Summer Transfer Speculation and Shit

[Bumble]

Linked with Benzema, always thought higuain was better shame we never had chance to sign him. Remy - think that is definite possibility as he will be cheap relatively and has Premier league experience. Coleman - that would be very good signing apart from his own goal yesterday. Balotelli.... I think that is one thing we lack as a team is a total mental case. I would look at Shaw as well, although he might be a bit expensive but Monreal is not good enough against the top sides and Gibbs isn't realiable enough.

[Gooner23]

Can anyone actually see us making the minimum 6 signings needed to replace the outgoings and strengthen the squad?

And where are the young players coming through at the moment. Other than Gnabry I can't see many that are near to 1st team football.

[I am invisible]

So at the last count the potential departures or signed, sealed but yet to be delivered are;

Emiliano Viviano bonvoyageo
Flappy
Sagna
Vermaelen
Podolski
Bendtner
Giroud

....and that is before we even start to actually reinforce what we now have, buy the fabled centre forward, wide attacker, DCM, or back up centre back. We must have a lot of fuhking money to spend this summer.
I'm more worried about the sheer amount of work we're talking about than the money - I can see us needing 8 or 9 new faces at this rate, and it normally takes us until the last hour of deadline say to do even half?!

[I am invisible]

Can anyone actually see us making the minimum 6 signings needed to replace the outgoings and strengthen the squad?

And where are the young players coming through at the moment. Other than Gnabry I can't see many that are near to 1st team football.
I suppose Chamberlain could still be considered a young player, and I really don't think Zelalem is far off, but it's still not exactly an impressive output, is it? We have just appointed Jonker as new head of this area though, so perhaps there was a concern there that the club have acted to rectify?

[GP]

I don't think it's any more or less impressive than any other top side.

[LDG]

I don't think it's any more or less impressive than any other top side.

True.

It's a tremendously difficult business to produce players of the quality needed at this level

When you think of how many players actually make it as a percentage of people who play the game from roots up, it's fairly obvious that the kind of production line people think exists...doesn't.

We've done rather well though, when you think about it. They're not all Messi, which some idiots seem to expect. But they are Premier League and Champions League players. Which is an unbelievably difficult level to attain.

*waits for someone to say "but for a team that prides itself on youth development....blah...project youth failure..blah blah...Fabregas wasn't ours....blah blah...Gibbs is shit...blah blah*

[Heisenberg]

but for a team that prides itself on youth development....blah...project youth failure..blah blah...Fabregas wasn't ours....blah blah...Gibbs is shit...blah blah

[LDG]

Lol

[Özim]

True.

It's a tremendously difficult business to produce players of the quality needed at this level

When you think of how many players actually make it as a percentage of people who play the game from roots up, it's fairly obvious that the kind of production line people think exists...doesn't.

We've done rather well though, when you think about it. They're not all Messi, which some idiots seem to expect. But they are Premier League and Champions League players. Which is an unbelievably difficult level to attain.

*waits for someone to say "but for a team that prides itself on youth development....blah...project youth failure..blah blah...Fabregas wasn't ours....blah blah...Gibbs is shit...blah blah*

:lol: you are funny

[I am invisible]

Linked with Benzema, always thought higuain was better shame we never had chance to sign him. Remy - think that is definite possibility as he will be cheap relatively and has Premier league experience. Coleman - that would be very good signing apart from his own goal yesterday. Balotelli.... I think that is one thing we lack as a team is a total mental case. I would look at Shaw as well, although he might be a bit expensive but Monreal is not good enough against the top sides and Gibbs isn't realiable enough.
Both equally good in there own way, IMO. I could see Benzema being a great fit for us (possibly better than Higuaìn would have been because of his all-round game), but who knows how likely that is? Probably not very.

I do wonder if we're overthinking the whole CF search a little bit? We definitely need someone better than Giroud, who brings some different qualities to the side, but even with Giroud in the side, we were top of the league for a long time with only Ramsey as another goal-scoring outlet? We haven't really had Walcott at all this year, so we know he's good for a decent amount of goals when he returns. We could add another wide forward like Remy for next to nothing for more goals? There's goal-scoring wingers out there like Griezmann, who would still cost a lot, but maybe not as much as one of the world's top CFs? I'd still want to see us spend decent money on a new CF, but maybe we can look for someone who sits more in the 20-30m bracket, rather than 40-50m+, if we've got decent goal-scoring depths in several other areas?

LB will almost certainly have to wait until another year - there's just too much else to do at the moment...

[I am invisible]

I don't think it's any more or less impressive than any other top side.
Oh of course - we've arguably been doing more than the other top sides in recent seasons. The worry is that I can't see where too many of the next lot are coming from at the moment? The supply just seems to have dried up a bit since we brought the last lot through? Apart from maybe 3 or 4 players, I really couldn't tell you who we had coming through at the moment, wheres a few years ago I used to know more or less the whole youth team?

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I'm more worried about the sheer amount of work we're talking about than the money - I can see us needing 8 or 9 new faces at this rate, and it normally takes us until the last hour of deadline say to do even half?!

The two share somewhat of a symbiotic relationship though. The work you have to do in getting the player is largely dependent on the amount of money you have and how much of it you're willing to spend on any given player. We are mostly talking top somewhat established players (obvious to you or I) so that will require a whole lot of of gold.

This is why I have sincere and severe reservations about Wenger's willingness to simply allow Giroud to be sold which a lot of media sources and fans have been suggesting recently. He will simply swallow his pride here imo, because if he doesn't it might cost him a load of money or a load of criticism coming his way. I don't see that a load of clubs would be queueing up to sign Giroud for a sum we are satisfied with. This is also why Sagna should already be signed up.....even if we have to offer him a better than we would like to.

Better to give ourselves 3/4 players to concentrate on bringing in rather than 6/7/8 players who need to be of a certain standard.

[Niall_Quinn]

Hopefully the likes of Sagna will fuck off fast and not tie us up with his nest feathering bullshit until the last minute. Need the rats out fast so we can get on with stuff that helps the club.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Why is he a rodent?

[Niall_Quinn]

Why is he a rodent?

Because he has big teeth and a long tail.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Meh...

Give me Master Splinter at right back any day.

[I am invisible]

The two share somewhat of a symbiotic relationship though. The work you have to do in getting the player is largely dependent on the amount of money you have and how much of it you're willing to spend on any given player. We are mostly talking top somewhat established players (obvious to you or I) so that will require a whole lot of of gold.

This is why I have sincere and severe reservations about Wenger's willingness to simply allow Giroud to be sold which a lot of media sources and fans have been suggesting recently. He will simply swallow his pride here imo, because if he doesn't it might cost him a load of money or a load of criticism coming his way. I don't see that a load of clubs would be queueing up to sign Giroud for a sum we are satisfied with. This is also why Sagna should already be signed up.....even if we have to offer him a better than we would like to.

Better to give ourselves 3/4 players to concentrate on bringing in rather than 6/7/8 players who need to be of a certain standard.
If Sagna, Vermaelen and Fabianski all go (as seems likely), I don't see how it can be any less than 5 players that we're looking at (1 GK, 2 CBs, 1 RB, and 1 CF). And that's just the barest minimum we need before we even start talking about the kind of additions we're after to really take us to the next level (extra forwards, wingers, CMs, better LBs, etc). Not all of these moves need to be a big-name / expensive / complicated deals, of course - the GK and CBs will be backups, and RBs are usually fairly easy to pick up - but even so it's looking like a lot to get done?

For once, I actually believe the money is there (more than enough, in fact), so I'm not overly worried about that - it's the reduced time we're looking at because of the WC, and the lack of confidence in our negotiating teams that concerns me? My hope has to be that our new financial clout will mean that we no longer have to haggle over every penny, so maybe that will speed things up from now on? Also Gazidis has been doing quite a good job of shouting our new financial status from the rooftops, so maybe that will make us a more attractive prospect to selling clubs and wantaway players (especially with half of Europe looking skint).

I agree about Giroud, by the way - can't see him moving, and I don't see the need to sell at this moment.

[selassie]

If Sagna, Vermaelen and Fabianski all go (as seems likely), I don't see how it can be any less than 5 players that we're looking at (1 GK, 2 CBs, 1 RB, and 1 CF). And that's just the barest minimum we need before we even start talking about the kind of additions we're after to really take us to the next level (extra forwards, wingers, CMs, better LBs, etc). Not all of these moves need to be a big-name / expensive / complicated deals, of course - the GK and CBs will be backups, and RBs are usually fairly easy to pick up - but even so it's looking like a lot to get done?

For once, I actually believe the money is there (more than enough, in fact), so I'm not overly worried about that - it's the reduced time we're looking at because of the WC, and the lack of confidence in our negotiating teams that concerns me? My hope has to be that our new financial clout will mean that we no longer have to haggle over every penny, so maybe that will speed things up from now on? Also Gazidis has been doing quite a good job of shouting our new financial status from the rooftops, so maybe that will make us a more attractive prospect to selling clubs and wantaway players (especially with half of Europe looking skint).

I agree about Giroud, by the way - can't see him moving, and I don't see the need to sell at this moment.

Wenger won't purchase 5 proper players this summer, it's not his style...regardless of our budget. I think having greater financial clout means we can realistically go after established players but Wenger's valuation of the player will determine who we purchase.

I personally feel he will buy a striker and most likely a CB, the rest of the missing gaps will be filled by existing players, I.E. Jenks promoted as first choice right back, Flams to be his understudy, backup keeper will either be a loan signing or someone like Martinez promoted.

[I am invisible]

That's certainly what most recent precedent would suggest. The Özil deal gives me a bit of hope though? Not just because of the fee, but because it was done in about a day, with no pissing around. Not sure how much Wenger actually had to do with the talks, but someone high up at the club certainly made the call on it and got it done...

[Marc Overmars]

Aliadiere will train with us and we'll sign him up for peanuts probably. Job done.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

If Sagna goes.....I can see us going for the cheapest/most decent option, can see a trolley dash down to Southampton-burys

Need to splash our dough on a striker and CM, wouldn't mind Bender and Benzema but are Real really going to let that guy go? I would say we would be wise to bring in Remy too! For the money that makes sense and can we finally get shod of Bendtner please

[Özim]

That's certainly what most recent precedent would suggest. The Özil deal gives me a bit of hope though? Not just because of the fee, but because it was done in about a day, with no pissing around. Not sure how much Wenger actually had to do with the talks, but someone high up at the club certainly made the call on it and got it done...

We've done this before, but only on deadline day, all other transfers/non transfers drag on for months.

[Munchies]

The board should not use the world cup as an excuse if they bring in no one.

It ends on July 12th or so :lol:

Majority of July and August to bring in some players. And June to have the list of targets done up.

[Niall_Quinn]

The board should not use the world cup as an excuse if they bring in no one.

It ends on July 12th or so :lol:

Majority of July and August to bring in some players. And June to have the list of targets done up.

I think that's fair provided the mercenary players and their stinky agents don't use the WC as an excuse to delay deals and jack up prices.

But wait - that's exactly what they'll do. It's going to be hard to get anything done this summer. Even so, it has to get done.

[Özim]

I think that's fair provided the mercenary players and their stinky agents don't use the WC as an excuse to delay deals and jack up prices.

But wait - that's exactly what they'll do. It's going to be hard to get anything done this summer. Even so, it has to get done.

You could work on deals now and complete them at the start of the summer of course.

[Niall_Quinn]

You could work on deals now and complete them at the start of the summer of course.

Well that's what I hope we are doing, but the big names won't be negotiating that way. WC is their big stage to bump up their pay to truly obscene levels. Or fall flat on their face.

[I am invisible]

We've done this before, but only on deadline day, all other transfers/non transfers drag on for months.
Not for a major signing we haven't. We've done deadline day trolley-dashes for the scraps and whatever's left, but never anything like that. We haven't even done anything like that when we've had 3 months to work on it!

[Özim]

Not for a major signing we haven't. We've done deadline day trolley-dashes for the scraps and whatever's left, but never anything like that. We haven't even done anything like that when we've had 3 months to work on it!

