Summer transfer joy and happiness

[Özim]

Sky are reporting that we are expected to make an offer for Zaha.

10m and a pack of Monster Munch?

I wish we'd just leave this one and not waste our time or our entire budget on him. He's not that good and I doubt we can pay the money anyway, Man U have a 25% sell on clause.

We do seem to go after these deals we have little chance of completing (and shouldn't be completing in the 1st place anyway). What's happened to Tierney, is that deal dead in the water now?

Ziyech is available for 25 million, he'd be a good bet.

[Letters]

Weirdly, I agree with Zim :unsure:.
Zaha’s good but he’s not *that* good and scoring goals isn’t our issue.

[SMatthews]

Sky are reporting that we are expected to make an offer for Zaha.

10m and a pack of Monster Munch?

They also reported Noncebele was visiting the Spuds training ground and the signing for £65m was imminent.

It’s very quiet everywhere so all they’ve got at the moment is making stuff up.

[Penguin]

Zaha has no end product. Apart from 'winning' penalties, but refs have clocked onto him now.

He's not even going to be cheap. For the kind of money Palace want we can surely do better than him?

[Gooner23]

Would be happy to see Nelson get a crack in the team. That money should be invested in a CB and CM.

[I am invisible]

Zaha - no thanks. If we were talking about a 21yo then you might get value, but £80m for a player who’s going to be 27 in November is a luxury we can’t afford (and the same kind of poor recruitment that’s got us into our current mess). Better, younger, cheaper players out there...

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

The price they'd want makes it a complete non starter, so almost don't know why we are wasting anytime with this one.

Reports saying the 40 mill budget includes wages!

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

He will probably get more pens and score more with the ridiculousness of how VAR is being used and handball rules though....

[SMatthews]

Not sure why there’s so much talk about it - there’s barely any substance to the reports aside from Ornstein saying Zaha would like to play for us. It’s not a transfer that’s going to happen.

It just shows how surprisjgly quiet the market is the PL so far that this is being talked about so much.

Although saying that, I reckon the Noncebele deal will still happen.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I wonder if Real would swap Ozil for Bale? :d

[Globalgunner]

I wonder if Real would swap Ozil for Bale? :d

Bale is reportedly on 600k euros. Wtf?. Plus we would have to increase our medical staff by at least 1 doctor and 2 physios. Will a recently married Ozil be a bit lighter on his feet?

[Özim]

Seems like we want Zaha or Balde, why are we after this rubbish?

[I am invisible]

...Reports saying the 40 mill budget includes wages!
Yeah, that’s a given, although I’m pretty sure the club’s definition of a ‘budget’ is very different to the way the media usually paint it, and is more about how much we can afford to add to our *annual* operating costs, rather than simply subtracting agreed transfer fees from a starting pot. (If we signed a player for 30m on a 5yr contract worth 70k/wk, for example, then it would only account for about 9.6m of that 40m increase in operating costs, i.e. 6m in repayments every year over the next 5 years + 3.6m/yr in wages).

It’s still a pretty measly sum for a club of our size to be working with, and we certainly won’t be shopping at the 80-100m+ end of the market, but it’s not quite as bad as the rags and the click-bait sites would like us to believe either.

We know there’s been confirmed bids for Martinelli (6m), Tierney (15m) and Saliba (22m) - if you chuck in wages on top of the fees then we’re already miles past that 40m figure (and two of those figures are just opening bids), so something clearly doesn’t add up there.

[SMatthews]

Yeah, that’s a given, although I’m pretty sure the club’s definition of a ‘budget’ is very different to the way the media usually paint it, and is more about how much we can afford to add to our *annual* operating costs, rather than simply subtracting agreed transfer fees from a starting pot. (If we signed a player for 30m on a 5yr contract worth 70k/wk, for example, then it would only account for about 9.6m of that 40m increase in operating costs, i.e. 6m in repayments every year over the next 5 years + 3.6m/yr in wages).

It’s still a pretty measly sum for a club of our size to be working with, and we certainly won’t be shopping at the 80-100m+ end of the market, but it’s not quite as bad as the rags and the click-bait sites would like us to believe either.

We know there’s been confirmed bids for Martinelli (6m), Tierney (15m) and Saliba (22m) - if you chuck in wages on top of the fees then we’re already miles past that 40m figure (and two of those figures are just opening bids), so something clearly doesn’t add up there.

Which is why this whole net spend argument does my head in. It’s Championship Manager accounting that bears no real relation to the way money is accounted for by clubs.

[I am invisible]

Which is why this whole net spend argument does my head in. It’s Championship Manager accounting that bears no real relation to the way money is accounted for by clubs.
Makes for good headlines, though, and gets a reaction, which I guess is the point.

I reckon we can probably get 3-4 deals done at the 20-30m / 70k-a-wk mark (with maybe a nominal deal or two like Martinelli chucked in for good measure). Getting it done might involve a bit of a juggling act, as anything we bid for player A will affect what we can bid for player B (or what we can offer existing player C on a contract extension, etc), but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if several deals suddenly all drop at the same time, once we find that balance.

I’m not expecting anything stellar here - pretty much more Guendouzi- or Torreira-like signings, i.e. young players of immense potential who are already operating at first-team level, or smart buys in the 22-23 year old age bracket (plus a good shot of internal promotions). That’s absolutely fine with me though - as long as everyone is a) good enough, b) a proper fit for a role that the team needs, and c) on sensible wages then I’ll be happy with our business. What I’m desperate to steer clear of is players like Carrasco and Rabiot - that mix of sky-high wages and questionable attitude feels like everything we should be avoiding like the plague right now!

[SMatthews]

As expected, Spurs have apparently agreed a £55m plus add on fee (which seems to be the ‘in thing’ now) for that Bele player.

He might get to visit the training ground this time.

[SMatthews]

Not read it yet, but here are Swiss Ramble's thoughts on our current financial situation:

https://twitter.com/SwissRamble/status/1145583489103945728

[Marc Overmars]

We are apparently in talks with Yacine Brahimi. According to Sky.

A 29 year old freebie.

Not a pot to piss in. :haha:

Sounds like he’s a direct winger though so might be of some use.

[Bumble]

We are apparently in talks with Yacine Brahimi. According to Sky.

A 29 year old freebie.

Not a pot to piss in. :haha:

Sounds like he’s a direct winger though so might be of some use.

Tony Daley was a direct winger, just might mean he runs fast in a straight line.

[Letters]

Bumped into a colleague, fellow Gooner, who said that he's heard we are about to release some very poor financial results - a combination of a loss of CL money and poor transfer/contract management, I imagine.

[Letters]

Not read it yet, but here are Swiss Ramble's thoughts on our current financial situation:

https://twitter.com/SwissRamble/status/1145583489103945728

Oh. Just saw this! That's what my colleague was mentioning.

[Unai Tea]

Not read it yet, but here are Swiss Ramble's thoughts on our current financial situation:

https://twitter.com/SwissRamble/status/1145583489103945728

It's very lucid and informative and utterly painful.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

So Saliba who may be loaned back and if he isn't may be far from ready, then Martinelli who is basically for the academy and then a left back with promise but a little too much hype.

Looking great so far to get back into the CL.

[Marc Overmars]

It's very lucid and informative and utterly painful.

It makes a mockery of everything this club has preached itself to be over the past decade, self-sustaining means nothing when you're pissing money away and seeing no return. It also sounds like Gazidis was an utter failure of a CEO.

On the pitch decline swiftly followed by off the pitch decline.

[SMatthews]

We’ve spent 458 million over the past 6 years and it has been terribly wasted. No club bar City and Utd (who just offload it onto debt) can piss away that much and not have it affect them.

Anyway, we are where we are now and whatever manager we have in place has to make the best of it.

[SMatthews]

https://youtu.be/TmBgrfHnSOk

Are we touring Hong Kong during pre-season? Need to up our game a bit on the protesting side.

[dostoy]

If Kroenke doesn't put in some of his own money then Arsenal will not win anything and its very unlikely they will get into the CL, by any means, ever again.

Anybody who doesn't want Kroenke to put in his own money is not a real Arsenal fan.

[SMatthews]

I don't think we'll ever win a game again. Time to close the club.

[dostoy]

Do you honestly think that Arsenal will win a trophy or get into the CL next season ?

[Letters]

Do you honestly think that Arsenal will win a trophy or get into the CL next season ?

Last season we got to the Europa League Final and finished a couple of points outside the top 4. We weren’t a million miles away from those things
What makes you think we will be far away next year?
People keep creaming themselves about Spurs. They finished a point above us, they’re not all that

[GP]

Ornstein says we have actually made a bid for Zaha.

[SMatthews]

No players offered, so they know it will be rejected.

Either stupid. a PR move or an underhand move at trying to force a deal. Raul did it a lot while at Barca - as we know.

[GP]

We know that we have interest in Zaha, Saliba and Tierney. Raul is really under pressure to deliver these signings.

[SMatthews]

Rashford now on £250k a week. Fuck me. Ole :lol:

[GP]

We've signed Lee Cattermole from Sunderland on a free transfer.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

:lol:

Steel. :bow:

[Marc Overmars]

Can only hope Zaha kicks off and tries to force a move.

Not like Palace need the dough so this would be a bit of a coup if we pulled it off.

[LDG]

Can only hope Zaha kicks off and tries to force a move.

Not like Palace need the dough so this would be a bit of a coup if we pulled it off.

Really? I always thought he was a bit shit....

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Great diver so maybe it's worth all that investment for the extra pels.

[Unai Tea]

No players offered, so they know it will be rejected.

Either stupid. a PR move or an underhand move at trying to force a deal. Raul did it a lot while at Barca - as we know.

