Winter Transfer Speculation and Shit.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

:lol: Letters

you easily manipulatable buffoon.

[GP]

http://i.imgur.com/p64BAO5.jpg

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Well that was unexpected.

Actually, it's Japanese. Makes sense.

[fakeyank]

Cut him some slack. Ask any player at any level which club they'd love to play for and they'd mention Real or Barca as a dream move.

Saw this in the comments section and he's right. Don't fall for the BS!

Really dont see how the media turned it into something other than what was asked..

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-striker-nicklas-bendtner-sets-2804261

[Power n Glory]

Really? Exactly what was he asked? I'm seeing three different takes on that question. Also, take into consideration he's talking to the Danish press.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2508746/Nicklas-Bendtner-says-sees-playing-Real-Madrid-Barcelona-future.html


Even more bizarrely, however, was his next answer to the question, 'how do you envisage to continue your career?'
'Real Madrid or Barcelona,' said the self-proclaimed 'greatest striker in the world'.


http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/arsenal-striker-nicklas-bendtner-sets-2804261


When asked at which clubs he reckoned he could next turn to, Bendtner, who has 24 goals in 57 international matches, said: "Real Madrid or Barcelona."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/10456524/Arsenals-Nicklas-Bendtner-says-he-would-like-to-join-Real-Madrid-or-Barcelona-in-January-transfer-window.html


Asked where his next move would be, he replied: "If I could decide: Real Madrid or Barcelona."

The quotes from Bendy aren't even consistent. Some have left out that 'If I could decide' part so until you see the full interview, I'd take it with a pinch of salt. That could have been said in jest. Also, the reports are designed to keep Arsenal fans on his back each game which is counter productive for our season.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I think Theo’s gotten a raw deal playing on the right side because he’s not a natural winger. He’s just adapted to the situation and has managed to carve out a unique position for himself here at Arsenal. I can’t imagine any other club playing him this way. He’s not considered as a winger or a striker so if he were to lose his place at the club, he may find it hard to find another club that can find a use for him. I have no idea why we’re not playing him on the left as an inverted winger so he’s cutting in on his preferred foot or why he’s not being developed as a striker. Theo isn’t the best technical player we have in our squad, but playing down that side exposes him even more.

It’s why I slightly disagree with your point about Wenger being a genius and honing his skills. If it wasn’t for Theo’s persistence, work ethic and ability to bat off the criticism, most other players would have crumbled a long time ago or kicked up a stink to play in their preferred position. I’m thinking of Ramsey, Bendy and Eboue as recent examples. Or when Flamini had to kick up a stink to play as a DM instead of left back and Song wanting to play as DM instead of a CB. Theo has done really well with what he’s been given but it my opinion we’re only seeing a fraction of what he could potentially be for this club. The plan for Theo was to turn him into a Henry type striker. The right wing was only supposed to be a part of his development and I think Theo has learned everything he can from that position.

That is one way of looking at it. Another is to think Theo fortunate for the fact that the 433 is now commonplace in the modern game and Wenger's preferred formation of choice. Otherwise, Theo might not be at a club of this stature at all.

I think your position presumes that the 'wide attack' roles in the 433 are exactly the same as the 'winger' roles in the 442, which I think is a flawed premise. The 433 is such that the wide players actually switch between performing traditional winger roles and becoming the 2nd/3rd forward. That to me is it's purpose. The fact we have players who do not formally switch between the two mean our play is hard to keep track of a lot of the time or predict for the opponents.

I also find the inverted winger idea fatally flawed too. Playing Theo on the left which I should add is something Wenger has been more than willing to try with plenty of others is probably only ostensibly suited to him. It would place pressure on his close dribbling ability, with the ball on his right foot exposed. He would essentially be starting from a position of showing the defender the ball. That is unless we assume all he would do is, receive the ball, take a touch and finish, but that would pigeon hole him into a very very predictable and easily marked player indeed and he would become even more limited than many already suggest he is.

For a player to play on the 'wrong' side, he needs to be extremely clever and probably have a level of dexterity that Theo doesn't. I accept that they can't all be as astute as Pires but it does require such a level of dynamism that it is not simple.

I didn't say Wenger was a genius in honing Theo's skills. I said part of the genius of Wenger is in the honing of his players skills rather than overly contriving ways they can use it. That is exactly how he has done what he has with the likes of Henry, Pires, Ljunberg and plenty more.

The game has changed since Theo was first signed and Wenger has acknowledged as much. I suspect Theo's lack of moaning is down to a mixture of professionalism but also the same realisation that the 442 is seldom adopted and the game having changed.

I like the idea of Theo through the middle, but he isn't quite best suited to playing the central role in a 433 which we all realise, so where else can he play apart from where he currently is.....unless you change the entire formation because of him and I don't think he is important enough to the team to do that.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

The next question to Bendtner should have been..... 'Do you think they would take you?'

[JonasTC]

I dont think it matters what question he was asked, the guy just needs to shut up and/or, be humble. Even if he said it as a joke, people will still be facepalming all over the world, because the guy has been saying for years that he's the best in the world. He could've answered that if he could decide, he would be playing for a club that lets him play full time, but instead he chooses to say Barca or Real, which is still fucking stupid to say as long as you're still under contract with a team top team like Arsenal. Answering Barca/Real is fine, if you're still a teenager that plays for a low level club or born and raised in one of those cities.

So i cant really see, in any way, how Bendtner comes out on top in this one, even if the media has twisted it.

[Syn]

PnG wins this discussion. Many things to be annoyed with Bendtner about but this ain't one. Seemed to be a tongue in cheek answer to a silly question. He could hardly say the truth could he - which is that he'll play for any club that'll take him. He was willing to play for Palace and was annoyed we pulled the plug on that deal.

[Power n Glory]

That is one way of looking at it. Another is to think Theo fortunate for the fact that the 433 is now commonplace in the modern game and Wenger's preferred formation of choice. Otherwise, Theo might not be at a club of this stature at all.

I think your position presumes that the 'wide attack' roles in the 433 are exactly the same as the 'winger' roles in the 442, which I think is a flawed premise. The 433 is such that the wide players actually switch between performing traditional winger roles and becoming the 2nd/3rd forward. That to me is it's purpose. The fact we have players who do not formally switch between the two mean our play is hard to keep track of a lot of the time or predict for the opponents.

I also find the inverted winger idea fatally flawed too. Playing Theo on the left which I should add is something Wenger has been more than willing to try with plenty of others is probably only ostensibly suited to him. It would place pressure on his close dribbling ability, with the ball on his right foot exposed. He would essentially be starting from a position of showing the defender the ball. That is unless we assume all he would do is, receive the ball, take a touch and finish, but that would pigeon hole him into a very very predictable and easily marked player indeed and he would become even more limited than many already suggest he is.

For a player to play on the 'wrong' side, he needs to be extremely clever and probably have a level of dexterity that Theo doesn't. I accept that they can't all be as astute as Pires but it does require such a level of dynamism that it is not simple.

I didn't say Wenger was a genius in honing Theo's skills. I said part of the genius of Wenger is in the honing of his players skills rather than overly contriving ways they can use it. That is exactly how he has done what he has with the likes of Henry, Pires, Ljunberg and plenty more.

The game has changed since Theo was first signed and Wenger has acknowledged as much. I suspect Theo's lack of moaning is down to a mixture of professionalism but also the same realisation that the 442 is seldom adopted and the game having changed.

I like the idea of Theo through the middle, but he isn't quite best suited to playing the central role in a 433 which we all realise, so where else can he play apart from where he currently is.....unless you change the entire formation because of him and I don't think he is important enough to the team to do that.

Oh no, I'm not thinking of a traditional 4-4-2 winger at all. Most teams that play a 4-3-3 or a variation use inverted wingers. With Real Madrid, Ronaldo and Di Maria play that way. Munich, Ribery is on the left, Robben on the right. Chelsea play that way, Barca use inverted wingers....if you're going to be playing on the shoulder of defenders, wouldn't it make more sense to receive the ball on your stronger foot when going for goal?

Speaking of showing too much of the ball and getting exposed, when Wilshire played on the left and kept coming in field, he was showing way to much of the ball and kept getting clattered. When he switch flank, he coped much better. I can see the same for Theo and I'm thinking about that Newcastle goal where he just looked so much more confident taking on players. At the moment, I think it's easier for defenders to keep him out because all they have to do is usher him over to the byline.

Also, I thinking of that Townsend kid. Of all people, Harry said he decided to play him on the wrong side because he could see how he was struggling on the left but he hit form as soon as he was on the 'wrong' side and cutting in on his stronger foot. Again, if we're trying to use Theo as a winger/striker, then play him on the opposite side because on the right he's more prone to operate like a 4-4-2 winger. As soon as he gets in to the box and the angle becomes to acute for him, the only option he has left is to cross.

[BOBN]

You people need to quit writing essays about Walcott.

Anybody with any sense knows hes our most feared and dangerous player. Guardiola, Messi and them werent thinking about anyone else when we played them.



Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reportedly been given the thumbs up to launch a January bid for Corinthians' Brazilian international forward Alexandre Pato.

The Gunners boss is still looking to add to his strike force after failing to sign any notable competition for Olivier Giroud, who has scored eight goals in 18 appearances this season, in the summer.

He was unsuccessful in his pursuit of Liverpool's Luis Suarez and the Reds are almost certain to refuse to sell the Uruguayan to a Premier League rival if they do decide to cash in on their star asset.

Wenger, therefore, has to explore other options and the Daily Express reports that he will return for another former transfer target, Pato, whom he tried to sign from AC Milan last January.

The 24-year-old opted to move back to his native land with Corinthians, who have suggested that they will allow Pato, who has scored 10 times in 27 international games, to leave either on loan or for a £10m fee.
Lets do it. If he comes off weve got a gem.

[Penguin]

Theo's an odd player. He has gradually got less and less involved in the general play up to the point where he basically plays like a CF out wide - contributing nothing in the build up and putting 100% focus on making runs in behind. That's not necessarily a bad thing but it makes him more one dimensional and predictable. The best players can do both and Theo can't, he's useless with the ball at his feet which is probably why he's shifted to this new style.