As much as that's true, Real needed to bring in some cash and you only have one day on deadline day so everything is speeded up and you either pay up or don't sign a player.

This won't happen at other times, we can play our sit and wait game then.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

We mos def won't sign all the players needed. I just hope we sign enough to make the difference.

The list of targets should be drawn up shortly after the season ends if it has not already been done by the season end. No reason for it to take an age when we have a team of people who's job it is to keep tabs on potential targets.

I'm sure Real will let Benzema go...... just as long as we pay up the 50 million for him they'll want, so they can add that to the 20 million they will pay for Suarez who was actually guy we were supposed to sign a year ago for the same price as we will pay for Benzema.

[sibreen]

Coleman, Remy, and Benzema is about 70m.
Then buy a Prem defender and gk with the money we get for the outgoing players.

Little optimistic but doable. Don't think we'll get more than five in, though, no matter how many go out.

[Marc Overmars]

Don't think we'll sign Coleman. If Sagan goes his replacement will probably be an unknown from Ligue 1, I don't see Wenget spending a premium on a player from within the league.

[I am invisible]

As much as that's true, Real needed to bring in some cash and you only have one day on deadline day so everything is speeded up and you either pay up or don't sign a player.

This won't happen at other times, we can play our sit and wait game then.
The point was more about who got that particular deal done? There was a suggestion on one of the blogs (le-grove, I think?) that it may not have been Wenger who made it happen (although I have no doubt that he still approved the signing of the player), and that, after a summer of doing things the usual way and not getting anywhere, that the responsibility was finally handed to someone else (Gazidis?). It's just one guy's theory of course, but it did seem like a very unWengerlike piece of business, so you never know? It's possible that we're starting to see some of this stuff being taken out of Wenger's hands and redistributed (which would tie in with the quiet reshuffle we're seeing at other levels at the club)?

Edit: this is the article I was thinking of...
http://le-grove.co.uk/2014/04/27/2-more-years-bring-it-on/

[selassie]

Don't think we'll sign Coleman. If Sagan goes his replacement will probably be an unknown from Ligue 1, I don't see Wenget spending a premium on a player from within the league.

Aye, I'll be honest, whilst I rate Coleman offensively he is very suspect defensively. I don't rate him at the crazy prices that have been attached to him.

I do actually quite like both of Southampton's right backs, Clyne and Chambers are both big talents IMO, I actually prefer Clyne as he is more experienced. Think he could be a very good signing, def has massive potential. Chambers does look good too...not sure if he is ready for first choice at Arsenal as he is very inexperienced.

[selassie]

That's certainly what most recent precedent would suggest. The Özil deal gives me a bit of hope though? Not just because of the fee, but because it was done in about a day, with no pissing around. Not sure how much Wenger actually had to do with the talks, but someone high up at the club certainly made the call on it and got it done...

Yeah true, though Ozil was very opportunist, don't get me wrong I was delighted with the signing and it was most certainly a step in the right direction but he was practically handed to us, albeit at a high fee.

From what I remember, Wenger was quite heavily involved in the deal as he personally persuaded Ozil to come here. Wenger is good when it comes to that kind of stuff and he is a pull for players to come here, I think where Wenger f*cks stuff up is with his rigid player valuation stance.

[I am invisible]

Yeah true, though Ozil was very opportunist, don't get me wrong I was delighted with the signing and it was most certainly a step in the right direction but he was practically handed to us, albeit at a high fee.

From what I remember, Wenger was quite heavily involved in the deal as he personally persuaded Ozil to come here. Wenger is good when it comes to that kind of stuff and he is a pull for players to come here, I think where Wenger f*cks stuff up is with his rigid player valuation stance.

Agreed, and that's what I think might have finally changed - that he's ceded / been made to cede control of that final part of the negotiation process (agreeing the fee) to someone else. Not a major change from Wenger's POV, but it could be a big deal for us, if he no longer has to fuss over budgets?

[Heisenberg]

I get the sense that Wenger is very highly regarded by a lot of players. Which means that when he retires he'd be a valuable asset to keep him in club somewhere. Obviously not it always good for someone who's been running the show for so long to hang over the new person but he'd probably be pretty useful at persuading people to come to the club.

[Munchies]

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

:ilt:

[LDG]

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

:ilt:

Giroud Upgrade?

Are they sure they don't mean chimney sweep?

[I am invisible]

I read it as chimney sweep.

[GP]

£20m?

for Welbeck?

:haha:

[Penguin]

:haha:

[GP]

It's funny cos he's welshit.

[Niall_Quinn]

If nobody mentions this W thing again it might just go away all by itself.

[Niall_Quinn]

Then again, in another thread I just said we need somebody who looks as shit as Sturridge did a year back but can be as effective as Sturridge is now. W certainly looks shit enough to cover the first part of that equation. And if they are paying us £20mill as well it starts to become an average to good deal.

[Munchies]

Seems Liverpool are trying to get Lallana for near £20m

Not a bad player, good with the ball, but don't think he has the pace which we need

[Dein-machine]

If nobody mentions this W thing again it might just go away all by itself.

think its the opposite NQ, think we all need to state our underlying love for Welbeck & how much we desperately need a player of his type - Wenger wont touch him after that & will do the opposite just to prove he's in charge & we'll sign Messi - what a plan.

[Dein-machine]

Seems Liverpool are trying to get Lallana for near £20m

Not a bad player, good with the ball, but don't think he has the pace which we need


Agreed - a poor man's Ozil - which then asks the question, Why didn't we sign him instead?

[Munchies]

Agreed - a poor man's Ozil - which then asks the question, Why didn't we sign him instead?

Rather have Ozil than Lallana lol . The extra £20m won't hurt a club as stashed with cash like us.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Seems Liverpool are trying to get Lallana for near £20m

Not a bad player, good with the ball, but don't think he has the pace which we need

Frankly I'm not sure we really need him. Let alone at that price.

Though if you believe the papers, they won't have a team left. We're linked with Llama and Lovren, everyone wants Shaw, Schneiderlin, Chambers, Rodriguez before his injury were all "tipped" to move and Pochettino going to Spurs. Wonder if we could get a discount if we bulk buy...

[Özim]

Lallana is a brilliant player, good crosser and makes things happen, the heartbeat of the Southampton team.

What we need to do is nick their youth/scouting system because it's great at finding talent.

[Dein-machine]

Frankly I'm not sure we really need him. Let alone at that price.

Though if you believe the papers, they won't have a team left. We're linked with Llama and Lovren, everyone wants Shaw, Schneiderlin, Chambers, Rodriguez before his injury were all "tipped" to move and Pochettino going to Spurs. Wonder if we could get a discount if we bulk buy...

Not a bad shout - in hindsight the Scum over the road could have bought Southampton F.C for the money they paid for the 7 Carlos Kickaballs they got last year from their Bale money - hope they dont get Poch in charge - he knows what he's doing & plays good football, that'll confuse the fuck out of the Spuds who have never seen 4 passes strung together.

[AFC Leveller]

Lallana is a good player, can create chances in the final third and is always busy. We, however, dont need another playmaker so Liverpool can have him.

Based on this season, the strikers from this league that i think can improve our squad (and starting 11 to a certain extent) are Bony, Remy and Ba. Ba will probably leave Chelsea and Remy would love to join us so there'll be no excuses if we dont get anyone AGAIN this summer.

[Marc Overmars]

Don't need Lallana or anyone else like that.

Strikers please.

[Power n Glory]

Lallana is a good player, can create chances in the final third and is always busy. We, however, dont need another playmaker so Liverpool can have him.

Based on this season, the strikers from this league that i think can improve our squad (and starting 11 to a certain extent) are Bony, Remy and Ba. Ba will probably leave Chelsea and Remy would love to join us so there'll be no excuses if we dont get anyone AGAIN this summer.

Power and pace. The two most important attributes we need in this squad for our attack. Heck, we get two menacing wingers that can dribble, we could even get away with playing Giroud up front or even give Podoloski a try. But we need pace up front. If we can’t find the striker, we need the wingers but we won’t get away with having nothing up front or out wide for another season. We can’t even bank on Theo coming next season because he’s probably going to be very rusty and fragile. Write his season off from now and let him have the proper recuperation time.

[Niall_Quinn]

Don't need Lallana or anyone else like that.

Strikers please.

Has to be. Absolute #1 priority. In fact we need two.

[fari]

Lallana is a good player, can create chances in the final third and is always busy. We, however, dont need another playmaker so Liverpool can have him.

Based on this season, the strikers from this league that i think can improve our squad (and starting 11 to a certain extent) are Bony, Remy and Ba. Ba will probably leave Chelsea and Remy would love to join us so there'll be no excuses if we dont get anyone AGAIN this summer.


I like Bony but every few years he will be away at ACON during the tough part of the season.

[Bumble]

Remy linked with bayern so he won't come to us if that's true. Ba not so keen on now especially as first choice striker. If only there was a way to bring in lukaku but the chavs would never sell us a good player unless he came with a lot of baggage ans caused issues in the dressing room.

Go to Southampton get chambers Shaw lallana Rodriguez and Lambert for 50m cash that should stock up the side haha

[The Emirates Gallactico]

I actually wouldn't say no to Rodriguez if he wasn't injured. Rest of them can fuck off, especially Shaw. Decent player but horrendously overrated - if the Mancs want to spunk 30 million on a fullback let them.

[Bumble]

I actually wouldn't say no to Rodriguez if he wasn't injured. Rest of them can fuck off, especially Shaw. Decent player but horrendously overrated - if the Mancs want to spunk 30 million on a fullback let them.
Let's not forget we decided not to sign bale as we had clichy.

[Marc Overmars]

I think Shaw could end up as a winger ala Bale. He's too powerful a runner to stay at fullback which is why there's so much hype there.

[selassie]

I actually wouldn't say no to Rodriguez if he wasn't injured. Rest of them can fuck off, especially Shaw. Decent player but horrendously overrated - if the Mancs want to spunk 30 million on a fullback let them.

Yeah I quite like Rodriguez too. I wouldn't want him as our first choice striker but he would be great as a backup.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

We need to start a "No to Mandzukic" petition

[selassie]

We need to start a "No to Mandzukic" petition

yeah, although he seems the most realistic link to the high profile strikers we have been linked with so far.

i really do not want him, he's a marginal upgrade on giroud imo.

[AFC Leveller]

We need to start a "No to Mandzukic" petition

Co sign that. Terrible player, slow and immobile and has one of those faces you wana punch.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Co sign that. Terrible player, slow and immobile and has one of those faces you wana punch.

I can't remember his face, such is how marginal he is when Bayern Munich play....the quality of sides in the Bundesliga must have really dropped if he's the leagues top scorer.

[Dein-machine]

I can't remember his face, such is how marginal he is when Bayern Munich play....the quality of sides in the Bundesliga must have really dropped if he's the leagues top scorer.

the other reason for him being leagues top scorer is the quality of the players either side of him & behind him. Robben, Ribery, Schweinsteiger & Kross all have ability, footballing brain & final quality. If we're serious about this guy then we have to buy quality around him, the only player we have capable of the right pass, at the right time, at the right height & pace is Ozil.
prefer to do away with this target man tactic, if we were really serious about Suarez last year it showed a need for a pacy forward who runs behind the lines - to go with Giroud & then a Mandzukic is along way from this.

[Niall_Quinn]

We need to start a "No to Mandzukic" petition

I can sign multiple times if that will help.

[Özim]

We need to start a "No to Mandzukic" petition

What an awful signing he would be.

[Marc Overmars]

Mandzukic. :lol:

Another sloth.

No thanks.

[sibreen]

if we were really serious about Suarez last year it showed a need for a pacy forward who runs behind the lines

I'm not Suarez is that pacy. He's just always making intelligent runs and is able (and happy) to run forever.
Though, that'll do handsomely.

