Transfer targets in January

[Master Splinter]

Odd because he'll be dead soon anyway?

I think the GW Reserves will get their first games against United.

But we'll have Kos single-handedly making us look awesome, so we won't be too exposed.

Unless Charlie's mentalness returns and he decides to streak again.

[Özim]

A medical is one step on from a rumour though. Are we giving up on Gibbs or is the Santos injury worse than is being reported? Or is this guy so mediocre he'll be content as third choice? Odd signing if we go for it.
If I was a footballer and was understudy to Gibbs I'd be thrilled because I'd pretty know I'd be playing every week, season after season.....with perhaps and 10 minute break when he actually get's fit and then injured again (everyone can use a breather sometimes).

I really think he should do some of those accident commercials, he's the perfect candidate for them.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

A medical is one step on from a rumour though. Are we giving up on Gibbs or is the Santos injury worse than is being reported? Or is this guy so mediocre he'll be content as third choice? Odd signing if we go for it.


Sorry what i meant was that the him playing for us in wiki was probs some gooner who saw that rumor and changed his page on their. as for the medical it some fan on twitter it seems, i have been on BBC website, goal, ts and found nothing of this story.

[Niall_Quinn]

Sorry what i meant was that the him playing for us in wiki was probs some gooner who saw that rumor and changed his page on their. as for the medical it some fan on twitter it seems, i have been on BBC website, goal, ts and found nothing of this story.

Yeah, it was just interesting that somebody had jumped the gun but it does tally with what Wenger has been saying and seems the most substantial rumour so far. After all, we need a striker so a defender is the most likely bet. I just hope we have enough beds in the treatment room to accommodate this guy.

[Dennis Bendtner]

We have some bloke from Oman on trial. A defender. No chance we'll do anything permanent for a full-back. It will kill Gibbs. Doesn't sound like such a bad idea, in fairness.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

We have some bloke from Oman on trial. A defender. No chance we'll do anything permanent for a full-back. It will kill Gibbs. Doesn't sound like such a bad idea, in fairness.

Playing pro evo 2012 would kill gibbs tbf.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Yeah. . .half of me says stay with the patchwork defence that have been manning the castle recentlt but seeing Verms and Coq going down. . .its hard not to think the position is cursed. . .we see the CB become settled for troubles to move to another area.

But to bring in another could spell the end of Gibbs, I mean would thetre be any sense keeping him, on any given season in the past we seemed to have got through with Sagna and Clichy. . .last count we have four first team ready FBs (IMO Jenko can play)+the cover TV5 and Coq/DJ can give, to bring in another would be overload, no?

[Japan Shaking All Over]

We have some bloke from Oman on trial. A defender. No chance we'll do anything permanent for a full-back. It will kill Gibbs. Doesn't sound like such a bad idea, in fairness.


. It will kill Gibbs..

I would over concern yourself with the possibility of a trialist killing Gibbs, just being a professional footballer :fullstop: seems to be doing a good enough job in that department

[Japan Shaking All Over]

So Cahill off to Chelsea. . . .supposedly the future of the Chavs defence is set. . .looks a bit crap

Because Big Man cant have much more to give and is crap. . .Luiz is crap :fullstop: and Cahill is. . . .crap

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Was watching the Serie A digest the other night and Prince Boateng scored a powerful goal from midfield. . .this seems to get a goal from time to time and is valuedby the Milan team

Question is. . .this guy was plying his trade with Pompey before Milan. . .how to he slip under the radar and does anyone think we missed out on a decent player

[Power n Glory]

Was watching the Serie A digest the other night and Prince Boateng scored a powerful goal from midfield. . .this seems to get a goal from time to time and is valuedby the Milan team

Question is. . .this guy was plying his trade with Pompey before Milan. . .how to he slip under the radar and does anyone think we missed out on a decent player

I don't think we were looking and that's the problem. There are players that clubs like Pomepy, Suanderland, Newcastle, Wigan..etc scoop up and you just wonder why they aren't playing for us and why we never made a bid. For central midfield players, Wenger always has kids coming through the system and back up favourites like Denilson, Diaby, Ramsey..etc so he won't buy unless he losses one of them. We'd have never bought Arteta if JW didn't get injured.

[Xhaka Can’t]

If I was a footballer and was understudy to Gibbs I'd be thrilled because I'd pretty know I'd be playing every week, season after season.....with perhaps and 10 minute break when he actually get's fit and then injured again (everyone can use a breather sometimes).

I really think he should do some of those accident commercials, he's the perfect candidate for them.

:lol:

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Was watching the Serie A digest the other night and Prince Boateng scored a powerful goal from midfield. . .this seems to get a goal from time to time and is valuedby the Milan team

Question is. . .this guy was plying his trade with Pompey before Milan. . .how to he slip under the radar and does anyone think we missed out on a decent player

He was at spurs and was shite with them so at the time no.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

I don't think we were looking and that's the problem. There are players that clubs like Pomepy, Suanderland, Newcastle, Wigan..etc scoop up and you just wonder why they aren't playing for us and why we never made a bid. For central midfield players, Wenger always has kids coming through the system and back up favourites like Denilson, Diaby, Ramsey..etc so he won't buy unless he losses one of them. We'd have never bought Arteta if JW didn't get injured.

Can't agree with that, he bought him regardless of JW bing injured, he had too. if wenger wanted too he have used Frimpong in that role and not bought no one.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Was watching the Serie A digest the other night and Prince Boateng scored a powerful goal from midfield. . .this seems to get a goal from time to time and is valuedby the Milan team

Question is. . .this guy was plying his trade with Pompey before Milan. . .how to he slip under the radar and does anyone think we missed out on a decent player

He cant slip under the radar when the radar isnt switched on.

[Power n Glory]

Can't agree with that, he bought him regardless of JW bing injured, he had too. if wenger wanted too he have used Frimpong in that role and not bought no one.

You have a poor memory 'Cocaine Charlie' so I'm going to disagree with you on that point. Look it up.

Wenger has said in interviews that the injuries we had played a role in the transfers. That's part of the reason why we did business so late. We didn't expect JW to be out for the whole season and it was probably naive to expect Diaby to stay fit.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Lyon chief Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed that the club are ready to sell defender Aly Cissokho.

Both Arsenal and Newcastle have been strongly linked with the French international.

Cissokho has started every game for Lyon this season but they need cover in central defence and are seemingly willing to cash in.

The 24-year-old has also never hidden his desire to ply his trade in the Premier League.

"Possible winter departures? That doesn't mean we don't have any more means, but we want to keep the rules we set, which is to not increase deficit," Aulas told L'Equipe.

"The transfer of Aly Cissokho? I am rather in favour of it.

"We could hire a centre defender, young, not expansive and versatile, but none of our current centre defenders will be free agents next June, and maybe in February they will all be back.

"We could hire a defensive midfielder as Maxime Gonalons is deputising as centre defender. We could also not do anything."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/7427097/Aulas-tempted-by-Cissokho-sale


Oman international Saad Al-Mukhaini is currently on a two-day trial stint at Arsenal.

The 24-year-old, who plies his trade with Omani club Fanja SC, was recommended to Arsene Wenger by current Oman national coach and fellow Frenchman Paul Le Guen.

The left-back is aware of the challenge ahead and is determined to prove he has what it takes to play in the Premiership.

"Most of my friends and team-mates in the club and national team came to know about it only when it was reported in the media," he said on Sport360.

"Some of them dismissed it as a rumour. I do not want to lie, but I know I have got a huge opportunity here and I have to trust myself.

"Coach Le Guen has faith in me and he got me this chance, so I have to give my best. It is difficult but not impossible."

Le Guen
Le Guen, a personal friend of Wenger, rates Al-Mukhaini highly and believes the player has a chance at making it in The Premiership.

"I think Saad is one of the best players in the country and he can play in a big league," he was quoted as saying in The Muscat Daily.

"I had a chat with Wenger some time back and he seemed interested in calling him. I cannot say how much Saad is ready mentally for making it in a big league, but I know football enough and I believe he can.

"He has to adapt and compete with great players."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/7428996/Gunners-eye-Omani

[Olivier's xmas twist]

You have a poor memory 'Cocaine Charlie' so I'm going to disagree with you on that point. Look it up.

Wenger has said in interviews that the injuries we had played a role in the transfers. That's part of the reason why we did business so late. We didn't expect JW to be out for the whole season and it was probably naive to expect Diaby to stay fit.

You were the one who said wenger does not buy players because they kill other players, if thats the case Mikel would not have been bought in case he "killed Frimpong"

IMO he would have been bought regardless of wilshere being injured or not, he may have not be bought had we not got tonked buy UTD thats the diffrence.

[Marc Overmars]

Cissokho would be a good buy.

3 LB's on the books is odd though, but knowing our luck there probably won't be a time when they're all fit at the same time.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Cissokho would be a good buy.

3 LB's on the books is odd though, but knowing our luck there probably won't be a time when they're all fit at the same time.

Dont worry, looks like its more likely that were gonna get this Sad mukani chap for £2.50 instead :good:

[Power n Glory]

You were the one who said wenger does not buy players because they kill other players, if thats the case Mikel would not have been bought in case he "killed Frimpong"

IMO he would have been bought regardless of wilshere being injured or not, he may have not be bought had we not got tonked buy UTD thats the diffrence.

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-the-cycle-has-started-again-for-us

We had injuries to Gibbs, Vermaelen, Wilshere and Diaby. We bought a left back, CB, a central mid player and one central mid player on loan on deadline day. He says we bought because we had departures and injuries to key players.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-the-cycle-has-started-again-for-us

We had injuries to Gibbs, Vermaelen, Wilshere and Diaby. We bought a left back, CB, a central mid player and one central mid player on loan on deadline day. He says we bought because we had departures and injuries to key players.


not disagree, however i still think he'd have bought a CM even with jack fit, after selling cesc and samir, he knew he needed that spark in the middle of the park thats they we were linked with Hazard and mata.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Here is a good little read from online gooner

They say that a sign of madness is doing exactly the same thing and expecting a different outcome. If this is a fair definition, then there are quite a few mad Arsenal supporters around, because it looks to me like the pattern of umpteen transfer windows is about to be repeated, yet to read the Internet many believe we are about to recruit an exotic cocktail of top players like Götze, Hazard, M’Vila and Podolski.


Stan: AFC a nice cash cow?
As I write this, the sky has darkened as squadrons of pigs fly past the window. We ought to learn the lessons of history, at least recent history, and accept that, as far as spectacular transfers are concerned, Arsenal fans are very unlikely to see the exciting transfer coup as long as Arsène is at the helm. He has had his moments—the Sol Campbell signing (although that had the fingerprints of David Dein on it), Jose Antonio Reyes (likewise) and the signing of Andre Arshavin three years ago, although that was less a dramatic coup than an interminable saga and one that has ultimately done us very little good.

It was interesting to attend home games in recent weeks. There was a weird sort of euphoria about the place, as if we were ecstatic at having our sights set on fourth place. It struck me that we were turning into Spurs. A few odd performances of quality, interspersed with some implausible defeats, was very much the way Spurs have proceeded over the last twenty years or so. I have Spurs-supporting friends (someone has to) who have never believed they would ever challenge for a title and that their club will only flatter to deceive. It has become ingrained in the DNA of the club. Can mediocrity (or relative mediocrity) become part of your culture? That was a question you only ever asked about Spurs, but if you examine us over the last few years, we seem to be morphing into them. In several of the last years, we stood early in the New Year on the threshold of possible League glory, only to fold under pressure. Last year was the worst example, but in two of the three previous seasons before, the squad failed us when the pressure got to the less experienced and lower-quality players.

