Summer Transfer Speculation and Shit

[BOBN]

This year, Chambers - better, twice as good. Previously (so allow a bit of inflation), Sturridge, £12mill, twice as good, none of the problems. Ironically it will be Sturridge most likely to suffer now this lunatic has signed. But good news for us of course.
The same armchair psychoanalysts piping up now were saying Sturridge had a serious attitude problem 18 months ago.

Wenger has messed up badly here just as he did letting Sturridge slip by.

[BOBN]

There's a reason he's 16 million.
Sturridge

[Niall_Quinn]

The same armchair psychoanalysts piping up now were saying Sturridge had a serious attitude problem 18 months ago.

Wenger has messed up badly here just as he did letting Sturridge slip by.

Some of us will never realise that everything is Wenger's fault.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

I told my Liverpool supporting colleague at work that they're in talks to sign Balotelli. She didn't know whether to be happy or sad, literally just stared at me like this


http://media.tumblr.com/74051d5f73090cb413b96b80539c431b/tumblr_inline_n9395sUcAI1r1sk08.gif
:haha:

That was pretty much the reaction in my work as well.

Personally I'm terrified and excited in equal measure.

[Globalgunner]

With the crap strikers we have fronting our team we have no business turning up our noses at Balotelli on the basis of personality. Is chronic adulation of crapness not a personality disorder too. Or the refusal to acknowledge that shit really stinks not a mental defect.

Another season of Giroud shanking shots and Sanogo missing them entirely beckons unless there is some last minute Wenger sleight of hand Jedi mind trick in the offing.

[Power n Glory]

Giroud can't even control a football and we've still got people turning their nose up at other strikers. Rooney, Balotelli, Cavani, Higuain...marginally better players? Really?

I take lord Bendter leading the line over Giroud. Tuesday had to be one of the worst performances I've ever seen from an Arsenal striker.

[fakeyank]

Didnt really want Balotelli. Assuming there are no medical reasons, I cannot understand how we can let go off Remy. Give him a take it or leave it at 80K... he will automatically come down.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Can anyone fathom why Rodgers has gone for him?

He's literally the last player you'd expect Brendan to be in for. He'll disrupt the squad, the harmony, and he'll attract unwanted attention to the club. Why are they taking the gamble?

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Giroud can't even control a football and we've still got people turning their nose up at other strikers. Rooney, Balotelli, Cavani, Higuain...marginally better players? Really?

I take lord Bendter leading the line over Giroud. Tuesday had to be one of the worst performances I've ever seen from an Arsenal striker.

What about Costa?

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Can anyone fathom why Rodgers has gone for him?

He's literally the last player you'd expect Brendan to be in for. He'll disrupt the squad, the harmony, and he'll attract unwanted attention to the club. Why are they taking the gamble?

http://sillyseason.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_top/public/article_images/jr190713liverpool-32-5149673.jpg?itok=QA9hTeoi

[Power n Glory]

What about Costa?

Even Costa but I don't think anyone said they'd rather keep Giroud over Costa.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Errr yes. You did.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

He said he was intent on signing a world class striker and to some argument.....he now has one. It would have been very difficult to sign any other as we ourselves have often opined on.

[Power n Glory]

Errr yes. You did.

When?

[hobson's choice]

I just want a proper midfield again, our midfield to me just isn't good enough for what this team wants to accomplish

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Everyone spent the whole summer debating about whether we should buy Costa and about 2 people, you were one and I think Zimm was the other, said no thanks. If I remember correctly, it was because most of goals were not 'real' goals or whatever the fuck that is, from outside the box or something.

Anyhow:

:haha:

[Power n Glory]

Everyone spent the whole summer debating about whether we should buy Costa and about 2 people, you were one and I think Zimm was the other, said no thanks. If I remember correctly, it was because most of goals were not 'real' goals or whatever the fuck that is, from outside the box or something.

Anyhow:

:haha:

How long are you going to continue trolling? :lol:

That doesn't mean I think Giroud is the better option, especially if we're discussing striking options in the a transfer window. It just means Costa wouldn't be my first option when looking around the market.

Try again. :rolleyes:

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

http://mrwgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Yeah-Sure-Okay.gif

[Power n Glory]

You need to get over that Moyes spat, dude. It was a long time ago! :lol: I can't believe you're still throwing shots my way.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

No, you keep going on about that so maybe you have the problem? I never bring it up. It's always you.

[Power n Glory]

No, you keep going on about that so maybe you have the problem? I never bring it up. It's always you.

Touched a nerve? :haha:

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

:blink: You asked me a question and I answered it

[Power n Glory]

....moving along.....

In other news....would Mario start for Liverpool? Jamie doesn't think so.

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/29327/9432389/mario-balotelli-to-liverpool-jamie-carragher-says-he-may-not-get-in-first-team

[Niall_Quinn]

Sounded like Pool were trying to arrange a loan deal for Falcao - that would have been something to worry about. Fortunately they have gone for Balotelli. This is one of those inevitabilities that will be written in a hundred told you so columns once all the post transfer sheen has been buried and the first of the shit from a massive shit front starts to hit the fan.

But moving on to us. Watching Giroud in his last game, he's so off form he's not good enough to be a backup and neither is Sanogo. So we need somebody even if Alexis is plan A. I guess Podolski out, we secure a CL spot and then see what happens. Window not shut yet.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

I'm a fan of Balotelli, think he's extremely talented. Probably hitting the right age in terms of 'maturity' too. Football lacks some big characters these days. Balotelli's problem was his off-field antics took away from the fact that actually he is a wonderful striker. I think Liverpool let go of Remy because they were waiting on Balotelli the whole time. He will be brilliant for them. Him and Sturridge up front with Sterling running circles around everyone, nice. If he chooses Liverpool, then I would go for Remy. I thought Balotelli would have been an excellent addition for us.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Ballofcrazy will definitely help them against the cannon fodder even if not in all the big games. I can't really be convinced they will be worse off.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

It would be a brilliant signing by Rodgers, a striker that doesn't bite and is a natural goalscorer...his records speak for themselves. I'd take all the non-biting baggage in an instant. He wanted to come to us too.
Had we signed, Sanchez, Chambers, Debuchy, Fabregas and Balotelli plus a CB, I doubt we would be struggling to qualify for the CL right now.

[GP]

Has everyone gone mental?

Stick to bottled water, folks.

[Power n Glory]

It would be a brilliant signing by Rodgers, a striker that doesn't bite and is a natural goalscorer...his records speak for themselves. I'd take all the non-biting baggage in an instant. He wanted to come to us too.
Had we signed, Sanchez, Chambers, Debuchy, Fabregas and Balotelli plus a CB, I doubt we would be struggling to qualify for the CL right now.

That would have been sweet! I'm just hoping Wenger pulls off a deadline day miracle.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Just the eight new players for Liverpool this season then. :lol:

Discounting Origi, of course.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Just the eight new players for Liverpool this season then. :lol:

Discounting Origi, of course.
We're close to having that squad everyone was banging on about last season.

[LDG]

Has everyone gone mental?

Stick to bottled water, folks.

Fuck you. I'm getting wrecked!

[GP]

Fuck you. I'm getting wrecked!

Me too, tbf.

Seems everyone else is.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

We're close to having that squad everyone was banging on about last season.

It's going to end in tears tbf. Although if you don't intend on sticking them all in the team at once like the Spuds did then I would imagine you shall be ok. Plus I think you have signed footballers, not the pubbers Tottenham bought.

[LDG]

Me too, tbf.

Seems everyone else is.

Same every year mate.

Football is actually quite bearable when you don't listen to anyone else.

[GP]

Same every year mate.

Football is actually quite bearable when you don't listen to anyone else.

I look at our transfer activity, the FA cup win, we just embarrassed Man City at Wembley, and I'm happy as fuck.

Then I come on here...

[LDG]

I look at our transfer activity, the FA cup win, we just embarrassed Man City at Wembley, and I'm happy as fuck.

Then I come on here...

:haha:

Shame we've lost our first two games of the season too.

A right fuckin pickle we're in now!!

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

It's going to end in tears tbf. Although if you don't intend on sticking them all in the team at once like the Spuds did then I would imagine you shall be ok. Plus I think you have signed footballers, not the pubbers Tottenham bought.
We'll see.

Certainly, in terms of sheer numbers, people last season we're predicting us doom because we had too few players and too many games. Now it'll be the opposite and people will be predicting us to go out at the earliest stage in every competition. Again, in terms of numbers I think we'll end up with about 21/22 players with the odd smattering of youth here and there which isn't too unreasonable.

Hopefully a bit more planning went in to our transfers than with Spurs. Theirs did seem a bit like names on a dart board. At least ours are spread out across the pitch as opposed to an army of midfielders to go with the army they bought the year before.

[Niall_Quinn]

I look at our transfer activity, the FA cup win, we just embarrassed Man City at Wembley, and I'm happy as fuck.

Then I come on here...

The gypos let us win. We have only brought in 5 new players. We scraped it in the FA Cup. Also Palace battered up with 4 shots and 3% possession, we were lucky 1 of our 14 went in. And if the turks hadn't fouled all our players 50 times in alphabetical order and the ref hadn't evened things up by sending Ramsey off for nothing we would probably be out of the CL now. It couldn't get much worse and it's time to stop burying your head in the sand. Don't try to downplay the ongoing disaster.

[Munchies]

So are we getting Cavani then?

Never been impressed with him when he's played, but anyone but Giroud/Sanogo

[GP]

The gypos let us win. We have only brought in 5 new players. We scraped it in the FA Cup. Also Palace battered up with 4 shots and 3% possession, we were lucky 1 of our 14 went in. And if the turks hadn't fouled all our players 50 times in alphabetical order and the ref hadn't evened things up by sending Ramsey off for nothing we would probably be out of the CL now. It couldn't get much worse and it's time to stop burying your head in the sand. Don't try to downplay the ongoing disaster.