[Niall_Quinn]

I'm not Suarez is that pacy. He's just always making intelligent runs and is able (and happy) to run forever.
Though, that'll do handsomely.

Yeah but he has a bit of pace and it makes a huge difference. Sterling isn't the best player in the world but the fact he can get to the ball a fraction before the defender and retain possession is huge and brings players like Suarez more into the game. When the front man has no pace at all it's very difficult to stop the offensive game bouncing off the opposition defence. You need much better players (expensive ones) to compensate for a lack of pace. Losing Ramsey and Ozil killed us because we effectively lost Giroud too. He can't make anything happen on his own like Suarez can.

[sibreen]

Yeah but he has a bit of pace and it makes a huge difference. Sterling isn't the best player in the world but the fact he can get to the ball a fraction before the defender and retain possession is huge and brings players like Suarez more into the game. When the front man has no pace at all it's very difficult to stop the offensive game bouncing off the opposition defence. You need much better players (expensive ones) to compensate for a lack of pace. Losing Ramsey and Ozil killed us because we effectively lost Giroud too. He can't make anything happen on his own like Suarez can.

Yup, agree with that.

[Power n Glory]

This isn't a new problem. The balance has been wrong for a very long time and we look to play the ball into feet all the time. Too players on the field that are good at retaining possession and not enough looking to get behind the defence or take shots on goal. Wenger bought in Giroud for his passing and unselfish game and wasn't looking for predatory instinct in front of goal. It's why we don't see Podolski or Walcott up front in that role and unless we get a shift in that mentality, we'll always have this problem.

[selassie]

This isn't a new problem. The balance has been wrong for a very long time and we look to play the ball into feet all the time. Too players on the field that are good at retaining possession and not enough looking to get behind the defence or take shots on goal. Wenger bought in Giroud for his passing and unselfish game and wasn't looking for predatory instinct in front of goal. It's why we don't see Podolski or Walcott up front in that role and unless we get a shift in that mentality, we'll always have this problem.

Totally agree P'n'G.

Wenger needs to address the balance in Central Midfield and possibly on the wings. I personally feel there is a geniune need for a specialist DM if we are looking to play Ramsey and Ozil in Midfield too, Ramsey as the box to box and Ozil as the AM/2nd striker.

I am not sure there is a need for Santi on the wings, you could argue that he addresses the balance when Theo is fit, but without Theo, we need a proper runner/dribbler on one of the wings, maybe OX?

[Niall_Quinn]

This isn't a new problem. The balance has been wrong for a very long time and we look to play the ball into feet all the time. Too players on the field that are good at retaining possession and not enough looking to get behind the defence or take shots on goal. Wenger bought in Giroud for his passing and unselfish game and wasn't looking for predatory instinct in front of goal. It's why we don't see Podolski or Walcott up front in that role and unless we get a shift in that mentality, we'll always have this problem.

You're trying to trick me into starting a 17 page discussion on this when you know fucking well I finally absolutely as a last resort before every bucket of shit ever dumped by mankind hits every fan ever manufactured (including the now broken ones) have to get a drink do some work today.

[Özil's Panoramic View]

Totally agree P'n'G.

Wenger needs to address the balance in Central Midfield and possibly on the wings. I personally feel there is a geniune need for a specialist DM if we are looking to play Ramsey and Ozil in Midfield too, Ramsey as the box to box and Ozil as the AM/2nd striker.

I am not sure there is a need for Santi on the wings, you could argue that he addresses the balance when Theo is fit, but without Theo, we need a proper runner/dribbler on one of the wings, maybe OX?

:gp:

[I am invisible]

Totally agree P'n'G.

Wenger needs to address the balance in Central Midfield and possibly on the wings. I personally feel there is a geniune need for a specialist DM if we are looking to play Ramsey and Ozil in Midfield too, Ramsey as the box to box and Ozil as the AM/2nd striker.

I am not sure there is a need for Santi on the wings, you could argue that he addresses the balance when Theo is fit, but without Theo, we need a proper runner/dribbler on one of the wings, maybe OX?

If we build the attack out correctly (i.e. get a first choice CF, another wide forward to compete with / cover Walcott, and a more traditional winger to compete with Oxlade-Chamberlain / Gnabry), then Özil and Cazorla should end up as competition and cover for each other in the same role. 2 good options for each position should be the aim, so we're keeping everyone fresh, and full of ideas.

[Niall_Quinn]

Bender is apparently the top target, a dedicated DM. Not sure if I want a player in the team called bender. To many easy opportunities for opposition fans. I can think of a lot of hard to counter wordplays revolving around arse and bender.

[Munchies]

ARSENAL

Accounts for the year to 31 May 2013

Ownership: Arsenal Holdings PLC major shareholders are: Kroenke Sports Enterprises UK (registered in Delaware, owned by US resident Stan Kroenke) 62%. Red and White Securities Limited (registered in Jersey, owned by Russian resident Alisher Usmanov and Farhad Moshiri) 27%

Turnover: 2nd highest in league, £283m (up from £245m in 2012)

Gate and Matchday income: £93m

TV and Broadcasting: £86m

Retail: £18m

Commercial: £44m

Property Development: £38m

Player Trading: £2m

Wage bill: 4th highest, £154m (up from £143m)

Wages as proportion of turnover: 54%

Profit before tax: £7m (down from £37m)

Net debt: £93m

Interest payable: £14m

Highest paid director: Ivan Gazidis: £1.825m

The state it's in: With their pricey seating at 60,000 capacity Emirates Stadium, commercial income up, and £38m still being made from property development, Arsenal's income was a massive £283m. Still Arsenal argue they struggle to compete against Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City, with a wage bill at a sensible 54% of turnover and a profit made every year. Owned by the mostly absentee American Stan Kroenke, Arsenal abide by the "self-sustaining model", meaning shareholders made millions selling up, but are not expected to put any of their gains into the club.

Other clubs:
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/may/01/premier-league-accounts-club-by-club-david-conn

Chelsea £900m 'in debt' :lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

The biggest headline from that report is football is no longer primarily a live spectator sport. It's all about TV now. This is a pay per view sport. Very big shame and can only end one way.

And the gypos should be kicked out of football. Those figures are beyond lunacy. A billion dumped in and 86% wage bill. There can be no financial fair anything with these doping bastards in the game.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

These accounts show the investment from Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the senior member of oil-rich Abu Dhabi's ruling family, at £999,616,000, almost £1bn, in just five years

:wacko:

What an achievement.

[Power n Glory]

You're trying to trick me into starting a 17 page discussion on this when you know fucking well I finally absolutely as a last resort before every bucket of shit ever dumped by mankind hits every fan ever manufactured (including the now broken ones) have to get a drink do some work today.

:lol: You got me!

[I am invisible]

How much do you get for winning the Prem again? £15-20m?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Closer to a 100 million this season with the new TV deal.

[Niall_Quinn]

Well let's hope this isn't true.


Bacary Sagna will hold talks with Manchester City after the FA Cup Final later this month.
The Arsenal right-back is in the midst of a long-running contract wrangle with the club and looks almost certain to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer when his deal expires.
Sagna is free to discuss a move to a Barclays Premier League club at the end of the season, and his intention is to discuss a potential switch to the Etihad Stadium.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Co sign that. Terrible player, slow and immobile and has one of those faces you wana punch.
:lol:

Totally agree P'n'G.

Wenger needs to address the balance in Central Midfield and possibly on the wings. I personally feel there is a geniune need for a specialist DM if we are looking to play Ramsey and Ozil in Midfield too, Ramsey as the box to box and Ozil as the AM/2nd striker.

I am not sure there is a need for Santi on the wings, you could argue that he addresses the balance when Theo is fit, but without Theo, we need a proper runner/dribbler on one of the wings, maybe OX?
That's an interesting point. I think that it is less of an issue than many suggest but in Theo's absence the team play is a little lop sided and less balanced.

[Munchies]

Well let's hope this isn't true.

He won't be displacing Zabaleta, and will be on the bench in most games.

If he does leave, I hope he goes to another league. If not, then oh well :lol: . You tend to just move on with fullbacks.

[hobson's choice]

He won't be displacing Zabaleta, and will be on the bench in most games.

If he does leave, I hope he goes to another league. If not, then oh well :lol: . You tend to just move on with fullbacks.

Nah, it'll be just like Clichy and Kolarov, anyways, he's been here for a while. If he wants to go make his money, and win some trophies, more power to him.

We all work hard to get to this point, where you got options in life.

[I am invisible]

Closer to a 100 million this season with the new TV deal.
Yeah, but every club gets a (more or less) equal share of that, just for taking part - I'm talking about the extra bit you get for your finishing position.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

It used to be £20 million but it'll surely be more than double that now.

Whatever the figures, it's a lot.

[I am invisible]

Gust googled it (Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2327063/Premier-League-prize-money-table-final-game-2013-season.html)) - apparently Man U got £15m for winning it last year. As you say, most of the PL earnings come from a percentage from live TV appearances and an equal pay-out of £33m that all clubs get.

They reckon with the new TV deals, the club who finish bottom in future will probably earn more than Man U did in total for finishing top in 2013! Again, it'll be interesting to see how much of that actually relates to the prize fund though...

[Injury Time]

Our earnings must be up this season with FA Cup run, plus they'll have the extra 3% from the season ticket holders <_<

[selassie]

Nah, it'll be just like Clichy and Kolarov, anyways, he's been here for a while. If he wants to go make his money, and win some trophies, more power to him.

We all work hard to get to this point, where you got options in life.

Pretty much how I feel. I would rather he stays but he seems to have made his decision.

I just hope we replace him properly.

[selassie]

:lol:

That's an interesting point. I think that it is less of an issue than many suggest but in Theo's absence the team play is a little lop sided and less balanced.

We lack runners/pace without Theo. OX is a runner but he's not really first choice. I think for this team to function perfectly with Ramsey and Ozil doing their thing, we definitely require at least 2 runners up top. I.E. one on the wing and preferably one as our first choice striker.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

what paceless silky boy midget have we been linked with today?

[Power n Glory]

We lack runners/pace without Theo. OX is a runner but he's not really first choice. I think for this team to function perfectly with Ramsey and Ozil doing their thing, we definitely require at least 2 runners up top. I.E. one on the wing and preferably one as our first choice striker.

Wenger just needs to spend this summer teaching the players how to find space behind defenders and how to dribble. We’re too focused on short passing and playing in front of defenders instead of getting behind them. It’s down to the way we train with the focus on passing drills and 5 aside games. Players stop taking risks and it gets monotonous. I’m already seeing it with Cazorla. He’s not a marauding dribbler type but he has nifty footwork and can get out of tight spaces, wrong footing the best of defenders when he’s on his game and weaving through tight spaces when closed down. I’ve seen less of that sort of trickery this season and he’s spraying the ball more and getting rid of it quicker. When receiving the ball in tight spaces, he’s getting caught and losing possession. It happened with Gervinho, Arshavin, Hleb and Nasri. After the first season they stopped taking as many touches and chose the easy option. Besides runners, we need more dribblers to make something happen instead of passing it backwards or sideways if their path is blocked.

[Injury Time]

what paceless silky boy midget have we been linked with today?

We already have Letters who can mod there tbf

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

We already have Letters who can mod there tbf

Harsh words

He may be a paceless midget, but silky?

[Injury Time]

Harsh words

He may be a paceless midget, but silky?
You haven't forgotten he's the man of the dreams already have you?

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

We already have Letters who can mod there tbf

:haha:

[selassie]

Wenger just needs to spend this summer teaching the players how to find space behind defenders and how to dribble. We’re too focused on short passing and playing in front of defenders instead of getting behind them. It’s down to the way we train with the focus on passing drills and 5 aside games. Players stop taking risks and it gets monotonous. I’m already seeing it with Cazorla. He’s not a marauding dribbler type but he has nifty footwork and can get out of tight spaces, wrong footing the best of defenders when he’s on his game and weaving through tight spaces when closed down. I’ve seen less of that sort of trickery this season and he’s spraying the ball more and getting rid of it quicker. When receiving the ball in tight spaces, he’s getting caught and losing possession. It happened with Gervinho, Arshavin, Hleb and Nasri. After the first season they stopped taking as many touches and chose the easy option. Besides runners, we need more dribblers to make something happen instead of passing it backwards or sideways if their path is blocked.

