Summer Transfer Speculation and Shit.

[Power n Glory]

Personally don't trust Wenger with anything to do with transfers. Utd paid £19 mill for De Gea who was young & improving. Chelsea would have spent £20+ to get Courtois (if they didn't already own him) again young & improving. If Perrin is valued at £20 mill then it would suggest he's already much better than a Fabianski or an Ospina. Why does every buy have to turn into a bad one. Spuds £8 mill on Lloris looks like great business for a keeper who hit the ground running. £8 for Lloris with his whole career ahead of him or if sold a healthy profit to buy quality again. We are paying more than that for a 33 year old who can only go downhill, hasn't played much in a year & with no re-sale value.

Spurs signed Lloris yonks ago. Very harsh to penalise Wenger for a signing made so long ago. He's finally addressing the goalkeeper issue so why bring up past signings that happended 4/5 years ago?

If you don't trust Wenger with signings I doubt you'd cut him any slack for spending £20m on a keeper that's developing and if he had the sort of seasons De Gea had for Utd when first arriving, you wouldn't praise the purchase.

33 isn't old for a keeper. Young keepers getting first team action is very rare. When we signed Lehman and when Utd signed Van der Sar, they were older signings compared to Cech. I don't know what the problem is. I'm often criticak of Wenger mistakes but this isn't one of them. Seems like you'rd take every opportunity to beat him down with whatever decision he makes. It just gives ammunition to guys like Letters who thinks their is an agenda against Wenger.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11670/9893621/arsenal-agree-163109m-fee-for-chelseas-petr-cech-sky-sources-say

£10.9 million fee say the esoteric 'Sky Sources'.

Not bad.

[Marc Overmars]

Good bit of business.

Now get a striker and midfielder.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Liverpool to sign Firmino says the SSN bar.

I guess signing 9388944884 players in one window last season wasn't enough.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Liverpool to sign Firmino says the SSN bar.

I guess signing 9388944884 players in one window last season wasn't enough.


I'm sure he'll make a great right wing back.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Moreno. :lol:

How many signings would that be for Liverpool already...five?

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Moreno. :lol:

How many signings would that be for Liverpool already...five?

Yep, the full Booker T already.

Though tbf one of those is a young CB who won't be seen for a few decades and one is a backup goalie so won't be seen either even though his hair actually glows in the dark. Plus we actually have players leaving this summer instead of just piling them on for depth. For my money we're still due an actual right back and a proper striker.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Spurs signed Lloris yonks ago. Very harsh to penalise Wenger for a signing made so long ago. He's finally addressing the goalkeeper issue so why bring up past signings that happended 4/5 years ago?

If you don't trust Wenger with signings I doubt you'd cut him any slack for spending £20m on a keeper that's developing and if he had the sort of seasons De Gea had for Utd when first arriving, you wouldn't praise the purchase.

33 isn't old for a keeper. Young keepers getting first team action is very rare. When we signed Lehman and when Utd signed Van der Sar, they were older signings compared to Cech. I don't know what the problem is. I'm often criticak of Wenger mistakes but this isn't one of them. Seems like you'rd take every opportunity to beat him down with whatever decision he makes. It just gives ammunition to guys like Letters who thinks their is an agenda against Wenger.

Well considering you have said yourself that you don't trust Wenger to spend money, when you then say this isn't a terrible piece of business....you definitely mean it.

And for what it's worth i agree

[Gooner23]

Great signing if it goes through, can't think of many better prem proven keepers on the market. 10 mil is a bargain if it helps us challenge for the league over next couple of seasons. Get another DM and a forward and we're laughing.

[Gooner23]

Yep, the full Booker T already.

Though tbf one of those is a young CB who won't be seen for a few decades and one is a backup goalie so won't be seen either even though his hair actually glows in the dark. Plus we actually have players leaving this summer instead of just piling them on for depth. For my money we're still due an actual right back and a proper striker.

Brenton loves signing players, he's the new 'Arry

[Power n Glory]

Well considering you have said yourself that you don't trust Wenger to spend money, when you then say this isn't a terrible piece of business....you definitely mean it.

And for what it's worth i agree

Oh yeah, this is a no brainer. Experienced, Prem ready, can only play one position....these are the type of signings you just can't blame Wenger for if they turn out to be a complete dud. I'd be livid if we spent a good chunk of our budget on some young untested keeper that will take a few years to find his form. By the time he's ready, our CB's will be on their way out and we need to be building a championship ready team right now. Can always be in the position where we're one or two players away from contending. Take too long to replace and improve we'll always be a couple of players away. I'd take this sort of signing over the Chamber's, Welbeck's and Giroud's.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Also sorry to the token Liverpool guy on here, but i think that's 29m that Rodgers has just spunked up the wall for you.....Firmino has scored 7 Bundesliga goals this season, just three since the winter break....his record since joining Hoffenheim in 2011 is 35 goals in 130 appearances not exactly prolific.
Should have gone for Bacca or Rondon.

[Marc Overmars]

Isn't this Firminho bloke an attacking midfielder? Sterling's replacement probably.

29m though. :lol:

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Isn't this Firminho bloke an attacking midfielder though? Sterling's replacement probably.

my understanding was that he was a deep lying forward in the Rooney Mould

[Dein-machine]

[QUOTE=Power_n_Glory;464256]Spurs signed Lloris yonks ago. Very harsh to penalise Wenger for a signing made so long ago. He's finally addressing the goalkeeper issue so why bring up past signings that happended 4/5 years ago?

If you don't trust Wenger with signings I doubt you'd cut him any slack for spending £20m on a keeper that's developing and if he had the sort of seasons De Gea had for Utd when first arriving, you wouldn't praise the pur

33 isn't old for a keeper. Young keepers getting first team action is very rare. When we signed Lehman and when Utd signed Van der Sar, they were older signings compared to Cech. I don't know what the problem is. I'm often criticak of Wenger mistakes but this isn't one of them. Seems like you'rd take every opportunity to beat him down with whatever decision he makes. It just gives ammunition to guys like Letters who thinks their is an agenda against Wenger.[/QUOTE

What are you thinking about when you say it's harsh to penalise Wenger for signings made long ago - we haven't had decent keeper since Seaman, please explain who's fault that is. No DM since Gilberto, no striker since RVP but whatever we do let's not blame the bloke who's job it is to buy these players

[Fist of Lehmann]

my understanding was that he was a deep lying forward in the Rooney Mould
With any luck Brodge will play him as a wingback.

Supposed to be a very good player though.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

And therein lies the difference between a Wengerophobe and a WUM.
Some people have such advanced Zim's disease they just refuse to see the good in anything we do any more. It's so tiresome.
Sign him and it'll be the first time we've had a really top class 'keeper since Seamen (my jury was always out on Lehmann, he could be brilliant but wasn't consistent)
Yes, he's getting on but 'keepers can perform well into their 30s, we could get 4 or 5 good years out of him.
Whatever you think about Wenger, what's not to like about this?
Totally agree on Lehmann though it's off topic.... He wasn't nearly consistent to garner the praise he gets at times....

How much does Wenger earn?

The scrawny paedo child catcher blind frog munching did not zee it rapper fucking cunt deserves no more than 50 pounds for delivering fourth place trophy imo.

I chortled my ribena out of my nose reading that....

Anyway, nice deal, seemingly about to be done early doors.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Also sorry to the token Liverpool guy on here, but i think that's 29m that Rodgers has just spunked up the wall for you.....Firmino has scored 7 Bundesliga goals this season, just three since the winter break....his record since joining Hoffenheim in 2011 is 35 goals in 130 appearances not exactly prolific.
Should have gone for Bacca or Rondon.
I'll be honest I don't know enough about him to be annoyed or excited but from what I've read he's a #10 who can play across the front line and likes a dribble. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if we did go for one of Rondon or Bacca and if the combined fee came to about the same as what we get for Sterling.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Firminho does seem like a good move from the Scousers considering their situation. Good stats, the right age and seems to have a lot of genuine quality.

Has the potential to explode like a Suarez but isn't established or proven enough yet for the bigger regular CL playing clubs like us to target, i.e. - the best type of player they can attract right now. They've overpaid certainly but they've got no choice right now.

Think he'll ultimately end up doing well though it'll take a season or two for him. Bigger problem though for them as Maccy alluded to is the high number of in-comings they're making yet again. No matter how early they come in it's going to take time for that number of players to settle.

[Dein-machine]

Someone pick me up - we've made a signing and its not even August yet. Is it Cech, is it Martinez, is it Schneiderlain - No, its Vlad Dragomir, a 16 year old midfielder from the European powerhouse of ACS Timisoara.

[Power n Glory]

[QUOTE=Power_n_Glory;464256]Spurs signed Lloris yonks ago. Very harsh to penalise Wenger for a signing made so long ago. He's finally addressing the goalkeeper issue so why bring up past signings that happended 4/5 years ago?

If you don't trust Wenger with signings I doubt you'd cut him any slack for spending £20m on a keeper that's developing and if he had the sort of seasons De Gea had for Utd when first arriving, you wouldn't praise the pur

33 isn't old for a keeper. Young keepers getting first team action is very rare. When we signed Lehman and when Utd signed Van der Sar, they were older signings compared to Cech. I don't know what the problem is. I'm often criticak of Wenger mistakes but this isn't one of them. Seems like you'rd take every opportunity to beat him down with whatever decision he makes. It just gives ammunition to guys like Letters who thinks their is an agenda against Wenger.[/QUOTE

What are you thinking about when you say it's harsh to penalise Wenger for signings made long ago - we haven't had decent keeper since Seaman, please explain who's fault that is. No DM since Gilberto, no striker since RVP but whatever we do let's not blame the bloke who's job it is to buy these players

We’ve just signed a decent keeper. It makes no sense to talk about a keeper we missed out on 4/5 years ago. Wenger’s in charge and he’s made a lot of blunders in the transfer market but some of the stuff you’ve said over the past few days about our policy makes no sense. We’d be repeating the same mistakes we made years which is what you’re blasting Wenger for now.

Stuff like this….

most of our scouts have defected to Spurs over the past few years ( because of pay & Wengers running of the academy ) & we don't seem to have replaced them, so lets nick their ideas for a change & buy for the future.

We also have to think of Zelalem & the young Polish lad. If they are ever going to given a chance they need to replace the likes of Arteta & Rosicky as back up midfielders.

But how will we know when Bielek & Zelalem are ready for the 1st team? - Rooney was playing for Everton at 16, Messi for Barca at 17, Ronaldo in Portugal the same. They were given their chances because they didn't have 2 or 3 old farts ahead of them who had already had plenty of time to claim a 1st team spot. Why do we always seem to think players are too young under 20 when the two very best players in the world were given their chance in their teens.
You do realise those same scouts that went to Spurs are probably the same guys that found Denilson, Bendy, Flappy and Chesney? You do realise this is how Chesney got his chance in the first team and why we didn’t sign a player like Lloris in the first place? This is the type of thinking that falls into line with Wenger’s biggest blunders and why players like Denilson and Sanogo get way too many games. The stuff we blame him for. He bought young and gave them game time to aide their development which hindered our title chances.