His pace makes him dangerous in that role with the quality of creative midfielders that we have, even more so since he's added an end product to his game. He's also vital to our counterattacking (which is non-existent without him). But that says more about the lack of pace and of quality wide attackers in our squad than it does about Theo.

[Power n Glory]

Theo's an odd player. He has gradually got less and less involved in the general play up to the point where he basically plays like a CF out wide - contributing nothing in the build up and putting 100% focus on making runs in behind. That's not necessarily a bad thing but it makes him more one dimensional and predictable. The best players can do both and Theo can't, he's useless with the ball at his feet which is probably why he's shifted to this new style.

His pace makes him dangerous in that role with the quality of creative midfielders that we have, even more so since he's added an end product to his game. He's also vital to our counterattacking (which is non-existent without him). But that says more about the lack of pace and of quality wide attackers in our squad than it does about Theo.

Since signing the new deal and speaking with Wenger, his role out wide has changed. I think he'd get way more shooting opportunities from the left because he's not comfortable going in on his left foot. Most teams that want goal scoring wingers player them on the 'wrong' side.

But he has to get involved with the build up play because that's probably what's stopping him from playing up front. Gervinho, Chamakh and Giroud aren't clinical strikers but have really good build up play and assist the team. I think Theo may be getting his focus wrong if he really wants to play as a striker.

Podolski is another odd one as well. Has long streaks of anonymous moments. It's a odd way to use wingers in a 4-3-3.

[Fist of Lehmann]

Various rags claiming we are "eyeing up" Torino and Italy winger Alessio Cerci before Jan transfer window slams open.

Could be direct replacement for Walcott ahead of his £90m cash plus Falcao move to Monaco.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

No way are we selling Walcott.

Firstly, he's English and is useful as part of the homegrown criteria kicking in. Secondly, he's recently signed a new contract. If Wenger stood by Ramsey in his darkest days, there's absolutely no chance he'll sell someone like Walcott, who has impressive stats.

Move on.

[Özil's Panoramic View]

Good arguments there, but weirder things have happened before.

[fakeyank]

You people need to quit writing essays about Walcott.

Anybody with any sense knows hes our most feared and dangerous player. Guardiola, Messi and them werent thinking about anyone else when we played them.



Lets do it. If he comes off weve got a gem.

Pato, if he can stay fit, is a top top player!!

[GP]

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

[LDG]

I mus admit I was a clown to be messin aroun', but dat doesn't mean dat I 'av to leave town

BECAUSE!

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/7263/12333333.gif

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Oh no, I'm not thinking of a traditional 4-4-2 winger at all. Most teams that play a 4-3-3 or a variation use inverted wingers. With Real Madrid, Ronaldo and Di Maria play that way. Munich, Ribery is on the left, Robben on the right. Chelsea play that way, Barca use inverted wingers....if you're going to be playing on the shoulder of defenders, wouldn't it make more sense to receive the ball on your stronger foot when going for goal?

Speaking of showing too much of the ball and getting exposed, when Wilshire played on the left and kept coming in field, he was showing way to much of the ball and kept getting clattered. When he switch flank, he coped much better. I can see the same for Theo and I'm thinking about that Newcastle goal where he just looked so much more confident taking on players. At the moment, I think it's easier for defenders to keep him out because all they have to do is usher him over to the byline.

Also, I thinking of that Townsend kid. Of all people, Harry said he decided to play him on the wrong side because he could see how he was struggling on the left but he hit form as soon as he was on the 'wrong' side and cutting in on his stronger foot. Again, if we're trying to use Theo as a winger/striker, then play him on the opposite side because on the right he's more prone to operate like a 4-4-2 winger. As soon as he gets in to the box and the angle becomes to acute for him, the only option he has left is to cross.

With respect to the little guy Theo, who I am actually a fan of, those guys you mentioned are infinitely better and more accomplished dribblers than he is. I suspect if they weren't, they would not be regulars for their respective clubs.

Even on the wrong flank Theo will need to opt for the right option, be it a pass, shot or a little 1,2 with someone else. He might only actually get 1 or 2 clear cut shooting chances cutting in on his favoured foot, which is a tenuous reason to switch him alone. He has scored a fair few goals with his right foot from the right. It is easier to bend it in from the wrong flank but we do sometimes forget the advantage of the ball veering away from the keeper when a right footed player shoots from the right.

That said, I wouldn't be disgusted if Wenger tried it out, although I do often things this sort of thing is better left for pre season rather than in the middle of a season.

[Fist of Lehmann]

Good arguments there, but weirder things have happened before.

:lol:

Of course the main reason that Walcott is unlikely to leave should be self-evident.
If a player has the will to stay, and the club has the will to keep him what else is left? Only the means - means we now have.

From an economist's point of view, when someone offers you more than something is worth, the smart move is to sell, and use that money on something better. But something immediately better than Walcott is likely to be as or more expensive than what you get for him. So what do you do?
The economist will look for value, look for potential. And that is how we have operated up till now.

Wengar was often mocked for his annual mantra:
"We want to keep everyone and maybe add one or two more".

Mocked, because it rarely, if ever happened. We always had the will to keep players (so it was claimed), but when push comes to shove, either the proffered price was too tempting or the player too tapped up. When Utd offered the little boy inside Van Persie £250k a week, that was that. Suddenly he didn't like the direction the club was going.

The AST recently commissioned a study into the effect of squad stability on success. Apparently it has a impact. Who knew? The annual churn of sell/replace did us no favours.

But finally we have the means to keep hold of players, or at least to manage succession planning in an intelligent way. And that doesn't mean we wouldn't sell Walcott if a ridiculous offer came in, it means that we have a much more flexibility in the way we handle it.

[LDG]

BFG and Özil have been tapping Draxler up :bow:

http://metro.co.uk/2013/11/20/julian-draxler-confirms-interest-in-joining-attractive-arsenal-in-summer-4195140/

[JonasTC]

I would love Draxler here, but how do we fit him into our already stacked offensive midfielder line?

[Marc Overmars]

He's only what 19/20 isn't he? He could be a long term replacement for Rosicky.

[I am invisible]

Squad rotation based on form, fitness, injury, suspension and general tactics? It's a long old season when you look at all 4 competitions (plus internationals), so I'm sure there's more than enough starts and subs appearances for all - we don't have to shoehorn everyone into the same XI for every game...

[milla]

BFG and Özil have been tapping Draxler up :bow:

http://metro.co.uk/2013/11/20/julian-draxler-confirms-interest-in-joining-attractive-arsenal-in-summer-4195140/

Per MD confirmed Draxler has Arsenal DNA. :coffee:

[JonasTC]

Squad rotation based on form, fitness, injury, suspension and general tactics? It's a long old season when you look at all 4 competitions (plus internationals), so I'm sure there's more than enough starts and subs appearances for all - we don't have to shoehorn everyone into the same XI for every game...

We already have like 9 players covering those 3 spots. Even considering all the stuff you mention, i dont think we need more players for those spots, especially considering one of those spots is covered by Özil, who seems to be a machine, playing 60-70 games a year the last couple of years. That leaves 2 spots for 8 players.

[Power n Glory]

With respect to the little guy Theo, who I am actually a fan of, those guys you mentioned are infinitely better and more accomplished dribblers than he is. I suspect if they weren't, they would not be regulars for their respective clubs.

Even on the wrong flank Theo will need to opt for the right option, be it a pass, shot or a little 1,2 with someone else. He might only actually get 1 or 2 clear cut shooting chances cutting in on his favoured foot, which is a tenuous reason to switch him alone. He has scored a fair few goals with his right foot from the right. It is easier to bend it in from the wrong flank but we do sometimes forget the advantage of the ball veering away from the keeper when a right footed player shoots from the right.

That said, I wouldn't be disgusted if Wenger tried it out, although I do often things this sort of thing is better left for pre season rather than in the middle of a season.

At the sort of angle Theo comes in at when approaching goal, a shot veering away from the keeper will often result in a miss. The amount of goals he's gotten from that position shows how good he is at finishing. He's having to drive them low and hard into the side netting. It's not the swerve that beats the keeper it's just the sheer pace when he's coming in from a tight angle. Keeper can't get low quick enough to stop it.

Found some good articles worth reading. Helps explain things in more depth than I can.

http://www.footballparadise.org/blog/inverted-wingers/


Inverted winger is fundamentally a simple concept. Instead of putting a left footed winger on the left, play him on the right. While this is a counter-intuitive tactic, (I mean, come on! How can you put him on his weaker foot! Most wingers don’t have another foot! *cough* Bale *cough*) it is surprising deadly.

“Why?”, you ask. Well the end goal is the same as a false 9 – dragging the opposition out of position. Since an inverted winger’s on the wrong wing, he invariably runs inside towards the goal. If the full back follows him, it opens a huge gap for any other player – a supporting midfielder, the wingback, etc. – to exploit. On the other hand, if the defender does not follow him inside two things happen.

The center back is dragged out of position allowing the striker space to run into.
The center back does not move out of position giving the inverted winger time to unleash a drive from a long range. This particular scenario is from where a large number of Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals come from, shrugging off the full back, cutting in and unleashing his monster long range shots.

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2010/mar/24/the-question-inside-out-wingers

Some really good articles on this.

When you consider the fact that we play with a lone striker that's good at linking up play, one twos, we rarely cross the ball and it's hard to find a sole striker unmarked when you do cross...I can't see why we play two deadly finishers in positions where they're constantly being forced down the byline. We've never been a team that whips in crosses, neither Podolski or Walcott are great ball carriers and hardly stretch play when driving to the byline, they hardly look to get down the byline these days and hug the touchline so I can't see why we can't switch flanks. We use overlapping wingbacks......would like to see how it works. Otherwise, with the money we have, I wouldn't mind us bringing in a winger like Di Maria. Someone that can get goals and create. Since we have the money, I have a feeling those two positions are vulnerable and open to improvement despite the good stats.