Yep, Wenger has had an obsession over "tika taka" for quite a while. To be fair, we have varied our play a bit more this season though once the likes of Theo and Ramsey got crocked we reverted back to "tika tika".

I totally agree with your observation regarding Gervinho, Arshavin, Hleb and Nasri.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

You haven't forgotten he's the man of the dreams already have you?

the backward talking one with the flaming cards in Twin Peaks?

[Letters]

Harsh words

He may be a paceless midget, but silky?

<_< You should have seen me run for a bus this morning.

I was like Usain Bolt.

In about 60 years

:cool:

[BlindFaith_8]

We will make the usual free signing with some frecnh kid playing in the reserves and on the fringes of the under 21 interantional french squad, whilist Man City, Man U, Chelsea and Liverpool will all strengthen with top players.

[Letters]

Yeah, we made no major signings last summer.

[milla]

Yeah, we made no major signings last summer.

But but Mesut Ozil and Yaya Sanogo dont count as major signing. :shrug:

[Globalgunner]

But but Mesut Ozil and Yaya Sanogo dont count as major signing. :shrug:

Yaya more or less wipes out the value of any other signing TBF.

How do you solve a problem like Sanogo

[milla]

Yaya more or less wipes out the value of any other signing TBF.

How do you solve a problem like Sanogo

He got something special in him, he knows how find little pockets in the penalty box to create chances for himself. You cannot teach that, it is a talent. I believe he will get better next season. :coffee:

[Niall_Quinn]

That turd van Gaal looks set to be the next Utd boss. He'll be a massive flop and plunge the club into an even bigger pit - so this is excellent news. Apparently his #1 target is Muller. Please make this happen.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

don't know if he'll be a massive flop, it's all relative anyway

He doesn't exactly have to do much to better this season just gone, as for them winning the title?....no chance...don't care who they bring in.

[Munchies]

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal will pursue stability rather than spectacular signings this summer.

Asrenal manager warns fans not to expect an influx of star names in the summer despite their difficult season




"You are not the only one who decides when the business is done, because it's down to availability of players and the clubs who sell decide that," he said.

"At the moment I have people around me who start to look. What is available you know always, but we are not on the market specifically at all.

"Teams still play in many countries and after that, from my experience, the World Cup years have always been very quiet until the end of the World Cup. There are no players reachable.

"Everybody is focused in the country on their national team and there's not a lot happening. People are away. I believe this year again you will have to wait until July 15 to start going."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/10805010/Arsene-Wenger-says-Arsenal-will-pursue-stability-rather-than-spectacular-signings-this-summer.html

'No players reachable' :haha: .

The world cup ends before the half of July :lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

I'm wondering if they expect him to say, "Yes, we are in the market for big signings, our chequebook is open and ready, we are confident shitty agents and greedy cunt players will not little bit use this against us."

[Munchies]

Yeah, but knowing Wenger, which is more likely to happen?

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

either the money is not there (which is what i strongly suspect) or the manager is just refusing to spend it.

[Injury Time]

either the money is not there (which is what i strongly suspect) or the manager is just refusing to spend it.
He's saving it to get Flabergas and Song back from Barca, and just miss out on signing Ronaldo and Messi because Diaby had 2 clear days of training without his cock dropping off :good:

[Munchies]

He's saving it to get Flabergas and Song back from Barca, and just miss out on signing Ronaldo and Messi because Diaby had 2 clear days of training without his cock dropping off :good:

Wouldn't be surprised if we went back for Song ffs

[Özim]

I'm wondering if they expect him to say, "Yes, we are in the market for big signings, our chequebook is open and ready, we are confident shitty agents and greedy cunt players will not little bit use this against us."

Probably expect him not to regurgitate the same sh*t he did 4 years ago to be fair.

[Munchies]

Probably expect him not to regurgitate the same sh*t he did 4 years ago to be fair.

2 years to go :coffee:

[Niall_Quinn]

He's said he's looking for 2-3 players. Did anyone seriously expect more than that? Depends who the players are, doesn't it? This stupid non-story is simply stating the obvious, there won't be hoards heading through the door in the summer. It's getting silly now that he gets criticised for literally everything he says.

[LDG]

I'm still suprised anyone thinks you'll get any nugget out of Arsenal about any transfer dealings. How many years has he or the club been denying pretty much anything until a deal is done?

[Grebbo]

Are people forgetting we spent £42m on Ozil last summer? Wenger isn't afraid to spend money.

The margins are very thin at the top. This team doesn't need wholesale changes, one world class player can make all the difference. Look at Liverpool this season with the best striker in the league. Look at Man U last season with the best striker in the league. If we get one world class striker then we're title contenders.

[Munchies]

It doesn't really have much to do with the amount he spends, it's just that the squad needs strengthening in certain areas. We aren't far off with the right additions and stay lucky with the injuries, which never happens.

We may need 2 backup CBs if Vermaelen leaves, a GK when Fabianski leaves, Sagna's replacement, a CDM, a left winger and a striker.

---
Being linked with Vela now too, he has said that we have a buy-back clause of only £3.3m . Wouldn't be a bad signing

[Power n Glory]

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal will pursue stability rather than spectacular signings this summer.

Asrenal manager warns fans not to expect an influx of star names in the summer despite their difficult season


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/10805010/Arsene-Wenger-says-Arsenal-will-pursue-stability-rather-than-spectacular-signings-this-summer.html

'No players reachable' :haha: .

The world cup ends before the half of July :lol:

Fuck him and his two year contract! He's taking the piss and I'm tired of the excuses. Fucking loser!

[Özim]

He says the same thing every summer, generally he does what he says and signs next to nothing, how many years does he have to do the same sh* t before people catch on?

[GP]

I'm still suprised anyone thinks you'll get any nugget out of Arsenal about any transfer dealings. How many years has he or the club been denying pretty much anything until a deal is done?

:gp:

How can people still not get it? After all these years people are still getting worked p over paper talk?

It's embarrassing.

[Özim]

The only thing he ever does is spend all summer sitting there waiting and then signing the odd player who's nothing special, then at the very end of the transfer window usually when we've lost a game he panic buys.

[Power n Glory]

This is not the message to send out to the fans, our players, potential signings or our rivals. So last season when Ivan came out and said expect big things, that hindered our transfer activity? We signed Ozil! Of course it didn't. Even if you want to play cards close to your chest, don't say anything!

[Munchies]

Expect Gazidis to go out and say we have big money to spend etc, when the ticket renewals are up :lol:

We all know Wenger is going to use the world cup as an excuse, he has more important things to do like get extra £££ from his TV work.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Wenger just needs to spend this summer teaching the players how to find space behind defenders and how to dribble. We’re too focused on short passing and playing in front of defenders instead of getting behind them. It’s down to the way we train with the focus on passing drills and 5 aside games. Players stop taking risks and it gets monotonous. I’m already seeing it with Cazorla. He’s not a marauding dribbler type but he has nifty footwork and can get out of tight spaces, wrong footing the best of defenders when he’s on his game and weaving through tight spaces when closed down. I’ve seen less of that sort of trickery this season and he’s spraying the ball more and getting rid of it quicker. When receiving the ball in tight spaces, he’s getting caught and losing possession. It happened with Gervinho, Arshavin, Hleb and Nasri. After the first season they stopped taking as many touches and chose the easy option. Besides runners, we need more dribblers to make something happen instead of passing it backwards or sideways if their path is blocked.

I think that is a little prescriptive for Wenger's liking but I can appreciate why you would want that to happen. I've often said that a feature of a team who attack with speed is speed itself but not restricted to speed alone. The starting positions players take up, how they move with the ball and how they move without it all goes a long way in dictating a fast a team attacks. In Theo's absence we have been focussing on the lack of raw pace with is natural to an extent, but Theo is exceptionally quick by any standard and as such is in remarkably short supply.

Going back to Selassie's point, I actually like Wenger's philosophy a more traditional, direct and speedy player on one wing and more of a playmaker on the opposing wing. It helps if the target man is a little more dynamic though which we don't have and it also helps if the speedy winger isn't out injured. I think Cazorla has suffered because of it and it has exacerbated the general annoyance and distaste for seeing him play wide which imo he can actually be pretty effective at doing.


On the 2/3 players thing that Wenger said, or whatever it was he said.... 2-3 top top players might be fine if we're only losing Bendtner and Fabianski. Any more than that then it really needs to be in excess of 3 players and I think Wenger will know that without overtly expressing so.

Unlike us, he may be less resigned to the fact that Vermaelen will leave but I suspect in any case he is simply playing poker.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

This is not the message to send out to the fans, our players, potential signings or our rivals. So last season when Ivan came out and said expect big things, that hindered our transfer activity? We signed Ozil! Of course it didn't. Even if you want to play cards close to your chest, don't say anything!
Gazidis was pretty vocal last summer with his we can do things that will excite you spiel...... but it's hard to shake the feeling Wenger was probably reluctantly on board with it and it would have been very different if it had come from his own mouth.

I think Gazidis went a step further than he needed to in a sense. Forget about exciting us....just do whatever is needed to bring in genuine quality worthy of the colours. Eventually, that will garner the happiness of all!

[Injury Time]

Gazidis was pretty vocal last summer with his we can do things that will excite you spiel...... but it's hard to shake the feeling Wenger was probably reluctantly on board with it and it would have been very different if it had come from his own mouth.

I think Gazidis went a step further than he needed to in a sense. Forget about exciting us....just do whatever is needed to bring in genuine quality worthy of the colours. Eventually, that will garner the happiness of all!
We have an FA Cup for our excitement, they have in their mind done enough to justify the 3% rise.

[Power n Glory]

Gazidis was pretty vocal last summer with his we can do things that will excite you spiel...... but it's hard to shake the feeling Wenger was probably reluctantly on board with it and it would have been very different if it had come from his own mouth.

I think Gazidis went a step further than he needed to in a sense. Forget about exciting us....just do whatever is needed to bring in genuine quality worthy of the colours. Eventually, that will garner the happiness of all!

The club was buzzing with anticipation last summer after all that big talk. We almost fucked it up but finally delivered on deadline day. The Ozil boost was a massive boost to the club mentally. Come January, when we were flagging, we got this sort of message from the boss and he delivered Kallstrom! It's worrying when he talks like this, especially when you consider the last window. It draining and sucks the life away from the momentum we built in the summer.

[I am invisible]

If '2 or 3 players' means 2 or 3 quality additions, on top of the numbers we have right now, then I don't think that's too far off what we need. But if we're talking about 2 or 3 players coming in after we've seen 3 or 4 players leave, then that's not even close to enough.

[Chippy]

either the money is not there (which is what i strongly suspect) or the manager is just refusing to spend it.
How can the money not be there FFS! If that is the case, we have a bunch of fucking retards running our club. We have had 16 years of CL football which brings a shit load of cash.

[Power n Glory]

If '2 or 3 players' means 2 or 3 quality additions, on top of the numbers we have right now, then I don't think that's too far off what we need. But if we're talking about 2 or 3 players coming in after we've seen 3 or 4 players leave, then that's not even close to enough.

Sagna, Fabianski, Vermaelen and Bendy are all gone this summer so we'll need replacements on top of top quality in areas we're already lacking. 2-3 signings won't cut if we lose these players.

[Özim]

Sagna, Fabianski, Vermaelen and Bendy are all gone this summer so we'll need replacements on top of top quality in areas we're already lacking. 2-3 signings won't cut if we lose these players.

The policy has always been 2-3 players regardless of who leaves, not as well as, strange way to see things if you ask me.