When we’ve won titles under Wenger, we’ve come with a terrific sprint in the New Year, in 1998 coming from twelve points back to win the League with two games to spare, and in 2002 clinching a Double after a stupendous run from January onwards. In 2004 we never faltered all season, and the signing of Reyes was the cherry on the cake, as he appeared to be the most exciting talent in Europe.

Recent transfer windows have seen us set our sights more modestly at trying to re-sign the remaining Invincibles for a last great hurrah. Campbell, Lehmann and now Henry are the signings of a great manager who has turned from being a wily operator into a cheapskate.

I wrote earlier in the year about the almost total mismanagement of the last transfer window, and most people seemed to agree. We could already write off any chance of the League title by the time the window closed. So what if we’ve done better since? We’ve beaten only one top side (and that description of Chelsea is extremely generous) and lost to Spurs, City, Liverpool and, of course, were annihilated by a United team that now looks to be pretty mediocre itself. Our spree following that showed just what can be achieved quickly in the transfer market if you have a will to do it. We made some decent transfers and, in Oxlade-Chamberlain, maybe an inspired one, but what we see at Arsenal is the slow decline of a very unambitious club, run by an American sports entrepreneur whose main interest is in the NFL (his team, the Rams, are the worst in the whole of the league) and a Board chaired by the terminally-bumbling Peter Hill-Wood, who I would love to challenge to a game of Arsenal trivia one day.

It pains me to say it, but, over at the cesspit known as White Hart something, we see a more ambitious club who manage to keep their marquee players, who think signing Rafael Van de Vaart represents a great piece of business at £8 million (which it is), and incrementally improve the team and the squad each year. Frankly, and it grieves me to say it, they have become stronger than us for the first time in thirty years, just because they recruit ambitiously. I can’t remember any re-signings of Mike England or Alan Gilzean, either.

This window, Wenger will procrastinate over the need to sign another left-back when we have one who collapses at a breath of wind and another who is out until March. We seem to be looking in Oman for the bargain of the century. This should have been sorted by the start of the window and a good utility defender recruited either on loan or for sensible cash. It’s hard not to feel that Arsène has lost his appetite for wheeler-dealing (if he ever had one) and, now that everyone copies his methods (often more successfully), he can’t reinvent himself.

We never seem to convince our latest departing star that we are as ambitious as the club they are being induced to join. There is, of course, an obvious reason for that. We are a selling club, and the age at which we sell is moving downwards if the price is right. Wilshere says he will never leave the club. You won’t get the chance to make this decision, Jack! If this continues, the club will slip out of the Champions League and slip back into the mediocrity of the early '80s. Don’t forget who was Chairman then!

It is not easy to have great optimism from where I sit. Kroenke needs a cash cow. The prestige of an “EPL” club of Arsenal’s stature will do for him; the Board lacks the sort of ambition that Dein and Fiszman had, and Arsène has lost his mojo. Frankly, it was embarrassing to see him interviewed after the Fulham game. He brought our club into disrepute with his petulance - a club he has done so much to build. I don’t see how it can’t end in tears for him unless the ownership changes and he can be persuaded to shake up his coaching team. Not original suggestions, but it doesn’t make them wrong. At the moment, I can’t see Kroenke selling unless it’s for silly money and, unless he does, I think we might even crave the excitement of playing on Thursday nights on Channel 5.



http://www.onlinegooner.com/article.php?section=exclusive&id=2572

[Power n Glory]

not disagree, however i still think he'd have bought a CM even with jack fit, after selling cesc and samir, he knew he needed that spark in the middle of the park thats they we were linked with Hazard and mata.

Like we were linked with Cahill and Samba.

Usually, if Wenger doesn't get the player he wants, he doesn't look for anyone else. These deadline day deals and if Wilshere and Diaby were fit, I doubt he'd have bought Arteta.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Like we were linked with Cahill and Samba.

Usually, if Wenger doesn't get the player he wants, he doesn't look for anyone else. These deadline day deals and if Wilshere and Diaby were fit, I doubt he'd have bought Arteta.

well after gettting stuffed 8-2 you might realise you have to and sign players reagardless. I can't believe wenger would have left the sqaud how it is seeing how it was effected by those two losses. even had diaby and jack being fit.

[Power n Glory]

well after gettting stuffed 8-2 you might realise you have to and sign players reagardless. I can't believe wenger would have left the sqaud how it is seeing how it was effected by those two losses. even had diaby and jack being fit.

That another issue and goes against your point about Wenger looking to buy Arteta regardless of injuries. Arteta wasn't on Wenger's radar and that goes back to the original point being made. There are good players that we can afford to sign and that can do the job, but they're not on Wenger's radar.

[Özim]

well after gettting stuffed 8-2 you might realise you have to and sign players reagardless. I can't believe wenger would have left the sqaud how it is seeing how it was effected by those two losses. even had diaby and jack being fit.
He was forced into signing players in the end, not even players we would have gone for had we had the choice.

Had he not been so blinded he could have found some top players in the summer who could have really made all the difference, the signings have done ok don't get me wrong but none of them are world beaters (Oxo might be one day but not now).

We lost two top players and should have replaced them with players of similar quality, in the end we just panic bought good players that maybe lack that special something the top players have. By losing your best players and replacing them with players nowhere near as good your just making your chances of success even lower, especially when you have a lack of real game changers left....might have been different if we had a few more top class players.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

He was forced into signing players in the end, not even players we would have gone for had we had the choice.

Had he not been so blinded he could have found some top players in the summer who could have really made all the difference, the signings have done ok don't get me wrong but none of them are world beaters (Oxo might be one day but not now).

We lost two top players and should have replaced them with players of similar quality, in the end we just panic bought good players that maybe lack that special something the top players have. By losing your best players and replacing them with players nowhere near as good your just making your chances of success even lower, especially when you have a lack of real game changers left....might have been different if we had a few more top class players.

Can't disagree with that, and had wenger done what he should have done and sorted out deals before the 2 left we'd be in a better position no doubt. my point was it was not injurys that made him panic buy, because lets face it when has he ever done that before, it was more or less getting stuffed that did it.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

That another issue and goes against your point about Wenger looking to buy Arteta regardless of injuries. Arteta wasn't on Wenger's radar and that goes back to the original point being made. There are good players that we can afford to sign and that can do the job, but they're not on Wenger's radar.

Agreed and why he does not want them only he can know that. we could have got larsson in the summer, parker as some wanted even gone for Remy who is better then what we have upfront and wenger should have got them instead of messing about with Nasri/Cesc deals no denying that.

my point was even if jack was fit he still would have been forced to buy mikel even though he did not want him.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

http://www.onlinegooner.com/article.php?section=exclusive&id=2572

Good read. . .and its right and as a Gooner I do not envy or wish to be like the Scum. . .but you cant not agree that they dont think twice about taking a risk or spladhing the cash. . .thete are not many I would want from their squad but I still feel sick how they beat us to Parker. . .we knew we wete going to lose Cesc and Nasri, . .why o,n earth did we not spend the peanuts it cost to land him, I will never know

[Niall_Quinn]

Good read. . .and its right and as a Gooner I do not envy or wish to be like the Scum. . .but you cant not agree that they dont think twice about taking a risk or spladhing the cash. . .thete are not many I would want from their squad but I still feel sick how they beat us to Parker. . .we knew we wete going to lose Cesc and Nasri, . .why o,n earth did we not spend the peanuts it cost to land him, I will never know

Parker was a shocker and I do suspect Wenger in that instance. He's too much of a football snob for his own good.

[Özim]

http://www.onlinegooner.com/article.php?section=exclusive&id=2572
Sad but true, I've long mentioned our lack of ambition as an issue, ambition involves sometimes taking a risk....Wenger did with Overmars in his hay day and look how tha worked out, Bergkamp was another gamble (albeit not by Wenger)......nowadays when top players become available (even at decent prices like Parker and Van der Vaart) we're always at back of the queue or worst still not in the queue at all.

These bargain signings need to stop if we're going to improve, every top team needs a few special players to make the difference...other than maybe the often injury prone RVP we seem to lack that.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Sad but true, I've long mentioned our lack of ambition as an issue, ambition involves sometimes taking a risk....Wenger did with Overmars in his hay day and look how tha worked out, Bergkamp was another gamble (albeit not by Wenger)......nowadays when top players become available (even at decent prices like Parker and Van der Vaart) we're always at back of the queue or worst still not in the queue at all.

These bargain signings need to stop if we're going to improve, every top team needs a few special players to make the difference...other than maybe the often injury prone RVP we seem to lack that.


Like i have said we shall see the clubs's ambiton in this window, but with Gazidaz saying they don't need the cl next season it seems they could be happy for 5th this season. All the board shee is the how much money they can make. This is why they were happy with the american he suited their agenda where as the russian would have made sure we spent our profits even if it hit them in the pocket a lil bit.

im sure Wenger wants to win things but now is the time to be ambtious about it.

[Niall_Quinn]

Like i have said we shall see the clubs's ambiton in this window, but with Gazidaz saying they don't need the cl next season it seems they could be happy for 5th this season. All the board shee is the how much money they can make. This is why they were happy with the american he suited their agenda where as the russian would have made sure we spent our profits even if it hit them in the pocket a lil bit.

im sure Wenger wants to win things but now is the time to be ambtious about it.

Can't be a coincidence. The board gets its money and now we don't need the CL. Must be some other reason why the executives are aiming even lower. Hopefully the team has long since given up listening to these cunts.

[Marc Overmars]

5th place will soon become a trophy.

[Cripps_orig]

We're still in the waiting period

[Olivier's xmas twist]

We're still in the waiting period

Nope were in the waiting period of the wating period, if that makes snese.

[Niall_Quinn]

January is a little different because it makes less sense for the top players to move around. But if the chequebook doesn't come out in major style this summer we have all our answers about Kroenke. The evidence is already in on the cunts that went before him. We now know the stadium move and all the crap that surrounded it was to facilitate the cash grab and sell-on. The worry is, Kroenke has said he approves of this model and won't be changing it. As a businessman it makes perfect sense for him, I suppose. But we'll see. You'd have to hope the fans won't let this happen twice in succession.

[Cripps_orig]

We have an awful board and an even worse manager.

Not a good combo

Time for the Russian?

[Niall_Quinn]

We have an awful board and an even worse manager.

Not a good combo

Time for the Russian?

The idea previously (and fuck knows how we were so naive) was the present bunch of silver spoon twats were somehow more honourable than your average Russian gangster. Now that myth has been laid to rest (everywhere bar the media), perhaps we're better of with a crook that's not trying to pretend he's something else.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

We have an awful board and an even worse manager.

Not a good combo

Time for the Russian?

Can't do much worse, if it makes the old toffs feck off im all for it

[Olivier's xmas twist]

January is a little different because it makes less sense for the top players to move around. But if the chequebook doesn't come out in major style this summer we have all our answers about Kroenke. The evidence is already in on the cunts that went before him. We now know the stadium move and all the crap that surrounded it was to facilitate the cash grab and sell-on. The worry is, Kroenke has said he approves of this model and won't be changing it. As a businessman it makes perfect sense for him, I suppose. But we'll see. You'd have to hope the fans won't let this happen twice in succession.