Up our ante with £40.01m plus Mustafi and Jenkinson

[Özim]

Looks like we're serious about getting this guy, honestly think the money could be better spent elsewhere, plus it's going to cost us a lot more to buy him so we'll be blowing most of our budget on this guy, Palace don't need the money after selling Wan-Bissaka. Palace would have to pay 25% to Man U and apparently don't want to sell him because it could affect the takeover.

The decisions this club makes are odd to say the least, but thankfully this probably doesn't have any legs given the amount we'd have to pay and the fact Palace don't want or need to sell.

The club will probably waste all summer trying to sign him now.

[Özim]

Can only hope Zaha kicks off and tries to force a move.

Not like Palace need the dough so this would be a bit of a coup if we pulled it off.

Not too sure, the guy is slightly above average and we'd be spending most of our budget on him, there are much better players out there than him we could buy for the same or less money we'd need to get this guy.

[SMatthews]

Up our ante with £40.01m plus Mustafi and Jenkinson

You seem to have the inside track,

[Ralpheroo72]

Palace are incensed, and they call Arsenal ‘naive’

[SMatthews]

Raul knows how to be underhand, but I'm not wholly convinced this is a genuine attempt to get the player. The same day the kit comes out seems like a good day add to the PR.

[Özim]

Palace are incensed, and they call Arsenal ‘naive’

We're good at that, but in this case I hope they get so incensed they don't let us have the player under any circumstances.

[SMatthews]

Nobelle is arriving for his medical apparently.

Roma apparently considering a move for Alderweireld, which would cover some of the costs.

[SMatthews]

Lampard looks nailed on, with Cocu to replace him at Derby.

[Özim]

Fekir has been offered to us for 30 million apparently, I'd take him at that price, very talented and only 25. Lot's of decent players on offer at a decent price, yet we seem intent on going for someone like Zaha who is overpriced and overrated, odd.

[Bumble]

Fekir has been offered to us for 30 million apparently, I'd take him at that price, very talented and only 25. Lot's of decent players on offer at a decent price, yet we seem intent on going for someone like Zaha who is overpriced and overrated, odd.

is he the Lyon guy Liverpool were after last year?

[Bumble]

not a fan of players who try to engineer moves as what is going to stop them doing in a couple of years when they release that playing for a Europa league side isn't that much more exciting than playing for a midtable side.

also don't we need to strength our defence or midfield first. I would prefer the focus on that side of the team and if we don't get any new attackers I think that is the end of the world as attacking wise with Laca and Auba we are ok plus the youngsters.

[Özim]

is he the Lyon guy Liverpool were after last year?

Yes that's right.

[Özim]

not a fan of players who try to engineer moves as what is going to stop them doing in a couple of years when they release that playing for a Europa league side isn't that much more exciting than playing for a midtable side.

also don't we need to strength our defence or midfield first. I would prefer the focus on that side of the team and if we don't get any new attackers I think that is the end of the world as attacking wise with Laca and Auba we are ok plus the youngsters.

No me neither to be honest, the guy signed a contract last summer, if he didn't plan on staying he shouldn't have signed, but then he was quite happy to if he got the pay rise. I can understand players wanting to leave after a long time at a club, but not a year after signing a new contract!

Think we need a winger, or to replace Ramsey as we need a bit of creativity to make us a bit more unpredictable, but I agree we do need to sort the defence, a decent CB should be top priority.

[Bumble]

Yes that's right.

he must be good if Liverpool nearly signed him although thought they pulled out because of injury record. also 30m sound very low for anyone who isn't Xhaka or Mustafi.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48839601

Man Utd bid 70 million for Harry fucking Maguire and it still might not be enough to get him!

Football. :haha:

[Özim]

he must be good if Liverpool nearly signed him although thought they pulled out because of injury record. also 30m sound very low for anyone who isn't Xhaka or Mustafi.

Yes it is low, he didn't have a great season last season, but he's very talented, would be a great buy at that price IMO.

[Özim]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48839601

Man Utd bid 70 million for Harry fucking Maguire and it still might not be enough to get him!

Football. :haha:

Fees are ridiculous, but then people laughed when Liverpool splashed out big money on Van Dijk and look at him now. Man U definitely trying to sort out their defence, if they got him that's half their defence replaced.

Meanwhile our leaky defence remains untouched thus far.

[Bumble]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48839601

Man Utd bid 70 million for Harry fucking Maguire and it still might not be enough to get him!

Football. :haha:

we should bid £35m as I am sure he used to support us and been a dream of his to play for arsenal.

[GP]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48839601

Man Utd bid 70 million for Harry fucking Maguire and it still might not be enough to get him!

Football. :haha:

That's at least 7 times his worth.

[Letters]

These insane amounts at least double every year :wacko:

[Özim]

Maguire is pretty decent to be fair, whether he's worth 70 million is another matter however.

But then when you consider we paid 35 odd million for Mustafi a few years ago, Maguire looks a genuine bargain in comparison.

[SMatthews]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48839601

Man Utd bid 70 million for Harry fucking Maguire and it still might not be enough to get him!

Football. :haha:

On top of the £250,000 they are paying Rashford now the place is a complete shit show.

[SMatthews]

Gabriel Martinelli has officially joined :bow:

PL title is in the bag.

https://www.arsenal.com/news/gabriel-martinelli-join-club

[dostoy]

Arsenal pay 350k a week to a useless fairy like Ozil.

I'd much rather have Rashford than Ozil.

It was Wenger who let Ozils contract run down.

What a farce.

[dostoy]

Gabriel Martinelli has officially joined :bow:

PL title is in the bag.

https://www.arsenal.com/news/gabriel-martinelli-join-club

An 18 year old forward is just what Arsenal need.

Very underwhelming.

[Özim]

Arsenal pay 350k a week to a useless fairy like Ozil.

I'd much rather have Rashford than Ozil.

It was Wenger who let Ozils contract run down.

What a farce.

and 200k for Mhkytaryan a player who was unwanted and had been playing very poorly when we signed him, not to mention all the other overpaid players we have, we're as guilty as anyone of overpaying players massively, over the years we've been paying nobodies way over market value in fact.

[SMatthews]

Benitez has taken the money and gone to China.

[Letters]

What the hell is market rate any more? It's all gone completely mental although I agree we massively overpay our players.

[Özim]

It's odd, we had a fairly rigid structure for a long time, then we kept this structure but has this weird policy of wanting to keep everyone on fairly similar amounts meaning we paid young players a lot more than others, we did finally break that structure but we ended up doing it when we'd backed ourselves into a corner by allowing too many players to run down their contracts, that's when Ozil and Mhkitaryan ended up picking up over half a million a week between them.

I guess these days if you want to attract the better players wages will probably be high, but you really should only do this for players that are top quality and that you desperately want, not out of desperation.

Wages are totally out of control having said that but there doesn't seem to be any end in sight. But based on the quality we have in our squad (or had last season) we were massively overpaying our players which has really hindered our ability to get rid of them as well.

[SMatthews]

Nobele has signed up for 6 years. Who would want to go that long without winning a trophy during their peak years?

[Chippy]

Nobele has signed up for 6 years. Who would want to go that long without winning a trophy during their peak years?
I was hoping that this was going to fall through tbh. He is bloody good strong player for their midfield. We are still relying on dwarfs in our midfield (can I say that?)

[Bumble]

Nobele has signed up for 6 years. Who would want to go that long without winning a trophy during their peak years?

they have a shiny new stadium and they do beat us occasionally which is a highlight for them.

the only trophies spurs can realistically win are the FA Cup and Carabao cup anyway. The league is too far away and they missed the CL chance, lightening doesn't strike twice.

[SMatthews]

I was hoping that this was going to fall through tbh. He is bloody good strong player for their midfield. We are still relying on dwarfs in our midfield (can I say that?)

If it’s height you’re after I’ve heard Fellaini is available.

[Chippy]

If it’s height you’re after I’ve heard Fellaini is available.

No thanks. I am looking for height AND skill.

[Bumble]

No thanks. I am looking for height AND skill.

Peter Crouch?

[Chippy]

Peter Crouch?

Now your talking!! :music:

[AFC Leveller]

The new guys we signed today’s middle name is Zaha! Ironic or sad.

[RomfordPele]

So first year into a £1bn stadium and spurs can drop £50m+ on a midfielder, while 13 years in at the Emirates including 8 years of austerity and we’re still skint.

We’ve been taken for a ride big time by the fucking leeches at our club. They are liars, scumbags and thieves and there’s absolutely nothing we can do about it.

[GP]

So first year into a £1bn stadium and spurs can drop £50m+ on a midfielder, while 13 years in at the Emirates including 8 years of austerity and we’re still skint.

We’ve been taken for a ride big time by the fucking leeches at our club. They are liars, scumbags and thieves and there’s absolutely nothing we can do about it.

We've spent shit loads more than them.

[RomfordPele]

We've spent shit loads more than them.

Only in the last 4-5 years. We had a decade before that of being told we had to sell our best players because money was so tight after the stadium move.

Spurs this summer are already showing that for the bullshit we always knew it was.

Pochettino has played a blinder in fronting up to Levy on the need for investment, compared
to Wenger who trousered his £10m a year and played along.

We had a golden opportunity after the invincible to establish ourselves as European elite, and we blew it big time.

[GP]

It's almost as if there's shit loads more money floating about now...

[Özim]

Arsenal, the club for people who love excuses...

[SMatthews]

Only in the last 4-5 years. We had a decade before that of being told we had to sell our best players because money was so tight after the stadium move.

Spurs this summer are already showing that for the bullshit we always knew it was.

Pochettino has played a blinder in fronting up to Levy on the need for investment, compared
to Wenger who trousered his £10m a year and played along.

We had a golden opportunity after the invincible to establish ourselves as European elite, and we blew it big time.