But I wanted Bawotewwi!

http://cdn1.babyzone.com/images/2013/04/baby-boy-crying-photo-420x420-ts-56570356.jpg

[Niall_Quinn]

For £52mill? I hope not.

[Niall_Quinn]

But I wanted Bawotewwi!

http://cdn1.babyzone.com/images/2013/04/baby-boy-crying-photo-420x420-ts-56570356.jpg

Well you'll just have to make do with imaginary disasters rather than real and self inflicted ones.

[LDG]

Well you'll just have to make do with imaginary disasters rather than real and self inflicted ones.

Fuck you, I can't wait to get married!

[Niall_Quinn]

Meanwhile... signing of the season?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Btox5B-IUAA-AHx.jpg:large

[Munchies]

Youtube scouting


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulanuMYrwk0

Still remember his sitter against Chelsea though

[GP]

Meanwhile... signing of the season?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Btox5B-IUAA-AHx.jpg:large

Bar none.

[Munchies]

ITKs saying the deal is agreed :lol:

Cavani :bow:

[Niall_Quinn]

We're not going to spend £52mill plus silly wages on this guy. Just won't happen. Not even the media are linking us so there's no smoke, let alone fire. There isn't even a box of matches or one of those decorative wooden donkey shaped plant pot holders you could steal from outside a neighbours house and set fire to when you were pissed and then feel horribly embarrassed about in the morning.

[LDG]

So are we getting Cavani then?

Never been impressed with him when he's played, but anyone but Giroud/Sanogo

No thanks.

He looks utter shit.

Giroud is better.

[Munchies]

Well if it's a case of starting Giroud, Sanogo or Cavani, I'd choose Cavani. The other two are dire

[Niall_Quinn]

Well if it's a case of starting Giroud, Sanogo or Cavani, I'd choose Cavani. The other two are dire

Sanogo is as good as Cavani. Would be pointless signing him.

[Niall_Quinn]

There's this rumour site where the public can vote each rumour up or down. Currently Cavani to Arsenal is +1 so maybe there's something to this. By comparison, the rumour of Ronaldo and Bale to Utd is minus 561 so that looks very unlikely.

[LDG]

Well if it's a case of starting Giroud, Sanogo or Cavani, I'd choose Cavani. The other two are dire

Is Giroud always dire then?

[Munchies]

Is Giroud always dire then?

Nine out 10 times yes

[GP]

Is Giroud always dire then?

Always. Can't even control a football, apparently...

[LDG]

Nine out 10 times yes

Get out :lol:

[LDG]

Always. Can't even control a football, apparently...

He couldn't the other night, granted.

But that's probably why he's dire 9 times out of 10.

[Power n Glory]

No thanks.

He looks utter shit.

Giroud is better.

He really isn't. Giroud can't even control the ball at the moment. The main problem with Cavani is the price and that's clouding judgement. Also, he's had a bad a season at PSG but was played out of position for most games.

If last season was a bad season for Cavani (25 goals), what does that say about Giroud's season for us or his best ever in France?

[Niall_Quinn]

Giroud isn't going to win us a title. I think we all know it. Still good enough to fire us to a CL spot over a season but we at least need a bit of support for him if we're going to keep him as #1. That's not Sanogo. Surely everyone can see Sanogo is not ready for this level? We could do with bringing a striker in. Same problem as always though, finding somebody who will genuinely improve things and isn't an unspeakably greedy pig. By improve I mean contribute consistently over a season rather than blast out a few YouTube moments in between firing machine guns in changing rooms.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Window is not closed yet guys. Unless it's all smoke and no fire it looks like we have been trying to sign more players, but horrendous levels of greed have been the stumbling block. Good luck to Liverpool if they want to pay Balotelli £150k NET! That's a crazy gamble and speaks more about Rodgers and desperation than Wenger and ambition. Remy would already be here if the toe rag hadn't demanded £100k a week. For what? What has he done so far to warrant that? If we're selling Pods then that will free up a big chunk on the wage bill and we'll see some action. I hope.

Agree and disagree....Mario would have been an upgrade on what we are using to lead the line at the moment but for 150k it's a huge ask......the guy doesn't just want away from Milan, he wants to get paid massively!
Liverpool have potently picked up a quality player but at what price.....there could plenty of personality clashes with him and Sturridge.....both want to be the man and both are greedy as hell

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Didnt really want Balotelli. Assuming there are no medical reasons, I cannot understand how we can let go off Remy. Give him a take it or leave it at 80K... he will automatically come down.

Yup

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Hearing the Cavani stuff myself now on Twitter. :lol:

Does seem within the realm of possibility as I know PSG are looking to offload some players as FFP has screwed with some of their transfer targets. For example, they want to sign Di Maria but have been prevented from doing so already because of FFP. Also they could only sign Aurier on loan because signing him outright this season would have been too much. Cavani is rumoured to be unhappy as well.

Wasn't fond of him after his WC displays but as it stands with just Giroud and Sanogo leading the line for us I'd take him. He'd need to take a substantial cut from his 300 k a week though.

[Marc Overmars]

Zlatan is the main man at PSG and Cavani doesn't like being the support act, so I wouldn't be surprised if he does leave. Would take him here in a heartbeat, this bloke has a 30 goal a season average over the past 4 years. Exactly the kind of striker we should be looking at, though I concede the rumoured 50m tag is a little obscene.

[Niall_Quinn]

This all came from a story with no sources on a French web site that is the equivalent of a less authoritative goal.com. Supposedly it started as a £25mill + Bif swap deal but has morphed to £35mill + Bif. With Ibrahimovic injured and Giroud cup tied if he joins another club this rumour qualifies as probably the most incredible of the window so far. Cavani is also said to be on £300K pw. He'd have to take a 50% cut to come here. Is he even a top tier striker? He's on top tier pay, has a top tier fee attached, but in the World Cup he looked very (very) ordinary with a terrible first touch. Don't we already have strikers who can look ordinary and have a terrible first touch?

[Marc Overmars]

His goal scoring pedigree is comparable to any player that isn't called Messi or Ronaldo. Don't worry about the World Cup performances tbh.

We're not signing the guy, but if we did (:haha:) it would be a top signing and most certainly an upgrade on Giroud.

[BOBN]

Agree and disagree....Mario would have been an upgrade on what we are using to lead the line at the moment but for 150k it's a huge ask......the guy doesn't just want away from Milan, he wants to get paid massively!
Liverpool have potently picked up a quality player but at what price.....there could plenty of personality clashes with him and Sturridge.....both want to be the man and both are greedy as hell

I wish our CFs were this "greedy"


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

Quit trying to kid yourselves. Sturridge and Balotelli are top strikers. Giroud would be 3rd choice striker at best at a mediocre Premier League era club in Liverpool and the only top 7 side he could hope to get a game for is Spurs, and even then hes at the mercy of Adebayors mood. And even the likes of Newcastle and Stoke would probably prefer their current options. This is French nepotism now and its costing us, somebody needs to have a word with Wenger.

[Niall_Quinn]

I can't see the club risking such big sums. Didn't see him during the French season, he may have been brilliant. Of course he looks a world beater in the YT compilations, but then again so does anyone. I remember sitting down with a lot of anticipation to watch him in the WC and being hugely disappointed. Couldn't believe how lazy he was. Maybe he was unfit.

[Niall_Quinn]

What about Falcao on loan? Is nobody taking up that option? Apparently it's on the table. Astronomical wages the stumbling block for any non-dopers I suppose.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZB-Chxyw1k

[Bumble]

What about Falcao on loan? Is nobody taking up that option? Apparently it's on the table. Astronomical wages the stumbling block for any non-dopers I suppose.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZB-Chxyw1k
But if its only a one year loan deal, do wages really matter. If he doesn't work out its not like you are stuck with the player. if does work then you can look at a perm deal.

I think a loan deal might be the best option for someone on silly money. Is say spending £10m on one player a big issue considering how much the fans are fleeced for cash, the increased tv revenue and increased commercial deals.

still think Di maria and Khedira would go nicely and both available and perhaps that where we should target the Real/Barca rejects as they always sell quality players but spunk a load of cash on the latest superstar and therefore need to sell.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I wish our CFs were this "greedy"


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

Quit trying to kid yourselves. Sturridge and Balotelli are top strikers. Giroud would be 3rd choice striker at best at a mediocre Premier League era club in Liverpool and the only top 7 side he could hope to get a game for is Spurs, and even then hes at the mercy of Adebayors mood. And even the likes of Newcastle and Stoke would probably prefer their current options. This is French nepotism now and its costing us, somebody needs to have a word with Wenger.

Balotelli is not yet a top striker, he still has that to prove. Also, Chelsea selling a player to us; really?

[saintnickle]

We're not going to spend £52mill plus silly wages on this guy. Just won't happen. Not even the media are linking us so there's no smoke, let alone fire. There isn't even a box of matches or one of those decorative wooden donkey shaped plant pot holders you could steal from outside a neighbours house and set fire to when you were pissed and then feel horribly embarrassed about in the morning.

We wont spend another 52p this window never mind 52m.Weve spent out 36m this year and its now wengers favourite loan/free deals.The first proper year we have a fortune and wenger wont spend it.Its as good as saying i want to compete but not dominate.

[Injury Time]

We wont spend another 52p this window never mind 52m.Weve spent out 36m this year and its now wengers favourite loan/free deals.The first proper year we have a fortune and wenger wont spend it.Its as good as saying i want to compete but not dominate.

4th place :trophy:

[Özim]

16 million for a striker though, that's cheap, for that you usually get second rate players like Giroud, not players capable of being world beaters, it's a no brainer signing this guy.

Yes he comes with a level of risk, but even if he doesn't work you can sell him and get your money back and more and if it does, well you've just bought one of the most gifted strikers in world football who will also be worth an absolute packet.

