Winter Transfer Speculation and Shit.

[Power n Glory]

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.

Yeah...Norwich. :lol: The tests will keep on getting tougher.

I'm hoping with Theo and Pod coming back we'll see more penetration and movement in the box but I don't think we need Giroud to help them get goals when they have Cazorla, Ramsey, Wilshere, Ozil and Rosicky as the creative players. He needs to be more clinical because he had great chances against City he failed to take. But I see you're point.

[JonasTC]

He has a buy out clause of £30m.

It was 32m before he signed a new contract, could imagine its much higher now.

[JonasTC]

What's the source?

Its a story from back in early november, dno why its being brought up now. I saw an italian paper report it and next day sports direct news borrowed the story back in 2nd/3rd of november.

[Niall_Quinn]

Don't we have a striker called Campbell, or is he gone? Or did he ever get here? There's also a bloke called Sanogo we apparently signed and I think he even played for us once. Anyone know if these players figure in the plan at all, or were they just here on paid holiday?

[JonasTC]

Joel Campbell is doing pretty well at Olympiakos. 13 games 5 goals/8 assists in the league, he got a couple of games in the chl aswell for them. Sadly i think he'll end up like Carlos Vela, never really getting the chance here and ending up in a top club in another country.

[Grebbo]

It was 32m before he signed a new contract, could imagine its much higher now.

It was reportedly £20m before he signed a new contract, now it's £32m.

[Ollie the Optimist]

surely there can be no harm in resigning Henry on loan again? he's better then bendtner for sure and if you give him the ball in the box, he will score.

and hes Thierry Henry

edit: before i get called delusional again, i mean, if we aren't going to sign a top class striker, it just gives us another option and allows us to rotate a touch more.

[Xhaka Can’t]

We need a top quality long term addition, not a sticking plaster.

[Penguin]

I doubt Henry would even qualify as sticking plaster at this point :lol:

[Marc Overmars]

There's no harm in getting Henry but there is no point either.

[Master Splinter]

He'd be good back-up to Gunnersaurus.

[JonasTC]

It was reportedly £20m before he signed a new contract, now it's £32m.

Really? If thats the case, there is no reason for Wenger not to activate the buy-out clause, all we really need to be able to compete at the absolut top is a world class striker and to be able to get one for 32m in todays market is crazy.

[Grebbo]

Really? If thats the case, there is no reason for Wenger not to activate the buy-out clause, all we really need to be able to compete at the absolut top is a world class striker and to be able to get one for 32m in todays market is crazy.

Is he world class? I've only known about him for a season, that doesn't mean much but are we sure the Spanish league doesn't just make him look better than he is?

Atletico have had some amazing strikers in recent years haven't they: Vieri, Torres, Hasselbaink, Forlan, Aguero, Falcao and this new Costa fella

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Don't we have a striker called Campbell, or is he gone? Or did he ever get here? There's also a bloke called Sanogo we apparently signed and I think he even played for us once. Anyone know if these players figure in the plan at all, or were they just here on paid holiday?

Sanogo's right leg is here to make up the quota for Wenger's annual 'donkey' wage bill. The donkey wage bill consists of players that never feature but are fully paid by the club. Diaby has been the longest servant and will be presented with an award at the end of the season. Sanogo's left leg is fit and healthy, so fits into the normal wage bill. Unfortunately we haven't been able to trace the left leg either.

[JonasTC]

Is he world class? I've only known about him for a season, that doesn't mean much but are we sure the Spanish league doesn't just make him look better than he is?

Atletico have had some amazing strikers in recent years haven't they: Vieri, Torres, Hasselbaink, Forlan, Aguero, Falcao and this new Costa fella

They used him on the wing, when Falcao was there, thats why he didnt score as many goals. Atletico's amazing development of strikers and brazil n spain fighting for them to play for their team should be enough to trust, that he is probably a tiny bit better than Giroud :D

[BOBN]

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



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.
Indeed. Youd think thats what people like Ozil and Wilshere were for.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Not sure if Costa is world class and I have barely seen the bloke play but he is very close behind the conartist in the scoring chance which is an incredible feat in itself.

Very hard to believe he is Soldado Mk II. And I just get the feeling from the trouble Spain of all teams are going through to get him to play for them. This is a nation who were perfectly happy to barely play a single forward through an entire international competition! :d Now they are making a Brazilian forward a Spaniard!

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Just seen that Conartist is on 17 league goals.

Diego Costa is on 17 league goals. If he's a dud, then I want two to go!

[Power n Glory]

:haha:



Indeed. Youd think thats what people like Ozil and Wilshere were for.

It really makes no sense to buy a fancier Emile Heskey style target man and then have him surrounded by number 10 style playmakers that aren’t great finishers either. We either buy two pacey goal scoring wide wingers to play alongside Giroud or just a better striker that’s able to make space for himself and finish chances. When Pod gets back, maybe we’ll see a change. Theo and Pod are like our number 9 style classic strikers but they can remain anonymous for long periods on the flanks. That can be a problem when we need to stretch teams and need dribblers out wide to create space.

[Munchies]

Has anyone seen Diego Costa play ? Haven't seen too much from him, but the clause is £32m, not that out of place in the current market really.

[BOBN]

Should have got Costa in the summer, its too late now.

And i'll repeat now what I said then: Get whichever striker Athletico Madrid want next. The best conveyor belt of forwards in modern football history

[fakeyank]

Has anyone seen Diego Costa play ? Haven't seen too much from him, but the clause is £32m, not that out of place in the current market really.

Where'd you get that clause from?

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Should have got Costa in the summer, its too late now.

And i'll repeat now what I said then: Get whichever striker Athletico Madrid want next. The best conveyor belt of forwards in modern football history

Someone famously said (although ironically I can't recall precisely) from Barca or Real that their transfer policy was to see who Arsene Wenger wanted and get in there first.


The fact Costa has signed a new deal recentlyish may only means he will cost a lot more money but doesn't necessarily make him completely unattainable. I agree though we really should have spent our efforts getting him in the summer rather than getting mugged off by camp Suarez.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Back to scratching my broken record.....

He's only 25 (Possible resale value for the cynics)
He's on relatively low wages
A technical goal machine (22 goals in 21 games)
32 million big ones only
He's 6'2!!! So not just a technical midget

Even if like Soldado he's never scored a goal out of the box in 3 millenniums...I'd still take him. Why on earth can't we win the league if we make it happen. I know he may need time to settle but the confidence for that sort of scoring record can give you a big advantage in adapting.

[Letters]

Where'd you get that clause from?
Santa?

:coney:

[JonasTC]

Arshavin was bought in January, despite being cup-tied. So i guess its not impossible that Wenger will go for Diego Costa in January. We now got money to buy big players, Diego Costa wouldnt mind going to Liverpool this summer, so i guess he wouldnt mind going to us either and Wenger knows that this is the closet to the Premier League title he has been in years, just adding an extra striker could be enough. Im getting my hopes up for the transfer window (might not be Diego Costa, but i believe we will see a really good player joining us).

[Xhaka Can’t]

The difference was that 4th place was in severe danger then. The last time we were in this position we had a silent transfer window. That went on to cost us the title. While the upcoming transfer window may not provide the true litmus test of or title aspirations, it will be a pretty good indicator of them.

[AFC Leveller]

Costa has apparently decided to play for Spain....even tough he's Brazillian.

Iv seen a lot of him and he is a real handfull, scores all types of goals and what i like about him is that he's a nut case. always picking fights with others and tries to indimidate his opponent.

In terms of actually geting though, i dont think we have a prayer.

[Dein-machine]

When Wumger sold the Arsenal dream to Ozil do we think it included the promise of more quality players arriving or was the deal done so late that Ozil would just be glad to get out of RM without putting his own requests for success as part of the deal.

[I am invisible]

Costa has apparently decided to play for Spain....even tough he's Brazillian.

Iv seen a lot of him and he is a real handfull, scores all types of goals and what i like about him is that he's a nut case. always picking fights with others and tries to indimidate his opponent.

In terms of actually geting though, i dont think we have a prayer.

I don't know, seems like it would be a pretty straightforward deal to me? His release clause isn't the most unreasonable I've seen, and I don't think he's on anything close to PL wages at Athletico? For me, it's more a question of whether we're genuinely after him, rather than whether we could get the deal done - that's pretty much always the problem with us...

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I heard it intimated more than once that is what the former Dein-machine.

However, I think it was almost definitely not so much a promise as schmoozy, managerial buzz wordy sales talk. I'm sure the words 'ambitious', 'compete' and other such things were thrown in. Wenger is generally good on the charm offensive one on one with players.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I don't know, seems like it would be a pretty straightforward deal to me? His release clause isn't the most unreasonable I've seen, and I don't think he's on anything close to PL wages at Athletico? For me, it's more a question of whether we're genuinely after him, rather than whether we could get the deal done...

I reckon so mate.

I'm not obsessed with stats especially when it opposes what you can see with your own eyes.....but a player who near the half way point in the season has the same number of league goals as Cronaldo.....and he doesn't have Ooooozil the best number 10 in the world (as we love calling him) behind him supplying.

I can't be the only one licking my lips.

Probably getting my hopes up for nothing though. Seriously even if we have to offer 35 million instead of 32. Id just make it happen....send Henry over to take him out for lunch along with Wenger's wife...whatever it takes.

[I am invisible]

I reckon so mate.

I'm not obsessed with stats especially when it opposes what you can see with your own eyes.....but a player who near the half way point in the season has the same number of league goals as Cronaldo.....and he doesn't have Ooooozil the best number 10 in the world (as we love calling him) behind him supplying.

I can't be the only one licking my lips.

Probably getting my hopes up for nothing though. Seriously even if we have to offer 35 million instead of 32. Id just make it happen....send Henry over to take him out for lunch along with Wenger's wife...whatever it takes.

At least Wenger's on record as saying he likes him, so I suppose that's hopeful, in as far as it goes? Then again, Wenger says that about every player he's asked about, so you probably can't read too much into it.

I'm all for it though - take Suarez out of the equation (who divides opinion anyway), and this guy looks about as good as any forward in Europe right now. Reasonable price, reasonable wages... get it done.

[AFC Leveller]

His clause was last season before he started banging them in for fun. Athletico are joint top and thorugh to the CL KOs so we'd need to offer them something close to 40-45m.

Would love him to sign for us dont me wrong, he is lethal but i dont think we will.

[JonasTC]

You must know something all the different sports media dont then, because they've all reported it was 20ish before he signed a new contract and 32m after.

Its being reported that our scouts are in spain to watch him this week. He seems uber crazy like Suarez. He will do anything to get under his opponents skin. But its that kind of crazy that also makes him go for anything and fight for his life to get that ball in the net.

[selassie]

Regarding Costa, the deal can be done if we meet his release clause which is widely reported to be 32million. The sticking point with all transfers hinges on whether he wants to join us, it's not outlandish to think he would not be that keen on joining us mid-season when he's banging them in for Atletico who are going head to head with Barca in La Liga. He is their main man and has guaranteed CL football as they also reached the last 16.

Of course we could triple his wages and he would be playing with a higher calibre type of player but he wouldn't be guaranteed to walk in our team. He's having a great season, looks a very good player...but this is essentially his breakthrough season. Prior to this season his stats are nothing to shout about so paying 30mill+ for him is a risk.

One nice thing about him is that he has so far delivered in CL for Atletico, so he has proven to date that he can mix it with the best.

Having said all this I have read in numerous places that Wenger is reluctant to meet his release clause, I very much doubt we're going to get him for a penny less due to Atletico needing him.

Edited to add: I would prefer Costa over Benteke or Michu but only because he has proven himself in CL, that's what separates him from them two IMHO.

[Globalgunner]

Yes but can he do it....... Oh you know the rest.

Sorry chaps, there is no way we can get him in January. Why would Athletico sell. It would be suicide for them, especially as they could get the same money or more in the summer. I would like it to happen, but can't see it.He has also the WC to think about, either for Brazil or Spain he needs to prove himself before the season ends. Brazil have no proven CF. I would think they haven't given up on him seeing as he hasn't played a competitive game for Spain yet.