The GK and DM problems you mention are direct results of project youth and a policy you’re now saying we should resort back to. Yes, we may find gems like Coquelin and Bellerin but young players are inconsistent. We’ve seen it. Putting too much faith in their development and guaranteeing them game time is what’s kept us from reaching our full potential during the Cesc era. I don’t want to see a repeat of Wenger doing Reyes type signings and splashing huge sums on players that might not ever live up to the price tag. We need a balance of youth and experience.

[Letters]

Someone pick me up - we've made a signing and its not even August yet. Is it Cech, is it Martinez, is it Schneiderlain - No, its Vlad Dragomir, a 16 year old midfielder from the European powerhouse of ACS Timisoara.

Probably older than Fabregas was when we signed him :shrug:
For every Fabregas there's going to be several Denilsons of course, but nothing wrong with signing some young prospects so long as it's not all we do.

[dostoy]

I don't think we are going to sign Jackson Martinez as he is going to Atletico Madrid.

If we get Aubameyang I will be very happy, that's who I said on here weeks ago was who we need.

It looks like we are going to sign Cech which I am not happy about and its going to take a lot of getting used to.

[Dein-machine]

Probably older than Fabregas was when we signed him :shrug:
For every Fabregas there's going to be several Denilsons of course, but nothing wrong with signing some young prospects so long as it's not all we do.

Agreed - its just when you go onto a transfer site & see the headlines Arsenal make 1st signing - its always a bit of a downer to find its a 16 year old Vampire.

[Power n Glory]

Weren't you just saying we should be giving under 20s a chance and getting rid of old players like Rosicky?

[Dein-machine]

Weren't you just saying we should be giving under 20s a chance and getting rid of old players like Rosicky?

Yes, for the squad - when i see transfer news I expect it to be for players that will come straight into our starting 11. If we are to compete with Chelsea next year we need to strengthen the spine of our team with quality. As I've said before thanks to the manager that you feel I am too harsh on we don't have a quality keeper (yet), proven DM & goalscorer - which unlike you concerns me, bearing in mind he's the longest serving manager in the game.

[Power n Glory]

Yes, for the squad - when i see transfer news I expect it to be for players that will come straight into our starting 11. If we are to compete with Chelsea next year we need to strengthen the spine of our team with quality. As I've said before thanks to the manager that you feel I am too harsh on we don't have a quality keeper (yet), proven DM & goalscorer - which unlike you concerns me, bearing in mind he's the longest serving manager in the game.

No, I feel your argument on Cech is harsh and your ideas are all over the place. Cech is too old, this guy is too young, we need to able to challenge for the title next year but you're willing to spend big money on a young player that's first team ready but may need a few seasons in the first team to adapt and develop (Like De Gea). You see how that's confusing.

[Dein-machine]

No, I feel your argument on Cech is harsh and your ideas are all over the place. Cech is too old, this guy is too young, we need to able to challenge for the title next year but you're willing to spend big money on a young player that's first team ready but may need a few seasons in the first team to adapt and develop (Like De Gea). You see how that's confusing.

Its not harsh - I have stated that Cech is better then what we have, so ofcourse this should be a plus. However, if Utd had taken the same line & bought an older experienced keeper instead of De Gea, then they'd be worse off now. If you want players that are better than what we have in certain positions but not as good as what our competitors have then you'll probably get your top 4 place for years to come. My point is - if we want to seriously compete for the title with Chelsea we need a Courtois instead of a Cech in the same way we need a Costa instead of a Giroud. This signing will simply mean it'll be another 5 years without a top keeper that can improve - all the while Cech getting older & slower, making more errors.

[Dein-machine]

[QUOTE=Power_n_Glory;464287]No, I feel your argument on Cech is harsh and your ideas are all over the place. Cech is too old, this guy is too young, we need to able to challenge for the title next year but you're willing to spend big money on a young player that's first team ready but may need a few seasons in the first team to adapt and develop (Like De Gea). You see how that's confusing.[/QUOTE

Your argument seems to be based on you thinking than young signings will automatically result in disaster. Who's the keeper of the European Champions, how old is he.

[Dein-machine]

I don't think we are going to sign Jackson Martinez as he is going to Atletico Madrid.

If we get Aubameyang I will be very happy, that's who I said on here weeks ago was who we need.

It looks like we are going to sign Cech which I am not happy about and its going to take a lot of getting used to.

Not really seen enough of Aubameyang - is he a good finisher or is he just a quicker Danny Welback?

[Power n Glory]

[QUOTE=Power_n_Glory;464287]No, I feel your argument on Cech is harsh and your ideas are all over the place. Cech is too old, this guy is too young, we need to able to challenge for the title next year but you're willing to spend big money on a young player that's first team ready but may need a few seasons in the first team to adapt and develop (Like De Gea). You see how that's confusing.[/QUOTE

Your argument seems to be based on you thinking than young signings will automatically result in disaster. Who's the keeper of the European Champions, how old is he.

Were you watching Arsenal during the Cesc era by any chance? The youth policy Wenger would 'champion' in every interview. It's like you've blocked out that era. Crazy.

[Marc Overmars]

I think Aubameyang would be perfect for us. Could easily play across the front 3 and is just coming off the back of his most prolific season to date, 26 goals which is pretty good considering Dortmund were struggling for half the season.

He's Theo but with more composure.

[Dein-machine]

[QUOTE=Dein-machine;464289]

Were you watching Arsenal during the Cesc era by any chance? The youth policy Wenger would 'champion' in every interview. It's like you've blocked out that era. Crazy.

I love the way you can't answer a question - just incase you missed it - Who's the keeper for the Champions of Europe & how old is he?

[Power n Glory]

[QUOTE=Power_n_Glory;464291]

I love the way you can't answer a question - just incase you missed it - Who's the keeper for the Champions of Europe & how old is he?

Who the heck are you talking about now? Barca's keeper or Chelsea's? It's irrelevant. I'm not saying there are no good young players. I'm pointing out the young players we've signed in the past and how they've turned out. I don't trust Wenger to throw huge sums at untested players unless they have a solid record behind them and it's clear as day that they'll be spectacular. Just take a look at young Callum Chambers as an example.

Edit: And I'm not saying Chambers is spectacular.

[Dein-machine]

[QUOTE=Dein-machine;464293]

Who the heck are you talking about now? Barca's keeper or Chelsea's? It's irrelevant. I'm not saying there are no good young players. I'm pointing out the young players we've signed in the past and how they've turned out. I don't trust Wenger to throw huge sums at untested players unless they have a solid record behind them and it's clear as day that they'll be spectacular. Just take a look at young Callum Chambers as an example.

Edit: And I'm not saying Chambers is spectacular.

Erm - Champions of Europe, that'll be Barca. Just pointing out that young keepers don't automatically result in failure as opposed to 33 year olds who will only ger worse not better.
Who's talking about young players throughout the team. You like stating facts made in other posts, so you will see the one where I stated that in my opinion only Kos, Santi, Ozil, & Sanchez were players that we would find it hard to improve on based on last year form. These are not our younger players. A good young keeper coming in, like a Perrin, with the experience of Merts & Kos infront of him has just has much chance to hit the ground running as he has of being another dud. We've had dud keepers for years coz we've spent no more than £3 mill on any of them - if Perrin costs £10 mill plus then theres a good chance he'll be more like a De Gea or a Lloris because thats what you get for your money.

[Power n Glory]

:doh: De Gea didn't hit the ground running! Barca's attack is so potent they can take risks at the back as well.

Do Barca really have the best keeper in the world? Debatable.

How much did we spend on Callum Chambers and did he hit the ground running?

[Dein-machine]

:doh: De Gea didn't hit the ground running! Barca's attack is so potent they can take risks at the back as well.

Do Barca really have the best keeper in the world? Debatable.

How much did we spend on Callum Chambers and did he hit the ground running?

:lol: - When did i say hes the best keeper in the world.

But the young keeper at Barca has hit the ground running, as did Lloris. Some do, some don't. Sanchez did, Di Maria didn't - you can go on & on. But your suggestion is that buying youth is dangerous. My suggestion is buying "quality" youth that wiii improve is better than buying "quality" Aged players that will only go downhill. You may be after a quick fix but thats not what I want for this football club. You have absolutely no idea that Cech will have a better season for us next year than say a Perrin would - as I cannot guarantee that Perrin would be any better than Cech - but if they both had a similarly good season, who is the better bet.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

I personally don't see the problem in signing Cech, most likely has another five years in him....and if we keep Szczesny hopefully someone who we have seen has potential if not maturity will have come of age (some keepers reach their peak early, some don't until their thirties).

Cech has the experience, and after years of cheap end stop gaps and potential that hasn't made it, it seems like a good move.

[Power n Glory]

:lol: - When did i say hes the best keeper in the world.

But the young keeper at Barca has hit the ground running, as did Lloris. Some do, some don't. Sanchez did, Di Maria didn't - you can go on & on. But your suggestion is that buying youth is dangerous. My suggestion is buying "quality" youth that wiii improve is better than buying "quality" Aged players that will only go downhill. You may be after a quick fix but thats not what I want for this football club. You have absolutely no idea that Cech will have a better season for us next year than say a Perrin would - as I cannot guarantee that Perrin would be any better than Cech - but if they both had a similarly good season, who is the better bet.

For starters Sanchez is 26! That’s not a young player in development. He’s hitting his prime and we’re getting his best years. Di Maria is 27!

And did Callum Chambers hit the ground running when we paid £16m for him? Extend that question to any Arsenal player that we’ve bought that’s in their early 20s or younger? A lot of our young players have failed to hit the heights and it’s not as if it’s down to a lack of trying. We’ve been trying to develop young players that are ready for the first team.

We’ve bought talented players that do very well at youth level but never quiet hit the heights in the first team (Lupoli, Quincy, Bendy, Aliadiere), we’ve poached players from academies with good reps for developing players like Barca (Fran Merida, Miquel, Cesc) and Southampton (Chambers, Walcott, Ox) and invested in young British talent (Gibbs, Wilshere, Ramsey)….we’ve even bought young talented overseas players and loaned them out before kicking a ball for us just so they can earn a VISA (Vela, Campbell, Wellington Silva and Ryo).

We’ve been trying for over 10 years and only produced one player that comes close to being considered a World Class player. We’ve paid small fees and we’ve paid big fees. What does that say? I really don’t think we’re that good at developing exceptional word class talent and I’m against Wenger going out and pissing our transfer funds up the wall. If you can’t be trusted with the very least you shouldn’t be trusted with more. Unless we’re going for a world renowned wrecking machine that’s been killing it at first team level for a couple of seasons, I’m against such moves. I’m not saying players A, B, C won’t amount to much in their career, I’m just saying they won’t amount to much here at Arsenal under Wenger’s reign. We don’t have the time for it. Finish off the job on Gibbs, Ox, Wilshere, Walcott and co and then we’ll talk.

That’s me done on this subject.

[Niall_Quinn]

You said: but never quiet hit the heights

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Isn't this Firminho bloke an attacking midfielder? Sterling's replacement probably.

29m though. :lol:

Probably.

The fee seems to be (Ben Smith and SkySports to quote two) £21/2m rising to £29m in add ons, which seems more reasonable than a straight up fee.

We're gonna win the league! :scarf:

[GP]

Probably.

The fee seems to be (Ben Smith and SkySports to quote two) £21/2m rising to £29m in add ons, which seems more reasonable than a straight up fee.

We're gonna win the league! :scarf:

Which one?