[Niall_Quinn]

We have other options in addition to signing new players. I hope to see Joel Campbell here for a start. Gnabry and Zelalem may play bigger roles, I hope so anyway. Add 2-3 seriously top quality signings to the squad we have and we're fine. What we don't want to see is 5-6 average or shit players coming in, much better to get 2-3 players who can make a difference. We need a striker a defensive midfielder and defender to cover if TV is off, understandable as he can get a game somewhere else. I guess if the greedy scumbag shit bastard Sagna goes too then we may be looking at 3-4 signings.

[I am invisible]

Sagna, Fabianski, Vermaelen and Bendy are all gone this summer so we'll need replacements on top of top quality in areas we're already lacking. 2-3 signings won't cut if we lose these players.
And we're arguably a CB short already, even before anyone leaves! Surely even we wouldn't go into a season with just 1 keeper, 1 RB and 2 CBs would we? Would we?! Oh God, we would, wouldn't we!

[Niall_Quinn]

And we're arguably a CB short already, even before anyone leaves! Surely even we wouldn't go into a season with just 1 keeper, 1 RB and 2 CBs would we? Would we?! Oh God, we would, wouldn't we!

Fabs will help win the cup and he'll stay.

[I am invisible]

Fabs will help win the cup and he'll stay.
Seriously, I would make keeping him one of our top priorities before the season ends - he's been as good as anyone when called upon this year, and I can't think of anyone better we could get who would be happy fighting it out with Szczesny. Just need to make sure he gets more games next year...

[GP]

We were linked with Kasper Schmeichel this week. Probably nothing in it.

[Slacker]

We were linked with Kasper Schmeichel this week. Probably nothing in it.

Hopefully nothing in it. Dodgy Manc not in same league as his dad.

[Slacker]

Actually knowing us he's on his way...

[McNamara That Ghost...]

We were linked with Kasper Schmeichel this week. Probably nothing in it.

His dad is like a father figure to him.

[Munchies]

Wenger on Sagna & Fabianski: "We have only two players who are out of contract."
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140502/-world-cup-will-affect-transfer-market-


“We have only two players who are out of contract – Fabianski and Sagna,” he said. “All the rest need our agreement and they haven’t got it yet.

“I want to keep [Fabianski]. He’s 29 and has a decision to make. Does he want to stay here or move and have a guarantee to be No 1? He knows I want to keep him.

“I hope, because we have shown faith in him for long periods, that we will be rewarded for that.”

Bendtner :rose:

[Munchies]

Arsenal interested in Rio Ferdinand, but QPR, LA Galaxy & Galatasaray also options [Mirror]

:shrug:

[Niall_Quinn]

Arsenal interested in Rio Ferdinand, but QPR, LA Galaxy & Galatasaray also options [Mirror]

:shrug:

:haha: Why would we sign a clapped out defender from Utd?

[Maestro]

:haha: Why would we sign a clapped out defender from Utd?

We have form on our side in this one

[Niall_Quinn]

We have form on our side in this one

If you're another one of those conspiracy nuts who believes we signed Silvestre then there's no helping you.

[Injury Time]

Arsenal interested in Rio Ferdinand, but QPR, LA Galaxy & Galatasaray also options [Mirror]

:shrug:
Let the smokescreen begin....

[I am invisible]

Wenger on Sagna & Fabianski: "We have only two players who are out of contract."
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20140502/-world-cup-will-affect-transfer-market-



Bendtner :rose:

Viviano :rose:

Kallstrom :rose:

I know those two are on loan, but it's still another 2 members of the current squad that we'll be losing...

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

You know what this is all about don't you?

Its so when Wenger finally steps down he can perform his own rendition of "I did it my way"

"There were times, times of doubt...where I felt tempted to get my chequebook out"

[Bergkampwonderland10]

Llallana, Caulker, Rodriguez and Richards would be excellent additions to the squad. Llallana 20m, Caulker 8m, Richards5m, Rodriguez 10m….would definitely add a bit of depth and quality. Add Draxler, Cassilas and Costa and I think we are sorted.

[AKBapologist]

Hazard to Barca... Cesc to Arsenal... ???
http://lockerdome.com/geniusfootball/6169472855715905/6587814917702417

[Niall_Quinn]

Hazard to Barca... Cesc to Arsenal... ???
http://lockerdome.com/geniusfootball/6169472855715905/6587814917702417

Hazard asked to work for the team instead of standing there admiring himself? Shocker. No wonder he wants out. Cowardly, lazy, shit human being. On the other hand, if Mourinho is a crazed loon in public, just how bad might he be behind the scenes? He sure knows how to identify and root out the flair players though. Oscar is probably on the phone too.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Llallana, Caulker, Rodriguez and Richards would be excellent additions to the squad. Llallana 20m, Caulker 8m, Richards5m, Rodriguez 10m….would definitely add a bit of depth and quality. Add Draxler, Cassilas and Costa and I think we are sorted.

I obviously cannot see Southampton allowing anyone to take them of arguably their best two players (would welcome Llallana)....not sure on Caulker, Richards would be welcome for the price.

Now Costa is interesting, all talk is about Chelsea being in pole position but at 31.5 mil (according to press) surely we should be making a serious push for this guy? Admittedly Chacs could blow us out the water when it came to wages

[Globalgunner]

I obviously cannot see Southampton allowing anyone to take them of arguably their best two players (would welcome Llallana)....not sure on Caulker, Richards would be welcome for the price.

Now Costa is interesting, all talk is about Chelsea being in pole position but at 31.5 mil (according to press) surely we should be making a serious push for this guy? Admittedly Chacs could blow us out the water when it came to wages

The Chavs can have Costa. He's a better player than Giroud but not really what we need. Would he get 30 goals a season for us in the EPL?. More likely to get 30 red cards,

[milla]

The Chavs can have Costa. He's a better player than Giroud but not really what we need. Would he get 30 goals a season for us in the EPL?. More likely to get 30 red cards,

:gp:

Costa is overrated IMO, certainly don't worth £30 million. :coffee:

[Munchies]

I think Costa would be good for us personally. He's alot faster than Giroud, stronger with the ball, makes direct runs and generally makes himself a cunt to defend against. When defenders defend against Giroud, it's fairly easy.

My perfect striker would be Higuain though. There were reports linking him to Chelsea, but Napoli would probably want atleast £10m more than they paid for him, and I can't see Wenger paying that when he haggled over £27m before.

[I am invisible]

It becomes easy to defend against Giroud when we have no runners in the side - in those circumstances all you have to do is defend high, which forces him to play to all his weaknesses. When we have guys like Walcott and Ramsey around him though, you have to defend deep, and that plays to Giroud's strengths (he's actually a decent first-time finisher when he gets in the 18 yard box - it's only when he has to run with the ball and then shoot that he seems to run out of steam).

I don't actually think he's as bad as the second half of this season has made him look - he's limited, yes, but I think the problem has been that those limitations have been cruelly exposed because of the injuries to everyone around him (and because he was being run into the ground at the same time). In the first half of the season there was no great problem with him leading the line, when we had guys like Ramsey and Özil fit and fresh, and everything seems to have clicked again the moment they've returned. That's not to say that we shouldn't be trying to find a better CF, because we should, but I'm happy enough to keep Giroud as competition - if we use him right, he can be an asset.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

We should keep Giroud....there is no point letting him go

[Niall_Quinn]

Hope Atleti win the title and the CL and Costa stays. Why would he want to go elsewhere under those conditions?


Oh yes - cash. Forgot about that.

[Munchies]

Loads of reports linking us with Aurier now, £10m bid, and here he is:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bm3mdJhIYAABhLm.jpg

Seems he's a fan :lol:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

The Chavs can have Costa. He's a better player than Giroud but not really what we need. Would he get 30 goals a season for us in the EPL?. More likely to get 30 red cards,


Should 30 goals in the league alone be a reasonable expectation? If you mean in the league and the domestic cups then yes, I can easily see Costa getting 20 league goals and 10 in the cups. Adebayor once got 25 in the league for us for a little perspective.

I wonder how much criticism of Costa there will be if he wins the Spanish league and CL with his club.... For a guy who has performed as remarkably as he has done with what is a relatively reasonable price tag on his head just north of 30 million, he gets an awful lot of stick.

Clearly Chelsea would be an issue if we seriously targeted him but I find it amazing that so many think he would not be worth the gamble.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Loads of reports linking us with Aurier now, £10m bid, and here he is:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bm3mdJhIYAABhLm.jpg

Seems he's a fan :lol:

Eboue's back :bow:

[Niall_Quinn]

WHO?

[AFC Leveller]

If we want to show ambition and really go for the title then we should look no further than Coleman, he would be a great buy. Buying some unknown from the French league would show the club have still not moved on from their cheapskate days.

[Globalgunner]

Should 30 goals in the league alone be a reasonable expectation? If you mean in the league and the domestic cups then yes, I can easily see Costa getting 20 league goals and 10 in the cups. Adebayor once got 25 in the league for us for a little perspective.

I wonder how much criticism of Costa there will be if he wins the Spanish league and CL with his club.... For a guy who has performed as remarkably as he has done with what is a relatively reasonable price tag on his head just north of 30 million, he gets an awful lot of stick.

Clearly Chelsea would be an issue if we seriously targeted him but I find it amazing that so many think he would not be worth the gamble.

30 goals total, which is not beyond a top striker, Giroud has 21, overall I hear, and we mostly think hes inadequate. My fear for Costa is not that he's no good but the dogshit refs in the EPL will target him like flies because he is abrasive by nature.....They would love to pick up on the narrative of how many red cards Wenger has accumulated....Whats the point of a CF if he's banned all the time, We need a wily, fast striker like we missed with. Higuain or maybe could still get with Benzema or Balotelli...another card magnet, but with a higher ceiling than Costa and still young. Not knocking Costas abilities, he would improve us no doubt,,,if he stays on the pitch.

The great thing about Athletico is that they function as a team. Its not just about Costa. I really love what Simeone has done there. They will simply replace him with another striker and keep moving on.

[Globalgunner]

If we want to show ambition and really go for the title then we should look no further than Coleman, he would be a great buy. Buying some unknown from the French league would show the club have still not moved on from their cheapskate days.

Coleman would be a great buy....3 years ago. Now he would cost 20m or more...Not worth it in my opinion...we need to spend the big bucks elsewhere.

[AFC Leveller]

Coleman would be a great buy....3 years ago. Now he would cost 20m or more...Not worth it in my opinion...we need to spend the big bucks elsewhere.

He's only 25 and has loads of experience in the league. Will only get better and would add so much to our attacking side.

[Globalgunner]

He's only 25 and has loads of experience in the league. Will only get better and would add so much to our attacking side.

We agree, but basically I am saying if we have a budget of 60 m. In need of a striker, DM, RB, keeper and Possibly 2 CBs, would you spend 20m on the RB.

[AFC Leveller]

We agree, but basically I am saying if we have a budget of 60 m. In need of a striker, DM, RB, keeper and Possibly 2 CBs, would you spend 20m on the RB.

We have around 70 m according to the rags but im sure we can afford to spend properly with the Puma deal + new sponsors.

Striker (s) would cost around 40m (30m for a world class dude and 10m for a Ba, Remy, Bony etc).

DCM for around 20m and 15m for a RB.

[KSE Comedy Club]

We should have a lot more fuckin money to spend than £70m

It's always been £70m for the last few years, now we have the puma deal in place and other extra commercial revenue that 'warchest' with the dust on it should have a lot more in it!

[fakeyank]

We have around 70 m according to the rags but im sure we can afford to spend properly with the Puma deal + new sponsors.

Striker (s) would cost around 40m (30m for a world class dude and 10m for a Ba, Remy, Bony etc).

DCM for around 20m and 15m for a RB.

70m :haha: :haha: :haha:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

30 goals total, which is not beyond a top striker, Giroud has 21, overall I hear, and we mostly think hes inadequate. My fear for Costa is not that he's no good but the dogshit refs in the EPL will target him like flies because he is abrasive by nature.....They would love to pick up on the narrative of how many red cards Wenger has accumulated....Whats the point of a CF if he's banned all the time, We need a wily, fast striker like we missed with. Higuain or maybe could still get with Benzema or Balotelli...another card magnet, but with a higher ceiling than Costa and still young. Not knocking Costas abilities, he would improve us no doubt,,,if he stays on the pitch.