We need other targets. I would love Rossi from Fiorentina but just like Costa, there is no chance in January.

[GP]

[QUOTE=Globalgunner;353256Why would Athletico sell.[/QUOTE]

Because if we meet the release clause, they'd be obliged to.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I think the first team place thing is over stated at times. Let's be honest, just about every top top forward in Spain not at Real or Barca, end up there or another top club overseas regardless of the competition they may face. Torres went to Liverpool, Aguero went to City for 38 million (looks bloody good business now). Villa went to Barca, Eto'o went to Barca. If we wait for 3 seasons for him to score 180 goals in 180 games and prove his quality beyond doubt some other club would have long snapped him up. He seems a late bloomer to me. If he is a bastard like Suarez without the bitey and racism then great. I want a striker who is willing to upend the oppositions centre back, his own centre back and anyone else to put the ball in the back of the net.

About time we got ours.

Spain are trying very hard to get him playing for them and if he is of the best quality he will absolutely play enough games for us. Even if he takes time to settle he will play a load of games because we can't expect Giroud to be a machine.

[Özim]

We'll offer 32,000,001.

[Özim]

Regarding Costa, the deal can be done if we meet his release clause which is widely reported to be 32million. The sticking point with all transfers hinges on whether he wants to join us, it's not outlandish to think he would not be that keen on joining us mid-season when he's banging them in for Atletico who are going head to head with Barca in La Liga. He is their main man and has guaranteed CL football as they also reached the last 16.

Of course we could triple his wages and he would be playing with a higher calibre type of player but he wouldn't be guaranteed to walk in our team. He's having a great season, looks a very good player...but this is essentially his breakthrough season. Prior to this season his stats are nothing to shout about so paying 30mill+ for him is a risk.

One nice thing about him is that he has so far delivered in CL for Atletico, so he has proven to date that he can mix it with the best.

Having said all this I have read in numerous places that Wenger is reluctant to meet his release clause, I very much doubt we're going to get him for a penny less due to Atletico needing him.

Edited to add: I would prefer Costa over Benteke or Michu but only because he has proven himself in CL, that's what separates him from them two IMHO.

It's also World cup year and he's trying to get into the Spain squad, a mid-season move to a new league is a big risk.

I don't see this happening for various reason, I'm not entirely convinced by him either, saw him a number of times last season and he was good, but not amazingly good....he was very much in Falcoa's shadow.

Before spending that kind of money you want to make sure a player is the real deal.

[selassie]

It's also World cup year and he's trying to get into the Spain squad, a mid-season move to a new league is a big risk.

I don't see this happening for various reason, I'm not entirely convinced by him either, saw him a number of times last season and he was good, but not amazingly good....he was very much in Falcoa's shadow.

Before spending that kind of money you want to make sure a player is the real deal.

Yep, totally agree.

[Özil's Panoramic View]

It's also World cup year and he's trying to get into the Spain squad, a mid-season move to a new league is a big risk.

I don't see this happening for various reason, I'm not entirely convinced by him either, saw him a number of times last season and he was good, but not amazingly good....he was very much in Falcoa's shadow.

Before spending that kind of money you want to make sure a player is the real deal.

And you think when he proves to the "real deal" you're going to get him for same price, eh?

I can already see you then having modified your argument to say we shouldn't be paying that obscene amount of 50mil or more for him.

[JonasTC]

He's trying to get into the Spain squad? He's probably the first player they have ever begged to join them, i dont think he needs to try. A top player belives in himself and would not be afraid to go on the big stage, they're not some average joe behind the computer with no confidence.

Last season he spend most of his time on the wing and the season before that he was injured for most of the season but still ended up with 10 in 16 games as a striker (which was almost the same goal per game average falcao had that season).

I believe Wenger knows that he is one of the only top strikers in europe he can get for under 40 and he needs to get it done before the world cup, in which there is a pretty big chance he will shine and therefor be much harder to get.

[selassie]

I think the first team place thing is over stated at times. Let's be honest, just about every top top forward in Spain not at Real or Barca, end up there or another top club overseas regardless of the competition they may face. Torres went to Liverpool, Aguero went to City for 38 million (looks bloody good business now). Villa went to Barca, Eto'o went to Barca. If we wait for 3 seasons for him to score 180 goals in 180 games and prove his quality beyond doubt some other club would have long snapped him up. He seems a late bloomer to me. If he is a bastard like Suarez without the bitey and racism then great. I want a striker who is willing to upend the oppositions centre back, his own centre back and anyone else to put the ball in the back of the net.

About time we got ours.

Spain are trying very hard to get him playing for them and if he is of the best quality he will absolutely play enough games for us. Even if he takes time to settle he will play a load of games because we can't expect Giroud to be a machine.

All of those players you have listed were established goalscorers in La Liga, I.E. had scored goals scored consistently over a number of seasons. Torres & Aguero were major talents, it's not like they were gambles, they were both established at International level too. Costa isn't there yet, spending 30mill on him would be a risk for a club like us IMHO. It's not about waiting 3 seasons for him to blossom, it's about paying the market rate for established quality, we are not a club that can risk wasting 30million on gambles.

I'd much rather we spend say 10-15million on a squad player and then spend big in the summer on the real deal.

I genuinely believe if spending 30million, you need at least 2 consistent seasons out of a player and at the very least they need to be capped at International level.

[Özim]

And you think when he proves to the "real deal" you're going to get him for same price, eh?

I can already see you then having modified your argument to say we shouldn't be paying that obscene amount of 50mil or more for him.

32 million is a lot of money for someone who has really only done really well this season, like I said last season he was OK but very much secondary to Falcoa.

I haven't modified my argument, I've seen this guy play over 2 seasons and am giving my opinion of him, like I said based on what I've seen he's good but not in the same class as the top players IMO at this stage.

[Özim]

He's trying to get into the Spain squad? He's probably the first player they have ever begged to join them, i dont think he needs to try. A top player belives in himself and would not be afraid to go on the big stage, they're not some average joe behind the computer with no confidence.

Last season he spend most of his time on the wing and the season before that he was injured for most of the season but still ended up with 10 in 16 games as a striker (which was almost the same goal per game average falcao had that season).

I believe Wenger knows that he is one of the only top strikers in europe he can get for under 40 and he needs to get it done before the world cup, in which there is a pretty big chance he will shine and therefor be much harder to get.


Yes he's trying to get into the Spain squad and no they didn't beg him they gave him the chance to play for them and he did. Changing league is difficult for anyone and involves a period of adaptation, he's not a definite choice for Spain he's only come into consideration this season in reality, if he moves and struggles for form there's others who could be picked before him.

I watched him last season, wasn't impressed to be honest, I've seen him a few times this season as well and he's been quite good but I'm not entirely convinced based on what I saw last season, think he needs another season to prove he can reproduce it and it's not a one off season.

He reminds me of Hulk basically in that he's strong on the ball, he's doesn't have the skills of a Suarez of Aguero or of the very top players, he's more about brute force.

[JonasTC]

Ehh neither Torres or Aguero ever really had 'great' seasons in spain before joining premier league, they were talents that was being gambled on to be great, Costa has done fine for the last 3 season despite a long injury break and being played on the wing alot. A guy that is keeping up with C.Ronaldo, i dont really think we need to be afraid if he's gonna be scoring for us with the amount of creative midfielders we have, all we need to know is if he can put it in the net when given the chance.

[selassie]

Ehh neither Torres or Aguero ever really had 'great' seasons in spain before joining premier league, they were talents that was being gambled on to be great, Costa has done fine for the last 3 season despite a long injury break and being played on the wing alot. A guy that is keeping up with C.Ronaldo, i dont really think we need to be afraid if he's gonna be scoring for us with the amount of creative midfielders we have, all we need to know is if he can put it in the net when given the chance.

lol! Real Madrid were desperate to sign both of them, Barca were constantly linked to both of them. Are you trying to tell me Costa's stock is higher than that of Torres or Aguero before they left Atletico?

Everyone wanted both Torres & Aguero.

Edited to add: I am more than happy to be proved wrong with Costa, I still stand by what i said, paying 30mill for him is a gamble.

Also, here are there stats Jonas, bear in mind they were both in their early 20's when they left la liga.

Torres: 75 goals in 174 La Liga appearances

Aguero: 101 goals in 234 La Liga appearances

[Özim]

Torres and Aguero both stood out for Athletico, I can remember seeing them, there was much more about them than there is about Costa no doubt about it, their skills were obvious, Costa's aren't as apparent as he's not the same kind of player. Yes he's keeping up with Ronaldo, however it's not unheard of for players to have one prolific season, there are plenty of examples.

I don't think we'll sign him anyway, but regardless of that I still have my reservations based on what I've seen of him over two seasons, someone referred to him last season and I actually said I don't really rate him at the time.

[Özil's Panoramic View]

32 million is a lot of money for someone who has really only done really well this season, like I said last season he was OK but very much secondary to Falcoa.

I haven't modified my argument, I've seen this guy play over 2 seasons and am giving my opinion of him, like I said based on what I've seen he's good but not in the same class as the top players IMO at this stage.

How much do you think he'll be worth should he go on to being consistently awesome, if he's already valued at 32mil?

And, I didn't say you've modified your argument.....well, not just yet in this instance. But going off how you did it when we were tinkering with Suarez, I feel you'll do same again here should we still be interested in a year or 2, providing he's become top notch commanding a massive transfer fee.

[selassie]

Torres and Aguero both stood out for Athletico, I can remember seeing them, there was much more about them than there is about Costa no doubt about it, their skills were obvious, Costa's aren't as apparent as he's not the same kind of player. Yes he's keeping up with Ronaldo, however it's not unheard of for players to have one prolific season, there are plenty of examples.

I don't think we'll sign him anyway, but regardless of that I still have my reservations based on what I've seen of him over two seasons, someone referred to him last season and I actually said I don't really rate him at the time.

Yep, they were both more rounded players, they could score goals, but were really great team players. Both of them had breakthrough seasons when they were teenagers too.

[Özim]

How much do you think he'll be worth should he go on to being consistently awesome, if he's already valued at 32mil?

And, I didn't say you've modified your argument.....well, not just yet in this instance. But going off how you did it when we were tinkering with Suarez, I feel you'll do same again here should we still be interested in a year or 2, providing he's become top notch commanding a massive transfer fee.

Not sure but 32 million is too much anyhow based on what he's done so far, but that's Spain for you with their buy out clauses, they never really represent the value of the player.

Suarez is top class I think we can see that, I didn't want him though and still don't as he's a scumbag but 42 million was enough money for him at the time IMO. 32 million is a lot for Costa, considering his career record.

[Özim]

Yep, they were both more rounded players, they could score goals, but were really great team players. Both of them had breakthrough seasons when they were teenagers too.

Exactly and that's not knocking Costa, it's just that they were always considered special talents, Costa hasn't really been, he's played 2nd fiddle at Athletico for a while and has only really come good this season.

[JonasTC]

Ye he sucks because he was behind a guy that was being considered the best striker in the world and as soon as he leaves he does even better than him, makes sense. 2 of the best national teams in the world are were fighting for him to play for them, doesnt mean anything either i guess... Diego Costa have been doing great for the last 3 seasons and we're forgetting looking at what he would offer us, not only is he strong and really fast, he always gets into really good positions and when he gets the proper pass, he doesnt dissapoint. I dont care if he dont have the technical level of Suarez or Aguero, all we need for a striker is a guy who gets into the right positions, because he will be fed all day at our club.

*edit*

Just read a bit about him, last season there were already coaches/players saying they believed he was slightly better than Falcao, because he had more tools to play with, so i guess the hype is not new. Him blooming late might have something to do with that he didnt play football at a club before he was 16.