After two windows of no spending, it’s hardly surprising he’s given him an ultimatum, especially after getting them to a CL final, he held all the cards.

Plus when you see that we earned £24m in 2006 for finishing as runners up in the CL and Spurs just raked in around £90m, you can see the difference.

And they have a £25m defender on the market, a highly rated AM in his final year and a couple of British full backs they’d be happy to sell - let’s see if they’ve had to doing any selling to balance the books.

Since we’ve had money to spend it’s been mismanaged and wasted, which is why we are where we are.

[RomfordPele]

Let’s see. I’d be very surprised if spurs don’t make a significant net outlay on players after a mere 12 months of austerity. Haven’t checked figures but pretty sure we had near negative transfer spends for 6-7 years after the emirates opened.

I agree we’ve frittered money away in recent years, largely on crippling wage bills for undeserving players. But my point was that the crap we were told about new stadium breaking us financially was utter horseshit.

I’m surprised this is getting debated to be honest.

[SMatthews]

Exactly, after 12 months they are due to spend, especially with so much earned from the CL and having lost Dembele, and with at least two other first team players close to leaving.

[Mac76]

Martinelli interview:

'Are there any players that you look up to?'

"I look up to Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar as they are players who can decide games and are very professional, who dedicate themselves to the whole game."

He'll love playing with Xhaka and Mhki then :rolleyes:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Spurs actually signed him, ffs!

[SMatthews]

Perez going to Leicester from Newcastle for £30m :lol:

Rafa’s gone, they couldn’t be bothered to buy Robson and now they flogged their other striker. Newcastle are fucked.

[Özim]

As usual we seem to be dragging our heels in this transfer window, it would have made sense given the last couple of seasons to get in there early and bring in some of the players we need at least by now, instead we've signed a kid who isn't going to feature, haven't got rid of anyone and the defence is still untouched.

Are we going to do our usual trick of waiting till late on and being forced to overpay when clubs know we're desperate again?

[Bumble]

As usual we seem to be dragging our heels in this transfer window, it would have made sense given the last couple of seasons to get in there early and bring in some of the players we need at least by now, instead we've signed a kid who isn't going to feature, haven't got rid of anyone and the defence is still untouched.

Are we going to do our usual trick of waiting till late on and being forced to overpay when clubs know we're desperate again?

wow you aren't asking much we only signed a player yesterday.

[SMatthews]

City are buying Rodri for almost £63m from Atletico.

[dazthegooner]

Seems they're are in the clear regarding FFP wonder how much that cost them?...

[SMatthews]

Meanwhile Felix goes to Atletico for £112m :wacko:

The fourth most expensive player of all time.

[GP]

Meanwhile Felix goes to Atletico for £112m :wacko:

The fourth most expensive player of all time.

Spending that Griezmann money.

[Özim]

Joao Felix is a very special player, the guy has got huge potential, may prove to be a really great signing for Athletico who have grown as a club since Simeone came in

[SMatthews]

Spending that Griezmann money.

True but they’ve not even sold the fucker yet. Hell of a risk on a player with one season of football under his belt.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Atleti normally get strikers right, they have some weird lab that makes everybody get 20+ goals up front.

[SMatthews]

Atleti normally get strikers right, they have some weird lab that makes everybody get 20+ goals up front.

I can’t remember the guys name but I remember they bought in a big signing 4/5 years ago upfront that didn’t work out. Think he was from the Portuguese league.

Edit: Jackson Martinez from Porto. Although granted, this Felix kid looks a different breed.

[SMatthews]

Lanpard officially announced.

A car crash of a season would be glorious to watch.

[Marc Overmars]

Chelsea tend to win stuff even if they’re horse shit. Even though Lampard is a huge punt I wouldn’t be surprised if they won a cup and finished top 4 again.

[SMatthews]

Hazard is a big loss though - 16 goals and 15 assists is a huge hole to replace when you can't buy anyone and you're relying on an unproven newbie to replace him.

[dazthegooner]

Ospina's gone.

[Bumble]

a month until deadline day. strap yourselves in everyone for a month of wheeling and dealing

[Mac76]

a month until deadline day. strap yourselves in everyone for a month of wheeling and dealing

except at Arsenal of course.... :tumbleweed:

... where we'll wait until the final day to pay £35m for a clapped out ol' banger :(

[Globalgunner]

except at Arsenal of course.... :tumbleweed:

... where we'll wait until the final day to pay £35m for a clapped out ol' banger :(

We will probably re-sign Cech for 20m, play him at CB

[KSE Comedy Club]

Nah, we are too busy spending our budget on a player that we won't see until august 2020 :rolleyes:

[Özim]

When it comes to transfers, this club is a joke, slow laboured, no plan it's just embarrassing and it happens almost every window. In the end we're so slow off the mark we end up paying way over the odds for a bunch of nobodies (i.e. Mustafi).

Worst of all it they never learn, the logic would have been to get some deals done early, we knew Welbeck, Ramsey etc were leaving months ago.

[Letters]

When it comes to transfers, this club is a joke, slow laboured, no plan it's just embarrassing and it happens almost every window. In the end we're so slow off the mark we end up paying way over the odds for a bunch of nobodies (i.e. Mustafi).

Worst of all it they never learn, the logic would have been to get some deals done early, we knew Welbeck, Ramsey etc were leaving months ago.

So Wenger wasn't the problem after all!
Wenger :bow:



:run:

:lol:

[Özim]

Nah, we are too busy spending our budget on a player that we won't see until august 2020 :rolleyes:

Got to laugh about this, we've apparently got a limited budget, are desperate for a new CB (or two) and yet it seems we're interested in signing a young guy who may well be very talented but that we're probably going to have to loan back for a year, you couldn't make it up!

This would be fine if we were adequately stocked and just looking to pick up the best young players to bring in before anyone else gets them, but to try and sign someone like this in the circumstances we're in is utter nonsense.

[Özim]

So Wenger wasn't the problem after all!
Wenger :bow:



:run:

:lol:

You'd have to ask his new employers about that.

Oh sorry, I forgot, you can't he still doesn't have a job despite having loads of offers on the table when he left.

Remember when he almost signed, Ronaldo, Messi etc etc

Wenger :bow:



:run:

:lol:

[dostoy]

In the last 2 or 3 years he was here Wenger was the worst manager I have ever seen.

He could not motivate the players, he signed players who were mostly average at best and he let the contracts of Ozil, Alexis and Ramsey run down.

He is a major reason this club is in a terrible state.

I'm so glad he has gone and not surprised at all no-one else wants him.

Useless man.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Got to laugh about this, we've apparently got a limited budget, are desperate for a new CB (or two) and yet it seems we're interested in signing a young guy who may well be very talented but that we're probably going to have to loan back for a year, you couldn't make it up!

This would be fine if we were adequately stocked and just looking to pick up the best young players to bring in before anyone else gets them, but to try and sign someone like this in the circumstances we're in is utter nonsense.
Indeed, I said it before earlier on this thread that it makes no sense to me to be chasing a guy who we have to loan out for a whole season when we are in the position we are now.

Yes he might be a top talent and one we can look forward to, but we need to do everything we can to strengthen and sort out the squad in the here and now so we can do better.

[Globalgunner]

In the last 2 or 3 years he was here Wenger was the worst manager I have ever seen.

He could not motivate the players, he signed players who were mostly average at best and he let the contracts of Ozil, Alexis and Ramsey run down.

He is a major reason this club is in a terrible state.

I'm so glad he has gone and not surprised at all no-one else wants him.

Useless man.

Dostoy soon to be declared ex communicado like John Wick and running from a thousand assassins

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

The Saliba one is a little odd.... I mean the kid isn’t even a France U21 yet!

[Marc Overmars]

Leicester have managed to sign Tielemans for 40m.

Shows how’s much we are lagging in the transfer market now when even clubs like Leicester can pull signings out of their arse like that.

[Letters]

In the last 2 or 3 years he was here Wenger was the worst manager I have ever seen.
Oh fuck off :lol:

You do talk a load of rot.

[Letters]

Wenger :bow:
:gp:

More seriously, while he was "a problem" he was not our only problem.
We have become a really poorly run club and our owner couldn't give a monkeys about us succeeding.

[Letters]

He is a major reason this club is in a terrible state.
Yeah.

Finished outside the top 4 by a point (2 I guess, with the goal difference) and got to the Europa League final.
Definitely getting relegated next season.
Grow up, you child. Honestly, you're acting like a spoilt toddler.

[Bumble]

Leicester have managed to sign Tielemans for 40m.

Shows how’s much we are lagging in the transfer market now when even clubs like Leicester can pull signings out of their arse like that.

Leicester do have some really good players who would improve us Tielemans, Chilwell, Macguire, Maddison, Ndidi.

[Bumble]

Yeah.

Finished outside the top 4 by a point (2 I guess, with the goal difference) and got to the Europa League final.
Definitely getting relegated next season.
Grow up, you child. Honestly, you're acting like a spoilt toddler.
I suppose it is all relative though. We went the season unbeaten and haven't won the league since in 15 years. we have the highest priced tickets in the land and don't have a team to match the ticket price.

instead of looking to sign players maybe we just give our youth guys a go. there must be a left back who can do a job as both clichy and cole kinda of came from no where. And if this season we finish 7th and miss out on the Europa but give the players a year to bed in then is that such a bad thing.

I do think fans would get behind the team if they could see a plan to give youth a chance.

[I am invisible]

I suppose it is all relative though. We went the season unbeaten and haven't won the league since in 15 years. we have the highest priced tickets in the land and don't have a team to match the ticket price.

instead of looking to sign players maybe we just give our youth guys a go. there must be a left back who can do a job as both clichy and cole kinda of came from no where. And if this season we finish 7th and miss out on the Europa but give the players a year to bed in then is that such a bad thing.