The great thing about Athletico is that they function as a team. Its not just about Costa. I really love what Simeone has done there. They will simply replace him with another striker and keep moving on.

I think Costa is well capable of 30 goals total..... he's extraordinary record would seem to suggest that......and I'd argue the quality of service here would supersede what he has become used to at Atletico. Giroud is inadaequate as a number 1 but as a number 2 he's okay. We wouldn't be relying on just Costa either, providing we don't offload Giroud.

Costa could start a fight in an empty room, I tend to agree, but Balotelli is certainly his equal in that respect. Especially if you factor in the fact that whatever qualm Balotelli is having at any given time is just as likely to be with a team mate than it is the opposing players, refs or team......then his rap sheet does not appear any better. Moreover, Balotelli's success was hardly resounding here either and in that respect didn't prove himself. Don't get me wrong, if we signed him I would be happy, simply based on his raw quality, but I'm not all that convinced he represents less of a risk than Costa even if he represents more potential. Suarez is reprehensible and missed 6 games yet most fans would have seen him here with glee. He's attracted less bad coverage because his team have been in less competitions and have done well in the league but he still has that side to his character.

Benzema would cost us about 50 million...and that would be if they even entertained making him available at all. Ozil cost us 43 million despite Real already having replacements in Isco and Bale.

The main thing Balotelli has in his favour is that he has caused so much trouble in his short career that he is likely to cost much less money than his ability might otherwise suggest.....he is young as you say and there is a severe and I mean a severe lack of top class/ world class options available for less than 40 million.

On a side note, the man who signed Coleman for 60,000k for Everton, is the man being roundly ridiculed now in Moyes....

[Injury Time]

I think Costa is well capable of 30 goals total..... he's extraordinary record would seem to suggest that......and I'd argue the quality of service here would supersede what he has become used to at Atletico. Giroud is inadaequate as a number 1 but as a number 2 he's okay. We wouldn't be relying on just Costa either, providing we don't offload Giroud.

Costa could start a fight in an empty room, I tend to agree, but Balotelli is certainly his equal in that respect. Especially if you factor in the fact that whatever qualm Balotelli is having at any given time is just as likely to be with a team mate than it is the opposing players, refs or team......then his rap sheet does not appear any better. Moreover, Balotelli's success was hardly resounding here either and in that respect didn't prove himself. Don't get me wrong, if we signed him I would be happy, simply based on his raw quality, but I'm not all that convinced he represents less of a risk than Costa even if he represents more potential. Suarez is reprehensible and missed 6 games yet most fans would have seen him here with glee. He's attracted less bad coverage because his team have been in less competitions and have done well in the league but he still has that side to his character.

Benzema would cost us about 50 million...and that would be if they even entertained making him available at all. Ozil cost us 43 million despite Real already having replacements in Isco and Bale.

The main thing Balotelli has in his favour is that he has caused so much trouble in his short career that he is likely to cost much less money than his ability might otherwise suggest.....he is young as you say and there is a severe and I mean a severe lack of top class/ world class options available for less than 40 million.

On a side note, the man who signed Coleman for 60,000k for Everton, is the man being roundly ridiculed now in Moyes....
So sign Moyes? :unsure:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

We didn't spend all the money available last summer..... This summer we should be given at least 50 million. Doesn't that leave 70 million as a minimum. I know it is fashionable these days to factor in wages in accumulative years and actually suggest a transfer kitty of 70million is actually 2 pounds in transfers and the rest on wages but come on....... do we want to sign quality or not?

Gazidis said they can do things that will excite us.....so excite.

You only have to look at Spuds to see that 100 million spent on a load of good/decent players but not necessarily players of top quality won't move you on.

One or two of our signings at least needs to be of the utmost quality.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Our manager has made it clear he's staying so no need to continue the manager debate, but we do need to think about who will succeed him eventually.

Moyes was and is (imo) a good manager..... but Manure required a ready made great manager which Moyes wasn't. But if we're listing great managers in the prem, how many names would any of us actually put on that list....

[Power n Glory]

I not sure about Costa. Have a feeling he'd get bogged down in the ball to feet, coming short, looking for space on the flanks with nobody in the box style of play. He doesn't look that agile and quick when dribbling cause he's a big guy and he doesn't look like the type that likes to bang shots from distance or the super clinical type.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

That is closer to my own personal reservations about him, but he has seemed to deal with every challenge going his way for some time now. I have to say I thought Atletico would run out of steam, in the league AND CL, but they've just kept it up and Costa is no small part of that.

Even Simeone came out and said that Costa is as important to them as Messi to Barcelona or Cronaldo to Real. I think that was possibly overstating it, but it does show you what a role he has there.

[Power n Glory]

I think his style suits Atletico because they're very versatile with there approach. They can play defensive and on the counter or the slick passing game with fast attacks. They change gears quickly and it's why he works for them. In fact, I don't think he's a bad player, he'll probably slot into most teams, but under Wenger I'm not so sure. Giroud looked a different player from what I've seen of the clips when he was in France. He's so different under this current system.

[Niall_Quinn]

very versatile with there approach

:haha:

[Özim]

:haha:

Mickey Mouse got 5.

[Globalgunner]

:haha:

Why do you get the feeling some people need to get a life!

[Niall_Quinn]

Why do you get the feeling some people need to get a life!

A bite! Thought it would never happen.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

well it's been a slow burner on here the last few days

[Kano]

Arsenal have made an enquiry to Bayern Munich for Javi Martinez, with Arsene Wenger having made a new central midfielder one of his two key transfer priorities this summer.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Lars Bender is also prominent among Arsenal’s midfield targets but, with Martinez having struggled to command a regular place in Pep Guardiola’s new Bayern team, Wenger wants to know whether the Bundesliga champions would be willing to sell.

Martinez, who was part of the Spain squad that won both the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship, only joined Bayern two years ago in what was a club record £32 million deal. He still has a further three years remaining on his contract at Bayern but sources in Germany have suggested that the 25-year-old is unhappy with his role under Guardiola. Martinez was one of the first names on the team-sheet when Bayern won their treble in 2012-13 under Jupp Heynckes but did not start either Champions League semi-final match against Real Madrid.

Despite Martinez’s own preference for midfield, Guardiola has also experimented with him in the centre-back role he once played for Atletico Bilbao. Martinez himself has admitted that his role has “changed somewhat” this season. “I don’t have as much freedom on the field anymore,” he said. “I don’t get forward as often and my game is a little more static. The coach [Guardiola] believes that I can play in any of the central positions and I’ll play where I’m needed.”

Although Mikel Arteta has performed with admirable consistency over these past three seasons, Wenger wants to add a commanding midfield presence this summer to play alongside Aaron Ramsey, who has been his outstanding player.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/10814502/Arsenal-make-approach-to-Bayern-Munich-for-transfer-of-Javi-Martinez.html

I guess we don't need a striker then.

[Globalgunner]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/10814502/Arsenal-make-approach-to-Bayern-Munich-for-transfer-of-Javi-Martinez.html

I guess we don't need a striker then.
Don't forget we have Diaby who can crock there.

[Marc Overmars]

United have made a 27m bid for Luke Shaw.

So it begins..

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

It's gonna be a long summer for Saints fans.

That's a shit load for an 18 year old, but on the other hand it's probably left back (or left wing) sewn up for a few years. And it is less than Fellaini.

[Injury Time]

United have made a 27m bid for Luke Shaw.

So it begins..
Wenger says £27,000,001...

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

It's a big gamble but if they think the kid has the ability then he could be the solution there for 10 years easy at his age. If it works out and it is a big if then it's a good bit of business.

They made a similar move for Ferdinand a long while ago, although admittedly Ferdinand had proven much more and his quality was rather obvious, but the principle of paying a big fee for a player who can solve a problem for a long period of time was the same.

[Munchies]

United's £27m move for Shaw more or less done according to the Mirror.

Liverpool going after Lallana and Caulker

[Özim]

Southampton's youth policy is incredible, the talented players they keep churning out is impressive.

Shaw will probably end up being a snip at 27 million when you look back on it, that's what often happens with these prodigies.

[Özim]

United's £27m move for Shaw more or less done according to the Mirror.

Liverpool going after Lallana and Caulker

Got to say Lallana is a top player, we don't need a player in his position but he'd be a great signing for anyone.

[selassie]

Southampton's youth policy is incredible, the talented players they keep churning out is impressive.

Shaw will probably end up being a snip at 27 million when you look back on it, that's what often happens with these prodigies.

:gp:

Yeah totally agree, they just keep producing gem after gem.

[Gooner23]

Got to say Lallana is a top player, we don't need a player in his position but he'd be a great signing for anyone.

I really rate him, best creative English player thats come through for a while IMO. But ultimately not better than Cazorla and Ozil so not worth the English premium Liverpool will no doubt have to pay. I also want to see the Ox and Gabry get more game time next year.

We should be using our money on getting 3 1st team players, right back, holding mid and a striker. We'll probably need a few squaddies as well but have a feeling Wenger will promote from within.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Man Utd and Liverpool are not adhering to the "waiting period"! :angry:

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Man Utd and Liverpool are not adhering to the "waiting period"! :angry:

Lets be fair we all know what Wengers attitude towards the transfer window is that of a man stuck on a train with a full bladder but doesn't want to use the train loo because there is a wasp in there.
So he holds on with a full bladder until he gets to the station...the station signifying the closing of the window.
Mesut Ozil can be looked upon as he couldn't hold on any longer so he went into an empty plastic bottle.

[Injury Time]

Lets be fair we all know what Wengers attitude towards the transfer window is that of a man stuck on a train with a full bladder but doesn't want to use the train loo because there is a wasp in there.
So he holds on with a full bladder until he gets to the station...the station signifying the closing of the window.
Kallstrom can be looked upon as he couldn't hold on any longer so he went into an empty plastic bottle.
Efa

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Well the Kallstrom analogy would be that having thought that going in a plastic bottle was a good idea but not wanting to have to buy a bottle of water from the Virgin Train restaurant car, he went to a friendly looking Russian passenger and asked if he could use his empty bottle to piss in but in turns out the empty bottle had a hole in the bottom.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Lallana is superb and has really impressed me in a short space of time. He should think carefully about his next move, but he will could potentially play much more at Liverpool once Suarez has jumped ship.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

If he jumps ship. If.

It is quite funny to see some people (not here) write us off for next year because we will now suddenly have to play European football and that we haven't got the quality nor the squad to cope, yet they scoff at us wanting Lallana because "he's good but he's no better than what they have" and that he should "get used to the bench because he won't be playing much".

We should sign that Shaw guy as well.

[Niall_Quinn]

Personally I'm writing Liverpool off next year, mainly because they'll have to play European football and they haven't got the quality or the squad to cope. I can't see the point of them chasing Lallana either, he's good but no better than what they have. If they sign him he should get used to the bench because he won't be playing much.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

If he jumps ship. If.

It is quite funny to see some people (not here) write us off for next year because we will now suddenly have to play European football and that we haven't got the quality nor the squad to cope, yet they scoff at us wanting Lallana because "he's good but he's no better than what they have" and that he should "get used to the bench because he won't be playing much".

We should sign that Shaw guy as well.

it's not a contradiction because the problem with the liverpool squad is depth rather than quality, to be fair your transfer money needs to be spent on defenders and a proper defensive midfielder. Agger and Skrtel aren't bad but they aren't brilliant but they are automatic first choices because players like Kolo Toure and Mamadou Sakho just aren't good enough.

Suarez my understanding is he got a pay rise but actually hasn't signed a contract extension, being the little toerag that he is if Real Madrid come knocking this summer i can see him kicking up a fuss until he's sold.