[Özil's Panoramic View]

Ye he sucks because he was behind a guy that was being considered the best striker in the world and as soon as he leaves he does even better than him, makes sense. 2 of the best national teams in the world are were fighting for him to play for them, doesnt mean anything either i guess... Diego Costa have been doing great for the last 3 seasons and we're forgetting looking at what he would offer us, not only is he strong and really fast, he always gets into really good positions and when he gets the proper pass, he doesnt dissapoint. I dont care if he dont have the technical level of Suarez or Aguero, all we need for a striker is a guy who gets into the right positions, because he will be fed all day at our club.

Everything he said here.

[Penguin]

Ye he sucks because he was behind a guy that was being considered the best striker in the world and as soon as he leaves he does even better than him, makes sense. 2 of the best national teams in the world are were fighting for him to play for them, doesnt mean anything either i guess... Diego Costa have been doing great for the last 3 seasons and we're forgetting looking at what he would offer us, not only is he strong and really fast, he always gets into really good positions and when he gets the proper pass, he doesnt dissapoint. I dont care if he dont have the technical level of Suarez or Aguero, all we need for a striker is a guy who gets into the right positions, because he will be fed all day at our club.

:gp:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

All of those players you have listed were established goalscorers in La Liga, I.E. had scored goals scored consistently over a number of seasons. Torres & Aguero were major talents, it's not like they were gambles, they were both established at International level too. Costa isn't there yet, spending 30mill on him would be a risk for a club like us IMHO. It's not about waiting 3 seasons for him to blossom, it's about paying the market rate for established quality, we are not a club that can risk wasting 30million on gambles.

I'd much rather we spend say 10-15million on a squad player and then spend big in the summer on the real deal.

I genuinely believe if spending 30million, you need at least 2 consistent seasons out of a player and at the very least they need to be capped at International level.

That is one way to look at it and they were established goal scorers in La Liga...... and yet none of that lot (or at least not all) were THE top scorer in Spain. Costa is the leading scorer with Cronaldo.

Would Costa represent a risk? Absolutely he does. Pretty much any player you sign out of Spain barring Cronaldo or Messi or Bale are going to be a significant risk. Aguero and Torres were both risks themselves. You might argue for different reasons to Costa, but the fact is you take a risk on any player for any substantial fee 90% of the time. And you are wrong, Costa has 2 international caps for Brazil.

When you aren't taking a risk, or at least not so much of one, that is precisely when you are paying 50 million plus for a player, hence the transfers of Cavani, Falcao and others this summer gone.

Ozil himself, is a player who has divided opinion amongst our fans to an extent himself at 42.5 million. Was that not a risk?

Calling the leading scorer in Spain, who Spain are trying to nationalise 'wasting' 30 million on a gamble is a bit of a stretch. Using the word 'wasting' on a gamble in the context you used it, implies you are under no doubt that he will be a dud, which I find curious too.....

[I am invisible]

Well, I've not seen much of him, but from the bit I have seen, I'd say he looks a good fit for us? He's spent the last season or two playing the support act to Falcao, which means he'll have been able to hone that aspect of his game, and this season he's showing that he can also be prolific as the main man too - sounds like we'd be getting a player who would allow us to retain the link-up play that Giroud brings to the side, but also add more pace and goals? Isn't that ideal?

Coming at it from a different angle, you also have to ask yourself who else is available who would represent a better option for us? Assuming for a minute that the Suarez deal is a no-go, and that Lewandowski is still Bayern-bound, then this guy would have to be at the top of the list of whoever is left? Plus, how many of the other options that we might be looking at have release clauses that would compel their clubs to sell for a fixed price?

[Power n Glory]

It wouldn't make sense for Athletico to sell in January but aren't they still in debt?

[Grebbo]

It wouldn't make sense for Athletico to sell in January but aren't they still in debt?

They have no choice! Buy out clause

[Grebbo]

If we sign Costa in Jan then at least the club will have made a real go of a title push and you can't ask for more than that. If Man City end up winning it then at least we tried but the better team won in the end.

However, if we don't sign Costa or (insert name of established striker) then questions will have to be asked (again). How any club can expect to go the entire season with one established striker is beyond me - especially a club in with a shout of winning the league.

[selassie]

Ye he sucks because he was behind a guy that was being considered the best striker in the world and as soon as he leaves he does even better than him, makes sense. 2 of the best national teams in the world are were fighting for him to play for them, doesnt mean anything either i guess... Diego Costa have been doing great for the last 3 seasons and we're forgetting looking at what he would offer us, not only is he strong and really fast, he always gets into really good positions and when he gets the proper pass, he doesnt dissapoint. I dont care if he dont have the technical level of Suarez or Aguero, all we need for a striker is a guy who gets into the right positions, because he will be fed all day at our club.

*edit*

Just read a bit about him, last season there were already coaches/players saying they believed he was slightly better than Falcao, because he had more tools to play with, so i guess the hype is not new. Him blooming late might have something to do with that he didnt play football at a club before he was 16.

Nobody has said he sucks. What me and Ozim said is that it is gamble spending 30million on him.

[Power n Glory]

Because it’s the one season, he could be having an Adebayor or Baptista moment. You have to question whether it’s class or just good form. I’d have to watch how he plays to get a better idea. It’s a lot of money and we were unwilling to spend on Higuain even though has a better track record. We shall see. I hope the scouts do their job properly. They’ve been woeful over the past few years.

[I am invisible]

It wouldn't make sense for Athletico to sell in January but aren't they still in debt?

Every Spanish club is.

I agree it's unlikely to happen in January, but the same is probably true of any top striker - when we chuck all these names around, I think we're realistically looking at summer moves more 90% of them, and will probably have to make our peace with a short-term deal in January...

[Fist of Lehmann]

Thoroughly agree.

Stopgap loanee is the most realistic expectation, or someone like Berbatov.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I would really like us to bring whatever summer plans we have for a forward forward unless he absolutely cannot be attained in January. The summer is close to the world cup and a lot of players will find their interests conflicted, so this is as good a year as any to bring our transfer plans forward if we can.

If we assume Lewandowski will be gone in January (?) there will be even less top forwards left for us to consider.

[Bumble]

offer £60m for Suarez and see what happens. then again Real will bid for him in the summer and we get benzema or another Real cast off

[Özim]

Because it’s the one season, he could be having an Adebayor or Baptista moment. You have to question whether it’s class or just good form. I’d have to watch how he plays to get a better idea. It’s a lot of money and we were unwilling to spend on Higuain even though has a better track record. We shall see. I hope the scouts do their job properly. They’ve been woeful over the past few years.

I agree with this entirely, I watched him numerous times last season and I wouldn't say he was any better than a good player, yes he's scored more this season (I saw their last match incidentally and he scored a couple, one goal (keeper could have done better) and a penalty and he missed a penalty as well, he was good but not amazingly so in that game).

He might turn out to be a prolific goalscorer from now on, but he's not done enough in his career so far to prove he will be. Soldado scored a hatful for Valencia last season but has struggled for Spurs.

Additionally Negredo cost Man City 17 million and Soldado Spurs 26 million so 32 million is a lot for Costa IMO as he's done no better than they did.

[Özim]

offer £60m for Suarez and see what happens. then again Real will bid for him in the summer and we get benzema or another Real cast off

He's just signed a new deal, what an odd character.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

He's just signed a new deal, what an odd character.

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

"We give you big bucks now, you don't kick up a fuss in January and we won't stand in your way in the summer if we finish lower than 4th"
*headbutts Ayre*

[selassie]

Thoroughly agree.

Stopgap loanee is the most realistic expectation, or someone like Berbatov.

Yep, that's pretty much how I see it at the moment. I would love a world class striker but the chances of it happening in January are extremely slim.

[selassie]

That is one way to look at it and they were established goal scorers in La Liga...... and yet none of that lot (or at least not all) were THE top scorer in Spain. Costa is the leading scorer with Cronaldo.

Would Costa represent a risk? Absolutely he does. Pretty much any player you sign out of Spain barring Cronaldo or Messi or Bale are going to be a significant risk. Aguero and Torres were both risks themselves. You might argue for different reasons to Costa, but the fact is you take a risk on any player for any substantial fee 90% of the time. And you are wrong, Costa has 2 international caps for Brazil.

When you aren't taking a risk, or at least not so much of one, that is precisely when you are paying 50 million plus for a player, hence the transfers of Cavani, Falcao and others this summer gone.

Ozil himself, is a player who has divided opinion amongst our fans to an extent himself at 42.5 million. Was that not a risk?

Calling the leading scorer in Spain, who Spain are trying to nationalise 'wasting' 30 million on a gamble is a bit of a stretch. Using the word 'wasting' on a gamble in the context you used it, implies you are under no doubt that he will be a dud, which I find curious too.....

Ok, so I probably didn't explain myself properly regarding being capped at International Level. My argument regarding a player being capped at International Level was more geared towards the player being established at that level, or at least to the extent of playing more than earning 2 caps.

Sure every player purchase is a risk, but when spending upwards of 30million I personally feel a player has to have shown his true worth over a period of time across every level, E.G league, european & international level.

30million is a hell of a lot of money for a club like Arsenal to be spending money on an unproven talent, it's not like we can write it off in the summer and go splurge again, we are not Chelsea or Man City.

Sure Ozil was a risk as said above like every player purchase, but Ozil is a PROVEN world class performer, he has done it on the big stage (world cup, cl, bundesliga, la liga etc), he has done it over a sustained period of time. he is established quality.

Spain can nationalise whoever they like, it doesn't cost them a dime and gives them extra options upfront which in fact is a position they are not blessed with talent.

Point taken on me using the word "wasting", "spending" is more the correct term. I personally would not feel that comfortable with us "spending" 30 million on him just yet.

[Penguin]

If we wait for him to prove himself at every level his price could double and he'd be out of our price range. What's more is that Real, Barca, Bayern etc are likely to join in on the hunt and there's no chance of him choosing us over them. I wouldn't fancy our chances over Chelsea and City either who can offer him insane wages.

Of course it's a gamble, you have to at some level. I'd rather see us take a chance on a potentially world class player than buy two safe £15m bargains.

[Power n Glory]

YouTube ain't the most reliable of places for scouting...:lol:....but I'm underwhelmed and say 'nay'.

He looks very unpolished. The strikes aren't clean and he doesn't look like the sort of striker that's going to make a huge difference to us. I'd have to watch him in full but I haven't seen a goal that I can't see Giroud, Theo, Pod or even Bendy scoring from.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

What about his overhead kick against Getafe? :lol:

Giroud try as he might, is unlikely to get a wondergoal.

[Power n Glory]

What about his overhead kick against Getafe? :lol:

Giroud try as he might, is unlikely to get a wondergoal.

I haven't seen that and you watch more La Liga than me but is be that much of a step up beyond what we have? A overhead kick takes skill but also some luck. Sanago scored a great overhead kick in the summer. Can't really judge players on that sort of strike unless it's consistent.

[Özim]

What about his overhead kick against Getafe? :lol:

Giroud try as he might, is unlikely to get a wondergoal.

I've watched him a fair amount and he's more of a battering ram type player than a player with finesse. He's about strength and determination more than anything else.

[Power n Glory]

Just seen that strike. Fantastic goal but I haven't seen anything thing to suggest he's super clinical and will punish half chances. You'd probably know. Better than Higuian?

[Özim]

I wouldn't say he's better than Higuain who is a more natural finisher and has better technique. He's a powerful hard working type of striker.

[Özil's Panoramic View]

Oh dear god. :doh:

What does it matter whether he's able to caress the ball into the back of the net or if he's better at pummelling it in there? I thought goals were what we wanted, which he's clearly capable of delivering.

I'm sure you've witnessed time after time after time Drogba raping us. Oh wait, just remembered you hardly ever watch our games - and that's by your own admission. Anyway, bear in mind that Drogba didn't use much finesse when he used to tear us and other teams a new one back then.

Stop positing silly stuff in your attempts to discredit the player.

[Power n Glory]

Have you seen him play? He reminds me of Adebayor for some reason.

[Power n Glory]

I wouldn't say he's better than Higuain who is a more natural finisher and has better technique. He's a powerful hard working type of striker.

And we've got that.

[Özim]

Have you seen him play? He reminds me of Adebayor for some reason.

Yeah reminds me of him a bit as well tbf.

[GP]

Oh dear god. :doh:

What does it matter whether he's able to caress the ball into the back of the net or if he's better at pummelling it in there? I thought goals were what we wanted, which he's clearly capable of delivering.

I'm sure you've witnessed time after time after time Drogba raping us. Oh wait, just remembered you hardly ever watch our games - and that's by your own admission. Anyway, bear in mind that Drogba didn't use much finesse when he used to tear us and other teams a new one back then.

Stop positing silly stuff in your attempts to discredit the player.

Good luck with that.

[Özim]

Oh dear god. :doh:

What does it matter whether he's able to caress the ball into the back of the net or if he's better at pummelling it in there? I thought goals were what we wanted, which he's clearly capable of delivering.

I'm sure you've witnessed time after time after time Drogba raping us. Oh wait, just remembered you hardly ever watch our games - and that's by your own admission. Anyway, bear in mind that Drogba didn't use much finesse when he used to tear us and other teams a new one back then.

Stop positing silly stuff in your attempts to discredit the player.


Clearly? I wouldn't say that's proven, this is his first really good season (well half a season so far), his career record isn't good enough to support your argument. As for Drogba, yeah he's definitely no Drogba!

[JonasTC]

Instead of listening to the "expert" zimm, listen to the bunch of managers and players from spain who, before this season, believed he was already better or was going to be better than Falcao. He scored 15 goals from last winter to the summer (in 20 games), the season before that he got 10 goals in 16 games after being out for half the season.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Ok, so I probably didn't explain myself properly regarding being capped at International Level. My argument regarding a player being capped at International Level was more geared towards the player being established at that level, or at least to the extent of playing more than earning 2 caps.

Sure every player purchase is a risk, but when spending upwards of 30million I personally feel a player has to have shown his true worth over a period of time across every level, E.G league, european & international level.

30million is a hell of a lot of money for a club like Arsenal to be spending money on an unproven talent, it's not like we can write it off in the summer and go splurge again, we are not Chelsea or Man City.

Sure Ozil was a risk as said above like every player purchase, but Ozil is a PROVEN world class performer, he has done it on the big stage (world cup, cl, bundesliga, la liga etc), he has done it over a sustained period of time. he is established quality.

Spain can nationalise whoever they like, it doesn't cost them a dime and gives them extra options upfront which in fact is a position they are not blessed with talent.

Point taken on me using the word "wasting", "spending" is more the correct term. I personally would not feel that comfortable with us "spending" 30 million on him just yet.
Something tells me he is going to quickly earn more caps to put you at ease....
Arsenal have a history of signing players who have an awful lot to prove. Not necessarily in excess of 30 million but we have no history of signing any players of any ability in that price bracket anyway. Most of us have conceded that a large sum of money should have been spent on top players way before now though. Ironically, Wenger tried to sign Ozil well before he had proven himself on every stage, even if not for a huge fee, but the 42.5 million marks a change in approach. Not every transfer will be huge but we now recognise they can't all come in for way below their actual value.

I can't remember Arsenal signing the leading scorer in a top European league ever before. Not Henry, Bergkamp, Wright or anyone else, so from that point of view one might build an argument for justifying spending that price. I should stress it is not actually his set in stone price tag. It is his clause which forces the onus on them to sell. That makes a potentially time consuming and convoluted deal much easier to manage. That's not to say I believe he will come on the cheap but some people are speaking as if there will be a lot more top quality forwards to choose from this Summer at much better prices. There simply won't be.... and they will be that closer to the World cup.

Costa would have to be an almighty flop for 30 million to be simply and as you put it 'written off', otherwise he will have a resale value at his age and with his ability. So it's not simply a case of 30 million well spent or 30 million down the drain. I realise that perhaps I'm taking you a little literally, but there is a paradigm of polarisation where football is concerned in the modern age that I don't always quite understand.

The point about Spain going to the trouble to nationalise him (and the wheels were put in motion well before his 17 goals in 16 games) is that they are unlikely to go to such trouble for just any joe bloggs / johnny come lately player. They are a proud nation after all who are bursting with talented players have won the last 3 major tournaments and even played one for the majority without a forward. That they are even attempting what they are with Costa is almost beyond belief considering their wealth of talents and forwards including, Llorente, Torres, Soldado, Negredo and the promising Spanish strikers at Real and Barca or whoever else I've forgotten.

It is certainly a course of action in Spain's history which does not have a whole lot of precedent.....even before their recent success when they were perennially underachieving.


YouTube ain't the most reliable of places for scouting...:lol:....but I'm underwhelmed and say 'nay'.

He looks very unpolished. The strikes aren't clean and he doesn't look like the sort of striker that's going to make a huge difference to us. I'd have to watch him in full but I haven't seen a goal that I can't see Giroud, Theo, Pod or even Bendy scoring from.

Isn't the point about Giroud that he just doesn't take enough of his chances, make enough for himself and generally score enough, rather than the fact that his goals aren't spectacular.

Costa almost sounds like the player Baptista SHOULD have been for us....which is no bad thing necessarily. If he has to thunder 38 goals in 38 league games I'd be absolutely delighted. DELIGHTED I tell you PG!

[Globalgunner]

I think the overriding point is that he is much better than what we have got now in Giroud or Bendtner...and that there is not much else better than him available at this moment.

Still doubt we will get him or that Wenger will even bid. I am already resigned to him saying Poldi will be like a new signing which could be true as Podolski will be doing his utmost to make sure he gets selected for the WC. a revitalised and scoring Lukas would be a great boost to our title hopes, same with Walcott.

We however desperately need a defensive MF to work along or instead of Flamini. Arteta is NOT, repeat NOT a DMF

[JonasTC]

I agree with Arteta, i like him and i think he is great, but he is more of a Pirlo type and the only reason Pirlo works out on DM, is because Juventus is playing with 3 central defenders, so he doesnt have to focus as much on the deffensive side of his playing style as arteta needs to do in our system.

I really believe we will sign a quality striker in January, he tried to sign David Villa back in January, in the summer he went for Higuain, Suarez & Ba. Why would he stop trying to get a striker in now?

[Penguin]

Unfortunately Diego Costa might be reluctant to move in January himself because he'd be cup tied in the CL. Atletico are still in it and are in a great position in the league so it makes more sense to stay until the end of the season.

Not sure who else is available but me might have to make do with a stop gap in january

[Munchies]

The only other player I can think of us getting now is Luis Muriel, were linked to him in the summer and he isn't cup tied.

Can't even think of another striker right now tbf, should of just got one in the summer :doh:

[Özim]

Instead of listening to the "expert" zimm, listen to the bunch of managers and players from spain who, before this season, believed he was already better or was going to be better than Falcao. He scored 15 goals from last winter to the summer (in 20 games), the season before that he got 10 goals in 16 games after being out for half the season.

Yeah noone believes he will be better than Falcoa, well 1 person does but noone else.

[JonasTC]

http://www.football-espana.net/29105/%E2%80%98costa-more-important-falcao%E2%80%99
http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3922/spain/2013/03/29/3863346/costa-is-better-than-falcao-claims-valverde

These comments were from last season.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1859628-explaining-diego-costas-powerful-rise-in-spain-this-season

Here's some comments from his manager, Iniesta and Dani Alves

[Özim]

http://www.football-espana.net/29105/%E2%80%98costa-more-important-falcao%E2%80%99
http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/3922/spain/2013/03/29/3863346/costa-is-better-than-falcao-claims-valverde

These comments were from last season.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1859628-explaining-diego-costas-powerful-rise-in-spain-this-season

Here's some comments from his manager, Iniesta and Dani Alves

Right so a few players, two of which wanted him to play for their country so would say anything to encourage him (both countries don't have an embarrassment of riches up front incidentally), some unknown footballer who says he's maybe more important and a coach who says "Perhaps he is even a bit better than the Colombian."

Get me something credible cos that's stuff isn't.

Given the choice I'm sure all those people would choose Falcoa over him, you'd have to be mad not to, Falcoa' goalscoring record is phenomenal throughout his career, this guy has had barely a season of scoring.

[JonasTC]

Ehh? Because 'Zimm from Goonersweb' is more credible than a guy that have played with him and against him numerous times and a manager from a top team who's team have played him numerous times, goes out and says before this season that he might be better than Falcao and so far they've both been right. What more do you want?

Yea i guess they would all choose those 9 goals in 14 games in the amazing french league over a guy that is 1+:1 goal/game ratio in both primera division and chl. But you're Zimm from Goonersweb, so i guess your speculation is the only truth :)

[Özim]

Ehh? Because 'Zimm from Goonersweb' is more credible than a guy that have played with him and against him numerous times and a manager from a top team who's team have played him numerous times, goes out and says before this season that he might be better than Falcao and so far they've both been right. What more do you want?

Yea i guess they would all choose those 9 goals in 14 games in the amazing french league over a guy that is 1+:1 goal/game ratio in both primera division and chl. But you're Zimm from Goonersweb, so i guess your speculation is the only truth :)

The coach doesn't say he's better, as for the players again two of them want to encourage him to play for their country so will say anything and the other one again doesn't say he's better.

Yes they would choose a player who scored a hatful for Porto and Athletico over numerous seasons over a guy with an average scoring record who has only really started scoring in the last season, they'd have to be crazy not to :)

[Power n Glory]

Ehh? Because 'Zimm from Goonersweb' is more credible than a guy that have played with him and against him numerous times and a manager from a top team who's team have played him numerous times, goes out and says before this season that he might be better than Falcao and so far they've both been right. What more do you want?

Yea i guess they would all choose those 9 goals in 14 games in the amazing french league over a guy that is 1+:1 goal/game ratio in both primera division and chl. But you're Zimm from Goonersweb, so i guess your speculation is the only truth :)

Have you seen him play?

[GP]

http://i.imgur.com/Ro8ExUa.jpg

[JonasTC]

Have you seen him play?

No, i like to go into debates without knowing anything about the subject :sarcy:

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

To be fair to Bender, I always think that watching the snooker.

I even thought it a couple of times at the Olympics ffs.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Seen some clips of Costa.

Definitely faster and more agile than Giroud. Looks an absolute unit too.

I'd be happy with him.

[Power n Glory]

No, i like to go into debates without knowing anything about the subject :sarcy:

Who knows! If you've seen him play, how do you think he'll fit into our system and will be differ from what we've seen before or currently have? I've only seen a few clips and I'm skeptical but want to hear what others have to say who have seen him play.

[Letters]

Get me something credible cos that's stuff isn't.
*looks up 'credible' inthe Oxford English Zimmtionary*

"Something that agrees with whatever I've already decided to be true"

[JonasTC]

Who knows! If you've seen him play, how do you think he'll fit into our system and will be differ from what we've seen before or currently have? I've only seen a few clips and I'm skeptical but want to hear what others have to say who have seen him play.

I think he's a complete striker, his strongest site are definitely his ability to find space, he's fast enough to get behind the defenders and strong enough to hold them off, with all our creative midfielders he'll be getting fed all day in good positions, the way we cant do with Giroud. My only worries tho, is that he doesnt give a fuck on the field, he'll dive, he'll get into the refs face, start trouble with whoever, but it seems its getting better this season in that area.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Yeah noone believes he will be better than Falcoa, well 1 person does but noone else.

Are we getting his name wrong? Why do you keep calling him Falcoa? Isn't it Falcao? Are we actually speaking about different players.....? lol

You have kind of ignored Jonas' point about his scoring record actually looking quite good last season and the season before relative to the number of games he played.

Before RvP had his first fully fit season with us, if you'd looked at his season before you'd have seen a decent scoring record. A scoring record is not to be dismissed just because a player didn't play every game that season.

I confess, I haven't comprehensively seen him play or even noticed him until recently but I do think he is an interesting proposition (as I've clearly stated). I suspect acquiring a top class forward is going to be neither cheap or straight forward so I just think we are going to have to show some street savvy to get a player in of that quality. Unless we sign a young player who has that type of potential....in which case he will be a few years off, or we try to sign another Real cast off from a big club, the player is not going to cost less than 30 odd million. Even Higuain's price eventually exceeded 30 million.

I also don't really get the logic in a stop gap. We will be stuck with the stop gap for the foreseeable future and not just till summer. If he is no better than Bendtner, Podolski or Walcott up front, what's the point? If he is a loan signing, he probably won't have the type of quality we are all really hoping for....or may be way beyond his best ala Henry (much as I love him).

What kind of stop gap is significantly better than Bendtner, available and not going to cost us a significant amount of money?

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Ironically, part of the reason that Julio 'The Beast' Baptista (Costa reference/comparison in my head) didn't work out was the fact that he was actually more concerned with pulling off individual pieces of skill than actually......beasting past people and scoring. So I do find it quite ironically that we would be overly concerned about Costa's apparent lack of technical ability.

[Özim]

*looks up 'credible' inthe Oxford English Zimmtionary*

"Something that agrees with whatever I've already decided to be true"

Well no, but having quotes that actually say he's better would be a start (preferably from people without specific agenda's).

[Özim]

Are we getting his name wrong? Why do you keep calling him Falcoa? Isn't it Falcao? Are we actually speaking about different players.....? lol

You have kind of ignored Jonas' point about his scoring record actually looking quite good last season and the season before relative to the number of games he played.

Before RvP had his first fully fit season with us, if you'd looked at his season before you'd have seen a decent scoring record. A scoring record is not to be dismissed just because a player didn't play every game that season.

I confess, I haven't comprehensively seen him play or even noticed him until recently but I do think he is an interesting proposition (as I've clearly stated). I suspect acquiring a top class forward is going to be neither cheap or straight forward so I just think we are going to have to show some street savvy to get a player in of that quality. Unless we sign a young player who has that type of potential....in which case he will be a few years off, or we try to sign another Real cast off from a big club, the player is not going to cost less than 30 odd million. Even Higuain's price eventually exceeded 30 million.

I also don't really get the logic in a stop gap. We will be stuck with the stop gap for the foreseeable future and not just till summer. If he is no better than Bendtner, Podolski or Walcott up front, what's the point? If he is a loan signing, he probably won't have the type of quality we are all really hoping for....or may be way beyond his best ala Henry (much as I love him).

What kind of stop gap is significantly better than Bendtner, available and not going to cost us a significant amount of money?

JonasTC said people said he's better than Falcoa.

It's not bad yes, one in every 2 or so, but I saw him a number of times last season and wasn't really that impressed to be honest.

Before last season his record was poor as well. RVP was different, like Torres and Aguero he has much more to his game, his ability was there to see at 20, not the case with Costa.

[Özim]

Ironically, part of the reason that Julio 'The Beast' Baptista (Costa reference/comparison in my head) didn't work out was the fact that he was actually more concerned with pulling off individual pieces of skill than actually......beasting past people and scoring. So I do find it quite ironically that we would be overly concerned about Costa's apparent lack of technical ability.

I'd say he didn't work out because he not very good in the the end, he's not done anything of note since those goals, his finishing is very average, but he was unproven as well.

[Power n Glory]

I think he's a complete striker, his strongest site are definitely his ability to find space, he's fast enough to get behind the defenders and strong enough to hold them off, with all our creative midfielders he'll be getting fed all day in good positions, the way we cant do with Giroud. My only worries tho, is that he doesnt give a fuck on the field, he'll dive, he'll get into the refs face, start trouble with whoever, but it seems its getting better this season in that area.

That's similar to what I've read about him. The complete forward. But I have my doubts. I haven't seen many goals where he's fashioned out his own chance on goal besides one. He really reminds me of Ade. He looks strong and a handful but I wonder what he'd be like when space is limited and we're struggling to open teams. Doesn't seem like the sort of guy that will unleash a wonder shot or great and inch of space for himself to get that pin point accurate goal. Maybe I haven't seen enough of him. They say his movement is great, he works the channels and bullies defenders. That sounds promising.

[Power n Glory]

I'd say he didn't work out because he not very good in the the end, he's not done anything of note since those goals, his finishing is very average, but he was unproven as well.

And that's my worry. Like Ade and Baptista, this could be a great run of form. Time will tell.

[Özim]

And that's my worry. Like Ade and Baptista, this could be a great run of form. Time will tell.

That's the reason I have my reservations too, yes he's scoring at the moment but his career record doesn't show a guy with a great scoring record, that doesn't mean he won't keep scoring but it means he's a big risk, unlike someone like Falcoa who has scored goals for years.

[Özim]

That's similar to what I've read about him. The complete forward. But I have my doubts. I haven't seen many goals where he's fashioned out his own chance on goal besides one. He really reminds me of Ade. He looks strong and a handful but I wonder what he'd be like when space is limited and we're struggling to open teams. Doesn't seem like the sort of guy that will unleash a wonder shot or great and inch of space for himself to get that pin point accurate goal. Maybe I haven't seen enough of him. They say his movement is great, he works the channels and bullies defenders. That sounds promising.

Spot on, I agree with you, he doesn't seem to be the kind of player who is going to score a goal out of nothing when you're struggling.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

JonasTC said people said he's better than Falcoa.

It's not bad yes, one in every 2 or so, but I saw him a number of times last season and wasn't really that impressed to be honest.

Before last season his record was poor as well. RVP was different, like Torres and Aguero he has much more to his game, his ability was there to see at 20, not the case with Costa.

I don't really get that last line unless you are referring to RvP?

So Costa had 1 in 2 in the previous 2 seasons and now he has 1 in every 1. So your argument can only be a qualitative one. Any marginalising of his scoring record is quite silly. But if you watch him and don't think he's all that then fair enough.

However regardless of that, IF (and of course it is a big IF) a player scores a goal in every game for you then he is absolutely worth his weight in goal. It's not all about goals , but they are what tend to win you games and particularly important in tight games.

[GP]

All I'll say is, it does seem to be easier to score goals in Spain. There's a long list of players who've struggled here, but flourished over there.

I haven't seen enough of this Costa fella to pass judgement.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Out of interest, who do you think we should be going for Ozim?

[Özim]

I don't really get that last line unless you are referring to RvP?

So Costa had 1 in 2 in the previous 2 seasons and now he has 1 in every 1. So your argument can only be a qualitative one. Any marginalising of his scoring record is quite silly. But if you watch him and don't think he's all that then fair enough.

However regardless of that, IF (and of course it is a big IF) a player scores a goal in every game for you then he is absolutely worth his weight in goal. It's not all about goals , but they are what tend to win you games and particularly important in tight games.

The last line was just a response to your comment about RVP's goal record, I know it wasn't great (but he had a lot of injuries), however his ability could never be called into question, he always had sublime skills.

That's not quite right, last season he got 20 in 44 and the season before 9 in 16 (that can't be considered a full season), so although 1 in 2 does apply it's not really 1 in 2 for 2 full seasons. Yes his record is good this season, but I base my opinion on what I've seen of him, I wasn't impressed with him last season and although he's scored a fair few this season I'm still not totally convinced.

He's scored goals for a couple of season in all, before that he didn't score many and I personally don't think he's a player that will win you tight games as he relies on service, if there's no service to him he won't get you a goal unlike the best forwards.

He might turn out to score a hatful from now on, I'm just saying I'm not sure he will based on what I've seen of him and for that reason I think he's a big risk (I could be wrong of course).

[Özim]

Out of interest, who do you think we should be going for Ozim?

I don't really see anyone available in January to be honest, if you want top players the summer is the time to get them. Realistically we may have to pay more for a top forward, but 32 million is a hell of a lot for a player who is gamble.

Maybe we missed the boat last summer when numerous top forwards were available, not sure who we can get now.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I wasn't asking you about Costa. Again.

Let me phrase it another way then. Who would you have us target in the summer?

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

The last line was just a response to your comment about RVP's goal record, I know it wasn't great (but he had a lot of injuries), however his ability could never be called into question, he always had sublime skills.

That's not quite right, last season he got 20 in 44 and the season before 9 in 16 (that can't be considered a full season), so although 1 in 2 does apply it's not really 1 in 2 for 2 full seasons. Yes his record is good this season, but I base my opinion on what I've seen of him, I wasn't impressed with him last season and although he's scored a fair few this season I'm still not totally convinced.

He's scored goals for a couple of season in all, before that he didn't score many and I personally don't think he's a player that will win you tight games as he relies on service, if there's no service to him he won't get you a goal unlike the best forwards.

He might turn out to score a hatful from now on, I'm just saying I'm not sure he will based on what I've seen of him and for that reason I think he's a big risk (I could be wrong of course).

My point about RvP's goal record was that it was good enough to suggest he would push on from then. I didn't mention it to suggest he was no good.

It doesn't matter if they were full seasons or not. The fact is, his goal to game ratio (which is as reflective a stat as any), however you want to spin it was 1 in 2 for 2 years and is now 1 in 1. That is a decent ratio over a considerable amount of games and counting now....

It can be argued it is actually harder to have 1 in 2 over an injury hit season because you don't necessarily get a run in the side.

Having said that, it is my view that he would be a reasonable gamble to take. You're welcome to conclude of your own devices that the gamble is too great and wouldn't try to convince you otherwise considering.

But I am curious to know who you actually think we should be chasing as a forward to slay all before him on the world stage.

[Özim]

I wasn't asking you about Costa. Again.

Let me phrase it another way then. Who would you have us target in the summer?

I don't know, I'm not sure there's anyone available unless we pay megabucks, most of them moved last summer, we'll have to see after the World Cup.

Cavani, Falcoa, Lewandowski, Benzema, Higuain are the obvious choices (not sure any will be available) but perhaps we should look at Rossi or El Shaarawi.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Who's available? There's this little thing called bidding for a player and persuading them to come.

You won't know until you try.

And this rubbish that people won't move because it's a world cup year, load of tosh. Give them the money and they'll be on the first flight to London.

[Power n Glory]

I wasn't asking you about Costa. Again.

Let me phrase it another way then. Who would you have us target in the summer?

If we weren't linked with Costa, would you even know who he is or care? It's always hard asking fans that question unless you're watching different league 24/7.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Actually PG yes. I'll be pedantic and assume you want to now why, lol.

He is the top scorer in Spain (I know I have said it a dozen times now)...... At the mid way point in a season that tends to get recognition. Whenever a players scoring is on par with Messi or Cronaldo a big deal is made of it. Secondly I heard the Spanish correspondent on football weekly with James Richardson waxing lyrical about him and explaining that he was on the same amount of goals roughly as Cronaldo but has taken less pens. That was a few weeks ago. He has also drawn attention because of the fact that not only is he the top scorer, but his team are level with Barca and are playing exceptionally well. Moreover, if you want another reason, Spain have been trying very hard to nationalise him and 5 finger discount him away from Brazil. Suffice to say he has attracted more attention than the usual run of the mill newspaper gossip column snippet in which journo's are as much stabbing in the dark as they are reporting genuine links.

I hadn't actually even realised we were linked with him at all until I read it on this thread. I was kind of just hoping he would be somebody Wenger was looking at behind the scenes and then suddenly we are linked with him in the papers who have begun to make a big deal of it.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

If someone has strong objections about why we might not sign a player, isn't it reasonable to ask who they think we should actually be going for? After all, the player in question in doubt, is not a premiership player so it takes seeing foreign football to see him anyway.

I'm not one of those people who expect fans to have the knowledge of scouts as if it were their job, but the fact is we are low on options and Costa is at the very least an interesting idea in theory, which I suspect is why it's being debated at length. That is hard to deny.

[Penguin]

If Costa genuinely is another Adebayor then fair enough. I wouldn't want to spend £10m on him let alone £30m. But I wonder if people are being too picky just because he's not as flashy as Suarez or Aguero. We missed the boat on Suarez (if there ever was a boat) and players of that quality down grow on trees. The best forwards in the world are already taken and as Blink said, the only chance we have of getting one is if we go for a younger player, but then we'd be in the same old position of having to wait for him to step up. We have players in their prime now that don't have the time to waste waiting for that.

Even if Costa's not as good as those names technically it doesn't mean he cant slot into our system perfectly and become the goal machine our squad needs. He's at the prime age so he has the balance of experience, hunger and time. £32m could be a bargain over 5 or 6 years.

We have a solid base to build on now. We have the best CB partnership we've had for a decade, an up and coming goalkeeper who's finally coming good. A CM that can rival any and Mesut fucking Ozil. With the right signings there is no reason why we can't challenge for trophies.

[Bumble]

shame there isn't a way for us to get lukaku, could do with running down his contract as mourinho doesn't seem happy with him. he has done the biz at west brom and now everton. would fit into our system as well. any striker we sign looks like would have to fit into our system as it doesn't appear we will play with both giroud and any new guy up front unless we are chasing the game and panicking.

never seen costa play but then again not seen most of the players we are linked with play. it seems there are a lot of people who have plenty of spare time to watch other leagues to build up a dossier of any player we are linked with.

[GP]

2 more goals this evening.

Costa :lol:

Awful Starbucks

[fakeyank]

I'd take Adebayor back..




:run:

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Those comparing him to Adebayor haven't a clue.

Admittedly I haven't seen him shit loads, but from what I have seen, it's clear he's more explosive. Similar to Aguero rather than Adebayor.

Just because he's a unit some people think he isn't agile. That's far from the case. Maybe if he was 4 inches shorter people would be drooling to get him. Well he's the next big thing so we should deffo give it a go.

[Özil's Panoramic View]

Two more to his tally after today's encounter....

Zimm. :haha:

[Özim]

Those comparing him to Adebayor haven't a clue.

Admittedly I haven't seen him shit loads, but from what I have seen, it's clear he's more explosive. Similar to Aguero rather than Adebayor.

Just because he's a unit some people think he isn't agile. That's far from the case. Maybe if he was 4 inches shorter people would be drooling to get him. Well he's the next big thing so we should deffo give it a go.

He's nothing like Aguero to be honest, Aguero is a bag of tricks, Costa isn't.

[Özim]

Two more to his tally after today's encounter....

Zimm. :haha:

What's funny? :unsure:

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

He's nothing like Aguero to be honest, Aguero is a bag of tricks, Costa isn't.

I said he's more similar to Aguero than Adebayor, which he is.

He has pace. He's explosive.

[JonasTC]

That's similar to what I've read about him. The complete forward. But I have my doubts. I haven't seen many goals where he's fashioned out his own chance on goal besides one. He really reminds me of Ade. He looks strong and a handful but I wonder what he'd be like when space is limited and we're struggling to open teams. Doesn't seem like the sort of guy that will unleash a wonder shot or great and inch of space for himself to get that pin point accurate goal. Maybe I haven't seen enough of him. They say his movement is great, he works the channels and bullies defenders. That sounds promising.

Thats actually were he'll shine for us, most of his goals comes from inside the box, where he pushes off a defender and finds space in tight situations. We dont need a guy who can make beautiful goals, dribbles 3 guys and puts it in the corner, we just need a guy who can find space in tight situations for our bunch of creative midfielders to feed him with awesome passes.

[Özil's Panoramic View]

What's funny? :unsure:

Your face.

[AFC Leveller]

If i was to compare him to anyone i'd say Drogba.Very similar type of goals he scores and the way he pushes people about.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Those comparing him to Adebayor haven't a clue.

Admittedly I haven't seen him shit loads, but from what I have seen, it's clear he's more explosive. Similar to Aguero rather than Adebayor.

Just because he's a unit some people think he isn't agile. That's far from the case. Maybe if he was 4 inches shorter people would be drooling to get him. Well he's the next big thing so we should deffo give it a go.

I think the Ade comparison is a little lazy.

I also think Aguero's skill level (or at least content) is very often exaggerated because of some perceived pigeon hole classification that he is small and tricky. He is certainly small, and powerful. In other words he has strength and speed which he uses to exceptional effect. When one marries that to continual/perpetual intelligent movement, you begin to understand how he is a handful. But he doesn't use a huge array of ball skills or tricks in my opinion. His game is often either more subtle than that and way more direct.

In his early career, Aguero was compared to Maradonna a fair amount and I suppose to some extent it is inevitable.... but the real uncanny semblance is between Maradonna and Messi. I suspect if Messi did not exist Aguero's comparisons to Maradonna would have simmered a lot less through his career.


I agree and I cannot get away from the feeling that if Costa was 4 inches smaller, many would perceive him far more favourably.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

That takes Costa to almost 20 league goals half way through the season. That puts him into Suarez territory goals wise, although the latter has done it in 6 less games!

Despite the fact I can't stand the bloke and didn't actually want him I stated quite regularly through the summer that the impact of Suarez was understated by many and had we signed him it would have made us title contenders in a single signing (it was before we had confirmed anybody). It's a crying shame we have had a forward of this quality at the club until recent times.

[Power n Glory]

Suarez had been class for seasons and was great for his previous club as well. This is half a season so it's very early. He's certainly not in Suarez territory yet. It's like saying Ramsey is now in Iniesta territory. I haven't seen enough of him play, but what I've seen, playing style wise, he doesn't look like a great technical player and I haven't seen any goals which would suggest he's a master finisher. No chips, tight angle finishing, lifting it, bending it beyond the keeper.....no long range belters....they've been poacher goals and headers.

The goals remind me of Ade's and Augero doesn't spring to mind at all and it has nothing to do with his stature. He has a great goal record but it's like when Ade banged in 30 and thought he was in Henry territory. Way to premature for that talk and it was just a case of good form and confidence.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

I think the Ade comparison is a little lazy.

I also think Aguero's skill level (or at least content) is very often exaggerated because of some perceived pigeon hole classification that he is small and tricky. He is certainly small, and powerful. In other words he has strength and speed which he uses to exceptional effect. When one marries that to continual/perpetual intelligent movement, you begin to understand how he is a handful. But he doesn't use a huge array of ball skills or tricks in my opinion. His game is often either more subtle than that and way more direct.

In his early career, Aguero was compared to Maradonna a fair amount and I suppose to some extent it is inevitable.... but the real uncanny semblance is between Maradonna and Messi. I suspect if Messi did not exist Aguero's comparisons to Maradonna would have simmered a lot less through his career.


I agree and I cannot get away from the feeling that if Costa was 4 inches smaller, many would perceive him far more favourably.

Excellent post.

[selassie]

Suarez had been class for seasons and was great for his previous club as well. This is half a season so it's very early. He's certainly not in Suarez territory yet. It's like saying Ramsey is now in Iniesta territory. I haven't seen enough of him play, but what I've seen, playing style wise, he doesn't look like a great technical player and I haven't seen any goals which would suggest he's a master finisher. No chips, tight angle finishing, lifting it, bending it beyond the keeper.....no long range belters....they've been poacher goals and headers.

The goals remind me of Ade's and Augero doesn't spring to mind at all and it has nothing to do with his stature. He has a great goal record but it's like when Ade banged in 30 and thought he was in Henry territory. Way to premature for that talk and it was just a case of good form and confidence.

This.

[Özim]

Suarez had been class for seasons and was great for his previous club as well. This is half a season so it's very early. He's certainly not in Suarez territory yet. It's like saying Ramsey is now in Iniesta territory. I haven't seen enough of him play, but what I've seen, playing style wise, he doesn't look like a great technical player and I haven't seen any goals which would suggest he's a master finisher. No chips, tight angle finishing, lifting it, bending it beyond the keeper.....no long range belters....they've been poacher goals and headers.

The goals remind me of Ade's and Augero doesn't spring to mind at all and it has nothing to do with his stature. He has a great goal record but it's like when Ade banged in 30 and thought he was in Henry territory. Way to premature for that talk and it was just a case of good form and confidence.

Totally agree with this.

[GP]

We should put in a bid for Di Maria.

[Marc Overmars]

Pretty much.

[BOBN]

I'd take Adebayor back..




:run:
Thats not even controversial.

Hes a level above Giroud/Podolski when in the mood.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

We should put in a bid for Di Maria.

And Costa.

[GP]

Why not?

[The Emirates Gallactico]

RE - Diego Costa

Reading some of the responses regarding his proposed transfer it's amusing to note just what an impact Wenger's dogma about player transfers and valuations has had on our on personal outlook on the matter. I don't think we all would be feeling the same way if we had Mourinho managing us for the past two decades.

He's definitely not a typical Wenger signing, at 25 he's practically in his middle ages now, he hasn't particuarily excelled prior to this season and his all round technical play is questionable which is unusual for a Wenger player. He wouldn't represent good value for money either, being the "flavour of the month" and a striker at that, we would have to pay vastly over the odds and they'd be little if no chance that we could ever recoup any of that later down the line.

But the fact is that we need a striker urgently and he's quite possibly the best we can reasonably expect to buy that could have an immediate impact. Surely if we pay whatever inflated amount we have to and he quickly gets us the goals that propels us to the league, it'll be all worth it, no? The monetary and social gains from winning the league would greatly outweight any negatives of him possibly being shit in a few years or being heavily overpriced.

My opinion, if he's the man, sign him up.

[Power n Glory]

It's a big if because this player is in the form of his life and it's the first time he's scored so many goals and it could very well be down to confidence. His manager has trusted him to lead the line and he's playing with a team that knows him. You never know if a new signing will have an immediate impact but this transfer just seems riskier. The change of environment may change him and he won't be an automatic first team starter here. Also, besides his pace, he's similar to Giroud and I wonder whether he'd be able to create chances for himself when crowded out around the box. I don't think this is Wenger dogma taking effect. Wenger has been off with his gem picking these days. Giroud and Gervinho were top goal scorers in France and he bought them off the back off title winning seasons and record goal tallies. It was the same for Chamakh.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

That takes Costa to almost 20 league goals half way through the season. That puts him into Suarez territory goals wise, although the latter has done it in 6 less games!

Despite the fact I can't stand the bloke and didn't actually want him I stated quite regularly through the summer that the impact of Suarez was understated by many and had we signed him it would have made us title contenders in a single signing (it was before we had confirmed anybody). It's a crying shame we have had a forward of this quality at the club until recent times.


Suarez had been class for seasons and was great for his previous club as well. This is half a season so it's very early. He's certainly not in Suarez territory yet. It's like saying Ramsey is now in Iniesta territory. I haven't seen enough of him play, but what I've seen, playing style wise, he doesn't look like a great technical player and I haven't seen any goals which would suggest he's a master finisher. No chips, tight angle finishing, lifting it, bending it beyond the keeper.....no long range belters....they've been poacher goals and headers.

The goals remind me of Ade's and Augero doesn't spring to mind at all and it has nothing to do with his stature. He has a great goal record but it's like when Ade banged in 30 and thought he was in Henry territory. Way to premature for that talk and it was just a case of good form and confidence.

I was pretty precise about putting Costa in Suarez's league on goals alone for this season. I even contextualised the statement towards the end so that the intent could not be in doubt.

[Power n Glory]

But why would make that comparison even in that context? I don't think I've misunderstood the context, I just wouldn't compare a striker on good form for half a season to someone whose shown he can do it over seasons and with different teams, plus internationals. Costa could be great player but the stats only point to a player on good form, that's it. We'd be taking a gamble.

[milla]

Sick of Giroud missing sitter after sitter. Bring in Costa, as long as he scuffed it 30 times a year I am good. :coffee:

[Unai Tea]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/9087893/transfer-news-porto-striker-jackson-martinez-targeting-premier-league-switch

One of the big problems with Diego Costa is getting him to leave his club mid-season. Jackson Martinez sounds like he'd welcome a move maybe. Release clauses are about the same. He's a bit older but established international. Anyone seen him play? Any rumours swirling?

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

But why would make that comparison even in that context? I don't think I've misunderstood the context, I just wouldn't compare a striker on good form for half a season to someone whose shown he can do it over seasons and with different teams, plus internationals. Costa could be great player but the stats only point to a player on good form, that's it. We'd be taking a gamble.

