrow folks. I’m looking forward to the post match remarks. Could be delicious?

  108. allezkev says:

    Hey BT, join the toad club, we are a very exclusive club, and as I’m half snozzled in have no idea what led up to it, but welcome. ;:-)

  122. scottfromoz says:

    Lee, I hear Bender hasn’t won a game as a manager.
    Surely we need better 🙂
    Rico, all I know is we won the latest test….no idea where the series stands, to be honest lol

  127. Wavy says:

    I notice that the poisonous pigmy has tried to deflect the defeat the chavs are going to suffer this afternoon by having a pop at Wenger reiterating his “success at failure” campaign. He really is a slimy piece of shite! He wants to man up and apologise for his outburst against his own medical staff, which has taken front of stage this week instead of the press chewing through his team’s woeful performance against Swansea. Tosser! It makes you wonder if there wasn’t a more subtle reason for his damnation of his loyal female Dr? Has she rebuffed his amorous advances, I wonder? There is far more to this spat than meets the eye! And as for dredging up the Wenger rant can only be because he really thinks Arsenal have a chance of knocking the chavs off there undeserved London perch!
    This afternoon wil reveal all. If the chavs lose I wonder what sort of attack he’ll launch on Pellegrini and his merry band of men.
    Are we experiencing the dying cries of a condemned man, despite his new 4 year contract? Arsehole!

    Morning all.

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