[Syn]

I can't see why we can't switch flanks. We use overlapping wingbacks......would like to see how it works.

You basically wanna see some of this.

http://www.ultraimg.com/images/BvgFE.gif

[Power n Glory]

That was such a cool finish. A bit of that would be sweet. But I’m also thinking about tight games where we don’t have that sort of space. I think of the Newcastle goal where he dinked through a host of players before that confident chip. Or his first ever goal for us against Chelsea where he’s slipped in and bends the ball in. A simple one two combination with Diaby and his touch was slick enough to buy himself space and time. With Giroud in the squad playing one twos, we could probably get way more out of both Theo and Podolski. If we won’t play them as strikers then lets at least get them playing closer to Giroud as support strikers/wingers.

[JonasTC]

You basically wanna see some of this.

http://www.ultraimg.com/images/BvgFE.gif

Exactly! I really dont get why we just dont try it out, we dont have any players who's reserving the left wing position anyway and Cazorla can play on both wings aswell, so just switch them around and watch Walcott getting assists all day from Cazözil :)

[Master Splinter]

Playing on the break and having the luxury of players like Ozil and Cazorla providing ammunition will free up Theo even more. In matches where we have space, he should be able to operate behind Giroud and latch on to his balls (yes homo) and through-balls from the midfield. He'll be staring on the right, yes, but as we've seen with some of the aforementioned goals, he does have the freedom to play across the front line. It's in tight matches against packed defences where he'll always struggle and the same old questions about him will be brought back up. As long as he gets the +1s and bullies the weaker teams, it's mostly good. He's playing with better players in a better team now so he can only improve his efficiency in the final third. The majority of points come against lesser teams anyway and that's where Ronaldo and Messi score their twice-weekly hat-tricks.

[Penguin]

I would love Draxler here, but how do we fit him into our already stacked offensive midfielder line?


He's only what 19/20 isn't he? He could be a long term replacement for Rosicky.


Squad rotation based on form, fitness, injury, suspension and general tactics? It's a long old season when you look at all 4 competitions (plus internationals), so I'm sure there's more than enough starts and subs appearances for all - we don't have to shoehorn everyone into the same XI for every game...

I haven't seen much of Draxler.. if he offers us something different then go for it.

But if he's another ball playing CAM in the mould of Ozil and Cazorla we don't really need him. Yes it is a squad game but if we've already got the depth in one department it's much smarter to beef ourselves up in the positions we're weak in. Draxler wont come cheap (there were figures of £25m+ thrown around when we were linked with him in the summer) so it doesn't make sense to spend a significant part of our budget on him.

[Munchies]

That was such a cool finish. A bit of that would be sweet. But I’m also thinking about tight games where we don’t have that sort of space. I think of the Newcastle goal where he dinked through a host of players before that confident chip. Or his first ever goal for us against Chelsea where he’s slipped in and bends the ball in. A simple one two combination with Diaby and his touch was slick enough to buy himself space and time. With Giroud in the squad playing one twos, we could probably get way more out of both Theo and Podolski. If we won’t play them as strikers then lets at least get them playing closer to Giroud as support strikers/wingers.

Just remembered that first goal of his... fuck Drogba the cunt :(

Atleast we don't have to rely on Bendtner now. If needed, Theo up, Gnabry on the wing. Really have been impressed with Gnabry, he is a special talent with the ball at his feet.

[milla]

I would love Draxler here, but how do we fit him into our already stacked offensive midfielder line?

If Wumger buys Draxler next summer, he would convert Draxler into a CF. The boy got all the ingredients to be a prolific striker. :coffee:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

At the sort of angle Theo comes in at when approaching goal, a shot veering away from the keeper will often result in a miss. The amount of goals he's gotten from that position shows how good he is at finishing. He's having to drive them low and hard into the side netting. It's not the swerve that beats the keeper it's just the sheer pace when he's coming in from a tight angle. Keeper can't get low quick enough to stop it.

Found some good articles worth reading. Helps explain things in more depth than I can.

http://www.footballparadise.org/blog/inverted-wingers/



http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2010/mar/24/the-question-inside-out-wingers

Some really good articles on this.

When you consider the fact that we play with a lone striker that's good at linking up play, one twos, we rarely cross the ball and it's hard to find a sole striker unmarked when you do cross...I can't see why we play two deadly finishers in positions where they're constantly being forced down the byline. We've never been a team that whips in crosses, neither Podolski or Walcott are great ball carriers and hardly stretch play when driving to the byline, they hardly look to get down the byline these days and hug the touchline so I can't see why we can't switch flanks. We use overlapping wingbacks......would like to see how it works. Otherwise, with the money we have, I wouldn't mind us bringing in a winger like Di Maria. Someone that can get goals and create. Since we have the money, I have a feeling those two positions are vulnerable and open to improvement despite the good stats.

It sounds like you are arguing the case for inverted wingers. I don't think you need to.

My precise reservation is the case for Theo playing as an inverted winger rather than the principle behind it in itself.

The articles are a little secondary to the fact that we have precedent for the inverted winger at this very club in Pires....if you will excuse the fact Pires was not so much a winger as he was a wide midfielder. The point is, we all know it can work.

So the question remains....if the manger was one of the first on these shores to really put faith in it and he has done it before, why would he not do it with Theo?

It should also be stated that we cannot really be sure Wenger has not tried this out in one of his many short training drills/exercises/games. It strikes me that it is a thing to do in training/preseason and we don't know that Wenger hasn't actually given it a trial behind the scenes.

For all his sins, he's not exactly the most closed manager to the idea of playing players in a position they haven't always played.

[GP]

Pires was brilliant though. One of the very best we've ever seen.

Theo is a pace merchant who won't always be given space by a suicidal high back line.

It worked for Pires because he was a magician.

[Marc Overmars]

Pires was a special player.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

That is partly my point. The players operating in inverted positions tend to be very good ball playing players indeed. Not least of all the dreamy Pires. I've yet to see a player perform the role well, who isn't a good ball playing player.

[Power n Glory]

It sounds like you are arguing the case for inverted wingers. I don't think you need to.

My precise reservation is the case for Theo playing as an inverted winger rather than the principle behind it in itself.

The articles are a little secondary to the fact that we have precedent for the inverted winger at this very club in Pires....if you will excuse the fact Pires was not so much a winger as he was a wide midfielder. The point is, we all know it can work.

So the question remains....if the manger was one of the first on these shores to really put faith in it and he has done it before, why would he not do it with Theo?

It should also be stated that we cannot really be sure Wenger has not tried this out in one of his many short training drills/exercises/games. It strikes me that it is a thing to do in training/preseason and we don't know that Wenger hasn't actually given it a trial behind the scenes.

For all his sins, he's not exactly the most closed manager to the idea of playing players in a position they haven't always played.

This is one of the many mysteries with Wenger. He'll experiment with a certain group of players but not for all. When we signed Reyes, a natural left footer, he'd play him down the left and I could never understand why he'd play a left footer on the left after we had players like Overmars and Pires operating so effectively as inverted wingers. Reyes had a few early games down the right or up front during the Invincible season, scored that belter against Chelsea but for the following season he never played up front or on the right again. I never understood that even though Wenger said his future was as a striker. Sound familiar? Reyes is a much better dribble than Theo as well. Henry was never great at scoring with his head, we've never been a team that relies on crossers, so I never understood why we'd have Reyes driving down the chalk side of the line to deliver out swinging crosses? He'd have been dangerous driving in, hitting shots or slipping in through balls to Henry.

There are plenty of examples of Wenger being reluctant to play players a certain way. Wiltord was never happy playing on the right wing and wanted games up front with Henry. He only got a handful of games up front and I believe that was when his contract was running low. Sound familiar again? Vela would get games up front for the Carling Cup but when he featured in the league he'd always feature down the left wing where he really struggled to make any impact. He never once tried him on the opposite flank and now he's moved to Spain he operates on the right instead of the left and doing much better. It took Wenger an age to try Diaby as a central midfield player, Eduardo playing on the flanks instead of up front, Song getting games as a CB whilst Denilson is stinking up the joint as DM....Hleb used to play a silly amount of games on the right when we played a 4-4-2.

Rosicky is a very talented player and when fit he never played him in the middle with Cesc. On the left wing, he was okay but lacked that drive and aggression to go for goals. It was the same with Nasri. Playmakers that would be best suited in the middle. As soon as we signed him and I thought we'd switch to 4-3-3 but we switched years later and now that Cesc is gone, we're seeing Rosicky in the middle now. Abundance of energy and no slouch in the tackle. It would have been immense. As said, I can't understand Wenger sometimes and he can be very rigid.

I'm getting side tracked. Back to Theo and this also applies to Podolski. It's worth looking at their function on the flanks. Playing down that side hasn't helped their dribbling and ball carrying ability. Neither of them try to create space for themselves and are very dependent on one twos to get space. If played into space, they're either having to whip in a cross to a crowded box or go back on themselves to play in a fullback. When moving away from the chalk and playing closer inside, they'll play off the shoulder of the defender and won't get involved with the build up play that much, Theo especially. When struggling to create chances, they can both have some seriously quiet games. They have some fantastic numbers when it comes to assists and goals because they're class players and make do from a small number of chances. But I can't see the benefit of playing them like traditional wingers; not in the way we play as squad. If they drove the defenders back with tricky dribbling and opened space in the middle for crowed games, I'd understand. I can understand why he'd play Ox, Gnarby or even Ryo on the right for example. But if we're looking for them to get beyond the line of the defender like a traditional striker but out wide, then why would it be wrong to switch them to opposite flanks?

Pires was a different animal, a good ball player, fantastic feet but I'm not suggesting they could replicate that. As someone else mentioned, Theo won't always get played through because teams won't always play a highline. But isn't the same true now? Don't we struggle as much when teams sit deep? The little space we do get results in a ball crossed high or low to Giroud and the percentages for him winning the ball in the air when it's crowded out like that always favour against him. I'm not sure on the numbers but for accurate shooters like Podolski and Walcott, they don't get enough shots on goal and are lucky to get one good shooting opportunity a game.