I do think fans would get behind the team if they could see a plan to give youth a chance.
All the signs certainly point to this - Freddie’s promotion from the u23s to the first team, the 4 or 5 younger players who look like they’ll be following him, the focus on recruiting prospects like Martinelli and Saliba... looks like we’re definitely planning for a couple of years down the line.

I can get behind it - I just want to go into the next season feeling like there’s a definite plan there that I can follow with a bit of interest, even if it means taking a step back before we can move forward again. More than anything I want us to establish a footballing identity again, on and off the pitch - at the moment I haven’t got a clue what we stand for as a club or what I’m actually supporting?

[I am invisible]

The more I think about it, the more I think we should just spend whatever money we have this summer on the defence.

Wingers / wide forwards / ACMs - we have a group of young players coming through who can give us a boost here. We might not have any one option there who is ready to start every game, but between Nelson, Nketiah, ESR (if he doesn’t head back to Leipzig), Willock, Saka and maybe Martinelli, if even one of them is fired up and in the mood each week, even if it’s coming off the bench, then it’s more than we have now.

Central Midfield - we might have to get creative here, if it comes to it, but there’s still some things we could try, e.g. if we bring all these kids in to cover the wide areas, and gives us the options to play 433, then maybe we could give Iwobi a try as the 3rd man in a 3-man midfield (or we could try ESR or Willock as the 3rd man)? If we bring a RB in then we could move AMN back to midfield? Or we might be able to provide a bit of cover to Torreira with Bielik or Chambers? At the very least it’s something different and gives us more depth and options.

GK - give Martinez a go. That’s an easy one.

Defence - this is the only area where I don’t see internal solutions. The CBs are aging, we need fullbacks who will allow us to play a back 4 (and, by extension, more shapes than just 3412), and we desperately, desperately need to get rid of Mustafi (I actually think that and the shape-change will do as much for our defence as recruiting a good CB).

[dostoy]

Yeah.

Finished outside the top 4 by a point (2 I guess, with the goal difference) and got to the Europa League final.
Definitely getting relegated next season.
Grow up, you child. Honestly, you're acting like a spoilt toddler.

No not getting relegated but Arsenal are miles away from winning the PL and it will be a miracle if they finish in the top 4 or win a trophy.

A lot of that is due to Wenger buying terrible players and letting contracts run down and then paying Ozil crazy money.

I know you always wanted to suck Wenger off but even so.

If you can't see that, you're blind.

[Letters]

I suppose it is all relative though. We went the season unbeaten and haven't won the league since in 15 years.

True, but the glory years from 1998-2004 are the exceptional ones, historically we were never anywhere near that level, the only comparable period was the 30s.
That raised our expectation level to the point where a season where we finish 5th and lost a Cup Final is thought to be a failure. Historically we were never consistently at a top 4 level.
Read Fever Pitch.

And the last 15 years have been very heavily influenced by the billionaires buying up titles, and Fergie's last years. Since he retired Utd have not won a title or gone that close.
The year when Leicester won it was probably Wenger's biggest failing, it was there for the taking that year and it was Spurs who looked more likely to capitalise :sick:


we have the highest priced tickets in the land and don't have a team to match the ticket price.

That is certainly true.

[Letters]

No not getting relegated but Arsenal are miles away from winning the PL and it will be a miracle if they finish in the top 4 or win a trophy.
Miles away from the title certainly but last season we were 2 points off a top 4 spot and got to a Cup Final.
Why would it suddenly be a miracle if we do those things this year, we were very close to doing both those things last year.
Wenger clearly needed to go and some of the issues about contract management and signings you mention I agree with.
But you're massively over-stating how terrible he was and the state we're in.
I do fear for the club with the current ownership though.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Looking more and more like the difference is going to have to come from coaching on the training pitch....

[GP]

Edu announced as technical director.

[Letters]

Break a leg.



Too soon?

[GP]

Yes, because that was Eduardo.

[Letters]

Yes, because that was Eduardo.

:haha:

Letters :pal:


:getcoat:

I knew it was one of them foreigners whose name started with an E :shrug:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Lot's of chat here about the signings hey....

[Marc Overmars]

Sounds like a normal summer at Arsenal really.

[I am invisible]

Lot's of chat here about the signings hey....
We could chat about Martinelli, if you like?

Or we could get something in the diary for Saliba for this time next year?

[KSE Comedy Club]

So what do we all think about Zaha then?

Presuming by some miracle, that this transfer actually comes off :shrug:

I wouldn't mind him here personally as he actually has in spades certain attributes that most of our players lack - agility, speed, hunger, desire, etc.

The metro are reporting that we have offered Palace £40m plus Jenkinson, Chambers & Elneny :popcorn:

https://metro.co.uk/2019/07/11/arsenal-offer-40m-plus-three-players-wilfried-zaha-10172640/

[Letters]

The metro are reporting that we have offered Palace £40m plus Jenkinson, Chambers & Elneny :popcorn:

Or (all together now) £60m without them :rimshot:

[I am invisible]

Or (all together now) £60m without them :rimshot:

:good:

£40m plus getting 3 unwanted players off the wage bill... what's the catch? We'd almost end up breaking even from that deal!?

[I am invisible]

So what do we all think about Zaha then?

Presuming by some miracle, that this transfer actually comes off :shrug:

I wouldn't mind him here personally as he actually has in spades certain attributes that most of our players lack - agility, speed, hunger, desire, etc.

The metro are reporting that we have offered Palace £40m plus Jenkinson, Chambers & Elneny :popcorn:

https://metro.co.uk/2019/07/11/arsenal-offer-40m-plus-three-players-wilfried-zaha-10172640/

As a player he ticks a lot of boxes - quick, strong, home-grown, PL-ready winger, etc.

And if we can get him with that deal then f--king A!

I wouldn't break the bank for him with a cash-only deal though, if that's what Palace are pushing for. He's not an £80-100m player, he'd be coming in on high wages, and that combined with his age profile would mean that we could end up saddled with another player that we can't shift if he doesn't work out.

Even if we could comfortably afford to buy him outright, we should avoid that kind of deal as a matter of policy from now on.

[Mac76]

:good:

£40m plus getting 3 unwanted players off the wage bill... what's the catch? We'd almost end up breaking even from that deal!?

i'd argue about Chambers i think he could be useful to us

and once again why the FUCK isn't Mustafi not just on the transfer list but standing outside the Emirates with an 'Available for a Free Transfer' sign around his neck... ?!

[Özim]

So what do we all think about Zaha then?

Presuming by some miracle, that this transfer actually comes off :shrug:

I wouldn't mind him here personally as he actually has in spades certain attributes that most of our players lack - agility, speed, hunger, desire, etc.

The metro are reporting that we have offered Palace £40m plus Jenkinson, Chambers & Elneny :popcorn:

https://metro.co.uk/2019/07/11/arsenal-offer-40m-plus-three-players-wilfried-zaha-10172640/

He's OK, decent player but not really special and for the money there's better out there, but if we can get rid of those players then maybe that's not too bad.

Ziyech or Fekir would be my preferred choices though, cost less as well.

[I am invisible]

i'd argue about Chambers i think he could be useful to us

and once again why the FUCK isn't Mustafi not just on the transfer list but standing outside the Emirates with an 'Available for a Free Transfer' sign around his neck... ?!

I agree, but the fact is Chambers is currently unused and he doesn't seem to be part of Emery's plans, so we can't really see him as anything other than an expense.

(Plus without Chambers in there, that package becomes a lot less appealing!)

Honestly have no idea how we're going to shift Mustafi - I think we're getting to the point where might have to just drive him out into the woods and leave him there?

Or maybe we could leave him outside the Emirates with a bike-lock on him? He'll probably be stolen inside 2 minutes...

[SMatthews]

So what do we all think about Zaha then?

Presuming by some miracle, that this transfer actually comes off :shrug:

I wouldn't mind him here personally as he actually has in spades certain attributes that most of our players lack - agility, speed, hunger, desire, etc.

The metro are reporting that we have offered Palace £40m plus Jenkinson, Chambers & Elneny :popcorn:

https://metro.co.uk/2019/07/11/arsenal-offer-40m-plus-three-players-wilfried-zaha-10172640/

Ain't happening.

Was probably just a 'PR bid' to show the fans we're doing 'something'.

Will be interesting to hear what the manager has to say about our lack of transfers as he'll inevitably be asked about it over the next few weeks.

More importantly, if he doesn't get any backing in the window again, what are Arsenal fans expectations of him for next season?

Although, I have to say, the PL transfer market has been relatively dead so far. Maybe it's because of all the tournaments, I don't know.

[I am invisible]

He's OK, decent player but not really special and for the money there's better out there, but if we can get rid of those players then maybe that's not too bad.

Ziyech or Fekir would be my preferred choices though, cost less as well.

That's pretty much how I see it - chucking those players in would bring the price of the deal down, if anything, which makes it more appealing. If we're talking straight-up cash, though, then like you I think there's probably better / younger / cheaper options out there for £40m (or less).

And that's meant as no disrespect to Palace and their valuation - he's their player, he's under contract, they don't want to sell or have their preparations disrupted, and they're already cash-rich from recent sales so why the hell should they settle for anything less than an unreasonable fee? No sense in either side taking offence at the other's valuation - it's all just a matter of perspective: Palace's valuation will be based on reinvesting with the aim of taking the club to another level; our valuation will be based on what we're being quoted for our secondary targets.

[Özim]

That's pretty much how I see it - chucking those players in would bring the price of the deal down, if anything, which makes it more appealing. If we're talking straight-up cash, though, then like you I think there's probably better / younger / cheaper options out there for £40m (or less).

