Summer Transfer Misery and Recriminations.

[GP]

Vardy reportedly had reservations about our style of play not suiting him and also Wenger playing him out of position. :lol:

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11712/10323500/jamie-vardy-snubbed-arsenal-over-reservations-of-role-under-arsene-wenger-sky-sources

He's an idiot.

edit: To clarify, he's obviously just making excuses for staying in his comfort zone. It doesn't say a lot about his own confidence in his ability.

[Niall_Quinn]

He's decided not to take up our offer, that's all. If he actually stays with Leicester then good for him. If he fucks them over to go to Utd instead, or some other cash club, then he's what we've come to expect from your modern footballer.

[Power n Glory]

Vardy reportedly had reservations about our style of play not suiting him and also Wenger playing him out of position. :lol:

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11712/10323500/jamie-vardy-snubbed-arsenal-over-reservations-of-role-under-arsene-wenger-sky-sources

:lol: The player himself had the same doubts I had.

[Özim]

:lol: The player himself had the same doubts I had.

Valid concerns to be fair, we created a rod for our own back here.

Lessons to be learnt and all that, buy players for certain positions and play them there, don't settle for coming 2nd, 3rd or 4th all the time and don't be cheap or you'll pay for it in the long term.

We're starting to pay the price for many years of the above, had to happen sometime.

[Power n Glory]

Valid concerns to be fair, we created a rod for our own back here.

Lessons to be learnt and all that, buy players for certain positions and play them there, don't settle for coming 2nd, 3rd or 4th all the time and don't be cheap or you'll pay for it in the long term.

We're starting to pay the price for many years of the above, had to happen sometime.

I'll give Vardy credit for knowing where his strength comes from. I've seen better players move teams and totally lose confidence from a new system.

[Özim]

I'll give Vardy credit for knowing where his strength comes from. I've seen better players move teams and totally lose confidence from a new system.

Yeah didn't want him here so I'm not bothered, but respect to him for making it clear that not everyone wants to come over and be shifted around all over the place and not everyone wants to play boring tippy tappy nonsense, Wenger isn't quite the draw he once was after all, maybe a wake up call for the club, knowing them probably not, they're so entwined in their rich little world nothing else matters.

[Kano]

Mane to Liverpool for £30m apparently in the making :lol:

[Özim]

Are Southampton having another mass sale again, new manager, sell half their squad and find another half dozen top players next season.

[GP]

West Ham have bid for Lacazette.

€50m

:lol:

[Özim]

Cleary not worrried about the exchange rate.

[AFC Leveller]

Ramsay linked with a move to Man ure.

I'd swap him for any of Shneiderlin/Martial/Blind.

[Marc Overmars]

Ramsay linked with a move to Man ure.

I'd swap him for any of Shneiderlin/Martial/Blind.

Martial yes, the others? Fuck no.

He's not going anywhere.

[selassie]

Mane to Liverpool for £30m apparently in the making :lol:

Jesus, 30m for him? He's a good player, but 30m? :tumbleweed:

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Mane to Liverpool for £30m apparently in the making :lol:
Good player but it's a ludicrous price. Again. We'll never learn. Would be nice if we searched outside of Hampshire for a change.

It will be interesting to see how the new TV deal is going to distort everything. There could be some mental panic buys... well more mental.

[Özim]

Jesus, 30m for him? He's a good player, but 30m? :tumbleweed:

We paid 33 million for Xhaka to be fair, not exactly a household name either.

[Niall_Quinn]

We paid 33 million for Xhaka to be fair, not exactly a household name either.

The biggest plus/minus signing since Arteta. Plus because he's a superb player. Minus because it's so obvious how he fits into Wenger tippy tappy. He'll do okay for us, in the extremely limited straightjacket role he is given, but he could be exceptional in a more progressive team.

[Niall_Quinn]

Ramsay linked with a move to Man ure.

I'd swap him for any of Shneiderlin/Martial/Blind.

That would be very sad and the final nail in Wenger's Project GHEWL.

[fakeyank]

Ramsay linked with a move to Man ure.

I'd swap him for any of Shneiderlin/Martial/Blind.

The blond cunt can fuck off tbh.. he is too busy running forward like a headless chicken. Only bad thing from his exit would be us losing an English player from the quota.

Bye Felicia.

[AFC Leveller]

Ramsay is a headless chicken and hasn't learnt the role despite being here for 8 seasons. He tries these flicks and clever tricks when I simply ball would do it his assist/goal record is terrible for someone who plays nearly every game.

[GP]

Ramsey is a great player and he's going nowhere.

[Kano]

He'll be here next season which is a good thing. Hopefully put him back on the right where he was working out well before.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

If United are offering a lot for him, I'd bite their hands off

Player who doesn't fit our style and doesn't have the technical passing ability and football brain to succeed here. Stick him on the right by all means if you want to slow us down on the counter attack.

[Static]

He would do well under Mourinho, considering he likes players with good engines.

[mastermind84]

Ramsey is going nowhere

Why do you dislike quality players. Especially for a wasteman like Schneiderlin.

Ramsey is a quality player and will have a big season.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Ramsey is going nowhere

Why do you dislike quality players. Especially for a wasteman like Schneiderlin.

Ramsey is a quality player and will have a big season.


I don't personally want Schneiderlin with Coquelin, Elneny and Xhaka we don't need him. Ramsey is surplus to requirements and his passing and speed and ability to bring players into the game is nowhere near good enough to consider keeping him. He's a luxury player who too often gets caught too far up the pitch and allows our counter attacking football to break down.

I am mixed on whether we should get rid of Wilshere as well, his quality is not in doubt his temprement and fitness definitely are though.

I'd like to get money for Ramsey go in big for a centre back and use remaining money for centre forward and winger (get rid of Walcott as well).

[mastermind84]

Ramsey is our best athlete in central midfield. He helps in defense and attack and his runs are chaotic for opposing defenses. He is a very unique player and there are not many like him in the game. While not as good, he is in that Pogba/Vidal style of central midfielder.

He struggled last year playing with a genuine bum in Flamini and he gets downplayed for it. Wenger won't sell him and he shouldn't. He is a class player who Arsenal fans don't appreciate nearly as much as they should.

This season with Xhaka and hopefully another CM, I expect Ramsey to take his rightful place as one of the best CMs in the league again.

This summer for Wales, the guy has been their best player and the heartbeat of that team.

[I am invisible]

I still like Ramsey - I just don't see him as a central midfielder in our current 4231 formation. If we stick with this shape then, for me, he's one of the attacking 3 - his unpredictable, marauding style is an asset in one of those roles, but I just can't see it as anything other than a liability if he's one of the 2 who are sat in front of the defence, controlling the game. It's just unfortunate for him that he finds himself in the same team as Özil, because I could see him working really well as a different option behind the striker (and especially with a striker like Giroud). I still think that's an option that's worth exploring in some games: Ramsey behind Giroud, and Özil on the right - might not be where Özil would choose to play, but I can't help but feel that he links up better with Giroud himself when he's getting down the flanks, and firing in those laser-guided crosses and passes for first-time finishes? Seriously, what's the point of having Özil relentlessly sliding in through-balls in open play when your CF is Giroud - it's a waste of both players' time.

(Obviously with a different type of striker then Özil goes back in the No.10 role - anything else would be a criminal waste of a special talent.)

I guess the other option is to go 433 very now and then? That would probably be a good fit for Ramsey, Wilshere and Coq. 4231 feels like it's built more for Xhaka, Cazorla and Elneny (maybe Wilshere too, depending on how disciplined he can be).

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Martial yes, the others? Fuck no.

He's not going anywhere.

Yup. He's going to find it hard in the season coming if he wants to play regularly though.....particularly if we sign a wide attacker. Hopefully that spurns him on.

[Chippy]

Maybe this has been said before, but we need a striker. Preferably not one called Sanogo's Brother.

Any truth in the Lukako story? Hope so! :music:

[Power n Glory]

I still like Ramsey - I just don't see him as a central midfielder in our current 4231 formation. If we stick with this shape then, for me, he's one of the attacking 3 - his unpredictable, marauding style is an asset in one of those roles, but I just can't see it as anything other than a liability if he's one of the 2 who are sat in front of the defence, controlling the game. It's just unfortunate for him that he finds himself in the same team as Özil, because I could see him working really well as a different option behind the striker (and especially with a striker like Giroud). I still think that's an option that's worth exploring in some games: Ramsey behind Giroud, and Özil on the right - might not be where Özil would choose to play, but I can't help but feel that he links up better with Giroud himself when he's getting down the flanks, and firing in those laser-guided crosses and passes for first-time finishes? Seriously, what's the point of having Özil relentlessly sliding in through-balls in open play when your CF is Giroud - it's a waste of both players' time.

(Obviously with a different type of striker then Özil goes back in the No.10 role - anything else would be a criminal waste of a special talent.)