[Munchies]

Arsenal have had an €8m (£6.6m) bid for Alexandre Pato rejected. Corinthians want €12m (£10m). [Lancenet]

[GP]

Nah

[JonasTC]

A former golden boy winner, i think Wenger could get him back on the right track. For 12m i would give it a go :)

[Munchies]

I'd rather get Morata on loan than Pato

Still hoping we can get Suarez though :pray:

[Marc Overmars]

Suarez is long gone I'm afraid.

[Bumble]

I'd rather get Morata on loan than Pato

Still hoping we can get Suarez though :pray:

Morata definitely would be a good shout, definitely a goal scorer more than creater and that is something we need. Although Suarez would mean he could play CL and also with him, who could stop us now.....

[Syn]

Liverpool is just about worse club you could piss off as a player. Suarez has absolutely no choice but to play and play well. If he was at any other club, he could force his way out by sulking and playing shit, not listening to the manager etc. Liverpool are exactly the club to cut off their collective nose to spite their face and make him ride the pine until his contract runs out.

Forget about us signing Suarez. They'd sooner hand him to Chelsea now. If he goes he'll go to Real Madrid or summat for £60m+ in the summer but realistically they'll make him stay. Something admirable about that IMO. Players have been fucking us about for years.

[Fist of Lehmann]

Youssouf Mulumbu.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/dec/02/football-transfer-rumours


The Congolese international has apparently caught Arsenal's attention and may be subjected to a frosty reception at training this morning, having announcing his intention to leave West Brom during the January transfer window in terms that were less than complimentary.

"I have had approaches from Arsenal," said Mulumbu. "I could leave this winter. This is the right time for me to set my sights higher. I'm ready to join a top four club.

Don't see the sense in this one.

[Grebbo]

I'd rather get Morata on loan than Pato

We might be going for both. Morata can also play on the left.

Pato for £6.6m is a no-brainer.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I can't remember the exact quote but David Brent indicated that Suarez's value is 50 million a couple months back.

Before he came out and said it though, I had a sneaky suspicion that had we gone to 50 million without stopping at the 40+1p fiasco and made to look stupid by the cannibal and his people, we'd might well have him. That's not to say I wanted him here but I do suspect that Liverpool had their price despite the public posturing which they had to do.

They wouldn't be the first club to present the façade of 'at no cost' only to renege on their every word eventually.


Diego Costa is all the rage in Spain though. 3 goals behind ConArtist and the Port chav geezer has taken 3 more penalties than him, so make of that what you will.

I make of it that it seems Spain are trying to turn the bloke into a Spaniard for a reason.

[fakeyank]

I can't remember the exact quote but David Brent indicated that Suarez's value is 50 million a couple months back.

Before he came out and said it though, I had a sneaky suspicion that had we gone to 50 million without stopping at the 40+1p fiasco and made to look stupid by the cannibal and his people, we'd might well have him. That's not to say I wanted him here but I do suspect that Liverpool had their price despite the public posturing which they had to do.

They wouldn't be the first club to present the façade of 'at no cost' only to renege on their every word eventually.


Diego Costa is all the rage in Spain though. 3 goals behind ConArtist and the Port chav geezer has taken 3 more penalties than him, so make of that what you will.

I make of it that it seems Spain are trying to turn the bloke into a Spaniard for a reason.

Costa just signed a new contract in August.. trying to get him will cost at least 50 million quid. No way are we going to spend that amount of money twice in a year.

[milla]

Not sure with Diego Costa though. He looks like a box striker, would be useless in Wenger's system IMO. :coffee:

[Munchies]

BREAKING: Real Madrid striker Álvaro Morata has agreed to join Arsenal on 6-month loan deal in January."
Spanish site: http://www.ondacero.es/audios-online/al-primer-toque/al-primer-toque-entrevistas/morata-dice-oferta-arsenal_2013113000010.html

Not bad :popcorn:

[Ollie the Optimist]

spurs fan on twitter already starting to have a meltdown over this because of their partnership with madrid :haha:

[Munchies]

spurs fan on twitter already starting to have a meltdown over this because of their partnership with madrid :haha:

:haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

:popcorn:

Morata is great.

[Marc Overmars]

Hope that's true.

Real Madrid are so kind to us.

Spurs. :haha:

[JonasTC]

Haha if this is true, Real Madrid are the best trolls ever.

Spurs :pal:

[fakeyank]

Tottenham cockspurs :haha:
:pal:

[fakeyank]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMDADg5OrhY

:bow:

:clap:

[Munchies]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMDADg5OrhY

:bow:

:clap:

He has amazing control with both feet, saw a goal of his last month or so, and the way he used both feet :bow:

Reckon Ozil must of had a word to him to bring him here :lol: :
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BQCYF6zCUAAkQ1o.jpg

[IBK]

It would astonish me if we made a 'big name' signing in Jan. We have to wait and see whether this will be an issue.

[Boss]

Morata on loan would be a very good signing.

Much better than a lot of the dross we've been linked with.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Costa just signed a new contract in August.. trying to get him will cost at least 50 million quid. No way are we going to spend that amount of money twice in a year.

I think to say he will bet at least 50 million is a little ott, but I agree that those aren't exactly circumstances that put the ball in our court, financially. I totally forgot he signed a new contract.

I have never noticed this Morata dude but anyone but Bendtner will at least stop me from wanting to smash my noodle into the ground at the sight of him.

[Unai Tea]

Morata on loan and Pato for £8m - £9m would be very good business

[LDG]

Wenger says there's nothing doing with the Morata thing :(

http://news.arseblog.com/2013/12/wenger-no-truth-in-morata-stories/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

[Globalgunner]

We all know that Wenger sometimes likes to tell porkie pies. He didnt grow that nose by chance chaps. Anyways i hope hes just putting on a poker face just so that Levy doesnt go into a blind rage and jet off to Madrid demanding blood only to later break into a flood of tears in front of the RM president, profusely pleading with him not to increase the widening gap between us and them.

I hope we get him, but why would Madrid let him go unless they have the suarez deal already sown up. I dont think we will be getting Benzema until after the WC anyways, They will keep both him and Dracula and maybe sell Ronaldo back to United in the summer, seeing as Moyes wont win anything this season and the Mancs will be desperate, who knows they may agree between themselves to break Bales world record fee just to make face for all concerned.

[Globalgunner]

He has amazing control with both feet, saw a goal of his last month or so, and the way he used both feet :bow:

Reckon Ozil must of had a word to him to bring him here :lol: :
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BQCYF6zCUAAkQ1o.jpg

Surely Madrid can afford new lockers, Or a few cans of paint. Those look like Di-Stefano actually used them himself

[GP]

Those are vintage, don't you know?

New lockers are so passé

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

"Are reports true that you are close to signing Cazorla?"

"I've never heard of him"

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Morata on loan would be a very good signing.

Much better than a lot of the dross we've been linked with.

Or much better than the dross we have here already.....(cough cough NicB)

[Syn]

Or much better than the dross we have here already.....(cough cough NicB)

Better than Podolski or Walcott? #bravecall

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

http://i.minus.com/itHTeaGkWgdMB.gif

[PGFC]

How about Berbatov for 10 bob?

[Master Splinter]

We have already have Dimitar Ozil.

[Syn]

How about Berbatov for 10 bob?

Fits the creative description but he's also an ex-spud, ex-manc lazy bastard who couldn't care less that he's helping to drag his team to relegation.

Reckon he'd do better than Giroud in an attacking sense but he probably covers half the ground that Giroud does and our defensive efforts start from the front with Giroud.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

How about Berbatov for 10 bob?

That was one weird episode of Blockbusters.

[Syn]

He also smokes which makes him scumbag.

[PGFC]

Ah, so he's not being really awlfully fucking lazy, he just can't run :good:

[Master Splinter]

Tbf, all smokers are scumbags.

[LDG]

Tbf, all smokers are scumbags.

:gp:

Filthy habit.

[Munchies]

Barcelona are 'scouting' Ramsey now

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/263441.html

:coffee:

[Master Splinter]

As a great man once said:


Hahahaha jog on ya wankers.

[LDG]

As a great man once said:

Quite clearly not a quote from A Ramsey.

I think he said:

"I'm flattered, you know, that clubs such as Barcelona are interested in me. But I'm enjoying my football, you know. I'm confident, and enjoying playing"

[PGFC]

Quite clearly not a quote from A Ramsey.

I think he said:

"I'm flattered, you know, that clubs such as Barcelona are interested in me. But I'm enjoying my football, you know. I'm confident, and enjoying playing, boyo"

corrected.

[Letters]

Barcelona are 'scouting' Ramsey now

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/263441.html

:coffee:

I doubt they can afford him and Bendtner.

[milla]

I doubt they can afford him and Bendtner.

They can have Bendtner for £50,000 000.00 :coffee:

[Zerlathon]

http://i.minus.com/itHTeaGkWgdMB.gif

That's brilliant :haha:

[Dein-machine]

They can have Bendtner for £50,000 000.00 :coffee:

With Messi thrown in

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

A top striker in January and then it begins






http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rsz_mr_burns_evil_7487.gif

[Özim]

Can't see us signing a striker or indeed anyone in January. We've got Podolski, Walcott and Bendtner who Wenger has said can play a part, there's no room for another striker the way I see it, even though I'd love us to sign a top finisher.

In the end this might be what makes the difference between winning a trophy or not.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Pessimistic Zimm is back :bow:

[Özim]

Not being pessimist, but you have to ask yourself why he'd sign a striker. Podolski and Walcott are fresh after being injured and now almost recovered, likewise Bendtner.

That's 4 forwards essentially, where would a 5th one fit in (especially a top quality one)? He tried in the summer, but we had injuries then so he needed cover, which he didn't get in the end, having failed he spent his cash on Ozil instead.

Wenger seems quite happy with everything at the moment and why wouldn't he be given our season so far, he's even coming out with positive noises about Bendtner and that goal won't have done him any harm either.