That said although I don't think Liverpool will come as close to the title next season i don't think they are necessarily going to slip away and with a rejuvenated United, finishing in the top four will be that much more difficult for Arsenal....we will for me need to strengthen just to finish in the same position and therefore we will need to significantly strengthen to push on....does anyone see Wenger doing that?.

[Power n Glory]

Anything is possible for Liverpool next season so I wouldn't rule anything out. Champs League may take it's toll but they may handle it. Just look at what Athletico Madrid have managed this year. Let's hope Liverpool crash and burn like the rest of our rivals and we learn from the mistakes made this season. That's all I hope for.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

it's not a contradiction because the problem with the liverpool squad is depth rather than quality, to be fair your transfer money needs to be spent on defenders and a proper defensive midfielder. Agger and Skrtel aren't bad but they aren't brilliant but they are automatic first choices because players like Kolo Toure and Mamadou Sakho just aren't good enough.

Suarez my understanding is he got a pay rise but actually hasn't signed a contract extension, being the little toerag that he is if Real Madrid come knocking this summer i can see him kicking up a fuss until he's sold.

That said although I don't think Liverpool will come as close to the title next season i don't think they are necessarily going to slip away and with a rejuvenated United, finishing in the top four will be that much more difficult for Arsenal....we will for me need to strengthen just to finish in the same position and therefore we will need to significantly strengthen to push on....does anyone see Wenger doing that?.
We do need to focus on defence, that's for Shaw. We could do with two new full backs and possibly another CB. Get rid of Johnson and maybe Skrtel. I'd like us to sign a great big DM but I don't know how likely that is.

But signing Llama would give us more depth and creativity behind the strikers. Not to mention that he can play across the pitch. People rate Llama. The same people don't rate our squad, including in midfield, especially with the extra CL games which will apparently destroy us. Put the two together and suddenly he won't be getting games. That's the contradiction I was trying to point out and with which NQ kindly helped with.

By all accounts Suarez' new contract runs to 2018, so another 4 years. His previous one ran until 2016 and trebled his pay up to about £100k/week compared to the one he originally signed for us. And of course, will contain a cast iron, no quibble release clause. Of course he's off if Madrid come calling. As with 99.9% of players. But no one actually knows yet whether they will come in for him. Same as last summer. If he does go then I trust/hope we would spend it better than Spurs, given we can attract a higher quality of player with the promise of CL and can give them more in wages.

I don't think we'll come as close next year either. It does feel like a big missed opportunity. But then no one gave us a cat in hell's chance of even finishing 4th this season. People still didn't really believe we would right up until February.
You'll finish 4th like you always do. But then it was very close this season, despite everyone being written off at some point during the season, then written in, then written back out again. I think it will be the same again next season. Maybe 6/7/8 points separating the top 5.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

unfortunately i don't think it will be that close, i think the only reason Chelsea did not win the title at a canter was because that scumbag Narcassist showed the same blind spot towards getting in a striker that Wenger did. The difference is i am inclined to think that Mourinho learns from his mistakes, Wenger doesn't because he refuses to acknowledge that he makes mistakes in the first place and whilst publically Mourinho will blame everyone but himself....the fact that he has gone on record about Chelsea being in the market for a top class striker is telling.
And unfortunately i think Chelsea have the remaining ingredients already at the club to bore their way to the title.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Not sure on players like Lallana, Rodriguez etc. I remember the hype around players like Charlie Adam and look how he ended up.

Can they step up? Can they cut it against world class players in the champions league? Hmm.

[Özim]

Personally I'm writing Liverpool off next year, mainly because they'll have to play European football and they haven't got the quality or the squad to cope. I can't see the point of them chasing Lallana either, he's good but no better than what they have. If they sign him he should get used to the bench because he won't be playing much.

I reckon we'll get 4th next year.

[Özim]

I don't think Liverpool need advice from us about the CL, they've won it.

[Marc Overmars]

Not sure on players like Lallana, Rodriguez etc. I remember the hype around players like Charlie Adam and look how he ended up.

Can they step up? Can they cut it against world class players in the champions league? Hmm.

They've had fantastic seasons but I agree, there are a host of players who seems to have break out seasons only to never reach that level of performance again.

Though I suppose taking a punt is all you can do really, you'll never know if they can or can't cut it if you don't give them a chance.

[Özim]

Lallana will be fine in the big time, he just seems so good on the ball, you don't often see players as effective and graceful as him on the ball. Shaw who knows, but people have been raving about him for a while and he's been doing it in the big time at a young age, he might well be one of those we look back on in 5 years and think why didn't we sign him.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Ferdinand will leave United :wave:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

If he jumps ship. If.



My sentiments are as much out of hope as expectation as I despise Suarez along with that goat John W Henry. Incidentally Real will want to make their token big signing and with the dearth of top players around, I can easily see them reigniting the Suarez malarkey.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

My sentiments are as much out of hope as expectation as I despise Suarez along with that goat John W Henry. Incidentally Real will want to make their token big signing and with the dearth of top players around, I can easily see them reigniting the Suarez malarkey.

:haha:

Fair play. Whatever keeps Jim White in a job.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Sky Sources say Chelsea agree fee of £32 million with Atleti for Diego Costa.

Football. :rose:

[KSE Comedy Club]

How is it these deals are being done and agreed before the window is even open?

Do these clubs not understand the concept of the waiting period!?!?

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

I think the window is open. Domestically anyway.

http://www.premierleague.com/content/premierleague/en-gb/fans/faqs/when-does-transfer-window-open-close.html


There are two transfer windows in each Barclays Premier League season.

The first commences at midnight on the last day of the season and ends on 31 August if a working day - or, if not, on the first working day thereafter, at a time determined by the Board.

[Özim]

How is it these deals are being done and agreed before the window is even open?

Do these clubs not understand the concept of the waiting period!?!?

Players are very busy getting ready for the World Cup to be honest, noone's available to sign right now, realistically you have to wait until the 31st August, that's life I'm afraid, them the rules! <_<

[Niall_Quinn]

Sky Sources say Chelsea agree fee of £32 million with Atleti for Diego Costa.

Football. :rose:

Entirely made up story by Sky. This is getting so ridiculous Sky will soon be paying the transfer fees themselves so they can get an exclusive and announce first. But as it is, they are currently left with having to make stories up in the hope 1 in 100 pans out and they can crow about it.

[Niall_Quinn]

Players are very busy getting ready for the World Cup to be honest, noone's available to sign right now, realistically you have to wait until the 31st August, that's life I'm afraid, them the rules! <_<

Yawn. Wenger out! Why not just say it in every thread rather than go to the trouble of typing extra stuff? Less than a week to the cup final and you are still in full throttle auto-slag mode.

Who will you be cheering for in the final btw? The club managed by Wenger or the club not managed by Wenger?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Entirely made up story by Sky. This is getting so ridiculous Sky will soon be paying the transfer fees themselves so they can get an exclusive and announce first. But as it is, they are currently left with having to make stories up in the hope 1 in 100 pans out and they can crow about it.

This one seems quite plausible sadly. It's typical Chelsea, buy the player that played against you and was successful.

[Özim]

Yawn. Wenger out! Why not just say it in every thread rather than go to the trouble of typing extra stuff? Less than a week to the cup final and you are still in full throttle auto-slag mode.

Who will you be cheering for in the final btw? The club managed by Wenger or the club not managed by Wenger?

Yawn indeed, and this from the man who doesn't stop going on about the billionaires, pot, kettle, black.

Oh it will be Arsenal, not Wenger, that's who I support, doesn't change my feelings about the man.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Very plausible....it's hard to see Chelsea getting anyone else of that undoubted quality in and the special one doesn't give a toss about developing young players, so to hell with Lukaku.

[Munchies]

Guess Lukaku will be shipped out then

[Seaman's Ponytail]

Seems Lothar Matthaeus was full of shit then "“Drmic will join Arsenal for eight million pounds,” he told Bild. “It’s a fact that there is a woman, and I know her name, looking for a flat. I was right with [Robert] Lewandowski and [Adrian] Ramos [whose transfers he predicted on Sky Deutschland]. And I will be proved right again.”"

http://www.espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1818534/bayer-leverkusen-sign-reported-arsenal-target-josip-drmic-nuernberg?cc=3436

Gone for a snip too

[Munchies]

Times reporting David Lulz agrees move to Barca for £30m

[Niall_Quinn]

This one seems quite plausible sadly. It's typical Chelsea, buy the player that played against you and was successful.

That's why they are taking a punt with it. It's an easy story. They find out what's really happening the same time as we do. You only had to listen to a season of those Sunday Supplement twats to confirm they are as accurate with their predictions as a blind bloke chucking darts.

[Niall_Quinn]

Yawn indeed, and this from the man who doesn't stop going on about the billionaires, pot, kettle, black.

Oh it will be Arsenal, not Wenger, that's who I support, doesn't change my feelings about the man.

So what will you do? Boo when the camera is on him, cheer when it's not? He played his role too, that's what will stick in your throat if we win it.

[Power n Glory]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2060817-manchester-citys-premier-league-title-win-was-about-more-than-just-money


Manchester City's Premier League Title Win Was About More Than Just Money

Anyone else 'buying' that? ;)

Interesting points. It's not as if they've bought players that we could never dream of having. There are only a couple of players in that squad we'd have no chance of signing.

[Marc Overmars]

They point is they've been able to stockpile whoever they wanted until they found the right formula. They've taken extreme losses on many players that 95% of clubs just cannot afford to do. It's not a problem for them to spend 100m+ on players like Robinho, Adebayor and others, only to flog them for half the price when it didn't work out. Then they start the process again.

In terms of their players being attainable for us, you have to look at wages. I'm sure we could have afforded a transfer fee but some of their players are on twice as much as a comparative player from our squad. We have money but I don't think we can afford to hand out blank cheques.

[Munchies]

^ Roque Santa Cruz sticks out as their worst one , bought for near £20m and let go after a year :lol:

[GP]

^ Roque Santa Cruz sticks out as their worst one , bought for near £20m and let go after a year :lol:

And Jo. Only played about 4 times.

[Özim]

So what will you do? Boo when the camera is on him, cheer when it's not? He played his role too, that's what will stick in your throat if we win it.

I'll be pleased to see the club lift a trophy again, as for Wenger and the cup, think he's been fortunate his club in the business end of the cup haven't had to face the top teams, because that's usually when we fall apart, although we almost did that in the semi's to be fair, thank f*ck we didn't play a better side.

We faced Liverpool but at an earlier stage when other big clubs were still in it and thus we were under less pressure as we probably didn't believe we could win it.

Regardless of what happens, he's done at the top level, that's proven now.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

I'll be pleased to see the club lift a trophy again, as for Wenger and the cup, think he's been fortunate his club in the business end of the cup haven't had to face the top teams, because that's usually when we fall apart, although we almost did that in the semi's to be fair, thank f*ck we didn't play a better side.

We faced Liverpool but at an earlier stage when other big clubs were still in it and thus we were under less pressure as we probably didn't believe we could win it.

Regardless of what happens, he's done at the top level, that's proven now.

City only won the title because Liverpool bottled it and Chelsea didnt have decent strikers. You can spend as much time as you want overanalysing why things happen. You conveniently forget that we beat Liverpool a week after they'd hammered us in the league and we'd only drawn with United midweek plus they were all over us so regardless of how you see it that victory took tremendous amount of psychological strength to get through. Same with Wigan, the team that had taken three premier league scalps on the way to the semis after the defeat to Everton we were rock bottom confidence wise and yet when it came to penalties they were dispatched with consummate ease.
I don't think Wenger is the man to take us forward but my problem with people like you is that you hold Wenger in such contempt that you obscure facts to fit your opinions. I am frustrated and exasperated with a season of missed opportunity but unlike you I don't think everything Wenger has done has been shit and if he wins us the cup this season, fair play to him.

[Power n Glory]

They point is they've been able to stockpile whoever they wanted until they found the right formula. They've taken extreme losses on many players that 95% of clubs just cannot afford to do. It's not a problem for them to spend 100m+ on players like Robinho, Adebayor and others, only to flog them for half the price when it didn't work out. Then they start the process again.