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Which one?
Vanerama National.

A trophy's a trophy.

[fakeyank]

Cech deal to be completed next week when he will undergo his medical. Wonder why the medical is taking this long..

[Globalgunner]

Cech deal to be completed next week when he will undergo his medical. Wonder why the medical is taking this long..

It takes 3 days just to remove his headgear. I guess.

[Syn]

Probably.

The fee seems to be (Ben Smith and SkySports to quote two) £21/2m rising to £29m in add ons, which seems more reasonable than a straight up fee.

We're gonna win the league! :scarf:

Its the right profile of signing. Established world class is for Man Utd, Chelsea and Man City. Liverpool have to spend big on young, big potential and hope they turn into Suarez very quickly.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/arsenal-transfer-news-morgan-schneiderlin-odds-on-joining-gunners-slashed-10343241.html Schneiderlin back on?

[Marc Overmars]

He would be an ideal signing. I think only Matic made more successful tackles than Schneiderlin last season.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Not that I'm opposed to Schinderlin as a player but I'm starting to believe that Wenger's not interested.

He issued basically issued a public "come and get me plea" last month saying he wanted CL football and yet no one's made any noticeable move since then. Think it would have been done by now if Wenger really wanted him; seems an easy transfer to wrap up.

It either goes to what I was saying before about Wenger being reluctant to have two players of the same nationality compete for the same position or possibly Wenger having his eyes on someone better (Vidal??).


EDIT - Waits for Gaizids to announce this signing tomorrow. :rolleyes:

[The Emirates Gallactico]

More Koscienly to Real shit. Apparently they're going to table a 21 million bid with him set to replace the departing Ramos. :lol:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/real-madrid-plot-21million-bid-5943221

Fuck off you clowns.

Give us Varane, Bale and 100 million and then we'll start talking. :coffee:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I've said for some time that were Wenger genuinely interested he's have signed him years ago...

[Power n Glory]

I can't see us signing another central midfield player. We've got youth and experience all covered in that department in Wenger's eyes.

I think he has decisions to make on our strikers and right winger position. He has big decisions to make on Giroud, Walcott and Welbeck.

[AFC Leveller]

I can't see us signing another central midfield player. We've got youth and experience all covered in that department in Wenger's eyes.

I think he has decisions to make on our strikers and right winger position. He has big decisions to make on Giroud, Walcott and Welbeck.

Out of the three you mentioned, i just cannot see Wlbz being anything other than a squad player. He is still young i know but the problem is he hasnt shown any kind of consistancy for us or Man ure and seems to lack belief in himself. Giroud has been fairly consistant for the last 2 years and Theo, before his injury, was providing assists and chipping in with goals on a regular basis so i dont think we should worry about him too much.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

I don't know, I consider 18-23 young....Welbeck is 25 this year....doesn't qualify as a youngster to me

But I agree he's a squad player only, his eight goals last season was a derisory total

I still haven't heard confirmation over whether Arteta has signed a contract extension, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he goes. Also hope Flamini goes (he signed a two year extension, but like Rosicky he has the option to take on a third season)
If we want to challenge for the title we can umm and err over a top quality central midfielder and a 25+ goal a season striker, but me thinks that what Wenger will do, money is no longer the issue its a case of being ruthless with the dead wood.

[Niall_Quinn]

Alexis and Vidal were brilliant against those brutal Uruguayan thugs last night. Vidal is a tough, fearless bastard, he's skilful, dirty, can take big hits, good with both feet, great in the air and he was still running just as hard as Alexis after 98 minutes against 11 (then 10, then 9) prison inmates.

Or put another way - this guy will pulp Mikel and smash Cattermole, or run rings around them. Either's just as good.

Let's put a can't turn it down bid into Juve and get this guy the minute he arrives back from winning the Copa. We've been looking for Vieira's replacement for a decade. Here he is.

[Power n Glory]

I just don’t see us signing a central midfielder. I’d love to see it happen but we’ve never spent serious money on a CM. We went through this speculation last season with Khedira, we had the speculation with M’Villa, Lars and Sven Bender, Yaya Toure…it’s a long list. When comes to the crunch we never sign an established powerhouse that could really change our fortunes around. As long as we have Wilshere and Ramsey, I don’t see that changing.

As for Welbeck, it’s make or break for him. Maybe training with the squad in summer will improve his game but I think he’s been a waste of money. £16m is a lot of money. We paid less than £10m for Giroud and we’re getting a very good return considering the price.

[Niall_Quinn]

Probably right. But if by some miracle Wenger twigs and discovers you can rotate the team and pick the starting eleven based on the match and the opposition it's more than possible to take advantage of every player while having a rock solid core. If we're signing Cech then that's the first element of the core. Kos is the second. I can't imagine Schneiderlin is in the same league as Vidal so no screwing around, get the best and that's the third element. Finally the fourth, the top tier striker. Then we have a squad that wins the league and competes in Europe. We already know what we have and how it won't be enough so that needs to change and therefore Wenger needs to change. Is he still dicking around or is he serious this time? It can be done, just needs the commitment from the guys who have final say.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

I'm not sure I rate Arturo Vidal, he seems to be one of these players that does better for his national side than he does at club level.
He was all over the place in the champions league final, and there is the issue of totalling his car as well, we need leaders on the pitch not irresponsible pricks.

[Özim]

Wellbeck was a very odd signing, not really a surprise he's not pulling out any trees as he's noone really rate him in the 1st place.

We should have put that money forward for someone else because 16 million is a lot for this guy, especially given he was nothing special at Man U.

[Dein-machine]

I just don’t see us signing a central midfielder. I’d love to see it happen but we’ve never spent serious money on a CM. We went through this speculation last season with Khedira, we had the speculation with M’Villa, Lars and Sven Bender, Yaya Toure…it’s a long list. When comes to the crunch we never sign an established powerhouse that could really change our fortunes around. As long as we have Wilshere and Ramsey, I don’t see that changing.

As for Welbeck, it’s make or break for him. Maybe training with the squad in summer will improve his game but I think he’s been a waste of money. £16m is a lot of money. We paid less than £10m for Giroud and we’re getting a very good return considering the price.

Up until the Ozil signing we hadn't spent heavily in any position. I fear you are correct but I would hope Alexis has proven to Wenger that like most things in life you get what you pay for. Vidal would show serious intent & prove we want to challenge. A Schneiderlein or a Bender is more likely as these players will keep us in the top 4. Its up to Wenger to show us what he really wants. We can only hope Alexis gets in Wenger ear about Vidal.

[Dein-machine]

Probably right. But if by some miracle Wenger twigs and discovers you can rotate the team and pick the starting eleven based on the match and the opposition it's more than possible to take advantage of every player while having a rock solid core. If we're signing Cech then that's the first element of the core. Kos is the second. I can't imagine Schneiderlin is in the same league as Vidal so no screwing around, get the best and that's the third element. Finally the fourth, the top tier striker. Then we have a squad that wins the league and competes in Europe. We already know what we have and how it won't be enough so that needs to change and therefore Wenger needs to change. Is he still dicking around or is he serious this time? It can be done, just needs the commitment from the guys who have final say.

Cech, Vidal & Higuiun - we play 4-1-4-1 against the lesser opponents with full backs told to bomb on to add width, Rambo & Sanchez cutting in from wide midfield rolls, Ozil & Santi pulling the strings with Vidal backing up. Then against the better opposition & away games in Europe we revert to 4-2-3-1, bring in Coq to play alongside Vidal as the 2, Sanchez, Ozil, Rambo/Santi as the 3. Only give Bellerin the license to bomb on because we don't want Rambo or Santi playing too wide. When he goes one of the 2 DM's gives cover.

2 different teams but with only 1 change. In the games where we get a decent lead we should be rotating as much as possible to give others a chance & to rest players but like for like swaps to keep the system in place. Give the quality youngsters like Zelalem & Bielik the chance ahead of the likes of Arteta, Flamini & Rosicky. There is nothing these guys can show us that we havent already seen - we have no idea how good Bielik or Zelalem could be.

[Bumble]

More Koscienly to Real shit. Apparently they're going to table a 21 million bid with him set to replace the departing Ramos. :lol:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/real-madrid-plot-21million-bid-5943221

Fuck off you clowns.

Give us Varane, Bale and 100 million and then we'll start talking. :coffee:
That's greedy, I would just take Bale for Koscielny straight swap.

[Marc Overmars]

United are apparently interested in Sergio Ramos.

[AFC Leveller]

When was the last time AW signed a world class CM? I honestly dont think he ever has! Ozil, Cazorla etc are not CM, they are number 10s so they dont count. Nearly all our CM were either young unknowns or players with potential (Vieira, Edu, Cesc, Flamini, Ramsey, Petit was a LB etc(, i dont think AW want to invest heavily in a CM, esp since we have our fair share already.

[Dein-machine]

When was the last time AW signed a world class CM? I honestly dont think he ever has! Ozil, Cazorla etc are not CM, they are number 10s so they dont count. Nearly all our CM were either young unknowns or players with potential (Vieira, Edu, Cesc, Flamini, Ramsey, Petit was a LB etc(, i dont think AW want to invest heavily in a CM, esp since we have our fair share already.

But you can say that about 9 positions on the pitch. Cech may be on the way but when has he ever signed a world class goalkeeper, or right back, left back, CB etc etc. He bought RVP & Henry who werent world class at the time. The only players acquired during his reign who were world class when we bought them are Ozil & Sanchez, possibly chuck in Arshavin before we ruined him This has only happened in the last few years because he has finally realised that his managerial powers arent quite what he thought they were & he cant compete with mediocre players. Lets wait & see if he has finally seen though Alexis that we need quality to compete.

[AFC Leveller]

But you can say that about 9 positions on the pitch. Cech may be on the way but when has he ever signed a world class goalkeeper, or right back, left back, CB etc etc. He bought RVP & Henry who werent world class at the time. The only players acquired during his reign who were world class when we bought them are Ozil & Sanchez, possibly chuck in Arshavin before we ruined him This has only happened in the last few years because he has finally realised that his managerial powers arent quite what he thought they were & he cant compete with mediocre players. Lets wait & see if he has finally seen though Alexis that we need quality to compete.

We have signed established internationals in all other positions (Lauren, Grimandi, Campbell, Merts, Koscielny (to an extent), Sagna, Silvinho, Nacho, Pires, Freddie etc).

[Power n Glory]

We have signed established internationals in all other positions (Lauren, Grimandi, Campbell, Merts, Koscielny (to an extent), Sagna, Silvinho, Nacho, Pires, Freddie etc).

Arteta is the only CM we’ve spent £10m on. Everyone else has been under. Excluding the Highbury years we’ve been buying really young and developing them into that role. Song, Denilson, Coquelin, Ramsey, Wilshere, Cesc, Flamini....you’re is right, it’s a position he doesn’t want to invest in. It’s not a massive sum of money but he will spend on experienced players in other positions - wingbacks (Monreal, Debuchy, Sagna) CB’s (Kos, Merts, Sol, Verm) attackers (Nasri, Arshavin, Hleb, Cazrola) - but he hasn’t done the same with the DM/CM positions. Arteta is the only one that had some real experience behind him before playing there. Rosicky should have been playing as a CM or AM when he first arrived but was shunted out on the wing.

[Marc Overmars]

Liverpool close to signing Clyne.

[Penguin]

This feels like deja vu with the Khedira debate but... if we did sign Vidal (which we wont) it would be to play alongside Coquelin or another holding midfielder, not as the DM. Vidal has never played as the deepest midfielder as far as I know, and nor should he as it would be a massive waste of his talents. Pirlo plays behind him for Juve sweeping up and giving Vidal the freedom to do his thing. It's the same reason why Vieira and Yaya Toure always had Gilberto and Fernando next to them. They're far too good to be bogged down with too much defensive responsibilities.

It might work if we try to imitate Juve with Santi sitting deep like Pirlo, but they play a 4-3-1-2 formation with another energetic box to box midfielder (Pogba/Marchisio) to make up for it, and even the player at the tip of the midfield puts in a lot of work when they aren't on the ball. Pirlo is a very intelligent player tactically and has been a deep lying CM all his life, whereas Santi has done it for about half a season with Coquelin never leaving his post beside him. It wont work with our personnel or formation.

I'm with PnG, I really can't see Wenger signing a CM this summer.

[Niall_Quinn]

It might work if we try to imitate Juve with Santi sitting deep like Pirlo, but they play a 4-3-1-2 formation with another energetic box to box midfielder (Pogba/Marchisio) to make up for it, and even the player at the tip of the midfield puts in a lot of work when they aren't on the ball. Pirlo is a very intelligent player tactically and has been a deep lying CM all his life, whereas Santi has done it for about half a season with Coquelin never leaving his post beside him. It wont work with our personnel or formation.

Disagree, Ramsey is the box to box midfielder, Alexis will do more work than any two you could pick from the Juve team and Jack/ Santi/ Coq could all play deeper. Jack could rotate with Ramsey, actually there's a whole bunch of possible permutations. We've just got used to seeing Wenger shoehorning his favourites into the starting eleven. If he knocks that on the head and expands his thinking then we have so many possibilities. They may or may not work, but with the talented individuals we have it's worth trying.

[Niall_Quinn]

Apparently Di Maria has an £85mill release clause in his contract :haha:

[Niall_Quinn]

Arsenal have signed the Romania Under-16 captain Vlad Dragomir from ACS Poli Timisoara for €100,000 (£71,000) and he will begin his career at the north London club as a first-year scholar.

That's the midfielder done then.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Yaya Toure was more the holding player for Barca....and it was very hard to see the marauding virtuoso of a player we've now seen at Man City at the time. There are players around who can do both roles and I believe Vidal to be one of them. If if they would say Pogba is the jewel in the crown, most Juve fans would tell you that Vidal has done just as much if not more for them than Pogba has.

The near obsession with Morgan S, who whored himself to Spurs, signing for us and doing the role we need as though he were the only one capable, is slightly odd. That said I struggle to see Wenger signing a CM unless we lose 2 midfielders.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

....and still don't really get the big deal about Aubemyang but maybe I haven't seen him enough. Doesn't seem significantly better than Andre Ayew to the naked eye at times....

[fakeyank]

Yaya Toure was more the holding player for Barca....and it was very hard to see the marauding virtuoso of a player we've now seen at Man City at the time. There are players around who can do both roles and I believe Vidal to be one of them. If if they would say Pogba is the jewel in the crown, most Juve fans would tell you that Vidal has done just as much if not more for them than Pogba has.

The near obsession with Morgan S, who whored himself to Spurs, signing for us and doing the role we need as though he were the only one capable, is slightly odd. That said I struggle to see Wenger signing a CM unless we lose 2 midfielders.

May be Flamini could leave.. along with Diaby, that'd be two CM's. I wouldnt mind losing Arteta either, but I think his presence in the dressing room can be immense.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

May be Flamini could leave.. along with Diaby, that'd be two CM's. I wouldnt mind losing Arteta either, but I think his presence in the dressing room can be immense.

How would you know that?

Doesn't exactly seem like a vocal presence, seems more like a casual knitter to me

[milla]

Gerard Deulofeu for £4.2m is a bargain IMO, brilliant signing for Everton. :coffee:

[GP]

Everton is his level.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

It's also only 4.3 million because there's a punitive buyback clause in there.

[Power n Glory]

Yaya Toure was more the holding player for Barca....and it was very hard to see the marauding virtuoso of a player we've now seen at Man City at the time. There are players around who can do both roles and I believe Vidal to be one of them. If if they would say Pogba is the jewel in the crown, most Juve fans would tell you that Vidal has done just as much if not more for them than Pogba has.

The near obsession with Morgan S, who whored himself to Spurs, signing for us and doing the role we need as though he were the only one capable, is slightly odd. That said I struggle to see Wenger signing a CM unless we lose 2 midfielders.

I think Yaya was playing the same sort of CM role we see him playing now before he moved to Barca. I remember hearing about his passing range and talent whilst playing in Greece and France. Fact tgat he could also play DM was great because we were desperate in that position as well.

Still can't believe we didn't sign him when he left Olympiacos or Monaco. That's when we were first linked with him in the press. I know we had him on trial but he had passport trouble but we should have been able to sign him once he left Ukraine. I don't think Wenger liked his attitude. He's said he could have been an Arseanl player if he was patient. You csn dee at City that he's a character. I'm guessing that's why we never signed him and sent him out on loan like we did with other players.

[fakeyank]

How would you know that?

Doesn't exactly seem like a vocal presence, seems more like a casual knitter to me

Ryan Giggs and Scholes were not much of a vocal presence in the Utd side either, yet SAF attributes having them around as one of the main reasons for his success towards the end of his career. Experienced folks do not always need to be a Vieira or Keane, they can be influential in many other ways. We have made the mistake of disposing off of experienced players too early before and I hope we do not start doing the same crap all over again.

[Marc Overmars]

Seems like United are front runners for Schneiderlin.

[Thierrymon]

Seems like a good replacement for Carrick for them.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

How would you know that?

Doesn't exactly seem like a vocal presence, seems more like a casual knitter to me


A few of the players and the manager have hinted at it during interviews.

He went out of his way to help Alexis settle into London when he first joined and during the FA cup celebrations he was the guy who brought in the likes of Diaby and Gnarby to the celebrations as well as lead that now famous video of the players joking around with Ivan Gazidis in the changing rooms afterwards.

He does seems like a fantastic character to have at the club however in a non-playing capacity.



Seems like United are front runners for Schneiderlin.

If it wasn't for the emergence of Coquelin I have no doubt we would have concluded this already.

I'm guessing blowing 25 million on someone who's at best is only marginally better than Francis may not seem like a wise investment from Wenger. Whatever's the case we urgently need to bring in someone as relying on Flamini/Arteta as backup would be suicidal.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Everton is his level.

Yup.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Arteta has famously been an all round good egg behind the scenes in helping the whole squad rally together. Happy for him to remain personally.

[GP]

David Ornstein ‏@bbcsport_david 58m58 minutes ago
Chelsea gk Petr Cech will undergo a medical today ahead of completing his proposed move to Arsenal. Fee & personal terms agreed #AFC #CFC

[milla]

Everton is his level.

If it wouldn't be for Messi, Suarez and Neymar (all three of them would walk into our team), he would be starting for Barcelona now. The boy knows he is too good to sit on Barca bench, hence why he left.

TEG is right about the buyback clause though, otherwise he won't that cheap. :coffee:

[Dein-machine]

We have signed established internationals in all other positions (Lauren, Grimandi, Campbell, Merts, Koscielny (to an extent), Sagna, Silvinho, Nacho, Pires, Freddie etc).

Theres a big difference between established internationals & world class - Bentdner is an established international. To compete we have the buy better than the likes of Lauren, Grimaldi & Silvinho.

[Dein-machine]

Arteta has famously been an all round good egg behind the scenes in helping the whole squad rally together. Happy for him to remain personally.

Then give him a coaching role - should be nowhere near playing unless we had severe injuries.

[selassie]

Seems like United are front runners for Schneiderlin.

I think he will go there. We've been linked with him for an eternity but something tells me we're not super keen on him at that price, especially given the emergence of Coquelin. We are fairly stacked in CM now, though admittedly we do need proper competition for Coquelin, Arteta isn't the solution IMO, neither is Flamini.

I also reckon Arsene wants to make room for Ramsey & Jack at some point, they can't forever occupy the wings.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

Then give him a coaching role - should be nowhere near playing unless we had severe injuries.

Arteta has been a fantastic signing for us.
Last season riddled with injuries...but before that excellent. His contribution seems to be underrated by a lot of fans. Crazy.
Great tackler, great on the ball, great passer, calm, great positionally, and just an all round calming influence on the pitch. 2013-2014 he was brilliant. How quickly fans forget a player when he gets injured.
Who knows if he has the legs to regain that level...but silly to write him off. Plain silly.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

I think we should be spending some energy on trying to sign Higuain again. Would be great if we could bring him in for 30-35million. Napoli 20points off Juve this season with little chance of winning serie A imo...with him in our side we'd have a missing puzzle piece...a genuine number 9. Ozil would love playing with him. Coquelin has been outstanding as DM. Yes, he needs competition but not a replacement. As much as I rate Schneiderlin...I don't think we're going to pay 25million for him.

[Power n Glory]

Arteta has been a fantastic signing for us.
Last season riddled with injuries...but before that excellent. His contribution seems to be underrated by a lot of fans. Crazy.
Great tackler, great on the ball, great passer, calm, great positionally, and just an all round calming influence on the pitch. 2013-2014 he was brilliant. How quickly fans forget a player when he gets injured.
Who knows if he has the legs to regain that level...but silly to write him off. Plain silly.

I’m ok with Arteta playing the backup role but I’ve never rated him. His pace, strength and tackling come under a lot of scrutiny but it’s his off the ball movement and sideways passing that I have a problem with. His passing percentages are usually high but they’re all sideways safety passes that don’t build on our attacks or momentum. I think a lot of people notice this in his game. Also, I hate how he can be so static in the middle of the park sometimes. Against high pressing teams he’s easily marked out of the game and teams can easily force us wide because he’s making gestures for his team mates to avoid passing to him. That’s probably the most annoying part of his game. It’s a real hindrance and made worse when we had Wilshere and Ramsey playing.

Both players would just keep wondering up field although they could see the backline and Arteta struggle to get the ball forward. With Coquelin and Santi playing, you can see both players constantly on the move looking for space so our wing backs and CB’s can pass the ball off comfortably. Always there for an outlet and then dishing off again. They work so much better.

But overall I have no problem with Arteta playing the backup. Pair him up with Santi in the middle and we might not have that distribution problem.

[Globalgunner]

Arteta has been a fantastic signing for us.
Last season riddled with injuries...but before that excellent. His contribution seems to be underrated by a lot of fans. Crazy.
Great tackler, great on the ball, great passer, calm, great positionally, and just an all round calming influence on the pitch. 2013-2014 he was brilliant. How quickly fans forget a player when he gets injured.
Who knows if he has the legs to regain that level...but silly to write him off. Plain silly.
Amazing how 2 people can see the same thing and come to entirely different conclusions. This is why eye witness testimony is never taken at face value in court unless corroborated by at least 2 others.
Arteta is rubbish at most of the things you say he can do. He has no energy to be a DM, never did. Now he never will. He was bought to replace Fabregas in the team, who was also not a DM.

[Dein-machine]

Arteta has been a fantastic signing for us.
Last season riddled with injuries...but before that excellent. His contribution seems to be underrated by a lot of fans. Crazy.
Great tackler, great on the ball, great passer, calm, great positionally, and just an all round calming influence on the pitch. 2013-2014 he was brilliant. How quickly fans forget a player when he gets injured.
Who knows if he has the legs to regain that level...but silly to write him off. Plain silly.

I suggest you stop smoking that shit during Arsenal games.

"Arteta has been a fantastic signing for us" - When, what has he done, acheived, - we bought him to replace Fabregas & he was never good enough to do so, so Wenger deceide he should be a DM.
"Great tackler" - Not at all, gives away so many free kicks in dangerous areas because he is not strong enough to win 50/50 tackles without fouling. When they go past him he pulls them back.
" Great on the ball" - He is too slow & wants to go backwards & sideways. Modern day Ray Wilkins. Also, because hes not strong enough, he has cost us many goals when receiving ball from our defenders & then losing it in dangerous areas. The Chelsea tonking at Stamford Bridge 2 years ago springs to mind. When he's in the team we overplay in our own half, which has the potential to cost goals & means we spend lass time in opponents half.

Not writing players off like him is why we've not competed for a decade. Too many players who are decent players, decent blokes but wouldn't get into any of the top teams we compete against.
Simple - would Arteta be playing for Chelsea, Utd, City, Barca, Bayern , Real Madrid - if the answer is no, why is he good enough for Arsenal.

[Power n Glory]

I think we should be spending some energy on trying to sign Higuain again. Would be great if we could bring him in for 30-35million. Napoli 20points off Juve this season with little chance of winning serie A imo...with him in our side we'd have a missing puzzle piece...a genuine number 9. Ozil would love playing with him. Coquelin has been outstanding as DM. Yes, he needs competition but not a replacement. As much as I rate Schneiderlin...I don't think we're going to pay 25million for him.

Welcome back by the way.

Napoli have slapped a crazy £67m price tag on Higauin. Even if they were willing to take half Wenger wouldn't pay it. I can't see us signing a striker to be honest.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Higuain is a bit shit tbh.


Paper tiger and a big game bottler. Glad we avoided him tbh.

[Master Splinter]

Higuain is a bit shit tbh.


Paper tiger and a big game bottler. Glad we avoided him tbh.

Hard to disagree.

[Power n Glory]

At that price, I wouldn't want him but if Wenger can get Giroud playing out of his skin he may have it in him to push someone like Higauin to that elite level.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I am tired of debating Arteta's cause on here, my stance is well known and I'm glad he remains.

On Higuain....weren't most saying he is world class just as we were about to sign him? Should we seriously consider Schweinsteiger if he is available?

[Power n Glory]

I'd be happh with Higuain at £20m -£25m. We agreed £23m with Real before pulling out. That was a good price but what they're asking for is crazy.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

I am tired of debating Arteta's cause on here, my stance is well known and I'm glad he remains.

On Higuain....weren't most saying he is world class just as we were about to sign him? Should we seriously consider Schweinsteiger if he is available?

I still think we should have signed him, Don't know about world class but clearly better than any striker we have here currently.

[Syn]

I am tired of debating Arteta's cause on here, my stance is well known and I'm glad he remains.

Believe it or not I'm quite liberal about opposing opinions as long as they're not completely petty. But anyone who doesn't think Mikel Arteta is a very, very good footballer is just obviously a person who isn't worth my time. Not even a 8th pint conversation. They just don't get it. Fortunately in the real world, no gooner I know thinks like that anyway.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

There is a lot of talk about Dortmunds Aubameyang...........what I have seen he has the skills to fit right in but is he too similar to what we already have.....?

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Quite possibly but to be honest if Wenger is going to play an interchangeable front three it might be a good signing for squad rotation purposes.
His Bundesliga scoring record is just under a goal every two games

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Believe it or not I'm quite liberal about opposing opinions as long as they're not completely petty. But anyone who doesn't think Mikel Arteta is a very, very good footballer is just obviously a person who isn't worth my time. Not even a 8th pint conversation. They just don't get it. Fortunately in the real world, no gooner I know thinks like that anyway.

:d

What about this Lacazette dude? Aubemeyang is probably the third in line of Dortmund players I'd take.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Quite possibly but to be honest if Wenger is going to play an interchangeable front three it might be a good signing for squad rotation purposes.
His Bundesliga scoring record is just under a goal every two games

Fair point......and I agree, I can't see us buying a focal point kind if striker when we have Big Sexy! the way we play is for the top three to interchange and Aubameyang will do that! and I would be happy to see this go further.....I also like Pedro, think with regular football he could shine. I can see Lacazetta mentioned and to be honest I don't know too much about him so willing to listen

I definitely would like to see us bring in Vidal and one of the above. Does that leave us with more space to fill? Is Vidal DM?

[fakeyank]

I would love us to give Welbeck a run down the middle alongside Giroud in a 2 top formation during the pre-season. Welbeck has everything that is needed to be a top striker, yet he frustrates more often than not. I really hope that he is given a run of games and he fulfills half the promise he is supposed to have.

[GP]

Arturo Vidal.

[Marc Overmars]

Some rag in Chile has claimed we've agreed a 21m deal for Vidal.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

If only.....

I was surprised to see Tevez leave Juve though.....but they did sign Dybala and Mandzukic.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

I'd take him for 21 million.

Slightly worried about a potential dodgy knee and his recent DUI but it's the type of signing along with hopefully a world class number 9 that can not only make us title contenders, but also push us far in the CL.

[Power n Glory]

Would be the most ruthless shit I've seen from Wenger. Putting the needs and whims of other players aside and just going for gold. I doubt it's true but hope it is.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Fully expect it not to be true......even though Juve have signed Khedira. Wenger has a host of midfielders and even though he occasionally plays some of them wide, he sees them as central midfielders. Even Oxlade Chamberlain!!!

I'm more interested to see if we sign a forward....

[Power n Glory]

We agree on needing a striker but what a statment if we sign Vidal.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

Welcome back by the way.

Napoli have slapped a crazy £67m price tag on Higauin. Even if they were willing to take half Wenger wouldn't pay it. I can't see us signing a striker to be honest.

Thanks!

Yep, maybe not. Depends if he's gonna play Walcott as a CF. And if he views Sanchez as a CF.
Would like a striker that's prolific in our starting 11. Think Higuain would fit us really well. I think we'd pay up to 30million for him, but yes looks like Napoli not easy to do business with.

Still don't get the backlash aimed at Arteta. I still think him and Mertesacker were excellent 11th hr signings for us.

[Niall_Quinn]

Vidal is the one we need. But it would be strange if there are any negotiations going on while he is still at the Copa. Maybe Alexis is doing the biz off the pitch as well as on it.

Tell Madrid to fuck off regarding Kos - not for sale.

Tell the gypos to take a hike regarding Jack - not for sale.

Sign Vidal

Sign Draxler and convert him to a full striker over the next couple of seasons, which leaves us with Bif, Welbeck, Walcott and an RvC type alternative. Wouldn't be bad at all.

Win title.

Get to at least the semis of the CL.

Retain cup as cherry on the icing.

Job done.

OR...

Win a cup and finish third and pretend that's good enough.

Which will it be?

[Injury Time]

Vidal is the one we need. But it would be strange if there are any negotiations going on while he is still at the Copa. Maybe Alexis is doing the biz off the pitch as well as on it.

Tell Madrid to fuck off regarding Kos - not for sale.

Tell the gypos to take a hike regarding Jack - not for sale.

Sign Vidal

Sign Draxler and convert him to a full striker over the next couple of seasons, which leaves us with Bif, Welbeck, Walcott and an RvC type alternative. Wouldn't be bad at all.

Win title.

Get to at least the semis of the CL.

Retain cup as cherry on the icing.

Job done.

OR...

Win a cup and finish third and pretend that's good enough.

Which will it be?

The cup AND third!? The ambition is strong with this one, thank for interest in our affairs it is. :sulk:

[Niall_Quinn]

The cup AND third!? The ambition is strong with this one, thank for interest in our affairs it is. :sulk:

Oh alright then:

Qualify for CL pay day

Increase share price

Increase ticket price

Search down back of sofas for change and go to bank

Tell fans to fuck off and die

Job done...

[Letters]

Some rag in Chile has claimed we've agreed a 21m deal for Vidal.

I hope we sign him (Sa)soon.


:cool:

[GP]

I hope we sign him (Sa)soon.


:cool:

This is why no one likes you.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Vidal is the one we need. But it would be strange if there are any negotiations going on while he is still at the Copa. Maybe Alexis is doing the biz off the pitch as well as on it.

Tell Madrid to fuck off regarding Kos - not for sale.

Tell the gypos to take a hike regarding Jack - not for sale.

Sign Vidal

Sign Draxler and convert him to a full striker over the next couple of seasons, which leaves us with Bif, Welbeck, Walcott and an RvC type alternative. Wouldn't be bad at all.

Win title.

Get to at least the semis of the CL.

Retain cup as cherry on the icing.

Job done.

OR...

Win a cup and finish third and pretend that's good enough.

Which will it be?

Sounds like a plan. I like it.

[Letters]

This is why no one likes you.

They're jealous of my awesome quick wit?

[Injury Time]

Oh alright then:

Qualify for CL pay day

Increase share price

Increase ticket price

Search down back of sofas for change and go to bank

Tell fans to fuck off and die

Job done...
Finally some realism on Goonersweb

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Vidal rumour is in the telegraph although, they are simply reporting the 'reports' coming out of Chile.

If it happened though, wow, what a fuhking signing!

[GP]

Vidal rumour is in the telegraph although, they are simply reporting the 'reports' coming out of Chile.

If it happened though, wow, what a fuhking signing!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpigjnKl7nI

[Bergkampwonderland10]

Along with Vidal rumour...we're meant to be signing this Ghanaian chap too... Rahman baba or Baba Rahman! Left back cover, though Augsburg seem to want more than 20millionEuros. Looks a pacey player who can cross. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/11704027/Arsenal-transfer-news-and-rumours-Arsene-Wenger-beats-Manchester-United-to-Juventus-midfielder-Arturo-Vidal.html

[KSE Comedy Club]

We are signing all the playa now


Muhahahaha!!

[dostoy]

Wenger said in May that he was not after Vidal.

I can't see it happening.

[AFC Leveller]

The Vidal rumor was started by a Chilean WUM and it seems to have made the news in this country and everything is done and dusted.

I cannot see it happening, AW wont buy a CM, simple.

[AFC Leveller]

https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/l/t1.0-9/11709416_10153091757114582_8254404071885610492_n.j pg?oh=6a2faea82ca646953f66ed08d147730b&oe=5626C47A

Pogba is a good player i get it but this image sums up the whole circus perfectly. No way is her worth 80m euros, no way.

[Syn]

I find the whole idea of trying to judge what players are worth a bit useless now. What is value for money these days? It's very hard to tell, especially at the point of the transfer. Real Madrid paid £80m for Ronaldo in 2009, that's probably considered a bargain now. And when you start talking in those terms (£80m bargains) 6 years ago, with the exponential growth in fees since, it's difficult putting a numerical value on any good players now.