[Munchies]

Suarez has ruled out a january transfer... [Daily Mail]

[LDG]

Suarez has ruled out a january transfer...

http://i.imgur.com/U3rfbtc.gif

[Munchies]

http://i.imgur.com/U3rfbtc.gif

Essentially

:(

In the summer,you'd imagine Real going after him

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Suarez has ruled out a january transfer... [Daily Mail]

:haha:

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Suarez has ruled out a january transfer... [Daily Mail]

http://i.imgur.com/5azPg.gif

[GP]

Suarez has ruled out a january transfer... [Daily Mail]

Yeah? Last summer he'd ruled out staying.

[fakeyank]

Pod and Walcott are going to play on the wide... correct? :unsure:

[LDG]

Pod and Walcott are going to play on the wide... correct? :unsure:

No, the they play out wing.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Well, starting positions, yeah.

[Fist of Lehmann]

That's 4 forwards essentially, where would a 5th one fit in (especially a top quality one)? He tried in the summer, but we had injuries then so he needed cover, which he didn't get in the end, having failed he spent his cash on Ozil instead.

Which injuries are these?

Giroud, Podolski and Walcott played a part in every single game - pre-season, CL and PL - from 14th Jul up until 27th Aug when Podolski was injured against Fener.

[Dein-machine]

Not being pessimist, but you have to ask yourself why he'd sign a striker. Podolski and Walcott are fresh after being injured and now almost recovered, likewise Bendtner.

That's 4 forwards essentially, where would a 5th one fit in (especially a top quality one)? He tried in the summer, but we had injuries then so he needed cover, which he didn't get in the end, having failed he spent his cash on Ozil instead.

Wenger seems quite happy with everything at the moment and why wouldn't he be given our season so far, he's even coming out with positive noises about Bendtner and that goal won't have done him any harm either.

If he wants to continue with a main striker with the midfield playing off him & bombing on then he doesn't view Podolski or Walcott as a forward. Doesn't matter what he said yesterday about Bendtner, apart from a header after 90 seconds he went on to do fuck all against a Championship defence & Wenger knows he has to go. That means we do have room for a new striker.

[Power n Glory]

This isn’t clear cut and nobody can be certain of what we’ll do in the transfer window. I think we need a striker better than Giroud and who knows if one will be available come January. A back up striker – as Zimm said, we have options and I can’t see Wenger spending money on a back up. Theo came off the bench to play as a striker last night. He’s been fit for a few games now and hasn’t started. With Ozil and Ramsey almost certain to start every game, we then have Wilshere and Cazorla that should be starting but will probably have to settle for playing in wide positions. I really can’t see Wenger buying a new striker with so many players due to come back to fitness.

[Syn]

There's still 3 weeks or so for us to get a number of injuries. Wenger's loan deal attempt for Ba shows he wanted another option.

You would think there could be some good opportunities to loan a good player with it being WC year. Must be somebody in a situation where they desperately need to play but aren't getting a game.

[Özil's Panoramic View]

Ba. :lol:

Dodged yet another bullet there.

Thanks, Maureen.

[Master Splinter]

He’s been fit for a few games now and hasn’t started.

Theo's been ill over the past week: http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-on-bendtner-title-race-and-hull

We should have an ill section on the official website now.

[GP]

Licence to Ill

[Master Splinter]

You would think there could be some good opportunities to loan a good player with it being WC year. Must be somebody in a situation where they desperately need to play but aren't getting a game.

Benayoun still hasn't signed for anyone yet. Cheeky swoop imo. :pray:

[GP]

Benayoun still hasn't signed for anyone yet. Cheeky swoop imo. :pray:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25205240 :(

[Master Splinter]

Ba. :lol:

Dodged yet another bullet there.

Thanks, Maureen.

Strangely enough, Ba has looked their most useful striker in his limited play time.

[Master Splinter]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25205240 :(

http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/benayoun-wls-football :pray:

[Marc Overmars]

Doesn't take a lot to outshine Torres and Old Man Eto'o really.

[Ollie the Optimist]

saw a stat on twitter the other saying that lukaku has scored 25 goals since start of last season. chelsea strikers combined in that time have 14.

torres :lol:

[Munchies]

For some reason, their big price strikers always flop. Crespo,Shevchenko,Torres etc. The only one who had success was Drogba

[GP]

Kezman :haha:

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

For some reason, their big price strikers always flop. Crespo,Shevchenko,Torres etc. The only one who had success was Drogba

And even Drogba, who was obviously a phenomenal striker, only had 2 very good goalscoring seasons. The others aren't particularly special in terms of sheer numbers.

[Munchies]

Kezman :haha:

:lol:

He didn't cost that much though, think PSV sold him for £5m or so ?

[Marc Overmars]

And even Drogba, who was obviously a phenomenal striker, only had 2 very good goalscoring seasons. The others aren't particularly special in terms of sheer numbers.

Yep. Although he had a disgusting habit of scoring in every season defining game they played.

[Munchies]

Yep. Although he had a disgusting habit of scoring in every season defining game they played.

... and against us all the time :getcoat:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Strangely enough, Ba has looked their most useful striker in his limited play time.

Quite. A missed opportunity, even if a silly target to be pining for with minutes to go in a transfer window.

Drogba had two real prolific seasons with Chelsea and two further seasons where he was close to 1 goal in two. A marvellous player.

[Grebbo]

Time for RVC to come home.

No team has ever won the league without at least one cunt in the team. We're severely lacking in the cunt department.

[LDG]

Time for RVC to come home.

No team has ever won the league without at least one cunt in the team. We're severely lacking in the cunt department.

We have Bendtner :shrug:

[milla]

:gp:

[Injury Time]

Time for RVC to come home.

No team has ever won the league without at least one cunt in the team. We're severely lacking in the cunt department.


We have Bendtner :shrug:

It's on!

[Ollie the Optimist]

Time for RVC to come home.

No team has ever won the league without at least one cunt in the team. We're severely lacking in the cunt department.

no way. i never want to see him here again. he burnt his bridges in the biggest way possible, not just with the fans, but with AW and the players too. we have a great spirt and togetherness right now, he would ruin it all.

plus, hes a massive cunt and can rot at united

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

I dunno. He's a world class striker and you take world class strikers in a heartbeat.

It won't ever happen cause he totally fucked Wenger over and I think that was the turning point for Arsene, he felt totally betrayed by modern football.

But would you take him back in a hypothetical situation? It's a guaranteed title if he comes. On one hand, I want to do it without him to show the cunt what he's missing, let him rot in a shit team etc, but on the other hand, he's the missing piece to our puzzle.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Fuck him.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

I dunno. He's a world class striker and you take world class strikers in a heartbeat.

It won't ever happen cause he totally fucked Wenger over and I think that was the turning point for Arsene, he felt totally betrayed by modern football.

But would you take him back in a hypothetical situation? It's a guaranteed title if he comes. On one hand, I want to do it without him to show the cunt what he's missing, let him rot in a shit team etc, but on the other hand, he's the missing piece to our puzzle.

If we need a world class striker then we need to go out and find one but there is noplace for him at the table I'm afraid!

He left to win things and he got what he wanted but he is going to far pushed to win anymore by the looks of things whereas......

[GP]

Fuck him.

:gp:

Let him wallow in his pit of regret.

[Marc Overmars]

RVC. :lol:

Just had to wait 1 more year.

He has his shiny medal but now won't leave the sort of legacy a player of his ability should.

Shame.

[Ollie the Optimist]

I dunno. He's a world class striker and you take world class strikers in a heartbeat.

It won't ever happen cause he totally fucked Wenger over and I think that was the turning point for Arsene, he felt totally betrayed by modern football.

But would you take him back in a hypothetical situation? It's a guaranteed title if he comes. On one hand, I want to do it without him to show the cunt what he's missing, let him rot in a shit team etc, but on the other hand, he's the missing piece to our puzzle.

its also a guaranteed title if suarez, canvani, falcao come to us too. i don't think he is the missing piece of the puzzle because we look so much better without him. now by that i mean, we look like a team, from all accounts he was twat, the articles he got his mates to write about ramsey, talking to united behind our backs, thats not someone you want to add into this team when the spirit is so together between us and the players.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Fuck rvp, I would never want him back here, not ever.

He's getting what he deserves now for not repaying the faith that was put in him.

We can get someone else in to do a job tbh. There's still a few decent strikers about for a fair price

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

There are so many talented turds of a player in world football, I'll end up wanting nobody here and just wait for Sanogo to learn to tie his shoe laces up.

But I agree, the skunk can rot.

[Power n Glory]

The scumbag can wallow in his pit of filth! Fuck no is he welcome back! He and that cunt of a kid that was screaming for Man Utd can piss off! He has his title.

[I am invisible]

I always listen to the little boy inside me in these situations - that boy is screaming "DIE IN MANCHESTER!"

[Dein-machine]

Wouldnt want him back now - he made his decision. However, he may not have left had we shown the ambition we did this year with record signing & a consistancy in our play that wasn't there for him, especially defensively. Always seemed to be very arrogant which wouldnt work in this team, we're building a group of guys that want to die for each other. We need to buy the next Suarez/Aguero with a footablling brain to match the qualty around him - very worried that Giroud is not quite as good as others think he is.

[Grebbo]

If signing RVP meant we won the league and not signing him meant we didn't would people still not want him?

Don't forget he'd be screwing over Man Utd and their fans by jumping ship so that would surely earn him some brownie points? It's never going to happen anyway - Man U wont sell and I doubt RVC would come back to us. But if we could get him then we certainly should. He'd cost a third of the price of Suarez/Falcao etc etc.

[GP]

No, he can go fuck himself with a rusty dildo.

[Dein-machine]

If signing RVP meant we won the league and not signing him meant we didn't would people still not want him?

Don't forget he'd be screwing over Man Utd and their fans by jumping ship so that would surely earn him some brownie points? It's never going to happen anyway - Man U wont sell and I doubt RVC would come back to us. But if we could get him then we certainly should. He'd cost a third of the price of Suarez/Falcao etc etc.

But then he would get the headlines & plaudits that the others deserve. Really happy with this team now, I can handle not the winning the league for another year as long as we're competing & playing the way we are. We're only 2 or 3 signings from being a top team - RVP is the past.