This will be a bigger summer for us and a big rebuild will be needed to ensure we don't have a bad start. I suppose who we buy depends where we finish.

no top 4 no top players, no top wages happy board/manager simple as that. We finish top 4, no top players, no top wages happy board happy manager.

[Grebbo]

January is a little different because it makes less sense for the top players to move around. But if the chequebook doesn't come out in major style this summer we have all our answers about Kroenke. The evidence is already in on the cunts that went before him. We now know the stadium move and all the crap that surrounded it was to facilitate the cash grab and sell-on. The worry is, Kroenke has said he approves of this model and won't be changing it. As a businessman it makes perfect sense for him, I suppose. But we'll see. You'd have to hope the fans won't let this happen twice in succession.

Without Champs Lge Arsenal will make a loss.

You'd think that will make Kroenke wake up. Of course it'll be too late by then as no decent player wants to join a club not in the Champs Lge.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Without Champs Lge Arsenal will make a loss.

You'd think that will make Kroenke wake up. Of course it'll be too late by then as no decent player wants to join a club not in the Champs Lge.

But we want more then decent players tbf. But i agree this is what he have to offer is CL footie once that goes we have nothing and become a top 4 chasing club.

[Niall_Quinn]

Without Champs Lge Arsenal will make a loss.

You'd think that will make Kroenke wake up. Of course it'll be too late by then as no decent player wants to join a club not in the Champs Lge.

Nothing from him, as usual. Wonder if he even remembers he owns us from week to week. Seems to me he's stuck his money in (only way he would have done that is if he had a plan to profit) and he's left a bunch of misers in place to make it happen. The summer will tell us one way or the other.

[Cripps_orig]

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted an interest in signing 18-year-old Manchester United midfielder Ravel Morrison.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

However, European champions Barcelona are also considering a move for Morrison.
Full story: Daily Star Sunday

Salomon Kalou has emerged as a transfer target for Everton after Arsenal decided against making a bid for the Chelsea striker.
Full story: Metro

Anderlecht striker Matias Suarez has snubbed a move to Arsenal, instead deciding to finish the season with the Belgian club.
Full story: the Sun

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is refusing to step into the mid-season transfer market to solve Arsenal's injury crisis because, he says, players signed in January are self-serving and not committed to the cause.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

Who the fuck is Morrison? Barca can have him

Kalou is a bit shit

If Wenger really said that then he needs to leave asap

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted an interest in signing 18-year-old Manchester United midfielder Ravel Morrison.
Full story: Sunday Mirror However, European champions Barcelona are also considering a move for Morrison.
Full story: Daily Star Sunday

Salomon Kalou has emerged as a transfer target for Everton after Arsenal decided against making a bid for the Chelsea striker.
Full story: Metro

Anderlecht striker Matias Suarez has snubbed a move to Arsenal, instead deciding to finish the season with the Belgian club.
Full story: the Sun
OTHER GOSSIP
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is refusing to step into the mid-season transfer market to solve Arsenal's injury crisis because, he says, players signed in January are self-serving and not committed to the cause.
Full story: Mail on Sunday



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/default.stm

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Who the fuck is Morrison? Barca can have him

Kalou is a bit shit

If Wenger really said that then he needs to leave asap

where's your link.

[Marc Overmars]

My manc mate goes on about Ravel Morrison all the time. He's essentially their Wilshere, the crown jewel of their academy.

But he's being arsey about a contract offer because Fergie hasn't given him the game time he might have hoped for.

What a cunt, 18 years old and offered a deal at United, but is stomping his feet.

Kids. :rolleyes:

[Cripps_orig]

Oh and Matias Suarez? Should have gone for Luis Suarez last January but here we are once again going for the cheap Pub Team option

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Who the fuck is Morrison? Barca can have him

Kalou is a bit shit

If Wenger really said that then he needs to leave asap

I think his words have kind of been twisting again tbf, but if he meant it then he needs to have a word with himself.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Oh and Matias Suarez? Should have gone for Luis Suarez last January but here we are once again going for the cheap Pub Team option

the same luiz suraez who has to be sold because he is a racist idoiot?

[Marc Overmars]

the same luiz suraez who has to be sold because he is a racist idoiot?

He's not racist, his dad is black you know.

[Cripps_orig]

the same luiz suraez who has to be sold because he is a racist idoiot?The same Suarez who has a black grandfather, i think?

[Boss]

Luis Suarez alongside RVP :cloud9:

A must get but he wouldn't have come to us.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is refusing to step into the mid-season transfer market to solve Arsenal's injury crisis because, he says, players signed in January are self-serving and not committed to the cause.
Full story: Mail on Sunday. Who the fuck is Morrison? Barca can have him

Kalou is a bit shit

If Wenger really said that then he needs to leave asap

Wow, Wenger really doesn't like Arshavin, Diaby and Theo. :lol:

[Marc Overmars]

Well he's certainly right about Arshavin in that respect. :lol:

[Coney]

The same Suarez who has a black grandfather, i think?

Same as me - I've got black ancestors.

[GP]

My manc mate goes on about Ravel Morrison all the time. He's essentially their Wilshere, the crown jewel of their academy.

But he's being arsey about a contract offer because Fergie hasn't given him the game time he might have hoped for.

What a cunt, 18 years old and offered a deal at United, but is stomping his feet.

Kids. :rolleyes:

Morrison is a dick. Apparently he was stealing from his team mates, and runs with a bad crowd. Criminal record too, I believe.

[Coney]

Morrison is a dick. Apparently he was stealing from his team mates, and runs with a bad crowd. Criminal record too, I believe.

So off to Stoke, then?

[Niall_Quinn]

So off to Stoke, then?

Or possible England manager?

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Or possible England manager?

:haha:

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Sky Bet Update:
After rumous today, we've added Newcastle in at 10/1 to sign Eden Hazard. Chelsea (7/2) and Man City (4/1) are currently frontrunners to secure his signature though

sky bet

[Özim]

Hazard was never going to sign for us, we'd never pay the money required, that's why we're stuck at the level we are these days...we need to sign players a level above what we have been doing.

[Grebbo]

I'd love Wenger to just go out with a bang and sign someone like Torres. I have absolutely do doubt that he'd be quality for us.

Scrap playing this bullshit 4-3-3 system with useless wingers and revert to the good old days of 4-4-2 - with two top strikers.

Hell if Wenger is scared to spend/can't spend he should just be brave with what he has and play Wally up front with RVP and stick Ox on the wing.

Of course he'll do neither.

We'll end up 5th and Wenger/Arsenal will fade further away.

We need a brave new manager who has no fear.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

I'd love Wenger to just go out with a bang and sign someone like Torres. I have absolutely do doubt that he'd be quality for us.

Scrap playing this bullshit 4-3-3 system with useless wingers and revert to the good old days of 4-4-2 - with two top strikers.

Hell if Wenger is scared to spend/can't spend he should just be brave with what he has and play Wally up front with RVP and stick Ox on the wing.

Of course he'll do neither.

We'll end up 5th and Wenger/Arsenal will fade further away.

We need a brave new manager who has no fear.

sounds like a job for. . . .Joker!

[Cripps_orig]

Jordan Rhodes

No point looking at the high table for players. We have to fight it out with the likes of Everton, Villa and Newcastle for players now and Rhodes is that level they go for

[GP]

Wenger must know this squad isn't up to it.

IF he doesn't buy some players this window, I will personally punch him in the dick.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Sounds fair. It's easy enough on FIFA, so what's his problem?

[Dennis Bendtner]

Morocco's last group game is on Jan 31. They will get knocked out, Chamakh will return on deadline day, we will have our new striker. No need for paperwork either. Jim White will still wet himself.

[fakeyank]

Morocco's last group game is on Jan 31. They will get knocked out, Chamakh will return on deadline day, we will have our new striker. No need for paperwork either. Jim White will still wet himself.

:lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

Morocco's last group game is on Jan 31. They will get knocked out, Chamakh will return on deadline day, we will have our new striker. No need for paperwork either. Jim White will still wet himself.

That's just fucking perfect. The fans need to have a whip around and fly the guy back by private jet, if you know what I mean.

[Cripps_orig]

No links concerning us in the monday gossip column

Even they have given up on us

[Olivier's xmas twist]

No links concerning us in the monday gossip column

Even they have given up on us

Not the only ones like, just can't be asked no more

[Flavs]

We need nothing more than a fit team.

[GP]

We need nothing more than a fit team.

And a new manager, 8 players, board of directors and face.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

We need nothing more than a fit team.

I really cant helping agreeing with you (thats if you're being serious). . .I think with that we would safe in our quest for our self prescribed holy grail - 4th

But in order to go the extra step then even a fit current squad would do it over the course of a season. . .we need to add strength to to squad by dipping our hand in our pocket and get some cash back by ridding ourselves of some of the fucking dross that still gets chance to put on a jersey.

Shit Spuds have been shipping cash out since the PL started, just to get close to our shadow, players, managers have been brought in and have given us much amusement, in their futile attempt to get near us. I am sure many of their fans have wanted to hang themselves, but short is the memory of a football fan and it is only the now that we see. . .and the now is much different than before. . .it is us who look up at Spurs and in some cases envy at their free spirit, the willingness to take a risk, Parker VDV. . .the balls to say no to Modric. . .fuck their FBs make ours look like chumps. . .I said before I dont wish to make comparisons with that scum but when the only business we do is to bring in Henry (a legend, fuck yeah) is hard to stomach

Sure we have a few days to go but I found myself playing this countdown game during the summer and look what happened. . .I wasnt/arent totally gutted with that bit of business but it was only done after one of our worst defeats ever. . .what is ot going to take this time. . .we screwed ourselves as per over the holiday perriod, sure Swanses played well, Fulham never gave up, the refs are against us, God is a Manc and my wife doesnt love me. . .that dont wash

Somebody needs to get AW and the board and give them a fucking slap and say ' it aint getting better son, we dont have what it takes to handle losing 4 fbs to injury, we cant score if RvP dont feel up to it, and funny thing is defending and scoring goals are quite an integral part of the game, so please do something about it, cos we can all see it, even Joker (who talks more toss than most) :doh:

[Fist of Lehmann]

And a new manager, 8 players, board of directors and face.We've lost face?

[LDG]

We've lost face?

He's playing for the B-Team

lol.

[Niall_Quinn]

No links concerning us in the monday gossip column

Even they have given up on us

Okay, so we need to be optimistic about this and assume there's no news because deals are really being done (big deals - huge) and everyone is keeping tight lipped.

Fucking brilliant, can't wait to see who we are signing!

[GP]

We've lost face?

Injured

[Niall_Quinn]

Injured

That's a stroke.

[Ernesto]

Guus Hiddink

[GP]

That's a stroke.

So's your face

[Fist of Lehmann]

He's playing for the B-Team

lol.I lolled.

[Flavs]

Gary Failhill has signed for Chelsea

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Tim Failhill has signed for Chelsea

Is that a good or bad thing ?

[Fist of Lehmann]

Tim Failhill has signed for ChelseaThey're gonna be gutted when they realise they actually wanted Gary.

Chelsea :pal:

[Boss]

Inter have made an official bid of 25M euros for Tevez.

Gary Cahill to Chelsea confirmed.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Inter have made an official bid of 25M euros for Tevez.