To highlight that the fact he is a good player worth seriously considering. It was a completely legitimate and relevant means of comparing current players in the current season we're in. It doesn't mean it is a suggestion he is actually the player Suarez is.

I've also long conceded he will be a gamble and argued that most players would be. Others might be less of a gamble but as far as I can see, someone of the quality of Suarez, would be extremely trickier to attain and significantly more money to state the bleeding least. So the 'lesser the gamble' the more money you pay...and some would argue more money equates to more of a gamble.

The perplexity of whom one goes for is highlighted by the lack of viable players of top class quality people are putting forward in this thread.

[Bumble]

To highlight that the fact he is a good player worth seriously considering. It was a completely legitimate and relevant means of comparing current players in the current season we're in. It doesn't mean it is a suggestion he is actually the player Suarez is.

I've also long conceded he will be a gamble and argued that most players would be. Others might be less of a gamble but as far as I can see, someone of the quality of Suarez, would be extremely trickier to attain and significantly more money to state the bleeding least. So the 'lesser the gamble' the more money you pay...and some would argue more money equates to more of a gamble.

The perplexity of whom one goes for is highlighted by the lack of viable players of top class quality people are putting forward in this thread.
as both us and Liverpool are showing you don't need a lot of world class players. we have one although he hasn't really shown it for us in Ozil and Liverpool have one in Suarez yet we are the top two sides. not seen costa play so cant comment really but we do need options and it would also be nice to have an option where we can play 4-4-2 if needs be. squads need options and bendtner isn't one. he doesn't want to be here, we don't want him and he is average. sanogo is he still injured or anything who knows, who cares. and there is no one else. £30m is a lot of money but does it really matter how much the club spend, they wont go bankrupt by spending £30m and also they wont reduce prices by not spending and any prices rises would occur regardless of spending. So why not.... lets go crazy.

[Munchies]

Suarez has a 100 million release clause to foreign clubs...

130 million to a premier league team...

130 plus a pound ?

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Sick of Giroud missing sitter after sitter. Bring in Costa, as long as he scuffed it 30 times a year I am good. :coffee:

:lol:

Costa haters :haha:

[Power n Glory]

To highlight that the fact he is a good player worth seriously considering. It was a completely legitimate and relevant means of comparing current players in the current season we're in. It doesn't mean it is a suggestion he is actually the player Suarez is.

I've also long conceded he will be a gamble and argued that most players would be. Others might be less of a gamble but as far as I can see, someone of the quality of Suarez, would be extremely trickier to attain and significantly more money to state the bleeding least. So the 'lesser the gamble' the more money you pay...and some would argue more money equates to more of a gamble.

The perplexity of whom one goes for is highlighted by the lack of viable players of top class quality people are putting forward in this thread.

He's worth considering, especially with Giroud off form. But I'm skeptical of the goal tally comparisons at this stage. Look at it this way, a few months ago you could compare Giroud's goal tally with RVP's. Those sort of comparisons should only be made of a longer period. He could be a great player but you can understand why I'm 50/50 on this one, right? Would be interesting to see how he plays for us. Regarding other forwards...I don't watch enough football to be perfectly honest. Just have an idea of the type we need.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Yeah of course I can mate.

To be fair though, Giroud's goal tally was only comparable to any top forward over a few - several games....not over half a season.

Imagine the support Giroud would have if he had scored 20 league goals already. He would be getting some serious serious credit....and you'd have to say with some justification. As it is he hasn't scored for some time.

If Costa doesn't score another league goal (quite absurd as that may be) his goal tally will still look good, as would Giroud's if he had scored 20 league goals to this point and then not again for the rest of the season.

Whatever our plan is, I'd rather it happened sooner rather than later. That is to say, in January rather than this summer.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

It's clear this isn't a purple patch for Costa. He's the real deal.

[milla]

I like Costa but not sure if he would fit our style of play. I think Costa is a real box striker, do feck all then scuffed the ball into the back of the net (Wumger would just coach this out of him IMO). :coffee:

[Grebbo]

The trouble with buying in Jan is whoever we buy, for however much, is going to have to really hit the ground running for the signing to have any impact on our season. Buying in Jan is really only getting a player settled in ready for next season. Are there any examples of players bought in Jan having a big impact that season? Did Arshavin hit the ground running? I think he did so maybe I'm wrong!

Buying a striker from the Premier League is what we need to do IMO to be virtually guaranteed performances from the new signing this season. Rooney might leave Manure but not in Jan. I think maybe Remy is the one we should go for, third top scorer in the Prem and is only on loan at Newcastle isn't he? He might do a job for us until the summer when we can go all out for a top striker.

[GP]

We won't touch Remy with a barge pole.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

We won't touch Remy with a barge pole.

Incidentally, that's what she said but it worked out differently.

[Grebbo]

We won't touch Remy with a barge pole.

Why not?

[Power n Glory]

The trouble with buying in Jan is whoever we buy, for however much, is going to have to really hit the ground running for the signing to have any impact on our season. Buying in Jan is really only getting a player settled in ready for next season. Are there any examples of players bought in Jan having a big impact that season? Did Arshavin hit the ground running? I think he did so maybe I'm wrong!

Buying a striker from the Premier League is what we need to do IMO to be virtually guaranteed performances from the new signing this season. Rooney might leave Manure but not in Jan. I think maybe Remy is the one we should go for, third top scorer in the Prem and is only on loan at Newcastle isn't he? He might do a job for us until the summer when we can go all out for a top striker.

Yeah, Arshavin springs to mind and he got worse from then on. Reyes was a good buy and played well. Monreal slotted in well enough for Gibbs. Also, the season we bought Ade, Theo and Diaby. Theo didn't get to play but Ade and Diaby helped get us to 4th.

A big signing would also do wonders for the team moral. If we don't buy I'm sure our season will unravel like in the past where we've been top then fell away after the winter break. We had that Eduardo season and couple more after that season. It would be criminal for Wenger to repeat the same mistake.

[Dr Singh]

The trouble with buying in Jan is whoever we buy, for however much, is going to have to really hit the ground running for the signing to have any impact on our season. Buying in Jan is really only getting a player settled in ready for next season. Are there any examples of players bought in Jan having a big impact that season? Did Arshavin hit the ground running? I think he did so maybe I'm wrong!


Did Arshavin hit the ground running? This deserves a proper response.

Arshavin joined Arsenal and instantly became our most devastating player and absolute talisman of the team. I've never seen anyone make such an impact. He was scoring or assisting pretty much every game. People forget how insanely good Arshavin was. He was easily one of the top players in the world when we signed him, and played like it too.

Tragic that someone would even ask such a question, but given how far the mighty had fallen, it's understandable.

If we made a signing who impacted us as much as Arshavin did, we'd walk the league. One statistic I have never forgotten - Arshavin came 2nd in our Player Of The Year award at the end of the season despite playing in LESS THAN 25% of our total games for that year, having only been signed in January.

[milla]

Did Arshavin hit the ground running? This deserves a proper response.

Arshavin joined Arsenal and instantly became our most devastating player and absolute talisman of the team. I've never seen anyone make such an impact. He was scoring or assisting pretty much every game. People forget how insanely good Arshavin was. He was easily one of the top players in the world when we signed him, and played like it too.

Tragic that someone would even ask such a question, but given how far the mighty had fallen, it's understandable.

If we made a signing who impacted us as much as Arshavin did, we'd walk the league. One statistic I have never forgotten - Arshavin came 2nd in our Player Of The Year award at the end of the season despite playing in LESS THAN 25% of our total games for that year, having only been signed in January.

Arshavin was an example of Wumger mismanagement. If he was deploy behind Ade, RVP or Bendtner, he would be an instance success. :coffee:

[Dr Singh]

Arshavin was an example of Wumger mismanagement. If he was deploy behind Ade, RVP or Bendtner, he would be an instance success. :coffee:

Forgive me if I come across rude Milla, but aren't you suggesting the exact same mismanagement of Reus in the other thread? They are very similar players. Both natural match winners, and incredible inside forwards or even as free roles behind the striker.

We had to use Arshavin upfront for a stretch of games and Arshavin was absolutely hopeless. An absolute world class player made to look like a chump. I agree it was mismanagement of the highest order.

[GP]

:lol:

Yeah, it had absolutely nothing to do with his own laziness and lack of application.

[Power n Glory]

Forgive me if I come across rude Milla, but aren't you suggesting the exact same mismanagement of Reus in the other thread? They are very similar players. Both natural match winners, and incredible inside forwards or even as free roles behind the striker.

We had to use Arshavin upfront for a stretch of games and Arshavin was absolutely hopeless. An absolute world class player made to look like a chump. I agree it was mismanagement of the highest order.

Arshavin should have been playing behind the striker, top of the triangle of the midfield trio like we're seeing with Ozil. He didn't have the legs to chase back defend and then get forward to create and score. We've seen how Cazorla is having to sit deeper on the left just so he puts in a shift, Pod really struggles on that side and we've seen how badly Jack was exposed. Arshavin was lazy but we could have made use of him.

[AKBapologist]

What are the most likely rumours running around then?

[milla]

Forgive me if I come across rude Milla, but aren't you suggesting the exact same mismanagement of Reus in the other thread? They are very similar players. Both natural match winners, and incredible inside forwards or even as free roles behind the striker.

We had to use Arshavin upfront for a stretch of games and Arshavin was absolutely hopeless. An absolute world class player made to look like a chump. I agree it was mismanagement of the highest order.

Arshavin is 5ft4 midget, Reus is 5ft11. Reus is much more powerful, faster and athletic than Arshavin can be. In fact, physically Reus is much much closer to Suarez/Aguero/Pato/RVP than to Arshavin. I can see the comparison in technique but not in body and athleticism. :coffee:

[AKBapologist]

Hang on? Is all this Diego Costa and Reus Talk legit?

I always assume chelsea will money their way into these signings, but coming into the transfer window top of the league... and after signing Ozil, I'm not so sure...

[milla]

Hang on? Is all this Diego Costa and Reus Talk legit?

I always assume chelsea will money their way into these signings, but coming into the transfer window top of the league... and after signing Ozil, I'm not so sure...

Any wide forward/no 10 who wants to go is Chelsea is either mad or just a mercenary. Chelsea is packed with quality players in that role (it's equivalent to our CM collection at Arsenal). :coffee:

[AKBapologist]

But in terms of the strength of rumours... Any fire?

[fakeyank]

But in terms of the strength of rumours... Any fire?

Its all GW talk. Realistically, they both are never going to happen in January. Seriously, why would they leave in their clubs in the middle of the CL season, when they are both more comfortably placed in CL and Athletico are actually joint top in the league as well! There is exactly a 0% chance to sign these players.. the talk and debate on here about them is absolutely pointless tbf..
The chances of signing a striker this window are also very slim. I can see Vinegar pointing to Podolski, Bendy and Walcott as top top replacements. If we do go for some players mentioned so far, it'll be someone like Michu, Pato or some unknown kid from Leyton Orient.

[Grebbo]

Arsenal Geoff :lol: says we're considering Berbatov.

:popcorn:

[GP]

No thanks.

[LDG]

Arsenal Geoff :lol: says we're considering Berbatov.

:popcorn:

What does Geoff do the rest of the year when the window is shut?

I suppose he works down the market on the fruit n veg stall.

[BOBN]

At the time I laughed but I think we made a mistake not getting Cabaye tbh.

Thought he was just another Arteta but he has a certain arrogance that elevates him. At the moment hes a level above anything in our midfield tbh.

[GP]

1/10

[Ollie the Optimist]

Cabaye a level above? :haha: thats the stupidest thing I've read. Ozil, Cazorla and Ramsey to name 3 are on levels much higher then him

[Globalgunner]

Balotelli has apparently had a major bust-up with the high ups at Milan.

A loan deal in jan. Maybe a 30m buy in May?.

He could be a real earner for our charities too, as BFG will collect plenty by way of fines, so a win win

[LDG]

At the time I laughed but I think we made a mistake not getting Cabaye tbh.

Thought he was just another Arteta but he has a certain arrogance that elevates him. At the moment hes a level above anything in our midfield tbh.

You are a twat.

[BOBN]

You are a twat.
fuck off mate

[BOBN]

Cabaye a level above? :haha: thats the stupidest thing I've read. Ozil, Cazorla and Ramsey to name 3 are on levels much higher then him

Lets hope we are all saying this AFTER todays game. But seriously, if ive seen a better midfielder in the league this season than Cabaye then my memorys deserted me


Arsenal have been quoted a staggering £22million by Newcastle as they prepare a stunning move for midfielder Yohan Cabaye in the January transfer window.

Arsene Wenger is after another creative talent in the centre of Arsenal's midfield and Cabaye can leave if they north London club match Newcastle's valuation. They will be rivalled by PSG, which may explain why the price has shot up.

Cabaye has been in impressive form of late and scored his fourth of the season in the Barclays Premier League when Alan Pardew's side won 3-0 at Crystal Palace last Saturday.

Arsenal moved for Cabaye at the start of the season and he was left out of the matchday squad for Newcastle's season opener at Manchester City.

Pardew claimed his head had been turned by Wenger's interest, but Newcastle refused to sell. They rejected a bid of around £10m.

The player has knuckled down since, won over the dissenters in the Toon Army and produced some sparkling displays. He scored the winner at Manchester United as Newcastle won at Old Trafford for the first time since 1972.

Newcastle are reluctant to sell the player, but they have told Arsenal that it will cost them £22m to sign him. At that price, it will be difficult to resist for a player who cost £4million from Lille in 2011.
Having said that, "France Guru" spending £22m on a player he could have had for 4 two years ago :sick: Dont tell me apologists, Cabaye raped the neighours cat :sleep:

[Marc Overmars]

Cabaye is very good in fairness.

Level above Arteta and Flamini, for sure.

[Penguin]

I have to admit that Cabaye is a much more polished player than Ramsey. He has a better all around game including his battling qualities and his passing which is more consistent and intelligent. Ramsey's goal output has been brilliant but his performances have dropped off lately. Even when he was scoring for fun there are always moments in the games where he chooses the wrong pass, takes too long on the ball or loses the ball carelessly.

Nothing to worry too much about but he has to grow out of it.

[GP]

You are a twat.

:haha:

:gp:

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

We've been linked to him as well.

He's a good player and has great technique on the ball, but he's 28 in about 3 weeks and for £20-odd million? No thanks... not what we need, and is he really what you need?

[GP]

We've been linked to him as well.

He's a good player and has great technique on the ball, but he's 28 in about 3 weeks and for £20-odd million? No thanks... not what we need, and is he really what you need?

No. He wouldn't improve us, really.

[BOBN]

:haha:

:gp:
But if I said that you would have banned me.

Internet mods :rose:

[BOBN]

We've been linked to him as well.

He's a good player and has great technique on the ball, but he's 28 in about 3 weeks and for £20-odd million? No thanks... not what we need, and is he really what you need?
He shouldnt be what we need. If we get him its an admission from Wenger that our current creative players are not fit for purpose.

[GP]

But if I said that you would have banned me.

Internet mods :rose:

You'd deserve it.

[Power n Glory]

But if I said that you would have banned me.

Internet mods :rose:

:gp:

[Power n Glory]

You'd deserve it.

Always on the WUM.

[Globalgunner]

He shouldnt be what we need. If we get him its an admission from Wenger that our current creative players are not fit for purpose.
Hes a good player but not worth it at that age and price. 15m yes as a long term replacement for TR7 but only if Rosicky is being moved on and then again in the summer. We do not really need him now. We should be thinking more along the lines of Luis Gustavo as a replacement for Arteta. A midfield breaker is needed along with a CF. If Balotelli is available , either on loan or otherwise, it is a no brainer imo, certainly a more viable target than Costa.

[GP]

Always on the WUM.

I know, that's why he'd deserve it.

[Power n Glory]

You have friends in high places, GP. :lol: GW immunity.

Poor Cripps!

[GP]

:lol: Immunity?

So how do you get away with prolific WUMing?

[JonasTC]

How good is Remy? Just saw him talking about how he loved Arsenal as a kid and seemed like he would love to go here.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

He shouldnt be what we need. If we get him its an admission from Wenger that our current creative players are not fit for purpose.

But we're not. So it's an admission that they are fit for purpose.

[Özim]

You have friends in high places, GP. :lol: GW immunity.

Poor Cripps!

Pretty much. :lol:

[Özim]

:lol: Immunity?

So how do you get away with prolific WUMing?

Er, he doesn't :lol: from what I've seen he makes valid points, I don't see him Wumming.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Sell them, they're shit!

[GP]

:lol:

[LDG]

That wilkinson (?) looks a cracking CB btw. Well impressed with him today. One of the few that has stopped Giroud getting his bunce on it from the long ball.

Horrendous tackle studs up though. We didn't even get a freekick :lol:

[Letters]

You have friends in high places, GP. :lol: GW immunity.

Poor Cripps!
Oh yeah. Cripps never did anything wrong. Ever. :sarcy:

As for the past couple of pages of this thread - I've only just seen it now and no-one reported any of the posts. Had they don't so I'd probably have deleted them but no-one would have been banned.

In brief: grow the hell up :tiphat:

[Power n Glory]

In brief...do a better job!

[Letters]

Which posts did you report and the mods fail to act on?

[Power n Glory]

Must have touched a nerve! :lol:

Is he your mate?

[Letters]

Must have touched a nerve! :lol:
You certainly have.

It's your

[Power n Glory]

Round of applause for Letters! Well done, mate. Keep up the good work.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

:lol: Goonersweb

Awful forum.

[Letters]

Oh no. Please don't leave.





:coffee:

[KSE Comedy Club]

Fuckin kids!

It's bedtime for you lot isn't it?

[Letters]

But. But. They started it :crying:

[GP]

:haha: brilliant thread

[Maestro]

All I want for Christmas is Lukaku.

Thank you Santa

[GP]

You can't have him.

[Maestro]

You can't have him.

Evil Santa

:p

[JonasTC]

Us being 1st going into January will hopefully give us the edge in trying to sign a top striker

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Tomorrow it all begins again. :scarf:

Buy all the players. :bow:

[Edinburgh Gooner]

Tomorrow it all begins again. :scarf:

Buy all the players. :bow:
Sell all the shitty players!

[Dein-machine]

See Utd are linked with Barkley, probably the best English youngster since Rooney. people will say we don't need anymore midfielders but this kid is special. Far better than anything we have in a quality box to box midfieder with great strength for his age. Wenger likes him, why not go for him rather than watch him go to Man U for 10 years, winning trophies galore before we try to buy him in his late twenties for double the amount you pay now - ie like Rooney.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Chelsea sign Bertrand Traore. :lol:

[Gooner23]

When does it slam shut?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Just as it turns February 1st.

[Power n Glory]

Ronaldinho is available on a free transfer. Has he still got the magic? :lol:

Another wildcard punt - Balotelli? Worth the risk or too much trouble?

[Marc Overmars]

Balotelli is better than anything we have.

Sign him up.

[Power n Glory]

Wenger has tamed many wild players in his time. Balotelli knows the Prem, has the physical strength and pace...it could work.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Balotelli would be interesting, to say the least. Only worth signing if we have the financial capability to take on the risk he represents.

[BOBN]

Balotelli is worth the risk as he has A-level potential and all the other A-level centre forwards are out of reach (Ibra, Suarez, Ibrahimovic, Aguero, Zlatan)

Plus he and Giroud will mesh well in terms rotation as Balotelli has everything Giroud doesnt - Athleticism and talent. Only problem is Wenger isnt really the tactician who will pick a side based on the opposition.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I would question Wenger's ability to handle a character like Balotelli personally. If he went off the rails which isn't beyond the realms of possibility, that would most certainly be it as I can't really see Wenger getting through to him.

He beats Ian Wright for being able to pick a fight in an empty room, but talented he is. He may be a wild card, but I imagine his price will be more reflective of his ability rather than the fact he is somewhat of a maverick, which does add weight to the gamble.

[Özim]

Balotelli would be a great signing, top class striker with huge potential, miles better than anything we have for sure.

Wenger's style of management would suit Balotelli as well, he wants to be pampered and Wenger loves to do this to his players.

[GP]

I would question Wenger's ability to handle a character like Balotelli personally. If he went off the rails which isn't beyond the realms of possibility, that would most certainly be it as I can't really see Wenger getting through to him.

He beats Ian Wright for being able to pick a fight in an empty room, but talented he is. He may be a wild card, but I imagine his price will be more reflective of his ability rather than the fact he is somewhat of a maverick, which does add weight to the gamble.

Which manager, up till now, has had the ability to 'tame' him?

That's right. None have.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Not sure about Baloteli, I don't really think he produces enough to befit his talent, not even taking in to consideration how mental he is. Very good pelanty taker though.

[GP]

He'd be worth a punt if he was cheap enough. He's probably worth around £10m or less.

[BOBN]

"We have the players to play up front," Giroud said in an interview aired by Canal+ on Sunday morning, before his strike saw off the Magpies at St James' Park. "Lukas is having a good come-back.*Theo can play as a striker.*We have the quality and the quantity.*If the coach wants me to rest, he can do it without buying a new striker. I would rather not see a new striker come in.
Ok thats the final straw. A big player doesnt say that. Not to mention the fact that its self-serving and shows he does give a damn about the health of Arsenal FC.

Fook him im done. New striker asap.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Ok thats the final straw. A big player doesnt say that. Not to mention the fact that its self-serving and shows he does give a damn about the health of Arsenal FC.

Fook him im done. New striker asap.

What a load of old tosh.

I'm sure he means it as in he doesn't want to be replaced as the main striker, why would any big player want that?!?

He's not gonna say 'oh yeh I want to see another striker cause I'm out of form and not scoring much currently' is he.

[BOBN]

What a load of old tosh.

I'm sure he means it as in he doesn't want to be replaced as the main striker, why would any big player want that?!?

He's not gonna say 'oh yeh I want to see another striker cause I'm out of form and not scoring much currently' is he.
If you cant see that this is not the mentality of a major player then I dont know what to say to you.

Go ahead and find me one top performer in any sport who has said something like that.

[KSE Comedy Club]

No. Don't want to :p

[Xhaka Can’t]

Not sure about Baloteli, I don't really think he produces enough to befit his talent, not even taking in to consideration how mental he is. Very good pelanty taker though.

That is of no use to us.

[Penguin]

Balotelli is an annoying, childish cunt. No thanks :coffee:

[The Emirates Gallactico]

I want to read a better translation of that Giroud interview. I seriously doubt he was that explicit in saying that we shouldn't sign a new striker, rather I suspect something more along the lines of, "We could cope with what we have" which got lost during translation or *cough* journalistic interpretation *cough* to that. I recall him actually saying during the summer window that we should sign a new striker to help him. Why would he do a complete 180 on his position?

Also, fuck no with Ballotelli. Mourinho couldn't tame him and he's been an idiot at every club he's been at. Think of Bendtner but a thousand times worse. It'll be a waste of resources and unlike the Oil giants, we don't have an unlimited supply of that.

[Power n Glory]

Bendy isn't a badly behaved player at Arsenal. In fact, Wenger has gotten the best out of problem players like Ade, Anelka and RVP. They had bad reps before joining us. Jose not being able to get the best out of him doesn't prove anything because he doesn't have a rep for taming wild players. He handles problematic players in a different way to Wenger and usually turfs them to the side and out of his team because he's a disciplinarian with an ego. Wasn't there a player revolt at Madrid?

Arsenal might be the right sort of environment for him and Wenger could be good for him. Wenger has never once had a player on his hands that out right dislikes him and disrespects him in public. Balotelli may learn a lot from him.

[GP]

No. Don't want to :p

You could use this one...
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/olivier-giroud-wanted-luis-suarez-2281784


Olivier Giroud has revealed that he was keen for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez to join him at the Emirates.