[Munchies]

No, fuck him.

Never want him back.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Fuck him.

I wouldn't even dry hump him.

[IBK]

One of the reasons winning the league this season would be so good is to show that Dutch Judas that we did it after he left us for better things. I hope United even lose out on Europe. Would be great if the fuck never played CL football again.

[Özil's Panoramic View]

Never. The Dutch Skunk isn't welcomed back here under any circumstances. He's a despicable scum of a human being who'd fuck up any team spirit, togetherness and morale we've got going here. He made his choice; now I hope he rots in the filth over at mancland the utter, utter turdbag.

Fuck him!

[milla]

Apparently Marketing has agreed EUR35 million fee to sell Di Maria to money bags Monaco this Jan. Maybe it is worth for us to make another bid for him? Not a typical CF we are craving for but would definitely score a lot as WF imo. :coffee:

[Munchies]

Apparently Marketing has agreed EUR35 million fee to sell Di Maria to money bags Monaco this Jan. Maybe it is worth for us to make another bid for him? Not a typical CF we are craving for but would definitely score a lot as WF imo. :coffee:

Might aswell, he's a quality player, can't have enough of them really. He can play on both wings, so is pretty useful also.

£35m on him, £40m+ on a world class striker.

[Grebbo]

Being linked with Berbatov this morning, sounds like bullshit but we should be in for him. He'd be dirt cheap and is a class player. I wanted him when he left Spurs and Man U.

We need 4 strikers and we've only got 1 so Berbatov would be a good start. We're not going to get a world class striker in Jan so we may as well try and buy the best stop-gaps possible.

[Marc Overmars]

Always been a fan of Berbatov, best tekkers in the league tbf.

Bit of a fairweather though and obviously has no interest in slumming it with Fulham. I'd like to see what he would do playing in a vibrant team again but realistically Wenget is not going to sign someone from this league, he rarely does.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

No way.

He's lacklustre and lazy. The white version of Adebayor. Sure he's an upgrade on Bendtner but not by much.

[Marc Overmars]

He can control a football, that makes him infinitely better than Bendtner.

[Munchies]

Could get him for around £3m-£5m or so, might aswell.

If he's shit, we can offload him in the summer.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

He's on high wages, I think Fulham broke the bank to get him.

Would be a waste of money for an ageing, lazy striker. No thanks.

[GP]

He's been a fantastic player, but right now we've got a squad of extremely hard working players. I don't see him fitting in tbh.

[Özim]

Let's get Adebayor back, then stick him behind Bendtner in the pecking order to reduce the size of his ego. We also need to make sure we ban any talking in third person terms.

[Grebbo]

Could get him for around £3m-£5m or so, might aswell.

If he's shit, we can offload him in the summer.

Think you could get him for much less than that, he's only got 6 months left on his contract and has pretty much downed tools at Fulham.

He's got amazing technique and would be a great option to bring off the bench or play against the lesser teams when Giroud needs a rest.

We wont sign a top striker in Jan so players like Berbatov are a good compromise. I remember when he joined Fulham a journo asked Wenger why he didn't sign him and he said "because I didn't think Utd would sell him" so it sounds like he's a fan.

[Ollie the Optimist]

has lewandoski actually been confirmed by bayern? i remember seeing lots of talk of the move but nothing confirmed. wonder if we could convince him, especially if we qualify for CL knock outs and are top in jan

[milla]

Could get him for around £3m-£5m or so, might aswell.

If he's shit, we can offload him in the summer.

Anything over £3m is a ripoff, he is old, moody and lazy. :coffee:

[Master Splinter]

has lewandoski actually been confirmed by bayern? i remember seeing lots of talk of the move but nothing confirmed. wonder if we could convince him, especially if we qualify for CL knock outs and are top in jan

ollie, we're not signing Lewandowski. He's joining Bayern.

Why would qualifying for the CL knockouts convince him anyway? He wouldn't be playing in them.

[Ollie the Optimist]

ollie, we're not signing Lewandowski. He's joining Bayern.

Why would qualifying for the CL knockouts convince him anyway? He wouldn't be playing in them.

yeah of course, forgot about being cup tied :lol:

but you just wonder, he would have seen the reaction Goetze got when he returned to Dortmund, and as far as i know nothing is official. don't see why we don't try it at least, dortmund would rather sell to us then let him go to bayern too

[Master Splinter]

The deal's essentially done. You don't need confirmation on things like this. Sadly, Dortmund can't do anything about it and I doubt he gives a shit about fans' reactions when he's getting a twentyfold wage increase.

[Ollie the Optimist]

The deal's essentially done. You don't need confirmation on things like this. Sadly, Dortmund can't do anything about it and I doubt he gives a shit about fans' reactions when he's getting a twentyfold wage increase.

true, but we could offer him high wages as well, and dortmund could accept a bid from us, allowing him to talk to us. if we are top in jan, offer him very high wages, he might be tempted. keeps his reputation at dortmund, gets to make a mark in a new league, new challenge plus he is best mates with Szcesney.

of course its a very unlikely transfer, but i see no reason why we can't give it a go.

[Penguin]

By all means give it a go as long as we don't waste too much time on it. If he's made up his mind on Bayern there's nothing we can do, and Dortmund have no say in it either since with his contract situation. He can wait until June and walk to any team he wants.

[IBK]

I reckon Berbatov would be a decent short term signing. Something tells me he'd raise his game playing with better players (and I include Spurs and Manure in this).

[Özim]

I really think we need someone lively up front who is willing and able to shoot and score out of nothing. Giroud holds the ball up well, works hard but he's not the deadly in front of goal.

[Niall_Quinn]

Giroud is probably the most improved player in the league (including Ramsey). He'd be very hard to replace because he gives us a lot defensively as well that most other strikers couldn't replicate. Whoever we bring in, if anyone, would be second string to Giroud so don't expect any big money superstars. That shouldn't stop us bidding £40,000,002 for Suarez just to piss Rodgers off and get him to do that funny temper tantrum thing again.

[Özim]

Giroud has improved for sure, just don't think he's dangerous in front of goal, he'll get goals obviously he's just not a constant threat.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I've changed my mind, let's buy all the players.

[milla]

Definitely need a new striker, Bif has been excellent for us just not prolific enough in front of the goal. :coffee:

[BOBN]

I reckon Berbatov would be a decent short term signing. Something tells me he'd raise his game playing with better players (and I include Spurs and Manure in this).
Stop it pal. He played in a squad that included Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez, a prime Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra...and a Scholes playing some of the best football of his career.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

He's been a fantastic player, but right now we've got a squad of extremely hard working players. I don't see him fitting in tbh.

Yep.

When we're up against it in March/April you need players to dig deep and put a shift in. Berbatov would never do that. No thanks.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

He'd be great against the dross in the league but we have Poldi and Theo to kill those teams tbf.

[Grebbo]

Berbatov was the top scorer in the league two seasons ago wasn't he? Still has a lot to offer.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

2 years ago Hangeland was one of the best defenders in the league. Now look at him.

Can't go on the past.

[AFC Leveller]

I thought Benteke was great in the first few games this season but he's been shite since his injury so thats one more target off the list.

Suarez would take us to the next level i feel, a genuine match winner and a menace to every kind of defense.

[Bumble]

I thought Benteke was great in the first few games this season but he's been shite since his injury so thats one more target off the list.

Suarez would take us to the next level i feel, a genuine match winner and a menace to every kind of defense.

Suarez really would send shock waves through the league for us. Offer 60m and see what happens. He is amazing, a one man goal of the season contender.

Be interesting to see how many seasons Lukaku has on his contract, 3 years out on loan and sounds like he has a prickly relationship with Mourinho..... so maybe a bit of tapping up to see out his contract and pounce.

[GP]

Sure. Assuming he finds his way out of Koscielny's pocket.

[Dein-machine]

Sure. Assuming he finds his way out of Koscielny's pocket.

Won't be easy its getting quite full in there - Higuain will be in there Midweek. Best defender in the world.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Suarez really would send shock waves through the league for us. Offer 60m and see what happens. He is amazing, a one man goal of the season contender.

Be interesting to see how many seasons Lukaku has on his contract, 3 years out on loan and sounds like he has a prickly relationship with Mourinho..... so maybe a bit of tapping up to see out his contract and pounce.

Lukaku won't be playing for Chelsea again.

Mourinho seems to have fallen out with him and will almost certainly go for a marquee striker in January or summer. When Mourinho has a bone to pick he won't back down due to his ego and pride.

Lukaku won't get any game time there despite being the best striker they have. He'll almost certainly be sold this summer or next, probably after having spent another season out on loan. He has no future at Chelsea.

[Grebbo]

We have absolutely zero chance of signing Suarez.

Zero.

Forget about him.

If Liverpool didn't sell him in the summer then they're certainly not going to sell him in January when they're second in the league. And they're certainly not going to sell him to us.

I think there's no chance of us signing a top striker in Jan as no clubs want to sell in Jan plus it's world cup year so players might not want to leave. You'd also be competing will all the other top European clubs who are desperate for a top striker and will likely overpay eg Chelsea.

That's why I'm looking at stop gaps like Berbatov.

[Munchies]

I was pretty optimistic of signing someone like Suarez , but I too have given up hope of getting him.

Lewandowski is probably the most high profile striker we can get.

Wouldn't mind Berbatov either for the time being, he's still a class goal scorer.

[Syn]

We have absolutely zero chance of signing Suarez.

Zero.

Forget about him.

If Liverpool didn't sell him in the summer then they're certainly not going to sell him in January when they're second in the league. And they're certainly not going to sell him to us.

I think there's no chance of us signing a top striker in Jan as no clubs want to sell in Jan plus it's world cup year so players might not want to leave. You'd also be competing will all the other top European clubs who are desperate for a top striker and will likely overpay eg Chelsea.

That's why I'm looking at stop gaps like Berbatov.

Very reasonable. And we can add Lukaku to the list of unattainable strikers because Mourinho is a twat.