Gary Cahill to Chelsea confirmed.

its been rejected bu city

[Flavs]

Is that a good or bad thing ?

Lets just hpe he turns out as good as their last xmas shopping spree players

Torres :pal:

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Lets just hpe he turns out as good as their last xmas shopping spree players

Torres :pal:

Don't forget Luiz

Luiz :pal:

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Chelsea have completed the signing of central defender Gary Cahill from Bolton for a fee of around £7m.

Cahill, 26, passed a medical on Saturday, before attending Chelsea's 1-0 Premier League win over Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.

"Chelsea is a massive club that looks to win trophies season in, season out," the England defender said.

"It is a big opportunity for me to be a part of that. Opportunities like this, you can't turn down."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16438701.stm

[Cripps_orig]

BOlton :lol:

Coyle :lol:

We should have got him tbh. Not as good as Verm and Mert but hes better than the rest and with Verm dead most of the time, he'd play a lot of games.

[LDG]

7m :haha:

Didn't they want 17m off us?

Arsene was a blithering idiot to tell 'em to fuck off. For 10mil more than Chelsea paid, we could have had him :sulk:

[Flavs]

He isn't fit to clean Koscielny's boots tbh

[Olivier's xmas twist]

BOlton :lol:

Coyle :lol:

We should have got him tbh. Not as good as Verm and Mert but hes better than the rest and with Verm dead most of the time, he'd play a lot of games.

rather get samba much better then merts tbh.

[Niall_Quinn]

7m :haha:

Didn't they want 17m off us?

Arsene was a blithering idiot to tell 'em to fuck off. For 10mil more than Chelsea paid, we could have had him :sulk:

Prefer Merts in hindsight (which Wenger didn't have at the time so fair play). If only we could get a settled defence I think we'd be a strong as anyone in that department. Sagna, Jenks - Merts, TV, Kos, JD(?) - Santos, Gibbs (if he isn't eternally injured), that's not too shabby at all. Chances are Gibbs will be injured forever so a new left back makes sense and that's what Wenger has identified as a target this window. All told he's almost there with the defence - FINALLY, after years of the writing being ten foot high on the wall.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

That's just fucking perfect. The fans need to have a whip around and fly the guy back by private jet, if you know what I mean.

Can't we just say he is Gaddafi's son too, the really dangerous one.

[Cripps_orig]

rather get samba much better then merts tbh.WOuldnt mind Samba here either although he isnt better than Mertesacker.

Our first choice defence isnt that bad. Sagna, Mert, Verm, Gibbs but the left back is dead, Verm isnt much better at staying fit, Sagna has a long term injury and Mert cant do it on his own. Our back up defence is as bad as it gets. Jenkinson is awful, Kos and Djo have had their moments but their Arsenal careers have been riddled with mistakes and Santos isnt the best defensively.

We need players asap

[Flavs]

Prefer Merts in hindsight (which Wenger didn't have at the time so fair play). If only we could get a settled defence I think we'd be a strong as anyone in that department. Sagna, Jenks - Merts, TV, Kos, JD(?) - Santos, Gibbs (if he isn't eternally injured), that's not too shabby at all. Chances are Gibbs will be injured forever so a new left back makes sense and that's what Wenger has identified as a target this window. All told he's almost there with the defence - FINALLY, after years of the writing being ten foot high on the wall.

Weirdly i thought we might buy a LB in this window due to the fact Gibbs is really a midfielder (And a bit shit) but i guess not.

[Niall_Quinn]

Can't we just say he is Gaddafi's son too, the really dangerous one.

No because Blair would arrange a fighter escort. We could say he was a man of peace flying in to bring equality and freedom. He'd be fucked for sure then.

[Flavs]

Anyway...


Back on topic, i genuinely cant see who we could get that would make a difference to the team. Weird transfer windows when a summer tournament is pending anyway.

[server too busy!]

We need creativity and a striker.

Marvin Martin, Gotze or even Dembele
Ba, Sow or Podolski.

Lets do this...Chamakh and Arshavin are turd and aren't good enough as back up.

[Flavs]

We need creativity and a striker.

Marvin Martin, Gotze or even Dembele
Ba, Sow or Podolski.

Lets do this...Chamakh and Arshavin are turd and aren't good enough as back up.

Do you not think we should try and sign someone good?

[Master Splinter]

Everton are giving United States striker Edson Buddle a trial this week. The 30-year-old striker is currently at FC Ingolstadt.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/front_page/9678373.stm

How many useless strikers to Everton need?

We could use him though tbf.

[LDG]

Fuck it. You know who I want us to buy?

Benzema

One player.

25 Million.

Fuckin, RVP and him upfront. Fuck Theo off for 20 mil to city. Jobs a goodun.

[Flavs]

I think its more likely we would sign John Terry mate

[Boss]

Samba puts in official transfer request.

[LDG]

I think its more likely we would sign John Terry mate

I don't care.

If other people can randomly spout names at will, I can too.

I'm allowed to dream aren't I?

:crying:

[Flavs]

Samba puts in official transfer request.

:lol: Indians :pal:

[Niall_Quinn]

I don't care.

If other people can randomly spout names at will, I can too.

I'm allowed to dream aren't I?

:crying:

You can dream provided you accept there is no hope.

[Grebbo]

Fuck it. You know who I want us to buy?

Benzema

One player.

25 Million.

Fuckin, RVP and him upfront. Fuck Theo off for 20 mil to city. Jobs a goodun.

Why on earth would City want Feo?

[Niall_Quinn]

Why on earth would City want Feo?

Because we'd cut the asking price to £40mill.

[Fats]

I think at this point it would be reckless to spend any money on any players.

In the same way that QPR decided that Warnock should be sacked before giving him money to waste, we should wait till the next manager comes in.

RVP will now undoubtly leave due to not gaining a CL place so that gives the new boss more funds to rebuild the team.

[LDG]

Why on earth would City want Feo?

Same reason they buy all our other shit players.

[Grebbo]

Same reason they buy all our other shit players.

Except they actually buy very good players now. The shitty ones were just to get them into the top four. They've signed serious quality since then.

[Niall_Quinn]

I think at this point it would be reckless to spend any money on any players.

In the same way that QPR decided that Warnock should be sacked before giving him money to waste, we should wait till the next manager comes in.

RVP will now undoubtly leave due to not gaining a CL place so that gives the new boss more funds to rebuild the team.

Like the Fabregas and Na$ri sales gave Wenger more funds? What's to say the board wouldn't just sell RvP and keep the cash, then tell the new manager to just get on it?

[LDG]

Except they actually buy very good players now. The shitty ones were just to get them into the top four. They've signed serious quality since then.

Well no. They bought Clichy and Nasri in the last window. And the pair of them can't get in the team. Theo would be perfect for them on the bench, at a cut price deal of, say, 55mil.

Jobs a goodun.

[Boss]

This January is (presumably) the last time Citeh can seriously splurge given FFP starts next summer.

That said, doubt they're interested in Theo at all, doubt he'd move there and doubt they'd pay more than 20M if they were interested.

[Cripps_orig]

CHRIS SAMBA has put Arsenal and Tottenham on red alert after handing in a transfer request at Blackburn.
The 27-year-old centre-back, who is also wanted by QPR and Paris St Germain, missed Saturday's win over Fulham after calling in sick the previous day.

He said: "I have officially requested a transfer from Blackburn Rovers Football Club.

"I have personally informed the owners, manager and executives at the club that I want to leave in this transfer window.

"In my five years at Blackburn Rovers Football Club I have always given 100 per cent in every game I have played. I have had several opportunities to leave but I have always stayed.

"I have decided now is the right time for me to pursue a new challenge and I have asked the club to respect my decision and allow me to leave.

"I thank the fans for their support and I hope they feel I have served them and their club well."

Rovers boss Steve Kean has previously insisted that Samba is not for sale.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4064875/Christopher-Samba-hands-in-transfer-request-at-Blackburn.html

Must Get

[Ollie the Optimist]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4064875/Christopher-Samba-hands-in-transfer-request-at-Blackburn.html

Must Get

if we get smaba i will be really pissed off. waste of money he would be. we dont need another CB, we need full backs.

[bignev]

Before we got Merts he would have been a must get but now we don't need him

[AKBapologist]

Before we got Merts he would have been a must get but now we don't need him
Not even to replace the squid? Or to play as CF now and again? Pifff, fans too short sighted these days.

[Cripps_orig]

Al Habsi

We're in need of a keeper and he wont be at Wigan for long. Hes been brilliant this season

[Master Splinter]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jan/16/arsenal-robin-van-persie-son?newsfeed=true

Linked with RVP's son.

RVP putting off contract talks.

RVP talking about Barcelona.

GW: :ilt:

[Cripps_orig]

RVP :wave:

[Master Splinter]

If I started a thread based on that article, it could be a record-breaker.

[Niall_Quinn]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jan/16/arsenal-robin-van-persie-son?newsfeed=true

Linked with RVP's son.

RVP putting off contract talks.

RVP talking about Barcelona.

GW: :ilt:

We've kidnapped his kid? How tight are we? Now he'll have to pay us to stay.

Our board :bow:

[Cripps_orig]

Lokomotiv Moscow are plotting to scupper Arsenal's attempts to land Cologne striker Lukas Podolski, 26, by blowing them out of the water with a £20m summer bid.
Full story: Metro

We have £20m dont we?

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Al Habsi

We're in need of a keeper and he wont be at Wigan for long. Hes been brilliant this season

I agree he puts in some very decent performances, great shot stopper but Ches is fine. What we need is a steady/fit week in week out defence that is given a chance to form an understanding both with each other and the keeper.

The headache will come when everyone is fit......

Ches

Sagna
TV5
Kos
Santos

By adding Samba (although there was a time I would have taken either him or Cahill) we would be overcrowding/complicating things - Merts has been getting better and better and cover should come from our reserves not from outside - DJ/Miquel - Song can play at CB if needed - use the money (15mil :lol:) for someone else

[Cripps_orig]

Ches needs competition which he doesnt get from Almunia or Fab.

Its a bit embarrassing that for a club with a history of great keepers, all 3 Spud keepers are better than our first choice

[Fats]

Ches needs competition which he doesnt get from Almunia or Fab.

Its a bit embarrassing that for a club with a history of great keepers, all 3 Spud keepers are better than our first choice

yeah OK :dunce:

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Ches needs competition which he doesnt get from Almunia or Fab.

Its a bit embarrassing that for a club with a history of great keepers, all 3 Spud keepers are better than our first choice

Wow you really need to stop posting

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Ches needs competition which he doesnt get from Almunia or Fab.

Its a bit embarrassing that for a club with a history of great keepers, all 3 Spud keepers are better than our first choice

That post started off decent. . .good point about needing competition or even a mentor (Bob Wilson?) but definitely tailed off in smoke

Whats that so far this year? Ach shocker #. . . ?

[Flavs]

by my reckoning we need rid of Diaby, Vela, Denilson, Bendter, Park, Arshavin, Almunia, Mannone, Squillachi and send Benyaoun back.

That makes 7 spaces in the squad brings in at least £20mil and free's up around £350k a week in wages.

Get Frimpong back and go out and buy a midfielder, a striker, a defender and we are all set.

Then we wait for the injuries to heal

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Swansea director John van Zweden has revealed that four Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, have made enquiries for Michel Vorm.

The Dutch international goalkeeper has emerged as a real star this season and has been one of the best shot-stoppers in England.

