Luiz Gustavo Thread

[Marc Overmars]

What?

:whistle:

[Ollie the Optimist]

well we know who to blame when this one fails

[GP]

He's coming home!

Twice the player Fellaini is at half the price.

Wenger :bow:

[Marc Overmars]

well we know who to blame when this one fails

He'll sign this week, I have it on good authority.

[GP]

He'll sign this week, I have it on good authority.

Twitter :bow:

[Cripps_orig]

He'll sign this week, I have it on good authority.

Raphael whatever :bow:

Would prefer Fellaini as he's a far better player and PL proven but if this means the end of Arteta then I'm all for it

[Joker]

This would actually be a very good signing, and the sort of player we should be getting.

[Harland]

Gustavo Arteta
Walcott Wilshere Cazorla
Suarez

Ramsey, Chamberlain, Podolski, Giroud with a very strong bench.

Of course, that's too good for Wenger so that will never happen.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

well we know who to blame when this one fails
Rodgers?

[Harland]

Rodgers?

hey CIB all boards have its fair share of idiots, but why are there so many at RAWK?

[Özim]

Raphael whatever :bow:

Would prefer Fellaini as he's a far better player and PL proven but if this means the end of Arteta then I'm all for it

Pretty much, beggars can't be choosers though and like you said he's got to be better than Arteta in that position, even if he's not as good as Fellaini (could have signed Moutinho though earlier in the summer, would have been good too).

[Ollie the Optimist]

Fellaini is not a DM. Gustavo is. and a good one at that. he would be the better signing

[Cripps_orig]

Who should I believe?

Fellaini himself who says he prefers playing DM or a 13 year old

It's a tough decision

[Özim]

Fellaini would be perfect for DM, big, tough, premier league toughened, good in the air. A dream DM.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

hey CIB all boards have its fair share of idiots, but why are there so many at RAWK?

No idea. Something in the water maybe. Even other Liverpool fans view it as as an asylum though...

[Cripps_orig]

Fellaini would be perfect for DM, big, tough, premier league toughened, good in the air. A dream DM.

Can help out in either box as well in set pieces.

Quality player.

Not seen much of Gustavo but he's looked ok from what I've seen

[Ollie the Optimist]

Fellaini would be perfect for DM, big, tough, premier league toughened, good in the air. A dream DM.

after having a quick google search, it seems he spent most of his time playing as an attacking midfielder. even a second striker for a period of time. so you want somoene who doenst play as a defensive midfielder, over someone who is a defensive midfielder, to play defensive midfielder. right

[Özim]

Can help out in either box as well in set pieces.

Quality player.

Not seen much of Gustavo but he's looked ok from what I've seen
Yeah totally agree, very good player indeed.

As for Gustavo no me neither, he'll have to do if we don't sign anyone else. Fellaini should have been our priority though.

[Özim]

after having a quick google search, it seems he spent most of his time playing as an attacking midfielder. even a second striker for a period of time. so you want somoene who doenst play as a defensive midfielder, over someone who is a defensive midfielder, to play defensive midfielder. right

He has all the attributes to play as DM and as Cripps said he thinks that his best position as well. In this case yes, I've seen how good this guy is and would love him at the club.

[Cripps_orig]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11671/8298821/evertons-marouane-fellaini-would-prefer-to-play-as-a-defensive-midfielder

[Cripps_orig]

Yeah totally agree, very good player indeed.

As for Gustavo no me neither, he'll have to do if we don't sign anyone else. Fellaini should have been our priority though.

He's also a bit of a cunt. Head butting players etc....don't think he'd fit in to the image our club has.

[Marc Overmars]

I reckon Fellaini will probably go to United, Moyes needs to sign someone and I think he'll use his go-to option.

[Özim]

He's also a bit of a cunt. Head butting players etc....don't think he'd fit in to the image our club has.

As long as he's not a mercenary, doesn't bite people or abuse people racially, I'm OK with that.

[Özim]

I reckon Fellaini will probably go to United, Moyes needs to sign someone and I think he'll use his go-to option.

Probably, he knows him well and let's face it Man U are a more successful club than us and could do with a big signing too.

[Ollie the Optimist]

he might have all the attributes to be a DM and wants to play there, but managers have played him elsewhere for a reason. moyes is a defensive manager yet put him up top instead of at DM.

why not just sign a proper DM. just because you are big and strong doesnt mean you will be a great DM. song was big and strong and he was shit. we need a DM who is tatically aware, like Gilberto. who can read the game, make interceptions, not just use brute strength. Gustavo does that better and would be a better signing

[Cripps_orig]

As long as he's not a mercenary, doesn't bite people or abuse people racially, I'm OK with that.

Get both in tbh.

Lets become the club everyone hates once more and win it all.

[Ollie the Optimist]

Probably, he knows him well and let's face it Man U are a more successful club than us and could do with a big signing too.

when you have spent all summer publically and embarrasingly chasing fabregas, and being rejected by, and chasing thiago, and being rejected by him. Fellaini is not a big signing.

[Harland]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11671/8298821/evertons-marouane-fellaini-would-prefer-to-play-as-a-defensive-midfielder

tbf Walcott prefers to play 'down the middle' but he's not very good at it is he.

[Harland]

Get both in tbh.

Lets become the club everyone hates once more and win it all.

:goodpost:

[Cripps_orig]

tbf Walcott prefers to play 'down the middle' but he's not very good at it is he.

He was last season.

[Özim]

he might have all the attributes to be a DM and wants to play there, but managers have played him elsewhere for a reason. moyes is a defensive manager yet put him up top instead of at DM.

why not just sign a proper DM. just because you are big and strong doesnt mean you will be a great DM. song was big and strong and he was shit. we need a DM who is tatically aware, like Gilberto. who can read the game, make interceptions, not just use brute strength. Gustavo does that better and would be a better signing

Wenger plays players out of position all the time, they're usually sh*t in other positions as well. Just happens this guy is good in other positions as well, makes him even more handy.

Why not indeed, Moutinho and Toualan were available earlier in the summer, but we just sat there and watched observing the waiting period. Song was sh*t yes, but then he's not a very good player, there's others who are better than him.

As I said before Gustavo wouldn't have been my 1st choice, might be my 6th choice or something....but like I said beggars can't be choosers.

[Özim]

when you have spent all summer publically and embarrasingly chasing fabregas, and being rejected by, and chasing thiago, and being rejected by him. Fellaini is not a big signing.

He's a big signing as he's quality and proven in the PL, they were never going to get Cesc that was clear, Thiago just followed his old manager...but then Moyes isn't used to this signings lark, he probably a bit like Wenger, he's never really spent money before, mostly sold his best players. Thus far it shows.

[Özim]

Get both in tbh.

Lets become the club everyone hates once more and win it all.

I don't mind people hating us, I just don't want players deciding they've had enough after a year or two because we know our club never adequately replaces our quality players.

[Ollie the Optimist]

He's a big signing as he's quality and proven in the PL, they were never going to get Cesc that was clear, Thiago just followed his old manager...but then Moyes isn't used to this signings lark, he probably a bit like Wenger, he's never really spent money before, mostly sold his best players. Thus far it shows.

lets put it this way, we spent all summer going after suarez, whoever we sign instead of him will be seen as a step down and a failure to land the big target. thats teh same it will be for fellaini and united.


and you have to ask, if he isso great, why is moyes not sighing him? why has he spent all summer trying to sign other players. united dont have DM, they need one, yet hes ignoring fellaini

[Özim]

lets put it this way, we spent all summer going after suarez, whoever we sign instead of him will be seen as a step down and a failure to land the big target. thats teh same it will be for fellaini and united.


and you have to ask, if he isso great, why is moyes not sighing him? why has he spent all summer trying to sign other players. united dont have DM, they need one, yet hes ignoring fellaini

Suarez was always doomed to failure, he was never coming it was a pipedream. If we signed Fellaini I'd be happy, would like to see 2-3 more in though.

I don't know what's going on behind the scenes, maybe he has bid for him and it was turned down thus far, maybe he doesn't think he needs a physical midfielder, his targets so far suggest as much, we do.

[Ollie the Optimist]

Suarez was always doomed to failure, he was never coming it was a pipedream. If we signed Fellaini I'd be happy, would like to see 2-3 more in though.

I don't know what's going on behind the scenes, maybe he has bid for him and it was turned down thus far, maybe he doesn't think he needs a physical midfielder, his targets so far suggest as much, we do.

fellaini had a release clause for champions league clubs, no one looked at him. there has to be a reason why. anyway IMO we need a technical DM who can understand tatics, understand the game and read it, like gilberto, rather then some physical player. Gustavo suits taht much more then Fellaini. instead of getting someone who wants to play as DM but hasnt play there, lets sign a DM who actually specialises in taht posistion.

[Özim]

fellaini had a release clause for champions league clubs, no one looked at him. there has to be a reason why. anyway IMO we need a technical DM who can understand tatics, understand the game and read it, like gilberto, rather then some physical player. Gustavo suits taht much more then Fellaini. instead of getting someone who wants to play as DM but hasnt play there, lets sign a DM who actually specialises in taht posistion.