I guess the other option is to go 433 very now and then? That would probably be a good fit for Ramsey, Wilshere and Coq. 4231 feels like it's built more for Xhaka, Cazorla and Elneny (maybe Wilshere too, depending on how disciplined he can be).

Wouldn't mind seeing Ramsey played behind Giroud. I don't think Ozil has to be shackled to the number 10 role. I don't even think he plays like a typical 10 and reminds me more of a playmaking CM. I believe he could still create from further back of the field. It's just a question of his defensive contribution and probably why he's played further forward.

[Niall_Quinn]

Any truth in the Lukako story? Hope so! :music:

Everton want £50mill, we have offered £1 - so still negotiating.

[Penguin]

I'm not a big fan of Lukaku. He's built like a beast and has plenty of talent but he's too lazy and doesn't make use of it. One of those annoying players who will throw his arms up and stare at his team mate if a pass isn't right at his feet, even though he'd be twice the player if he made more of an effort to make runs and make more of a nuisance of himself. I actually prefer the Welbeck/Vardy types who probably don't have as much technical ability as him but are more effective because they put the work in.

[Penguin]

If United are offering a lot for him, I'd bite their hands off

Player who doesn't fit our style and doesn't have the technical passing ability and football brain to succeed here. Stick him on the right by all means if you want to slow us down on the counter attack.
I wouldn't give United a turd, especially with Mourinho there.

I'm losing patience with Ramsey though. The seasons are flying away and I can't see the progress. It's the same with Wilshere, they just aren't getting even the basics right. They should know when to play it fast and simple, and when not to take risks but they prove they don't time and time again. And they're made of glass too, although I'm not sure if any player exists that this club CAN'T turn into glass...

I actually think Ramsey would improve a lot under Mourinho. Wenger's management style is to let the players do whatever they want on the pitch which is why Ramsey has turned into a bit if a headless chicken and leaving gaps in our midfield. Mourinho would beat some discipline into him and teach him where he has to be and why. That's what Ramsey needs most right now IMO. All the more reason not to let him go there, and for someone at Arsenal to give Aaron a kick up the backside and teach him how to boss the midfield like a true all round box-to-box midfielder should. He's 25 and should be looking at what players like Vieira and Vidal were doing at that age, because that's what he should be doing.

[I am invisible]

I heard someone say earlier that the only player in the Prem who had scored more goals than Lukaku over the last 4 years was Aguero? If that's true then it's kind of impressive, considering he's done it at West Brom and Everton (as a loanee during half of that time), and has only just turned 23! Doesn't look like he misses many games either...

[selassie]

Any truth in the Lukako story? Hope so! :music:

Doubt it, have you seen what Everton want for him? 75mill! :haha:

Rumours we're after Lacazette along with West Ham and Atletico Madrid, not sure if that one is true either, apparently West Ham have offered 42mill for him and it's been rejected as Lyon want 45mill for him.

[Özim]

Doubt it, have you seen what Everton want for him? 75mill! :haha:

Rumours we're after Lacazette along with West Ham and Atletico Madrid, not sure if that one is true either, apparently West Ham have offered 42mill for him and it's been rejected as Lyon want 45mill for him.

Wouldn't mind Lacazette, has a decent scoring record, only 25, considering what's available he'd be a decent option.

[Gooner23]

I just want someone who's pacey, strong and doesn't shit himself when through on goal. Surely can't be that hard to find!

[Globalgunner]

I just want someone who's pacey, strong and doesn't shit himself when through on goal. Surely can't be that hard to find!

Sanogo?

[Özim]

If Wenger signs Lacazette I'll have something good to say about him as I very much approve with this signing, would make a change for us to sign someone I actually would like us to sign as opposed to someone I've never heard of or really am not bothered about or don't want here.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

At least we don't have to listen to the Morgan Schneiderlain hype machine any more now he's warming United's bench most of the time. :d

[selassie]

Wouldn't mind Lacazette, has a decent scoring record, only 25, considering what's available he'd be a decent option.

I've not really seen enough of him to form a solid opinion. From the little I have seen is this guy strong enough to lead the line for us? Also slightly concerned that he couldn't get in the French Squad ahead of Gignac.

Despite the above he looked a real talent a couple of seasons ago.

[Niall_Quinn]

I've not really seen enough of him to form a solid opinion. From the little I have seen is this guy strong enough to lead the line for us? Also slightly concerned that he couldn't get in the French Squad ahead of Gignac.

Despite the above he looked a real talent a couple of seasons ago.

I'm quite concerned I couldn't get in the French squad ahead of Gignac.

[Kano]

Schalke spending £20m on Embolo. Jesus wept.

[Özim]

I've not really seen enough of him to form a solid opinion. From the little I have seen is this guy strong enough to lead the line for us? Also slightly concerned that he couldn't get in the French Squad ahead of Gignac.

Despite the above he looked a real talent a couple of seasons ago.

Deschamps made some odd decisions, left out the guy from Seville Gameiro who is scoring for fun too and dropped Griezmann in the 2nd game, I don't the fact he's not in the French squad reflects on his ability.

He scores goals and that's what we need to be honest.

[selassie]

Deschamps made some odd decisions, left out the guy from Seville Gameiro who is scoring for fun too and dropped Griezmann in the 2nd game, I don't the fact he's not in the French squad reflects on his ability.

He scores goals and that's what we need to be honest.

Yeah fair play. I'm not against us signing Lacazette, he's pacey and has a good scoring record. TBH, I'm just desperate for us to sign a striker. I pray Wenger doesn't screw up this window, our rivals are all starting to make moves in the market, I hope we do too.

[GP]

#WEXIT

[I am invisible]

I've not really seen enough of him to form a solid opinion. From the little I have seen is this guy strong enough to lead the line for us? Also slightly concerned that he couldn't get in the French Squad ahead of Gignac.

Despite the above he looked a real talent a couple of seasons ago.

Is he directly competing with Gignac for a place in the squad though though? I'd say he's up against Griezmann and Martial for that pacey / mobile goal-scorer role. Gignac looks more like some emergency cover for Giroud as a target-man after Benzema was removed as an option...

[selassie]

#WEXIT

:lol:

[Grebbo]

Not sure why the Vardy thread was closed, this place is hardly brimming with active threads. I'm quite shocked that he didn't jump at joining us. It's a sign of the times that Leicester can match the wages we offered him. Overall the Premier League is going to be amazingly competitive with every club having so much dosh. Next season will be amazing to watch.

[selassie]

Is he directly competing with Gignac for a place in the squad though though? I'd say he's up against Griezmann and Martial for that pacey / mobile goal-scorer role. Gignac looks more like some emergency cover for Giroud as a target-man after Benzema was removed as an option...

Yeah fair point, he's not...but you would have thought they would have made room for him in the squad, technically they have two Centre Forwards in the squad, Giroud and Gignac, you could argue Martial is seen as a Centre Forward, though they do tend to stick him out wide when he does get a game.

I suppose it basically boils down to how Deschamps likes to have them play, he seems to favour a "target" man through the middle with mobile players either side of them.

[Kano]

Not sure why the Vardy thread was closed, this place is hardly brimming with active threads. I'm quite shocked that he didn't jump at joining us. It's a sign of the times that Leicester can match the wages we offered him. Overall the Premier League is going to be amazingly competitive with every club having so much dosh. Next season will be amazing to watch.

Don't hold your breath. Before every season kicks off it is billed as being more competitive than the last and 20 teams will be fighting for the title until the last ball is kicked. Always comes down to two in the end. But first thing first. If we could have an improvement on basic passing, crossing and shooting that would be helpful. More overrated, overpaid tripe coming into the league isn't going to help that.

[Marc Overmars]

United have agreed a fee of £26m for Mkhitarayan.

:sick:

[I am invisible]

Yeah fair point, he's not...but you would have thought they would have made room for him in the squad, technically they have two Centre Forwards in the squad, Giroud and Gignac, you could argue Martial is seen as a Centre Forward, though they do tend to stick him out wide when he does get a game.

I suppose it basically boils down to how Deschamps likes to have them play, he seems to favour a "target" man through the middle with mobile players either side of them.
I suppose you have to remember that, in an ideal world, it would have been Benzema in middle, who offers a bit more than just a big target - looks like Descamps is trying to keep his shape and system going with the options he has left.

Whether it works or not is another matter, but it does at least looks like he's given his selection some thought beyond 'just pick all of the highest scorers, even if they're all pretty much the same player and offer nothing different'...

[Niall_Quinn]

United have agreed a fee of £26m for Mkhitarayan.

:sick:

Well they have wasted just about everyone they have signed over the last 2 years so we'll see how that works out for them. As we are seeing repeatedly, it's the team that counts most, not the individuals. Unfortunately Maureen understands that. Such a shame van Genius didn't get another year.

[selassie]

United have agreed a fee of £26m for Mkhitarayan.