Vorm's performances have seen him linked to other clubs, and now van Zweden - who is a director and co-owner of the club - has confirmed that United, Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle have all made approaches.

"Clubs have enquired about Vorm," he told VI Radio.

"Manchester United have asked, in addition Chelsea and for that matter Newcastle United. Tottenham Hotspur have cautiously announced they are interested.

"It would be a nightmare for us if he left."

Swansea signed Vorm for just over £1million last summer from FC Utrecht and the Dutch club admit they would be happy to see him move on as they have a sell-on clause.

"I'm not mentioning sums, but it is more than training costs," Utrecht technical director Foeke Booy confirmed.


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12691/7438203/United-and-Chelsea-eye-Vorm

Wenger would do well to bring him in as competition for chesney.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Eric Abidal has ended speculation over his future by signing a new deal at Barcelona.

The French international has agreed a new one-year deal to keep him at Camp Nou until 2013 with Barcelona having the option to extend it for two more years.

Abidal's future has been the subject of speculation for the last few months with his previous deal due to expire at the end of the season.

The likes of Arsenal and Paris Saint Germain have been linked with a move for the 32-year-old, but Barca have now tied him down to a new deal.

Abidal has become a cult figure with Barca fans after recovering from a liver tumour last year to help the side win the Champions League and La Liga title last season.


http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11833/7436748/Abidal-signs-Barca-deal

[Boss]

11.10 GMT PSG boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he's been offered Chelsea flop Fernando Torres, amongst a host of other players. "There is a lot of choice for this January market. Do you want the names?" Ancellotti is quoted as saying in the Daily Mail. "OK, now I tell you the players the agents are offering on the market, officially or not: Carlos Tevez, Fernando Torres, Dimitar Berbatov, Roman Pavlyuchenko, Edinson Cavani, Fernando Llorente."

Take your pick... :popcorn:

[Coney]

Take your pick... :popcorn:

Torres, actually. Just because he has lost the plot at chavs does not mean he does not have great potential. Alongside RvP in a 4-4-2 would be very effective... if he regains his mojo in a new environment. Unless they want £50 million - that would be too much for the risk.

[Cripps_orig]

Cavani, Tevez, Llorente or Torres.

Get all 4 tbh

RVPs gone soon and we need 4 good strikers

[Flavs]

Torres, actually. Just because he has lost the plot at chavs does not mean he does not have great potential. Alongside RvP in a 4-4-2 would be very effective... if he regains his mojo in a new environment. Unless they want £50 million - that would be too much for the risk.

The £200k a week wages might be a stumbling block however.

[Coney]

The £200k a week wages might be a stumbling block however.


Easy - do the deal in Euros, then when the currency goes down the toilet in the next few months, it will only cost us a fiver a week.

[Kano]

i like their thinking.

get him on a 10 year contract and RVP's fucked.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jan/16/arsenal-robin-van-persie-son

[Olivier's xmas twist]

i like their thinking.

get him on a 10 year contract and RVP's fucked.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jan/16/arsenal-robin-van-persie-son

TBF he'd probs already better then Chamack and Theo.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Take your pick... :popcorn:

when you have all that money and don't have to worry about wages of course you can take your pick.

[Boss]

Apparently Monaco (in the French Ligue 2) have offered Squillaci a way out:

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/887383-sebastien-squillaci-to-be-offered-end-to-arsenal-misery-by-monaco

Must sell asap.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Apparently Monaco (in the French Ligue 2) have offered Squillaci a way out:

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/887383-sebastien-squillaci-to-be-offered-end-to-arsenal-misery-by-monaco

Must sell asap.

:pray:

[LDG]

http://arseblog.com/

Top stuff from Arseblog today on the squad.

Pretty much how I feel at the moment.

[bignev]

Ches needs competition which he doesnt get from Almunia or Fab.

Its a bit embarrassing that for a club with a history of great keepers, all 3 Spud keepers are better than our first choice

And you complained when I said you talked $hit.

We should enforce a minimum intelligence check before allowing people to post on here.

[Flavs]

And you complained when I said you talked $hit.

We should enforce a minimum intelligence check before allowing people to post on here.

That's what the ignore function is for

[Cripps_orig]

And you complained when I said you talked $hit.

We should enforce a minimum intelligence check before allowing people to post on here.Friedel, Gomes and Cudicini are all proven keepers who have all performed at a high level.

Sdkjfsdlkfjny hasnt.

Not that hard to understand.

As for speaking shit, is it me speaking shit for being honest or other people speaking shit cos they support Arsenal and our players are the best in the world no matter what?

Some realism needed here and unfortunately doesnt look like youre up to it. A shame but oh well

[LDG]

Friedel is a brilliant keeper, and Cudicini was excellent for a while....though lost his way.

Gomez? Fuckin LOLLL.

[GP]

Friedel is a brilliant keeper, and Cudicini was excellent for a while....though lost his way.

Gomez? Fuckin LOLLL.

Gomez is fucking clown shoes.

[Flavs]

Gomez is fucking clown shoes.

and thats no small feet...

[Cripps_orig]

Friedel is a brilliant keeper, and Cudicini was excellent for a while....though lost his way.

Gomez? Fuckin LOLLL.Gomes was excellent once upon a time tbh.

Made a few mistakes at Spuds but then so has Sjsdhdksjfhny at Arsenal. I dont doubt our clown will be better than Gomes soon but til then hes not.

[Niall_Quinn]

Gomes was excellent once upon a time tbh.

Made a few mistakes at Spuds but then so has Sjsdhdksjfhny at Arsenal. I dont doubt our clown will be better than Gomes soon but til then hes not.

Arsehole alert!

[Cripps_orig]

Arsehole alert!Impressive you have to alert us of your presense

[Niall_Quinn]

Impressive you have to alert us of your presense

Just doing my job.

[Cripps_orig]

Just doing my job.And it was very well done :good:

Now then, back on topic.

We are more than half way through the month. We have bought no one. Well no one that will help us til the end of the season.

End of Wengers reign in sight?

He seems quite content with Arsenal being shit and he cba fixing it. Seems to me like he knows hes leaving and doesnt want to make an effort

[Niall_Quinn]

And it was very well done :good:

Now then, back on topic.

We are more than half way through the month. We have bought no one. Well no one that will help us til the end of the season.

End of Wengers reign in sight?

He seems quite content with Arsenal being shit and he cba fixing it. Seems to me like he knows hes leaving and doesnt want to make an effort

Arsehole Alert!

[Cripps_orig]

Arsehole Alert!Are the Arsenal board on GW?

[Niall_Quinn]

Are the Arsenal board on GW?

Slumming it with the pox ridden fans? I don't think so.

We aren't signing anyone /thread

[Fats]

No shit!!!! Im shocked

[Niall_Quinn]

No shit!!!! Im shocked

Well when was the last time the board came on here?

[Fats]

Well when was the last time the board came on here?

They are too busy cumming all over their rent boys.

[LDG]

Well when was the last time the board came on here?

Probably the last time someone came on the board.

[Flavs]

Probably the last time someone came on the board.

Lady Nina :bow:

[LDG]

*shudders*

[Niall_Quinn]

*shudders*

Put a bag over her head, lift her tail and it wouldn't be so bad.

[Marc Overmars]

QPR in talks to sign some Brazilian wonderkid called Henrique.

[Flavs]

Seriously though as in the summer and before that at the carling cup final the board and management have a chance to show the fans and their peers that we are still up for it, still a big club and still serious about challenging for honours. A big name signing would do that, would get he fans behind the team again, would add the impetus to the current players that we are still keen and would be some much needed good news.

As nice as it is to see Henry back in the shirt its not even close to being the answer tbf. I would think after the debacle in the summer the club would at least want to assure the fans we are still title hopefuls. I can see yet more season tickets not being renewed at this rate, more unrest from the usually quiet and patient fans and more calls for Wengers head on a pike.

Also where is Stan the man in all this? How about a communication Stan? Bit of an idea where we are going and how we are going to get there?

[Niall_Quinn]

QPR in talks to sign some Brazilian wonderkid called Henrique.

Wonderkid is football speak for any player that's not totally shit.

[Flavs]

Put a bag over her head, lift her tail and it wouldn't be so bad.

She was good tbf, really filthy

[Flavs]

Wonderkid is football speak for any player that's not totally shit.

Walcott :bow:

[Niall_Quinn]

She was good tbf, really filthy

A bit of respect please, that bitch is somebody's mother!

[Niall_Quinn]

Walcott :bow:

I said NOT totally shit.

[Flavs]

A bit of respect please, that bitch is somebody's mother!

She didnt act like it that night

[Cripps_orig]

Slumming it with the pox ridden fans? I don't think so.

We aren't signing anyone /threadAnd who do we blame for that?

[Niall_Quinn]

She didnt act like it that night

Fair enough, guess she must be a dirty bitch then. You should get her tagged, I think that means you get her money. It would be nice if you could kick a fraction back to the club.

[Niall_Quinn]

And who do we blame for that?

You.

[Cripps_orig]

You.Board or Wenger?

Board for not releasing money or and more likely Wenger for not spending the millions we have cos hes a stubborn prick who wants to do thing the "right way" not realising the "right way" is also the wrong cunt way

[Flavs]

Fair enough, guess she must be a dirty bitch then. You should get her tagged, I think that means you get her money. It would be nice if you could kick a fraction back to the club.

It was a disgrace the way she was treated to be fair, given all that money for her shares like she asked for, and she didnt even have to do anything.

Shocking

[Kano]

Seriously though as in the summer and before that at the carling cup final the board and management have a chance to show the fans and their peers that we are still up for it, still a big club and still serious about challenging for honours. A big name signing would do that, would get he fans behind the team again, would add the impetus to the current players that we are still keen and would be some much needed good news.

As nice as it is to see Henry back in the shirt its not even close to being the answer tbf. I would think after the debacle in the summer the club would at least want to assure the fans we are still title hopefuls. I can see yet more season tickets not being renewed at this rate, more unrest from the usually quiet and patient fans and more calls for Wengers head on a pike.

Also where is Stan the man in all this? How about a communication Stan? Bit of an idea where we are going and how we are going to get there?

since the apocalyptic start to the season, the fans and team were gelling together so if anything, a couple of defeats and it's the fans that are insisting how shit everything is again and how useless we are. There was hope put into this team for nothing more than a top 4 place as a starting position to rebuild on, yet that seems to have been discarded in an instant.

[Niall_Quinn]

Board or Wenger?

Board for not releasing money or and more likely Wenger for not spending the millions we have cos hes a stubborn prick who wants to do thing the "right way" not realising the "right way" is also the wrong cunt way

One, the other, both. They don't tell fans shit like that. They just expect the fans to do their duty and fork over the cash. And we do because we're idiots who remember how much football meant to us. And we confuse this with the shit that passes for football today. A money circus with all the passion strangled by greedy fuckheads, whether they be scumbag business leeches, overpaid managers or brattish players with agents hanging out of their arses. We're the transition generation. Can't see football surviving for the generations to come, at least not in any form we'd recognise.

[LDG]

since the apocalyptic start to the season, the fans and team were gelling together so if anything, a couple of defeats and it's the fans that are insisting how shit everything is again and how useless we are. There was hope put into this team for nothing more than a top 4 place as a starting position to rebuild on, yet that seems to have been discarded in an instant.

In all honesty, it is glaringly obvious we're short at the moment. And most patient, fair-minded fans are extremely worried.

There is something still wrong, and whilst we took a few steps in the right direction after the horrific end of season, and start of the new, it's blatently obvious we have a long way to go.

We do need to spend some money.

[Kano]

I don't dispute any of that, it's just ridiculous how quick the fans are to detach from the effort put in on both sides which really helped lift the gloom and provided a more positive start point. We are exactly where we were a few weeks back, which is in place to battle for 4th with two other teams just as inconsistent as us this season.

[Niall_Quinn]

since the apocalyptic start to the season, the fans and team were gelling together so if anything, a couple of defeats and it's the fans that are insisting how shit everything is again and how useless we are. There was hope put into this team for nothing more than a top 4 place as a starting position to rebuild on, yet that seems to have been discarded in an instant.

Nah, the more optimistic thought there had been a shift. Thought there was a bit more fight in the team. Knew we weren't winning anything but thought we'd at least started to inch forwards again. I see what you are saying but it now looks like the mini run of form was more an appreciation of impending disaster rather than a longer term introduction of steel. The old feeling of been here, seen that, is back. Not just because of Swansea, although it was shocking to see us outplayed - a real indication of how far away we are from just a few years back. But Christmas in general has shown all the old problems resurfacing. Seems to me when we fall below the bare minimum standard we can find the will to drag ourselves back. But when the ambition rises one step above that we still can't handle it.

But, we remain optimistic I suppose because slaughtering the team serves no purpose either. Gooners at the mercy of the goons in charge. We'll have to settle for what they want, whether that be the total conversion of the club into some personal cash machine or (doesn't look like it) some future plan to start us back on the track.

Not sure I really like football any more. I thin I like the memory of it and all I';m doing now is going through a period of inertia.

[Niall_Quinn]

I don't dispute any of that, it's just ridiculous how quick the fans are to detach from the effort put in on both sides which really helped lift the gloom and provided a more positive start point. We are exactly where we were a few weeks back, which is in place to battle for 4th with two other teams just as inconsistent as us this season.

We're not exactly where we were because the game count has rolled on, our rivals DID drop the points we needed them to drop. We didn't capitalise. Now we need our rivals to fuck up again. The chances of that are getting smaller as the games roll on. We've gone backwards. It's just the clubs behind us aren't all that either, else we'd be lower down the table too.

[Kano]

Nah, the more optimistic thought there had been a shift. Thought there was a bit more fight in the team. Knew we weren't winning anything but thought we'd at least started to inch forwards again. I see what you are saying but it now looks like the mini run of form was more an appreciation of impending disaster rather than a longer term introduction of steel. The old feeling of been here, seen that, is back. Not just because of Swansea, although it was shocking to see us outplayed - a real indication of how far away we are from just a few years back. But Christmas in general has shown all the old problems resurfacing. Seems to me when we fall below the bare minimum standard we can find the will to drag ourselves back. But when the ambition rises one step above that we still can't handle it.
the bare minimum is to get 4th, the absolute worst we should be achieving in any given season and we are still on course for that. ambition above that would be to aim for 3rd and go on a winning run for weeks but we all should be aware that isn't happening and was obvious at the start of the season.

the issue we have is after our start, we could not afford a dip in form at any point but that isn't realistic as every team has their down turns through a season, yet we have got lucky that chelsea and liverpool are doing as we are. we've dipped but given this lot have come back from the worst start you could imagine, so they do have it in them to crawl into 4th.

what i don't see the sense in is patching up the differences that were so apparent last season, the drift between fans and the team has been closed and then turning our backs when we hit troubled waters again. as you said, it won't benefit the team and i think we all know it won't benefit us. that doesn't mean putting up with a pile of turd every week but at least seeing through the effort put in by everyone on and off the pitch this season.

[LDG]

I don't dispute any of that, it's just ridiculous how quick the fans are to detach from the effort put in on both sides which really helped lift the gloom and provided a more positive start point. We are exactly where we were a few weeks back, which is in place to battle for 4th with two other teams just as inconsistent as us this season.

For most though, it's the fear of yet another implosion. And that worry transmits it's ways in many forms, because everyone handles it differently.

I was up the wall on Sunday, swearing at the lot of them for being so shit. And I'm one of the patient ones. I'm just fed up with seeing the club I love being embarassed. Having a little more hope, and then having it dashed again is getting too painful.

I'm fully aware that we're seriously unlucky to have lost two hundred and thirty one fullbacks, and I'm aware that we're missing the obvious talents of Jack, Arshavin for example (and for different reasons).

I think it's time we got a bit of reward off this club we love, rather than having to suck it up in this seemingly never-ending cycle of frustration and worry.

[Cripps_orig]

http://www.talksport.co.uk/magazine/features/2012-01-16/arsenal-transfer-targets-10-players-save-their-season-including-samba-draxler-abidal-and-more

[Niall_Quinn]

We set ourselves such high standards in the past. Unfortunately (but rightly in my opinion) when you set high standards you need to maintain them or else you are going to be criticised for going backwards. How can we go from being invincible to such nailed-on also-rans? Some say Wenger but that makes zero sense, it can't be entirely his fault because no board in their right mind would put up with it if they held genuine footballing ambitions. Either they are sentimental old fools (when did you last meet a sentimental millionaire?) or their agenda is very different to ours. We've done our bit by lowering our expectations. Painful but job done. When are they going to kick in their share in this partnership? That Swansea game coincides with the latest transfer window and opportunity to take some positive action to re-energise the team. Everyone that engages in long term effort needs a boost from time to time. If we're going to be here supporting through thick and thin then where's the fucking board? Why aren't they in this with us?

[Kano]

For most though, it's the fear of yet another implosion. And that worry transmits it's ways in many forms, because everyone handles it differently.

I was up the wall on Sunday, swearing at the lot of them for being so shit. And I'm one of the patient ones. I'm just fed up with seeing the club I love being embarassed. Having a little more hope, and then having it dashed again is getting too painful.

I'm fully aware that we're seriously unlucky to have lost two hundred and thirty one fullbacks, and I'm aware that we're missing the obvious talents of Jack, Arshavin for example (and for different reasons).

I think it's time we got a bit of reward off this club we love, rather than having to suck it up in this seemingly never-ending cycle of frustration and worry.
again, i'm in a similar position but i would rather wait for an the implosion before i accuse them of brewing one.

sure, we can use seasons past to predict the worst but i just do not see the point of living like that as a fan, whilst at the same time that doesn't mean living in la-la land ignoring the issues.

and anyway, as i much as i may want things to improve, it's unlikely to be reciprocated whilst wenger is still in charge.

[Niall_Quinn]

http://www.talksport.co.uk/magazine/features/2012-01-16/arsenal-transfer-targets-10-players-save-their-season-including-samba-draxler-abidal-and-more

All talk. It's like the whole world is saying FFS, sign somebody and do it fast. But you know our lot.

[LDG]

again, i'm in a similar position but i would rather wait for an the implosion before i accuse them of brewing one.

sure, we can use seasons past to predict the worst but i just do not see the point of living like that as a fan, whilst at the same time that doesn't mean living in la-la land ignoring the issues.

and anyway, as i much as i may want things to improve, it's unlikely to be reciprocated whilst wenger is still in charge.

I don't think we're predicting anything. The wins we have gotten just recently have been laboured, and we've dropped points against Wolves, Fulham and Swansea....which I don't think is good enough.

The team looked on their last legs a few weeks back through constantly having to field the same 11 players (especially in the midfield engine room). And that's because we don't have anyone we can rely on to back up those players who worked so hard to get us back up the table.

I know we're singing from the same song sheet, but fuck me, I don't think I can take much more of this bullshit from our board and our manager, when we all know something is wrong.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Board or Wenger?

Board for not releasing money or and more likely Wenger for not spending the millions we have cos hes a stubborn prick who wants to do thing the "right way" not realising the "right way" is also the wrong cunt way

Both, because both are 1 in the same, the board seem to be happy to let Wenger not spend as long as he gets in the top 4, as for wenger you can't know he has being given millions and will never know till he leaves the club.

I blame wenger for being shite tactially and using players who are no good, keeping players on who are on a yellow card, who the world can see will be sent off etc.

[Cripps_orig]

Liverpool and Arsenal have been put on alert as defender Scott Dann, 24, seeks urgent talks with manager Steve Kean over Blackburn future.
Full story: Daily Mail

The agent of Eric Abidal, 32, has says that the veteran defender "will never sign with Arsenal" following news that the Frenchman has extended his contract at Barcelona.
Full story: International Business Times

Greece goalkeeper Stefanos Kapino, 27, who plays for Panathanaikos, is believed to be a transfer target for Arsenal, as Arsene Wenger seeks new competition for Wojciech Szczesny, 21.
Full story: Caught offside

Dann is shit. Abidal is cancer ridden and who the hell is Kapino?

[Niall_Quinn]

"The agent of Eric Abidal, 32, has says that the veteran defender "will never sign with Arsenal""

We should get that in writing just in case the cheating cunt changes his mind.

[Ralpheroo72]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4068301/Arsenal-transfer-news-Er-there-is-none-as-Arsene-Weger-refuses-to-spend-again.html

[Boss]

Arsenal's Andrey Arshavin is a cut-price £6million January target for Lazio.

The Italian giants are ready to move in and present the Gunners with a dilemma over whether they should cut their losses and sell Arshavin, who has 18 months left on his contract.

The Mirror revealed last month that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger could be ready to listen to offers, although he will not want to leave himself short of cover.

Arshavin, a £12m signing three years ago, is out of contract in the summer of 2013 and his value will diminish this summer - Wenger has already hinted that Arsenal will not offer him a new deal.

Wenger is currently without Gervinho because of is on Africa Cup of Nations duty, but Arsenal have re-signed Thierry Henry on a short-term loan.

The New York Red Bulls star is expected to play on the left once he reaches full match fitness.

Arshavin's former club Zenit St Petersburg have also admitted they are watching developments, while Galatasaray of Turkey were keen last summer.

Wenger has always been keen to back Arshavin because of his assists record, but the 30-year-old has not been a regular starter for Arsenal this season, despite being one of their top earners.

Arshavin's form has been a source of frustration and, even though he prefers a central role, he offers very little protection to a full back when he plays wide and it is believed some of his team mates have been left frustrated by him.

Arsenal are already trying to tie down 28-year-old captain Robin van Persie, who also has he has 18 months left on his current deal.

But Wenger admis it is a different situation with Arshavin.

"He is a bit older than Van Persie," said the Frenchman. "Sometimes the visual impression you get from a game has been frustrating, but he is very efficient. We can all have big responsibility but we need confidence for what we do."

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/transfer-news/Arsenal-transfer-gossip-exclusive-Andrey-Arshavin-is-6m-target-for-Lazio-article854761.html

Arshavin :rose:

[Niall_Quinn]

We're back where we started. On the eve of a game we expect to lose against Utd, no signings, not linked with anyone, talk of our star player heading out the door, an injury list a mile long. Once is unfortunate, twice incompetent.

[LDG]

We're back where we started. On the eve of a game we expect to lose against Utd, no signings, not linked with anyone, talk of our star player heading out the door, an injury list a mile long. Once is unfortunate, twice incompetent.

:banghead:

[Niall_Quinn]

:banghead:

Will 7-2 be progress?

[LDG]

I just don't know anymore. It's all so frustrating.

I see nothing in that Utd side that scared me like it did with Cantona, Giggs (at his best), Konchelskis, Andy Cole, Sherringham, Keane etc etc etc. In fact, I think they're just playing as a team, with a bit more quality than sides lower than top six. They're consistent and work hard.

If we actually bought some quality in (like you say in your post in the other thread) to enhance and/or replace those mis-firing so badly, I'd be confident of beating the cunts. Because I honestly don't think that Utd side (like the one that won the league last year) is much cop.

We've had about 3 chances in the last 6 years to win the league, if we'd just spent a bit more cash to bolster the side.

But now we're known as bottlers. We're known as a club any player can take the piss out of for more money elsewhere, and the reputation we've garnished means we can no longer attract the talent we could otherwise have got in. Hell, Spurs can attract players better than us....so now we're in this cycle of twats like Bender, Theo, Denilson, Arshavin...who by all rights should be playing for their jobs, but in most cases are holding us to fucking ransom.

Ah, fuck it.

gonna go up there on Sunday and sing me heart out, and hope for the best.

Come on The Arse.

[Niall_Quinn]

Ah, fuck it.

gonna go up there on Sunday and sing me heart out, and hope for the best.

That's about the sum of it. January is running down, no sign of reinforcements, the injury list is exactly where it usually is, the form has dipped back to the same levels that saw us collapse last season. Can't really see things improving until several key players return, and even then will others be stating their injury period when that happens? The season is a bust, we aren't winning anything, we may scrape 4th if those around us continue to screw up but they are more likely to strengthen in the coming days and push on past us. So on balance it looks like this may be our worst year yet under Wenger.

Kroenke says he's happy, Wenger is going nowhere, the same old clowns are running the board room, peering out from under their leather topped desks and hissing at Arsene to explain to the fans how we have loads of money and really want to spend but there won't be any signings anyway. Trying to pin a price reduction sticker on RvP's arse.

Two choices then. Bug out, walk away and watch the tennis. Or say fuck it, take it on the chin, support the team and hope there are a few high points in there like thumping the spuds or watching Song kick Joey Barton's testicles into row Z.

[Cripps_orig]

ARSENE WENGER is ready to gamble by signing NO new stars during the transfer window.

Once again the Arsenal chief will anger fans by trying to weather a difficult period without splashing the cash.

The only thing that might change his mind is a disastrous result against Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday.

Arsenal have lost three of their last six Premier League games and supporters slammed the players and clashed with Thierry Henry following last Sunday's defeat at Swansea.

Wenger, though, will risk their wrath further by sticking with his current squad.

The fifth-placed Gunners have seen all their four full-backs KO'd by injury. But rather than bring in new blood, Wenger is hoping Santos and Kieran Gibbs will make swift comebacks.


http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/4068301/Arsenal-transfer-news-Er-there-is-none-as-Arsene-Wenger-refuses-to-spend-again.html

Have we reached the 40 point mark yet? I can see a worse 2nd half to the season than last season. We need to reach that mark asap

[Kano]

the sun in amazing, insightful article shocker.

[Cripps_orig]

the sun in amazing, insightful article shocker.TT in critisising the source but not reading the actual article which is spot on shocker.

[Niall_Quinn]

...the Arsenal chief...

That's the thing, he's NOT the Arsenal chief. He's just the manager. The chief is 5,000 miles away keeping his mouth shut.

[Kano]

TT in critisising the source but not reading the actual article which is spot on shocker.
the article telling us all exactly what we knew already? i see. great stuff.

[Niall_Quinn]

the article telling us all exactly what we knew already? i see. great stuff.

To be fair it's doing a bit more than that. It's a shitty little 3 minute job designed to drive a bigger wedge between the fans and the manager. It could have been written by PHW. Maybe it was.

Wenger, Wenger, Wenger, Wenger, Wenger, Wenger... that's the story. Maybe as a warm up for, Wenger the new favourite to get the chop. Or Arsenal in crisis. Or whatever sells their shitty rag.

I guess doing some digging and trying to find out WHY the cashflow is always one way would take some effort and encroach on pub time.

[Kano]

tis exactly that.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

I don't dispute any of that, it's just ridiculous how quick the fans are to detach from the effort put in on both sides which really helped lift the gloom and provided a more positive start point. We are exactly where we were a few weeks back, which is in place to battle for 4th with two other teams just as inconsistent as us this season.

There are some who hit the mute button when things go well and at the first sign of trouble suddenly turn up the volume (unless its Jokerwho seems to find something to bitch about no matter what the weather)

You are right we are back in the middle of the dog fight for , for me I saw the past fixture list as filled woth games tjat any time with an inkling of aspiration should be getting a decent haul of points from, not tje case, as LDG said past implosions at similar stages in past seasons give us the the hebbie jibbies!

But I still think we are up to it and I hope the better mental strengh shown does not desert any more than it has last few games

Utd in town next, max points to be had. . , an optimist I am

[dazthegooner]

We usually do play better against the better side when we played them at Old trafford a lesser team would have beaten us 12-2 ;)

[Fist of Lehmann]

tis exactly that.No quotes, no substantiation.
Just the assertion of what Wenger is 'ready' to do.

Speculative journalism at it's worst. The Sun is for chumps.

[Cripps_orig]

No quotes, no substantiation.
Just the assertion of what Wenger is 'ready' to do.

Speculative journalism at it's worst. The Sun is for chumps.Tbf, past experiences suggest Wenger will do f all

[selassie]

Not sure of the validity of these quotes, they are from Giles Grimandi, former player, our leading scout....apparently he said this...

I got it off a post on the Other board.


"There's very few top players available in the market today, and if they're available they're very expensive for us."
"There's no urgency for us to buy players. There's serenity at the club and we're confident we'll finish in top 4."

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Not sure of the validity of these quotes, they are from Giles Grimandi, former player, our leading scout....apparently he said this...

So what he is saying is the board has Budget for top 4 that was their aim this season, and we won't spend incase we miss out on it.

True no point singing players who will want to play in the cl when were not win it.

[selassie]

So what he is saying is the board has Budget for top 4 that was their aim this season, and we won't spend incase we miss out on it.

True no point singing players who will want to play in the cl when were not win it.

Or you could look at it the other way and say if we sign quality to achieve our goal of top 4 and to win something, I mean surely the board & the manager want to win things don't they? :unsure:

It makes me feel very uncomfortable reading these quotes and the ones from PHW about not qualifying for top 4 not being a disaster. It's defeatist...

[Cripps_orig]

Seems like we have our new manager

[selassie]

Seems like we have our new manager

:d

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Or you could look at it the other way and say if we sign quality to achieve our goal of top 4 and to win something, I mean surely the board & the manager want to win things don't they? :unsure:

It makes me feel very uncomfortable reading these quotes and the ones from PHW about not qualifying for top 4 not being a disaster. It's defeatist...

IMO the board have written this season off, well in the league anyway, their aim is 4th and even though they say its not a big deal it really is. maybe not for the money but to keep the big players and even add more.

like Ach said we don't sign players in this window then were not getting top 4 simple as. Chavs are spending and like cripps said we are not catching spuds and pool might do something too.

this lot will collapse soon if we don't invest.l

[Fats]

Who has conned who?

Has Wenger been talking bollox about doing things the right way, not spending big, City cant be beaten with unlimited resorce.

Or have the board been giving it the, stadium still needs to be paid for, wages getting bigger.

Has anyone got a bullshit filter.

[SayNoMore]

Who has conned who?

Has Wenger been talking bollox about doing things the right way, not spending big, City cant be beaten with unlimited resorce.

Or have the board been giving it the, stadium still needs to be paid for, wages getting bigger.

Has anyone got a bullshit filter.
Well its the boards job to maximise shareholder wealth. Its Wengers job to manage the TEAM. If the board were not allowing Wenger to fufill this requirement and are not recuiting new players, Wenger has every right and in fact an obligation to ask for more money. If he has and the board refused he should walk or issue an ultimatium. He has earnt the right to do so, he would get the fans on his side and thats it. The fact he doesnt, and preaches about not spending big etc etc is the biggest evidence that he either refuses to spend money. If the board offered money and and wenger doesnt spend which is the most likely situation, then its wengers fault. If they are skint which is not the case, considering out profit weve made from selling our star players even with a brand new spanking stadium we should still be spending more.

Im sure that the money we have will be spent after we fail to achieve forth. Its just dissapointing at the percieved lack of ambition coming from Arsenal. Rather than preventing the disaster we are just watching the decline. Choosing to paper over the cracks. Once we finish out of the top four players our reputation will plummit even further, and we've made it ridiculously hard for ourselves. The board are money grabbing cunts, but any shareholder will primarily look to maximise their wealth. How can you blame them? But why has Wenger not done anything?

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Well its the boards job to maximise shareholder wealth. Its Wengers job to manage the TEAM. If the board were not allowing Wenger to fufill this requirement and are not recuiting new players, Wenger has every right and in fact an obligation to ask for more money. If he has and the board refused he should walk or issue an ultimatium. He has earnt the right to do so, he would get the fans on his side and thats it. The fact he doesnt, and preaches about not spending big etc etc is the biggest evidence that he either refuses to spend money. If the board offered money and and wenger doesnt spend which is the most likely situation, then its wengers fault. If they are skint which is not the case, considering out profit weve made from selling our star players even with a brand new spanking stadium we should still be spending more.

Im sure that the money we have will be spent after we fail to achieve forth. Its just dissapointing at the percieved lack of ambition coming from Arsenal. Rather than preventing the disaster we are just watching the decline. Choosing to paper over the cracks. Once we finish out of the top four players our reputation will plummit even further, and we've made it ridiculously hard for ourselves. The board are money grabbing cunts, but any shareholder will primarily look to maximise their wealth. How can you blame them? But why has Wenger not done anything?

Thats the Million dolla question, Im guessing he is on both sides of the fence and does not know which side to join. He can't go against the people who pay his wages and let the club to been seen as fighting, not good for the image.

But he does not want to upset the fans either, personally i don't think he give two fecks about how the fans feel about him, but wants them onside.

The reason i was happy with the summer signings is because i thought he strenghen with better players in Jan. He seems to not be doing that which to me says he is waiting to see if he get in the cl before splashing the clash again.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to make an £18m offer for Newcastle United striker Demba Ba.
Full story: caughtoffside.com


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been dealt a major blow ahead of Sunday's crunch clash with Manchester United, with Thierry Henry rated as 'doubtful'.
Full story: Metro

Former Arsenal midfielder Aleksandr Hleb admits he wasted his career after leaving the Emirates.
Full story: talkSPORT


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/gossip_and_transfers/default.stm

[Cripps_orig]

Demba Ba :bow:

Henry wouldnt have played anyway

Hleb :rose:

[Master Splinter]

Ba :bow: Must Get.

Kleb :haha:.

Whose bench is he assisting the assister of the water bottles from now?

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Who has conned who?

Has Wenger been talking bollox about doing things the right way, not spending big, City cant be beaten with unlimited resorce.

Or have the board been giving it the, stadium still needs to be paid for, wages getting bigger.

Has anyone got a bullshit filter.


Who has conned who?

Has Wenger been talking bollox about doing things the right way, not spending big

In all honesty when has 'not spending' been the right thing

Since the beginning of time it has been agreed that for a team to get better than an invesrment in new players is required unless you have the kind of youth academy that churns talent out left right and centre, and even then those youth players need to be sirrounded by experience.

