January Transfer Speculation and Shit

[Niall_Quinn]

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/01/25/25072BF500000578-2925406-image-a-1_1422183603596.jpg

Looks like a James Bond villain. Hope he's a vicious dirty bastard, we need one of those.

[Master Splinter]

Looks like a James Bond villain. Hope he's a vicious dirty bastard, we need one of those.

Arteta will be instantly punished for his sins though.

On top of Gabriel being booked for his every first tackle.

[Niall_Quinn]

Gabriel Paulista has been granted a UK work permit, clearing the path for him to complete an £11.2million switch to Arsenal.
The Villarreal defender is completing his medical and provided the procedure doesn't flag up any issues, the 24-year-old will seal his move to the Emirates on Monday.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Home office :bow:

Continue to do this country proud :bow:

[KSE Comedy Club]

Is that his leaving present he's holding? :shrug:

#Gutted :lol:

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Would like to see some legs on the Destro rumour.....apparantly Spuds are sniffing around too ( unlike Scum to be interested in someone we are.....!!!)

Rumours of DM apart from BM utility player has dried up do reckon Wenger is in bed with Coq :sick:

[Niall_Quinn]

Liverpool are said to be ready to battle with a host of other leading teams to land Arsenal youngster Chuba Akpom.

According to the Star, Akpom is stalling on a fresh deal at the Emirates and has alerted European sides and a number of Premier League teams, one of which is thought to be Liverpool.

Akpom is out of contract in the summer and came off the bench in Arsenal's 3-2 FA Cup win over Brighton at the weekend. He has been offered pre-contract talks with Borussia Dortmund and Dutch sides FC Twente and Feyenoord - according to Eurosport.

Akpom, who joined Arsenal at the age of six, is still some way down the pecking order at Arsenal with Danny Welbeck, Olivier Giroud, Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott ahead of him.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/11371247/Liverpool-transfer-news-and-rumours-Reds-set-to-make-stunning-bid-for-Arsenal-striker-Chuba-Akpom.html

[AFC Leveller]

Arsenal face a battle to hold on to striker Chuba Akpom. FC Twente, Borussia Dortmund and Feyenoord are poised to make pre-contract offers for the player who has just six months left on his current deal. He also interests Manchester City, Everton, Liverpool and Spurs.

[fakeyank]

Arsenal face a battle to hold on to striker Chuba Akpom. FC Twente, Borussia Dortmund and Feyenoord are poised to make pre-contract offers for the player who has just six months left on his current deal. He also interests Manchester City, Everton, Liverpool and Spurs.

I like the look of this kid... I think we should hold on!!

[The Emirates Gallactico]

I like the look of this kid

Calling Operation Yewtree!!

[Dein-machine]

Typical Wenger - dragging out Paulista signing. What's the betting it gets confirmed 30 mins from transfer deadline to make us feel like we've done well again. Reality is we need top players to compete, the signing of Sanchez proves that. Without him we'd be a mid table team. Instead we get a Polish kid & an uncapped player in his mid 20's. Apparently we in for Schniederlin in the summer. Why not do the deal now, he's not cup tied for C.L., improves our starting 11 & weakens a top 4 challenger.

[fakeyank]

I think Paulista is a great signing IMO. He seems like a great defender. We dont need to be signing the Maldini's of the world to prove we are world beaters. Kos is a great example of money well spent. Frankly I am content with the spending this window... Ideally I would like to have a Defensive midfielder signed but I also see the lack of availability as a factor.

Schniederlin could cost a fortune right now and dare I say that I think we can ride out the remainder of the season with Coq and Ramsey/Flamini playing in that role. In the summer it'll be a must to clear deadwood like Flamini, Arteta, Diaby and bring in a promising DM and a full back.

[Gooner23]

Id rather stick with Coquelin for time being of it means getting a better DM on the summer.

[Dein-machine]

I think Paulista is a great signing IMO. He seems like a great defender. We dont need to be signing the Maldini's of the world to prove we are world beaters. Kos is a great example of money well spent. Frankly I am content with the spending this window... Ideally I would like to have a Defensive midfielder signed but I also see the lack of availability as a factor.

Schniederlin could cost a fortune right now and dare I say that I think we can ride out the remainder of the season with Coq and Ramsey/Flamini playing in that role. In the summer it'll be a must to clear deadwood like Flamini, Arteta, Diaby and bring in a promising DM and a full back.

I think you are suffering from Wengeritus - the cost difference between buying Schneiderlin now or in the summer against finishing lower in the league & maybe missing out on C.L money.
When our competitors need improvements they buy them - they don't keep waiting until the next transfer window.

[Grebbo]

I think you are suffering from Wengeritus - the cost difference between buying Schneiderlin now or in the summer against finishing lower in the league & maybe missing out on C.L money.
When our competitors need improvements they buy them - they don't keep waiting until the next transfer window.

You're forgetting that you can only buy a player if his club is willing to sell. Southampton have already shown that they will not sell Schneiderlin now. Why would they? They're 4th in the league and made a bunch of cash in the summer.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

You're forgetting that you can only buy a player if his club is willing to sell. Southampton have already shown that they will not sell Schneiderlin now. Why would they? They're 4th in the league and made a bunch of cash in the summer.

:lol:

#areyouarsenalindisguise

[Dein-machine]

You're forgetting that you can only buy a player if his club is willing to sell. Southampton have already shown that they will not sell Schneiderlin now. Why would they? They're 4th in the league and made a bunch of cash in the summer.

when have Southampton shown they will not sell Schneiderlin? - they are a selling club - just look at last summer. They would have sold for the right money & we're not talking Pogba money.

[Dein-machine]

by the way more fantastic news - Arteta has signed a new contract :yawn:

[Marc Overmars]

1 year extension apparently.

No DM this summer. :rose:

[Bumble]

1 year extension apparently.

No DM this summer. :rose:

start to worry if Diaby is given a new contract. Arteta probably will accept a lesser role as he is getting older and useful to have experience around if you look at Rosicky.

although if we don't bring a proper DM in then that could be a bit naughty

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Diaby out of contract
Flamini sold
Arteta as reserve
Coq cup games
New DM for league/CL

Sounds good.

[Globalgunner]

Diaby given vocational training to become a car detailer
Flamini sold to Everton
Arteta put to pasture
Coq cup games
Scez sent for psycho-analysis
Rosicky given a new contract and coaching duties with the kids
New DM for league/CL

Sounds better.
Thats more like it

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Tbf the Arteta deal seemed to have been sorted out prior to Coq's emergence. Don't think it's a bad deal, because like Rosicky he brings great experience and commitment to the squad and I've also heard he's fantastic off the field. Future coach material. Obviously we still need to get a world class DM but I don't think the two things are mutually exclusive.

Also reading some of your posts, some of you guys have way too optimistic opinions of Schniderlin. Don't get me wrong, he's a fantastic player who would improve our team immediately and I'd love for us to get him in the summer but one of the reasons he does look so good is because he has Wanyama and Davis alongside who (especially the former) contribute heavily to defending and snuffing out opposition attacks. Here he would be alongside (most likely first XI) Ramsey and Ozil who aren't as defensively oriented and capable (especially Ozil). Unless we play like we did against City in most games, I don't think he'll be as effective as he is there tbh.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Or perhaps he'd be even more effective here because we need a DM in the side and as he'd be the main one he'd be crucial in our setup?

[Syn]

Tbf the Arteta deal seemed to have been sorted out prior to Coq's emergence. Don't think it's a bad deal, because like Rosicky he brings great experience and commitment to the squad and I've also heard he's fantastic off the field. Future coach material. Obviously we still need to get a world class DM but I don't think the two things are mutually exclusive.

Also reading some of your posts, some of you guys have way too optimistic opinions of Schniderlin. Don't get me wrong, he's a fantastic player who would improve our team immediately and I'd love for us to get him in the summer but one of the reasons he does look so good is because he has Wanyama and Davis alongside who (especially the former) contribute heavily to defending and snuffing out opposition attacks. Here he would be alongside (most likely first XI) Ramsey and Ozil who aren't as defensively oriented and capable (especially Ozil). Unless we play like we did against City in most games, I don't think he'll be as effective as he is there tbh.

Its a fair point but theyve needed a few deeper midfielders because they're usually put under pressure more than we are. Despite Southampton conceding less, teams sit back far more against us than against Southampton.

I've been calling on us to sign Schneiderlin for over 2 years now, I've seen him when he's not with Wanyama, and he's still very solid. He reads the game as well as Koscielny and better than Matic. He gets forward a bit more for Southampton because they don't have our attacking quality, but he'll sit deep for us. Ramsey's defensive work is also great - he's not fully fit atm. Schneiderlin and Ramsey is a central midfield we can take to Stamford Bridge and over power them.

[Dein-machine]

Tbf the Arteta deal seemed to have been sorted out prior to Coq's emergence. Don't think it's a bad deal, because like Rosicky he brings great experience and commitment to the squad and I've also heard he's fantastic off the field. Future coach material. Obviously we still need to get a world class DM but I don't think the two things are mutually exclusive.

Also reading some of your posts, some of you guys have way too optimistic opinions of Schniderlin. Don't get me wrong, he's a fantastic player who would improve our team immediately and I'd love for us to get him in the summer but one of the reasons he does look so good is because he has Wanyama and Davis alongside who (especially the former) contribute heavily to defending and snuffing out opposition attacks. Here he would be alongside (most likely first XI) Ramsey and Ozil who aren't as defensively oriented and capable (especially Ozil). Unless we play like we did against City in most games, I don't think he'll be as effective as he is there tbh.

But this is where the wonders of Wenger come into play. We are known for being more of an attacking team than Saints, they would definatley look to 4-2-3-1 to suit their strengths. In the past mid table & lower teams could use this formation to be defensively strong & try to nick games by the odd goal. After the summer they had, when they were everyone's favourite for the drop you can't blame Koeman for adopting a system that made him defensivley strong.
However, I firmly believe that in order for us to compete for the title we also need to adopt 4-2-3-1. If we had the right players ( which we currently don't) to operate this then a manager buying Schneiderlin to be 1 of the 2 DM's would have to make sure his partner was suitable. However, our problem would be that Wenger would opt for 4-1-4-1 or 4-1-3-2 because of the way he likes to play. Schneiderlin would then be less effective defensively & would not be able to get forward as much which he often does to great effect for Saints.
The real issue for football purists like Wenger is that 4-2-3-1 only really suggests goals being created or scored by 4 outfield players, often up against 7/8 defenders. The only answer is to have real quality in those 4 positions with good options off the bench. You must also have one of the DM's pushing forward to add options & therefore he has to be a quality player in the final 3rd aswell - a bit like a Fabregas (why the f--k didn't we resign him/).
There can be no room in this formation for a Giroud or a Welbeck who simply don't have the ability. You need the likes of a Sanchez, Aguero, Hazard, Silva to perform consistently, especially against the big boys. Cazorla on current form & Ramsey on last years would suffice.
We have too many inconsistent players like Wiltshire, walcott, Ox, Ramsey (this year) Giroud, Ozil, Welbeck. When you know at least 2 of these will have poor games every other week you need more players in attack in order to create chances.
But to get much closer to the Chavs & Gypos next year we should adopt 4-2-3-1, buy Scheiderlin & a Wanyama type ( maybe Coq will grow into the role), buy Reus to play with Sanchez & Cazorla in the 3 & buy Cavani/Suarez to put up top.

[Dein-machine]

Just heard from a "Gooner in the know" - the only other Jan transfer thats likely is Joao Periera, Valencia right back - another one i'm not to familiar with. No DM's & no strikers, not sure where all this Destro rubbish is coming from.

[Syn]

i reckon none of you (inc. myself) could recognise when we play a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-1-4-1. We supposedly played a 4-2-3-1 when we were leading the league last season but that was with Ramsey being box-to-box and getting forward at every opportunity. We just beat Man City, apparently with a 4-1-4-1 with Coquelin being the only one to stop them playing between the lines. Goes to show 2 things: 1) the importance of a physically strong, smart DM - Coquelin seems to be a mix of Arteta and Flamini. And 2) Ramsey, when on form, does the work of 2 players. His fitness levels are unbelievable. We just need him to get fit.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Just heard from a "Gooner in the know" - the only other Jan transfer thats likely is Joao Periera, Valencia right back - another one i'm not to familiar with. No DM's & no strikers, not sure where all this Destro rubbish is coming from.

Who is he? How do you know him?

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

And nice to see people U-turning and agreeing with what I've been saying for years. There is still a need for a strong DM in the modern game.

I seem to remember the exact same posters arguing otherwise.

[fakeyank]

I think you are suffering from Wengeritus - the cost difference between buying Schneiderlin now or in the summer against finishing lower in the league & maybe missing out on C.L money.
When our competitors need improvements they buy them - they don't keep waiting until the next transfer window.

I am one of Wenger's biggest critics, so it will take a lot for me to suffer from that dreaded disease. I just do not think Schneiderlin is a realistic option because Southampton will hold onto him at least till the end of the season. They could very realistically finish 4th and he is one of the linchpins. Why would they sell now!?!
Even when we were a selling club not too long ago, we never sold our main players in January.. I cannot see Southampton doing that either. Let's move ahead with what we have and be glad Wenger at least signed an up and coming defender. Lord knows, he couldve resigned Kallstrom and Bischoff!

[Syn]

And nice to see people U-turning and agreeing with what I've been saying for years. There is still a need for a strong DM in the modern game.

I seem to remember the exact same posters arguing otherwise.

Who's that?

God you're a tedious little shit.

[Letters]

And nice to see people U-turning and agreeing with what I've been saying for years. There is still a need for a strong DM in the modern game.

I seem to remember the exact same posters arguing otherwise.

Needless to say, you've had the last laugh

http://www.51allout.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Alan-Partridge-with-mug.jpg

[Dein-machine]

Who is he? How do you know him?

Academy coach at Colney - no names as he will often feed me a bit of inside info. Used to play with him in my youth & he's a good friend. Apparently if it happens, it will be typical last day drama for us. Player wants it, we want him, no real issue on the money - simply Valencia thinking about whether they need to sell or not. If they say no, we will NOT up our offer, so then its Bellerin & Chambers until DeBouch is back.

[Dein-machine]

Who's that?

God you're a tedious little shit.

Pretty harsh - I don't even remember Letter's being called that - but I could be wrong

[Niall_Quinn]

Campbell has signed a new deal with us.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Academy coach at Colney - no names as he will often feed me a bit of inside info. Used to play with him in my youth & he's a good friend. Apparently if it happens, it will be typical last day drama for us. Player wants it, we want him, no real issue on the money - simply Valencia thinking about whether they need to sell or not. If they say no, we will NOT up our offer, so then its Bellerin & Chambers until DeBouch is back.

I can't see us signing another RB. We have 2 players there as you say, plus debuchy to come back.

Nah.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Pretty harsh - I don't even remember Letter's being called that - but I could be wrong

:lol:

[Injury Time]

Campbell has signed a new deal with us.
Who? :unsure:

[Niall_Quinn]

Who? :unsure:

The coloured fella

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

:lol:

[Grebbo]

when have Southampton shown they will not sell Schneiderlin? - they are a selling club - just look at last summer. They would have sold for the right money & we're not talking Pogba money.


Errr 5 months ago when Spurs were desperate for him. He even kicked off on Twitter when Southampton wouldn't sell him to Spurs.

He's their best player and they've got a bunch of cash from last summer and are doing really well in the league. They're not going to sell him in Jan.

[Gooner23]

Errr 5 months ago when Spurs were desperate for him. He even kicked off on Twitter when Southampton wouldn't sell him to Spurs.

He's their best player and they've got a bunch of cash from last summer and are doing really well in the league. They're not going to sell him in Jan.

This ☝

[selassie]

I like the look of this kid... I think we should hold on!!

Me too, think he could develop into a gem. I hope we keep him.

[Bumble]

Does anyone think its worth trying to sign Fletcher on a free for DM, as Arteta and Wilshere are out for a while so a lot rests of Coqs hands. Always thought he was a good player with a good attitude, although he is still coming back from his illness. Don't think its a huge risk but just would give us an option in the middle.

[Dein-machine]

Does anyone think its worth trying to sign Fletcher on a free for DM, as Arteta and Wilshere are out for a while so a lot rests of Coqs hands. Always thought he was a good player with a good attitude, although he is still coming back from his illness. Don't think its a huge risk but just would give us an option in the middle.

Yes, but only to make Gabriel feel less insecure about his looks. If he can't get a game for the worst Utd team in decades he shouldn't be anywhere near getting into our team. I say shouldn't but Wenger in charge it could happen.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Does anyone think its worth trying to sign Fletcher on a free for DM, as Arteta and Wilshere are out for a while so a lot rests of Coqs hands. Always thought he was a good player with a good attitude, although he is still coming back from his illness. Don't think its a huge risk but just would give us an option in the middle.

Definitely not, the cost of getting a plumber in alone....let alone the amount we'd have to spend on air fresher and glade plug ins

[Munchies]

Chelsea apparently very close to signing Cuadrado for £25m

[Marc Overmars]

Another good player who'll never be heard from again then.

[fakeyank]

Does anyone think its worth trying to sign Fletcher on a free for DM, as Arteta and Wilshere are out for a while so a lot rests of Coqs hands. Always thought he was a good player with a good attitude, although he is still coming back from his illness. Don't think its a huge risk but just would give us an option in the middle.

If he gets paid for appearances and not a proper salary, I think its a good idea.. experienced and a much better DM than Flamini and Arteta.

[Marc Overmars]

Darren Fletcher is a ten a penny player who wouldn't have had even a fraction of the career he's had without Fergie's input.

He'd be shit for us and everyone else tbh. Might as well keep Flamini.

No more stop gaps please, we need someone who can anchor our midfield for the next 5 years at least.

[Dein-machine]

Darren Fletcher is a ten a penny player who wouldn't have had even a fraction of the career he's had without Fergie's input.

He'd be shit for us and everyone else tbh. Might as well keep Flamini.

No more stop gaps please, we need someone who can anchor our midfield for the next 5 years at least.

This. The ONLY way forward for us now is to buy quality players specialized in the position we need. We can argue all night about what Wenger has actually achieved in the last decade but even the true Wengerites on here cant dismiss the fact that we have many positions in our supposed starting line up where we don't have true, consistent quality. Goalkeeper, both full backs (not seen enough of Debauchy to know if he's that good), CB to partner Kos, DM, Proper clinical striker. That's 6 positions out of 11 where I'm not sure we have players equal in quality to most of our opponents - that in itself in simply inexcusable after all Wengers years at the club & ofcourse the main reason we don't compete.

[fakeyank]

This. The ONLY way forward for us now is to buy quality players specialized in the position we need. We can argue all night about what Wenger has actually achieved in the last decade but even the true Wengerites on here cant dismiss the fact that we have many positions in our supposed starting line up where we don't have true, consistent quality. Goalkeeper, both full backs (not seen enough of Debauchy to know if he's that good), CB to partner Kos, DM, Proper clinical striker. That's 6 positions out of 11 where I'm not sure we have players equal in quality to most of our opponents - that in itself in simply inexcusable after all Wengers years at the club & ofcourse the main reason we don't compete.

To be expecting 11 world class players is expecting too much. We are not Real Madrid or Barcelona! I agree on the full backs and the CDM aspect where we look thin but we have great players spread out throughout the squad- Sanchez, Cazorla, Oxlade, Kos, Ramsey, Rosicky. They are well supported by players like Coq (flavor of the month), Walcott, Welbeck, Giroud, Per and Gibbs.

Frankly speaking, I do not see any problems with our squad... the problem is how we are setup by our manager. Our squad, if set up well, can easily be challenging for titles. An example of this was our win over Man City. Its all about tactics and man management in football. If you play mindless football with zero tactics, even the World XI will fail! IF Wenger can keep his head out of the arse and actually coach this football team and set them out to win, then we can be very successful!

[AFC Leveller]

To be expecting 11 world class players is expecting too much. We are not Real Madrid or Barcelona! I agree on the full backs and the CDM aspect where we look thin but we have great players spread out throughout the squad- Sanchez, Cazorla, Oxlade, Kos, Ramsey, Rosicky. They are well supported by players like Coq (flavor of the month), Walcott, Welbeck, Giroud, Per and Gibbs.

Frankly speaking, I do not see any problems with our squad... the problem is how we are setup by our manager. Our squad, if set up well, can easily be challenging for titles. An example of this was our win over Man City. Its all about tactics and man management in football. If you play mindless football with zero tactics, even the World XI will fail! IF Wenger can keep his head out of the arse and actually coach this football team and set them out to win, then we can be very successful!

agree with you, esp on the 2nd paragraph.

The city game will hopefully be the wake up call we needed. We'll know more when we play Spuds next week.

[Power n Glory]

:lol: How many wake up calls have we had?

[fakeyank]

:lol:

Tbf, I am very hopeful about this one. Even when we were leading the league last season or won the FA Cup, I did not see anything that made me feel we were tactically good or we played our best players in their best positions. The City game was tactically the best game I have seen us play since the CL run in 2006. To go from his clueless ways to something that resembled like actual tactics gives me hope.

I am expecting to be disappointed though..

[AFC Leveller]

:lol: How many wake up calls have we had?

well, the word "false dawn" has been mentioned too lany times over the years when we've looked like changing for the better but the win against man city was unprecendated in so many ways and wenger admitting the players more or less chose the way we played will hopefully push us on properly this time.

[Power n Glory]

Unprecedented is a bit strong. I've seen the players do the same against Chelsea when we put them to the sword. We've had solid performances against Bayern, Dortmund and even Barca. These games happen once in a while.

[Xhaka Can’t]

:lol: How many wake up calls have we had?

Wenger likes the snooze button even more than I do.

[fakeyank]

Unprecedented is a bit strong. I've seen the players do the same against Chelsea when we put them to the sword. We've had solid performances against Bayern, Dortmund and even Barca. These games happen once in a while.

I would disagree slightly about those matches. Bayern were snoozing through the entire second leg and against Barca when we won at Emirates, Barca had chances to be out of sight many times during the game. They just didnt have an end product... it was a great match but we didnt dominate that match at all. Not sure which Dortmund match you are talking about... this season 2-0? They have been so shit that it shouldnt be the biggest surprise!

Against City, we totally bossed the game. We restricted them to only one chance in the game.. every time we had the ball, we looked dangerous and for a change, I was not fearful when they had the ball.. we looked compact in our defense and midfield. It was like watching another team!!

[Niall_Quinn]

Wenger likes the snooze button even more than I do.

mmmmm, snooze but-on.

I have my snooze interval set at 23 hours 59 mins 59 seconds.

[Xhaka Can’t]

I would disagree slightly about those matches. Bayern were snoozing through the entire second leg and against Barca when we won at Emirates, Barca had chances to be out of sight many times during the game. They just didnt have an end product... it was a great match but we didnt dominate that match at all. Not sure which Dortmund match you are talking about... this season 2-0? They have been so shit that it shouldnt be the biggest surprise!

Against City, we totally bossed the game. We restricted them to only one chance in the game.. every time we had the ball, we looked dangerous and for a change, I was not fearful when they had the ball.. we looked compact in our defense and midfield. It was like watching another team!!

Yeah, none of the games we won really count.

[Marc Overmars]

Too early to assess whether the penny has dropped with tactics, it's hard to use a solitary game as an indicator. We've got Spurs away next week - so go and do it again I say.

We've been through these purple patches before only fail at the business end, so in my books this team will prove what they're about in the Spring and not a second sooner.

[Power n Glory]

I would disagree slightly about those matches. Bayern were snoozing through the entire second leg and against Barca when we won at Emirates, Barca had chances to be out of sight many times during the game. They just didnt have an end product... it was a great match but we didnt dominate that match at all. Not sure which Dortmund match you are talking about... this season 2-0? They have been so shit that it shouldnt be the biggest surprise!

Against City, we totally bossed the game. We restricted them to only one chance in the game.. every time we had the ball, we looked dangerous and for a change, I was not fearful when they had the ball.. we looked compact in our defense and midfield. It was like watching another team!!

It was a convincing victory but it's a bit of a stretch to say it's unprecedented. We've beaten the biggest and best before. The team have had games where it seems like they've corrected all those niggling flaws that hold us back and have us fans complaining all season. It used to be a case where we'd only show up for the big teams but really drop off a level against lower teams. We've seen it all here. Performing at a consistent high level is our problem.

Also, if we had all our players fit, I seriously doubt Wenger would have selected that line up. Can you imagine if Arteta, Ramsey and Wilshere would have started instead with Ozil playing wide, Cazorla on the bench and Coquelin not even included? Or worse, Arteta and Flamini playing in the middle? There are still questions hanging over Wenger's squad selection and the fact is, injuries have forced him to play guys like Cazorla and Coquelin. How Ramsey found himself starting against City over Rosicky should be a warning sign.

[Dein-machine]

To be expecting 11 world class players is expecting too much. We are not Real Madrid or Barcelona! I agree on the full backs and the CDM aspect where we look thin but we have great players spread out throughout the squad- Sanchez, Cazorla, Oxlade, Kos, Ramsey, Rosicky. They are well supported by players like Coq (flavor of the month), Walcott, Welbeck, Giroud, Per and Gibbs.

Frankly speaking, I do not see any problems with our squad... the problem is how we are setup by our manager. Our squad, if set up well, can easily be challenging for titles. An example of this was our win over Man City. Its all about tactics and man management in football. If you play mindless football with zero tactics, even the World XI will fail! IF Wenger can keep his head out of the arse and actually coach this football team and set them out to win, then we can be very successful!

I never mentioned 11 world class players - I said "quality" players. For example I think Kos is a quality defender but not necessarily world class. We start games with Merts, Arteta, Flamini, Giroud who in my mind would not strengthen teams at the bottom of the league. Non of these would be of any interest to City, Utd or Chelsea, so how can we play them when we're trying to compete.
I agree that Wenger is a huge problem to us with the lack of tactical nous but a tactical genious can only work with the players he has. Someone trying to play fast attacking football with the need to protect the back 4 against counter attacks & the need to have a striker with the ability & brain to play fast intricate stuff around the box cannot compete week in week out with the likes of Arteta, Flamini, Giroud, Welbeck - simply not possible. That is why I go back to my original point, to play our brand of football & still compete you have to have quality in every position. How many of the Chelsea starting 11 would we be interested in, most of whom didn't cost what Ozil did so don't go down the money excuse. Compare that to how many of our players that would want in their starting line up.

[Dein-machine]

well, the word "false dawn" has been mentioned too lany times over the years when we've looked like changing for the better but the win against man city was unprecendated in so many ways and wenger admitting the players more or less chose the way we played will hopefully push us on properly this time.

But how do get into a situation where we have a manager who after a decade of "false dawns" learns that he needs to change tactics to suit the opponents, but only after his players seem to have suggested it. I'll tell you what - Let give him a new contract on £8 mill a year! - it really is that unbelievable.

[Master Splinter]

Reporter: "Will you do any transfer business before the end of the window?"

Wenger: "If I wake up in the morning, somebody stands in front of my door and is an exceptional player, we will open the door."


:haha:

[Dein-machine]

But this is exactly the way he thinks. He still believes top players want to & should go out of their way to play for Arsenal - why!. Our problem is the opposite, we normally lose of top players because they realise that Wenger is happy with the mediocrity that now runs through the club & certain supporters.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

But how do get into a situation where we have a manager who after a decade of "false dawns" learns that he needs to change tactics to suit the opponents, but only after his players seem to have suggested it. I'll tell you what - Let give him a new contract on £8 mill a year! - it really is that unbelievable.

33 minutes and still no reply from Letters.

Can someone check if he's alive?

[Dein-machine]

33 minutes and still no reply from Letters.

Can someone check if he's alive?

:d - he's fine. He's been spotted in the shrine he built in his garden working on his latest statue of Wenger.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

But how do get into a situation where we have a manager who after a decade of "false dawns" learns that he needs to change tactics to suit the opponents, but only after his players seem to have suggested it. I'll tell you what - Let give him a new contract on £8 mill a year! - it really is that unbelievable.

It's about this man being as stubborn as a mule, when the media, fans or even his own coaching team suggest it he dismisses it out of hand, but when it comes to his players a few of whom are better paid than him get to together and ask for it, he has to begrudgingly acquiesce

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

:d - he's fine. He's been spotted in the shrine he built in his garden working on his latest statue of Wenger.

:lol: I need to take my dog for a walk there.

[Dein-machine]

It's about this man being as stubborn as a mule, when the media, fans or even his own coaching team suggest it he dismisses it out of hand, but when it comes to his players a few of whom are better paid than him get to together and ask for it, he has to begrudgingly acquiesce

He is all of that but the real blame must lie with the board who continue to worship him & allow him to get away with it. He should have gone into his last contract negotiations in no position to bargain. He has under achieved to the expectations of the club & what was promised following the Emirates move, for far too long. With the players & spending power we have most semi-decent managers could be getting the results we do & finishing where we do.
Conditions should have been put in his contract to make him spend proper money in the areas needed & to change his attitude to the way we play the top teams. His principles would have made him refuse to guarantee this, which then should have resulted in someone opening the door for him on his way out.

[Niall_Quinn]

:d - he's fine. He's been spotted in the shrine he built in his garden working on his latest statue of Wenger.

He's gone to Vegas on a fact finding mission for the Department of Homeland Fridge and Lunch Box Inspections.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Happy Jim White day everyone!

:scarf:

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Happy "we won't be signing anyone as a panic measure on deadline day because we actually got our business done ahead of time and any major reinforcements can probably wait until the summer" day.

[Niall_Quinn]

Happy "apparently we're signing a left back today" day.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Happy "potentially signing a player in a position that doesn't need strengthening" day

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Anyway whose the left back? Mings the Merciless?

[Niall_Quinn]

Happy "supposedly we are doing it anyway" day. Some Valencia guy .

[AFC Leveller]

Happy "supposedly we are doing it anyway" day. Some Valencia guy .

i thought he was a RB?

anyway happy "little bit someone knocks on my door to offer me a special player" day.

[AFC Leveller]

Happy "supposedly we are doing it anyway" day. Some Valencia guy .

He's signed for Hannover btw.

[Niall_Quinn]

He's signed for Hannover btw.

Happy "that was good while it lasted" day.

[Master Splinter]

We're signing a 30 year-old right-back when we just signed Debuchy and Chambers and Bellerin has broken through?

Transfer moronics :bow:.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

We have been linked with promising Austrian Born, German midfielder Adolf Hitler, although he can play on the left he is predominantly a right winger.

Although currently out of contract he is currently Berlin based (residing in an elaborate underground domicile with his girlfriend)

He started off in the German league before expanding into the Austrian Bundesliga and then Poland, however a winter transfer move to a club in Moscow fell through.

In the same way Franz Beckenbauer was called "The Kaiser" this promising individual is known as "The Fuhrer"

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

As much as Sky are trying to big it up, this transfer window has been a bit shit.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

As much as Sky are trying to big it up, this transfer window has been a bit shit.

The January Transfer window is a load of shit, it encourages managers (cough Wenger) not to get their business done the previous summer

Lambert to Villa eh?....anyone coming in to Anfield?...Ings, Jackson Martinez....

[GP]

Aaron Lemon to Everton.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

CARLTON COLE ARRIVES AT WEST BROM.

SSN.

Earth shattering I say.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Millwall have signed Jordan Archer from Spuds. On loan.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Jim White is there but no Natalie Sawyer?

:haha:

Been usurped by Kate Abdo.

[Marc Overmars]

Pub team deadline day. :lol:

Roll on summer.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Jim White is there but no Natalie Sawyer?

:haha:

Been usurped by Kate Abdo.

Hayley's showing a decent rack mind.....

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Boobs. :bow:

Davide Santon to Inter on loan.

[Marc Overmars]

Apparently Sky banned fans from surrounding the reporters. :doh:

There goes at least 50% of the fun. The other 50% being made up of Jim White's Goldberg entrance and Sawyers tits which are also missing.

Deadline day for what it was and not what it became. :rose:

[Niall_Quinn]

Millwall have signed Jordan Archer from Spuds. On loan.

:yikes:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Nearly the last hour, I'll watch it. Or fall asleep during it, not decided yet.

[Niall_Quinn]

Even 'Arry hasn't earned any backhanders today.

Sky :haha:

[Niall_Quinn]

Merse's eyes have been glued wide open.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Yawn.

[Niall_Quinn]

Barry Bannon to Palace headlining on Sky right now.

[Niall_Quinn]

Chuffed I haven't watched any of this today.

[Niall_Quinn]

It's all going to happen in the next hour - according to Sky.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

60 minutes will happen in the next hour.

SSN.

[Niall_Quinn]

Eisfeld went to Fulham who have now loaned him out again? When did we get rid of him? Thought he was the next next big thing?

[Niall_Quinn]

The little delay they have between the studio and the reporters on location is making it even more low key. Hilarious flop.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

A transfer deadline day without Arsenal fans swearing, cussing Wenger and fighting one another. We're sitting back calm.

This. Is. Weird.

[Niall_Quinn]

A transfer deadline day without Arsenal fans swearing, cussing Wenger and fighting one another. We're sitting back calm.

This. Is. Weird.

Sitting back calm on the back of 5 wins on the spin and all our players back from injury. It's twilight zone.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Merse's eyes have been glued wide open.

Yeah, 'glued'.

[Niall_Quinn]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B8271oeIAAAFRez.jpg

[Xhaka Can’t]

It's all going to happen in the next hour - according to Sky.

Nah, Wenger's doorbell is broken.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

David Gold saying don't go to bed.

That can't be for Adebayor? He'll be at Leyton Orient next.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Why sign Carlton Cole? Why sign Darren Fletcher?

[Niall_Quinn]

Why sign Carlton Cole? Why sign Darren Fletcher?

Sky paid them.

[Niall_Quinn]

Matt Dunne to Sheff Utd :faint:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Sky paid them.

I'd buy a shit player if I was being prompted to I guess.

Nigel Quashie. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Why is this berk still at the Emirates?

[Niall_Quinn]

Arsenal office slammed shut. Sky reporter still outside though, reporting nothing will happen :haha:

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Sky paid them.

:haha: :haha: :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Lennon to Everton.

Zaha at Palace (where he already was).

Both confirmed.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Sky building up deadline day and it turning out to be atrocious :haha:

Absolutely delighted it turned out this way.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Sod this, sleeping it is.

[Niall_Quinn]

Don't go to bed! Pleeeeeeease. It's all due to happen in the last 10 mins! Honest!

Come back!

???

:getcoat:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I did, only to be told the 'Ammers have failed to sign Ade. :lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

How much cash has Sky blown on this shit today?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Feels less than I have.

[Niall_Quinn]

1 minute until the non-transfer window SLAMS SHUT!

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Jim White trying to make Adebayors deal sound interesting :haha:

[Niall_Quinn]

It's all going to happen in the last 5 seconds!

[Niall_Quinn]

Window SLAMS SHUT

Open season on Sky begins

[Niall_Quinn]

They've moved to Scotland :haha:

Non-transfers can happen there up until midnight.

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

Well what an absolute disaster that was.

Briliant.

[Niall_Quinn]

Looks like Sawyer picked the right day to give up Deadline Day.

#skylaughingstock #deadasadododay

[Munchies]

How do Chelsea get these big fees for their unwanted players?

Bertrand for £10m? :wacko:

[AFC Leveller]

How do Chelsea get these big fees for their unwanted players?

Bertrand for £10m? :wacko:

Corruption, simple. they have sold dross like Louise, Schurle, De Bruyne and Bertrand for 112 m!

[selassie]

Corruption, simple. they have sold dross like Louise, Schurle, De Bruyne and Bertrand for 112 m!

To be fair..De Bruyne and Schurrle are very good young players IMO. De Bruyne has been superb for Wolfsburg, he's tearing up Bundesliga and the Belgium National team. Schurrle is a good player too, he's done pretty well for the Chavs when called upon and looked very good in the World Cup for the Germans, they are both victims of the Chavs system.

I'll give you Louise and Bertrand though, how they got the fees for those guys is a mystery, also they got massive money for Mata...though United were absolutely desperate at the time for a signing.

[Globalgunner]

I am absolutely convinced the Luiz sale was a scam executed by both clubs to doctor the books. Nobody in his right mind would pay 50m for that flop headed card magnet

[She Wore A Yellow Ribbon]

:lol:

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

I am absolutely convinced the Luiz sale was a scam executed by both clubs to doctor the books. Nobody in his right mind would pay 50m for that flop headed card magnet

Don't know, PSG were under the microscope for FPP so I can't see what they'd have had to gain by it. I think some clubs just have more money than sense, I think they mistakenly believed he was world class and got buyers remorse when they saw him in the World Cup.

[AFC Leveller]

Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom will sign a new four-and-a-half-year contract to keep him at the club until 2019.
Akpom would have become a free agent in the summer and a host of Premier League and foreign clubs had shown a strong interest in signing the 19-year-old.

David Ornstein, BBC.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

To be fair..De Bruyne and Schurrle are very good young players IMO. De Bruyne has been superb for Wolfsburg, he's tearing up Bundesliga and the Belgium National team. Schurrle is a good player too, he's done pretty well for the Chavs when called upon and looked very good in the World Cup for the Germans, they are both victims of the Chavs system.

I'll give you Louise and Bertrand though, how they got the fees for those guys is a mystery, also they got massive money for Mata...though United were absolutely desperate at the time for a signing.

I would tend to agree. I don't think Betrand is a bad full back either as much as Coutinho is boss dreads him signing for Liverpool....

How much he is worth to any given team is somewhat arbitrary though....

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

I would tend to agree. I don't think Betrand is a bad full back either as much as Coutinho is boss dreads him signing for Liverpool....

How much he is worth to any given team is somewhat arbitrary though....

Tbf I dread pretty much everyone signing for us.

And when I don't, I probably should.

[Niall_Quinn]

How do Chelsea get these big fees for their unwanted players?

Bertrand for £10m? :wacko:

As Arseblog put it:


I’m not suggesting there’s anything fishy about the kind of money Chelsea get for the players they sell but there’s something fishy about the kind of money they get for the players they sell.

[fakeyank]

Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom will sign a new four-and-a-half-year contract to keep him at the club until 2019.
Akpom would have become a free agent in the summer and a host of Premier League and foreign clubs had shown a strong interest in signing the 19-year-old.

David Ornstein, BBC.

Great news.. now need to tie down Le Coq!

[Injury Time]

Great news.. now need to tie down Le Coq!

...and that's when operation You Tree (sic) turned their attention to fake yank...