Who knows, noone has looked at Suarez either apart from us, is there a reason for that too?

I disagree, it's time we went back to the days when we had the Vieira's and Petit's, tough uncompromising midfielders who intimidated the opposition.

[Harland]

Suarez was always doomed to failure, he was never coming it was a pipedream. If we signed Fellaini I'd be happy, would like to see 2-3 more in though.

I don't know what's going on behind the scenes, maybe he has bid for him and it was turned down thus far, maybe he doesn't think he needs a physical midfielder, his targets so far suggest as much, we do.

how is Gustavo not a physical midfielder?

[Harland]

fellaini had a release clause for champions league clubs, no one looked at him. there has to be a reason why. anyway IMO we need a technical DM who can understand tatics, understand the game and read it, like gilberto, rather then some physical player. Gustavo suits taht much more then Fellaini. instead of getting someone who wants to play as DM but hasnt play there, lets sign a DM who actually specialises in taht posistion.

AYO OLLIE whats your twitter handle btw

[Ollie the Optimist]

Who knows, noone has looked at Suarez either apart from us, is there a reason for that too?

I disagree, it's time we went back to the days when we had the Vieira's and Petit's, tough uncompromising midfielders who intimidated the opposition.

yes money :good:

viera wasnt a DM though. he was a bloody good midfielder but not a DM. he always ahd someone behind him. Gilberto, parlour etc

[Özim]

how is Gustavo not a physical midfielder?

I don't know much about him, just saying we need a physical midfielder, Ollie said he wants a technical one. Gustavo wouldn't be my 1st choice though.

[Özim]

yes money :good:

viera wasnt a DM though. he was a bloody good midfielder but not a DM. he always ahd someone behind him. Gilberto, parlour etc
Monaco and PSG had money, Man City have money, Real and Barca have money.

Yes I know that's why I included Petit in that, the point was Vieira was a physical player.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

http://www.bayernforum.com/personnel-f8/luiz-gustavo-t6099.html

FC Hollywood thread about him. Haven't read through it yet personally.

[Cripps_orig]

Just read the first couple of posts. Can apparently play left back.

That's why we got him

[Özim]

Read a bit they seem to rate him, but I don't know if it's because they are just biased Bayern fans. Seems to be one of those boring forums where every poster has the same opinion and basically agrees with each other....like watching paint dry to be honest.

[Harland]

http://www.bayernforum.com/personnel-f8/luiz-gustavo-t6099.html

FC Hollywood thread about him. Haven't read through it yet personally.

Read the last few pages.... seems like noone wants him to go!

[Cripps_orig]

Read a bit they seem to rate him, but I don't know if it's because they are just biased Bayern fans. Seems to be one of those boring forums where every poster has the same opinion and basically agrees with each other....like watching paint dry to be honest.

It's no GW that's for sure

[McNamara That Ghost...]

They probably don't tolerate WUMs like we do.

[Özim]

It's no GW that's for sure
I'll suggest that a few people move over there when we're having a debate and they don't like people disagreeing with them. I'll let them know that over there everyone agrees.

[Cripps_orig]

Probably why it seems so lifeless and dull.

A bit of WUMming builds character

[Özim]

They probably don't tolerate WUMs like we do.
If that's what forums are like without WUM's, I say bring on the WUM's.

It goes a bit like this:


Poster 0: Do you like milk?


Poster 1: Yes

Poster 2: Yes it's delicious

Poster 3: I love it it's my favourite drink

Poster 4: It's the best drink it the world

Poster 5: I like that it's white

Poster 1: Yes I love white

Poster 2: Yes isn't it a great colour

Poster 5: :D Milk is great

Poster: I agree, it's the greatest :)
etc etc

[Harland]

I'll suggest that a few people move over there when we're having a debate and they don't like people disagreeing with them. I'll let them know that over there everyone agrees.

Come on you can't dismiss Gustavo as being better than you thought by a forum of 'Yes Men'. If we went and got Fellaini and Chelsea gets Gustavo you'd probably be moaning about the situation.

After all, Gustavo is only a player that's from Bayern and Fellaini is from mighty Everton.

[Niall_Quinn]

If that's what forums are like without WUM's, I say bring on the WUM's.

It goes a bit like this:

Nazis in other words. Figures.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

If that's what forums are like without WUM's, I say bring on the WUM's.

It goes a bit like this:

Poster 0: Do you like milk?

Poster 1: Yes

Poster 2: Yes it's delicious

Poster 3: I love it it's my favourite drink

Poster 4: It's the best drink it the world

Poster 5: I like that it's white

Poster 1: Yes I love white

Poster 2: Yes isn't it a great colour

Poster 5: :D Milk is great

Poster: I agree, it's the greatest :)
etc etc

You'd have to be quite creative to criticise milk tbf.

[Niall_Quinn]

You'd have to be quite creative to criticise milk tbf.

Milk is shit.

[Özim]

Come on you can't dismiss Gustavo as being better than you thought by a forum of 'Yes Men'. If we went and got Fellaini and Chelsea gets Gustavo you'd probably be moaning about the situation.

After all, Gustavo is only a player that's from Bayern and Fellaini is from mighty Everton.


I'm not I'm just saying that forum is so boring :lol: Because noone seems to have alternative opinions, you can't really form a proper opinion.

I'd rather have Fellaini, but don't know much about Gustavo, we'll see what he's like if we sign him I guess (doesn't look like we're anywhere close anyway).

[Cripps_orig]

See that kind of argument, player x plays for a big club and player y plays for a small club so X must be better is as pointless as the no clubs are interested in player Z so he must be shit one

Plenty of shit players have played for big clubs.

I'm not saying Gustavo is shit. I've already said I'd want him here but to say he's better than Fellaini just cos hes played for Bayern isn't right.

[Harland]

http://www.bayernforum.com/personnel-f8/luiz-gustavo-t6099.html

FC Hollywood thread about him. Haven't read through it yet personally.

Right on cue the site goes down, anyway there was a poster or 2 who was questioning whether Martinez is better than Gustavo. They weren't all just saying 'keep him, he's a good squad player'.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Milk is shit.

Me. :lol:

[Özim]

You'd have to be quite creative to criticise milk tbf.

Not if you ever had those glass bottles of milk delivered by the milkman, that stuff smelt like it had come out of cows arse tbh.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Not if you ever had those glass bottles of milk delivered by the milkman, that stuff smelt like it had come out of cows arse tbh.

It's very close to coming out of a cows arse I suppose really.

[Özim]

Right on cue the site goes down, anyway there was a poster or 2 who was questioning whether Martinez is better than Gustavo. They weren't all just saying 'keep him, he's a good squad player'.

They were saying the Bayern hierarchy prefer Martinez but he only got in because Gustavo got injured.

[Harland]

See that kind of argument, player x plays for a big club and player y plays for a small club so X must be better is as pointless as the no clubs are interested in player Z so he must be shit one

Plenty of shit players have played for big clubs.

I'm not saying Gustavo is shit. I've already said I'd want him here but to say he's better than Fellaini just cos hes played for Bayern isn't right.

Of course that's not right, but that'd probably be the crux of Zimm's argument if we were after Fellaini and Chelsea were after Gustavo.

It is also kind of weird, most United fans I know do not want Fellaini and are upset at being linked to him.

[Özim]

It's very close to coming out of a cows arse I suppose really.

Yeah but you don't want it to smell like it.

[Özim]

Of course that's not right, but that'd probably be the crux of Zimm's argument if we were after Fellaini and Chelsea were after Gustavo.

It is also kind of weird, most United fans I know do not want Fellaini and are upset at being linked to him.

Have you developed mind reading skills?

F*ck me you're more talented than I thought.

Seriously though, no I've always rated Fellaini, he's a monster of a player, Wenger doesn't seem to sign any of the players I want him to sign though, maybe that's why we never win?

[Cripps_orig]

GW at its best today :bow:

[Ollie the Optimist]

if reports are true and he is only going to cost 14 million, then thats a bargain. given some of the stupid prices we see in football these days, to get a player like taht for 14 million is brilliant. cazorla level

[Niall_Quinn]

Of course that's not right, but that'd probably be the crux of Zimm's argument if we were after Fellaini and Chelsea were after Gustavo.

It is also kind of weird, most United fans I know do not want Fellaini and are upset at being linked to him.

Probably view it as the thin end of the Moyes wedge. Anichebe to follow and a nice new gameplan of lumping it 60 yards and hoping the averages play out.

[Harland]

Have you developed mind reading skills?

F*ck me you're more talented than I thought.

I know right! You can find me in random carnivals that pop out in touristy areas, can't guarantee that I'll be there for long though!

[Cripps_orig]

Of course that's not right, but that'd probably be the crux of Zimm's argument if we were after Fellaini and Chelsea were after Gustavo.