And that's meant as no disrespect to Palace and their valuation - he's their player, he's under contract, they don't want to sell or have their preparations disrupted, and they're already cash-rich from recent sales so why the hell should they settle for anything less than an unreasonable fee? No sense in either side taking offence at the other's valuation - it's all just a matter of perspective: Palace's valuation will be based on reinvesting with the aim of taking the club to another level; our valuation will be based on what we're being quoted for our secondary targets.

Apparently Palace's valuation is also based on the value they put on their playing squad for this takeover, if they sell him for less then it could affect the takeover. I do think we either need to agree a fee or move on, because before we know it the transfer deadline will be looming and there will be noone available and those that are we'll have to overpay for. We've been really slow with this.

[Mac76]

Or maybe we could leave him outside the Emirates with a bike-lock on him? He'll probably be stolen inside 2 minutes...

i suspect even then he'd be the exception that proved the rule - thieves may not be nice but they're not that stupid... :lol:

[KSE Comedy Club]

Ain't happening.

Was probably just a 'PR bid' to show the fans we're doing 'something'.

Will be interesting to hear what the manager has to say about our lack of transfers as he'll inevitably be asked about it over the next few weeks.

More importantly, if he doesn't get any backing in the window again, what are Arsenal fans expectations of him for next season?

Although, I have to say, the PL transfer market has been relatively dead so far. Maybe it's because of all the tournaments, I don't know.

I would like to think that was far from the truth tbh.

The only PR that sort of shit brings is negative hatred, from other clubs and the entire fan base.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Did any of you guys see the reports about Mustafi?

He has changed his instagram profile pic of him wearing his arsenal kit off and replaced it and he has also removed 'player of Arsenal' from his bio.....

Massive pinch of salt tbh, but at least it means there is still hope! :pray:

[Özim]

I find it odd we want to let Bielik and Chambers go, Chambers did well in DM for Fulham (he's not a good defender but in DM he seems decent) and we're not going to sign another one so not sure why we wouldn't keep him around.

Likewise Bielik, did well on loan and has never had a chance and yet he's not in Emerys' plan, yet rubbish like Mustafi and Xhaka are, got to question Emerys' decision making a bit on this, he didn't cover himself in glory last season either.

[KSE Comedy Club]

He's OK, decent player but not really special and for the money there's better out there, but if we can get rid of those players then maybe that's not too bad.

Ziyech or Fekir would be my preferred choices though, cost less as well.

I agree that there is probably better out there, but Zaha does look bloody good whenever I have seen him play!

For me, (provided this article is real and Palace go for it) getting rid of those three and replacing them with a player like him is a good deal.

[KSE Comedy Club]

I find it odd we want to let Bielik and Chambers go, Chambers did well in DM for Fulham (he's not a good defender but in DM he seems decent) and we're not going to sign another one so not sure why we wouldn't keep him around.

Likewise Bielik, did well on loan and has never had a chance and yet he's not in Emerys' plan, yet rubbish like Mustafi and Xhaka are, got to question Emerys' decision making a bit on this, he didn't cover himself in glory last season either.

We could also lose Torriera as well if reports have been anything to go by.

[Özim]

I agree that there is probably better out there, but Zaha does look bloody good whenever I have seen him play!

For me, (provided this article is real and Palace go for it) getting rid of those three and replacing them with a player like him is a good deal.

I doubt Palace will go for that deal, they know we don't want those guys and not sure they wanted to be lumbered with all of them either, think they would want the cash and probably more like 70-80 million based on the takeover.

They may take Jenkinson, but what is he worth 5 million maybe, they could always buy him without selling Zaha, they know we don't want him. Think they'll only sell if they get a lot of cash personally.

[I am invisible]

Ain't happening.

Was probably just a 'PR bid' to show the fans we're doing 'something'.

Will be interesting to hear what the manager has to say about our lack of transfers as he'll inevitably be asked about it over the next few weeks.

More importantly, if he doesn't get any backing in the window again, what are Arsenal fans expectations of him for next season?

Although, I have to say, the PL transfer market has been relatively dead so far. Maybe it's because of all the tournaments, I don't know.

I don't have too much sympathy for him where transfers are concerned - the club talked about having 2 budgets and 2 sets of targets in place (depending on whether we made the CL or not) way before the season ended, and Emery was complicit in our failure to make it into the top 4.

In terms of expectations of him, they're probably more modest and reasonable now than they would have been if we'd made the CL? I have no set targets in mind in terms of finishing positions, etc right now - I'll probably be judging him more on ideas and innovation at this point, rather than results (which could take a couple of years)...

I'd like to see him settle on a shape and system that he wants to play and put together a squad of players who fit the roles, and are willing to embrace his methods. If that means relying on kids here and there then so be it, but I think there's a lot of gains to be made by simply by getting those 2 things right, even with modest recruitment.

And just as important as who he selects is who he leaves out. He's had a year with this squad now, and should know who all the trouble-makers and walking calamities are: if someone is refusing to play where he's asked, or is simply a bad fit for the role then don't play them in that role; if someone regularly makes costly mistakes and showing no signs of improvement then stop selecting them; if someone is becoming a disruptive influence and flat-out refusing to even give your methods a try then freeze them out and make them train on their own. I know the club have made some sizeable investments with certain players, and he's probably under pressure to at least try to get what he can out of them, but he's already done that in year 1 - year 2 is where the free passes stop.

Most of all though, I just want him to help re-establish some kind of footballing identity at this club again - develop a brand of football that is uniquely ours, start giving the kids a proper chance, get back to doing smart business again. At the moment I have no idea what I'm actually following or why I'm following it? What I Arsenal right now? What do we stand for and represent as a club? What do you immediately think of when you think of us? Damned if I know anymore...

[I am invisible]

i suspect even then he'd be the exception that proved the rule - thieves may not be nice but they're not that stupid... :lol:

Put him in some decent Nikes - they'd steal him just for the trainers and then chuck the rest in the canal...

[I am invisible]

I find it odd we want to let Bielik and Chambers go, Chambers did well in DM for Fulham (he's not a good defender but in DM he seems decent) and we're not going to sign another one so not sure why we wouldn't keep him around.

Likewise Bielik, did well on loan and has never had a chance and yet he's not in Emerys' plan, yet rubbish like Mustafi and Xhaka are, got to question Emerys' decision making a bit on this, he didn't cover himself in glory last season either.
Yeah, I thought he might have been interested in at least one of those two, especially as he seems to have a thing for defensive midfielders who can drop between the 2 CBs when we're playing out from the back? Those two sounded ideal for that.

I don't know... maybe we need to rethink what makes a successful deep midfielder in this modern era of the high-press? It feels like everything is backwards now, with the attackers doing most of the aggressive, terrier work, and where the DMs and CBs are the ones getting pressed and closed down and forced into mistakes? Maybe we should to be looking more for players with good spatial awareness and close-control, who are comfortable taking the ball under pressure, and can dribble away from a marker (basically players who can turn over a high press and help us break the opposition lines to start counters when our opponents have over committed)? It's probably not a coincidence that the best player we've had in that area in recent years has been little Santi Cazorla, whilst guys like Xhaka have struggled)...

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

That's exactly why despite his poor stats assists/goals wise....Moussa Demebele was an exceptional player. We really should be looking at reliability of passing and the ability to retain possession under pressure in midfielders. If you can do nothing else.....don't put us in the mire with Xhakaesque hospital passes or conceding of the ball.

[I am invisible]

Yeah, it’s all about control in midfield. I don’t remember Vieira ever posting mind-blowing goal/assist stats either, but he ran that midfield and dominated the league for nearly a decade.

I’d love to have a fit Rosicky to play CM at the moment! His skill set would have been ideal for countering a high press and turning over attacks...

[SMatthews]

Greaseman’s gone to Barca for 120m euros.

Neymar :lol:

[Marc Overmars]

They’ll still be completely reliant on Messi.

[GP]

I fucking hate Grease man.

[Özim]

Sums up our transfer activity/plans that we're talking about a guy who doesn't want to play for us and a player signed by another club.

Arsenal transfers:tumbleweed:

An utter embarrassment.

[dostoy]

It will all be left until August.

Most teams leave it until the last week.

Its just that Arsenal need to get rid of a few idiots and replace them with younger, better players.

A few of those idiots will still be here next season if not all of them.

[SMatthews]

Spurs apprently in at the last minute outbidding us for Saliba.

By all means have him. We can spend the money on someone we can use this season.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Mustafi is nailed on to remain. You'd have to carry him out in a coffin at this stage.

[LDG]

Just enjoy the summer dudes.

Cricket :bow:

[I am invisible]

Spurs apprently in at the last minute outbidding us for Saliba.

By all means have him. We can spend the money on someone we can use this season.
I’m actually gonna be quite upset if we let this one slip - even at 18, this kid looks like he could be the best CB that we’ve been linked with for some time (which is kind of sad when you think about it).

I’m not even overly fussed about the immediate loan-back, as I can see this next season being a bit of a shambles, no matter who we bring in. For now, I’d be happy enough just to see some building blocks being put in place, and some semblance of a plan taking shape that I can take some interest in...

[Marc Overmars]

Apparently Barca actually owe Atleti 200m euros for Grease Man and they’ve threatened legal action if they don’t receive it. :lol:

[Marc Overmars]

Bit of paper talk that we had an eye on Ziyech but prefer Zaha.

[Özim]

Emery apparently doesn't see Mavropanos as a credible option for next season.

So with us showing not interest in CBs for next season that would have left Sokratis (who was Okish last season), Holding and Koscielny (past it) and Mustafi. With Koscielny on his way that leaves 3, but even if he wasn't you have to question Emery's judgment again.