:sick:

He's a good player, if he gets anywhere near to his form last season at Dortmund then United have a player on their hands. They are starting to build a nice team, a front 3 of Mkhitarayan, Zlatan & Martial with Rashford in reserves gives them very good offensive options.

Weren't we heavily linked with Mkhitarayan? It's almost like as soon as another team got involved we dropped our interest....:rolleyes:

[Marc Overmars]

Mane having a medical at Liverpool. Fee thought to be around £34m.

:wacko:

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Fuck that. Fuck it all.

[Özim]

United have agreed a fee of £26m for Mkhitarayan.

:sick:

Great signing for them at a good price, shame he wasn't interested in coming to us would have been a good signing, seems Man U have more appeal despite no CL football (probably due to their sucess and manager).

Would love to have another goalscoring midfielder here, would just love to have another goalscorer as we don't seem to really have many.

[I am invisible]

ESPN (Brasil) saying we've submitted an offer for Barbosa...

http://espn.uol.com.br/noticia/609020_gabigol-tem-proposta-e-se-anima-para-jogar-no-arsenal-mas-esbarra-em-saida-britanica-da-ue
http://www.101greatgoals.com/news/transfers/arsenal-send-official-offer-santos-striker-gabigol-espn-brazil/?

...?!

[GP]

who?

[I am invisible]

Gabriel Barbosa, aka "Gabigol", aka 'The New Naymar', etc...

[GP]

Oh right.

[Niall_Quinn]

WHO????????

[Özim]

We'll buy him, loan him out to some Spanish club for 6 years, bring him back and stick him on the bench with the occasional sub appearance on the wing where he doesn't like to play and then think he's sh*t and sell him for 2 milion.

[GP]

WHO????????

Captain Barbossa, from that Johnny Depp film.

[Kano]

Gabriel Barbosa, aka "Gabigol", aka 'The New Naymar', etc...
We're not looking for the next Suarez or Neymar are we? What the fuck are we doing? We never do that!

WHAT IS WENGER DOING?!

[selassie]

ESPN (Brasil) saying we've submitted an offer for Barbosa...

http://espn.uol.com.br/noticia/609020_gabigol-tem-proposta-e-se-anima-para-jogar-no-arsenal-mas-esbarra-em-saida-britanica-da-ue
http://www.101greatgoals.com/news/transfers/arsenal-send-official-offer-santos-striker-gabigol-espn-brazil/?

...?!

Never heard of him.

Not that any transfers with us are straight forward...but surely any deal would be difficult for him as buying players from South America is always difficult due to work permits and third party ownerships for the marketable ones etc.

Is this guy a full Brazilian international?

[Niall_Quinn]

Captain Barbossa, from that Johnny Depp film.

Excellent. I like his swashbuckling style.

[GP]

Excellent. I like his swashbuckling style.

He shivers my timbers.

[Özim]

Apparently he has a £41.6million release clause.

Ha played 4 times for Brazil with 2 goals.

[Niall_Quinn]

He shivers my timbers.

Hopefully we've uncovered a treasure.

[Munchies]

Arsenal :haha:

Mkhtaryan and Vardy were the 2 the ITKs said we'd get

ITKs :pal:

Me :getcoat:

[selassie]

Apparently he has a £41.6million release clause.

Ha played 4 times for Brazil with 2 goals.

Nice one Zim. Sounds like an emerging talent.

[dostoy]

He will be 20 at the end of August.

It seems too early to leave Brazil to me.

If Wenger likes cheap then why not sign Janssen from AZ Alkmaar for about 15 million.

[Özim]

He will be 20 at the end of August.

It seems too early to leave Brazil to me.

If Wenger likes cheap then why not sign Janssen from AZ Alkmaar for about 15 million.

He doesn't seem interested in Janssen, but who knows if he's interested in any of these guys, he could go through the whole summer signing noone up front, it wouldn't come as a great surprise.

[GP]

Noone is more of a winger than a striker.

[I am invisible]

We're not looking for the next Suarez or Neymar are we? What the fuck are we doing? We never do that!

WHAT IS WENGER DOING?!

Bearing in mind this is an internet rumour, so there's a fair chance that we're actually doing fuck all...

[selassie]

He will be 20 at the end of August.

It seems too early to leave Brazil to me.

If Wenger likes cheap then why not sign Janssen from AZ Alkmaar for about 15 million.

My thoughts too.

I get the impression that Xhaka was the big buy and that any striker coming in will cost no more than 20million which is chump change in the current market.

[Kano]

Bearing in mind this is an internet rumour, so there's a fair chance that we're actually doing fuck all...

DJDIDNDNDMSJWNSVSICJSNDJDLDLFKF!!!

[dostoy]

I would be surprised if we did not sign a striker this summer.

He tried to sign Vardy and we know Welbeck is out till well after xmas.

He simply must get a very good one, surely he knows that and as he tried to get Vardy, then surely there will be one.

[Özim]

I would be surprised if we did not sign a striker this summer.

He tried to sign Vardy and we know Welbeck is out till well after xmas.

He simply must get a very good one, surely he knows that and as he tried to get Vardy, then surely there will be one.

He's done the same in the past though, when he's failed the get the player he's identified we've then gone into the new season with noone.

[Özim]

My thoughts too.

I get the impression that Xhaka was the big buy and that any striker coming in will cost no more than 20million which is chump change in the current market.

I'm puzzled by this, I would have thought the priority this summer was a striker thus we should have kept most of the money to spend on this position and spent what left on the other positions, instead we've spent 33 million on a DM which was a position we could improve on but wasn't as crucial as the striker position.

I think Wenger identifies the player and then goes for him rather than prioritising problem areas in the team.

[selassie]

I'm puzzled by this, I would have thought the priority this summer was a striker thus we should have kept most of the money to spend on this position and spent what left on the other positions, instead we've spent 33 million on a DM which was a position we could improve on but wasn't as crucial as the striker position.

I think Wenger identifies the player and then goes for him rather than prioritising problem areas in the team.

I agree and it wouldn't be the first time he's done it.

I suppose we should be just thankful he's bought an outfield player this summer! :lol:

[I am invisible]

He will be 20 at the end of August.

It seems too early to leave Brazil to me.

If Wenger likes cheap then why not sign Janssen from AZ Alkmaar for about 15 million.

Thing is, 'too early' might be our only window to get these type of players - give it another couple of years and the Barcelonas and Madrids of this world will probably be all over them.

(And I doubt he'll be cheap!)

[GP]

Thing is, 'too early' might be our only window to get these type of players - give it another couple of years and the Barcelonas and Madrids of this world will probably be all over them.

(And I doubt he'll be cheap!)

I think he'll be quite expensive now.

It's the way it goes now.

[dostoy]

I didn't mean that he would be cheap, I meant that as Wenger tried to get Vardy for 20 million, then why not get somebody much younger for a bit less money.

Janssen was 22 last week and would 'only' be about 15 million.

I would like Janssen and Michy Batshuayi and get rid of Walcott who will never improve now.

[fakeyank]

So at this point, lets say we get rid of crocks and shitheads like Walcott, Wilshere and Ramsey (may be).. where does that leave us with the homegrown quota? I always believed that Vardy was a +1 for English homegrown quota because we were going to -1 Walcott.

With all the names being thrown around, how much consideration do we have to make for the homegrown quota?

[Kano]

No one is thinking about that in the club I'm sure.

Because they're all shit cunts.

[GP]

Ramsey and Wilshere aren't going anywhere.

[Marc Overmars]

Ramsey and Wilshere aren't going anywhere.

They should because they're shit.

[GP]

They should because they're shit.

Your face is shit.

[Marc Overmars]

Fair enough.

[fakeyank]

No one is thinking about that in the club I'm sure.

Because they're all shit cunts.

:gp:

[Özim]

They should because they're shit.

Spot on especially Wilshere, sh*t and a crock.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

They should because they're shit.

Poorly coached tbf, at least for us. Although then again it seems Wilshere is magnetised to brick walls for whoever he plays for.

[Kano]

Palace to buy Batshuayi for €38m :haha:

[Kano]

Alves has gone to Juve, giving their defence an average age of 153

[Marc Overmars]

Palace to buy Batshuayi for €38m :haha:

FFS. :lol:

[Kano]

That's why I don't blame Wenger for going for Vardy at £20m. The market prices are insane.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Palace to buy Batshuayi for €38m :haha:

Thought this was a joke but ......... you're right.

Jesus fucking christ, this transfer window is going to be mental isn't it? :lol:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Jannsen, Mahrez/Fekir, Subotic and be done with....

[Özim]

You pay the going rate or you get left behind, clubs have got sackfuls of money so use it, we've got no excuses.

[Özim]

Jannsen, Mahrez/Fekir, Subotic and be done with....

Would be great, will never happen though.

[GP]

Jannsen, Mahrez/Fekir, Subotic and be done with....

Not sure about Subotic.

[selassie]

You pay the going rate or you get left behind, clubs have got sackfuls of money so use it, we've got no excuses.