I think Pogba showed more of his potential in the CL final. He's obviously an incredible talent. That physical frame with that technique is very, very rare. Maybe he could be a potential ballon d'or candidate quite soon. If you're talking about having him in the centre of your midfield for the next 10 years, winning leagues and playing in CL finals (all things he has done already) what is £80m worth then. Obscene money but it's the game we're in now.

[AFC Leveller]

Cech to be confirmed today.

[Syn]

That said, Real Madrid fees are always beyond crazy. Paying more for James, world record for Bale and sell Mesut fucking Ozil for £42m does not compute by any rational thinking.

[AFC Leveller]

That said, Real Madrid fees are always beyond crazy. Paying more for James, world record for Bale and sell Mesut fucking Ozil for £42m does not compute by any rational thinking.

I just think that a lot of players are hyped up by the media who have probably never watched said player a couple of time only. Ronaldo was the WPOTY at the time Real madrid paid 80m but i cant think of anyone else who is worth the huge fee. Bale and James are both world class but worth a combined fee of 150? no way.

[Globalgunner]

Cech to be confirmed today.

Lets hope it doesn't bounce. You will be hearing from my lawyers.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

A players transfer fee is as much dictated by their marketing value as it is their performance on the pitch

[Munchies]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CIrLJA4XAAAuVqk.jpg

[AFC Leveller]

If we did get Vital (i dont belive the rumors) then i think i would forgive AW for the dark years of 2005-2014.

A midfield warrior who scores goals, defends, tackles, runs around looking like a nutter and is only 27 as well. He would be a beast of a signing.

David Ornstein ‏@bbcsport_david 7m7 minutes ago
Cech joins #AFC from #CFC on 4yr contract for fee in region of £10m. Meanwhile, Arsenal not interesting in signing Juve mdf Arturo Vidal

[Power n Glory]

A players transfer fee is as much dictated by their marketing value as it is their performance on the pitch

When I see such huge sums being thrown around I just can’t equate it to anything logical. It’s just an ‘I want, I buy’ multi billionaire attitude and people get carried away thinking it’s the market value. It’s like if a billionaire offers to pay £1m for some random persons Ford Focus because his own car has broken down at the roadside. News of the sale hits the press and next thing you know every driver out there is now adverting their Ford Focus’s on Autotrader with a £1m price tag. Madness. That’s what’s happened to the transfer market in football. There is no rhyme or reason with most of these price tags.

[Syn]

If we did get Vital (i dont belive the rumors) then i think i would forgive AW of the dark years of 2005-20014.

A midfield warrior who scores goals, defends, tackles, runs around looking like a nutter and is only 27 as well. He would be a beast of a signing.

We've got one of them who's 24. But another wouldn't go amiss, slight worries about keeping a decent shape if both of them are box to box mids. But either way I can't see Wenger being interested. Not sure Wenger's particularly desperate to pull off a major signing this summer (not counting Cech). He likes the team we have and I think he'll wait until the end of the window to see if there's anyone top notch that becomes available.

Must say, although fans always want shiny new signings, I'm quite happy with the team right now. Or at least, with Cech in the bag, improving on the team isn't a trivial matter. Most of the main players are just about reaching their peak years and we can expect the improvements that usually come with that. Only real concern would be the lack of a top class goalscorer, but I fancy Sanchez to do a Suarez next season and go a bit mental goalscoring-wise.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

I don't think it's about signing players for the sake of it, it's me feeling that we still don't have the squad to challenge for the title.
Arteta and Flamini have no business being in a title challenging squad and they are what we have left to us if we don't sign a defensive/holding midfielder, Coquelin was fantastic for us but how many players have had excellent half seasons and faded into obscurity?, also we can't afford to be over playing the same player. In addition I actually think we need two holding midfielders in certain games, to shut another team out if we want to go to the top teams and win.
Also we don't have a consistent out and out striker, Giroud having a 7 game dry spell is not acceptable and wouldn't do us any good chasing for the title, we need a striker with the instincts to put away chances and not snatch at them.
We are not far off, but if Cech is our only signing we have confirmation that Wenger will always go into a season two or three players short because he doesn't have the balls to make a title challenge and go toe to toe with city and Chelsea.

[Marc Overmars]

This summer is a bit different to normal, in that we only really need a sprinkling of class rather than heaps of it. It's a very strong squad and if we can find the upgrades then great, but if not I think we're still in a healthy position with hungry players ready to step up.

Cech + 1 or 2 players of top quality and I'll be extremely happy.

[GP]

Cech, Lacazette, Vidal.

Would you be happy with that?

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Cech, Lacazette, Vidal.

Would you be happy with that?

I think we can establish that Vidal is not happening

[Marc Overmars]

If we didn't challenge for the league with those additions, then we never will again under Wenget.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Not keen on signing players from Ligue 1 unless it was PSG or Monaco to be honest

There's no reason we shouldn't go in for Schneiderlin, I'd also have no issue with us taking Dzeko off Man City as long as he wasn't on silly wages

[dostoy]

A Chelsea legend is going to be playing for Arsenal next season.

Its going to take a LOT of getting used to.

How must Ospina especially be feeling ?

I hope he stays and the mad Polish one is loaned out.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

A Chelsea legend is going to be playing for Arsenal next season.

Its going to take a LOT of getting used to.

How must Ospina especially be feeling ?

I hope he stays and the mad Polish one is loaned out.

I hope the opposite, well not loaned out I want Ospina out of the club permanently...just not good enough.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I find the whole idea of trying to judge what players are worth a bit useless now. What is value for money these days? It's very hard to tell, especially at the point of the transfer. Real Madrid paid £80m for Ronaldo in 2009, that's probably considered a bargain now. And when you start talking in those terms (£80m bargains) 6 years ago, with the exponential growth in fees since, it's difficult putting a numerical value on any good players now.

I think Pogba showed more of his potential in the CL final. He's obviously an incredible talent. That physical frame with that technique is very, very rare. Maybe he could be a potential ballon d'or candidate quite soon. If you're talking about having him in the centre of your midfield for the next 10 years, winning leagues and playing in CL finals (all things he has done already) what is £80m worth then. Obscene money but it's the game we're in now.
Well put.

Not keen on signing players from Ligue 1 unless it was PSG or Monaco to be honest

There's no reason we shouldn't go in for Schneiderlin, I'd also have no issue with us taking Dzeko off Man City as long as he wasn't on silly wages

Essien, Drogba and a whole host of top players came from there..... more recently, Koscielny, Hazard, there are still good players to pick up there. To be frank, I know nothing of Lacazette really but his scoring record is hard to ignore and he has out gunned a few exceptional players over there to do so....

[Static]

We should be going all out for Pogba, tbh. If we aren't going to be getting him then Vidal will work for the next 3-4 years. Get a top notch striker and a back up CB then we're good to go.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

If we did get Vital (i dont belive the rumors) then i think i would forgive AW for the dark years of 2005-2014.

A midfield warrior who scores goals, defends, tackles, runs around looking like a nutter and is only 27 as well. He would be a beast of a signing.

David Ornstein ‏@bbcsport_david 7m7 minutes ago
Cech joins #AFC from #CFC on 4yr contract for fee in region of £10m. Meanwhile, Arsenal not interesting in signing Juve mdf Arturo Vidal

I agree Vidal would be immense for us......still think we need a calming influence to play in front of defence, I have a lot of time for Matic at Chelsea and would like to see someone like that brought in......would love Vidal and Morgan but that ain't going to happen.

Doesn't Wenger usually clear out before buying though...?expect some departures to create space as we are loaded in midfield

[Japan Shaking All Over]

A Chelsea legend is going to be playing for Arsenal next season.

Its going to take a LOT of getting used to.

How must Ospina especially be feeling ?

I hope he stays and the mad Polish one is loaned out.

Ches could do with a loan move.......who to?

[Japan Shaking All Over]

I agree Vidal would be immense for us......still think we need a calming influence to play in front of defence, I have a lot of time for Matic at Chelsea and would like to see someone like that brought in......would love Vidal and Morgan but that ain't going to happen.

Doesn't Wenger usually clear out before buying though...?expect some departures to create space as we are loaded in midfield

Saying that we could go with La Coq

[fakeyank]

We should offload Flamini

[Static]

We should offload Flamini
To Norwich.

On a free.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Yellow bar treatment for Sky Sources saying Man Utd have bid £28.6 million for Sergio Ramos and he has told Marketing he wants to leave.

:wacko:

[Niall_Quinn]

Yellow bar treatment for Sky Sources saying Man Utd have bid £28.6 million for Sergio Ramos and he has told Marketing he wants to leave.

:wacko:

That dirty bastard will be right at home at OT. He'll have no trouble getting used to the PL. I can see everyone around him hitting the ground running.

[Niall_Quinn]

Supposedly we've cooled our non-interest in Vidal and are now officially not interested. We're also uninterested in Schneiderlin and if this article is true then the board isn't interested in spending any significant money. Budget is £50mill including wages, apparently, allegedly. So £10mill has gone on Cech, with a further £5mill in wages. That leaves £35mill, which would be £25-£30mill to sign one player and then his wages. Only two conclusions can be drawn from this. Firstly we aren't signing Messi. Secondly these figures are probably made up.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/11706818/Arsenal-transfer-news-Arsene-Wenger-ends-Arturo-Vidal-interest.html

[Globalgunner]

Really should be going all out for Sporting Lisbons William Carvalho....then again. Whats Gareth Barry doing nowadays?

[AFC Leveller]

02 & 03: Consecutive FA Cups
Sign Lehmann (33)
03/04: Undefeated

14 & 15: Consecutive FA Cups
Sign Cech (33)
15/16:

https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11036950_934565806584459_1290629106729735997_n.jpg ?oh=b4236a5b58169825a0e56ac122fd3619&oe=5620C4F9

[Marc Overmars]

15/16:


4th?

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

02 & 03: Consecutive FA Cups
Sign Lehmann (33)
03/04: Undefeated

14 & 15: Consecutive FA Cups
Sign Cech (33)
15/16:

https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11036950_934565806584459_1290629106729735997_n.jpg ?oh=b4236a5b58169825a0e56ac122fd3619&oe=5620C4F9

Also we failed to sign anyone else apart from Gael Clichy and largely the unbeaten team was built around those we already had at the club.
Also I think we went unbeaten despite Lehmann, I think people have rose tinted spectacles as to what a liability he was....don't get me wrong he was a very good goalkeeper but he also was extremely rash (off the top of my head, winning the title at White hart lane with a 2-2 draw that should have been a 2-1 victory if not for Lehmann being a twat and then the Champions League final he had a moment of insanity after performing fantastically en route to the final).

[Marc Overmars]

Yeah, Jens had a very high ceiling which he reached from time to time but he was very capable of undermining that with a moment of madness.

He's certainly a cult hero though because he was a great WUM.

[AFC Leveller]

Mad Jens had his moments i agree but he was solid, professional and good at his job.

[Fist of Lehmann]

Supposedly we've cooled our non-interest in Vidal and are now officially not interested. We're also uninterested in Schneiderlin and if this article is true then the board isn't interested in spending any significant money. Budget is £50mill including wages, apparently, allegedly. So £10mill has gone on Cech, with a further £5mill in wages. That leaves £35mill, which would be £25-£30mill to sign one player and then his wages. Only two conclusions can be drawn from this. Firstly we aren't signing Messi. Secondly these figures are probably made up.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/11706818/Arsenal-transfer-news-Arsene-Wenger-ends-Arturo-Vidal-interest.html

Telegraph trying to hide the fact they perform zero due diligence and run with any old shit they find on the internet.
Grabbed the Vidal story from a fake twitter account, then try to tell everyone Arsenal have ENDED their fake interest.