Rather than Berbatov, if we're looking for a different striker than Giroud, we want:

1. somebody quicker (a couple of instances yesterday where a striker with a bit more pace would've won us the game)
2. somebody with a striker's poacher instincts. I.e. somebody who would've converted Cazorla's ball across the 6 yard box yesterday.
3. somebody who is half decent when taking more than one touch.

I hardly watch non-English teams but I'm sure there has to be someone Arsenal can get that isn't as good as the top notch strikers, e.g. Van Persie, Suarez, Aguero etc. but still ticks those 3 boxes.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I'd like to see us buy a young striker tbf or get Wenget in the lab and convert Draxler. Basel need to save football and knock Schalke out on Wednesday.

[fakeyank]

We have absolutely zero chance of signing Suarez.

Zero.

Forget about him.

If Liverpool didn't sell him in the summer then they're certainly not going to sell him in January when they're second in the league. And they're certainly not going to sell him to us.

I think there's no chance of us signing a top striker in Jan as no clubs want to sell in Jan plus it's world cup year so players might not want to leave. You'd also be competing will all the other top European clubs who are desperate for a top striker and will likely overpay eg Chelsea.

That's why I'm looking at stop gaps like Berbatov.

:gp:

Berba will win us games where we are camped outside the opposition half for 90 mins and havent scored. He is lazy or whatever, but that man can do some special things with the ball. I'd definitely sign him up on an 18 month deal.

I wouldnt mind that Real Madrid kid either.. seems like that deal is dead!

[GP]

It can be alive and dead at the same time.

[GP]

But yeah, Draxler is the one tbh.

[Grebbo]

I wouldnt mind that Real Madrid kid either.. seems like that deal is dead!

Yeah, Morata he looks quality.

[Grebbo]

Rather than Berbatov, if we're looking for a different striker than Giroud, we want:

1. somebody quicker (a couple of instances yesterday where a striker with a bit more pace would've won us the game)
2. somebody with a striker's poacher instincts. I.e. somebody who would've converted Cazorla's ball across the 6 yard box yesterday.
3. somebody who is half decent when taking more than one touch.

I hardly watch non-English teams but I'm sure there has to be someone Arsenal can get that isn't as good as the top notch strikers, e.g. Van Persie, Suarez, Aguero etc. but still ticks those 3 boxes.

I'd like to see us sign a South American striker as they always seem to be 'busy' players that can finish. There must be a new Falcao/Suarez/Aguero coming through.

How's our very own Joel Campbell doing? Time for him to come home?

[Marc Overmars]

I'd like to see us buy a young striker tbf or get Wenget in the lab and convert Draxler. Basel need to save football and knock Schalke out on Wednesday.

Well we got a young striker in the summer. Just a shame he was crocked postman. :(

[milla]

Well we got a young striker in the summer. Just a shame he was crocked postman. :(

He is a good honest postman though he hasn't delivered anything yet. :coffee:

[Power n Glory]

Very reasonable. And we can add Lukaku to the list of unattainable strikers because Mourinho is a twat.

Rather than Berbatov, if we're looking for a different striker than Giroud, we want:

1. somebody quicker (a couple of instances yesterday where a striker with a bit more pace would've won us the game)
2. somebody with a striker's poacher instincts. I.e. somebody who would've converted Cazorla's ball across the 6 yard box yesterday.
3. somebody who is half decent when taking more than one touch.

I hardly watch non-English teams but I'm sure there has to be someone Arsenal can get that isn't as good as the top notch strikers, e.g. Van Persie, Suarez, Aguero etc. but still ticks those 3 boxes.

If we can't find a true gem or sign a world class talent, I honestly think we should just give Pod or Walcott games upfront and just look for a proper winger.

[Syn]

Well let's just hope he doesn't turn out as shit as Ramsey.

[Power n Glory]

Is Sanogo still out injured?

[Syn]

If we can't find a true gem or sign a world class talent, I honestly think we should just give Pod or Walcott games upfront and just look for a proper winger.

Was thinking that way, but maybe it'll take time for Walcott and especially Podolski to get sharp and in form. Everyone who comes back from injury for us seems to need time to get back up to speed. So maybe a short term signing in January might be the way to go for this season at least.

[fakeyank]

Time for Titi to come back :cloud9:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Well we got a young striker in the summer. Just a shame he was crocked postman. :(

I'm writing him off (well for anything useful this season anyway), to have a back problem that has kept him out for basically the whole season, at his age, isn't good. I'd like to have seen Wenget mould him in to something servicable but I don't know if we'll ever get to see that now.

[Power n Glory]

Was thinking that way, but maybe it'll take time for Walcott and especially Podolski to get sharp and in form. Everyone who comes back from injury for us seems to need time to get back up to speed. So maybe a short term signing in January might be the way to go for this season at least.

I think it's just as much as a risk for a new signing unless we're going for a player that's world class. Physically, they may struggle and finding space won't be easy. But we'll see. My main worry is that we buy someone that will really struggle to get into the game when playing as striker or we go for someone that's decent with the build up play, not flashy but decent but isn't in the box enough and can't create their own chances. Unless we spend bug on a complete forward and chances are slim for January.

A proper wide player that's raw would probably settle quicker. Even if they have flaws, someone with the trickery to dribble and someone with pace may be what we need. I'm just thinking of impact Gnarby has had or even players like Gervinho when he first arrived. But we shall see. Would love for us to bring in a lethal striker.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Very reasonable. And we can add Lukaku to the list of unattainable strikers because Mourinho is a twat.

Rather than Berbatov, if we're looking for a different striker than Giroud, we want:

1. somebody quicker (a couple of instances yesterday where a striker with a bit more pace would've won us the game)
2. somebody with a striker's poacher instincts. I.e. somebody who would've converted Cazorla's ball across the 6 yard box yesterday.
3. somebody who is half decent when taking more than one touch.

I hardly watch non-English teams but I'm sure there has to be someone Arsenal can get that isn't as good as the top notch strikers, e.g. Van Persie, Suarez, Aguero etc. but still ticks those 3 boxes.

Diego Costa.....

Unimaginably difficult to attain given his circumstances.....but I imagine the same is true for Suarez, Falcao or Lewandowski..... or anyone of anything like that quality.

Benteke might actually be a decent bet. If you believe in a player (and I mean truly) why not offer him a contract (whatever the situation is, be it your own player or another clubs) when he is not playing so well. Puts you in a better negotiating position. A little frugally callous you might say, but all's fair in love and war....

As you suggest we would be in the twilight zone to be able to sign Lukaku now. The special one wouldn't want to sell us Chlamydia never mind a top top forward.,,,even if Lukaku's future doesn't fully transpire....

....which is a shame because he has the ambition of Conaldo with the attitude and humility of Ramsey by the sounds of it and possibly even the ability of Drogba.


Berbatov is a beautifully dexterous player but he is mostly a spent force....and a dour one at that as has been suggested. He is a lastminute.com deal. If nothing else is happening at 11pm on the last day of the window.

[milla]

There are a few strikers available ex Jackson Maritnez, Benteke, Michu, Alex Pato, Max Kruse, Carlos Vela etc. Of all of this strikers Martinez is probably the only one which would cost over £25 mil.

Forget about Lukaku or Cavani or Falcao, they will never come to Arsenal.

[Bumble]

depends what we want from a new striker, do we want someone to be first choice which might mean changing the way we play. which could be risky as the games get more and more important or do we want a striker like solskjaer someone who can come off the bench and nick a goal. Get in behind the defences etc.

[milla]

We want someone to take over from Giroud not to warm the bench.

[Grebbo]

Diego Costa.....

Unimaginably difficult to attain given his circumstances.....but I imagine the same is true for Suarez, Falcao or Lewandowski..... or anyone of anything like that quality.

He's supposedly got a £32m buy out clause.

[Penguin]

Giroud has been great but not enough to warrant an automatic starting place. We shouldn't sign someone to be second choice, we should sign someone to compete with him for the first team place. Competition for places is a good thing and it gives us much more options.

We're in 3 competitions still anyway so they would both get plenty of games.

[milla]

He's supposedly got a £32m buy out clause.

That's how Alteltico operates IMO, they always put a sell clause in their player's contract.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

That's how everyone in Spain operates...

[milla]

Yeah that's how they operates though some of the buy out clause are ridicolously high.

[Grebbo]

That's how everyone in Spain operates...

If only Liverpool had operated that way

:upset:

[milla]

If only Liverpool had operated that way

:upset:

Apparently Wenger got it wrong, Suarez get out clause is £40,000,002.00 not £40,000,001.00

[Özim]

No chance of Costa, Athletico are joint top of the league and still in the CL, they won't sell him.

Costa has scored tonight and missed a penalty, reminds me of Hulk to be honest.

[Penguin]

Apparently Wenger got it wrong, Suarez get out clause is £40,000,002.00 not £40,000,001.00 :coffee:

http://puu.sh/5NPu3.jpg

[Marc Overmars]

Get Michu.

[Özim]

Costa just scored a 2nd penalty after missing the 1st, he's still not coming!

[Grebbo]

No chance of Costa, Athletico are joint top of the league and still in the CL, they won't sell him.

They don't have a choice if a club meets the buy out clause and the player wants to leave.

[Özim]

He won't want to leave, they're top and in the CL knockouts, why would he leave now?

Plus it's World Cup year and he wants to play for Spain, playing well and settled in the team, La Liga makes more sense.

[Marc Overmars]

Doesn't Diego Costa play for Brazil?

[Özim]

No Brazil wanted him to play for them but he had a choice between them and Spain and chose Spain.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Doesn't Diego Costa play for Brazil?

Yeah, but if he plays for Atletico, he might get his Spanish dream move.

[Grebbo]

He won't want to leave, they're top and in the CL knockouts, why would he leave now?

Plus it's World Cup year and he wants to play for Spain, playing well and settled in the team, La Liga makes more sense.

I didn't say he'd want to leave, I'm just saying that Atletico have no say in the matter in response to you saying they wont sell him.

[Özim]

I didn't say he'd want to leave, I'm just saying that Atletico have no say in the matter in response to you saying they wont sell him.

Fair point, you're right.

He'd be stupid to move mid-season given the situation though and I can't see it.

[Grebbo]

Fair point, you're right.

He'd be stupid to move mid-season given the situation though and I can't see it.

Yeah I agree, especially if he wants to get in the Spanish WC squad.

[JonasTC]

I think we should just go in for Michu, i think he could be better than Giroud in most aspects and i dont think they can say no to an offer of 15mil+ (considering they paid 2m) + With the world cup comming up, i think he would do anything at a bigger club to show off, that he should be picked instead of negredo/llorente/etc, so we would probably see him work his ass off.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

He's supposedly got a £32m buy out clause.

I never knew that....hmmm. Sounds like a reason to stir waters. I don't think he would want to leave, but that doesn't mean he can under no circumstances be persuaded to. It's a world cup year, but Spain have gone through some effort to make sure he can play for them. It's likely he will make that squad failing an almighty incredible turn of events.

Everyone over Atletico Madrid knows deep down there is no way they will win the title in the end I suspect. You just can't upset the establishment over there.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

If only Liverpool had operated that way

:upset:

Fuck knows what was going on with that.

It only really obligated us to turn on SSN in the training ground.

[PGFC]

I think we should just go in for Michu, i think he could be better than Giroud in most aspects and i dont think they can say no to an offer of 15mil+ (considering they paid 2m) + With the world cup comming up, i think he would do anything at a bigger club to show off, that he should be picked instead of negredo/llorente/etc, so we would probably see him work his ass off.

Nah, he's broken and has dodgy knees, the last thing we need is another fragile flower.

[AFC Leveller]

If we want to raise the bar then Michu is NOT the answer. Giroud is a better player and offers us more.

if we dont/cant find a striker, then maybe we should go for a wide attacker (left) who can score goals? all the big clubs have wide goal scorers and dont rely as much on a central striker (Ribery, Robben, Bale, Ronaldo, neymar, Sanchez, Hazard etc). Remy would be good.

[Heisenberg]

Remy has been in good form this season but he still has that rape charge hanging over him. Until that's resolved, I don't think we can consider him.

[JonasTC]

If we want to raise the bar then Michu is NOT the answer. Giroud is a better player and offers us more.

if we dont/cant find a striker, then maybe we should go for a wide attacker (left) who can score goals? all the big clubs have wide goal scorers and dont rely as much on a central striker (Ribery, Robben, Bale, Ronaldo, neymar, Sanchez, Hazard etc). Remy would be good.

Podolski and Walcott have scored more than most of those you mention. Arsenal were one of the teams that relied most on our wide attackers to score last season.

I love Giroud, but he is not the kind of goalscorer we need. Im curious how you can say that Giroud offers more, when Michu has the same tools, but is faster, seems to be a smarter striker* and has better finishing. (*Has only played one full season as a striker and that was his first year in the premier league, in which he scored 18 goals, 22 in all competitions). I truly believe, if given the chance in a big club as a striker, we would see the same kind of development that Diego Costa is going through right now.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Always really liked Giuseppe Rossi and just found out he is the top scorer over in Italy with 13 in 16 league games. I know he's small but I'd welcome him with open arms.

[AFC Leveller]

Podolski and Walcott have scored more than most of those you mention. Arsenal were one of the teams that relied most on our wide attackers to score last season.

I love Giroud, but he is not the kind of goalscorer we need. Im curious how you can say that Giroud offers more, when Michu has the same tools, but is faster, seems to be a smarter striker* and has better finishing. (*Has only played one full season as a striker and that was his first year in the premier league, in which he scored 18 goals, 22 in all competitions). I truly believe, if given the chance in a big club as a striker, we would see the same kind of development that Diego Costa is going through right now.

Giroud works as hard as anyone in the league, wins most balls, challenges for everything, brings the midfield into play and his one touch flicks often put players through on goal leaving the opposition defence ball watching, not to mention his goal scoring which is not bad this season, a goal every couple of games.
Michu looks a bit more mobile but our team doesnt need another tall striker who can play as a target man, we need an henry type who runs in behind and gets goals out of nowhere. can you honestly say that having Michu would help us beat the big sides and challenge properly?

[JonasTC]

Giroud works as hard as anyone in the league, wins most balls, challenges for everything, brings the midfield into play and his one touch flicks often put players through on goal leaving the opposition defence ball watching, not to mention his goal scoring which is not bad this season, a goal every couple of games.
Michu looks a bit more mobile but our team doesnt need another tall striker who can play as a target man, we need an henry type who runs in behind and gets goals out of nowhere. can you honestly say that having Michu would help us beat the big sides and challenge properly?

I'll give you that Giroud is better as a target man, taking the ball down, etc. But Michu does most of those things aswell, but he is not just a target man, he is more of a complete striker, who has the speed to get behind the defence and he is a more clinical finisher who seems to keep calm when he gets into good positions, he hardly fails, which Giroud seems to struggle with. Its unfair to compare anyone to Henry tho, he is a legend ;)

[Dein-machine]

Remy has been in good form this season but he still has that rape charge hanging over him. Until that's resolved, I don't think we can consider him.

I agree - if he's found innocent I don't want him.

[Power n Glory]

Giroud works as hard as anyone in the league, wins most balls, challenges for everything, brings the midfield into play and his one touch flicks often put players through on goal leaving the opposition defence ball watching, not to mention his goal scoring which is not bad this season, a goal every couple of games.
Michu looks a bit more mobile but our team doesnt need another tall striker who can play as a target man, we need an henry type who runs in behind and gets goals out of nowhere. can you honestly say that having Michu would help us beat the big sides and challenge properly?

When was the last time Giroud set up a goal with those flicks? It’s a good attribute to have but far from essential. We have more than enough players that can set up goals but not enough making runs, stretching play and finishing moves off. Having some many players forward will catch us out because the midfielders are always having to make runs from deep whilst Giroud is dropping deep. If they’re not trying make runs beyond him, they’re just making moves around the final third without any real penetration. With the wrong combination of players on the field, it will leave us exposed.

We do need a speedy striker up front that's able to exploit space. Someone playing alongside or just behind Giroud wouldn't be a bad idea but I just can't see Wenger changing it.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

I agree - if he's found innocent I don't want him.

:haha:

[Harland]

When was the last time Giroud set up a goal with those flicks? It’s a good attribute to have but far from essential. We have more than enough players that can set up goals but not enough making runs, stretching play and finishing moves off. Having some many players forward will catch us out because the midfielders are always having to make runs from deep whilst Giroud is dropping deep. If they’re not trying make runs beyond him, they’re just making moves around the final third without any real penetration. With the wrong combination of players on the field, it will leave us exposed.

We do need a speedy striker up front that's able to exploit space. Someone playing alongside or just behind Giroud wouldn't be a bad idea but I just can't see Wenger changing it.

500 million on Suarez, do it Wenger

[Letters]

500 million on Suarez, do it Wenger
500,000,001, tbh

[Power n Glory]

I think we're too obsessed with a striker that can also create chances. We just need one that has pace and has a strikers instinct.

[JonasTC]

:gp:

[Munchies]

Being linked to signing Diego Costa for £30m

[JonasTC]

That can only be random media bs. Right now he's performing better than Falcao, so cant see him go for anywhere under 45ish :s

[Harland]

That can only be random media bs. Right now he's performing better than Falcao, so cant see him go for anywhere under 45ish :s
45,000,001 for falcao it is then.

[GP]

That can only be random media bs. Right now he's performing better than Falcao, so cant see him go for anywhere under 45ish :s

Buyout clause, innit?

[Master Splinter]

Rossi is one of the few high-quality, non-cup-tied, somewhat viable options.

He's only had a few months of regular football at Fiorentina though and would inevitably break down again as soon as he completed his Arsenal medical.

So not that viable tbf.

[Grebbo]

That can only be random media bs. Right now he's performing better than Falcao, so cant see him go for anywhere under 45ish :s

He has a buy out clause of £30m.

[Master Splinter]

I hate buyout clauses.

They must be the worst thing ever.

Along with Alan Shearer's brain.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Rossi is one of the few high-quality, non-cup-tied, somewhat viable options.

He's only had a few months of regular football at Fiorentina though and would inevitably break down again as soon as he completed his Arsenal medical.

So not that viable tbf.

You old cynic. Didn't he mainly struggle as a result of a couple major injuries rather than the maligned litany of small injuries owing to the injury prone type?

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Being linked to signing Diego Costa for £30m

What's the source?

[barrykamp]

I think we're too obsessed with a striker that can also create chances. We just need one that has pace and has a strikers instinct.

Is this not Walcott? I believe we need another slightly quicker Giroud with possibly less flicks - obviously I would choose Lewandowski if I had unlimited money and a mind control trick to change his mind. Suarez would be something different and it of course would work because somehow he is incredible, but I don't think Liverpool would allow it to happen and knowing Wenger he'd probably play him on the wing anyway.

Cheeky bid for Zlatan? I know it goes against everything Wenger would normally do but I wouldn't have expected him to bid for Suarez either.... it would take a big bid for an old guy though...

[milla]

We are signing Paraguay international Tonny Sanabria. This kid is so good, he is going to bench Yaya Sanogo. :good:

[AFC Leveller]

When was the last time Giroud set up a goal with those flicks? It’s a good attribute to have but far from essential. We have more than enough players that can set up goals but not enough making runs, stretching play and finishing moves off. Having some many players forward will catch us out because the midfielders are always having to make runs from deep whilst Giroud is dropping deep. If they’re not trying make runs beyond him, they’re just making moves around the final third without any real penetration. With the wrong combination of players on the field, it will leave us exposed.

We do need a speedy striker up front that's able to exploit space. Someone playing alongside or just behind Giroud wouldn't be a bad idea but I just can't see Wenger changing it.

His flicks seem pointless when there is noone making runs in behind. Look at the Norwich goal where everyone was moving about, things come off instantly.

With Theo back and hopefully Pod soon too, Giroud will get the best out of them as well as Ozil who will have options infront of him.