We're Arsenal, we pride ourselves on being different, we're too smart for that.

[Niall_Quinn]

To be honest, when you see how shite most of the superstars are, is it really wise to pay the going rate? Morata, Lukaku, Manduzic, we've been linked with all these turds and they're not worth a fiver, never mind the ludicrous fees being thrown around.

[selassie]

To be honest, when you see how shite most of the superstars are, is it really wise to pay the going rate? Morata, Lukaku, Manduzic, we've been linked with all these turds and they're not worth a fiver, never mind the ludicrous fees being thrown around.

Whatever it costs to upgrade our team? Morata and Lukaku are upgrades on Giroud for me.

We're screwed now anyway, years of under investment has caught up on us, realistically if we want to improve we are going to have pay the going rate. The only alternative is for us to "grow our own" and hope one of our young bucks has a breakthrough season.

[Niall_Quinn]

Whatever it costs to upgrade our team? Morata and Lukaku are upgrades on Giroud for me.

We're screwed now anyway, years of under investment has caught up on us, realistically if we want to improve we are going to have pay the going rate. The only alternative is for us to "grow our own" and hope one of our young bucks has a breakthrough season.

I think it's all quite random now. You can pay big money for a fraud, nothing for a Mahrez. I'm not sure many of the managers have a clue what they are doing any more. Some stumble on a lucky formula, others flounder around trying to apply coaching methods to a bunch of millionaires who don't really seem to give a fuck about football. Look at last season and the season before. A dire chav team walked a title with nobody else putting up as much as a whimper, then Leicester walk a title because the rest can't be bothered to turn up. Too busy renegotiating contracts and being replaced a season in advance and slapping doctors around and anything and everything that had nothing to do with performing on the pitch. Then England round up all these precious stars and fly over to France to have their complacent arses kicked by a bunch of part-timers. Woy at the helm shows how irrelevant these managers are becoming.

There seems to be one thing to do. At least build a fucking team. I don't mean a whole bunch of big names, I mean any eleven that can actually do something coherent on a football pitch. That's what should set the tone for who we buy or who we promote. Whoever can build a team will have a great chance next season. We don't have a team. We're overloaded in some areas, desperately short in others. And we have no ambition in terms of the football we play. Wenger won't address it. You can see from the signing of Xhaka exactly what he intends to do. More of the same.

[selassie]

I think it's all quite random now. You can pay big money for a fraud, nothing for a Mahrez. I'm not sure many of the managers have a clue what they are doing any more. Some stumble on a lucky formula, others flounder around trying to apply coaching methods to a bunch of millionaires who don't really seem to give a fuck about football. Look at last season and the season before. A dire chav team walked a title with nobody else putting up as much as a whimper, then Leicester walk a title because the rest can't be bothered to turn up. Too busy renegotiating contracts and being replaced a season in advance and slapping doctors around and anything and everything that had nothing to do with performing on the pitch. Then England round up all these precious stars and fly over to France to have their complacent arses kicked by a bunch of part-timers. Woy at the helm shows how irrelevant these managers are becoming.

There seems to be one thing to do. At least build a fucking team. I don't mean a whole bunch of big names, I mean any eleven that can actually do something coherent on a football pitch. That's what should set the tone for who we buy or who we promote. Whoever can build a team will have a great chance next season. We don't have a team. We're overloaded in some areas, desperately short in others. And we have no ambition in terms of the football we play. Wenger won't address it. You can see from the signing of Xhaka exactly what he intends to do. More of the same.

Aye, can't argue with that, totally agree.

[GP]

Mane has indeed joined Liverpool.

We should sign Sturridge.

[Niall_Quinn]

Mane has indeed joined Liverpool.

We should sign Sturridge.

And play him on the wing.

[selassie]

Mane has indeed joined Liverpool.

We should sign Sturridge.

Sturridge is a good player but can you imagine him at Arsenal? 2 games a season max.

[selassie]

Palace to buy Batshuayi for €38m :haha:

As much as it's crazy that's what highly rated young talents trade for these days, Martial went for a similar fee last year with a bunch of add-ons that potentially could rise the price up to 60million or whatever it is.

The market is nuts but we either pay the price or don't buy.

[dostoy]

I agree.

Janssen is looking a very good buy then at about 15 million.

We need a striker before August.

[Kano]

As much as it's crazy that's what highly rated young talents trade for these days, Martial went for a similar fee last year with a bunch of add-ons that potentially could rise the price up to 60million or whatever it is.

The market is nuts but we either pay the price or don't buy.

And yet you look at Leciester and see how they done. How Spurs drastically improved in one season. Hardly anything spent. Or the alternative route is to spend on overrated bullshit players like this guy and keep on going in that cycle. Is Wenger the man to build that team? No. But is he going to improve things by wasting the money he does have on crap like this? No.

[selassie]

And yet you look at Leciester and see how they done. How Spurs drastically improved in one season. Hardly anything spent. Or the alternative route is to spend on overrated bullshit players like this guy and keep on going in that cycle. Is Wenger the man to build that team? No. But is he going to improve things by wasting the money he does have on crap like this? No.

With Wenger in charge the only way we will improve is by spending, he's not capable of building a solid team out of the options we currently have, come on Kano you know this.

He spent on Ozil and Sanchez and we improved, not drastically but enough for it to make a difference.

Not spending with him in charge shouldn't be option we even think about contemplating.

[Kano]

With Wenger in charge the only way we will improve is by spending, he's not capable of building a solid team out of the options we currently have, come on Kano you know this.

He spent on Ozil and Sanchez and we improved, not drastically but enough for it to make a difference.

Not spending with him in charge shouldn't be option we even think about contemplating.

He's not capable of improving our performance if he spends on overrated tripe either. So the best thing will be to plod along as usual and rather than load down the squad with too much crap, hope the next man can build something resembling a team that works well. I said so above in my first response, that Wenger is not the man to build a balanced team.

It doesn't have to be an option of not spending at all or overspending on hype, those are two extremes that won't make a difference under Wenger. With Ozil and Sanchez added, our style and conherence has become worse rather than improved in a tangible sense. Their talents and price tags haven't changed the progression of the team and the least we can say is their prices made more sense in the market, given their recognised ability.

[Niall_Quinn]

With Wenger in charge the only way we will improve is by spending, he's not capable of building a solid team out of the options we currently have, come on Kano you know this.

He spent on Ozil and Sanchez and we improved, not drastically but enough for it to make a difference.

Not spending with him in charge shouldn't be option we even think about contemplating.

But we didn't improve. Our football at the tail end of last season was the worst I've seen us play for decades. When we really needed that win, when the key moments arrived, we saw the same outcome as usual. £60mill of talent absorbed into a mess. Will it make a difference if Wenger shells £60mill more on a striker who is then not utilised to the full or ends up victim to our tragic injury policy? I know what you mean. From time to time players like Ozil, Alexis can pull out a little extra that makes a difference when the margins are narrow. Rarely, it has to be said, but sometimes. So if you keep adding more of the same eventually you get to a position when they are all pulling rabbits out of the hat. But that's Argentina from the other night, isn't it? No guarantees at all, mainly because the man at the helm doesn't know how to extract the best results regardless of who is on the pitch. The only reason I'd spend big now, and by big I mean lots of money but not enough because that's just us, is to keep the likes of Ozil and Alexis at the club. Give it another go, one more time around. Bring a big(ish) name in and see if we can do something. If that fails then I guess we don't need Ozil or Alexis anyway, aside from the entertainment they provide in our footballing desert.

But then it goes around again. If he won't spend £70, £80mill, which it what it will cost for genuine rather than hyped talent, then what will we get? Morata? Probably not as he'd be almost that much and with silly wages bunged on top. Lukaku then? £70mill - Evertonians on crack. A kid for £15mill? That's why I wanted Vardy for £20mill. He's actually worth the 40 odd mill we'd be prepared to spend. He hits the ground running, hits the ground when he's in the box, and I genuinely think it would be difficult for Wenger to ruin him because he's one dimensional (and so is Vardy). Should have signed him.

[selassie]

He's not capable of improving our performance if he spends on overrated tripe either. So the best thing will be to plod along as usual and rather than load down the squad with too much crap, hope the next man can build something resembling a team that works well. I said so above in my first response, that Wenger is not the man to build a balanced team.

It doesn't have to be an option of not spending at all or overspending on hype, those are two extremes that won't make a difference under Wenger. With Ozil and Sanchez added, our style and conherence has become worse rather than improved in a tangible sense. Their talents and price tags haven't changed the progression of the team and the least we can say is their prices made more sense in the market, given their recognised ability.

So basically you are saying we shouldn't try and improve the team?

I understand where you are coming from and have flipped flopped myself between him buying a new striker or just leaving the squad as is until a new guy comes in. The thing is I suspect Wenger is going to be here for a while yet so he might as well make use of his resources.