We're also apparently not interested in Ziyech as Emery doesn't rate him, he seems to want the overrated, overprice Zaha, Ziyech would only cost 25-30 million and scores and assists.

Emery is starting to look like the new Wenger.

[Gooner23]

Emery apparently doesn't see Mavropanos as a credible option for next season.

So with us showing not interest in CBs for next season that would have left Sokratis (who was Okish last season), Holding and Koscielny (past it) and Mustafi. With Koscielny on his way that leaves 3, but even if he wasn't you have to question Emery's judgment again, he's starting to look like another Wenger!

Don't think you can blame Emery entirely for this one. Kos wants out and is forcing the move. Mustafi doesn't want to leave and is under contract so sounds like he'll be staying. If there are question marks over Mavropanos then we need to be buying at least 1 CB, and that's on Raul not Emery.

[Özim]

Don't think you can blame Emery entirely for this one. Kos wants out and is forcing the move. Mustafi doesn't want to leave and is under contract so sounds like he'll be staying. If there are question marks over Mavropanos then we need to be buying at least 1 CB, and that's on Raul not Emery.

Kos isn't good enough anyway, he was injury/error prone we should have been looking to buy 2. Mustafi must have 1 year left now, I'd just tell him he can leave or be frozen out.

Mavropanos hasn't even had much of a chance, unlike Mustafi.

I just think Emerys' decision making has to be called into question, especially after last seasons' disaster, he needed a good summer, so far it couldn't have been worse.

[I am invisible]

I’m yet to be convinced by Emery, but I do think he’s entitled to his professional opinion of players as a head coach. Regardless of whether I agree with his assessment/s or not, the problem here isn’t that the coach doesn’t rate certain players - it’s that we’re completely unable to do anything about it, meaning he’s still forced to rely on players he doesn’t want. As much as I’m not really convinced that there’s anything particularly special about Emery as a coach, I’m never sure how much I can criticise him either when it doesn’t look like he’s getting the chance to build out (and be judged on) his own side...

[McNamara That Ghost...]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48979998

Took us long enough. Bidding £25 million for Tierney, that is.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I’m actually gonna be quite upset if we let this one slip - even at 18, this kid looks like he could be the best CB that we’ve been linked with for some time (which is kind of sad when you think about it).

I’m not even overly fussed about the immediate loan-back, as I can see this next season being a bit of a shambles, no matter who we bring in. For now, I’d be happy enough just to see some building blocks being put in place, and some semblance of a plan taking shape that I can take some interest in...Much as I think we'd be over paying for Saliba..... what really stands out for me from his highlights reel is the tendency not to go to ground sliding around on his arse Mustafi style. The ability to stand up has never been so appealing to me suddenly.

[I am invisible]

Much as I think we'd be over paying for Saliba..... what really stands out for me from his highlights reel is the tendency not to go to ground sliding around on his arse Mustafi style. The ability to stand up has never been so appealing to me suddenly.
That’s exactly what stood out for me, too. When I was playing, I was always taught that a slide-tackle was an absolute last-resort move, because you’re basically out of the game if you mess it up - been waiting years for that kind of composed figure at the back who stays on his feet and just seems to use his upper body strength to calmly ease opponents of the ball. The amount of one-on-ones this kid wins by doing nothing more than that is quite impressive for an 18yo. (Doesn’t hurt that’s already built like a brick **** house either.)

[Marc Overmars]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48979998

Tierney bid rejected again. :lol:

They apparently want more cash up front and less instalments. Doesn’t help when everyone knows you don’t have a pot to piss in.

[SMatthews]

Think this one will eventually crawl over the line.

[dazthegooner]

TBH do we really care is he worth £25m? Or are we just hoping he could be as good as Robertson?

[Özim]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48979998

Tierney bid rejected again. :lol:

They apparently want more cash up front and less instalments. Doesn’t help when everyone knows you don’t have a pot to piss in.

You know things are bad when you're struggling to sign a guy from the Scottish league! Seriously how long is it going to take us, Celtic wanted 25 milion and won't take anything less and want more cash up front, can't be that hard to get a deal, we seem to spend about a week to two weeks between bids which is a joke! The guy played 9 times for Celtic last season so he's hardly been a key to their success!

We harp on about self sustainability and doing things the right way, but the irony is we've royally messed up our finances and pound for pound are one of the worst run clubs around taking into considerations where we should be.

[KSE Comedy Club]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48979998

Tierney bid rejected again. :lol:

They apparently want more cash up front and less instalments. Doesn’t help when everyone knows you don’t have a pot to piss in.

We are such a fucking piss take!

Why haven't we got £25m to just buy him outright anyway?

Where the fuck is all the money in this club going!!???

[I am invisible]

TBH do we really care is he worth £25m? Or are we just hoping he could be as good as Robertson?

I'm just hoping he's comfortable playing in a back 4 so we can finally start playing around with some other formations!

3412 was fine for what it was - a short-term fix to fit the players we had - but it kind of felt like everyone had sussed us out by the end of the season. Need to move away from it now, and towards something with more width (and less square pegs in round holes).

[KSE Comedy Club]

I'm just hoping he's comfortable playing in a back 4 so we can finally start playing around with some other formations!

3412 was fine for what it was - a short-term fix to fit the players we had - but it kind of felt like everyone had sussed us out by the end of the season. Need to move away from it now, and towards something with more width (and less square pegs in round holes).

I'm hoping he is just comfortable with defending :lol:

[Mac76]

Where the fuck is all the money in this club going!!???

https://gmsrp.cachefly.net/images/19/03/10/763f6db1688c5b853b07ef34f3cdce0b/960.jpg

[SMatthews]

TBH do we really care is he worth £25m? Or are we just hoping he could be as good as Robertson?

Could give a fuck about Robertson. We need a new left back and he’s as good as anyone we can buy at that price I think.

[Marc Overmars]

As long as he can cross better than Kolasinac, that's all we need.

[Mac76]

As long as he can cross better than Kolasinac, that's all we need.

i always thought Kola's problem was more about being shaky at the back than about going forward, he maybe faded a little towards the end of the season but that was after seeing a lot of moments when people weren't in position for when he'd worked hard to get the ball in the box

[I am invisible]

I'm hoping he is just comfortable with defending :lol:

[Squints at screen] "de... fen..." no, you've lost me?

[selassie]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48979998

Took us long enough. Bidding £25 million for Tierney, that is.

I said this a few week back, it's obvious we are dragging our feet with this one and putting in silly offers tied to a bunch of instalments. We must be confident of getting this one over the line...but I don't know how long we can drag it on before Celtic stop the negotiations.

[selassie]

Kos isn't good enough anyway, he was injury/error prone we should have been looking to buy 2. Mustafi must have 1 year left now, I'd just tell him he can leave or be frozen out.

Mavropanos hasn't even had much of a chance, unlike Mustafi.

I just think Emerys' decision making has to be called into question, especially after last seasons' disaster, he needed a good summer, so far it couldn't have been worse.

Totally agree, especially with the bit highlighted. The end of the season collapse is absolutely on Emery's head, we were in a very strong position until the collapse.

Also, I am getting the feeling that some players don't actually rate Emery as a manager, Auba and Laca seem quite vocal about their dislike of him, well subtly anyway by liking posts about questioning his methods etc.

This window has been an absolute disaster so far, Emery is obviously not driving these deals, but he needs to make Raul and Vinay aware that new bodies are needed ASAP.

[SMatthews]

Also, I am getting the feeling that some players don't actually rate Emery as a manager, Auba and Laca seem quite vocal about their dislike of him, well subtly anyway by liking posts about questioning his methods etc.


They're being vocal and subtle at the same time via Instagram, showing their disapproval? Seems like concrete evidence to me.

[KSE Comedy Club]

[Squints at screen] "de... fen..." no, you've lost me?

:haha:

[KSE Comedy Club]

I said this a few week back, it's obvious we are dragging our feet with this one and putting in silly offers tied to a bunch of instalments. We must be confident of getting this one over the line...but I don't know how long we can drag it on before Celtic stop the negotiations.

Maybe that is our plan, piss off as many clubs as possible, sign no-one and then claim that we tried to buy players but the clubs didn't like our offers?

[dazthegooner]

Overmars has spoken... https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/11763722/sell-ozil-and-buy-ziyech-hes-better

[SMatthews]

If he was that easy to sell he’d of been out the door straight after the Europa Final whistle.

[dazthegooner]

Well just forget about Zaha (please) and just go for him out right.

[Marc Overmars]

If he was that easy to sell he’d of been out the door straight after the Europa Final whistle.

Speaks volumes that there isn’t a single bit of interest in him, that we’ve heard of anyway.

Proper dud of a player and we’re completely lumbered with him.

[Marc Overmars]

Maguire hands in a transfer request.

[Mac76]

Maguire hands in a transfer request.

Personally i don't like that fathead, do we know where's he's going?

[Mac76]

Totally agree, especially with the bit highlighted. The end of the season collapse is absolutely on Emery's head, we were in a very strong position until the collapse.

Also, I am getting the feeling that some players don't actually rate Emery as a manager, Auba and Laca seem quite vocal about their dislike of him, well subtly anyway by liking posts about questioning his methods etc.

This window has been an absolute disaster so far, Emery is obviously not driving these deals, but he needs to make Raul and Vinay aware that new bodies are needed ASAP.

Emery already knows he's on borrowed time IMO, and is in no position to push his luck, let's face it his lack of authority was exposed last January when the club said he'd not be able to sign anyone

[Mac76]

Maybe that is our plan, piss off as many clubs as possible, sign no-one and then claim that we tried to buy players but the clubs didn't like our offers?

The old Wenger trick "yes, i theenk we could buy messi if we wanted..." :haha:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Having lost Ramsey, Welbeck and Cech....we are currently a weaker squad of players than last season.