[BOBN]

Balotelli is not yet a top striker, he still has that to prove. Also, Chelsea selling a player to us; really?
Can you imagine if an English player scored 2 goals in the Euro 2012 semi-final? He'd have a stadium named after him by now. If people like Owen and Rooney are/were top strikers then so is Balotelli.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Can you imagine if an English player scored 2 goals in the Euro 2012 semi-final? He'd have a stadium named after him by now. If people like Owen and Rooney are/were top strikers then so is Balotelli.

In fairness to Rooney, he has had two 30 goal seasons whereas Balotelli has not yet reached 20. Though I think Rooney can no longer be classed in that bracket either, certainly not when RVP will continue to be played ahead of him.

As I said on this thread many, many pages ago Balotelli has all the talent in the world but has not yet applied it as he should have.

I don't really care for what players do in international tournaments as to whether they should be signed or not.

[AKBapologist]

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-and-tottenham-to-battle-for-danny-welbeck-as-van-gaal-says-striker-can-leave-manchester-united-9685241.html
yes please!

[Gooner23]

yay, another striker who doesn't know where the goal is.

[Özim]

Oh god please no, he is sh*t.

[AKBapologist]

Oh god please no, he is sh*t.
better than giroud tbh.

[GP]

Welshit :lol:

[AKBapologist]

I think he's kinda at the place Sturridge was before he joined liverpool. Just needs to stop trying to show off and focus on the simple shit, as soon as he can settle, he'll start banging them in.

[selassie]

Think we can rule Welbeck out. Wenger aint spending 15million on a backup striker, he won't bench Giroud and Sanogo seems to be his "Pet Project".

[Power n Glory]

I'd rather give Walcott or Campbell games up front if we're considering Welbeck. But heck, if signing Welbeck is what it takes to get rid of Giroud, I'm all for it.

[Letters]

better than giroud tbh.
:haha:

[Letters]

I'd rather give Walcott or Campbell games up front if we're considering Welbeck. But heck, if signing Welbeck is what it takes to get rid of Giroud, I'm all for it.
:lol: Yes. Replace Giroud (40 goals in 100 games) with Wellbeck (29 goals in 139 games).
Giroud isn't world class but he's nowhere near as bad as some on here make out.

[Power n Glory]

:lol: Yes. Replace Giroud (40 goals in 100 games) with Wellbeck (29 goals in 139 games).
Giroud isn't world class but he's nowhere near as bad as some on here make out.

Giroud is going to be 28 this year and he''s not going to get any better. That's the difference. I can't stand Welbeck but he at least has some sort of potential. We're seeing Giroud at his peak and it's not good enough.

[AKBapologist]

Giroud is going to be 28 this year and he''s not going to get any better. That's the difference. I can't stand Welbeck but he at least has some sort of potential. We're seeing Giroud at his peak and it's not good enough.
Isn't Welbeck younger than Walcott?

He can also play on the wing and runs rings around carzola, podolski and giroud, much better fit for our few counter attacking style than either of those options.

[Letters]

Giroud isn't truly world class, he's not bad and he's got a decent number of goals but he's not a Suarez or a RvP, that's for sure. We need better if we're going to seriously challenge for the title. But Wellbeck? There is no indication at all he's going to even be as good as Giroud, let alone better.

[Dein-machine]

Girouds performance against Besiktas was nothing short of a disgrace. He's a wanna-be model playing at being a footballer. 2nd only to Jack at time spent lying on the turf. He is not a good finisher, his control is poor, his passing is woeful, he lacks pace & movement & he sets up more attacks for our opposition than there own players do. We gave him time to improve early days & he has chipped in with a few goals but he's never going to be what we need.
Welbeck however isn't much better & the £15 mill would be far better put to use trying to get Bony from Swansea, Rodrigeuz from Southampton or a down payment for Jackson Martinez.

[Letters]

A few goals :lol:

[Power n Glory]

Isn't Welbeck younger than Walcott?

He can also play on the wing and runs rings around carzola, podolski and giroud, much better fit for our few counter attacking style than either of those options.

Yeah, he's younger. Only 23. I'm really not a fan and it's a long shot but I'd bank on that over Giroud at the moment. The kid has the work rate and pace so you never know.

[Dein-machine]

A few goals :lol:

Rather then comparing him to Welbeck, why not do the same comparisons to the strikers of the teams wer'e supposed to be competing against - then your little 40 goals per 100 games scenario will look like the crap stat that it is for a supposed 1st choice striker of a top European team.

[Dein-machine]

Really wasn't interested in the Cavani rumours at £50+ mill but now that we hear Giroud could be thrown in I'm all for it - £32 mill + Giroud is basically £32 mill - lets do it

[AKBapologist]

If United would sell him to us for £15mill, we should do it. He has the raw ingredients (strength, pace, endurance, trickery) - if we can drill composure in to him Welbeck would very very good.

Less risk imo than people like Reus or Martinez and half as much.

[Letters]

Rather then comparing him to Welbeck, why not do the same comparisons to the strikers of the teams wer'e supposed to be competing against - then your little 40 goals per 100 games scenario will look like the crap stat that it is for a supposed 1st choice striker of a top European team.
I'm comparing him to Wellbeck because people are suggesting we replace Giroud with him :good:

I've already said I agree Giroud isn't good enough to lead the line for a side who are serious about competing for the title. But he was our top scorer yesterday, he hasn't just got 'a few goals' and he isn't 'crap'.

[Dein-machine]

I think we are still hearing to many "if we work on his" & "if he could Adapt" when it comes to us buying players. We have become accustomed to Wenger's bargain buys & many of us giving up the ghost of buying real quality finished article players under his reign. Last year the arrival of Oz & this year Sanchez gives us a bit of hope but top level European football is now at a stage where there is no time for Wenger's bargiain buys to be given a few years to get better or to adapt to another role. If we are to compete we have to buy quality. Players that we buy that need conditioning & improvements need to be loaned out - Sonogo ideal example.
We have not improved in defensive midfield role or natural goal-scoring role in the transfer windows since RVP left which I think is 6 windows. Every on on here, every Arsenal fan I talk to, non-Arsenal fans, football pundits ALL know these areas need addressing but we do nothing. If Mr Stubborn finally sees that Giroud is not quite as good as he thought & he allows his pride to get hurt by signing another striker, we cannot afford it be another Giroud. It has to be quality because we need this player to hit the ground running, especially as we've left it so late in the window - again.

[Munchies]

If United would sell him to us for £15mill, we should do it. He has the raw ingredients (strength, pace, endurance, trickery) - if we can drill composure in to him Welbeck would very very good.

Less risk imo than people like Reus or Martinez and half as much.

:arry:

[AKBapologist]

I think we are still hearing to many "if we work on his" & "if he could Adapt" when it comes to us buying players. We have become accustomed to Wenger's bargain buys & many of us giving up the ghost of buying real quality finished article players under his reign. Last year the arrival of Oz & this year Sanchez gives us a bit of hope but top level European football is now at a stage where there is no time for Wenger's bargiain buys to be given a few years to get better or to adapt to another role. If we are to compete we have to buy quality. Players that we buy that need conditioning & improvements need to be loaned out - Sonogo ideal example.
We have not improved in defensive midfield role or natural goal-scoring role in the transfer windows since RVP left which I think is 6 windows. Every on on here, every Arsenal fan I talk to, non-Arsenal fans, football pundits ALL know these areas need addressing but we do nothing. If Mr Stubborn finally sees that Giroud is not quite as good as he thought & he allows his pride to get hurt by signing another striker, we cannot afford it be another Giroud. It has to be quality because we need this player to hit the ground running, especially as we've left it so late in the window - again.

I don't personally see the striker position being as big a priority as the DM position, nor do I feel it as urgent, hence 'settling' for the potential of turning around someone like welbeck instead of relying on Giroud, Sonogo, Podolski or Walcott to lead the line.

In DM, the players are there, and we should go all out. Strikers? Very few are any good, and almost none of those are available.

[Dein-machine]

I'm comparing him to Wellbeck because people are suggesting we replace Giroud with him :good:

I've already said I agree Giroud isn't good enough to lead the line for a side who are serious about competing for the title. But he was our top scorer yesterday, he hasn't just got 'a few goals' and he isn't 'crap'.

Your stat would say he's getting "a few" goals every 5 games - simply not good enough, especially with the chances we create.
I know its hard for you to agree with us horrible, moaning, miserable gits on GW but his performance the other night was nothing short of "crap". We know Wenger hates making tactical substitutions apart from when he wants to kill games & hang on for dear life by bringing on Flamini when we already have Arteta on the pitch but to not sub him at half time after that performance is unbelievable. If he can play like that & play a full game, where's the will to improve?. When you have Sonogo as the main striking threat to your 1st team place - do you get a bit lazy, do you really need to be at your best?.
It wasn't a one-off, he had plenty of games last year where during the live thread we were asking for him to be taken off, sometimes even asking for King Nic to replace him, now that has to equate to crap!.
A team with lack of options up-top cannot afford to have someone there who is a reasonable player, which I take it is your opinion of him. Reasonable for a top team equates to 2nd choice squad player.
In your own words Letters - "lets hope the FA Cup is the springboard to bigger success", we won't get bigger success with mediocre players playing in very important positions.

[Power n Glory]

I don't personally see the striker position being as big a priority as the DM position, nor do I feel it as urgent, hence 'settling' for the potential of turning around someone like welbeck instead of relying on Giroud, Sonogo, Podolski or Walcott to lead the line.

In DM, the players are there, and we should go all out. Strikers? Very few are any good, and almost none of those are available.

I think a striker is more important if Wenger has no plans for Sanchez playing through the middle. We’re sitting ducks if we can’t break down defences and with the poor options we have up front, it inhibits players like Sanchez, Ozil, Ox, Cazorla and the rest of the attackers. They’re having to work extra hard to fashion out chances because we have a player that can’t hold up the ball or run beyond defenders. We can’t play it short, we can’t play it long. We don’t have the best of DM’s but it doesn’t effect the surrounding players nearly as badly as what I saw over the past two games.