I'm not suggesting he goes on some wild spending spree, but I see no reason why he shouldn't at the very least bring in a good quality striker who is an upgrade on what we currently have, the cost is irrelevant, though I suspect in the current market we will need to pay a healthy fee...we have the money. As an example, the Vardy deal was an opportunist punt, we can't wait around until we find another striker who we deem "value for money" it doesn't work like that.

Not sure I agree re: Ozil and Sanchez, I think the issue with our style and the teams lack of progression is more to do with Wenger trying to fit square pegs in round holes.

[Kano]

So basically you are saying we shouldn't try and improve the team?

I understand where you are coming from and have flipped flopped myself between him buying a new striker or just leaving the squad as is until a new guy comes in. The thing is I suspect Wenger is going to be here for a while yet so he might as well make use of his resources.

I'm not suggesting he goes on some wild spending spree, but I see no reason why he shouldn't at the very least bring in a good quality striker who is an upgrade on what we currently have, the cost is irrelevant, though I suspect in the current market we will need to pay a healthy fee...we have the money. As an example, the Vardy deal was an opportunist punt, we can't wait around until we find another striker who we deem "value for money" it doesn't work like that.

Not sure I agree re: Ozil and Sanchez, I think the issue with our style and the teams lack of progression is more to do with Wenger trying to fit square pegs in round holes.

No, where have I said that?? What I'm saying is overpaying for hype is stupid and pointless and not spending (which you mentioned before) is just as silly. Get some decent players, spend on quality where possible but watching Mane and that other guy go to Palace for those prices is laughable. I hope we don't go down the same route. If we go big for certified quality like an Ozil or Alexis, then great.

[selassie]

But we didn't improve. Our football at the tail end of last season was the worst I've seen us play for decades. When we really needed that win, when the key moments arrived, we saw the same outcome as usual. £60mill of talent absorbed into a mess. Will it make a difference if Wenger shells £60mill more on a striker who is then not utilised to the full or ends up victim to our tragic injury policy? I know what you mean. From time to time players like Ozil, Alexis can pull out a little extra that makes a difference when the margins are narrow. Rarely, it has to be said, but sometimes. So if you keep adding more of the same eventually you get to a position when they are all pulling rabbits out of the hat. But that's Argentina from the other night, isn't it? No guarantees at all, mainly because the man at the helm doesn't know how to extract the best results regardless of who is on the pitch. The only reason I'd spend big now, and by big I mean lots of money but not enough because that's just us, is to keep the likes of Ozil and Alexis at the club. Give it another go, one more time around. Bring a big(ish) name in and see if we can do something. If that fails then I guess we don't need Ozil or Alexis anyway, aside from the entertainment they provide in our footballing desert.

But then it goes around again. If he won't spend £70, £80mill, which it what it will cost for genuine rather than hyped talent, then what will we get? Morata? Probably not as he'd be almost that much and with silly wages bunged on top. Lukaku then? £70mill - Evertonians on crack. A kid for £15mill? That's why I wanted Vardy for £20mill. He's actually worth the 40 odd mill we'd be prepared to spend. He hits the ground running, hits the ground when he's in the box, and I genuinely think it would be difficult for Wenger to ruin him because he's one dimensional (and so is Vardy). Should have signed him.

Oh I agree our football was turgid from January onwards and at times we actually looked like we had gone backwards...but I am of the opinion that we need to do something rather than nothing. We need to pragmatically address our deficiencies irrespective of the cost, if we sign a new striker on the cheap great but if we have to overpay so what? It's not our money, we're not going to go bankrupt, especially not given we are sitting on piles of cash because the man at the helm prides himself on not overpaying in the current market. We're not in a position to pick and choose, what's that saying..."a glass of water is worth a fortune to a man dying of thirst".

I would have quite liked Vardy too but he didn't want to come here and it's no point us waiting around for another opportunity to exploit, that's basically why we are in this mess in the first place.

[selassie]

No, where have I said that?? What I'm saying is overpaying for hype is stupid and pointless and not spending (which you mentioned before) is just as silly. Get some decent players, spend on quality where possible but watching Mane and that other guy go to Palace for those prices is laughable. I hope we don't go down the same route. If we go big for certified quality like an Ozil or Alexis, then great.

Overpaying in your opinion? If we bought Mane at 34 million and he scored 20 goals for us next season and we won the league then it wouldn't be overpaying.

It's not even overpaying really..it's the current market rate, I personally think the fees are crazy too but that's what players trade for between PL clubs now.

I think House prices are crazy in London but they sell for the price they sell for because the market dictates that.

I see what both you and NQ are saying, I'd preferably would like a Alexis/Ozil type signing too but we're not going to aggressively pursue a player of that Ilk, those type of signings are ones that fall in our lap.

[Özim]

Overpaying in your opinion? If we bought Mane at 34 million and he scored 20 goals for us next season and we won the league then it wouldn't be overpaying.

It's not even overpaying really..it's the current market rate, I personally think the fees are crazy too but that's what players trade for between PL clubs now.

I think House prices are crazy in London but they sell for the price they sell for because the market dictates that.

I see what both you and NQ are saying, I'd preferably would like a Alexis/Ozil type signing too but we're not going to aggressively pursue a player of that Ilk, those type of signings are ones that fall in our lap.

Pretty much agree with this, you pay up or you get noone, fees are ridiculous but so is the money clubs get from TV deals so it's not like they're short of cash.

It's a choice and we prefer not to pay and therefore not to compete for the top prizes, if you make the right signings and they win you the league or the CL they pay back their transfer fees many times over, the club also gets money from the shirt sales.

Problem has always been that we have a manager who doesn't seem keen to pay for top established players and yet he goes and splashes out 33 million on some unknown which is odd, it's almost like he feels he has to be the one to discover them.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Thoughts on the Daley Blind rumours.........can't see Jose ever selling to us again!

(For some reason Can't help thinking of the Silvestre deal we struck with Manure........)

Would make squad stronger and upgrade on what we have let go so I say why not

[Marc Overmars]

Not sure why we'd be after Blind, unless Wenger wants him for his ability to play CB and DM.

[GP]

Firstly, he's not very good.

Secondly, Mourinho isn't going to sell us shit.

[Niall_Quinn]

Thoughts on the Daley Blind rumours.........can't see Jose ever selling to us again!

(For some reason Can't help thinking of the Silvestre deal we struck with Manure........)

Would make squad stronger and upgrade on what we have let go so I say why not

First I've heard of it.

Initially I reacted with revulsion, then I went into denial, then I found it funny, then I started a letter writing campaign.

Blind is fucking useless. We don't need to bring shit into the team, we need quality.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Not sure why we'd be after Blind, unless Wenger wants him for his ability to play CB and DM.
Which is probably it.....first and foremost we should use him as DM and with Coq and Eleney there we have a strong corp.....he helps out with CB duties as cover only, Chambers can go out in loan? And we lose nothing. Comes from Ajax who play football so he has football intelligence. I say for 16 mil yes please as we can use money on real needs CF and CD

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Wenger is probably the last manager on earth that would buy Sturridge, lol. Superb finisher on his day but he absolutely....ABSOlutely does not pass when you want him to. The only time in his career he has with any regularity was when Suarez was around and even then he tired his best not to.

He is as greedy a footballer as a professional can get away with these days.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Blind leading the Blind.

Me. :bow:

[Marc Overmars]

Wenger is probably the last manager on earth that would buy Sturridge, lol. Superb finisher on his day but he absolutely....ABSOlutely does not pass when you want him to. The only time in his career he has with any regularity was when Suarez was around and even then he tired his best not to.

He is as greedy a footballer as a professional can get away with these days.

If anyone can coach a tendency to pass into him, surely it's Wenger? :lol:

[Globalgunner]

Wenger to England getting a lot of traction in the press. Make it so all ye Gods. I however see a problem with salary. Hodgson was on 3.5m Wenger on 8.5.m
We will have to prevail on Letters to plead with him to accept 5m. Has Wenger qualified for a UK passport now?

[GP]

It's not going to happen. Not this year. And not because of the money.

[Gooner23]

Wenger's not stupid enough to leave Arsenal for that one any time soon.

[selassie]

Thoughts on the Daley Blind rumours.........can't see Jose ever selling to us again!

(For some reason Can't help thinking of the Silvestre deal we struck with Manure........)

Would make squad stronger and upgrade on what we have let go so I say why not

I personally hope it's just a rumour, he's not a bad player but would be a luxury signing, he's basically OK in a number of positions but wouldn't upgrade on any position or fix any of the teams weaknesses.

[Marc Overmars]

Wenger to England getting a lot of traction in the press. Make it so all ye Gods. I however see a problem with salary. Hodgson was on 3.5m Wenger on 8.5.m
We will have to prevail on Letters to plead with him to accept 5m. Has Wenger qualified for a UK passport now?

Apparently Southgate would be willing to take the job on an interim basis, which could be for a year. Perfect if they really do want to appoint Wenger.

Hope it happens. We can move on and England get the best manager for the job. Everyone's a winner.

[Niall_Quinn]

Wenger to England getting a lot of traction in the press. Make it so all ye Gods. I however see a problem with salary. Hodgson was on 3.5m Wenger on 8.5.m
We will have to prevail on Letters to plead with him to accept 5m. Has Wenger qualified for a UK passport now?

Nah. The England manager is doomed the minute he steps into the job. I want Wenger out of Arsenal but I don't want to see him in front of a firing squad manned by baying idiots like Ashton and Samuel. Too undignified, would be a sad end to his career.

I would like to see Neil Ashton get the job. Come on then BIG MOUTH! Step up!

[I am invisible]

Hasn't Wenger only just ruled himself out of taking the French job when his current contract expires? Don't really see why he'd want to manage our bag-of-shit national side, if he's not interested in his own...

[Marc Overmars]

Looks like Chelsea have won the race for Batshuayi.

[dostoy]

Chelsea set to sign Batshuayi

Another one gets away.

He will do well there.

[Kano]

He looked like a poor mans Akinbiyi when he came on the other day.

£33m :lol:

[GP]

We should sign Akinfenwa.

[Toronto Gooner]

Chelsea set to sign Batshuayi

Another one gets away.

He will do well there.
He did look pretty good when he came on for Belgium. It seems that Chelsea are prepared to pay about £33 million for him. It would have been interesting to see the reaction if Arsenal had paid that amount of money for a relatively unproven 22-year-old. From what I recall, Sanchez cost something in that region, for comparison.

[Özim]

He did look pretty good when he came on for Belgium. It seems that Chelsea are prepared to pay about £33 million for him. It would have been interesting to see the reaction if Arsenal had paid that amount of money for a relatively unproven 22-year-old. From what I recall, Sanchez cost something in that region, for comparison.

We've paid 33 million relatively unproven 23-year-old close enough, my opinion is it's a lot but if he turn out to be good it'll be seen a snip I guess.

Depends how desperate you are to fill that position really, personally would rather spend a bit more on someone more proven.

[Munchies]

Now who else is realistically out there?

FFS we're linked to another Japanese player :lol:

[I am invisible]

There must be a cheaper Mongolian striker out there we can get?

[Power n Glory]

We're being linked with Lacazette.

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-transfer-news-arsene-wenger-refuses-to-rule-out-move-for-indemand-alexandre-lacazette-a3284046.html

[Özim]

We're being linked with Lacazette.

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-transfer-news-arsene-wenger-refuses-to-rule-out-move-for-indemand-alexandre-lacazette-a3284046.html

Worth a punt, has a good goalscoring record, that doesn't guaranteed he'll be a success but it certainly helps. I think he's probably one of the best options available at the moment.

[Power n Glory]

Yep, I thought we should have signed Lacazette last season. I'll be happy if he makes the move this season.

[Japan Shaking All Over]

There should nothing stopping us from getting him........wait a minute hold that thought 'Wenger'!?

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Sky sports were reporting Nolito to Citeh 14 mil?

[Gooner23]

So in the summer we need to find an upgrade on Giroud, we sign a bloke that can't get in the France squad ahead of him!

In fairness I haven't seen him play, if he's more of a Welbeck type striker with more composure in front of goal I'll be happy.

[GP]

So in the summer we need to find an upgrade on Giroud, we sign a bloke that can't get in the France squad ahead of him!

In fairness I haven't seen him play, if he's more of a Welbeck type striker with more composure in front of goal I'll be happy.

To be fair, he's probably behind Martial and Griezmann rather than Giroud.

[Niall_Quinn]

So in the summer we need to find an upgrade on Giroud, we sign a bloke that can't get in the France squad ahead of him!

In fairness I haven't seen him play, if he's more of a Welbeck type striker with more composure in front of goal I'll be happy.

Seen him play a couple of times. Maybe off-games but he looked very ordinary. Which is quite good these days, ordinary is the new world class.

[Kano]

16.5m Spurs bid for Janssen turned down, obviously holding out for something closer to 20m. Big money on an unproven player.

[Niall_Quinn]

Never seen him play and I'm coming around to the idea now of hoping Wenger get's his thumb out of his own arse and starts thinking seriously about who we already have, where they play and how they mesh as a team. We already have the players to win this league now we need the manager to step up. If he can't do that he should go. And if he can't do that he's unlikely to get the maximum out of any player we sign.

[Power n Glory]

16.5m Spurs bid for Janssen turned down, obviously holding out for something closer to 20m. Big money on an unproven player.

We paid £16m on Calum Chambers who had a career total of 25 games for Southampton along with £16m for Danny Welbeck who has never scored more than 12 goals in a season.

I wish we'd gamble on someone like Janssen that's had an exceptional season even if they've only just started their career.

[selassie]

Worth a punt, has a good goalscoring record, that doesn't guaranteed he'll be a success but it certainly helps. I think he's probably one of the best options available at the moment.

Yeah, I'm coming round to the idea of Lacazette more and more now. Not sure Wenger will pay the reported 40mill fee though or even enter negotiations, Aulas (Lyon President) is notoriously difficult to deal with and a tough negotiator.

[Marc Overmars]

Lacazette is as good a punt as any really.

As far as I'm concerned whatever we do it isn't going to be worse than another season of rinsing Giroud every week.

[Marc Overmars]

Zlatan has confirmed he is signing for United. :lol:

[I am invisible]

Zlatan has confirmed he is signing for United. :lol:

Mourinho and Zlatan's egos in the same dressing room at the same time -what could possibly go wrong?

:popcorn:

[Kano]

That is going to be a season long shitshow I can't wait to watch.

[Kano]

Gonzalo Higuaín’s agent has made it clear that the striker will not renew his contract at Napoli

I see


"Gonzalo will not renew but he will respect the contract because he is a professional"

That's good to hear


“There are at least four or five teams that can afford Higuaín both in Spain and England and there is also PSG and Bayern Munich. Simeone is a great coach, in the last three years he’s been in two Champions League finals despite not having a huge budget,” Higuaín’s cunt of a brother agent said. "[Maurizio] Sarri is also a great coach, but we’ll see in the future if Gonzalo will be trained by Guardiola, Conte, or Simeone,” he added.

Oh right

[selassie]

That is going to be a season long shitshow I can't wait to watch.

We will still finish in the top 4 though ;)

[Power n Glory]

Mourinho and Zlatan's egos in the same dressing room at the same time -what could possibly go wrong?

:popcorn:

Zlatan loves Jose. They were together at Inter, right?

[Niall_Quinn]

Zlatan has confirmed he is signing for United. :lol:

Good news. He's so past it it's embarrassing. Rooney and Zlatan :haha:

[Japan Shaking All Over]

God how Manure fans must be wishing Moyes was back in charge?

[Niall_Quinn]

God how Manure fans must be wishing Moyes was back in charge?

They're after Pogba now, supposedly. £84mill. Maureen in chequebook shocker.

[Power n Glory]

£84m. Madness.

[Edinburgh Gooner]

Mourhino showing his worth as a manager by spunking wads of cash.

[GP]

They're after Pogba now, supposedly. £84mill. Maureen in chequebook shocker.

They let Pogba go on a free so that there was room in the squad for a 67 year old Scholes to come out of retirement :lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

Doubt Pogba will get a game seeing as they already have Pirlo.

[I am invisible]

Zlatan loves Jose. They were together at Inter, right?
For 1 season, I think, before mourinho swapped him for Eto'o and a big pot of cash.

Although to be fair to mouron on this one, that was probably the biggest no-brainer in the history of football transfers...

[I am invisible]

For some reason I'm really hoping Zlatan always refers to himself in the third person when doing interviews?

[Power n Glory]

For 1 season, I think, before mourinho swapped him for Eto'o and a big pot of cash.

Although to be fair to mouron on this one, that was probably the biggest no-brainer in the history of football transfers...

You should search for Zlatan's comments comparing Jose and Pep. Nothing but scorn for Pep's style of management but he loved Jose. Luckily, Zlatan hasn't got long left in his career so it's unlikely there is enough time for real friction to develop. But we can only hope.

[GP]

For some reason I'm really hoping Zlatan always refers to himself in the third person when doing interviews?

Funny you should say that, I really hope he gets killed in his sleep.

[Marc Overmars]

Nolito signs for City.

[Kano]

Apparently Wattord have turned down a £38m bid for Ighalo from some Chinese team.

[Marc Overmars]

Speaking of China, Hulk signed for Shanghai for £46m. His contract is worth £10m a year. :doh:

[GP]

Do these players have no ambition at all?

:doh:

[Marc Overmars]

£10m for doing fuck all in China. I'd be gone too.

[Bergkampwonderland10]

Mkhitaryan looks to have signed for Man Utd. 18 goals from midfield last season. Would have been perfect fit for us as playmaker. Wonder why we pulled plug on this?

[mastermind84]

Mkhitaryan looks to have signed for Man Utd. 18 goals from midfield last season. Would have been perfect fit for us as playmaker. Wonder why we pulled plug on this?

He is earning more at United.

[Niall_Quinn]

Speaking of China, Hulk signed for Shanghai for £46m. His contract is worth £10m a year. :doh:

And he's shit, so well done him. This is football now. Cash. You get the odd exception - like Alexis playing on through that injury because he loves to play. Rest of them, shite. And most of them are shite players too. The quality has never been so low.

Fans are being robbed.

[Özim]

Mkhitaryan looks to have signed for Man Utd. 18 goals from midfield last season. Would have been perfect fit for us as playmaker. Wonder why we pulled plug on this?

Probably fancied his chances of winning more at Man U now that Mourinho is there.

[dostoy]

Its the first of July.

Will we have a striker in place by the first of August ?

[selassie]

Its the first of July.

Will we have a striker in place by the first of August ?

Probably, I doubt the new striker will be anything to shout about though. We're quite heavily linked to some Japanese guy, he's a striker. Looks our best bet at the moment.

[fakeyank]

Watford turned down 37.5 million quid for Ighalo. We paid 34 for Sanchez... thats how fucking crazy the market is. People expecting a world class signing this season are living in la la land. Looking back at it, shouldve given Vardy 200K a week because there is nothing out there.

Ighalo for 37.5 mill! FFS! :banghead: :ilt:

[dostoy]

There is something out there.

I still say Janssen for about 18 million.

[Özim]

Watford turned down 37.5 million quid for Ighalo. We paid 34 for Sanchez... thats how fucking crazy the market is. People expecting a world class signing this season are living in la la land. Looking back at it, shouldve given Vardy 200K a week because there is nothing out there.

Ighalo for 37.5 mill! FFS! :banghead: :ilt:

Prefer Lacazette and Janssen to Vardy personally.

[fakeyank]

Prefer Lacazette and Janssen to Vardy personally.

I havent seen much of either, so I cant comment about them. I do not think Vardy was the answer either, but if Watford can turn down that much money for an above average striker, then 20 million for a '29 year old possible one season wonder' seems like a steal!

[Özim]

I havent seen much of either, so I cant comment about them. I do not think Vardy was the answer either, but if Watford can turn down that much money for an above average striker, then 20 million for a '29 year old possible one season wonder' seems like a steal!

I guess so but then the offer is from a Chinese club and they pay over the odds for all footballers, wasn't impressed with Vardy playing for England at all, think he'll struggle to get goals next season, so I'm very glad we won't have to put up with him next season on top of everything else.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

I guess so but then the offer is from a Chinese club and they pay over the odds for all footballers, wasn't impressed with Vardy playing for England at all, think he'll struggle to get goals next season, so I'm very glad we won't have to put up with him next season on top of everything else.

Fair enough. Would have been nice as a signal that we were going to go back to a counter attacking style of play like we did in 01/02 and the unbeaten season. But on the whole wasn't a potential signing that ever had me rubbing my hands with glee.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

I havent seen much of either, so I cant comment about them. I do not think Vardy was the answer either, but if Watford can turn down that much money for an above average striker, then 20 million for a '29 year old possible one season wonder' seems like a steal!

True, Watford also quite rich club. And the fact that someone is prepared to pay that money for Ighalo shows that there isn't a great deal of quality strikers at the moment.

[Kano]

Especially when you throw in the Leicester bids for Deeney and Watford turning them down.

[I am invisible]

You should search for Zlatan's comments comparing Jose and Pep. Nothing but scorn for Pep's style of management but he loved Jose. Luckily, Zlatan hasn't got long left in his career so it's unlikely there is enough time for real friction to develop. But we can only hope.
No thanks - don't want those two massive cunnies coming up as suggestions in my browser every time I search for something that starts with an ''m" or a "z". I'll just take your word for it...

[Niall_Quinn]

Zlatan - It is time for me to tell the world, I am coming!

Who gives a fuck? You were useless during the Euros matey.

[I am invisible]

Chortle!

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/former-arsenal-and-manchester-united-striker-robin-van-persie-put-up-for-sale-by-fenerbahce-a3286231.html

[Niall_Quinn]

He's better than most of the "world class" strikers doing the rounds. Could have been an Arsenal legend, decided he wanted to win stuffbe a cunt instead.

[Marc Overmars]

Zlatan is bound to have a few moments for them given he's such a maverick but I don't think there's any chance he'll deliver the kind of numbers he did for PSG. The difference in competitiveness between the PL and Ligue 1 (or more specifically PSG and the rest) is night and day.

Still sucks to see him there though, he is a great player and will add a sharper edge to their blunt attack.

[GP]

Benteke to Crystal Palace :lol:

[Kano]

No thanks - don't want those two massive cunnies coming up as suggestions in my browser every time I search for something that starts with an ''m" or a "z". I'll just take your word for it...

:lol:

[Munchies]

Robson Kanu anyone? Rather him than that Japanese bloke

[Niall_Quinn]

Robson Kanu anyone? Rather him than that Japanese bloke

Giroud is not Japanese you idiot :doh:

[Munchies]

Giroud is not Japanese you idiot :doh:

:lol:

https://media.giphy.com/media/3o72FcWYlTxLCIZJAY/giphy.gif
:bow:

[KSE Comedy Club]

He is a free agent as well apparently

[Power n Glory]

Never knew he was one of our youth players.

[Marc Overmars]

Dortmund announce Mkhitarayan has signed for United.

[Gooner23]

Great signing, their best for a long time.

Disappointed that for whatever reason we either weren't in for him or couldn't land him.

[Niall_Quinn]

Unfortunately Maureen will get them back on track, in the short term anyway.

[Static]

:lol:

https://media.giphy.com/media/3o72FcWYlTxLCIZJAY/giphy.gif
:bow:

RvP-esque

[GP]

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20160702/arsenal-agree-deal-for-japan-forward

Done deal!!! :bow:

[Niall_Quinn]

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/20160702/arsenal-agree-deal-for-japan-forward

Done deal!!! :bow:

We're a laughing stock, tbf.

[Niall_Quinn]

Meanwhile the fee to bring Pogba back to Utd is set to top £100mill. Frugal Maureen at it again.

[Marc Overmars]

http://m0.sportsjoe.ie/YToyOntzOjQ6ImRhdGEiO3M6MTc5OiJhOjM6e3M6MzoidXJsIj tzOjExNzoiaHR0cDovL21lZGlhLXNwb3J0c2pvZS5tYXhpbXVt bWVkaWEuaWUuczMuYW1hem9uYXdzLmNvbS93cC1jb250ZW50L3 VwbG9hZHMvMjAxNS8wNy8yMjIzNDMwMS9HZXR0eUltYWdlcy0x MDYxNjE4NDQuanBnIjtzOjU6IndpZHRoIjtpOjY0NztzOjY6Im hlaWdodCI7aTozNDA7fSI7czo0OiJoYXNoIjtzOjQwOiJjMmVk MTYyZjI0Y2I0YmUyYTc0MTUwNGRkODUxNGY2ZDU4OGNhODJiIj t9/gettyimages-106161844.jpg

[GP]

Takuma Asano.

It means No Trophies, for the rest of your daysss!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

And people said we wouldn't sign a striker. :lol:

[Marc Overmars]

So that's the midfield done, striker sorted. Just maybe a CB needed and we're all set to win the league. I knew Wenger would come through for us in the end.

[Niall_Quinn]

And people said we wouldn't sign a striker. :lol:

Not only that, they said we'd never be able to find anyone for £1. Egg on faces of what?

[Niall_Quinn]

So that's the midfield done, striker sorted. Just maybe a CB needed and we're all set to win the league. I knew Wenger would come through for us in the end.

Yeah but we've misplaced Silvestre's number apparently, so it's not a done deal yet.

[GP]

Yeah but we've misplaced Silvestre's number apparently, so it's not a done deal yet.

Sol Campbell has been training at Colney...

[Niall_Quinn]

Sol Campbell has been training at Colney...

In preparation for a move to Portsmouth in Spain.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Not only that, they said we'd never be able to find anyone for £1. Egg on faces of what?

Shirt sales. :cloud9:

[Niall_Quinn]

Is this just another dig at Joel Campbell? Why does WUMger hate him so much?

[selassie]

So that's the midfield done, striker sorted. Just maybe a CB needed and we're all set to win the league. I knew Wenger would come through for us in the end.

CB will be that Rob Holding from Bolton. Happy Days!

[Marc Overmars]

Everton linked with Mata for £25m. :lol:

[Munchies]

@johncrossmirror
Arsene Wenger tells French TV there's no better strikers out there than Olivier Giroud...

https://twitter.com/johncrossmirror/status/749745194279505920

:doh:

FFS GIROUD!

[Niall_Quinn]

Wenger has been delusional for a long time now.