It is also kind of weird, most United fans I know do not want Fellaini and are upset at being linked to him.more fool them.

He's better than anyone they have in their squad and better than anyone they have been linked to

[Niall_Quinn]

more fool them.

He's better than anyone they have in their squad and better than anyone they have been linked to

Good post, apart from the bits that aren't true. Which is all of them.

[Cripps_orig]

Good post, apart from the bits that aren't true. Which is all of them.

By anyone in their squad, I meant midfielders

[Özim]

I forgot to say this poster:


Poster 6: I like milk I do

He's Welsh.

[Munchies]

Cardiff bought some pubber the other day for £11m

14 for Gus is a bargain

[Özim]

if reports are true and he is only going to cost 14 million, then thats a bargain. given some of the stupid prices we see in football these days, to get a player like taht for 14 million is brilliant. cazorla level
You know how it is with these reports.

They're always true.

Reports :bow:

[Ollie the Optimist]

Cardiff bought some pubber the other day for £11m

hes now gone to spurs instead hasnt he?

[Niall_Quinn]

Cardiff bought some pubber the other day for £11m

14 for Gus is a bargain

Excellent! That's exactly what I needed to know.

[Özim]

I know right! You can find me in random carnivals that pop out in touristy areas, can't guarantee that I'll be there for long though!

Fantastic, man you've got a special talent there, you could be making some big bucks, I'll put you in touch with Suarez's agent he'll get more money out of your clients with his clauses.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

If that's what forums are like without WUM's, I say bring on the WUM's.

It goes a bit like this:
I have to say, I'm loving that conversation.

I think I'll get myself some milk.

[Niall_Quinn]

Fantastic, man you've got a special talent there, you could be making some big bucks, I'll put you in touch with Suarez's agent he'll get more money out of your clients with his clauses.

He can't read my mind because I have a special hat.

[Özim]

He can't read my mind because I have a special hat.
On your head?

[BlindFaith_8]

Big deal, we sign some 2nd rate Bayern Munich brazilian for a next to nothing and we have reason to be excited? Please do me a favour Wenger, you might be able to pull the wool over you followers the Wengerrites, but your transfer policy shambles doesnt fool me. Panic buying comes to mind, quick lets try and find some players to appease the fans, what about Gustavo? Yeah he'll do for starters. What kind of a fcuking fool to start rushing around now buying players who cant even get into their own first 11. What an utter **** wenger is, even the spudz run thier transfer policy more effiecient, they sell players when they want to sell at the price they demand, and they buy quality players not just talk trash and put their chests out saying we've got 70 million to spend. Gazdiz + Wenger = Mother Fcukers who should eat shit and die.

[Niall_Quinn]

Big deal, we sign some 2nd rate Bayern Munich brazilian for a next to nothing and we have reason to be excited? Please do me a favour Wenger, you might be able to pull the wool over you followers the Wengerrites, but your transfer policy shambles doesnt fool me. Panic buying comes to mind, quick lets try and find some players to appease the fans, what about Gustavo? Yeah he'll do for starters. What kind of a fcuking fool to start rushing around now buying players who cant even get into their own first 11. What an utter **** wenger is, even the spudz run thier transfer policy more effiecient, they sell players when they want to sell at the price they demand, and the buy players not just talk trash and put their chests out saying we've got 70 million to spend. Gazdiz + Wenger = Mother Fcukers who should eat shit and die.

You take that back or I'll punch you on the nose.

[Ollie the Optimist]

:haha:

[Özim]

I have to say, I'm loving that conversation.

I think I'll get myself some milk.

I doubt it, everyone likes milk.

They're in a waiting period at the moment, there's not much movement as the milk is expensive and there's not much milk around.

[Harland]

:haha:

For real, Ollie, what's your twitter account?

[Harland]

Big deal, we sign some 2nd rate Bayern Munich brazilian for a next to nothing and we have reason to be excited? Please do me a favour Wenger, you might be able to pull the wool over you followers the Wengerrites, but your transfer policy shambles doesnt fool me. Panic buying comes to mind, quick lets try and find some players to appease the fans, what about Gustavo? Yeah he'll do for starters. What kind of a fcuking fool to start rushing around now buying players who cant even get into their own first 11. What an utter **** wenger is, even the spudz run thier transfer policy more effiecient, they sell players when they want to sell at the price they demand, and they buy quality players not just talk trash and put their chests out saying we've got 70 million to spend. Gazdiz + Wenger = Mother Fcukers who should eat shit and die.

Cocaine is a helluva drug

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Cardiff bought some pubber the other day for £11m

14 for Gus is a bargain

You mean Medel? He is another La Liga Grade A Nutter.

[Özim]

Cocaine is a helluva drug

Harland :bow:

Mind reader and sniffer dog.

[Munchies]

You mean Medel? He is another La Liga Grade A Nutter.


Yeah, he's a mad mofo like Pepe

Will get a fair share of red cards I imagine

[Niall_Quinn]

For real, Ollie, what's your twitter account?

https://twitter.com/GeoffArsenal

[McNamara That Ghost...]

:haha:

[Cripps_orig]

Is Geoff the new AFCamden?

[Munchies]

Big deal, we sign some 2nd rate Bayern Munich brazilian for a next to nothing and we have reason to be excited? Please do me a favour Wenger, you might be able to pull the wool over you followers the Wengerrites, but your transfer policy shambles doesnt fool me. Panic buying comes to mind, quick lets try and find some players to appease the fans, what about Gustavo? Yeah he'll do for starters. What kind of a fcuking fool to start rushing around now buying players who cant even get into their own first 11. What an utter **** wenger is, even the spudz run thier transfer policy more effiecient, they sell players when they want to sell at the price they demand, and they buy quality players not just talk trash and put their chests out saying we've got 70 million to spend. Gazdiz + Wenger = Mother Fcukers who should eat shit and die.

Calm down , its only a commercial.

[Niall_Quinn]

Is Geoff the new AFCamden?

Yes but he also shares his personal problems in detail.

[Munchies]

https://twitter.com/GeoffArsenal

:lol: who's WayneGooney then ??

[Ollie the Optimist]

https://twitter.com/GeoffArsenal

:lol: well played

[Niall_Quinn]

:lol: who's WayneGooney then ??

Advertising is not allowed on this forum.

[Boss]

Would prefer Gustavo to Fellaini tbh.

While I quite like Fellaini, I don't think he's good enough to take us to the level we want to be at, nor skilled enough to play in our style of play.

Gustavo was quite brilliant before Martinez got his run and if we can get him for a bargain, perfect.

[AKBapologist]

Ah, another fuckhead creates a thread about a potencial signing and all of a sudden napoli lodge a bid.

Ffs.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

[fakeyank]

Fuckhead = MO :haha:

[selassie]

Big deal, we sign some 2nd rate Bayern Munich brazilian for a next to nothing and we have reason to be excited? Please do me a favour Wenger, you might be able to pull the wool over you followers the Wengerrites, but your transfer policy shambles doesnt fool me. Panic buying comes to mind, quick lets try and find some players to appease the fans, what about Gustavo? Yeah he'll do for starters. What kind of a fcuking fool to start rushing around now buying players who cant even get into their own first 11. What an utter **** wenger is, even the spudz run thier transfer policy more effiecient, they sell players when they want to sell at the price they demand, and they buy quality players not just talk trash and put their chests out saying we've got 70 million to spend. Gazdiz + Wenger = Mother Fcukers who should eat shit and die.

Yeah sure...I agree Wenger & Gazidis are clueless in regards to our player recruitment policy but...Gustavo is actually a very good player IMHO and would be as good a signing as we can expect.

He's not a pubber/2nd rate either, the only reason he lost his place in their team was because Bayern purchased Javi Martinez last summer for a club record fee. Martinez IMHO is not much if at all better than Gustavo, He (Gustavo) was superb for Bayern a few seasons ago. It's a bit like Bayern's situation this season, Bayern picked up both Goetze & Thiago Alacantra, they didn't really need either of them TBH, Kroos was very good for them last season until he got injured and most likely won't get a look in now they have both Goetze & Thiago.

Anyway back onto Gustavo, I hold little confidence that we will get this one completed, I have pretty much zero faith in us to complete the deal..we'll probably dither and haggle and then Chelsea will come along and pick him up.

[LDG]

I'm beginning to really dislike Napoli.

They'e like a dog following us around wherever we go.

Piss off.