What does the board or Wenger (I blame both) not see in this simple equation. Is it because they want to hoard the money, dont they see that with every season of mediocrity our marketability diminishes! that our attractiveness/brand image goes down thus we lose and fail to attract players.

Sure keep control of the purse strings, run a tight ship but dont let that fail to allow you to see the wood for the trees.
We seem to be going in a vicious circle, what it will be next is a few stalwart GWs bitching in the summer about how we need to buy in because we didnt in January, the whole idea about waiting till now was because we thought we could get the likes of Cahill (not needed) on the cheap, the sales pitch now is that we need to wait till the summer for people to be out of contract.

How much more do we have to take, I am in a minority perhaps when I say I think that we have improved, are more balanced and mentally tougher but in no way are we the finished article in all those departments. . .even though we have been blighted with injuries the loss of Jack for two thirds of the season we do need to invest. If a Poldoski or Ba becomes available, buy him. . .of course that same player may be cheaper come the summer or January but if we dont take a risk then we will never know what we could achieve. . .I mean if you dont ask the girl, she isnt going to dance with you. . .I dont have figures but I would say percentage wise theirvour a ton of clubs spending more than us compared to what they used to. . .and for some it is only to survive, we dont have to spend to survive, just to get better and become a force in the PL again.

[Niall_Quinn]

I mean if you dont ask the girl, she isnt going to dance with you

And if you do ask her she isn't going to dance with you either though she might slap you around which is worth at least something.

Hope that helps.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

And if you do ask her she isn't going to dance with you either though she might slap you around which is worth at least something.

Hope that helps.

Which might not be a bad idea when it comes to the board and our beloved Wenger because if there is anyone who is in need of a good slap its those bitches!

[Boss]

Transfer news today...

Fulham will bid 3M for Rosicky (The Express).

Zenit will purchase Arshavin for 8M (Daily Star).

Chamakh will not leave in January and fight for his place. :banghead:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1010249/marouane-chamakh:-i%27ll-stay-and-fight-for-arsenal-place?cc=4716

[KSE Comedy Club]

Transfer news today...

Fulham will bid 3M for Rosicky (The Express).

Zenit will purchase Arshavin for 8M (Daily Star).

Chamakh will not leave in January and fight for his place. :banghead:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1010249/marouane-chamakh:-i%27ll-stay-and-fight-for-arsenal-place?cc=4716

Oh, happy days.

[Master Splinter]

RVP to get injured and Chamakh to lead us to Champions League glory.

[LDG]

RVP to get injured and Chamakh to lead us to Champions League glory.

If he wasn't such a pussy, he'd be a decent player tbh. He's got a lovely touch sometimes (though I know people won't ever agree). But he needs a second striker to play off him. He's useless at trying to create stuff for himself.

[Cripps_orig]

RVP to get injured and Chamakh to lead us to Champions League glory.He holds the record for most consecutive games scored in in the CL i believe.

Big game player. Must Keep

[Marc Overmars]

Drogba off to China to join the same team Anelka has. :lol:

Tevez in talks with PSG. :rolleyes:

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Basically nothing for us. . . dont why Im bothered, I should know by now that we either do sod all, or spring into action after having our arse handed to us by Utd. . .which all MOCs know aint going to happen. . .so nothing it is then. . .

[Niall_Quinn]

Transfer news today...

Fulham will bid 3M for Rosicky (The Express).

Zenit will purchase Arshavin for 8M (Daily Star).

Chamakh will not leave in January and fight for his place. :banghead:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1010249/marouane-chamakh:-i%27ll-stay-and-fight-for-arsenal-place?cc=4716

I hope we're not planning to ditch Arshavin and Rosicky without replacing them. Think how stupidly short we're going to be if either of these leave. They aren't world beaters but at least they ensure we field a full eleven.

As for Chamakh, he shouldn't be allowed to take the piss for one day longer. He can go without replacement because he doesn't play anyway and on the few occasions he's come on he's been invisible. So no loss whatsoever if he goes. But of course we're keeping him. Lunacy.

[Cripps_orig]

Arsene Wenger badly needs reinforcements at centre-forward, full-back and in central midfield, despite the advanced rehabilitations of long-term absentees Jack Wilshere and Bacary Sagna.

But the Frenchman’s famed prudence combined with his faith in the players he has nurtured means the £50 million kitty at his disposal could remain untouched.

Arsenal have made enquiries about the availability of a cluster of players this month, with rumours suggesting a potential move for Koln's Lukas Podolski may be in the offing.

However, the most likely recruit they will add to the capture of on-loan Thierry Henry is a player half the Frenchman’s age - highly rated Southampton left-back Luke Shaw, who is being talked of at St Mary’s in the same breath as another esteemed Academy graduate, Gareth Bale.

Ins: Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls, loan)
Outs: Emmanuel Frimpong (Wolves, loan), Vito Mannone (Hull City, loan)
Targets: Luke Shaw, Nathaniel Clyne, Yann M’Vila, Yoan Gourcuff, Jan Vertonghen
Possible departures: Manuel Almunia, Marouane Chamakh, Tomas Rosicky, Ryo Miyaichi (loan), Theo Walcott

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/01/19/2850214/january-transfer-window-mid-term-report-who-is-coming-who-is

yay

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Just sign anybody, Akeibiyi if needs be. I find it really odd that the one time there isn't really much activity going on that we don't attempt to buy players. Not sure where Goal plucked £50 million from though.

[Cripps_orig]

Money we got from Nasri and Cesc i assume

[Marc Overmars]

Same tentative shite we see every transfer window. Don't know why I bother getting my hopes up really.

[Boss]

Thought for sure we'd splurge given that 4th place is in danger (like we did last time with Arshavin and then before that with Ade/Theo/Diaby) but doesn't even look like that will happen :doh:

Assume that Wenger & the board are uncertain that we'll get 4th no matter who we sign and so have decided to sign no one and save that money for next season. :banghead:

[Olivier's xmas twist]

I hope we're not planning to ditch Arshavin and Rosicky without replacing them. Think how stupidly short we're going to be if either of these leave. They aren't world beaters but at least they ensure we field a full eleven.

As for Chamakh, he shouldn't be allowed to take the piss for one day longer. He can go without replacement because he doesn't play anyway and on the few occasions he's come on he's been invisible. So no loss whatsoever if he goes. But of course we're keeping him. Lunacy.

why would he want to leave when he is on good wages all that matters to him, no point going back to france where he will be paid peanuts

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Thought for sure we'd splurge given that 4th place is in danger (like we did last time with Arshavin and then before that with Ade/Theo/Diaby) but doesn't even look like that will happen :doh:

Assume that Wenger & the board are uncertain that we'll get 4th no matter who we sign and so have decided to sign no one and save that money for next season. :banghead:

Yep thats seems to be it, no point spending big if al those players will want to leave in months when we don't make 4th. AW knows we won't and the board do too hence the rubbish about us being ok not being in the cl.

we don't even seem to have ambition to finsish 4th.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Serie A outfit Lazio claim they have no plans to make a move for Arsenal playmaker Andrey Arshavin during the January transfer window.

The Italian title hopefuls admit they would welcome the addition of such a quality player to their ranks, but feel there is little chance of them being able to do so.

As a result, they have moved to play down speculation suggesting an approach is imminent.

Arshavin is no longer considered to be a key figure at Arsenal, having struggled for consistency, but the Gunners would be reluctant to part with an experienced performer mid-season.

Never spoken
Lazio accept as much and insist they have made no attempt to open negotiations for the Russia international.

"Arshavin is a great player and I think everyone would like to have him in their squad," sporting director Igil Tare told calcionews24.com.

"But I don't think there is any chance of seeing him in a Lazio shirt.

"There are a number of reasons why it would be difficult. First of all, we have never spoken with Arsenal and secondly, perhaps more importantly, I don't think the Gunners would want to part with a top player.

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/7441722/Lazio-rule-out-Arshavin-move

[Niall_Quinn]

Papers are full of this Chamakh guy vowing to stay. This is worse than our continuing failure to sign the players we need. We're not even linked with players these days, never mind in serious talks. Wenger has said nobody is coming in. The board is silent. We are one RvP injury away from being unable to score and the potential plunge down the table that would provoke. But we're keeping the disastrous Chamakh, the one player who most conclusively fails to provide us with what we need most urgently, a goal scorer.

This is negligence surely?

We have Wilshere, Sagna, Vermaelen, Santos, Gibbs and Diaby to come back. Gibbs and Diaby for sure and probably Vermaelen will be injured again shortly after their return, if trends continue to hold up. It'll be great to have Jack back but how long will it take him to get back to the level he was performing at before exhaustion set in last year? It'll be good to get Sagna and Santos back too. But which of them is going to score the goals we need?

What goes on behind the scenes that somehow convinces Wenger and the board we don't need a striker? I can't think of a single aspect of our season so far they could be latching onto to justify their inaction. Can anyone explain it?

It's literally unbelievable. Almost as if the aim is to slide down the table.

Less than a couple of weeks to go to act to save our season. And by save the season I don't mean grabbing 4th, I mean avoiding a slide to mid-table. If the executives at the club don't take steps within this time it would be right and proper for them all (that's all of them) to resign. And if Kroenke can't be bothered to run this club properly then he should hand over to Usmanov who is chomping at the bit to get involved. Yes he's a criminal, like Abramovich and the Arabs in Manchester, but he's the only viable option. Because wilful negligence on the part of the current crowd could not be tolerated, surely? The debate used to be who is most fit to run the club, the American or the Russian. Well if the American proves himself 100% unfit to do the job then there's only one option left, regardless of how unsavoury that option might be.

What the fuck is going on at this club?

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Papers are full of this Chamakh guy vowing to stay. This is worse than our continuing failure to sign the players we need. We're not even linked with players these days, never mind in serious talks. Wenger has said nobody is coming in. The board is silent. We are one RvP injury away from being unable to score and the potential plunge down the table that would provoke. But we're keeping the disastrous Chamakh, the one player who most conclusively fails to provide us with what we need most urgently, a goal scorer.

This is negligence surely?

We have Wilshere, Sagna, Vermaelen, Santos, Gibbs and Diaby to come back. Gibbs and Diaby for sure and probably Vermaelen will be injured again shortly after their return, if trends continue to hold up. It'll be great to have Jack back but how long will it take him to get back to the level he was performing at before exhaustion set in last year? It'll be good to get Sagna and Santos back too. But which of them is going to score the goals we need?

What goes on behind the scenes that somehow convinces Wenger and the board we don't need a striker? I can't think of a single aspect of our season so far they could be latching onto to justify their inaction. Can anyone explain it?

It's literally unbelievable. Almost as if the aim is to slide down the table.

Less than a couple of weeks to go to act to save our season. And by save the season I don't mean grabbing 4th, I mean avoiding a slide to mid-table. If the executives at the club don't take steps within this time it would be right and proper for them all (that's all of them) to resign. And if Kroenke can't be bothered to run this club properly then he should hand over to Usmanov who is chomping at the bit to get involved. Yes he's a criminal, like Abramovich and the Arabs in Manchester, but he's the only viable option. Because wilful negligence on the part of the current crowd could not be tolerated, surely? The debate used to be who is most fit to run the club, the American or the Russian. Well if the American proves himself 100% unfit to do the job then there's only one option left, regardless of how unsavoury that option might be.

What the fuck is going on at this club?

Arsene knows