In an ideal world, we should get both but we know that’s not going to happen.

[Dein-machine]

I don't personally see the striker position being as big a priority as the DM position, nor do I feel it as urgent, hence 'settling' for the potential of turning around someone like welbeck instead of relying on Giroud, Sonogo, Podolski or Walcott to lead the line.

In DM, the players are there, and we should go all out. Strikers? Very few are any good, and almost none of those are available.

Understand what you are saying but there will be far less pressure on our DM & defenders if we had a quality striker up top. I would expect Welback to be an improvement on Giroud but there is too much about his overall game that is far from the finished article. Giroud's hold up play & passing was so awful the other night that we ended up being under attack 50% of the time we played the ball to him. We also have clever players like Rambo, Ozil & Santi who are looking to break defences with quick 1-2's around the box - I don't think a Giroud or a Welback is quite on the same wave length as these guys

[Letters]

Your stat would say he's getting "a few" goals every 5 games.
I'm not sure how you get that from 40 goals in 100 games :unsure:

I'm not disagreeing we need better though.

[I am invisible]

Hearing the Cavani stuff myself now on Twitter. :lol:

Does seem within the realm of possibility as I know PSG are looking to offload some players as FFP has screwed with some of their transfer targets. For example, they want to sign Di Maria but have been prevented from doing so already because of FFP. Also they could only sign Aurier on loan because signing him outright this season would have been too much. Cavani is rumoured to be unhappy as well.

Wasn't fond of him after his WC displays but as it stands with just Giroud and Sanogo leading the line for us I'd take him. He'd need to take a substantial cut from his 300 k a week though.

WC displays are always a poor guide for these things - you've got to go off club form really, and in that respect I don't think anyone can argue with Cavani's record of 30+ goals in each of his last 3 seasons in Italy, and 25 goals (from the wing!) in his first season in France. Whichever way you turn it, those are big boy stats!

I also think those figures that are being chucked around for his wages could be a little misleading? Don't forget that France have an eye-watering top-rate tax band of 75% now, so he'd only be trousering about a quarter of that as his take-home pay (about 75k a week). And if we're talking euros instead of pounds here, then you can probably knock another 20% off again to get to what he'd be earning in this country (we're getting down to about 60k a week, take-home, now). If I've done my (admittedly very quick and rough) sums correctly, then that means that a comparable offer of wages for a PL club would be between £110-135k a week gross (give or take), with anything above that representing an increase? That kind of salary would still make him one of our top earners (if not the top earner), but you never know - it might actually be more doable than it looks on first glance?

(* Incidentally, that 75% tax rate was approved in December 2013, after Cavani and Falcao et al moved to France, so that might explain why they're all suddenly so eager to get out, and why clubs like Monaco and PSG might genuinely be open to selling? If a large chunk of their squads are demanding pay-hikes to bring their take-home pay back to where it was before, then they may actually be keen to offload some of them?)

It still seems like a pretty unlikely deal though (for us, anyway) - even if we can afford it (and I suspect we could, given all our new commercial deals, the massive amount of extra money we're all getting for this new TV deal, and the added possibility of CL football), it's still a big outlay for a player that will be 28 in February, and who we may not actually need, depending on what the plan for Alexis is?

[selassie]

Wow...just shows how far our standards have dropped with strikers what with folks actually considering Welbeck as a viable option.

He's what 3rd/4th choice at a team that finished 7th last season, he's not a prolific scorer and from what I have seen of him struggles to strike the ball cleanly.

Our standards for a new striker should be as high as our standards for AM and Winger, as in Ozil/Sanchez level.

I'll be honest, I have absolutely no idea what Arsene is doing with our forward line, our options are tragic compared to our rivals.

[Dein-machine]

I'm not sure how you get that from 40 goals in 100 games :unsure:

I'm not disagreeing we need better though.

40/100 = 4/10 = 2/5
I have enough trouble educating you on the subject of "Wengeritus & its effects on Arsenal Football Club" without having to add Maths to my list.

[Power n Glory]

Wow...just shows how far our standards have dropped with strikers what with folks actually considering Welbeck as a viable option.

He's what 3rd/4th choice at a team that finished 7th last season, he's not a prolific scorer and from what I have seen of him struggles to strike the ball cleanly.

Our standards for a new striker should be as high as our standards for AM and Winger, as in Ozil/Sanchez level.

I'll be honest, I have absolutely no idea what Arsene is doing with our forward line, our options are tragic compared to our rivals.

We should be aiming higher but unfortunately we're often faced with such dilemmas because we have a very rigid and stubborn coach. If I was certain Wenger was going to play Sanchez, Campbell or Walcott through the middle, I wouldn't sweat it. Welbeck shouldn't even be on our radar when you consider the names I just mentioned in comparison. But here we are.

[Dein-machine]

Tbf, we don't even know that Welbeck is on Wenger's radar, our problem is that this is the kind of signing we have got used to instead of the real quality we need, especially in the striking area, so these potentially garbage reports tend to worry us all maybe more than they should.

[Power n Glory]

Tbf, we don't even know that Welbeck is on Wenger's radar, our problem is that this is the kind of signing we have got used to instead of the real quality we need, especially in the striking area, so these potentially garbage reports tend to worry us all maybe more than they should.

I don't mean Wenger is this regards. I mean the fans. It shouldn't be a debate or consideration. But the fact that we're starting with Sanogo and Giroud shows how far we've fallen. It makes no sense to be starting with either when you consider what's on the bench.

[Letters]

40/100 = 4/10 = 2/5
I have enough trouble educating you on the subject of "Wengeritus & its effects on Arsenal Football Club" without having to add Maths to my list.

Wait....wait....

Right.

Yeah, fair enough :lol:


:getcoat:

[AKBapologist]

In a world where the type of striker that fulfills our expectations signs for barcelona for 80mill, you can pretty much write us off getting ready made talent in that area. Good strikers are so rare, you're better off punting on potential or sticking with what you have.

[selassie]

We should be aiming higher but unfortunately we're often faced with such dilemmas because we have a very rigid and stubborn coach. If I was certain Wenger was going to play Sanchez, Campbell or Walcott through the middle, I wouldn't sweat it. Welbeck shouldn't even be on our radar when you consider the names I just mentioned in comparison. But here we are.

:gp:

[Dein-machine]

In a world where the type of striker that fulfills our expectations signs for barcelona for 80mill, you can pretty much write us off getting ready made talent in that area. Good strikers are so rare, you're better off punting on potential or sticking with what you have.

We have been "punting on potential" or "sticking with what you have " for the past decade & it doesn't bring rewards in modern football. The Chavs fucked the system with money & the Mancs are now making it worse. No manager in the modern game can take the risks of punting or sticking through fear of the sack - apart from our manager!

[Dein-machine]

Wait....wait....

Right.

Yeah, fair enough :lol:


:getcoat:

Thank fuck for that - soon as I pressed send I saw my "effects on Arsenal Football club" & thought you would hit back about giving me English lessons!

:doh:

[Letters]

Thank fuck for that - soon as I pressed send I saw my "effects on Arsenal Football club" & thought you would hit back about giving me English lessons!

:doh:
:lol: Tbh I never know when to use 'effect' and when to use 'affect'. I've had it explained to me but I still don't understand it :(

[Niall_Quinn]

Thank fuck for that - soon as I pressed send I saw my "effects on Arsenal Football club" & thought you would hit back about giving me English lessons!

:doh:

You said effects :haha:

[Dein-machine]

You said effects :haha:

See - I knew I should have kept quiet.

[Niall_Quinn]

The "serious" media is now pitching in with the Cavani rumours.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2731738/Olivier-Giroud-heading-PSG-32m-player-plus-cash-deal-Edinson-Cavani-according-French-media.html

In summary:
Wenger wants Cavani.
Giroud NOT involved in swap.
Only stumbling blocks are the transfer fee, the player's wages and the fact PSG don't want to sell. Otherwise it looks done.

Canvani is coming home :bow:

[Power n Glory]

In a world where the type of striker that fulfills our expectations signs for barcelona for 80mill, you can pretty much write us off getting ready made talent in that area. Good strikers are so rare, you're better off punting on potential or sticking with what you have.

£80m is the going rate for the Spanish clubs. That's the bar they've set for themselves and nobody else. If those two clubs aren't interested in a player, you can slash that fee in half. But we've never been the sort of club to go toe to toe with our rivals in a bidding war. Why shy away all the time. If the path wasn't clear for Sanchez or Ozil, I doubt we'd have pursued so hard.

That's one matter but I'm more concerned with our scouting. We should be able to find players like Aguero, Suarez, Falcao..etc before the mega rich get to them but we're scouting garbage like Chamakh, Giroud and Sanago in the French league. Wenger's too far removed from France and he doesn't know that market anymore, hench the blunders. Before he left France, he knew of the talented young players around the country but years have passed since then. Now we're reduced to scouting the lower divisions of the French and English leagues for our talent. We need a serious upgrade.

[Dein-machine]

All bookies odds dropping on Khedira coming home aswell. If the injury to Arteta has provoked Wumger into pulling his finger out & we end up signing a Khedira or a Carvalho then it would amount to Arteta's best contribution for years.

[Dein-machine]

£80m is the going rate for the Spanish clubs. That's the bar they've set for themselves and nobody else. If those two clubs aren't interested in a player, you can slash that fee in half. But we've never been the sort of club to go toe to toe with our rivals in a bidding war. Why shy away all the time. If the path wasn't clear for Sanchez or Ozil, I doubt we'd have pursued so hard.