[Kano]

Bif :bow:

[Marc Overmars]

WUMger out in force again.

[GP]

What else is he really supposed to say?

[Japan Shaking All Over]

What else is he really supposed to say?

:gp:

[Power n Glory]

We won't be signing a new striker to replace Giroud. Wenger will use the Euro 2016 performance as justification.

[Niall_Quinn]

What else is he really supposed to say?

He could just laugh.

[Niall_Quinn]

WUMger out in force again.

Pre-season tour. The real action will begin in a month.

[I am invisible]

@johncrossmirror
Arsene Wenger tells French TV there's no better strikers out there than Olivier Giroud...

https://twitter.com/johncrossmirror/status/749745194279505920

:doh:

FFS GIROUD!

The sad thing is, it's probably not too far from the truth! Doesn't necessarily mean that Giroud is the world's best striker - could just mean that there's nothing but over-hyped, over-priced shit on the market right now?

Still, beggers can't be choosers and all that - we can't go through a whole season with Giroud as our only (useful) CF option...

[Power n Glory]

The sad thing is, it's probably not too far from the truth! Doesn't necessarily mean that Giroud is the world's best striker - could just mean that there's nothing but over-hyped, over-priced shit on the market right now?

Still, beggers can't be choosers and all that - we can't go through a whole season with Giroud as our only (useful) CF option...

I think that's the statement he's trying to make. It all links back to value in the market. He could have just said Giroud is a quality player and left it at that.

There are plenty out there better than Giroud and more suited to our style but clubs are unwilling to sell unless they are paid a ridiculous fee that's hard to turn down.

[Niall_Quinn]

This isn't speculation though. Bif has had his chance and he's delivered to a degree that we know just isn't good enough if you want to compete at the very top. Whether he's a good, bad or non-striker doesn't really matter much. All that matters is he hasn't delivered what we need, which is not to say he hasn't delivered at all. Just not enough. So we need an upgrade. These are the simple facts and Wenger either knows this or he's so stubborn or blind that he's counterproductive.

Certainly though, watching the overhyped shite pub it up during the Euros, it's going to be a difficult task to find an upgrade. Then again, we supposedly have a top manager and he gets paid a fortune to do a job, and we are supposedly a top London club. So nobody can say it's impossible to find the player we need. What we can say though, is Wenger won't pay over what he decides is the value of a player. And sometimes that's exactly what you need to do to make the deal happen. So he handicaps us badly in this respect.

Let's look at the reality. Utd don't have one of those coveted CL spots, they aren't based in London, yet they seem to do just fine attracting and signing the players they need. We, on the other hand, struggle and never compete head to head with the top clubs for players. We always seem to have to find an angle or land players in last minute scrambles so nobody else can trump us. It's like we're the standby passenger of the transfer market. Maybe we get lucky, if not then we go without. But no way are we guaranteeing a seat by reaching deeper into the wallet.

As such, maybe it's true. Maybe Giroud is the best we can get given the constraints Wenger places on himself. Therefore I suppose it is convenient for Wenger to see Giroud as the answer to our problems. Convenient and cheap.

[Özim]

@johncrossmirror
Arsene Wenger tells French TV there's no better strikers out there than Olivier Giroud...

https://twitter.com/johncrossmirror/status/749745194279505920

:doh:

FFS GIROUD!

Oh dear, it's not looking good for the signing of a striker now that he thinks Giroud is a worldy, this is Wenger all over, Giroud will probably convince him he doesn't need another striker, Wenger seems to have a memory that lasts about 3 games, so he'll have forgotten all the terrible performances and horrible misses last season.

[Özim]

He could just laugh.

Or wait for it say somethng like, he's done well in the Euros and is a good striker, might be more realistic. If someone see's your watch (a good Casio watch) you don't go and tell them there's no better watch out there because you'll sound delusional as clearly there are, plenty.

[selassie]

I think that's the statement he's trying to make. It all links back to value in the market. He could have just said Giroud is a quality player and left it at that.

There are plenty out there better than Giroud and more suited to our style but clubs are unwilling to sell unless they are paid a ridiculous fee that's hard to turn down.

:gp:

This!

We won't be signing a new striker because AW prioritises market valuation over the needs of the team, there I said it!

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Who knows what we will do, it's really not a buyers market

35m for Batshuayi ?

The problem really is that even if we were prepared to make bold moves in the transfer market, imagine if we bid 60m for Aubemeyang or Lukaku....are they really going to want to come to us?....or will they hold on for something bigger?.

And yes although it doesn't need saying, i will say it anyway.....it's because the manager is a drag factor...players don't see him as a cutting edge top coach anymore they just don't.

[Niall_Quinn]

:gp:

This!

We won't be signing a new striker because AW prioritises market valuation over the needs of the team, there I said it!

That's about right. Economist first, football manager thirteenth.

[selassie]

Who knows what we will do, it's really not a buyers market

35m for Batshuayi ?

The problem really is that even if we were prepared to make bold moves in the transfer market, imagine if we bid 60m for Aubemeyang or Lukaku....are they really going to want to come to us?....or will they hold on for something bigger?.

And yes although it doesn't need saying, i will say it anyway.....it's because the manager is a drag factor...players don't see him as a cutting edge top coach anymore they just don't.

It's never really a buyers market though.

IMO Auba would be difficult to obtain because we're not really an upgrade on Dortmund, it would be a sideways move for him. His next move would be to one of the Elite clubs in Europe.

Lukaku is obtainable but we would need to be very proactive in our negotiations to prize him away from Everton, I think convincing Lukaku to come would be straight forward, negotiating a fee with Everton would be the hard part.

I personally think we lack ambition as a club and I don't think we market ourselves that well to players both at home and on the continent. We are a very big club but we quite clearly don't operate like one when it comes to player recruitment.

[Marc Overmars]

Who knows what we will do, it's really not a buyers market

35m for Batshuayi ?

The problem really is that even if we were prepared to make bold moves in the transfer market, imagine if we bid 60m for Aubemeyang or Lukaku....are they really going to want to come to us?....or will they hold on for something bigger?.

And yes although it doesn't need saying, i will say it anyway.....it's because the manager is a drag factor...players don't see him as a cutting edge top coach anymore they just don't.

We don't know what could happen if we laid a pile of cash on the table, we might be told to piss off or we could actually seduce them. One thing we do know is that beating around the bush hasn't got us anywhere. Now we have the money it's time to be a little more pro active. Players aren't going to magically fall into our laps.

[Power n Glory]

Janssen close to joining Spurs. Fee might be around £20m. I hope he turns out to be utter shite in that case.

[Niall_Quinn]

Janssen close to joining Spurs. Fee might be around £20m. I hope he turns out to be utter shite in that case.

The spuds already have Kane. So this is just a sensible move for them. Bring in a young talent and give him the time he needs to acclimatise.

If Wenger rounds out this transfer window with Giroud sitting pretty as #1 then he'll be, rightly, cursed out of the club. He has a job to do this summer, he gets paid handsomely to do it, so he'd best get on and do it. And if not the he can fuck offget a new 3 year contract from the board.

[Power n Glory]

It's never really a buyers market though.

IMO Auba would be difficult to obtain because we're not really an upgrade on Dortmund, it would be a sideways move for him. His next move would be to one of the Elite clubs in Europe.

Lukaku is obtainable but we would need to be very proactive in our negotiations to prize him away from Everton, I think convincing Lukaku to come would be straight forward, negotiating a fee with Everton would be the hard part.

I personally think we lack ambition as a club and I don't think we market ourselves that well to players both at home and on the continent. We are a very big club but we quite clearly don't operate like one when it comes to player recruitment.

It's all on us. With Vardy we didn't mess around with the bid because it was a straight forward case of matching the release clause. But when it came to contract negations we allowed Leicester to trump our offer. It's all on us. It doesn't look like we're making a solid approach for players. Being cheap as usual. We end up with this Japanese player that isn't worth anything or just bang average otherwise he'd have been sold for a lot more.

[Niall_Quinn]

It's all on us. With Vardy we didn't mess around with the bid because it was a straight forward case of matching the release clause. But when it came to contract negations we allowed Leicester to trump our offer. It's all on us. It doesn't look like we're making a solid approach for players. Being cheap as usual. We end up with this Japanese player that isn't worth anything or just bang average otherwise he'd have been sold for a lot more.

Monsieur L'Incompetent dug his heels in over 3 years/ 4 years apparently. This is the sort of shit he does. Like some sort of Rain Man, if the precise details don't tally with his requirements in every way then there is no room for movement. You can almost see him banging a fist off his head, "Oh-ho, of course it should be 3 years and not 4 years. 3 years, Has to be 3 years. Oh, oh, S, T, A, N, of course I need my pencils..."

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Janssen close to joining Spurs. Fee might be around £20m. I hope he turns out to be utter shite in that case.

They are buying him as back up for Kane, difference between them and us is they have a leading striker we haven't since Van Persie fucked off.