[SMatthews]

Emery already knows he's on borrowed time IMO, and is in no position to push his luck, let's face it his lack of authority was exposed last January when the club said he'd not be able to sign anyone

Not sure that’s true at all. Raul has said he is no fan of the winter transfer window as he sees it as pointless. Whoever the manager, we wouldn’t have signed anyone - especially now we know the state of the finances.

[SMatthews]

De Gea about to sign up to a £350k a week salary at Utd.

The penny is going to drop soon that signing up to these contracts makes you set for life but kills your sporting ambition. Just look at Neymar, Ozil, Sanchez and Pogba - you’re stuck in limbo until your contract runs out as no-one can afford to buy more than one of you a season.

[I am invisible]

Having lost Ramsey, Welbeck and Cech....we are currently a weaker squad of players than last season.
Pound for pound, yes. Ramsey’s the only real miss out of those 3 for me though (and even he came with his own set of headaches in terms of form, fitness and who you could partner him with).

In some ways I think we might actually have a better spread of options now, even if most of the players we’ve promoted to the first team are very raw still? Two of them are natural wingers (as is our only modest signing) and the other 3 look like they could fill in several areas across the attack and midfield. (Obviously I’m not expecting any of those guys to hit consistent, top-level form every week, but if we play the numbers game with them then we only really need one or two of them to be fired up and in the zone each week.)

Plus there’s the knock-on effect to consider. If we have proper wingers in the side, even if they’re inexperienced, then maybe (hopefully!) we won’t have to suffer Özil and Mkhi on the wings ever again! Maybe we can move Iwobi central, or possibly even push him into a 3-man midfield (he’s not really got the consistent end product to be a top winger or a no.10, but as a ball-carrier from midfield I think he could be more useful)? And of course playing with wingers means we can rest / rotate Auba and Laca, and keep them fresh across a long season.

Player-for-player you have to say we’re a weaker squad right now... but I can actually see a few more options when I look at this current group, which is something.

[Mac76]

Not sure that’s true at all. Raul has said he is no fan of the winter transfer window as he sees it as pointless. Whoever the manager, we wouldn’t have signed anyone - especially now we know the state of the finances.

ok, but that's still kind of my point where you say 'Raul has said' ie Emery has no real say and don't forget he'd been making noises about needing to buy players in January not long before Raul said any buys were off the table...

made Emery look a bit out of the loop at best....

[SMatthews]

Isn't that the whole point of the new set-up? The manager focusses on the team while the suits do all the other stuff? Back in January Emery did say we needed a CB, then said the club told him things would be different in the summer and towards the end of the season said buying was one of the best ways to improve the squad. He's hardly been quiet. If Raul and Vinai said they were pleased with his performance, saying he's 'out the loop' makes no sense. Either way it's the same situation any manager here would find themselves in.

[Bumble]

Pound for pound, yes. Ramsey’s the only real miss out of those 3 for me though (and even he came with his own set of headaches in terms of form, fitness and who you could partner him with).

In some ways I think we might actually have a better spread of options now, even if most of the players we’ve promoted to the first team are very raw still? Two of them are natural wingers (as is our only modest signing) and the other 3 look like they could fill in several areas across the attack and midfield. (Obviously I’m not expecting any of those guys to hit consistent, top-level form every week, but if we play the numbers game with them then we only really need one or two of them to be fired up and in the zone each week.)

Plus there’s the knock-on effect to consider. If we have proper wingers in the side, even if they’re inexperienced, then maybe (hopefully!) we won’t have to suffer Özil and Mkhi on the wings ever again! Maybe we can move Iwobi central, or possibly even push him into a 3-man midfield (he’s not really got the consistent end product to be a top winger or a no.10, but as a ball-carrier from midfield I think he could be more useful)? And of course playing with wingers means we can rest / rotate Auba and Laca, and keep them fresh across a long season.

Player-for-player you have to say we’re a weaker squad right now... but I can actually see a few more options when I look at this current group, which is something.

well I hope we give the youngsters a go as without playing them we will never really know if they can cut it although it is a bit of a risk throwing 3 or 4 in at the same time. but its easier to be a young attacker than a young defender imo. We might have a few more options its just time will tell if its good options or not.

just spend the money on the back four.

[SMatthews]

Apparently close to signing Dani Cabellos from Real on loan. Supposed to be a talented young CM by all accounts. Starred in u-21 team that just won the euros. Has been capped by the senior side a few times too.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Pound for pound, yes. Ramsey’s the only real miss out of those 3 for me though (and even he came with his own set of headaches in terms of form, fitness and who you could partner him with).

In some ways I think we might actually have a better spread of options now, even if most of the players we’ve promoted to the first team are very raw still? Two of them are natural wingers (as is our only modest signing) and the other 3 look like they could fill in several areas across the attack and midfield. (Obviously I’m not expecting any of those guys to hit consistent, top-level form every week, but if we play the numbers game with them then we only really need one or two of them to be fired up and in the zone each week.)

Plus there’s the knock-on effect to consider. If we have proper wingers in the side, even if they’re inexperienced, then maybe (hopefully!) we won’t have to suffer Özil and Mkhi on the wings ever again! Maybe we can move Iwobi central, or possibly even push him into a 3-man midfield (he’s not really got the consistent end product to be a top winger or a no.10, but as a ball-carrier from midfield I think he could be more useful)? And of course playing with wingers means we can rest / rotate Auba and Laca, and keep them fresh across a long season.

Player-for-player you have to say we’re a weaker squad right now... but I can actually see a few more options when I look at this current group, which is something.

I get where you're coming from, but those junior squaddies were always there available for us if we wanted and deemed them of sufficient value.

I watched Saka in the Europa league game at the ground which a lot of fans spoke him up after. I actually thought the game essentially passed him by for an hour and then he came into it as the opposition got a little tired and demoralised.

Nelson I was pleased progressed abroad but I've never quite rated him as much as many of our fans either. Reiss Nelson and Willock are curious to see more of and like but I fear none will really get the consistency of playing time they will need to garner the best of their talents.

Mhki when he isn't doing the sublime to pathetic clown act he is fond of, is actually a very good player. Of course like the rest of them we can neither sell him or loan him and the clearout many of our fans were licking their lips about before the season ended has obviously, as it never was going to, materialise.

[Özim]

Not in the least bit interested in us signing some Real reject youngster, they don't seem to have a particularly good youth setup and loads of them seem to flop despite being massively overhyped when there. As for loan deals, no thanks, buy them or don't bother.

I'm disappointed in Emery, he's literally doing next to nothing right at the moment, from the way his team plays, to the mentality, to the players he's interested in, no wonder PSG got rid of him he on the face of it seems to lack any real drive for success. We've gone into pre-season without signing anyone at all, he may as well have kept Ramsey because he's found noone to either replace him or bring in so far, so waht was the point of letting him go on a free? Nothing seems to change, again we had no plan, we knew who was leaving and yet couldn't get any deals lined up, what a sorry state of affairs.

Getting disallusioned with everything at this club, we never seem to be able to get things right, we have an owner who doesn't care, a manager who doesn't seem to know what he's doing, players who lack motivation and hunger and a transfer team who seem to be just as bad as the previous team from observations so far. What I've come to realise about this club is it literally never learns from it's mistakes, it's just rinse and repeat time after time, there's no smart thinking or getting ahead of the game, it's the same shoddy, indadequate method time and time again.

I think this club is finished unless someone buys Kroenke out, because without some drive for success at the top you're going to end up with mediocrity, because noone else is top notch, money rather than sucess seems to be the motivator at this club.

[SMatthews]

Trippier on his way to Atletico for £20m.

[Marc Overmars]

I noticed Jenkinson started the friendly last night. How is he still here because I thought his contract was up? Don't tell me he's got another year to go...

[dostoy]

Who signed Jenkinson, Ozil, Elneny, Mustafi etc ?

Who let Ozil's contract run down and then gave him 350k a week to stay ?

What a fucking idiot Wenger was and Arsenal are still paying for it and will be for a while yet.

[I am invisible]

well I hope we give the youngsters a go as without playing them we will never really know if they can cut it although it is a bit of a risk throwing 3 or 4 in at the same time. but its easier to be a young attacker than a young defender imo. We might have a few more options its just time will tell if its good options or not.

just spend the money on the back four.
Tbh, I wouldn’t expect to see more than 1 or 2 chucked in at the same time (unless we’re talking Europa League or League Cup games) - just enough to let us play proper wingers in the system that Emery wants to play. But even if they’re just coming off the bench, if that lets us change our shape and try something different for 20 minutes each game then it’s still more than we have been doing up until now.

Maybe someone will emerge as a consistent performer as the season goes on, but to start with I’d simply go with who looks best in training each week. Make it competitive and see who wants it the most.

Or maybe none of them will really hit the top level we need. If that happens then at least we’ll have given everyone a year of first team status and probably added £20-30m to their valuations in this crazy market (plus they’ll be on modest wages so they’ll be easy to shift). This could be just as important to us in terms of squad-building as retaining the one or two who look like they’re going to be something special.

Agree about the defence - hopefully we’ll have enough to recruit in all the areas we need to, but if money is genuinely that tight then I’d spend everything here and get creative in the other areas.

[Globalgunner]

Who rejected 60m from City for Sanchez and instead took a swap from Utd for the feckless Mikhitarian. Signed Mustafi and before him a lanky German who couldn't jump but tilted instead. Xhaka as midfield lynchpin.

[GP]

Who rejected 60m from City for Sanchez and instead took a swap from Utd for the feckless Mikhitarian. Signed Mustafi and before him a lanky German who couldn't jump but tilted instead. Xhaka as midfield lynchpin.