That's one matter but I'm more concerned with our scouting. We should be able to find players like Aguero, Suarez, Falcao..etc before the mega rich get to them but we're scouting garbage like Chamakh, Giroud and Sanago in the French league. Wenger's too far removed from France and he doesn't know that market anymore, hench the blunders. Before he left France, he knew of the talented young players around the country but years have passed since then. Now we're reduced to scouting the lower divisions of the French and English leagues for our talent. We need a serious upgrade.

Agreed - the Spuds nicked our French scouting team by paying them more money but then realized nobody in France wants to play for them or has even heard of them.

[Niall_Quinn]

All bookies odds dropping on Khedira coming home aswell. If the injury to Arteta has provoked Wumger into pulling his finger out & we end up signing a Khedira or a Carvalho then it would amount to Arteta's best contribution for years.

Utd in the hunt for Khedira now - and they can pay his stupid demands.

[fakeyank]

All bookies odds dropping on Khedira coming home aswell. If the injury to Arteta has provoked Wumger into pulling his finger out & we end up signing a Khedira or a Carvalho then it would amount to Arteta's best contribution for years.

:gp:

Other than being a proper gentleman for Arsenal FC, this would be his best moment at our club. Hope his injury keeps him out just long enough for us to bring Khedira in.

Thank you Capi! :tiphat:

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Welbeck? :lol:

Jesus christ.

You can do better than that.

[GP]

Welbeck? :lol:

Jesus christ.

You can do better than that.

Can we, though?

Can we?

Yes.

[Munchies]

Rather have Welbeck than Giroud in all honesty

[fakeyank]

Rather have Welbeck than Giroud in all honesty

Its a sad state of affairs that I agree with you.. :(

[I am invisible]

Plus, he really looks like Cat from Red Dwarf - that's got to count for something?

[Munchies]

Getting pissed off that Wenger is playing Giroud/Sanogo ahead of Campbell

[Dein-machine]

Getting pissed off that Wenger is playing Giroud/Sanogo ahead of Campbell

Better get used to it - his lack of interest in another forward means he thinks they are good enough - no one else at the club has the balls to tell him otherwise. This lack of ambition to invest in real quality all over the pitch is the reason why players have left & I don't blame them

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Rather have Welbeck than Giroud in all honesty

Don't be silly.


Giroud's got his problems (well documented) but Welbeck is worse. He's about WBA/Palace level in all honestly. I'd much rather have Chamkah back than Welbeck tbh.

[Munchies]

Better get used to it - his lack of interest in another forward means he thinks they are good enough - no one else at the club has the balls to tell him otherwise. This lack of ambition to invest in real quality all over the pitch is the reason why players have left & I don't blame them

Yeah, we came into this transfer window with two major priorities, a CDM and a striker.

Still haven't signed anyone and it doesn't look like happening anytime soon.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

All bookies odds dropping on Khedira coming home aswell. If the injury to Arteta has provoked Wumger into pulling his finger out & we end up signing a Khedira or a Carvalho then it would amount to Arteta's best contribution for years.

:haha: :haha:

Spot on.

[saintnickle]

Utd in the hunt for Khedira now - and they can pay his stupid demands.

what are his stupid wage demands??Are they higher than what we pay our manager???

[Globalgunner]

what are his stupid wage demands??Are they higher than what we pay our manager???

Our manager is worth it. He is the sole reason the Spuds havent caught up with us after all these years. He`s also the reason why we wont win the big prizes till he fecks off. Sigh!

[Power n Glory]

Getting pissed off that Wenger is playing Giroud/Sanogo ahead of Campbell

I don't get it either. He should have been playing Walcott through the middle ages ago and I hope we're not discussing this same sort of issue with regards to Campbell and Sanchez. I just don't see the need to start a player like Giroud. He's built for the more physical game and would suit a team like Palace, Stoke, West Ham.....a hit and hope type team. Teams that make use of the big man up front. We don't.

We don't play it long, or go wide and swarm the box trying to get on the end of crosses. It just doesn't make sense having this sort of player unless he's the Plan B. We play short quick passing, we don't try to muscle our way through opponents on attack, we evade them and dizzy them with quick flurries of passes and whilst they try to close us down, that then opens up space behind them. Pulling them and stretching them all over the pitch to then go on and score. Well, that's what we used to do. We depend on mobility and speed and for some reason we've got this odd one out in the mix.

With that sort of style, it makes no sense to have players in the squad too slow to lose their marker, especially not the main striker. Giroud just doesn't fit the bill. He tries to work the wings, drifts into deep and wide areas but he's not quick enough to make up the ground once drifting that far out. He can't lose his marker. His touch isn't even all that to be venturing out that far either. Why not give a player like Walcott/Sanchez/Campbell a chance to play there instead? People say they're not big enough but we don't want a striker on the edge of the box wrestling for space all day. It's like Giroud is trying to play the false 9 but he's way to slow to cover the ground. Why not give the opportunity to someone quick and mobile. They dip into deep pockets of space and out wide, if defenders mark tight, it then opens up space for others behind them. If defenders stand off him too much, they'll be left flat footed when up against pace. Messi does it for Barca but he's the best in the world. But seeing how Sterling terrorised Italy in the World Cup should be an encouragement. We should be brave enough to try this and I would have thought Wenger would have at least tried it more in the pre season. We're missing a trick here. Especially after his comment about Giroud needing to make smarter runs. He obviously sees the problem with Giroud telegraphing his runs but he's yet to act on it.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Giroud is going to be 28 this year and he''s not going to get any better. That's the difference. I can't stand Welbeck but he at least has some sort of potential. We're seeing Giroud at his peak and it's not good enough.
I'm curious PowerRangerG, why can't you stand Welbeck? :d


WC displays are always a poor guide for these things - you've got to go off club form really, and in that respect I don't think anyone can argue with Cavani's record of 30+ goals in each of his last 3 seasons in Italy, and 25 goals (from the wing!) in his first season in France. Whichever way you turn it, those are big boy stats!

I also think those figures that are being chucked around for his wages could be a little misleading? Don't forget that France have an eye-watering top-rate tax band of 75% now, so he'd only be trousering about a quarter of that as his take-home pay (about 75k a week). And if we're talking euros instead of pounds here, then you can probably knock another 20% off again to get to what he'd be earning in this country (we're getting down to about 60k a week, take-home, now). If I've done my (admittedly very quick and rough) sums correctly, then that means that a comparable offer of wages for a PL club would be between £110-135k a week gross (give or take), with anything above that representing an increase? That kind of salary would still make him one of our top earners (if not the top earner), but you never know - it might actually be more doable than it looks on first glance?

(* Incidentally, that 75% tax rate was approved in December 2013, after Cavani and Falcao et al moved to France, so that might explain why they're all suddenly so eager to get out, and why clubs like Monaco and PSG might genuinely be open to selling? If a large chunk of their squads are demanding pay-hikes to bring their take-home pay back to where it was before, then they may actually be keen to offload some of them?)

It still seems like a pretty unlikely deal though (for us, anyway) - even if we can afford it (and I suspect we could, given all our new commercial deals, the massive amount of extra money we're all getting for this new TV deal, and the added possibility of CL football), it's still a big outlay for a player that will be 28 in February, and who we may not actually need, depending on what the plan for Alexis is?
The voice of reason.

£80m is the going rate for the Spanish clubs. That's the bar they've set for themselves and nobody else. If those two clubs aren't interested in a player, you can slash that fee in half. But we've never been the sort of club to go toe to toe with our rivals in a bidding war. Why shy away all the time. If the path wasn't clear for Sanchez or Ozil, I doubt we'd have pursued so hard.

That's one matter but I'm more concerned with our scouting. We should be able to find players like Aguero, Suarez, Falcao..etc before the mega rich get to them but we're scouting garbage like Chamakh, Giroud and Sanago in the French league. Wenger's too far removed from France and he doesn't know that market anymore, hench the blunders. Before he left France, he knew of the talented young players around the country but years have passed since then. Now we're reduced to scouting the lower divisions of the French and English leagues for our talent. We need a serious upgrade.

I don't agree that Wenger no longer knows the French market. He is still a football obsessive recluse. Just ask his wife and kid.

I do agree that we should be cherry picking a few more of the Aguero's and Falcao's around the globe before they reach the 20 pieces of silver they will cost.... I realise this is not easy, but Wenger is still one of the most refined talent spotters and nurturers in football. Or at least we should be gambling relative amounts on the good batch before the become the very select and few crème de la crème.

[Niall_Quinn]

Just wanted to say that I got my hands on a bottle of Talisker. The rest is history.

[GP]

Yeah I heard you're partial to a 12-year-old.

[Power n Glory]

I'm curious PowerRangerG, why can't you stand Welbeck? :d


The voice of reason.


I don't agree that Wenger no longer knows the French market. He is still a football obsessive recluse. Just ask his wife and kid.

I do agree that we should be cherry picking a few more of the Aguero's and Falcao's around the globe before they reach the 20 pieces of silver they will cost.... I realise this is not easy, but Wenger is still one of the most refined talent spotters and nurturers in football. Or at least we should be gambling relative amounts on the good batch before the become the very select and few crème de la crème.

He reminds me of Dirk Kuyt. A worker with no real end product. His work lacks finesse and it's always rushed.

Oh and that bloody haircut of his. It looks ridiculous and I've never seen him with a fresh trim.

[Injury Time]

:arry:
£10m...You couldn't make it up, I'm hoping it is made up:wacko:

[Niall_Quinn]

:arry:
£10m...You couldn't make it up, I'm hoping it is made up:wacko:

They've got a fucking nerve, only offering us £10mill. We should cut ties with these piss takers.

[Niall_Quinn]

Yeah I heard you're partial to a 12-year-old.

This one is even younger :good:

[GP]

This one is even younger :good:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIfOjkB17BA

[Grebbo]

I'd take Welbeck for sure if we can't sign a top tier striker. People on here would've been moaning had we signed Sturridge from Chelsea but look at him now after getting some regular game time. I've got a feeling Welbeck could turn out the same with regular game time and with Giroud not giving a fuck he'd get regular game time with us.