Telegraph, it's just a broadsheet Metro.

According to Philippe Auclair Schneiderlin prefers Arsenal but there is some problem between his agent and the club.
Probably demanding some ridiculous kickback, so I doubt we'll deal.

Agents should be killed.

[Niall_Quinn]

Agents should be killed.

Excellent point.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Excellent point.

Burned in a wicker man?

[Syn]

If Schneiderlin wanted Arsenal, why would he let his agent block the move? More likely is Arsenal were never really interested in a midfielder - which Wenger has told us about 50 times already. He's happy with what he has there. I would've liked Schneiderlin but I think if Wenger wanted him he would've got it done last season.

[Syn]

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/former-arsenal-forward-gervinho-demanded-a-private-beach-and-a-helicopter-to-join-abu-dhabi-side-al-jazira-10355221.html

got a good feeling about this boy. Think he'll go far in his new journalism career.

[Fist of Lehmann]

If Schneiderlin wanted Arsenal, why would he let his agent block the move? More likely is Arsenal were never really interested in a midfielder - which Wenger has told us about 50 times already. He's happy with what he has there. I would've liked Schneiderlin but I think if Wenger wanted him he would've got it done last season.

He tweeted 'prefers', it doesn't seem particularly unequivocal. I'm sure last year someone said he preferred Tottnumb because of Pochettino.

[dostoy]

Does anybody on here really think that Wenger will sign 3 more players that will mean we will have a good chance in the Premiership and the CL next season ?

We still need a central defender because Mertersacker is not good enough.

We need a defensive midfielder to replace Coquelin when he gets injured, Flamini and Arteta are not good enough.

We need a striker because Giroud and Welbeck are not prolific enough and Theo is injury prone.

I doubt Wenger is going to do all that.

[Ollie the Optimist]

Does anybody on here really think that Wenger will sign 3 more players that will mean we will have a good chance in the Premiership and the CL next season ?

We still need a central defender because Mertersacker is not good enough.

We need a defensive midfielder to replace Coquelin when he gets injured, Flamini and Arteta are not good enough.

We need a striker because Giroud and Welbeck are not prolific enough and Theo is injury prone.

I doubt Wenger is going to do all that.

Giroud did score 20 goals last season and he didn't play until novemeber so he's pretty good and largely reliable fitness wise. Came back from a broken leg and don't think missed a game through injury since. I think between Alexis, Giroud, Walcott and Welbeck that should get us 60 goals. We will be ok with that strike force, however if we could get a benzema etc then hopefully wenger will do what he did when Cech came, be ruthless for the sake of the team.

For now, i would rather focus on replacing Arteta (who i would keep, as he is a good influence ) and flamini. Thats the priority.

Defence is fine, Mertescaker is a very good player, but i think gabriel will come into the team. We also have chambers and monreal in a dire emergency

[GP]

Good post, good post.

[Penguin]

Giroud blows hot and cold too much. In 2013/14 he was brilliant for 8 or 9 games and then he turned into a pub striker for the rest of the season. Same again last season, he went on a very good run and then went seven games without scoring. And it wasn't just about the goals, his performances in general went down the toilet too. No chance of winning the league if our main striker is that inconsistent.

Even if he did get more consistent, he's not in the same class of strikers as our rivals' - Aguero, Costa and RVP(when fit) can win games themselves, whereas most of Giroud's goals are tap ins. When the team plays badly so does he. DM and CB can wait, but we need a striker.

[Bumble]

I disagree about Costa winning games on his own, I wouldn't even say he was a world class striker. Costa needs service and Chelsea won the league without a proper or full fit striker for a lot of games.

Unless a real quality player becomes available I don't think we will sign another striker as Welbeck, Giroud, Walcott and Sanchez can all lead the line and unless one of those is sold I cant see us bringing anyone new in. We have also had Ozil, the Ox and Ramsey play in the front three last season too.

I would like to see another CB to usurp Merte and actually another strong midfielder as I think we are getting a little carried away with Coquelin who has only played 6 months of decent football for us and would prefer us to have someone else in place who can either rotate with him to keep both fresh as it is an energetic role or even replace him and have him as 2nd choice.

Having said that I cant see us signing more than one more player.

[Power n Glory]

I'd take Costa over Giroud but I agree, he's a striker that relies on service. Seeing how it gets lost in Spain's tika taka style, I wonder if he'd have the same problems if we signed him.

[Niall_Quinn]

Unless Ramsey is going to step back up to deity level and assuming we won't stump up the cash for Pogba, we'll be needing to sign Vidal. Window opened today I think so hopefully the deal will be completed by the end of the week. I mean why would we wait around?

If you put Vieira (in his prime) into the midfield of our current squad we'd win the title. A player who can dominate and distribute (forwards) or go and do the job himself if the lads up top are having a day off. Cazorla did it a couple of times last season but come on, we can hardly pin that role full time on a guy who's 5 feet tall in heels and made of straw. If only Diaby was made of the same stuff as Paddy. I can see what Wenger was trying to do there. There's a chance to put that plan back on track by signing Vidal.

[Niall_Quinn]

Chec - Kos - Vidal - ???

Isn't it about time Theo Walcott delivered on all that potential and grabbed that spot?

[Marc Overmars]

We're supposedly interested in both the Bender twins. :lol:

[GP]

We're supposedly interested in both the Bender twins. :lol:

https://38.media.tumblr.com/1ae80f94f4eb071d851c8d72afbae579/tumblr_mlxbpxvTMB1s74p4so4_400.gif

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

We need to get rid of midfielders first

Arteta and Flamini, and arguably one of Cazorla, Wilshere and Ramsey just to accommodate one holding midfielder

[Niall_Quinn]

We're supposedly interested in both the Bender twins. :lol:

Players we absolutely don't need. Same as Sterling, why would we sign dupes?

[Niall_Quinn]

and arguably one of Cazorla, Wilshere and Ramsey

Why would we even contemplate doing that? It's a long season and you go into it hoping you'll end up playing the maximum number of matches possible. All three of the players are top quality and would cost fortunes to replace/ upgrade.

Arteta and Flamini, hard to see what role they will play on the pitch next season, except as emergency cover.

Diaby has gone, that opens up a slot. Podolski will likely follow so there's another one.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Podolski is a striker played as a winger because he can only play as part of a front two

At the moment we have Cazorla, Ozil, Rosicky, Wilshere, Ramsey, Coquelin, Arteta and Flamini

That's eight players to fill three positions....If you count out the foolish option of playing any of these players on the wing

Cazorla is 30 now and inconsistent he has as many bad games as he does good games...I honestly think if a club were to offer decent money for him we should accept it, Ramsey is too slow for the type of game we should be looking to play....plus his passing under no pressure is suspect. Wilshere should be kept but arguably only as cover for Ozil who is a far superior ball distributor.

Then you bring in someone like Vidal as a destroyer

Then all we really need is a striker, we have Sanchez, Welbeck, Walcott and Ox on the wings

[Niall_Quinn]

Podolski is a striker played as a winger because he can only play as part of a front two

At the moment we have Cazorla, Ozil, Rosicky, Wilshere, Ramsey, Coquelin, Arteta and Flamini

That's eight players to fill three positions....If you count out the foolish option of playing any of these players on the wing

Cazorla is 30 now and inconsistent he has as many bad games as he does good games...I honestly think if a club were to offer decent money for him we should accept it, Ramsey is too slow for the type of game we should be looking to play....plus his passing under no pressure is suspect. Wilshere should be kept but arguably only as cover for Ozil who is a far superior ball distributor.

Then you bring in someone like Vidal as a destroyer

Then all we really need is a striker, we have Sanchez, Welbeck, Walcott and Ox on the wings

It comes down to picking the right team for the occasion, depending on the opponent, the significance of the match and a whole host of other factors. Squad rotation over what will hopefully be a very long season packed with games. That's what we are shit at right now and that's what has to improve. We'll need all those players, bar maybe Arteta and Flamini, if we want to mount a serious challenge on several fronts.

Vidal as a destroyer would be a complete waste. He's a high energy, high tempo, box to box midfielder who provides an attacking threat and he's surprisingly good in the air.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

To provide the balancing act of squad rotation and giving players enough game time you arguably want a squad of no more than 23, that way you provide cover for each position and can rotate based as you say on the opposition and importance of the fixture.
Eight players is too much for three positions, especially as so many of them are not up to scratch.....Arteta and Flamini going should be a no brainier, and then arguably if you need to bring in a strong midfield presence be it a destroyer or a box to box midfielder, but someone who can win the ball and offer protection.....then someone else perhaps needs to go. I have thought for ages we have too many attack minded central midfielders....and we only seem to accommodate them all by shoe horning them into positions they aren't suited to.

[Kano]

Walcott will be our new striker, with the amount of midfielders we have and Wenger's comments about Coquelin then I can't see us buying a new guy there. Maybe a defender but that will be that.

[Power n Glory]

We should buy before we sell and no way should we be selling Cazorla. Can't see us buying a central midfield anyway.

[Marc Overmars]

Sky Sports News HQ ‏@SkySportsNewsHQ · 1h1 hour ago
BREAKING: Sky Italia sources: @stokecity agree fee of £12million with @Inter for Xherdan Shaqiri. #SSNHQ

:lol:

First Bojan, now Shaqiri. Stoke is the new proving ground for failed wonder kids.

[Özim]

:lol:

First Bojan, now Shaqiri. Stoke is the new proving ground for failed wonder kids.

Woulsn't say Shaquiri is a failed wonder kid, he's a very good player.

[AFC Leveller]

Woulsn't say Shaquiri is a failed wonder kid, he's a very good player.

If he had signed him, you'd have probably said "he is nothing special, didnt even make it at Inter".

[Özim]

If he had signed him, you'd have probably said "he is nothing special, didnt even make it at Inter".

No always rated, him very talented natural winger.

[Letters]

If he had signed him, you'd have probably said "he is nothing special, didnt even make it at Inter".

:haha:

[Özim]

So we have a new keeper, definitely a good thing as we needed to replace the ones we had, what's happening next are we going to be signing any other players we actually need or is this going to be the usual summer where we fail to add the players we need.

A consistent goalscorer would be top of the list, and someone tough in midfield would be good.

[Özim]

:haha:

:console:

You're so predictable :yawn:

[Letters]

:console:

You're so predictable :yawn:

That makes two of us :coffee:

[dostoy]

The next most important position to strengthen is someone to cover for Coquelin.

He cannot play every game and when he gets injured then who.

Flam and Art are not good enough.

Why did we not get Kondogbia or Schniederlin I don't know.

Is it because they are French and Coquelin is French ?

[Power n Glory]

The next most important position to strengthen is someone to cover for Coquelin.

He cannot play every game and when he gets injured then who.

Flam and Art are not good enough.

Why did we not get Kondogbia or Schniederlin I don't know.

Is it because they are French and Coquelin is French ?

It's because it doesn't make sense to spend £20-£25m on someone that's going to warm the bench just for emergency. Arteta is good enough for cover and if he wants to get into the best shape and form of his life, no better way than having someone like Coquelin ahead of him. I also think Rosicky can cover if things get really bad or even Chambers. DM cover shouldn't be a priority.

We need an attacker. Either a striker or right winger than can score goals. We need to decide on what we're doing about Giroud, Welbeck, Ox and Walcott. We can't go into a season uncertain about whose starting ahead of who and if we'll get anymore out of them. Personally, I think Walcott should be starting up front. We know what we're going to get from Giroud. He'll never offer that relentless attack where we're just blitzing a team and he's banging in hattricks. We could potentially get that from Walcott.

[dostoy]

If Giroud is injured we have Theo and vice versa and there is always Welbeck.

If Coquelin is injured for 3 weeks or more then we are stuffed at the moment.

I would hate to see Art or Flam or anybody else for a few weeks let alone more than a month.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

It's because it doesn't make sense to spend £20-£25m on someone that's going to warm the bench just for emergency. Arteta is good enough for cover and if he wants to get into the best shape and form of his life, no better way than having someone like Coquelin ahead of him. I also think Rosicky can cover if things get really bad or even Chambers. DM cover shouldn't be a priority.

We need an attacker. Either a striker or right winger than can score goals. We need to decide on what we're doing about Giroud, Welbeck, Ox and Walcott. We can't go into a season uncertain about whose starting ahead of who and if we'll get anymore out of them. Personally, I think Walcott should be starting up front. We know what we're going to get from Giroud. He'll never offer that relentless attack where we're just blitzing a team and he's banging in hattricks. We could potentially get that from Walcott.

Again I don't get this conflation of quality and quantity, we want to compete on all fronts? so Arteta has no business even as a squad player.....he has to go, we have no excuse he's out of contract. If anything we need to sign a top quality DM and use Coquelin as cover.

I agree about the striker but we need both positions.

[fakeyank]

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11096/9896877/premier-league-free-transfer-xi-who-would-suit-your-club

We should definitely look to bringing Vlaar

[Power n Glory]

If Giroud is injured we have Theo and vice versa and there is always Welbeck.

If Coquelin is injured for 3 weeks or more then we are stuffed at the moment.

I would hate to see Art or Flam or anybody else for a few weeks let alone more than a month.

Giroud up front won’t win us the league. In fact, the problem with Giroud is that he’s dependent on other players for his own game to work. So for example, we had seasons where he doesn’t look the same player without Theo to his right setting up goals or his link up play isn’t as good without Jack or Ramsey making burst forwards behind him. We can’t build around Giroud. He’s too dependent on a set system and has his own confident issues when he’s not scoring.

Welbeck is not good enough and I rate Theo but not sure if I want to stake a league title on him proven he’s ready up front.

Arteta is good enough for cover. He’s not elite but he’ll do as a stop gap. Unless Coquelin gets a long term injury, we shouldn’t be looking for a DM. A new DM won’t change our title prospects.

[Power n Glory]

Again I don't get this conflation of quality and quantity, we want to compete on all fronts? so Arteta has no business even as a squad player.....he has to go, we have no excuse he's out of contract. If anything we need to sign a top quality DM and use Coquelin as cover.

I agree about the striker but we need both positions.

Again, Arteta isn't that bad and I don't see a DM dramatically changing our title prospects. A striker will.

[Dein-machine]

Agree with Herbie, Arteta is anti-football for us. Even against the pub teams he spends half the game spreading balls aroud the back 4. Coqeulin is still unproven to me. He has looked good due to dire choices we had with regards to Arteta & Flamini but he doesn't offer anything going forward. Most games at the Emirates & some away are played against teams parking the bus. Someone like a Schneiderlein or a Vidal offer both a defensive role if needed or aiding the attack. Coquelin is fine for the tighter games against better opposition, even more so if we played him alongside a Vidal & ofcourse away in Europe. Good DM & a Striker are what is required.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Again, Arteta isn't that bad and I don't see a DM dramatically changing our title prospects. A striker will.

We need to improve upon our home record if we want to challenge, teams that win the title are getting at least 15 home wins a season, we have managed that feat once in the last six seasons.
The problem is games where we draw at home because we aren't getting the ball out quick enough from defence and teams playing for a draw are getting back in number, and if we are to change that we cannot have someone like Arteta at the club too slow and too much of a sideways and backward passer.
Striker is a no brainer we need one of course.

[Maestro]

Agree with Herbie, Arteta is anti-football for us. Even against the pub teams he spends half the game spreading his balls aroud the back 4.

:haha: literally

[Syn]

Arteta's the DM we deserve, but not the one we need right now. So we'll hunt him. Because he can take it. Because he's not our DM. He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector.

Our wait for a world class dee emm will be ended next season when Zelalem is thrown in to play a CL quarter final.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

If we insist on not recruiting at DCM, then I'd like to see Rosicky or Wilshere play the holding role or alongside Coquelin. I do think a devastating striker is necessary sooner or later though. It's not up to your CF to save your bacon, but that's exactly what the best ones do regularly.

[Power n Glory]

We need to improve upon our home record if we want to challenge, teams that win the title are getting at least 15 home wins a season, we have managed that feat once in the last six seasons.
The problem is games where we draw at home because we aren't getting the ball out quick enough from defence and teams playing for a draw are getting back in number, and if we are to change that we cannot have someone like Arteta at the club too slow and too much of a sideways and backward passer.
Striker is a no brainer we need one of course.

Isn't the lack of goals more of a striker problem? Also, Arteta shouldn't be a starter for next season. Coquelin should be starting games ahead of him. Also, when he doesn't play, he's not the only culprit to slow our play. Ramsey and Wilshere don't drop back enough to provide and outlet when teams are pressing us high. The drift far up field waiting for a pass and won't contribute to the build up at the back. We've had this problem for donkeys and it will only get solved when we have someone that can play box to box and dictate the tempo with their passing. Rosicky has always been the guy that has done this well in the past and Cazorla did a good job last season. It's not as if Arteta is a poor passer or doesn't pass enough. It's when he can't find and outlet that we have problems and that's not helped by Wilshere and Ramsey. It's not as if they can be trusted with the ball either as they turn it over a lot.

It's that core trio Wenger needs to avoid playing together. If he can manage that, we'll do fine in the middle. Also, Giroud standing like a statue in the middle waiting to play a 5 yard pass back to the feet of Wilshere/Ramsey/Ozil etc doesn't help us break down teams either. Keeps us static.

[Munchies]

Flamini seems to be off according to the transfer talk in the papers

General consensus is that Arteta will be given one more season.

Atleast one of them is gone

--

http://i.imgur.com/AKr0Cjm.jpg

:lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I wonder if that is because he's on holiday.

[Niall_Quinn]

I wonder if that is because he's on holiday.

Doesn't matter, it's a nice end to his glory hunting trip. The 'legend' is on the special offers shelf. I hope that medal is adequate compensation for what he gave up in return. Meanwhile I was checking outside the stadium and I don't see his statue anywhere. Must be an oversight.

[Syn]

​I'd have him back.

[Fist of Lehmann]

I wonder if, in many aspects, Robin van Persie disagrees on the way in which the club should move forward?

[GP]

I hope he gets killed in a cheese grating accident.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

I hope he gets killed in a cheese grating accident.

That would have to be quite elaborate

I tend to NOTHING most of these players after they leave the club, couldn't give a tuppeny fuck about them one way or the other. Although I don't really care about our players as long as they perform on the pitch, and don't injure themselves or get locked up off it.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Did we miss out on Martinez at 24mill?

[Globalgunner]

No, not in my opinion. A player no-one knew about until he turned 26. Now 28 and still not pulling up any trees. He is just a shade better than Welbeck. Might as well stick to the younger version. We need to go much better,or not at all.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Some hadn't heard of carzorla till he came to England, or Aguero....doesn't mean they became decent players once they came here. He's regularly scored a bucket load in Portugal. I'd suggest he's more clinical than Welbeck.....

I'm not sure whether he would have been the right man or not, but he's certainly a very good player and Athletico usually don't sign mugs.

[Munchies]

Chewbacca went to AC Milan for £21m

Mandzukic to Juve for £13m

Aside from Benzema, who's really left?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Tape Cassette.

[Injury Time]

Tape Cassette.

He's off to Liverspool...

[Dein-machine]

My man in the know suggests we are working on signing Carvalho & Vargas. Vargas to be used as striker but also gives cover incase of injury to Sanchez. No other signings being considered. We were never in for Vidal, Higuin or Martinez. Did make contact over Schneiderlein but Wenger prefers the potential of Carvalho.

[Marc Overmars]

Vargas? :lol:

I'd rather keep Podolski. Though it seems like he could be off to Galatasaray.

[Dein-machine]

Vargas? :lol:

I'd rather keep Podolski. Though it seems like he could be off to Galatasaray.

I think I agree - but a nice cheap option like Vargas is what we have to expect with our manager. He's Copa Americas top scorer & maybe the Sanchez link is playing a part. Didn't impress at QPR last year & was played wide because they had Charlie Austin up top. Did anyone see him at the Americas tournament, did he play as a striker?

[Syn]

Can't see him being interested in Vargas at all. I think he'd be a good squad option but Welbeck filled the last of those places.

[Power n Glory]

Vargas? :lol:

I'd rather keep Podolski. Though it seems like he could be off to Galatasaray.

Can't be worse than Podolski can he?

[AFC Leveller]

We were linked to Vargas last year but he went to prq in the end. A bit of a cheap option and one that won't push us closer to Chelsea or city.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Again at the risk of repeating myself constantly, I think Wenger is going for that interchangeable front three thing so you have the potential of say Sanchez and Vargas alternating between up front and the flanks.
Personally if that's his plan id rather go for El Sharaawy from AC Milan, likely to be pushed down the pecking order with Luis Adriano and Carlos Bacca coming in.

[Marc Overmars]

Chelsea sign Falcao on loan. :lol:

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

He's off to Liverspool...

:lol:

Damnit.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

FFP restrictions lifted for Citeh.

And PSG. :haha:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33381403

:rolleyes:

[AFC Leveller]

Being strongly linked with faouzi ghoulem from napoli. I know a bit about him, he is a very good lb and is one of the best crosses of the ball I have seen.very fast too and available for 10m.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Sounds like the Demon's head...

[McNamara That Ghost...]

SSN are saying Poldi will be off to Galatasaray this afternoon.

Goodbye Poldi, your Twitter exploits will be missed.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Good goalscorer but never fit into the side

I hope he does well in Turkey

[Marc Overmars]

Poldolski. :wave:

What a disappointment he was.

[GP]

#Aha

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Should we be hijacking Liverpool's Benteke move?

[GP]

Nah

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I think he falls in to the lumbering oaf category too much for me.

[Niall_Quinn]

There seems to be no serious indication we're signing anyone at all. Usually by this stage we have some sort of saga developing.

[Munchies]

Van Persie joining Fenerbahce

Cunt!

Shove that medal up your fuckin arse

[GP]

Fener? :haha:

Even Galatasaray preferred Poldi

[McNamara That Ghost...]

The little boy inside him says "what the fuck are you thinking"?

[Syn]

reckon we should hijack the move.

[Syn]

And loan him out to Exeter.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I have no love for Exeter but they don't deserve that.