Gazidis: :doh:

[GP]

We have signed actor Tilda Swinton.

https://i.imgur.com/iTlUFIi.jpg

[Marc Overmars]

At least that shit hair will make him noticeable on the pitch.

[SMatthews]

What a stupid little prick. Looks like Dr Strangelove.

[Marc Overmars]

Emery says we are targeting 3 or 4 “expensive” players.

[I am invisible]

Emery "says" we are "targeting" 3 or 4 “expensive” "players".

You missed a few extra sets of quote marks out there.

[Munchies]

Emery says we are targeting 3 or 4 “expensive” players.

And I'm going to be the president of Somalia :coffee:

[Mac76]

What a stupid little prick. Looks like Dr Strangelove.

:haha:

[SMatthews]

Emery says we are targeting 3 or 4 “expensive” players.

God knows. I don't get why the Prem is relatively quiet this year. La Liga has splashed over a billion (better TV deals there I guess) but the likes of Liverpool (you'd expect one or two additions), Spurs (one in, one out), Chelsea (:haha:) and ourselves have not done much. Aston Villa are the biggest spenders so far!

[KSE Comedy Club]

He says him, Mustafi and Kolasinac lost a bet with Lacazette on the crossbar challange.

I can see it now......
Ozil walks in with his hair dyed - Mustafi, Kola and Laca piss themselves laughing!! 'OH MY GOD' 'he actually went through with it!!!' :haha::haha:

[Marc Overmars]

God knows. I don't get why the Prem is relatively quiet this year. La Liga has splashed over a billion (better TV deals there I guess) but the likes of Liverpool (you'd expect one or two additions), Spurs (one in, one out), Chelsea (:haha:) and ourselves have not done much. Aston Villa are the biggest spenders so far!

I can understand Liverpool given they already have an excellent squad with their key players all at great ages. Makes sense for them to keep the powder dry.

As always I’m sure things will kick off in the closing weeks when players start to get itchy feet.

[Letters]

What a stupid little prick. Looks like Dr Strangelove.

:haha:

"Gentlemen, gentlemen, you can't fight in here, this is the War Room!"

:lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Don't mention the war!

[dostoy]

Emery says we are targeting 3 or 4 “expensive” players.

If anyone believes that then they will believe anything.

[GP]

Emery says we are targeting 3 or 4 “expensive” players.

I believe him.

[Bumble]

If anyone believes that then they will believe anything.

seems a bit late to put this stories out after the season ticket renewals!!!

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Who rejected 60m from City for Sanchez and instead took a swap from Utd for the feckless Mikhitarian. Signed Mustafi and before him a lanky German who couldn't jump but tilted instead. Xhaka as midfield lynchpin.

Per was a very good signing and didn't pay too much for him neither.

[Letters]

I believe him.

Did you see it on the side of a bus? :unsure:

[Özim]

Emery says we are targeting 3 or 4 “expensive” players.

I guess it's all relative, is 25 million expensive to the average man on the street, yes it is, is it expensive in football where money is moving around in huge amounts, no definitely not.

Sounds to me like a re-hashed version of the Wenger "1 or 2 players" of "super super quality".

The players we've been linked with so far have not been expensive other than Zaha, who we can't afford anyway and even if we could wouldn't make sense as his value would have plummeted in a couple years when he's getting close to 30.

If we want to spend big money we should spend it on younger players who's value will only rise like Liverpool have done.

Incidentally Aubameyang will have one year left on his contract next summer, think Lacazette will too, anyone seen any new contracts handed out yet, or are we just going to let them walk away cut price or for nothing again?

Meanwhile West Ham spend 45 million on Haller.

[Mac76]

Incidentally Aubameyang will have one year left on his contract next summer, think Lacazette will too, anyone seen any new contracts handed out yet, or are we just going to let them walk away cut price or for nothing again?



Good point you have to hope they're sticking to Raul's plan and having the negotiations quietly and sensibly behind closed doors...

....no, me neither... :rolleyes:

[SMatthews]

Delphi went to Everton for 8.5 million he other day. Said he aims to win things. Bless him.

[Marc Overmars]

Trippier joins Atleti.

An English player abroad. :faint:

[Unai Tea]

Say we do actually sign some players. Would signing Everton Soares, Kieran Tierney, William Saliba (and Ceballos on Loan) make for a good haul for the summer? Feels like we'd be missing a quality CB still at the very least, even if Koscielny stays to see out his contract.

[SMatthews]

Trippier joins Atleti.

An English player abroad. :faint:

Rose is looking to leave too, he’s been left out of their tour.

I knew they’d be looking to recoup some of that money they spent on that midfielder.

I think with limited opportunities we’ll see more young players playing abroad now. Different mentality to the old lot. Especially after seeing Sancho.

[dostoy]

I really want to see Ozil, Kos, Mustafi, Elneny, Monreal and Jenkinson leave.

I'd be happy if there is only a replacement for 3 or 4 of those.

It would be good riddance to 6 players who are either crap or too old.

[SMatthews]

Ornstein says Saliba deal almost done, Tierney ongoing along with the Ceballos loan.

[I am invisible]

Say we do actually sign some players. Would signing Everton Soares, Kieran Tierney, William Saliba (and Ceballos on Loan) make for a good haul for the summer? Feels like we'd be missing a quality CB still at the very least, even if Koscielny stays to see out his contract.

It would leave us a ‘now’ CB and a backup RB short of totally a successful summer, although I’d still be very happy with each of those players in their own right.

CB is an interesting one for me - we could definitely do with an upgrade in personnel there, but I also think a lot of our calamitous defending was down to a flawed shape and bad pairings in CM, which we might be able to address with some of the above?

If we suddenly had proper wingers to choose from and a LB who is comfortable in a back 4 then we might be able to go 433 when defending, which would give us an extra man in midfield? If we add a guy like Cellabos in CM, then maybe we won’t chuck possession away quite so often in front of the CBs? I’d still like the extra CB, but it might - might - be enough to see us muddle through to the next window?

[LDG]

Holding is back in full training, so he’ll be like a new signing

[Özim]

Say we do actually sign some players. Would signing Everton Soares, Kieran Tierney, William Saliba (and Ceballos on Loan) make for a good haul for the summer? Feels like we'd be missing a quality CB still at the very least, even if Koscielny stays to see out his contract.

No.

Saliba wouldn't be here for next season if he was it might have been different, Ceballos I'm sceptical about, when was the last time a Madrid youngster left the club and was actually much good? Watching you tube the compilations just show him passing a bit, dodging the odd defender and having the odd shot, reminds me of Denis Suarez in that respect, so for me I just don't think he's right, would prefer someone like Fekir.

Everton looks decent with some good ball skills, so looks like he would be a decent signing.

In my eyes we won't have fixed much, the defence was shocking last season and if we're going to rely on pretty much the same bunch we're not going to get anywhere, on top of that we've not got rid of Mustafi, Ozil, Jenkinson, Monreal, Xhaka so the team isn't going to be that different, on top of that we're left with no wingers except from last years lot who aren't up to scratch.

So in short a pretty average summer, but then again we should be use to it, when do we ever do anything right in the transfer window?

[Unai Tea]

No.

Saliba wouldn't be here for next season if he was it might have been different, Ceballos I'm sceptical about, when was the last time a Madrid youngster left the club and was actually much good? Watching you tube the compilations just show him passing a bit, dodging the odd defender and having the odd shot, reminds me of Denis Suarez in that respect, so for me I just don't think he's right, would prefer someone like Fekir.

Everton looks decent with some good ball skills, so looks like he would be a decent signing.

In my eyes we won't have fixed much, the defence was shocking last season and if we're going to rely on pretty much the same bunch we're not going to get anywhere, on top of that we've not got rid of Mustafi, Ozil, Jenkinson, Monreal, Xhaka so the team isn't going to be that different, on top of that we're left with no wingers except from last years lot who aren't up to scratch.

So in short a pretty average summer, but then again we should be use to it, when do we ever do anything right in the transfer window?

You forgot Tierney.

As much as I'd like to see the underperformers go, seems unrealistic to expect them to get rid of all of them in one window, especially when no one is exactly knocking down our doors. I suspect we'll get rid of jenkinson and elneny which helps a little. Monreal is ok as a backup defender with experience and versatility - despite declining physical attributes. The other we were always going to be stuck with unless there was a deus ex machina.

Hopefully if we make these signings, alongside the younger players seemingly being given a chance, we'll get to develop a younger core whose value appreciates, rather than the opposite. Having that core will allow us to get rid of older, under performers over the coming windows (hopefully)

[GP]

Emery wasn't wrong about signing big players.

https://twitter.com/afcstuff/status/1151595348202274816

[LDG]

Ceballos looks the real deal from what I’ve seen.

[Gooner23]

Just checked out a few clips of Ceballos, definitely the kind of centre mid we are missing. Sounds like it will be a bit of a coup if we do get him given how rated he is in Spain, and a loan move makes sense given the limit budget and the need to also strengthen other positions. I also have no issues with the Saliba deal if he is as good a prospect as meant to be. As long as we still bring in an older CB this summer as well.

If we do get Ceballos, Tierney, Saliba plus another CB and a winger I think it would be a decent enough summer in terms of incomings. I'm sure we would all love to see some of the deadwood cleared as well but these leeches are going to see out their contracts now. We can thank Arsene and Ivan for that one!

[SMatthews]

De Ligt has gone to Juve for 75m Euros.

[Mac76]

Ceballos looks the real deal from what I’ve seen.

:rimshot:

[Mac76]

De Ligt has gone to Juve for 75m Euros.

i've seen De Ligt...

no? ok... :getcoat:

[Özim]

Juve again signing some of the best players around, you've got to give them credit they're doing what they need to compete for the CL.