Oh and Balotelli is crap. His talent certainly doesn't make up for him being an utter nob head. There's a reason why every club off loads him. Think about it.

[I am invisible]

If you could merge Welbeck and Balotelli together then you might have a player on your hands (well... that or you'd get an average player with an attitude problem), but as it is all they offer us bits of the complete package - surely there must be some options out there that wouldn't involve us having to take a gamble, or work on them in some way?

[GP]

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/77130000/jpg/_77130622_royhodgsonreuters4.jpg

[Niall_Quinn]

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/77130000/jpg/_77130622_royhodgsonreuters4.jpg

Practising for his next meeting with Martin Samuel.

[Syn]

:haha:

[Niall_Quinn]

Khedira has (apparently) pissed off without permission. Sounds like he's a bit of a professional. That, his injuries and his wage demands, maybe we don't need him that bad.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

He's screwing with Marketing which gets the approval from me.

[Master Splinter]

0-2

Debuchy 33, Ramsey 86

[KSE Comedy Club]

0-2

Debuchy 33, Ramsey 86
Lol MS, wrong thread.

[Niall_Quinn]

Lol MS, wrong thread.

He does that a lot :sulk:

[Master Splinter]

100% dive.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Man Utd close to signing Di Maria apparently.

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12040/9437202/manchester-united-close-on-real-madrid-and-argentina-winger-angel-di-maria

[GP]

As long as it stops them buying what they really need.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

United already have a good attack. A very good attack. It's in defence and in the middle of the pitch were they are lacking.

€60m+obscene wages for another good attacker won't solve all their problems. I'll be more worried if they sign 2/3 good CB/Ms.

[Niall_Quinn]

Man Utd close to signing Di Maria apparently.

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12040/9437202/manchester-united-close-on-real-madrid-and-argentina-winger-angel-di-maria

Excellent news - this will push them deeper into collapse. One player can't make that big a difference - they need 6-8 players. Now they have another £200k+pw player on the books, it'll all end in massive hurt.

[selassie]

Apparently United are favourites to sign Khedira, if they get him then I think they will be right back in the mix.

[I am invisible]

F--k Man U - are we apparently favourites to sign anyone?

[Niall_Quinn]

Apparently United are favourites to sign Khedira, if they get him then I think they will be right back in the mix.

Others say Bayern are favourites and I'm sure he'd much rather go there.

[selassie]

F--k Man U - are we apparently favourites to sign anyone?

That greek lad, Manolas, not linked with anyone else.

[selassie]

Others say Bayern are favourites and I'm sure he'd much rather go there.

I hope he does go to Bayern, last thing we need is United loading their team up with quality.

[Marc Overmars]

Di Maria at United. :sick:

Hopefully it ends in tears.

[Grebbo]

Apparently United are favourites to sign Khedira, if they get him then I think they will be right back in the mix.

In the mix for what? Not for the title unless they sign some world class CB's and everyone gels quickly.

They might have a chance for 3rd/4th because a forward line of Rooney, RVP, Mata, and Di Maria should in theory be pretty devastating.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Even if it fails to live up to that hype they will easily make top 4 if they sign him.

[Grebbo]

Even if it fails to live up to that hype they will easily make top 4 if they sign him.

I dunno, let's see how quickly he adapts. You could argue Ozil hasn't adapted yet and Sanchez doesn't look like he's going to hit the ground running. Di Maria might be the same.

You then have the Spanish league factor where there's very little contact and only a dozen competitive games per season. Whenever I've seen Di Maria he goes down with the slightest of contact, not sure he'll be able to do that here. Still a class player though.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Even if it fails to live up to that hype they will easily make top 4 if they sign him.

I'm not so sure.

They already have a very good attack. Granted it usually depends on whether Van Persie is fit and whether Rooney can be bothered, but attack isn't really their problem. Di Maria is a very, very good player no doubt but will spunking €60m and insane wages (to go along with the insane wages of the three they already have) really going to help their defence? Or their dodgy middle? We all hope not.

It does sound a little arrogant, but I'd be far more worried if they were signing a shitload on some better central defenders and a centre mid or two. In any case, Sky seem to be back tracking now by saying Madrid actually want £75m and that it's not even close to completion :lol:

Good old Ballague.

[GP]

I'm not so sure.

They already have a very good attack. Granted it usually depends on whether Van Persie is fit and whether Rooney can be bothered, but attack isn't really their problem. Di Maria is a very, very good player no doubt but will spunking €60m and insane wages (to go along with the insane wages of the three they already have) really going to help their defence? Or their dodgy middle? We all hope not.

It does sound a little arrogant, but I'd be far more worried if they were signing a shitload on some better central defenders and a centre mid or two. In any case, Sky seem to be back tracking now by saying Madrid actually want £75m and that it's not even close to completion :lol:

Good old Ballague.

WTF??

It was a done deal last night :lol:

He'll go to PSG.

[Marc Overmars]

Apparently Madrid wanted to sell to PSG because they'd offer more but because of the FFP sanctions it's going to be difficult for them to stump up that cash (50m for Luiz :haha:) without selling as well.

It does seem like United will have to pay well over his actual worth which is amusing and has a whiff of desperation about it, but I suppose it's something they can afford to do thanks to Adidas.

[Munchies]

Apparently Madrid wanted to sell to PSG because they'd offer more but because of the FFP sanctions it's going to be difficult for them to stump up that cash (50m for Luiz :haha:) without selling as well.

It does seem like United will have to pay well over his actual worth which is amusing and has a whiff of desperation about it, but I suppose it's something they can afford to do thanks to Adidas.

A few more seasons of mediocrity and their sponsors will walk.

Can't wait :pray:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

It's not their weakest area, nevertheless I think they will make top 4 however lethargically it transpires, not that I want them to. Their midfield is nothing special but it won't need to be to make 4th IMO.....and I do think people have tended to marginalise the fact that Ander Herrera is a good player since they signed him.

I think they have a shot at top 4 even without Di Maria and whatever condition they find themselves in, you can bet they will be willing to appendix the situation come January with another signing if it looks necessary.

We won't have as much fun laughing at them this season as we did last season.

[Munchies]

It's not their weakest area, nevertheless I think they will make top 4 however lethargically it transpires, not that I want them to. Their midfield is nothing special but it won't need to be to make 4th IMO.....and I do think people have tended to marginalise the fact that Ander Herrera is a good player since they signed him.

I think they have a shot at top 4 even without Di Maria and whatever condition they find themselves in, you can bet they will be willing to appendix the situation come January with another signing if it looks necessary.

We won't have as much fun laughing at them this season as we did last season.

But what if Van Gaal is actually Moyes in disguise?

[The Emirates Gallactico]

SSN are reporting that Madrid want 75 million for Di Maria.

Absolutely mental for a player who apparently wants out and that Madrid want to let go (so they can fund Falcao).

Though I would absolutely love it if they spunked that on him and he was a flop.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Sky need to stop saying Sky sources for Spanish transfers, we all know it is Balague.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Apparently Madrid wanted to sell to PSG because they'd offer more but because of the FFP sanctions it's going to be difficult for them to stump up that cash (50m for Luiz :haha:) without selling as well.

It does seem like United will have to pay well over his actual worth which is amusing and has a whiff of desperation about it, but I suppose it's something they can afford to do thanks to Adidas.

Dream scenario:

PSG sell us Cavani freeing up funds for them to sign Di Maria on deadline day.

Man Utd end up empty handed and consquentially finish outside the top four for another season.


http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zS67jP8cw_o/T_WzDrfBZEI/AAAAAAAAAcI/E2XeM0ROwLo/s640/3920398440_32356594e4.jpeg

[Munchies]

United would be better off spunking that on a CM/defence.

Abit like us really, we need a striker and a CDM :(

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Sky need to stop saying Sky sources for Spanish transfers, we all know it is Balague.

It was quite odd. Balague was openly saying it was him, Sky were openly saying it was Balague and yet they were still persisting with "Sky sources".

And then pretty much at the same time, the Mail got in on the act as well.

I bet this is all Rafa's doing.

[Munchies]

redcafe are getting angry that Swanson got his £ and the Euro mixed up :lol:

[Syn]

Can Di Maria play CM? If he does well in that role that's exactly what Man Utd are missing. Could be a big signing for them. Like us with Ozil last year I think they were desperately trying to land a big name; who it was or what position it was didn't seem to be that important as long as it's a world class player.

Not great if Man Utd get Di Maria and Liverpool get Balotelli but I suppose it's good for the league if that level of talent comes to England. MOTD highlights should be fun anyway.

[Munchies]

Right now I'd take Remy and a random African CDM from the French league

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Rio Mavuba or M'vila.....if we want cheap very good options.

[Munchies]

Ballague:

Di María will travel to Manchester tomorrow afternoon and wants all sorted to play against Burnley. With the number 7

[Niall_Quinn]

I really hope we don't sign Welbeck. He's a second tier player, like Giroud. If we're not going to sign a top tier striker then let's not sign a striker at all. Similarly let's hope there's nothing to the nonsense talk of Song coming back on loan. That would be a nothing piece of business to the benefit of nobody bar Barca.

Carvalho grade signing (if we haven't got the balls/ money to get Pogba) and/or Cavani grade - or nothing. Let's move on instead of moving sideways or just stick with what we have and throw the money in the pot for the next transfer window. It has to be about quality from now on. Almost players won't make a difference to us grabbing the annual top 4 slot.

Of course winning on Wednesday is the key. Let's hope we have a bit more of a clue of how we want to play that one than we did going onto the pitch against Everton.

[GP]

We should go get Vidal.

[Marc Overmars]

Welbeck would be a wonderful signing.

[GP]

Welbeck would be a wonderful signing.

:lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

Welbeck would be a wonderful signing.