In terms of their players being attainable for us, you have to look at wages. I'm sure we could have afforded a transfer fee but some of their players are on twice as much as a comparative player from our squad. We have money but I don't think we can afford to hand out blank cheques.

The pay a premium on the wages just like what they do on the transfer fees. Certain players wouldn’t be able to command that sort of fee anywhere else. Nasri is an example. If City weren’t interested in signing him he’d be a £80k - £100k wage player.

[selassie]

it's not a contradiction because the problem with the liverpool squad is depth rather than quality, to be fair your transfer money needs to be spent on defenders and a proper defensive midfielder. Agger and Skrtel aren't bad but they aren't brilliant but they are automatic first choices because players like Kolo Toure and Mamadou Sakho just aren't good enough.

Suarez my understanding is he got a pay rise but actually hasn't signed a contract extension, being the little toerag that he is if Real Madrid come knocking this summer i can see him kicking up a fuss until he's sold.

That said although I don't think Liverpool will come as close to the title next season i don't think they are necessarily going to slip away and with a rejuvenated United, finishing in the top four will be that much more difficult for Arsenal....we will for me need to strengthen just to finish in the same position and therefore we will need to significantly strengthen to push on.... does anyone see Wenger doing that?.

No I personally feel Wenger will do the bare minimum. He has hinted a number of times already that we will not be doing much business, comments such as...."we want to keep this squad together", "don't expect many signings", "no business will be done before the world cup".

I honestly believe we will only sign a striker and backup keeper. The rest of the areas will be covered by internal solutions.

Will that be enough for us to challenge for the title next season? I very much doubt it. It will allow us to scrap it out for top 4 though...

[I am invisible]

They point is they've been able to stockpile whoever they wanted until they found the right formula. They've taken extreme losses on many players that 95% of clubs just cannot afford to do. It's not a problem for them to spend 100m+ on players like Robinho, Adebayor and others, only to flog them for half the price when it didn't work out. Then they start the process again.

In terms of their players being attainable for us, you have to look at wages. I'm sure we could have afforded a transfer fee but some of their players are on twice as much as a comparative player from our squad. We have money but I don't think we can afford to hand out blank cheques.
Agreed, and one point I feel is often missed is that it's not just about the work they're doing / money they're spending on assembling their own squad - you also have to factor in the disruption and damage they cause to other teams who don't have their spending power (like us), when they come sniffing around their players. I have no doubt we could have assembled a similar group of players over the last 8-9 years (probably for a lot less money), but it's very difficult to keep them together and build a challenging side of your own when agents are whispering in their ears all season long about how they can double or treble their money at City, Chelsea, PSG, etc? Instead of being able to strengthen each summer and take your team to the next level, you end up running just to stand still, as you have to waste all your time replacing departing players, and trying get a new group up to the same standard as the last one!

[Özim]

City only won the title because Liverpool bottled it and Chelsea didnt have decent strikers. You can spend as much time as you want overanalysing why things happen. You conveniently forget that we beat Liverpool a week after they'd hammered us in the league and we'd only drawn with United midweek plus they were all over us so regardless of how you see it that victory took tremendous amount of psychological strength to get through. Same with Wigan, the team that had taken three premier league scalps on the way to the semis after the defeat to Everton we were rock bottom confidence wise and yet when it came to penalties they were dispatched with consummate ease.
I don't think Wenger is the man to take us forward but my problem with people like you is that you hold Wenger in such contempt that you obscure facts to fit your opinions. I am frustrated and exasperated with a season of missed opportunity but unlike you I don't think everything Wenger has done has been shit and if he wins us the cup this season, fair play to him.

Liverpool bottled it, that's true I don't disagree and IMO it taints this title win somewhat for City because they weren't wholly deserving.

Yes we beat Liverpool though from memory that game was close and could have gone the other way, we were at home however and at home you'd expect us to have the advantage, I'm not sure it needed mental strength, we dont struggle in games like this, where we struggle is when we get closer to the winning line and play top sides. Wigan should have been a walk in the park, they're in the Championship and only got through because City didn't turn up, in the end it took penalties, which are lets face it luck of the draw, we barely earnt the result.

A win's a win and god do we need one, but I don't think this changes anything about regarding our mental problems, the league has proved this. Winning the cup changes little for me, because ultimately in the league we've totally bottled it again and proved that once again Wenger is incapable of producing a side strong enough to come through when things get tough, we've had enough of him now to know that.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

On the other hand, agents will be whispering in the ears of those players in the first place about how they can double or triple their money at Arsenal or Liverpool. That's what happens to the clubs a level down from ourselves, if they have any sort of success they have to replace a whole tranche of players. Just look at Southampton. Even Dortmund found their best players being picked off and they have to somehow do it again. The same will probably be the case for Atletico, and they could feasibly do the double this season.

Also, regarding other posts, I'm not sure we bottled anything. "Bottling" is just a lazy excuse and means you don't actually have to analyse what went on. We were never "in control" and one game ultimately changed everything. If one game can have such a bearing then there isn't much to bottle. Come Palace, it was out of our hands. City's games in hand made it look like we were running away with it when actually there were only a matter of a couple of points ever in it; both City and yourselves had far bigger leads over us at points during the season. We needed to essentially win near-enough half a league season in a row just to stand a chance, that was always improbable. Newcastle under Keegan was bottled. Not every loss is "bottled".

[I am invisible]

I honestly don't know how to read some of his recent comments? He talks about only wanting 2 or 3 players, and, at the same time says that he sees keeping the team together as a priority, so do we take that to mean a) that he wants 2 or 3 players on top of the squad as he sees it now (which includes players like Sagna, Fabianski and Vermaelen, who, at this moment, are still Arsenal players), and that if anyone leaves then we'll be after more than that, or b) that he only wants 2 or 3 players to come in, regardless of who goes out? If it's the former, then it might just be enough (although I'd still like to see a little extra on the 'ins'), but if it's the latter then we're pretty much screwed. Surely it has to be the former, doesn't it?

[Flavs]

I can see us having a clear out this summer. Sagna, Vermaelen, Fabianski, Miyachi, Podolski, Djorou, Diaby, Park, Bendtner, Couqelin.

I can then see some of the fringe coming into the 1st team squad to pad it out. Gnarbry and Campbell are obvious, I also think Martinez will get promoted to 2nd choice keeper unless we can get a free transfer from somewhere and I think Miguel will come in as 3rd or 4th center half.

We would then need a right back, a central defender, a tackling midfielder and a striker. whether these are no names, squad filler, 1st teamers or stars remains to be seen.

Remy being in the crowd at the West Brom game must surely mean he will come in.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Djourou has already left i believe, i believe a deal was done for him to join Hamburg on a permenant basis and it will go through once the transfer window shutters come up.
Wenger's relationship with Bendtner is at the point where he refuses to even acknowledge his existence
Can't see Diaby going, Wenger is too stubborn to admit he has been wrong with him (to be fair i half sympathise as i think he would have been an excellent player for us if he'd stayed fit but the fact is he's a crock and in this game you need to be ruthless.
Miyachi, Coquelin, Park etc will go out on loan again (when Park is on 50k a week you can't get him to leave on a permenant deal because no club in their right mind is going to match that wage)
Sagna is gone and the perceived wisdom is that the deal is pretty much done and dusted to bring in his replacement (Serge Aurier)
Vermaelen has been frozen out of the side and i would be suprised if he's still with us in September, Podolski is 50/50

[Özim]

I honestly don't know how to read some of his recent comments? He talks about only wanting 2 or 3 players, and, at the same time says that he sees keeping the team together as a priority, so do we take that to mean a) that he wants 2 or 3 players on top of the squad as he sees it now (which includes players like Sagna, Fabianski and Vermaelen, who, at this moment, are still Arsenal players), and that if anyone leaves then we'll be after more than that, or b) that he only wants 2 or 3 players to come in, regardless of who goes out? If it's the former, then it might just be enough (although I'd still like to see a little extra on the 'ins'), but if it's the latter then we're pretty much screwed. Surely it has to be the former, doesn't it?

Usually this means 2-3 players regardless of who leaves, that's the problem, if 2-3 players leave, 2-3 players isn't enough.

[Globalgunner]

Usually this means 2-3 players regardless of who leaves, that's the problem, if 2-3 players leave, 2-3 players isn't enough.

A squad who were not good enough to win the league, or making a dent in the CL surely needs more than a tweak. Then again, for me the main problem with the squad isnt actually the squad. 4th at a pinch next year, but only if one of the other 4 has a Moyes like catastrophic season next year.

[Power n Glory]

On the other hand, agents will be whispering in the ears of those players in the first place about how they can double or triple their money at Arsenal or Liverpool. That's what happens to the clubs a level down from ourselves, if they have any sort of success they have to replace a whole tranche of players. Just look at Southampton. Even Dortmund found their best players being picked off and they have to somehow do it again. The same will probably be the case for Atletico, and they could feasibly do the double this season.

Also, regarding other posts, I'm not sure we bottled anything. "Bottling" is just a lazy excuse and means you don't actually have to analyse what went on. We were never "in control" and one game ultimately changed everything. If one game can have such a bearing then there isn't much to bottle. Come Palace, it was out of our hands. City's games in hand made it look like we were running away with it when actually there were only a matter of a couple of points ever in it; both City and yourselves had far bigger leads over us at points during the season. We needed to essentially win near-enough half a league season in a row just to stand a chance, that was always improbable. Newcastle under Keegan was bottled. Not every loss is "bottled".

Exactly. It's nothing new. That's what used to happen to City but now their at the top of the food chain. It's impossible to grow organically and I'm not sure how FFP will help the smaller clubs like Southampton. If they can only rely on their resources, how are they going to expand? They need to rethink the rules.

But you guys 'bottled' the league. Whatever you want to call it, it was a screw up. I'd be pissed if Arsenal did that to us.

[Power n Glory]

I can see us having a clear out this summer. Sagna, Vermaelen, Fabianski, Miyachi, Podolski, Djorou, Diaby, Park, Bendtner, Couqelin.

I can then see some of the fringe coming into the 1st team squad to pad it out. Gnarbry and Campbell are obvious, I also think Martinez will get promoted to 2nd choice keeper unless we can get a free transfer from somewhere and I think Miguel will come in as 3rd or 4th center half.

We would then need a right back, a central defender, a tackling midfielder and a striker. whether these are no names, squad filler, 1st teamers or stars remains to be seen.

Remy being in the crowd at the West Brom game must surely mean he will come in.

We should keep Coquelin. Seems like a very good little player that never had a run of games. It's risky to give chances to young players, but I'd rather we did that over spending on a cheap player that's out of their depth when they arrive.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Exactly. It's nothing new. That's what used to happen to City but now their at the top of the food chain. It's impossible to grow organically and I'm not sure how FFP will help the smaller clubs like Southampton. If they can only rely on their resources, how are they going to expand? They need to rethink the rules.

But you guys 'bottled' the league. Whatever you want to call it, it was a screw up. I'd be pissed if Arsenal did that to us.

To be fair, I think Wenger would have played for a draw against Chelsea at home in the same situation

[I am invisible]

On the other hand, agents will be whispering in the ears of those players in the first place about how they can double or triple their money at Arsenal or Liverpool. That's what happens to the clubs a level down from ourselves, if they have any sort of success they have to replace a whole tranche of players. Just look at Southampton. Even Dortmund found their best players being picked off and they have to somehow do it again. The same will probably be the case for Atletico, and they could feasibly do the double this season.
Yeah, of course. I'm not saying that it doesn't go on all throughout the game at different levels - I'm just saying that I disagree with this idea that City's money isn't quite as big of an advantage as we make it out to be. My personal view is that's it's every bit the advantage that it's made out to be, and probably more besides - not only can they casually build squad's that the rest of us can only dream of (which benefits them not only in terms of quality on the pitch, but also in terms of freshness and fitness across the season), but they can also systematically pick apart (or at least disrupt) a lot of their rivals at the same time.