:(

[Nayan]

he might have all the attributes to be a DM and wants to play there, but managers have played him elsewhere for a reason. moyes is a defensive manager yet put him up top instead of at DM.

why not just sign a proper DM. just because you are big and strong doesnt mean you will be a great DM. song was big and strong and he was shit. we need a DM who is tatically aware, like Gilberto. who can read the game, make interceptions, not just use brute strength. Gustavo does that better and would be a better signing

when you type, its like a Winston Churchill salute with Elgar playing in the background.
Epic

[Nayan]

Big deal, we sign some 2nd rate Bayern Munich brazilian for a next to nothing and we have reason to be excited? Please do me a favour Wenger, you might be able to pull the wool over you followers the Wengerrites, but your transfer policy shambles doesnt fool me. Panic buying comes to mind, quick lets try and find some players to appease the fans, what about Gustavo? Yeah he'll do for starters. What kind of a fcuking fool to start rushing around now buying players who cant even get into their own first 11. What an utter **** wenger is, even the spudz run thier transfer policy more effiecient, they sell players when they want to sell at the price they demand, and they buy quality players not just talk trash and put their chests out saying we've got 70 million to spend. Gazdiz + Wenger = Mother Fcukers who should eat shit and die.

do you actually know anything about Luiz gustavo to suggest he would be a bad buy? Just wondering ( i dont know anything about him, just for clarity)

[Özim]

do you actually know anything about Luiz gustavo to suggest he would be a bad buy? Just wondering ( i dont know anything about him, just for clarity)

Don't know much about him either to be honest, but I bet if another club were signing him, people would be saying he's a player from an average Brazilian team, who's not a 1st choice at his club and no big clubs are interested or something along those lines (not what I think btw).

Don't mind him here, he's an unknown quantity for me and thus he might be very good (couldn't tell you either way though), the fact I know nothing about him is the only reason I'd prefer one of the other names mentioned whom I'm familiar with.

[Munchies]

Napoli can Fuck off , fat fucking prats

[Munchies]

WayneGooney says Gustavo is in London having a medical :lol:

Full of BS but reassuring right now...

Nothing to worry about then :haha:

[Marc Overmars]

Ah, another fuckhead creates a thread about a potencial signing and all of a sudden napoli lodge a bid.

Ffs.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

Chill man, I got this.

[Penguin]

Would prefer Gustavo to Fellaini tbh.

While I quite like Fellaini, I don't think he's good enough to take us to the level we want to be at, nor skilled enough to play in our style of play.

Gustavo was quite brilliant before Martinez got his run and if we can get him for a bargain, perfect.

I agree about Fellaini, for me he's been massively overrated. Ok he's big and good in the air, but he's clumsy as fuck in the tackle and his defensive positioning and marking leaves a lot to be desired. For me he'd be better suited to being a box to box midfielder rather than the DM in a midfield three. His passing is decent enough, but nothing special. Let's not kid ourselves, he's no Yaya Toure.

[GP]

I have a feeling Fellaini would get shown up at a higher level. Especially considering how much he'd cost.

[LDG]

Agreed.

He creates mayhem up top, as he's so big, and comes from deep....so to speak.

He can be very useful, and clearly has a bit of talent. But he does go missing in games if the team is under pressure. Not saying he can't play in the big games, I'm just saying he isn't good enough (IMO) to run a game when the chips are down.

Like Penguin says. He's no Yaya.....and we need someone more like him/vieira.

That's why gustavo would be a top signing.

[Marc Overmars]

I think Fellaini is pretty good but probably lacks discipline, Gustavo is more of a fit for our team I reckon.

I prefer to watch Fellaini when he's beasting it up front rather than sitting in midfield.

[LDG]

Benitez is just trying to sign anyone Wenger shows an interest in :lol:

Official bid lodged by Napoli accoring to the German newspapers.

[Grebbo]

I think what is clear in this window is if you want to sign a player then you need to overpay both in transfer fees and wages to get your man.

Can anyone see Arsenal doing that? Me neither. It's absolutely what we need to do but I just don't think we'll bring ourselves to do it.

There isn't much top class talent out there, there's a dozen clubs chasing any decent player.

[Özim]

So it's gone from this being almost a done deal to a battle with Napoli for him.

Tomorrow we'll probably have turned our attentions to Yaya Toure.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

So it's gone from this being almost a done deal to a battle with Napoli for him.

Tomorrow we'll probably have turned our attentions to Yaya Toure.

Kicker Magazine says he is going to Wolfsburg and questions whether we are actually interested in him

[Cripps_orig]

So another one bites the dust

Lets move on to our next failed project

[selassie]

I think what is clear in this window is if you want to sign a player then you need to overpay both in transfer fees and wages to get your man.

Can anyone see Arsenal doing that? Me neither. It's absolutely what we need to do but I just don't think we'll bring ourselves to do it.

There isn't much top class talent out there, there's a dozen clubs chasing any decent player.

This.

[Özim]

Wow they promised us a big summer and somehow it's managed to be the worst summer of all, is this the ultimate WUM?

[Cripps_orig]

The lack of respect for Sanogo and fellow pubbers is disgusting on here

[selassie]

Kicker Magazine says he is going to Wolfsburg and questions whether we are actually interested in him

I think we're interested in him, Wenger said as much when asked about him over the weekend. What I think we're doing is our "classic" Arsenal dithering/haggling.

He has a number of clubs interested in him, so if we want him we need to be aggressive in our negotiations.

Apparently there is an ESPN article where he (Gustavo) says EPL is a good league and we play good football...whether that means we are his first choice is anybodies guess. We were Higuain's first choice...but dithered and Napoli came in and bought him.

[Cripps_orig]

Arsenal close in on €20m move for Bayern Munich midfielder Luiz Gustavo

The Gunners will talk to the Brazilian, who is surplus to requirements under Pep Guardiola at the Allianz Arena, in the coming days after having an offer accepted over the weekend

Arsenal have had a €20 million bid accepted by Bayern Munich for midfielder Luiz Gustavo, Goal can reveal. The Brazil international is expected to become the Gunners' club record signing and Arsene Wenger's first senior capture of the summer. Arsenal will step up negotiations with Gustavo's representatives in the coming days as they attempt to thrash out personal terms. The 26-year-old is on international duty this week and Arsenal would need to be given the permission of the Brazil national team to hold direct talks with the player if they are to force through a quick deal. Wenger made his move for Gustavo at the end of last week after Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had admitted that they were willing to listen to offers for him. Gustavo fell behind Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez in the German club's central midfield pecking order last season and told Bayern he wanted to quit in search of regular football. Reports in Germany have suggested that new Bayern boss Pep Guardiola has no plans to utilise Gustavo this season. The Brazilian had been close to joining Wolfsburg but he is believed to be keen to move to a Champions League outfit as he targets a regular starting position ahead of the World Cup in his homeland next year. Goal revealed in February that Arsenal had identified Gustavo as a key midfield target in the summer. Arsenal made an enquiry for Gustavo in the January window but stopped short of making a bid after learning that Bayern were unwilling to sell him in mid-season. The north Londoners have been keen to sign a battle-hardened midfield anchorman since selling Alex Song to Barcelona 12 months ago. Arsenal pulled out of a move for West Ham powerhouse Mohamed Diame in January after failing to be convinced he was better than the options they already had in central midfield, most notably Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Abou Diaby. However, Gustavo's combination of authority and versatility has impressed Wenger and his scouts. The Brazilian is capable of slotting in at centre-back and left-back as well as his favoured deep midfield role. The Brazilian, whose Bayern contract runs until 2015, was an intermittent starter for the European champions last season, although he was out for a month at the end of the season.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/596/exclusive/2013/08/12/4181436/arsenal-close-in-on-20m-move-for-bayern-munich-midfielder

He's coming home

[Ollie the Optimist]

Wow they promised us a big summer and somehow it's managed to be the worst summer of all, is this the ultimate WUM?

have to admit, its quite impressive how the promised such a big summer and are likely to go into the first game of the season having not spent a single quid on players. top wumming

[Niall_Quinn]

I think what is clear in this window is if you want to sign a player then you need to overpay both in transfer fees and wages to get your man.

Can anyone see Arsenal doing that? Me neither. It's absolutely what we need to do but I just don't think we'll bring ourselves to do it.

There isn't much top class talent out there, there's a dozen clubs chasing any decent player.

Makes a lot of sense for other clubs to follow Arsenal around. We do everything to identify the cheap (or as Arsene would say "correctly") priced players. As soon as we express an interest the agent blabs his mouth off. If we insist on making value for money the absolute priority it will always make it ten times harder for us to sign a player. Ten years ago it wouldn't have mattered as much because players would have much rather come to Arsenal than go to mid ranked Italian or Spanish clubs. Now we are no longer top tier and that's going to count against us. We're also chopping down on wages. Selling RvP was an astounding admission we have no ambition as a club and that would have been seen very clearly across the football world. Everything is geared to making it it difficult for ourselves. The last carrot we have is that 4th placed spot that gives us CL football but I wonder if it's as big a draw as some assume? Lots of clubs making it to the CL and the number is set to grow.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Makes a lot of sense for other clubs to follow Arsenal around. We do everything to identify the cheap (or as Arsene would say "correctly") priced players. As soon as we express an interest the agent blabs his mouth off. If we insist on making value for money the absolute priority it will always make it ten times harder for us to sign a player. Ten years ago it wouldn't have mattered as much because players would have much rather come to Arsenal than go to mid ranked Italian or Spanish clubs. Now we are no longer top tier and that's going to count against us. We're also chopping down on wages. Selling RvP was an astounding admission we have no ambition as a club and that would have been seen very clearly across the football world. Everything is geared to making it it difficult for ourselves. The last carrot we have is that 4th placed spot that gives us CL football but I wonder if it's as big a draw as some assume? Lots of clubs making it to the CL and the number is set to grow.

Analogue club in a digital age?

[Master Splinter]

SD club in a HD age.

[Master Splinter]

Mono club in a stereo age.

[Master Splinter]

Betamax club in a HD DVD age.

[LDG]

We still use a modem.

[Özil's Panoramic View]

As a DM, Gustavo > Fellaini.

And he's no slouch either, for those implying that he might lack physical attributes.

Quality player. Really hope we get him.

[GP]

Material girl in a material world

[LDG]

£17.2m bid accepted, so peeps are saying.

I have no idea.

[fakeyank]

:drool:

[Master Splinter]

Peeps@peeps


£17.2m bid accepted.

Fuck yes. :scarf:

[LDG]

:lol:

I really have no idea.

[Marc Overmars]

It does sound like we've had a bid accepted so it's just down to personal terms now.

Then again, same shit was going around for Higuain.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Arsenal:

http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/4/46949/1763605-milliondollarman_thumb_257x320_164103.jpg

[Özim]

:drool:
Sh*t, where is she, I don't see her. Naked pics or GTFO.

[Master Splinter]

Wenget and Gazidick (with hair):

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6tqbg4dkj1qcnueyo1_500.gif


PHW:

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view2/1696880/scrooge-swimming-in-money-o.gif

[Master Splinter]

Naked pics of GTFO.

You want to see naked people getting the fuck out?

Interesting.

[fakeyank]

You want to see naked people getting the fuck out?

Interesting.

:haha:

[LDG]

Magazine club, in an internet age.

[selassie]

Wenget and Gazidick (with hair):

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6tqbg4dkj1qcnueyo1_500.gif


PHW:

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view2/1696880/scrooge-swimming-in-money-o.gif

Brilliant. :haha:

[Ollie the Optimist]

Sky sports saying we've bid 17.2 million for him

[Ollie the Optimist]

BASEL, Switzerland -- Luiz Gustavo has admitted his days with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are numbered amid increasing competition for places in midfield and said he would like to join Arsenal.


PA Photos
Luiz Gustavo has been linked with Arsenal.
The Brazil international, who starred for his country in the recent Confederations Cup, is reported to be a target for the Gunners, who are believed to have tabled a €14 million offer for him.

Speaking in Basel prior to Brazil’s friendly against Switzerland, he said: “My contract with Bayern runs until 2015, but it is very important that I play first-team football to keep getting called up for the national team.

“I am in a delicate situation at Bayern, and this needs sorting out. I have personal and professional reasons to move. I have heard about the Arsenal interest. It’s a big club we’re talking about here, so of course I’d like to play for them.”

Having started only 16 games in the 2012-13 season after the arrival of Javi Martinez, Gustavo faces further competition for a place after the arrival of Thiago Alcantara from coach Pep Guardiola’s former club Barcelona.

While his understudy status did not matter much to Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari -- he started every match in the Confederations Cup -- he knows a lack of first-team appearances could jeopardise his place in the World Cup squad.

“You have to earn a Brazil call-up every week, and one can’t simply think past glories will guarantee a place,” he said.

“There are still a couple of weeks before the transfer window, but I need to keep working. He [Guardiola] has not spoken to me specifically about my situation but personally and professionally there are questions I need to address.”

Gustavo has also interested 2009 Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg, but indicated that he would be keener on a move to North London.

“Arsenal play a very attractive brand of football and are in the Champions League,” he added. “They also have a very clever manager in Arsene Wenger. Even when Bayern beat them in the last Champions League, you could see they are not pushovers.”

His Bayern colleague Dante, also called up for the Switzerland friendly, said he hoped the situation would soon be resolved. “Luiz is having a tough moment, and I hope things gets sorted out for him pretty soon,” he added. “He’s a friend but also a great player.”



thats from ESPN. ive also bolded the part wenger because it shows that players still rate him. he can draw players to play for him still. but he sounds keen to join us if we make an offer. sky saying we bid 17 million earlier. hopefully we can wrap this up ASAP

[fakeyank]

thats from ESPN. ive also bolded the part wenger because it shows that players still rate him. he can draw players to play for him still. but he sounds keen to join us if we make an offer. sky saying we bid 17 million earlier. hopefully we can wrap this up ASAP

:pray:

[Cripps_orig]

I don't think anyone thinks Wenger isn't clever. You don't get 7m a year for doing f all if you're not clever

[Niall_Quinn]

Averaging out all the reports it looks like a £14mill/ 17.4 faggy shit euro money bid. Good value given the market insanity. Make it happen Wenger.

[Munchies]

Credit to Wenger for somehow getting us 4th each year with a net spend of fuck all in the last 8 years. Hoping we can push on now with all the money coming in.

Just saw the front page of SSN, Gustavo is on it . Lets get this done.

[Munchies]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNqveekAXSc

[Grebbo]

This is an opinion of Gustavo from a Bayern fan on redcafe:




He started last season on fire and for the first time looked like someone who can actually consistently contribute in the build up and in attack apart from the odd long shot goal. It was all gone when he came back from his injury though, so there's a good chance that those brilliant weeks lead to him being a bit overrated in his overall ability. Our opponents were completely surprised by our pressing, so he had an easier job than the year before. When teams adapted and Schweinsteiger wasn't available, we pretty much sucked. The few times Gustavo and Martinez played together, we were incredibly shit in possession and it was mainly because Gustavo did fuck all contribute in attack (the losses to Bate and Arsenal come to mind). I really, really like Gustavo and in a team that doesn't focus primarily on possession, he'd be brilliant, but he was always a bit of a problem in our style, he was quite expensive but van Gaal rarely played him in midfield, most of the time he started as a left back or centerback. Heynckes' made very good use of him though, mainly because with Kroos he played a third CM in midfield, who dropped deep regularly and helped Schweinsteiger in that area. I doubt we could have produced last season's end of season form after Kroos got injured with Gustavo instead of Martinez in the team.

I don't really understand why some people think he's not good enough in general though. He mainly doesn't fit in Guardiola's approach (which is heavily criticised on here anyway). His vision and his passing are clearly overrated by some of the muppets in this thread, but he's no worse than Sven Bender for Dortmund, for example. The manager needs to decide what role he wants him to play and in which way the team will play against the top teams in the league and in europe (especially against teams with great pressing). He's a brilliant ball winner and his passing is okay when he's given enough time on the ball or when it's enough to play the easy pass to someone who's actually good on the ball, but he will struggle under pressure in a possession game.

Sounds like just what we need tbh. He's not going to set the world alight but if he can tackle and protect the back four then our flair players can do the rest.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

"The Premier League is a great competition. Arsenal have a lot of tradition. I need a team that has space to play," he was reported as saying by ESPN Brasil.

"It's a delicate situation. I'm looking for the best option, the best decision. I am going to have to play, to stay in shape and carry on being called up [for Brazil]."

It's happening.

[Master Splinter]

I was longing for a Bender, but he'll do in the meantime.

Will our third attempt at smashing our transfer record be successful?

If he only costs £14m though, that will be another Wenget transfer special. Litlte bit haggling.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

He's on his way!

[Syn]

Think he could be a good signing. I've read a fee of around £14m...seems a little low. Is his contract up soon?

[Munchies]

Think he could be a good signing. I've read a fee of around £14m...seems a little low. Is his contract up soon?

SSN have it at £17.2m

Under £20m for sure.

[Marc Overmars]

Think he could be a good signing. I've read a fee of around £14m...seems a little low. Is his contract up soon?

The fee is probably a reflection on the fact he's out of favour and Bayern don't need the money as he probably won't need to be replaced. They paid something similar for him as well, so it's just a case of recouping the fee and moving on. Good move for all parties, should it happen of course.

[Özim]

This is an opinion of Gustavo from a Bayern fan on redcafe:



Sounds like just what we need tbh. He's not going to set the world alight but if he can tackle and protect the back four then our flair players can do the rest.

It says he will struggle under pressure in a possession game, isn't that exactly what we've tried to play for about 8 years?

[Özim]

The fee is probably a reflection on the fact he's out of favour and Bayern don't need the money as he probably won't need to be replaced. They paid something similar for him as well, so it's just a case of recouping the fee and moving on. Good move for all parties, should it happen of course.

17.2 million is a reflection of the fact he's not really a high profile big name player. I don't think too many people not that much about him to be honest, just look at how much people know about Bender, Goetze, Martinez, Thiago etc

[Grebbo]

It says he will struggle under pressure in a possession game, isn't that exactly what we've tried to play for about 8 years?

Yeah, best we stick with Arteta.

[Özim]

Yeah, best we stick with Arteta.

You're the one that posted that opinion, I'm just pointing out what it says.

[Cripps_orig]

I'm worried that he will be bought to play alongside Arteta instead of replacing him.

[Grebbo]

You're the one that posted that opinion, I'm just pointing out what it says.

Yeah I know what it says. It says he can't do shit other than tackle and play the simple ball. That's exactly what we need, I can't remember the last time we had a midfielder that could tackle and break up play.

[Cripps_orig]

Yeah I know what it says. It says he can't do shit other than tackle and play the simple ball. That's exactly what we need, I can't remember the last time we had a midfielder that could tackle and break up play.

Gilberto :bow:

How he is missed

[Özim]

Yeah I know what it says. It says he can't do shit other than tackle and play the simple ball. That's exactly what we need, I can't remember the last time we had a midfielder that could tackle and break up play.

The summer of 69.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Yeah I know what it says. It says he can't do shit other than tackle and play the simple ball. That's exactly what we need, I can't remember the last time we had a midfielder that could tackle and break up play.

http://www.arsenalfc-news.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/denilson1.jpg

[Grebbo]

http://www.arsenalfc-news.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/denilson1.jpg

Oh hell no!

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Oh hell no!

http://www.esreality.com/files/inlineimages/2013/95050-1212%20-%20gif%20mark_henry%20wwe.gif

[Marc Overmars]

Ah, I see "Sky Sources" have latched on to Gustavo now.

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/8867137/transfer-news-arsenal-table-bid-for-bayern-munichs-luiz-gustavo

I'm sure their sources are really Twitter freaks.

[GP]

http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ron-swanson-computer-throw-out-parks-and-rec.gif

[Grebbo]

:lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

Days tick by and we're all thinking the same thing, surely, surely, surely they will sign somebody bar the free one-legged postie! Not many days left now though.

[Harland]

Cant wait for this transfer window to shut

[selassie]

According to David Ornstein (BBC) we are interested in the player but have not yet bid.

Classic "Arsene",

"ve are a little bit in ze waiting period, ve vont to drive ze price down and conclude ze deal on deadline day. Ze player is not worth 17.2million, I vill not pay a penny more than 14million for ze player".

He'll join Napoli...because we're dithering as usual.

[Özim]

Cant wait for this transfer window to shut

:goodpost:

Then the transfer torture can end and we can focus on the torture of watching this team play and lose games that matter.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I'm going to disbelieve Ornstein based on sheer weight of numbers from the other side of it, plus it makes me feel better.

[selassie]

I'm going to disbelieve Ornstein based on sheer weight of numbers from the other side of it, plus it makes me feel better.

I would like to too but he's been consistently right about our dealings this summer, in fact he's probably the most credible journo out there in regards to transfers in general IMHO.

Seems like it's heating up everywhere....we want signings, we want signings, we want........

http://arseblog.com/

Little piece from Arsenal Blog....


Gustavo rumours make too much sense to become reality
And the countdown continues.

Still there’s nothing concrete regarding new players, but Bayern Munich’s Luiz Gustavo (Almadovar) has expressed his desire to come and play for us. Speaking at a press conference before Brazil’s game against Switzerland, he said:

I have heard about the Arsenal interest. It’s a big club we’re talking about here so of course I’d like to play for them. Arsenal play a very attractive brand of football and are in the Champions League. They also have a very clever manager in Arsène Wenger.

Well that all sounds a bit promising, doesn’t it? And when you look at the pros and cons of the situation it makes sense:

Pros
- Defensively minded midfielder and we need a midfielder
- Versatile, can fill in at left back and centre-half (areas we’re a bit short in right now)
- 26, plenty of experience
- Has won things so brings that mentality to the club
- Wants to leave Bayern, would be happy to come to us
- Reasonable fee for a player of his stature

Cons
- Not free
- Would cost money
- Would plunge us into a transfer deficit for this summer
- Almost too easy now, where’s the challenge?

All perfectly cromulent, but, to paraphrase Ivan Gazidis talking about the manager, ‘What makes sense to you and I isn’t necessarily what makes sense to Arsene Wenger’. Beyond the newspaper speculation there’s no real suggestion that we’re after him. Apparently Arsene Wenger said something vague in his post Man City press conference, but I remain unconvinced we’re really interested.

Perhaps it’s this summer beating me down, but the idea of us signing a good player from a top club for a reasonable fee seems ludicrous to me. It makes so much sense it has to be a trap of some kind. Not quite too good to be true, but simply so obvious and helpful to us that we would eschew any interest in it because of that.

We’re like footballing hipsters. We want to discover what’s cool ourselves, find it before anyone else does, and if someone tells us about something that’s already cool we’ll tilt our gigantic glasses, twirl our ridiculous, wispy moustache, stand with one hand on the hip of our ridiculously tight, pink three-quarter length sailor pants and say ‘Yeah, but have you got a 16 year old from Ethiopia?’

So, let’s see what happens, but I’m not really sure there’s anything going on here beyond a player answering a question. I suspect, had their been a bid from us, or real interest, his answer would probably have been a bit more guarded, as that is the way Arsenal like to do things. Time will tell, I suppose.

Meanwhile, as the players jet across the planet for various useless, interminable, pointless friendlies, Aaron Ramsey is out of the Wales game against the Republic of Ireland with an ankle injury. Ideally this would be the Welsh manager showing some common sense before the start of the new season and ensuring that one of his best players doesn’t aggravate a small knock in a game that means nothing.

The worry, of course, is that it’s serious enough to keep him out of this weekend’s Premier League opener against Villa. I sincerely hope that’s not the case. Ramsey has become a vital component of our midfield (again you might say this is down to paucity of options but there’s no doubt his performances have been of a very high standard), and going into the first game of the new season without him would be a blow.

Let’s hope it’s not as serious as we fear but it highlights once again just how damaging an injury or two could be and how light we are in the midfield area. Jack Wilshere is away with England having been nursed through pre-season with 45 minutes here, another 45 minutes there, and Roy Hodgson says he’s mindful of that:

I have not had the benefit of Jack Wilshere for a qualifying match or an important match so we are pleased to have him back. We are aware of the fact that Arsene is careful with him at Arsenal and I will be careful with him as well.

All the games take place tomorrow evening so fingers crossed our lot come through unscathed. It really only gives the manager Friday to work with them, but while it’s not ideal, everything should be more or less in place now anyway. We’ve got a small group of players who know each other well, so from that point of view it’s hardly a massive problem. There’ll be worries about fatigue and so on for those having to travel any distance (poor old Santi, for example).

Elsewhere the club officially confirmed the transfer of Marouane Chamakh to Crystal Palace while the Tactics Column returns with @arsenalcolumn making the case that even with the departures, and the lack of additions, we’re a better team than we were last season. Give it a read (please note: he’s not actually saying we don’t need new players).

Finally, Yaya Sanogo could miss the start of the season with a hamstring injury. You couldn’t make it up etc etc. Well, you could, but there’d be no need.

Till tomorrow.

[Niall_Quinn]

Finally, Yaya Sanogo could miss the start of the season with a hamstring injury. You couldn’t make it up etc etc. Well, you could, but there’d be no need.

:faint:

[Munchies]

I'm going to disbelieve Ornstein based on sheer weight of numbers from the other side of it, plus it makes me feel better.

Just believe the WayneGooney fella, he's in the 'know' and says Gustavo has had his photoshoot with the club and we've already have contracts signed with Cesc/Rooney :lol:

[Özim]

The old "we're a better team than last season" b*llocks is here again, funny how it's never proven to be true...we know they have "1 extra year of experience" etc etc but it's never worked out and I fail to see how getting rid of players can make you better (even if a number of them didn't feature).

As for Sanogogo, begin as you mean to continue....

[dazthegooner]

Just believe the WayneGooney fella, he's in the 'know' and says Gustavo has had his photoshoot with the club and we've already have contracts signed with Cesc/Rooney :lol:

You couldn't make it up could you??? Oh wait you could :)

[LDG]

"ve are a little bit in ze waiting period, ve vont to drive ze price down and conclude ze deal on deadline day. Ze player is not worth 17.2million, I vill not pay a penny more than 14million for ze player".



He's French, not German.

[Özim]

He's French, not German.

Wenger sounds like a German name tbf, not a French name and they call him "Venga"

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Wenger sounds like a German name tbf, not a French name and they call him "Venga"

He is Alsatian and Alsace in the last hundred years has been part of both Germany and France. Wenger as a kid said he supported Borussia Moenchengladbach

[Özim]

He is Alsatian and Alsace in the last hundred years has been part of both Germany and France. Wenger as a kid said he supported Borussia Moenchengladbach

That's right, my Grandmother was from Alsace, lots of Alsacian's have German names, his is most definitely German.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

That's right, my Grandmother was from Alsace, lots of Alsacian's have German names, his is most definitely German.

I think he is a bit of everything and nothing, he speaks German fluently but he had a Gallic upbringing with his parents running a bistro pub and being called Arsene (a French name). Bit like Federer, he is a German Swiss but speaks French fluently and has a Saffa mother so he's a bit of a mixed nationality

[Niall_Quinn]

He must be a little bit Scottish

:run:

[Özim]

I think he is a bit of everything and nothing, he speaks German fluently but he had a Gallic upbringing with his parents running a bistro pub and being called Arsene (a French name). Bit like Federer, he is a German Swiss but speaks French fluently and has a Saffa mother so he's a bit of a mixed nationality

He's French no doubt about that, I think most Alsacians speak German but it's still in France and they still live a French lifestyle.

[Özim]

He must be a little bit Scottish

:run:

:lol:

[Ollie the Optimist]

The old "we're a better team than last season" b*llocks is here again, funny how it's never proven to be true...we know they have "1 extra year of experience" etc etc but it's never worked out and I fail to see how getting rid of players can make you better (even if a number of them didn't feature).

As for Sanogogo, begin as you mean to continue....

the first team and the bench are all good players, and they will be better players next year because they had a season together. this is the first time that no big player has left us, sadly no big player has joined us either. of all the players we have got rid of, only gervinho is one that would play in the first team. so i can understand to a slight degree people saying we are stronger without then, its true to an extent, they dont play, they are out the door, money saved on wages etc etc

but while the players might be better, have better understandings of each others play etc and will be a better team next season as they keep growing. we are utterly fucked if one of them gets injured, because the player on the bench comes on to replace them and then we have no one. its a coplete fuck up this summer, and it is unforgivable that the first game of the season is days away and we havnt spent any fucking money.

[selassie]

He's French, not German.

I've never been very good at impersonations :faint: but you get the point!

[Özim]

the first team and the bench are all good players, and they will be better players next year because they had a season together. this is the first time that no big player has left us, sadly no big player has joined us either. of all the players we have got rid of, only gervinho is one that would play in the first team. so i can understand to a slight degree people saying we are stronger without then, its true to an extent, they dont play, they are out the door, money saved on wages etc etc

but while the players might be better, have better understandings of each others play etc and will be a better team next season as they keep growing. we are utterly fucked if one of them gets injured, because the player on the bench comes on to replace them and then we have no one. its a coplete fuck up this summer, and it is unforgivable that the first game of the season is days away and we havnt spent any fucking money.


We've heard it all before to be honest, I don't think you'll see much difference because the fundamental problem is the lack of overall quality. Yes sure intelligent, quality players will become a better team as they get to know each others game etc but most of these guys aren't that good and let's face it many will be injured for large parts of the season anyway.

This is basically one of Wenger's excuses for not signing players, we were nowhere near last season and won't be anywhere near this season either as it stands because ultimately we need better players in different positions to raise the level of the team, trouble is the club don't seem overly concerned about this.

[Letters]

Strangely we got more points last season than the season before, but looked worse.
:shrug:

I think we will potentially be a bit better this year, combination of players bedding in more and younger players improving, but we needed some major signings to really push us on and, as always, we haven't got them.

[selassie]

Strangely we got more points last season than the season before, but looked worse.
:shrug:

I think we will potentially be a bit better this year, combination of players bedding in more and younger players improving, but we needed some major signings to really push us on and, as always, we haven't got them.

We may well improve last seasons points tally again, but IMHO, as it stands I don't think we'll finish anywhere near Man U, City or Chelsea. I'm at a complete loss to what Arsene is doing, it's almost like he's got this obsession with taking gambles, every season I feel we go into the season with a squad that is just lacking, this season the squad lacks quality and depth, I don't particularly even rate the First XI. Our First XI for many years has been our get out of jail card, now it isn't IMHO...it's just a shambles. If we pick up a couple of injuries we really are going to be in Deep shit, why does Arsene does this? I just don't get it....

[StamfordBrdige]

the first team and the bench are all good players, and they will be better players next year because they had a season together. this is the first time that no big player has left us, sadly no big player has joined us either. of all the players we have got rid of, only gervinho is one that would play in the first team. so i can understand to a slight degree people saying we are stronger without then, its true to an extent, they dont play, they are out the door, money saved on wages etc etc

but while the players might be better, have better understandings of each others play etc and will be a better team next season as they keep growing. we are utterly fucked if one of them gets injured, because the player on the bench comes on to replace them and then we have no one. its a coplete fuck up this summer, and it is unforgivable that the first game of the season is days away and we havnt spent any fucking money.


The idea that teams automatically get better cos of one more year is not at all true. It's certainly not true by default. If that were the case Wigan would still be in the PL as they would have gotten better by default over the years and should have moved up the table gradually. They didn't.

Even if it were true, then everything stays the same because the other teams in the top 4 would also get better due to being together one more year.

As of right now on the dawn of a new season, your team is weaker than it was as at the end of last season. Unless you have a bunch of youngsters ready to step up like the Manutd & Ajax kids of the 90s, your team is weaker.

[Power n Glory]

We were lucky not to pick up many injuries last year and Wenger pushed players like Santi to the limit. We better hope the medical have their act together this year.

[GP]

If that were the case Wigan would still be in the PL as they would have gotten better by default over the years and should have moved up the table gradually. They didn't.

Only if their rate of improvement was greater than the other teams around them. And they won the cup.

Your argument is invalid.

[StamfordBrdige]

Only if their rate of improvement was greater than the other teams around them. And they won the cup.

Your argument is invalid.


So arsenal's rate of improvement will be much greater than those of the teams around them because...

[Letters]

You don't get better by default but if you have a fairly young side which is stable (i.e. not losing key players) then you should expect some improvement the following season.

[GP]

So arsenal's rate of improvement will be much greater than those of the teams around them because...

Because?

[Ollie the Optimist]

we arent a weaker team then last season because of the players we have got rid of, none of them were first team players, except gervinho but he rarely played. we are at the same level, others have strengthened though, while we remain the same citing bullshit why we cant sign players.

[Letters]

I'm pleased about the players who have gone but I am concerned it leaves the squad a bit thin (especially without Arshavin, lolz).

[Ollie the Optimist]

have we got enough players to make a full bench for saturday? is it worth fans bringing their boots to help out?

[Özim]

You don't get better by default but if you have a fairly young side which is stable (i.e. not losing key players) then you should expect some improvement the following season.


Kinda depends how good those young players are. Let's not forget we've had young sides for a long time now and seen little or no real progression, some youngsters have gone backwards.

[Özim]

I'm pleased about the players who have gone but I am concerned it leaves the squad a bit thin (especially without Arshavin, lolz).

I'm pleased with the players we got rid of on the whole, but some of those players did have some good matches too and like you've said the squad does look thin as we've made no real effort to try and replace them.

[Özim]

Because?

Because, because, because, because, because
Because of the wonderful things he does

[Letters]

Kinda depends how good those young players are. Let's not forget we've had young sides for a long time now and seen little or no real progression, some youngsters have gone backwards.
I don't think Ox or Jack will go backwards, they'll only get better IMO.
We have stagnated for years because we've failed to invest and lost too many good players.
At least we haven't done the latter this summer even if we've done the former again.

[Özim]

I don't think Ox or Jack will go backwards, they'll only get better IMO.
We have stagnated for years because we've failed to invest and lost too many good players.
At least we haven't done the latter this summer even if we've done the former again.

I agree, the problem is with Wilshire whether he stays fit, no guarantee about that given his recent injury record. Ox Chamberlain has been disappointing I must admit, he's got huge potential but last season he did little and didn't really seem to progress, thought he was better the season before.

[Ollie the Optimist]

Kinda depends how good those young players are. Let's not forget we've had young sides for a long time now and seen little or no real progression, some youngsters have gone backwards.

out of the current lot, wilshere, ramsey, jenkinson, ox, gibbs just keep on improving. while we have had a young side, the current youngsters are getting better and are first team players, rather then kids in the first team if that make sense. we have some new youngsters like akpom, zelalem, eisfield who might be the next big thing, but with fuck all else to choose from given we have not got decent squad depth, they are likely to play a lot more then they should be next season, with too much pressure on them

[Özim]

out of the current lot, wilshere, ramsey, jenkinson, ox, gibbs just keep on improving. while we have had a young side, the current youngsters are getting better and are first team players, rather then kids in the first team if that make sense. we have some new youngsters like akpom, zelalem, eisfield who might be the next big thing, but with fuck all else to choose from given we have not got decent squad depth, they are likely to play a lot more then they should be next season, with too much pressure on them

Wilshere is injury prone at the moment though, Ramsey there are questions marks over his quality, Jenkinson is a decent player, Ox Chamberlain stagnated last season and Gibbs well he's always injured, it would be easier to count the games he has played than the games he's missed.

I think younger players are more prone to confidence dips which can really affect their progress and that's why having more experienced players around them and being able to take them out of the line of fire when playing poorly helps. We just don't have the players though and as you said they'll end up playing a lot more than they should, perhaps burning them out.

I really think we make it hard for ourselves.

[Özim]

Also looking at it Coquelin feature in 22 games last season, so we've lost that as well.

[Power n Glory]

out of the current lot, wilshere, ramsey, jenkinson, ox, gibbs just keep on improving. while we have had a young side, the current youngsters are getting better and are first team players, rather then kids in the first team if that make sense. we have some new youngsters like akpom, zelalem, eisfield who might be the next big thing, but with fuck all else to choose from given we have not got decent squad depth, they are likely to play a lot more then they should be next season, with too much pressure on themWilshere has been a regular in our squad for two seasons. We have to hope he gets back to the level he was before being injured before talking about improvement. It’s the same for Ramsey. He’s only just showing signs of improvement and this season will prove whether we’re talking good form or true development. Ox hasn’t improved at all. Gibbs has but I’m not so sure of Jenkinkson.

[Letters]

Gibbs played 27 times last year (thanks, Wiki!). It's not that bad, not Diaby bad.

[Ollie the Optimist]

Wilshere is injury prone at the moment though, Ramsey there are questions marks over his quality, Jenkinson is a decent player, Ox Chamberlain stagnated last season and Gibbs well he's always injured, it would be easier to count the games he has played than the games he's missed.

I think younger players are more prone to confidence dips which can really affect their progress and that's why having more experienced players around them and being able to take them out of the line of fire when playing poorly helps. We just don't have the players though and as you said they'll end up playing a lot more than they should, perhaps burning them out.

I really think we make it hard for ourselves.

hpefully Jack can stay fit, if he does, he will be a world class player. i rate Ramsey, think he will be a good player, this sides ray parlour if you like. i think the Ox will improve, he had a good first season and think a lot was expected last year, proves my point, with no new signings etc a lot is expected of them, so the Ox was expected to score lots of goals etc because he had no one to learn from, he was ok last season, not great but ok yet its seen as a bad season because he was having to step up rather then be able to learn his game as youngsters should be able too.

there is no defending the club anymore, 4 days and no signings. all those promises and we have been lied to again. 4 days from the start of the season and we just about have enough players to fill the bench. unforgivable

[Özim]

Gibbs played 27 times last year (thanks, Wiki!). It's not that bad, not Diaby bad.

Weren't about 24 of those games where he hobbled off after about 3 minutes?

[Ollie the Optimist]

Weren't about 24 of those games where he hobbled off after about 3 minutes?

not last season. most games he played, he last 90 minutes. he hasnt got the best injury record, but last season he improved it.

[Power n Glory]

Also looking at it Coquelin feature in 22 games last season, so we've lost that as well.

He was starting to look good. Along with Giggs, he was the best of the young players to push on. Silly to loan him out but I guess he wanted more playing time.

[Özim]

He was starting to look good. Along with Giggs, he was the best of the young players to push on. Silly to loan him out but I guess he wanted more playing time.

Giggs? Don't think he's that young anymore, young at heart maybe but... ;)

[Power n Glory]

:lol: Gibbs

[StamfordBrdige]

we arent a weaker team then last season because of the players we have got rid of, none of them were first team players, except gervinho but he rarely played. we are at the same level, others have strengthened though, while we remain the same citing bullshit why we cant sign players.

Don't see how people can't see this.

You got rid of players like Gervinho, Arshavin etc. Now unless you're telling me that the youngsters in the squad are better than Gervinho and the others you got rid of, the squad is weaker. It's really quite obvious.

You have a 22 man squad for example. You get rid of 5 players and promote 5 youngsters. Same squad size but weaker as the youngsters are just that, kids who haven't done anything in the game. Now they may all go on to be CR7 and such but until then, they aren't.

[Niall_Quinn]

We'll see soon enough how weak the squad is if we pick up any significant injuries. No lessons learned at all. Will it take another 8-2 before we see some movement?

[Ollie the Optimist]

Don't see how people can't see this.

You got rid of players like Gervinho, Arshavin etc. Now unless you're telling me that the youngsters in the squad are better than Gervinho and the others you got rid of, the squad is weaker. It's really quite obvious.

You have a 22 man squad for example. You get rid of 5 players and promote 5 youngsters. Same squad size but weaker as the youngsters are just that, kids who haven't done anything in the game. Now they may all go on to be CR7 and such but until then, they aren't.

of all the players we have sold this summer, gervinho is the only one who played a reasonable amoutn of games. arshavin played once. against you in the away game. so by selling a player who made one sub appearance in the league, thats not weakening us because he wasnt part of the plans. most of the players we have sold spent last season on loan, so therefore werent part of the squad anyway. thats why we arent weaker.

[StamfordBrdige]

of all the players we have sold this summer, gervinho is the only one who played a reasonable amoutn of games. arshavin played once. against you in the away game. so by selling a player who made one sub appearance in the league, thats not weakening us because he wasnt part of the plans. most of the players we have sold spent last season on loan, so therefore werent part of the squad anyway. thats why we arent weaker.

The others did play some games (varying amounts). Gervinho is the main loss however even the others who played less games were still better than some random youngster hence they got to play those games and the youngster didn't.

I don't understand why arsenal fans keep thinking that your youngsters are somehow fucking awesome. There is not much proof of this in the last decade or so.

If we go with the theory that all the kids will get better cos it's one more year then everyone's youngsters will be just as awesome this coming season. Jordan Henderson is going to tear it the fuck up this season.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Jordan Henderson is going to tear it the fuck up this season.

:gp:

[StamfordBrdige]

:gp:

:lol:

[Gooner23]

Henderson Is Boss?

[Unai Tea]

Henderson Is Boss?

Henderson is dross

[The Emirates Gallactico]

raphael honigstein ‏@honigstein 40m
Sky Sport News in Germany have spoken to Luiz Gustavo's agent: "He will make a statement on his future on Thursday"

[Marc Overmars]

raphael honigstein ‏@honigstein 40m
Sky Sport News in Germany have spoken to Luiz Gustavo's agent: "He will make a statement on his future on Thursday"

"Arsenal is a great club but I am very interested in the project at Napoli."

[Letters]

If he's going to say Arsenal "is", singular, not "are", then he can sod off.

[Grebbo]

Nothing good has ever happened on a Thursday.

[Munchies]

"Arsenal is a great club but I am very interested in the project at Napoli."

Wouldn't be surprised.

At the moment, its all down to who will spend more on the transfer fee/wage packet.

Napoli will overpay to get their man.

We will try and get someone like Sanogo or a player on his last legs like Gourcuff (I saw his latest goal but apart from set pieces, hes shit now) . We might even just end up with Flamini.

[LDG]

Nothing good has ever happened on a Thursday.

LoLing at Europa League?

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XngYF0UiZ-M

[Munchies]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XngYF0UiZ-M

:lol:

Haven't watched channel 5 for football in ages. Suits the spuds just fine however (for now atleast) :coffee:

[Ollie the Optimist]

dont know how often you get statements from players saying they are leaving a club unless they are a huge player, like henry when he told us he was leaving. it will be a statement about how he gave it a lot of thought and wants to stay at bayern.

time to move on. is there anyone who wants to play for us? if so, please report to

Mr A Wenger
Emirates Stadium
London

saturday 2pm. bring boots. rest of kit will be provided

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

:lol:

Haven't watched channel 5 for football in ages. Suits the spuds just fine however (for now atleast) :coffee:

I would laugh but... you know. Beggars can't be choosers.

[Özim]

If he's going to say Arsenal "is", singular, not "are", then he can sod off.

It's bad English innit, he wants to learn to speak proper.

[Ollie the Optimist]

http://www1.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/teams/arsenal/8869028/vickery-tips-south-americans-to-shine

about 2/3 minutes in, vickery speaks about gustavo. its an interesting listen, and he would be perfect for us as his style is to sit deep, cover attacking full backs. thats what we need. bring him home arsene

[Özim]

This bloke basically rates every South American player alive, he seems to say every single one is amazing.

Seemed to rate Paulinho above Fernandinho, think Paulinho looked pretty ordinary personally but Vickery reckon he's amazing.

[Gooner23]

That just isn't true.

And he knows far more about South American football than most of us. His BBC blogs are pretty decent.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

should we be taking the noisefrom Napoli seriously?

[Niall_Quinn]

should we be taking the noisefrom Napoli seriously?

We should take it a lot more seriously than any noise from Arsenal. One plus, if he goes to Napoli he will be a decent addition to our almost signed squad.

[Cripps_orig]

should we be taking the noisefrom Napoli seriously?

Yes.

They have some advantages over us.

They are actually in the CL. We aren't.

They are a club showing ambition to actually challenge for trophies. We aren't.

They buy players to replace their star players who have left. We don't.

[AKBapologist]

You can kiss by bye to this one now too...
http://t.co/G60AH2ECIW

[Power n Glory]

This summer has been a complete joke.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Only if you're not interested in making money.

[Munchies]

Oh fuck off Barca.

Lets all be realistic here, we'll not sign a CDM this summer.

[I_Killed_Kenny]

just put in the transfers thread that kondogbia has an 8m release clause. but thats probably 8m more than what we really want to spend mate