Not really. Not any more than Giroud being a wonderful signing. Neither are bad players, but neither move us up a level. As cover for Giroud, okay sign him. But it won't make any difference to the final outcome. We'll be playing for 4th if we start buying players like Welbeck.

[Injury Time]

We'll be playing for 4th if we start buying players like Welbeck.
Press conference 7pm then...

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Wellbeck for a reasonable price (and quite possibly a higher resale value) would make this strong squad stronger. Our options aren't nearly astute enough for us to deny that unfortunately, nevertheless I'm not sure our best efforts should be spent on signing such a player right now.

If the money we didn't spend on him ACTUALLY went on going into the pot for a proper CF worthy of the first team spot at Arsenal football club for the next window or two, then I'd want to opt for that. Who knows what's in Wenger's thinking though, he clearly rates Sanogo more than any of you lot.

[mastermind84]

Welbeck would be a wonderful signing.
http://i.imgur.com/cjurvKK.png

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Di Maria fee apparently agreed for the Mancs at a whopping 63.9 million. Marketing have essentially recouped their investment on James here.


Hope he fails miserably but sadly given his quality I doubt it's going to be the case. Still, given their shocking defence I still don't think its enough to even guarantee them top four.

[Kano]

A CM, CB and a striker. Not just stop gap signings but we need something of real note in all three positions. Not all 20/30m signings but players who can add something more than we currently have. Is that all going to happen in this window? No. Will it happen by the end of the next one? No. The club is flush with more cash but it is extremely unlikely they are going to spend most of it in one season. Is there one of these signings in us before the window closes? Maybe. The question then becomes, which position is seen as holding more value? Having a main man upfront, stabilising the middle of the field or providing competitive experience at the back? It's one out of three as they are not all going to be addressed.

The signing of Alexis created a wonderful aura around the club especially off the back of the FA win but in the cold hard light of day now the season has started, it's obvious this team do not have enough to push on in its current form. Of course, we'll play better than we have in the first three games but there are clearly at least two squads better equipped than ours at the moment. So that's third/fourth at best. When you have Liverpool, Everton and potentially even Tottenham (yeah I know but it can happen) sniffing around, its a dangerous game to keep grabbing one of those last two spots. Our squad on paper has been better than both Everton and Tottenham for years, yet we have still managed to go to the wire with them both.

Is this the season when Walcott is turned into a striker? With Podolski used in there too? We can't seriously expect to challenge for anything other than the cups again with Sanogo and Campbell as back up to Giroud. It would seem bizarre if we don't add something to the front line, whether internally or through buying and go a second season with such a threadbare attack. Or have we become a latent Barcelona, packed with attacking midfielders at a time when that part of footballs tactical cycle is now moving onto something new? Maybe a signal of Wenger's vision somewhat lagging behind the times? It's not pleasant to think of but it is worth considering, especially if our options up top do not change.

We've come back to win from 1-0 down, held out in a hostile environment with ten men and scored two goals in ten minutes after being 2 down. All done when playing particularly poorly. Great stuff. Fortitude. That is a great indication of belief existing within the team. Something seems to have changed since last season. But that will only get us so far. You need that and the talent. At the minute we don't have enough of the latter to take us further than last season. And it's hard to see that we will sign enough in the next seven days to change that. I can only hope for one thing that has been proven many times. That I'm completely and utterly wrong.

[Injury Time]

http://i.imgur.com/cjurvKK.png

The Ox not eager to sign Wellbeck then?

[GP]

Looks like Poldi is off.

[Penguin]

A CM, CB and a striker.

The worrying thing is that we've needed the same three players for at least 3 years (or a lot longer for the DM). Either Wenger doesn't see the problems or he's ignoring them.

[Marc Overmars]

Looks like Poldi is off.

He's a good guy but I just don't see where he fits in tbh, with Campbell in the squad now I'd say he's fairly surplus.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Looks like Poldi is off.

Reus in tbf.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

A shame as he's an immensely likable fellow and very popular in the dressing room but there's just no room for him. Hope whatever transfer that occurs is handled professionally and he still retains respect and love for the club. Would love to see him again at the club in the future in some capacity.


More importantly, with Eboue, Frimpong and now Podolski gone it does open up a spot for the dressing room joker. Time to step up Mr Yaya Sanogo.

[Globalgunner]

Sanogo is already enough cause for laughter, except the joke is on us fans

[GP]

Reus in tbf.

Rolls Reus :bow:

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

frankly concerns me the amount of times podolski has been linked with an exit from the club, i'm still of the opinion that he has more value to us as a striker than Giroud...he is a better finisher and has more pace.

[Kano]

Well I hope there is some sort of decent replacement lined up otherwise that is 15 goals going out the door this season. Sanogo and Campbell will struggle to get to that combined total.

[Marc Overmars]

Well I hope there is some sort of decent replacement lined up otherwise that is 15 goals going out the door this season. Sanogo and Campbell will struggle to get to that combined total.

I don't think Poldi will see enough game time to score 15 goals tbh.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

frankly concerns me the amount of times podolski has been linked with an exit from the club, i'm still of the opinion that he has more value to us as a striker than Giroud...he is a better finisher and has more pace.

I've had this inkling for a while that with his finishing ability (one of the best in the league) he could be an absolute goal machine up front, gobbling up chances and scoring 25+ goals a season there.

I know it hasn't worked in the past but that may be more because of the system Wenger's designed where the striker is expected to play a more supporting role in the attack, something he's not capable of doing because he's too lazy and doesn't have the physicality. Not that I suggest changing the entire setup just for one player but it would have been something worth considering given how difficult it is to bring in a 25 goal a season striker as the past two transfer windows have demonstrated.

Agree with Kano as well. Hopefully this does mean we sign another striker as his goals will be missed unless Campbell (got no hopes for Sanogo) steps up.

[Power n Glory]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2733347/Olivier-Giroud-25-goals-season-says-Arsene-Wenger-fire-striker-bags-late-equaliser-stun-Everton.html

'We have Sanogo!' :haha:

We're not signing another striker. He's put his faith in Giroud and that's that.

We'll see if he continues Ozil out wide. Makes even less sense to turn down Cesc if that continues on.

[Niall_Quinn]

Getting rid of our best finisher but keeping the worst finisher we ever had? I admit, I don't get it.

[Gooner23]

Did he ever really get a fair run of games up front? I know Wenger sees more of him in training, but it is a shame to be losing proven quality. I agree with the above though, Campbell is still very raw, and I just don't see the potential in Sanogo that some talk about because I think he lacks basic technique. Hope to be proved wrong though.

Then again, always had a feeling one of Poldi or Santi would be off this year.

[Power n Glory]

Did he ever really get a fair run of games up front? I know Wenger sees more of him in training, but it is a shame to be losing proven quality. I agree with the above though, Campbell is still very raw, and I just don't see the potential in Sanogo that some talk about because I think he lacks basic technique. Hope to be proved wrong though.

Then again, always had a feeling one of Poldi or Santi would be off this year.

Sanogo has had a longer run of games up front compared to Pod and Walcott. I hate the fact he mentions these players as valid options when he knows he's never going to use them.

It's the same with Sanchez. Wenger lost faith in playing up front quickly from the looks of things, even though you can't blame the attack for conceding in less than 20 minutes.

[Munchies]

Jan Hagen ‏@PortuBall
Arsenal and Sporting are in talks over William Carvalho. Sporting wants €30-35m + 1-2 players permanently/on loan. [O Jogo]

[Munchies]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bv1ZwMbIYAE4GkW.jpg

Fuck!

[Niall_Quinn]

The manager says 21-year-old Sanogo's return from injury is significant

It is, very significant. It means we're fucked. This Sanogo thing is a joke too far. Everyone can see the player is not of sufficient standard, Wenger can see that too because it's obvious. So what is this really about? After £40mill on Ozil and £30mill on Alexis it can't be about penny pinching, although it could mean we've already spent everything we could spend. Or could it be misdirection to make everyone think we are out of the market? Or could it be a hand we are playing in an ongoing deal? Certainly Wenger can't intend to go through the season with Sanogo as main back up to Giroud. The player just isn't good enough - nowhere near good enough.

[mastermind84]

frankly concerns me the amount of times podolski has been linked with an exit from the club, i'm still of the opinion that he has more value to us as a striker than Giroud...he is a better finisher and has more pace.

It's like you didn't watch Podolski look awful each time he played center forward.

Wumger tried it and it didn't work. Podolski is just not good enough. No shame in that, but the crying over an average player just because you like their Instagram account is sad.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

frankly concerns me the amount of times podolski has been linked with an exit from the club, i'm still of the opinion that he has more value to us as a striker than Giroud...he is a better finisher and has more pace.

Podolski is a fine player and one I'd rather keep in spite of having Joel Campbell....but he is no CF in a 433, absolutely not. In the several times he has played there for us he has looked a shadow of the actual player he is.

Sometimes a player having the right attributes on paper doesn't always amount to them performing a particular role well. He is ostensibly a good fit but it just doesn't work....we should take heed as there is also no guarantee Sanchez will play CF well, if that wasn't already obvious to us. Enough consternation should have been cause by him being hauled off at half time...something Wenger is usually religiously against.

[Power n Glory]

Podolski is a lazy player. I have no real qualms about him going. He's awful on the wings and up front. The only thing he has going for him is his shooting but because his movement is so bad it's hard for other players to work the ball into a good shooting position for him.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

I agree with the above though, Campbell is still very raw, and I just don't see the potential in Sanogo that some talk about because I think he lacks basic technique. Hope to be proved wrong though.


I remember when RVP was still a rookie and was given the odd match and 10 mins off the bench at the end. You could see the talent there then even if it wasn't fully developed; he'd have a half a dozen shots and demonstrate great technique and skill.

It was the same thing with a Cesc, Nasri and to an extent Campbell now. You could see the raw ingredients in them at that age. At the moment Sanogo looks like someone who has good physical attributes but zero actual footballing ability - like a competition winner. It would be funny until you realise he's our second choice striker as thing stands.

[Niall_Quinn]

Hardly any player could thrive in the tippy tappy nightmare world we are in at the moment. Messi, Xavi, they'd cut it. We can't blame players for not being able to tip tap 17 passes in 10 seconds with 100% accuracy three of which are flicks and four backheels. Get the players running, moving, passing more directly and shooting and they'll look a lot better.

Alexis looks a great player - we'll soon destroy that if he's forced into the bullshit land of tippy tap.

Campbell looks direct and positive and just what we need. but he won't have what it takes to overhead kick a flick to himself and then take sixty eight return passes from within a 2 yard triangle while ensuring the energy meter on his GPS doesn't bust 93%

Jack's goal of the season last year was great to watch - but we can't score it every week, even though we try 500 times a match.

Just shoot FFS! And get some men in the box. And learn how to cross and take a corner and a free kick. And shit like that. In other words, make our game a bit cruder and more basic. We won't catch pox by playing to the league we are in and we haven't won the CL anyway so no harm there. We are constantly building a CL team instead of a PL team. Don't want to see hoof-a-ball, but the Invincibles didn't play that anyway. Giroud and Sanogo wouldn't have got within 50 miles of that team btw.

[fakeyank]

It'd be a real shame if Podolski leaves.. best finisher at the club.

[Power n Glory]

It'd be a real shame if Podolski leaves.. best finisher at the club.

We struggle to create shooting opportunities as it and even though he's a good finisher, it's hard to carry a player that isn't working hard enough to get into good goal scoring positions.

I don't mind if he stays but it's no disaster if he leaves.

[Niall_Quinn]

Scored goals last season. Sanogo won't. No brainer who should be leaving.

[Xhaka Can’t]

There is no way on earth that Wenger will have us with just Giroud and Stillnogoals for the rest of the season. He simply can't.

Can he?

[Syn]

Looks like Podolski is off. Not too happy about that but I don't think he was going to be used properly here. He was already an established German International by the time we brought him over on high wages, so it's weird how Wenger hasn't found a way to get the best out of him. His goalscoring record as a squad player was very good.

[Syn]

There is no way on earth that Wenger will have us with just Giroud and Stillnogoals for the rest of the season. He simply can't.

Can he?

He played Sanchez as the CF last game so I think we've got to factor him into the equation. Walcott also played his last game before his injury as a CF. I think Wenger is willing to mix it up but he needs his options fit. How the squad is allowed to be so out of shape 3 games into the season, I don't know. Ozil might've been the sharpest player in the last game and he didn't even have a preseason.

[Power n Glory]

He played Sanchez as the CF last game so I think we've got to factor him into the equation. Walcott also played his last game before his injury as a CF. I think Wenger is willing to mix it up but he needs his options fit. How the squad is allowed to be so out of shape 3 games into the season, I don't know. Ozil might've been the sharpest player in the last game and he didn't even have a preseason.

I have no idea why we only had 4 pre season games whilst our rivals were able to squeeze in 7-10 games. It's no wonder we're looking so out of sorts.

[Xhaka Can’t]

It would be marvellous if Walcott could play in that role with the form he displayed prior to his current injury. However, given his history, Wenger is crazy if he is relying on Theo to remain fit for any length of time. Also it would be pretty unfair to expect him to just walk back into the team and perform like he did last season.

If Wenger is done for this window, it is highly likely we are in for an exceptionally disappointing season.

[Penguin]

We very rarely ever played Podolski as a CF anyway. Most of the time he was wide left and we've probably got that covered with Sanchez, Theo, Ox, Santi and Campbell. I'd prefer us to keep Poldi in the squad but it won't hurt us too much if he does leave, especially if one of the younger lads like Ox, Campbell or Gnabry step up this season.

[mastermind84]

I have no idea why we only had 4 pre season games whilst our rivals were able to squeeze in 7-10 games. It's no wonder we're looking so out of sorts.

Agreed

[fakeyank]

We struggle to create shooting opportunities as it and even though he's a good finisher, it's hard to carry a player that isn't working hard enough to get into good goal scoring positions.

I don't mind if he stays but it's no disaster if he leaves.

I dont think he has got enough opportunities and secondly, I really do not mind 1-2 players who are lazy as long as they are scoring and creating chances. I think we went wrong trying to change Arshavin in a similar way and make him a work horse. TH14 never ran the length of the field every game but you knew that if he had a chance, he'd convert. In our current set up of tippy tappy sideways passing, unfortunately Podolski doesnt fit in perfectly. But if we want to be a quick passing end to end team, then Podolski is one of the best players to have.

[Power n Glory]

I dont think he has got enough opportunities and secondly, I really do not mind 1-2 players who are lazy as long as they are scoring and creating chances. I think we went wrong trying to change Arshavin in a similar way and make him a work horse. TH14 never ran the length of the field every game but you knew that if he had a chance, he'd convert. In our current set up of tippy tappy sideways passing, unfortunately Podolski doesnt fit in perfectly. But if we want to be a quick passing end to end team, then Podolski is one of the best players to have.

In fairness, he really hadn't had enough ganes when compared with poor performances we've seen from others. But I have no idea why Wenger would buy such a player and have no clue how to use him.

[Syn]

Podolski's Arsenal record (in all comps): 69 games, 28 goals. I won't credit him with the 'from out wide' disclaimer because he doesn't really get up and down the pitch, but still that's a solid record for someone mainly used as a sub and constantly in and out the team.

[GP]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bv5CSE4CYAErMaw.jpg

[Munchies]

Podolski needs to have a strike partner with him.

Not his fault Wenger didn't play to his strengths.
--

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/08/25/article-2733880-20C97AA000000578-545_964x390.jpg

[Penguin]

In fairness, he really hadn't had enough ganes when compared with poor performances we've seen from others. But I have no idea why Wenger would buy such a player and have no clue how to use him.

Podolski is kind of a niche player. I'm not even sure what his best position actually is...probably next to another striker but I don't think he's a good enough player to justify sacrificing a midfielder to play him there. For me, if we're going with two up top, one of them has to be able to drop back and be the extra man in midfield when needed. 4-4-2 doesn't work anymore - look what happened to Spurs when Sherwood tried that. :lol:

At wide left he's a bit too predictable and his defending is awful. We conceded quite a few goals directly because of him last season. As a lone striker he doesn't put himself about enough or hold up the ball well. He can finish but he doesn't have either the clever movement, the pace or skill on the ball to make the most of it, so he just tends to disappear.

In short - Meh. I'd obviously prefer to keep him in our squad but I don't think it will make much difference to our season if he does go.

[Globalgunner]

I seem to remember quite a few games last season where his goals bailed us out f a few sticky situations. Whose going to make the difference now when Giroud goes back to malfunctioning.?

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Campbell can take Podolski's place.

It also frees up 100k in wages which can be used for a DM should we beat Besiktas.

But why it all hinges on winning the CL qualifier I don't know, it's hardly like we're tight for cash.

I think we'll go big if we win the qualifier.

[Niall_Quinn]

Campbell can take Podolski's place.

It also frees up 100k in wages which can be used for a DM should we beat Besiktas.

But why it all hinges on winning the CL qualifier I don't know, it's hardly like we're tight for cash.

I think we'll go big if we win the qualifier.

So do I. In fact I know we will.

Okay then, I pray we will. Could happen. Maybe.

[mastermind84]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bv5CSE4CYAErMaw.jpg
The English football media got some of the biggest idiots ever. These are the people who feed you your football views.
http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11111/111119363/3816676-0704928121-36645.gif

[Japan Shaking All Over]

I like the overall effect of Pods at the club and will be said to see him go.....not going to blame anyone because Pods was not an Arshavin even though Wenger played him out of position too!

Not sure what is going on....but I do not think we are finished spending yet and the missus has said Japanese newspapers reporting that we are close to Gustavo.......which is not a bad move, typical Wenger multi position, saving money move but hey hi I am used to that now.....I have said Cavalho Manalos Remy would tick all my boxes but would Gustavo free up cash for us to land Reus? Wide players galore but you can't pass up on his quality if he is in our sights

[Munchies]

Giroud's injury worse than first feared.

Faces longer spell on the sidelines (telegraph)
https://twitter.com/search?f=realtime&q=giroud&src=typd


Fuck!

Striker please Wenger

[GP]

Giroud's injury worse than first feared.

Faces longer spell on the sidelines (telegraph)
https://twitter.com/search?f=realtime&q=giroud&src=typd


Fuck!

You didn't even want him to play last week!

Fickle twat! :lol:

[Power n Glory]

Giroud's injury worse than first feared.

Faces longer spell on the sidelines (telegraph)
https://twitter.com/search?f=realtime&q=giroud&src=typd


Fuck!

Striker please Wenger

Thank fuck for that!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Matt Law's article just says we're waiting for results of a scan.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Unless Wenger is prepared to persist with Campbell or Sanchez up front, we still could do with a striker, Giroud injury or not.

[Niall_Quinn]

Sanogo is fit again isn't he? So it'll be him "leading" the line for a while.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Looks like Di Maria is finally joining United. Sky are doing it again though. One second Balague the next second "sources".

And Eto'o could well be joining Everton.

[Munchies]

You didn't even want him to play last week!

Fickle twat! :lol:

Only coz it means we have no one else!

We all know Wenger won't sign another striker

[Munchies]

Looks like Di Maria is finally joining United. Sky are doing it again though. One second Balague the next second "sources".

And Eto'o could well be joining Everton.

£59.7m according to sky sources :lol:

Also, your username :good:

Di Maria is a quality player, wherever he is on the pitch, he'll improve them

[Munchies]

Now Telegraph are reportig that Giroud is out for 3 months

Blessing for a new striker?

[Munchies]

Could be the catalyst for Welbeck aswell? :wacko: