Summer transfer joy and happiness

[Özim]

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!

The ones I saw weren't that impressive, which is some achievement for youtube as it can generally make most players look brilliant. Like I said very similar to the Suarez clips, nothing outstanding, just some passing the odd shot (some deflected) and some tricks that don't quite come off, not impressed personally, would prefer a Cazorla type player with some decent skills and maybe decent shot.

I wouldn't say he's a coup, I mean look at highly Morata was rated and he's rubbish. Personally I think we needed a left back, a right back, a decent CB, a winger and a CM, then we needed to get rid of deadwood.

Its pretty shocking that we don't seem to be able to get rid of players, it's almost unheard of for big clubs not to be, never mind on the the scale that we need to, just shows how poor the transfers have been, noone will touch most of our players!

[LDG]

:rimshot:

At least someone got it :lol:

[Özim]

Watched this the other day, some good points!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-XMH-yYjvQ

[Özim]

Talk that Xhaka could be Arsenal captain. Could well be the worst Arsenal captain in the history of Arsenal, the guy should be sold not be made captain. I'd rather make someone like Lacazette or maybe Torreira or Sokratis captain, we don't have a great choice but Xhaka would be the worst of the lot.

If Emery makes him captain, you have to question this guys' judgement.

[Marc Overmars]

Let’s face it, it’s been well over a decade since being the Arsenal captain meant anything.

[Özim]

Let’s face it, it’s been well over a decade since being the Arsenal captain meant anything.

Trouble is, the club isn't going to sell the captain, so it suggests Xhaka is here to stay, yet the guy is utterly inadequate.

[SMatthews]

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!

YT doesn't tell us anything about a player's quality, whether good or bad.

Editing is an art form. Let's not forget that.

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

[Letters]

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.

Oh yeah. Clubs who spend trucks and trucks of money to try and buy success definitely deserve credit.

[SMatthews]

Oh yeah. Clubs who spend trucks and trucks of money to try and buy success definitely deserve credit.

Worked out well for Juve in the CL so far :lol:

[I am invisible]

As a character / personality in the dressing room, I can see Xhaka being a decent enough captain - I just don't want to see him as a shoe-in for a starting place each week.

Then again, this is Arsenal we're talking about - if any club is going to give the captaincy to someone who may not play, it's us, so maybe there's some hope there.

Plus Emery does like to have a bout 30 captains, so maybe it doesn't matter.

[Özim]

Oh yeah. Clubs who spend trucks and trucks of money to try and buy success definitely deserve credit.

Yes, certainly better than spending nothing and charging the core of the club the highest prices in Europe.

It's clear the self sustainable model is a thing of the past, you move with the times or you get left behind, clearly we're happy to be left behind.

Arsenal is the worst of the worst to be honest, everyone makes money out of the club, the owner has made a fortune, but apparently this is OK and we should turn our nose up are clubs owned by people who are willing to put their own money in.

[Özim]

As a character / personality in the dressing room, I can see Xhaka being a decent enough captain - I just don't want to see him as a shoe-in for a starting place each week.

Then again, this is Arsenal we're talking about - if any club is going to give the captaincy to someone who may not play, it's us, so maybe there's some hope there.

Plus Emery does like to have a bout 30 captains, so maybe it doesn't matter.

He's got no character, no fight, he epitomises what's wrong with Arsenal to be honest, players who stay in their comfort zone and don't seem too affected when we lose. A captain should be someone who can lead by example, not someone who watches as the game passes him by.

Torreira, Lacazette are certainyl far better candidates.

[Letters]

Yes, certainly better than spending nothing and charging the core of the club the highest prices in Europe.

It's clear the self sustainable model is a thing of the past, you move with the times or you get left behind, clearly we're happy to be left behind.

Arsenal is the worst of the worst to be honest, everyone makes money out of the club, the owner has made a fortune, but apparently this is OK and we should turn our nose up are clubs owned by people who are willing to put their own money in.

People who thought Wenger was the problem :haha:

But seriously, I basically agree. We are a mess and that won't change with our current owner.

The pratting around you see from them on social media increasingly annoys me. Stop dicking around with NFL stars and start signing some players and winning more games, you pricks.

I did pay more attention last year as it was Emery's first season but honestly it's all leaving me a bit cold, there's not much to admire about modern football. I wasn't even that fussed we lost the Europa Final. Obviously I wanted us to win but it didn't ruin my day like it would have back in the day.

[Ralpheroo72]

People who thought Wenger was the problem :haha:

But seriously, I basically agree. We are a mess and that won't change with our current owner.

The pratting around you see from them on social media increasingly annoys me. Stop dicking around with NFL stars and start signing some players and winning more games, you pricks.

I did pay more attention last year as it was Emery's first season but honestly it's all leaving me a bit cold, there's not much to admire about modern football. I wasn't even that fussed we lost the Europa Final. Obviously I wanted us to win but it didn't ruin my day like it would have back in the day.

I agree totally, I’m beyond giving a fuck now. There’s nothing to like about a lot of footballers now. Stan and his maggot son will ruin this club. Until they’re gone, I couldn’t give a toss.

[Letters]

I agree totally, I’m beyond giving a fuck now. There’s nothing to like about a lot of footballers now. Stan and his maggot son will ruin this club. Until they’re gone, I couldn’t give a toss.

It is hard to give a fuck when they so clearly don't.
There used to be some relationship between the club and the fans. We were in it together. Those days have long gone.
The relationship is now customer and business. When I was a member I was always getting emails patting me down for more money.
They know we can't go to the "shop" down the road so the only other option is to become disinterested.
The players often used to come to a club young and develop a real relationship with the club and the fans, now they're obscenely paid mercenaries who will bugger off the first time someone waves and even bigger cheque under their noses.

All a bit sad really. I blame Sky. They promised us "a whole new ball game" and boy did they deliver.

[dostoy]

Wenger was a massive problem and in a way he still is because so much of the crap he signed is still here.

Until Arsenal get rid of Ozil, Elneny, Jenks and Mustafi, they will win nothing and not finish in the top 4.

Kos and Monreal are too old as well.

I wish that the season was not starting again in a few weeks.

[dostoy]

Why is Emery not freezing Mustafi out ?

Mustafi should be told he has no future here and to find another club.

Arseanl are better off without him, surely someone can be signed to replace him, even if its on loan.

Just get rid of him.

[Letters]

Wenger was a massive problem and in a way he still is because so much of the crap he signed is still here.
The crap that finished 2 points off of 4th place, 3 points off 3rd, and got to the Europa League final last year?
We're nowhere near the level of the top 2. After that there was nothing in it last year.
Although without Ramsey and Kos sulking and no notable new signings looking likely, I am concerned.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Trouble is, the club isn't going to sell the captain, so it suggests Xhaka is here to stay, yet the guy is utterly inadequate.

He definitely is. As is Mustafi.

[SMatthews]

The crap that finished 2 points off of 4th place, 3 points off 3rd, and got to the Europa League final last year?
We're nowhere near the level of the top 2. After that there was nothing in it last year.
Although without Ramsey and Kos sulking and no notable new signings looking likely, I am concerned.

No point wasting your energy. He doesn’t even support Arsenal.

[Mac76]

Talk that Xhaka could be Arsenal captain. Could well be the worst Arsenal captain in the history of Arsenal, the guy should be sold not be made captain. I'd rather make someone like Lacazette or maybe Torreira or Sokratis captain, we don't have a great choice but Xhaka would be the worst of the lot.

If Emery makes him captain, you have to question this guys' judgement.

i already was - a lot - but this certainly doesn't help...

[dostoy]

No point wasting your energy. He doesn’t even support Arsenal.

This is coming from the bloke who does NOT want Kroenke to put some of his own money in.

I support Arsenal but I am a realist first and foremost.

[Letters]

I am a realist first and foremost.
You're a moany arse, is what you are.
You previously said it would be a "miracle" if we finished top 4 or won a trophy this season despite the fact that last season we were 2 points away from top 4 and got to a European cup final so were close to landing a pretty major trophy and finishing in the top 4. We nearly did both last year, how is it suddenly a "miracle" if we do either?
Being a realist is understanding that we have no change of the title for the foreseeable and with our owner we are going to struggle to get any closer to the biggest trophies, not the hyperbole you spout about how terrible everything is.

[dostoy]

We nearly did both means we actually did neither.

I cannot see any cause for optimism about anything to do with Arsenal at the moment.

Lets not get into name calling.

[Marc Overmars]

Zaha has told Palace he wants to leave.

[GP]

Arsenal have improved their bid to £40,000,001

[dazthegooner]

£40,000,000 too much.

[Letters]

We nearly did both means we actually did neither.

Correct. But we were close enough to doing both to suggest that your assertion that it would be a “miracle” if we do either is a bit of a stretch. Although I do agree there isn’t much cause for optimism, I think you’re somewhat overstating how bad things are. Apologies for the name calling

[dazthegooner]

Well looks like the Saliba deal had been done. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/11766234/arsenal-agree-deal-with-saint-etienne-to-sign-william-saliba

[Özim]

Well looks like the Saliba deal had been done. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/11766234/arsenal-agree-deal-with-saint-etienne-to-sign-william-saliba

Yes unfortunately he won't be available next season, so in terms of signings right now it doesn't help us at all, it's one for next season.

It's great to get these guys lined up, but we also need players now.

[SMatthews]

Well looks like the Saliba deal had been done. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/11766234/arsenal-agree-deal-with-saint-etienne-to-sign-william-saliba

Still bemused by this. We’re taking a punt on a CB at 18 for a large amount of money when he won’t be ready for the PL for at least a few years. Can’t think of any 19/20 year olds in that position who have come into the league and held down a regular place.

[Bumble]

Yes unfortunately he won't be available next season, so in terms of signings right now it doesn't help us at all, it's one for next season.

It's great to get these guys lined up, but we also need players now.

Maybe the thinking is that this signing will either 1) spur Mustafi on to play like a proper defender or 2) leave as he will be replaced but giving him a year to think on it

[SMatthews]

Heard a stat the other day that West Ham’s new striker is their 39th in 9 years :lol:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

A bit worried, that if he is not ready to play for us (?) what is going to change in a year....

Still, he must be some talent if we are paying so much for someone so obscure.

[Unai Tea]

Maybe the thinking is that this signing will either 1) spur Mustafi on to play like a proper defender or 2) leave as he will be replaced but giving him a year to think on it

Or the thinking is they believe, rightly or wrongly, that he's a young but talented player who can become a key contributor for us over the next 10 years?

[Marc Overmars]

Not particularly thrilled at us spending a huge chunk of our budget on a kid that we won’t even see for another year, but at least we could be future proofing ourselves if he’s any good.

We’ll still be useless at the back next season though unless we sign some players for now. Mustafi cannot be leading the line come August...

[KSE Comedy Club]

Not particularly thrilled at us spending a huge chunk of our budget on a kid that we won’t even see for another year, but at least we could be future proofing ourselves if he’s any good.

We’ll still be useless at the back next season though unless we sign some players for now. Mustafi cannot be leading the line come August...

I'm not sure that we have spent anything from this years budget on him?

I think it is a small fee to secure him now and then we pay for him next season when his loan is up.

[Marc Overmars]

Oh in that case fair enough.

[KSE Comedy Club]

I have seen a tweet that Bordeux have agreed a £7.5m deal for Elneny

[KSE Comedy Club]

Palace have supposedly reignited their interest in Jenkinson :coffee:

[GP]

Palace have supposedly reignited their interest in Jenkinson :coffee:

Straight swap for Zaha

[Unai Tea]

Straight swap for Zaha

Or just say our valuation of Jenkinson is £40m. Job done.

[LDG]

Some folks saying option to buy after loan for that real fella....

[Mac76]

I have seen a tweet that Bordeux have agreed a £7.5m deal for Elneny

OK, i thought that Bordeaux might be going for him ;)

[Mac76]

Palace have supposedly reignited their interest in Jenkinson :coffee:

He'd be a good utility player for Palace, tbh i think some Arsenal fans have been a bit harsh on him, though I agree that ultimately he's probably not really our desired standard

[Marc Overmars]

I think it’s more about being aghast that such mediocre player has managed to last so long with us.

Even he probably can’t believe his luck at how’s he’s managed to steal a living.

[I am invisible]

A bit worried, that if he is not ready to play for us (?) what is going to change in a year....

Still, he must be some talent if we are paying so much for someone so obscure.
The kid looks the real deal to me, so if the player himself isn’t ready to move yet it’s probably just because he hasn’t got his head around it all yet (I don’t think he was even in St Etienne’s first team 6 months ago, so it’s a lot of changes for an 18yo to process in a very short space of time).

Or maybe it’s got nothing to do with the player? From what I’ve read, a lot of St Etienne’s insistence on the immediate loan back is because they have ambitions of their own, and believe they have a better chance of achieving them with him than without him.

As you say, the fee is encouraging - you don’t put that kind of money up for a teenager unless you’re pretty sure they’re going to be something special (esp. when you’re on a tight budget). Feels more like the sort of thing United used to do with Rooney, Ronaldo, etc than what we’ve come to expect from Arsenal when we recruit young players?

[Chippy]

The kid looks the real deal to me, so if the player himself isn’t ready to move yet it’s probably just because he hasn’t got his head around it all yet (I don’t think he was even in St Etienne’s first team 6 months ago, so it’s a lot of changes for an 18yo to process in a very short space of time).

Or maybe it’s got nothing to do with the player? From what I’ve read, a lot of St Etienne’s insistence on the immediate loan back is because they have ambitions of their own, and believe they have a better chance of achieving them with him than without him.

As you say, the fee is encouraging - you don’t put that kind of money up for a teenager unless you’re pretty sure they’re going to be something special (esp. when you’re on a tight budget). Feels more like the sort of thing United used to do with Rooney, Ronaldo, etc than what we’ve come to expect from Arsenal when we recruit young players?
Off topic. I have just read that Villa have already spent 100m :wacko: WTF

[KSE Comedy Club]

L'Equip and a couple of other sites in europe are reporting that we have bid £80m Euros for Pepe :blink:

https://metro.co.uk/2019/07/18/liverpool-arsenal-submit-offers-sign-lille-winger-nicolas-pepe-10412767/

[I am invisible]

Off topic. I have just read that Villa have already spent 100m :wacko: WTF
It’s not really surprising when you think about it? The promoted clubs will be jumping from Chamionship money to EPL TV money, they’ll be able to get more for all of their other commercial deals due to their new status, and all of their existing players will be on Chanpionship wages - if spending rules are now based on annual operating costs vs income then the gulf between costs and income that the promoted clubs will have to work with will be absolutely enormous compared to the rest of us!

Give it a year or two and they’ll have maxed it out on more expensive players and wages, same as the rest of us.

[I am invisible]

L'Equip and a couple of other sites in europe are reporting that we have bid £80m Euros for Pepe :blink:

https://metro.co.uk/2019/07/18/liverpool-arsenal-submit-offers-sign-lille-winger-nicolas-pepe-10412767/

Even after he’s starting his 10th game for us in the middle of November, I’m not sure I’ll believe it?

[Mac76]

It’s not really surprising when you think about it? The promoted clubs will be jumping from Chamionship money to EPL TV money, they’ll be able to get more for all of their other commercial deals due to their new status, and all of their existing players will be on Chanpionship wages - if spending rules are now based on annual operating costs vs income then the gulf between costs and income that the promoted clubs will have to work with will be absolutely enormous compared to the rest of us!

Give it a year or two and they’ll have maxed it out on more expensive players and wages, same as the rest of us.

Yeah, Villa only scraped into the PL after all, they definitely need to get some more quality in there to survive

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Even after he’s starting his 10th game for us in the middle of November, I’m not sure I’ll believe it?

:lol:

[Marc Overmars]

Bale has apparently been offered £1m a week to play in China. :blink:

[GP]

Bale has apparently been offered £1m a week to play in China. :blink:

Playing what? Dr Zaius?

[SMatthews]

Ceballos deal about to be agreed it seems.

Still talk about this Everton Soares dude but not sure how genuine that is.

[I am invisible]

Playing what? Dr Zaius?
:lol:

[Özim]

Apparently we're going to sign that kid Ceballos from Real on loan, hopefully he's nothing like Suarez who was hopeless, but at least he's on loan so we can ship him back to Real at the end of the loan, in fact we won't have much choice in all probability as I think there's no option to buy, he's just on loan (we're like some Championship side who can't afford anybody so needs to take them on loan).

The 40 million budget isn't sounding too far off now, we're buying Saliba for next season so we won't have to pay much up front, this Ceballos guy look like he's coming for nothing, we don't seem interested in CBs at all, Tierney if that ever happens we're negotiating with Celtic on how much of the 25 million we pay up front. Then there's Zaha who we're trying to get but want to offer allsorts to Palace to reduce the fee (don't think this one will happen), or Everton Suarez who shouldn't cost too much.

Pretty poor show really to have so little money, the likes of West Ham don't seem to have a problem spending and yet we're struggling. The fact we haven't shifted any deadwood so far is also very concerning, looks like we've got at least another season of calamitous defending and players who don't work hard enough or care. Hearing Emery talking about making Xhaka captain is also a bit of a worry, becoming more and more concerned about this guys' decision making, but then he wasn't exactly that great at PSG either, coming 2nd to Monaco in the league with the resources at his disposal was a shocker, as was that thrashing by Barca when PSG we're 4-0 up in the CL and then of course last season.

[Marc Overmars]

I don't think any loan signing could be as useless as Suarez was. :lol:

At least Ceballos will have longer to make an impact.

Hopefully there is some truth to these Everton rumours, he seems like the tricky winger our attacks needs.

[Özim]

I don't think any loan signing could be as useless as Suarez was. :lol:

At least Ceballos will have longer to make an impact.

Hopefully there is some truth to these Everton rumours, he seems like the tricky winger our attacks needs.

Who knows if he's any good to be honest, as I said before Reals' youth setup isn't anything special, they buy the talent in they don't really develop it, so he may not be anything special.

Even if he is though, it's a one season loan with no option to buy, so he'll go back to Real, not exactly great if you're trying to build a team.

Everton looks good, Zaha isn't coming (a good thing) as Palace have said he's not leaving and we're not going to stump up the cash, we're just wasting all summer as we usually do pursuing a deal that won't happen, I reckon it's one of those PR stunts.

Hope we get Everton, he's a better option IMO and has a eye for goal.

[fakeyank]

This transfer window is so underwhelming. Heck, every fucking thing about this club is so 'meh'..

The only thing realistically I can get remotely excited about this season is if we actually blood the youngsters through the entire season. Give the likes of Saka, Nketiah, Smith-Rowe, Martinelli, Holding etc game time over deadwood like Ozil, Mkhi, Xhaka.

[Chippy]

This transfer window is so underwhelming. Heck, every fucking thing about this club is so 'meh'..

The only thing realistically I can get remotely excited about this season is if we actually blood the youngsters through the entire season. Give the likes of Saka, Nketiah, Smith-Rowe, Martinelli, Holding etc game time over deadwood like Ozil, Mkhi, Xhaka.
:gp:
Yep! Put the youngsters in from the start. They cannot do much worse than the current crock of shit.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Real Betis sign Fekir.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49083847

I guess his knees must be a massive concern for the top clubs given where he has ended up and for the fee involved! Only £17.5 million say the BBC. :wacko:

[Thierrymon]

Sounds like our loan deal could potentially be off the cards after Asensio's injury in our game against Real.

[I am invisible]

Dennis Bergkamp, give me strength...

[Özim]

Real Betis sign Fekir.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49083847

I guess his knees must be a massive concern for the top clubs given where he has ended up and for the fee involved! Only £17.5 million say the BBC. :wacko:

For 17.5 millon it's a no brainer to be honest, personally think we should have taken a punt on him, especially givevn our budget.

[dazthegooner]

Everton want Saha :pray: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12691/11769584/everton-to-hold-zaha-talks

[Marc Overmars]

Sign of the times if Neverton can beat us to the punch on a player. :lol:

[Özim]

They have more money, like almost every other reasonable side club, pretty pathetic really! We're not going to stump up the cash and Palace aren't going to sell on the cheap as they don't need the money, this is one of those transfers we seem to always been involved in which drag on forever only for us to end up with nothing.

So far the summer has been shocking, probably worse than expected and that's quite something given our transfer history.

[SMatthews]

Sign of the times if Neverton can beat us to the punch on a player. :lol:

Dear old Neverton, chucking money around and still going nowhere.

[Mac76]

Everton want Saha :pray: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12691/11769584/everton-to-hold-zaha-talks

fair enough as long as they don't buy Zaha ;)

[dazthegooner]

Well we don't want him just another Manure reject.

[fakeyank]

How do clubs like West Ham and Everton have more money than us to spend? Its not like they are swimming in CL money or have better sponsorship deals... WTF is going on with our club if the best we can do is loan players this summer window. Its a fucking farce.

[I am invisible]

Not really fussed if we walk away from Zaha, tbh - think he could be good player for us, but the money vs his age still feels all wrong, given the financial mess we're trying to sort out.

I'd still like us to sign a ready-now winger, but I'm also OK with going into the season with several of the yoots promoted to the first team - I think we have options there now to at least allow us to play the shape we want at the top end of the pitch (and have some wildcard options to bring off the bench).

It's the other end of the pitch that's causing me sleepless nights - apart from recalling Martinez, who looks like he could be solid competition for Leno, we've basically stood still. Really starting to brick it about our CB and fullback options now...

[I am invisible]

How do clubs like West Ham and Everton have more money than us to spend? Its not like they are swimming in CL money or have better sponsorship deals... WTF is going on with our club if the best we can do is loan players this summer window. Its a fucking farce.

Smaller wage bills - simple as that.

Everyone's transfer budget is essentially the difference between their annual incomes and their annual overheads now, so whilst we might be bringing in far more revenue than the Evertons and the West Hams of this world, we're also haemorrhaging far, far more on wages, meaning we have almost no margin to work with (stupid, f--king "collective" wage structure - thanks a lot for that, Arsene and Ivan).

All these other clubs have kept their wage bills lower, and since the income from PL TV money has started going through the roof they probably have enormous margins to work with.

(And the biggest margins of the lot will probably be the promoted clubs, who are coming up with tiny, Championship overheads and will be getting a sudden, massive boost in their annual income!)

It really is embarrassing how badly this club has been run for so many years.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

For 17.5 millon it's a no brainer to be honest, personally think we should have taken a punt on him, especially givevn our budget.

I don't get it. If his knees really are done....17.5 million is too much for a club like Betis to pay....

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Not if they're selling Lo Celso.

[Marc Overmars]

Would be quite annoyed if Spurs got Lo Celso.

[Mac76]

Would be quite annoyed if Spurs got Lo Celso.

I reached 'quite annoyed' some time ago, the hoped-for clearout hasn't happened and we're not signing much, all this zaha stuff is nonsense, would rather bring Saka and others on personallu

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Not if they're selling Lo Celso.

Sure...but still, why would they want someone who's knees are a ticking time bomb. Can't help feel this knee thing with him has been overstated, or that Betis are being foolish.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Why has he ended up at Real Betis when he was all to be signed by Liverpool last season and for near £50 million if I recall it? It can't just be they decided not to.

None of this discussion is going to give us a conclusive answer on this but surely there is more evidence that points to something being amiss as opposed to not.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Like I indicated...I'm open to that possibllity in which case Betis are being foolish despite whoever they may or may not be selling.

[I am invisible]

I thought he failed his medical at Liverpool?

[Özim]

Failed medical could be due to something he has at the time, it's not necessarily something long term, Sebastián Viera failed his medical with us but then signed for Villereal a bit later and had no issues.

The reason big club didn't go in for him is because he didn't have a great season, but 17.5 million is nothing in todays game, it's literally peanuts, could be the bargain of the season, we spent spent double that on Mustafi and Xhaka (and that was a few years back) and bought Perez a player who barely played for similar amounts.

Personally think we've missed out on a great opportunity given our need, instead we're going for some Real kid who has hardly played and is unproven on a loan deal.

This summer is a bit of a shocker to be honest, it seems we're not interested in signing a decent CB, Lichsteiner is gone and Bellerin won't be fit for the start of the season and yet we're not looking for someone, so I can only think we'll play AMN there, but the guy is incapable of playing there, he's a midfielder and awful in that position.

The Tierney deal hangs in the balance, Saliba is basically going on loan, so he's effectively not a signing this summer and we're seemingly getting Ceballos an untested kid.

Then we're going after Zaha which we clearly aren't going to get (why would we want him at that price anyway, he's not that good and is in the wrong age bracket for a player that costs that much), the only saving grace is Everton if that happens to be honest, the also talk Emery is considering whether to send Nelson on loan to Hoffenheim (why would you do that?). We're now in late July with very little to show for the summer, it's a mess to be honest and the new team haven't covered themselves in glory.

[GP]

I thought he failed his medical at Liverpool?

His knee's fucked. No big club will touch him.

[Marc Overmars]

An odd move but he played 39 games last year and the year before that. Could have been a good punt for a club in our position.

[dostoy]

Two weeks to go and Arsenal have done nothing apart from sign a striker who will play in the tiny cup and the fuck all cup only.

Some dead wood has been removed but there is so much more to get rid of.

There is no CB signed so Mustafi will be playing.

Pathetic so far.

[Özim]

An odd move but he played 39 games last year and the year before that. Could have been a good punt for a club in our position.

Spot on, given we have not much he's the kind of player who at that price could be perfect, like you said he played 39 games, as usual we're not interested though, despite our need right now.

[Özim]

Two weeks to go and Arsenal have done nothing apart from sign a striker who will play in the tiny cup and the fuck all cup only.

Some dead wood has been removed but there is so much more to get rid of.

There is no CB signed so Mustafi will be playing.

Pathetic so far.

Probably one of our worst transfer windows to be honest and we've had some really bad ones, after last seasons' performance you would have expected better, yet again though the club lets the fans down.

[Letters]

But I thought everything would be brilliant once Wenger left.
It said so on the side of a bus :(

[Özim]

But I thought everything would be brilliant once Wenger left.
It said so on the side of a bus :(

Wenger caused a lot of this, with his shocking signings causing us to waste huge amounts, lack of get our best players signed up and building a team who we substandard.

Now we have to live with it, we know the owner won't put money, that's why it's so terrible what we had was so badly wasted.

[Chippy]

Wenger caused a lot of this, with his shocking signings causing us to waste huge amounts, lack of get our best players signed up and building a team who we substandard.

Now we have to live with it, we know the owner won't put money, that's why it's so terrible what we had was so badly wasted.

And just to rub salt into the wound....the Spuds are apparently in for Dybala from Juventus :(

[Marc Overmars]

Probably one of our worst transfer windows to be honest and we've had some really bad ones, after last seasons' performance you would have expected better, yet again though the club lets the fans down.

It's been pretty dreadful so far it has to be said. Worse than I expected.

Ceballos looks like it might be done but after Suarez everyone can be forgiven for not caring much for that one. Then we have Tierney who's up in the air but he alone will not be enough to transform our defence.

Plus we're still lumbered with certain average joes who are likely to have a role to play next season because I doubt Emery is brave enough to give the kids a proper chance.

Still a couple of weeks to go but I'm not holding my breath anymore.

[Gooner23]

Ceballos confirmed

[dostoy]

Ceballos confirmed

It will take him a season to get used to English football.

[dazthegooner]

It will take him a season to get used to English football.

Oh what joy you bring... ;)

[fakeyank]

Ceballos looks like a shittier version of Suarez to me tbh.. :(

[Özim]

It will take him a season to get used to English football.

This is win win for Real, Zidane doesn't rate him so they get him off their wage bill, if he does well they bring him back and we're left with nothing, if he does nothing they get rid.

The kind of thing we don't seem to be able to do, shifting our rubbish.

[Özim]

Ceballos looks like a shittier version of Suarez to me tbh.. :(

He played 23 games in Reals' disastrous season last time round, then when Zidane came in he dropped him, before that he'd played 12 matches, he also got booed by his own fans, he clearly impressed.

Is this another one of Emerys' masterstrokes like Suarez was :lol:

It's hard to keep faith in Emery at the moment, he's giving the fans literally nothing, last season was a washout and this summer has been disappointing, he's not acting like a top coach, I think he really could have done better than he has.

I know he's not in charge of transfers, but he does have his say and so far his targets have been a bit strange and all we've brought in is a Real b teamer on loan for the season and a young kid from Brazil, there's Saliba who is coming but that's not really a transfer for us as he's effectively not with us till next season, so that's a signing for 2020-2021, is that really the best he can do? Fekir was available for 17.5 million as has been mentioned.

I think everyone really wanted Emery to succeed and hoped he could, let's face it we kinda knew he wasn't an elite coach, the club weren't interested in those (oddly), but so far he's been a disappointment in all aspects, I was hoping this summer might have been a turning point, getting rid of the rubbish and bringing in some quality, instead he's talking of making Xhaka (yes, the guy whose errors cause loads of goals and who just isn't good enough for the PL) captain, not got rid of anyone of the dead wood and is even talking of sending ESM and Nelson on loan (why wouldn't you keep them and give them a chance given what we have?) you couldn't make it up!

[dostoy]

There are so many idiots that Wenger signed that are still here, Arsenal don't have the money to replace them and nobody wants to buy them either.

Emery saying he wants to give youth a chance is another way of saying, we have no money and he is trying to keep expectations realistic.

It is impossible to get Ozil out because of his wages and nobody wants Mikhi, Mustafi, Jenks, Elneny etc.

Monreal is too old as is Kos.

Arsenal now need a CB and a LB as an absolute minimum.

[Marc Overmars]

Saliba has now been confirmed and he will be loaned back for the season.

[Özim]

There are so many idiots that Wenger signed that are still here, Arsenal don't have the money to replace them and nobody wants to buy them either.

Emery saying he wants to give youth a chance is another way of saying, we have no money and he is trying to keep expectations realistic.

It is impossible to get Ozil out because of his wages and nobody wants Mikhi, Mustafi, Jenks, Elneny etc.

Monreal is too old as is Kos.

Arsenal now need a CB and a LB as an absolute minimum.

He wants to give youth a chance and yet he wants to send ESM and Nelson, probably our two most adavanced young players (other than Nketiah) back on loan, doesn't make much sense to me.

[Özim]

Saliba has now been confirmed and he will be loaned back for the season.

One for next season, could turn out to be a shrewd buy, problem is he can't feature for a year and we really need players now.

[SMatthews]

Saliba has now been confirmed and he will be loaned back for the season.

One for 2024.

[Mac76]

He wants to give youth a chance and yet he wants to send ESM and Nelson, probably our two most adavanced young players (other than Nketiah) back on loan, doesn't make much sense to me.

Me neither, both should be getting fairly regilar first team action with us IMO, if you're good enough you're old enough...

[Penguin]

I don't see the logic in spending £27m on Saliba, an unproven 18 year old who we have to loan back for a year too.

If we're short on cash surely we should be spending on players who can play for us now?

[Unai Tea]

I don't see the logic in spending £27m on Saliba, an unproven 18 year old who we have to loan back for a year too.

If we're short on cash surely we should be spending on players who can play for us now?

It's easier to think about this as we've made a signing with next year's budget this year. We have paid a small fee now to get our business done early. Other than that, he doesn't impact this year's meagre budget.

Yes, we should be spending this year's budget on players we can use now. And I would presume we will still use that budget (at some point). Saliba doesn't impact that.

[Özim]

It's easier to think about this as we've made a signing with next year's budget this year. We have paid a small fee now to get our business done early. Other than that, he doesn't impact this year's meagre budget.

Yes, we should be spending this year's budget on players we can use now. And I would presume we will still use that budget (at some point). Saliba doesn't impact that.


Yes it is, trouble is, that's a large chunk of next summers' budget now accounted for, so if we didn't quaify for the CL then we'd have next to nothing.

As for this years' budget, who knows, so far we've brought in Ceballos on loan and done Real a favour by taking him off their wage bill but some reports vary on wether we paid anything, some say 4 million some say as much as 15 million.

Martinelli for a reported 6-8 million (seems quite a lot considering he was really under the radar, but if he turns out decent it will be a bargain) and whatever we've spent on Saliba which is probably something like 6-7 million.

If our budget is 40-45 million as has been reported, then that probably will leave maybe half or just over half, but we need a winger, a CB and and left back and right back so not sure what we'll end up with to be honest.

Our need was now given the players we have and the last few seasons, we basically need the CL money to move forward as Kroenke won't put any money in, so it's a big gamble we're taking, if we fail to qualify it's only going to get harder and what's more Auba and Lacazette haven't been given new contracts and will have a year left next summer which if we're to re-sign them will cost a lot and really eat into any money we have (on top of whatever we owe for Saliba).

If Emery had shown some real progress and direction last season, we might feel more confident, but given what happened last summer, I'm not sure.

[Özim]

Apparently Ceballos is costing us £15 million for the season, real only bought him for 18 million, ripoff, Real saw us coming, this guy isn't even rated by Zidane, we could have bought Fekir outright for 2.5 million more!

[fakeyank]

What happened with Everton Soares? I thought that deal was happening... turns out that was a smokescreen to sign Ceballos on loan :ilt:

[Marc Overmars]

Apparently Ceballos is costing us £15 million for the season, real only bought him for 18 million, ripoff, Real saw us coming, this guy isn't even rated by Zidane, we could have bought Fekir outright for 2.5 million more!

15m for a loan?! That can’t be true but if it is we’re mugs, especially as it doesn’t look like we’ve got any obligations to buy him at the end of the season.

[Gooner23]

15m for a loan?! That can’t be true but if it is we’re mugs, especially as it doesn’t look like we’ve got any obligations to buy him at the end of the season.

I read that headline. And then read the source was The Sun.

[GP]

15m for a loan?! That can’t be true but if it is we’re mugs, especially as it doesn’t look like we’ve got any obligations to buy him at the end of the season.

Of course it's not true, jesus.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Apparently Ceballos is costing us £15 million for the season, real only bought him for 18 million, ripoff, Real saw us coming, this guy isn't even rated by Zidane, we could have bought Fekir outright for 2.5 million more!

Fekir's wages need to be accounted in that comparison though otherwise it's not in keeping with this made up figure from some hacks.

Even if that accounts for a loan fee and wages together, he's on 250k a week? :lol:

No chance.

[SMatthews]

I read that headline. And then read the source was The Sun.

It’s simple simon football accounting for dummies.

[SMatthews]

Bale to some Japanese pub team for £1m a week? What an absolute fraud of a player.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Chinese but yes, early retirement really.

[Marc Overmars]

What a waste of talent.

Still, he’s won the lot. Hard to blame footballers sometimes when such sickening offers are made to them.

[GP]

NICOLAS

PEPE

Confirmed by Ornstein

[I am invisible]

Orny on Twitter (https://mobile.twitter.com/bbcsport_david/status/1155052728525164544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1155052728525164544&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fs9e.github.io%2Fiframe%2Ftwi tter.min.html%231155052728525164544)

[RomfordPele]

Very critical of the board but fair play if this is true. Certainly a statement of intent.

Let’s hope he lives up to the hype.

[Ralpheroo72]

NICOLAS

PEPE

Confirmed by Ornstein
:patrice:

[dazthegooner]

Well if this is indeed the case I can sleep at night (if this means we will forget about Zaha) :good:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Is he as much of a dick as the original Pepe?

[Marc Overmars]

Now we’re fucking talking! :bow:

Well done to the club assuming this one gets over the line.

[dostoy]

Believe it when he walks out of the tunnel at the Emirates wearing an Arsenal shirt and not until then.

[I am invisible]

Crystal Palace :pal:

[I am invisible]

Although, to be fair to palace, they’re well within their rights to demand what they want for their player - I hope this helps explain why we wouldn’t meet their £80m asking price though? 10m less gets you a younger player (probably on lower wages), who is already posting better numbers, and who has a much better resale value...

[Marc Overmars]

Pretty essential we qualify for the CL this year so we can pay off the instalments for this deal and still have enough to spend big in the coming transfer windows.

[AFC Leveller]

Haven’t seen him play but there’s lots of hype around him and his numbers are very good.

Would be great to add a proper CB now and then we are good to go.

[I am invisible]

Who’s getting sold then?

[Thierrymon]

Who’s getting sold then?

Mustafi :pray:

[Marc Overmars]

Doesn’t look like we’ll getting a new CB then. With Holding and Chambers back I’m worried that Emery think’s that’s enough for the year until Saliba arrives.

[GP]

https://i.redd.it/l30jtb6tauc31.jpg

[I am invisible]

Starting to make sense now why Raul was so quick to stress that this summer wasn’t Edu’s responsibility in the Q&A...

[I am invisible]

Doesn’t look like we’ll getting a new CB then. With Holding and Chambers back I’m worried that Emery think’s that’s enough for the year until Saliba arrives.
Is there any rule that says we have to field defenders? Ours can’t defend anyway, so we might as well just play 8 midfielders and be done with it. At least they might be able to play the ball out from the back without giving it straight to the other team’s striker...

[SMatthews]

Holding won’t be back til after the first international break.

Ornstein has said we’ve tried to sell Mustafi 2/3 times over the past year but there’s no shifting the bastard.

Just waiting to hear that we’re loaning Pepe back to Lille for next season. Then it’ll all make sense.

[Unai Tea]

As Pepe is a left sided player, does that mean we could use Iwobi more centrally? There was a sense, from somewhere i suppose, that he might be better inside, rather than wide.

All predicated on signing Pepe obviously.

Edit: Nevermind. Pepe is left footed but plays from the right side

[Penguin]

I just looked up Pepe on youtube (I know I know :lol:) and it looks like he ticks all the right boxes. Pacy, skillful, an eye for a pass and a goalscorer. Finally someone to fill the void we've had since Alexis left.

Exciting signing, fair play to the club for getting it done.

[SMatthews]

Ornstein talking about the deal and others (https://twitter.com/osmanzthegooner/status/1155108146169438208?s=21)

[Unai Tea]

I could be wrong but he reminds me a little bit of Mane

[I am invisible]

As Pepe is a left sided player, does that mean we could use Iwobi more centrally? There was a sense, from somewhere i suppose, that he might be better inside, rather than wide.

All predicated on signing Pepe obviously.

Edit: Nevermind. Pepe is left footed but plays from the right side
Better if he can play right - all the other young wingers we have coming through seem to prefer left, so that would give us a good balance...

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

The broken hearts if this doesn't happen now....

[Globalgunner]

Hopefully this will cheer Zim up a bit

[Bumble]

Hopefully this will cheer Zim up a bit

while we still have mustafi xhaka ozil and mihki he will always have something to complain about.

if we don't make cl looks like we have this and next years budget

[I am invisible]

The broken hearts if this doesn't happen now....
I’m not sure my brain will ever let me 100% accept that it’s true? Part of me thinks it’s more likely I’m in a coma or the matrix or something...

[dostoy]

Exciting signing, fair play to the club for getting it done.

Err, Its not done.

[fakeyank]

Wont get on the pepe train till he signs the dotted line

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Mac76]

C'mon Raul get this done :pray:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

If it did happen, I'd be happy for us to go 433, with Auba left, Laca up top and Pepe right to start with and just try and out score most our opponents.

A CB of some standing....even on loan would really put the gloss on things though. Kind of expecting Tierney to be sorted.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Napoli have pulled out as they cant match us financially and have moved on to signing some guy called Lorenzo(??)

Reports are that he has chosen us anyway (due to us agreeing to pay his agents fee demands) and he will have a medical next week.

He is pretty much done and Tierney will be following shortly.

[Marc Overmars]

If it did happen, I'd be happy for us to go 433, with Auba left, Laca up top and Pepe right to start with and just try and out score most our opponents.

A CB of some standing....even on loan would really put the gloss on things though. Kind of expecting Tierney to be sorted.

I think Tierney might go to the wire but I fancy us to get him.

If we can get a CB in that would be ideal but as it stands we have 5 CB’s, possibly 4 if Kos buggers off, so I really don’t think it’s on the agenda, sadly. Can we even afford a CB of sufficient quality now anyway?

Pepe would be a cracking signing but we will still be shambles defensively and that will undermine whatever attacking threats we have, as it always ends up doing.

Oh and Xhaka will still be one of the first names on the team sheet...

[SMatthews]

Ornstein said earlier if we do get Tierney we’d probably have to sell to raise funds for a CB. If the Pepe signing happens, that would make sense. Having Bellerin back and another solid LB could also make a difference to the defence, instead of hoping a CB will fix it all. Liverpool’s defensive improvement wasn’t all down to van Dijk. A lot of our issues were in the RB/LB positions last season.

Although it may be like the Wenger method - fuck the defence and worry about scoring.

[Özim]

Pepe would be an exciting signing, scores goals, skillful so that would be great for us. Defence would still be an issue though and that should have been our priority in reality, maybe we're waiting on Saliba next season.

[I am invisible]

Ornstein said earlier if we do get Tierney we’d probably have to sell to raise funds for a CB. If the Pepe signing happens, that would make sense. Having Bellerin back and another solid LB could also make a difference to the defence, instead of hoping a CB will fix it all. Liverpool’s defensive improvement wasn’t all down to van Dijk. A lot of our issues were in the RB/LB positions last season.

Although it may be like the Wenger method - fuck the defence and worry about scoring.
I agree - there’s a lot of things we can still try to improve the defence, even if we can’t stretch to a new CB...

Fullbacks who are comfortable in a 4 man defence (which may also let us pick a better shape in midfield and attack)...

Not picking Mustafi...

Picking midfielders and CBs who are more press resistant and comfortable taking the ball under pressure (maybe Chambers’ experience in midfield might come in handy here as a CB?)...

An attack that presses harder themselves so we’re doing more defending from the front...

Pacier attacking options (who offer a broader goal threat than just the 2 strikers) who can really punish teams on the counter, and make them think twice about pressing us too high...

Generally picking 11 players who put in the effort so we’re not carrying passengers...

[Unai Tea]

Bringing us out of the malaise was always going to be a multi-window endeavour. Sure, Man City and Chelsea have just about replaced half their squad in a window but we have never been in that position.

So, if we ignore last january (the window that never was), and make assumptions about what will happen, progress is being made:

Last year we added Leno, Torreira, Guendouzi and incorporated Maitland Niles. All good pieces of the puzzle.

This year we (hopefully will have) added Pepe and Tierney and incorporated Nketiah, Willock, Martinelli, Nelson and Chambers (obviously jury is still out whether they really make it and probably only 3-4 out of these 5). We also (hopefully) drop Koscielny, El Neny, Jenkinson. We also lost Cech and Ospina and promoted Martinez and Macey.

Next year we add Saliba and hopefully another CB and potentially incorporate John-jules, Smith Rowe, Saka, Medley, and/or Olayinka, whoever rises to the top. It's also possible if Ceballos does well and Zidane stays at RM, and who doesn't rate Ceballos and vice versa, he might move to us permanently. I think we'd also look to add another striker in the 21 - 24 age bracker as Aubamayang will be 31

Don't see any chance of Xhaka leaving unless, ironically he gets better and begins to get offers. Same with Ozil, Mustafi and Mkhitaryan. No one wants them and we have them for the next two years. But other than that, it does feel a little bit like we're building a younger team which should hopefully come together after this year.

[SMatthews]

Apparently Bale’s deal to China has been called off by Madrid :lol:

[fakeyank]

On paper, I think we have a pretty decent defense. They just need to be trained better IMO. Kos, Holding, Papa are top CBs. Bellerin is a great RB and Monreal/Kola are decent. I think we should invest in a defensive coach like Keown to get the fuckers organized.

Is there anyone in the academy in defense that are worth any mention?

[Master Splinter]

Is there anyone in the academy in defense that are worth any mention?

Meade.

[Chippy]

Meade.

Off topic. I noticed that Emery has a nice new set of teeth :)

[dazthegooner]

Well is seems that PSG have made a late enquiry for Pepe :threaten:

[Thierrymon]

Well is seems that PSG have made a late enquiry for Pepe :threaten:

Send in Sead to sort them out.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Well is seems that PSG have made a late enquiry for Pepe :threaten:

No they haven't.

Some French media was saying that PSG could stop the move to us if they launch a last minute bid.

Problem is, the reason we outbid them was because they have strict ffp sanctions that they have to abide by.

By all accounts he is as good as ours. Medical is supposedly planned in for later today.

[Özim]

What I like about Pepe is that he scores goals (like that Bruno Fernandes guy at Sporting, reckon he'll be a great buy too) and we need goals from another source, makes a change from us always signing players who are a bit goal shy in midfield.

Our attack should be pretty decent with this guy now, defence is a concern it's basically Sokratis who IMO is a bit hit and miss, Holding who has been overhyped IMO, he's done ok when he's come in but he's not exactly proven, then we have Mustafi who is awful and Mavropanos who is untested.

Full backs are still an issue too, if we can sign Tierney that's one side sorted out, but Bellerin won't be fit for the start of the season and probably won't be ready for a while after such a long lay off, so that leaves AMN and let's be honest, he is terrible at full back.

[selassie]

Pepe would be an exciting signing, scores goals, skillful so that would be great for us. Defence would still be an issue though and that should have been our priority in reality, maybe we're waiting on Saliba next season.


Pepe is the best winger available on the market right now IMO. You could argue Sane is, but City wouldn't ever sell him to us.

Pepe is in that bracket of players who have the potential to develop into an Elite talent, I am really happy that we are moving for players like this because it shows we are absolutely looking to purchase the very best players from within our budget.

I like the Saliba signing, potential Tierney signing and Ceballos loan. We are doing very good business IMO.

[SMatthews]

Reports are saying Pepe has agreed terms, so this one is pretty much in the bag.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Pleaseeeee let it be so!

[SMatthews]

Potentially more good news.

Mustafi has been on sale for ages but no-one has wanted him.

L’Equipe are saying Monaco have made an enquiry.

[Chippy]

Potentially more good news.

Mustafi has been on sale for ages but no-one has wanted him.

L’Equipe are saying Monaco have made an enquiry.
Really? :d
Surely not! They cant be that desperate!?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Monaco can have him for £1.

[I am invisible]

Can someone earn a statue outside the ground after 1 summer in charge?

[Gooner23]

Ornstein confirms Pepe is undergoing medical today and expected to be confirmed by end of week.

Also that we are talking to a number of clubs about selling or loaning Mustafi. Still in market for Tierney and another centre back.

If all the above happens that's a very decent transfer window.

[SMatthews]

If that does happen it goes to show judgement shouldn't be passed too quickly during transfer windows. But the internet, I guess.

I've been saying throughout the entire window it's been quiet right across the PL. No-one has really done their business early. Maybe it's about to go mental in the last 9 days.

[Gooner23]

Edu arriving seems to have sped things up. Could be coincide though. Believe the Pepe deal is Saul's work.

If we were to lose Mustafi and Kos we would absolutely need to bring in another CB, and retain Chambers as back up.

[Marc Overmars]

Kos has been in talks with Rennes. Ornstein said he’s probably played his last game for us.

New CB is definitely needed.

[GP]

Ornstein confirms Pepe is undergoing medical today and expected to be confirmed by end of week.

Also that we are talking to a number of clubs about selling or loaning Mustafi. Still in market for Tierney and another centre back.

If all the above happens that's a very decent transfer window.

If Mustafi goes and another CB and Tierney come in, that's a 9/10 window. Top, top quality.

[Marc Overmars]

Let’s hope that translates to at least a 9/10 season.

[SMatthews]

Given Chavs have no Hazard now and Utd have barely done a thing to address their problems (plus they have OGS) then 4th is there at least. CL or bust for Emery next season, especially if all this goes through.

[SMatthews]

Everton are signing Kean from Juve for £29m to start with.

Surprised they are letting him go. Maybe they need to balance the books a little. Kean was having a shit time with racist abuse last season so maybe that’s pushed him to leave too.

He’s only 19 so Everton taking a big risk on a player who hasn’t had a full season yet.

[Mac76]

Given Chavs have no Hazard now and Utd have barely done a thing to address their problems (plus they have OGS) then 4th is there at least. CL or bust for Emery next season, especially if all this goes through.

totally agree, and i really don't want to see any signs this time of him favouring the nohopa league over the PL - he's hopefully learnt his lesson on that front...

[SMatthews]

Think said a couple weeks back that he’ll be using more youngsters this time round in the EL.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Everton are signing Kean from Juve for £29m to start with.

Surprised they are letting him go. Maybe they need to balance the books a little. Kean was having a shit time with racist abuse last season so maybe that’s pushed him to leave too.

He’s only 19 so Everton taking a big risk on a player who hasn’t had a full season yet.

Kean seems a very good player. Not a position we need to buy in....but like Dembele at Lyon, I'd be very interested to see how good he gets.

[Marc Overmars]

I had no idea Dembele was at Lyon until the other day. Thought he was still a Celtic player. :lol:

[Marc Overmars]

Apparently we want 8m for Kos and 30m for Mustafi. I like that, it’s about time we started demanding proper fees for our players.

If this was the old regime no doubt Kos in particular would have been allowed to leave for peanuts. Wenger would have done his pal a favour.

[fakeyank]

Apparently we want 8m for Kos and 30m for Mustafi. I like that, it’s about time we started demanding proper fees for our players.

If this was the old regime no doubt Kos in particular would have been allowed to leave for peanuts. Wenger would have done his pal a favour.

Frankly think the prices are high for someone as old as Kos, and someone as shit as Mustafi. I'd take 20 million combined for both of them and call it a day! Let's move on and get replacements while we have the time.

[dostoy]

30m for Mustafi is robbery.

He is shit and only worth about 5m if he improves massively.

Kos is far too old and only worth about 3m now.

[Marc Overmars]

Frankly think the prices are high for someone as old as Kos, and someone as shit as Mustafi. I'd take 20 million combined for both of them and call it a day! Let's move on and get replacements while we have the time.

I would too but in our current position we need to squeeze every penny out of player sales. Mustafi is under contract till 2021 and entering his peak years, in the current market he should still hold value.

[SMatthews]

I would too but in our current position we need to squeeze every penny out of player sales. Mustafi is under contract till 2021 and entering his peak years, in the current market he should still hold value.

Exactly, we’re in no position to be ‘cutting our loses’. If we want the heirarchy to be different then that means buying and selling more shrewdly.

[Mac76]

as far as i'm concerned Mustafi is literally worse than useless, in that he has a negative effect on our club and the team's performance.

on that basis i think it would be a genuine gain for him not to be at the club, and therefore I think we should just give him away if necessary.

if we keep him he will play at some point, costing us goals and points and perhaps like last season, ultimately a place in the CL - and at what financial cost would that be? A damn sight more than however much we could get for him

just get rid of him, forget about the money

[Chippy]

as far as i'm concerned Mustafi is literally worse than useless, in that he has a negative effect on our club and the team's performance.

on that basis i think it would be a genuine gain for him not to be at the club, and therefore I think we should just give him away if necessary.

if we keep him he will play at some point, costing us goals and points and perhaps like last season, ultimately a place in the CL - and at what financial cost would that be? A damn sight more than however much we could get for him

just get rid of him, forget about the money
Mustafi and his old man have denied any links for him with Roma :(

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I had no idea Dembele was at Lyon until the other day. Thought he was still a Celtic player. :lol:

Didn't realise Diallo had joined PSG till literally days ago.....a player I wanted us to sign a few years back. Has gone to Dortmund and now to PSG since then!

[SMatthews]

Talk that Utd and Juve are having discussions about a Lukaku and Dybala swap.

Spurs :lol:

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

as far as i'm concerned Mustafi is literally worse than useless, in that he has a negative effect on our club and the team's performance.

on that basis i think it would be a genuine gain for him not to be at the club, and therefore I think we should just give him away if necessary.

if we keep him he will play at some point, costing us goals and points and perhaps like last season, ultimately a place in the CL - and at what financial cost would that be? A damn sight more than however much we could get for him

just get rid of him, forget about the money

:gp:

Couldn't have said it any better even if I wanted to.

[Unai Tea]

Problem is the stupid bollox doesn't want to leave and to 'fight for his place' - double speak for 'I want maintain my high wages for sub-par play'. Literally no shame whatsoever.

[Marc Overmars]

Talk that Utd and Juve are having discussions about a Lukaku and Dybala swap.

Spurs :lol:

Sounds like this could be happening.

Not sure who’d be getting the better deal really, Dybala’s record last season was very average. Couldn’t perform when he wasn’t the main man after Ronaldo arrived.

[SMatthews]

Pics and video of Pepe in the kit have leaked so they might just announce it today.

[KSE Comedy Club]

Pics and video of Pepe in the kit have leaked so they might just announce it today.

Indeed, its Pepe wednesday after all ##

[Özim]

If we get Pepe that will be great, just need to get a CB as well (and Tierney) if we're losing Koscielny (and hopefully Mustafi).

If we get those things over the line it would be a very decent transfer window, as good as we could expect really, just a shame we couldn't shift players like Xhaka, Jenkinson, Mhkitaryan, Elneny and Mustafi (if he doesn't go).

Ideally would have wanted a right back as cover due to Bellerin being out, we don't have any decent cover on that side.

Apparently we're only paying 20 million up front for Pepe according to reports, the rest of the money is all spread over 5 years, the deals we're doing this summer will obviously have an impact on transfers in the coming seasons, we absolutely need to capitalise on the signings and get back into the CL.

[GP]

Excited about Pepe. More so than I was about Zaha.

It's massive money though, so he has to perform.

Still need a CB. Get in a decent CB and it's a 10/10 window.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Not sure I believe the Dybala rumour, but he is a fantastic player in my opinion. A very clever player.

Pepe should be announced today surely? So much being leaked by the hour it seems.

[Bumble]

Excited about Pepe. More so than I was about Zaha.

It's massive money though, so he has to perform.

Still need a CB. Get in a decent CB and it's a 10/10 window.

perhaps a left back as well. if we sign Tieney and sold Mustafi I would take that without signing another CB.

[SMatthews]

#levyout trending on Twitter affer Poch cried about transfers last night :lol:

[GP]

perhaps a left back as well. if we sign Tieney and sold Mustafi I would take that without signing another CB.

I had assumed Tierney was also coming in.

Tierney
Pepe
Ceballos
Saliba (for next year)
Martinelli
CB

Good business.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hurry up on Pepe, Raul.

Also, Juventus will wake up soon and realise they are about to swap Dybala with this lug soon surely?

https://twitter.com/musab009007/status/1156248331749875717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1156248331749875717&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.redcafe.net%2Fthreads%2F juventuz-goes-into-meltdown.420467%2Fpage-21

[SMatthews]

Malcolm’s gone to Zenit for about £40m.

Various reports saying Tierney could be tied up.

Pepe announcement tom - delay was something to do with the shitty promo videos they make.

Can’t think of a time when we’ve signed one of the hottest talents of the moment. Pretty big transfer in every way really.

[GP]

Malcolm’s gone to Zenit for about £40m.

Various reports saying Tierney could be tied up.

Pepe announcement tom - delay was something to do with the shitty promo videos they make.

Can’t think of a time when we’ve signed one of the hottest talents of the moment. Pretty big transfer in every way really.

It's a pretty big statement.

Stan :bow:

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

We're delaying the announcement because of some goofy social media video we're making where he jumps out of a giant creme Brulee...

[SMatthews]

Lille president said it’s just admin details delaying the announcement but it will happen.

[GP]

I hope he's as good as our last Ivorian winger.

[SMatthews]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p04cw_qMzTY

[SMatthews]

Finally confirmed.

https://www.arsenal.com/news/nicolas-pepe-becomes-record-signing

Pretty amazing signing and probably our biggest ever - and not just in terms of cost.

[dostoy]

Does this mean that Stan is spending his own money ?

Somebody on here is not happy if it does mean that.

[Letters]

People who thought Wenger wasted all our money and we couldn’t sign anyone

:lol:

:ninja:

:run:

Sounds like a good signing

[Penguin]

Finally confirmed.

https://www.arsenal.com/news/nicolas-pepe-becomes-record-signing

Pretty amazing signing and probably our biggest ever - and not just in terms of cost.

Not sure about that, the Ozil signing was pretty crazy at the time.

[SMatthews]

it’s a toss up between the two I think - there’s an argument to be made that Ozil wasn’t seen as ‘hot property’ outside of our fan base.

Elsewhere, Spurs are trying to gate crash Utd’s chances of securing Bruno Fernandes from Sporting.

[fakeyank]

Not sure about that, the Ozil signing was pretty crazy at the time.

Ozil was a forced signing tbh.. I was unfortunately at Emirates for that first game against Villa where we lost 3-1 and the atmosphere was absolutely toxic. If we hadnt signed Ozil that season, I think Wenger would have been shown the gate much earlier. To me, Alexis was the signing of intent the following summer.. that was a great purchase at a great price.

[GP]

it’s a toss up between the two I think - there’s an argument to be made that Ozil wasn’t seen as ‘hot property’ outside of our fan base.

Elsewhere, Spurs are trying to gate crash Utd’s chances of securing Bruno Fernandes from Sporting.

Ozil was absolutely seen as a world class signing. He'd never really seen the like before.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p04cw_qMzTY

We signed the wrong Gervinho all those years ago. :doh:

Also, welcome Pepe!

Signing of the summer IMO.

[SMatthews]

Ozil was absolutely seen as a world class signing. He'd never really seen the like before.

Either way, we haven’t had many and this is right up there.

The type of signing none of us thought would happen this, or any summer in the near future.

Without Jorge Mendes getting involved we probably wouldn’t have convinced them to structure the deal like we have.

[21_GOONER_SALUTE]

Either way, we haven’t had many and this is right up there.

The type of signing none of us thought would happen this, or any summer in the near future.

Without Jorge Mendes getting involved we probably wouldn’t have convinced them to structure the deal like we have.

Wow, I think we are all getting far to carried away by the price tag or something else.

I can't see how this signing is bigger or even compares to previous statement of intent moves/signings for the likes Julio Baptista, Rosciky, Arshavin, Ozil or Sanchez. In fact I'd say the Lacazette and Auba signings are still far more notable and laudable than this.

Though, one thing about all the AW marquee signings mentioned were that he was always kind of pressured into making them ; especially the latter 2 . Thus his signings were more of a direct response to positions that the fans wanted him to fill with real world class talents.

As good as this deal is ( and I do think it is a good properly structured deal), I can't see how this changes much or addresses the real deficits fans have spotted in this team. I can't even see this as a statement of intent nor do I think our "rivals" would be envious or having sleepless nights over this. The only thing this transfer seems to say unequivocally, is "Arsenal aren't broke" and most informed people knew that already.

Anyway I am happy to have Pepe onboard and do think he will be a beneficial signing in the long-run. I'd put this signing on the scale of a Nasri or even Theo signing (in summary, opportunistic). I would have been far more pleased with 2 proven CBs and a marquee DM/CM.

Hell at this rate I'd settle with getting rid of Mustafi and Xhaka as 80% of our statement of intent.

[Mac76]

.

Hell at this rate I'd settle with getting rid of Mustafi and Xhaka as 80% of our statement of intent.

This - I'm really excited about Pepe but you're only as strong as your weakest link and until we get rid of these two self-destructive players we aren't serious contenders IMO

Mustafi in particularis just an embarrassment

[SMatthews]

Wow, I think we are all getting far to carried away by the price tag or something else.

I can't see how this signing is bigger or even compares to previous statement of intent moves/signings for the likes Julio Baptista, Rosciky, Arshavin, Ozil or Sanchez. In fact I'd say the Lacazette and Auba signings are still far more notable and laudable than this.

Though, one thing about all the AW marquee signings mentioned were that he was always kind of pressured into making them ; especially the latter 2 . Thus his signings were more of a direct response to positions that the fans wanted him to fill with real world class talents.

As good as this deal is ( and I do think it is a good properly structured deal), I can't see how this changes much or addresses the real deficits fans have spotted in this team. I can't even see this as a statement of intent nor do I think our "rivals" would be envious or having sleepless nights over this. The only thing this transfer seems to say unequivocally, is "Arsenal aren't broke" and most informed people knew that already.

Anyway I am happy to have Pepe onboard and do think he will be a beneficial signing in the long-run. I'd put this signing on the scale of a Nasri or even Theo signing (in summary, opportunistic). I would have been far more pleased with 2 proven CBs and a marquee DM/CM.

Hell at this rate I'd settle with getting rid of Mustafi and Xhaka as 80% of our statement of intent.

I wanted to take this seriously but then you compared the signing to a loanee who was dumped by this club one season after signing (Baptista), a 16-year-old kid who had played a handful of first team games (Theo) and a raw, talented 21-year-old (Nasri) who still hadn’t found his feet in his native league.

Although, Rosicky and Arshavin are actually good shouts, I’ll give you that. What makes this different from the likes of Ozil, Auba and Alexis is they were being pushed out by their clubs at the time. They were what you’d call opportunistic transfers as there was little or no planning involved. Lacazette? Maybe. Either way, we rarely pick up one of the brightest talents around and prize them away from their clubs with competition in better positions than us involved. It’s a rarity which marks this out as quite unique for the club to get over the line. Especially with all the doom and gloom and becoming a Europa team in recent years. And especially given the general incompetency when it comes to buying and selling in recent years.

Does it change our need for a CB or more proven CM? No, but there’s also no reason to not be excited by this signing. But with Bellerin and Holding back in September, with a possible new LB and a new shape then maybe pinning all our hopes onto a magical CB to save the day maybe isn’t necessary to improve a little. Although in terms of pure numbers we should buy another one if Kos/Mustafi is leaving.

Are we still ‘broke’? Well, given the work done by two experts into our accounts then it’s hard to see how the financial situation has changed. Kroenke certainly hasn’t reached into his pocket to sort it out. Judging by what we’ve spent so far and how this deal is structured then we probably haven’t spent much at all this summer - so far probably less than the ‘magic number’ being banded around.

[Letters]

Wow, I think we are all getting far to carried away by the price tag.
Do you just want to make the world dance? :unsure:

[Marc Overmars]

Cracking signing. Won’t solve anything at the back of course, but let’s hope for some incomings there.

[Gooner23]

I wanted to take this seriously but then you compared the signing to a loanee who was dumped by this club one season after signing (Baptista), a 16-year-old kid who had played a handful of first team games (Theo) and a raw, talented 21-year-old (Nasri) who still hadn’t found his feet in his native league.

Although, Rosicky and Arshavin are actually good shouts, I’ll give you that. What makes this different from the likes of Ozil, Auba and Alexis is they were being pushed out by their clubs at the time. They were what you’d call opportunistic transfers as there was little or no planning involved. Lacazette? Maybe. Either way, we rarely pick up one of the brightest talents around and prize them away from their clubs with competition in better positions than us involved. It’s a rarity which marks this out as quite unique for the club to get over the line. Especially with all the doom and gloom and becoming a Europa team in recent years. And especially given the general incompetency when it comes to buying and selling in recent years.

Does it change our need for a CB or more proven CM? No, but there’s also no reason to not be excited by this signing. But with Bellerin and Holding back in September, with a possible new LB and a new shape then maybe pinning all our hopes onto a magical CB to save the day maybe isn’t necessary to improve a little. Although in terms of pure numbers we should buy another one if Kos/Mustafi is leaving.

Are we still ‘broke’? Well, given the work done by two experts into our accounts then it’s hard to see how the financial situation has changed. Kroenke certainly hasn’t reached into his pocket to sort it out. Judging by what we’ve spent so far and how this deal is structured then we probably haven’t spent much at all this summer - so far probably less than the ‘magic number’ being banded around.

We were absolutely crying out for a top class winger last season. Everyone knows the defence needs sorting, but that doesn't take away from the Pepe signing.

[KSE Comedy Club]

We will get Tierney and a CB by the end of the window.

Raul is on the case ;)

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

We plugged a major hole in the squad (one that had been there some considerable time) with one of the best players in the position available.

We absolutely should be looking at a competent CB, but frankly, after the way we finished the season I was expecting there to be a couple if not a few major holes left.

In an ideal world, Ceballos will mean not having to play Granit Hospital pass Xhaka and ridding ourselves of one of the regular liabilities in a key area. Mustafi is obviously a problem but there is a vague hope that he won't have to play the majority of games.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

The 3 musketeers here we come...

[dazthegooner]

Bielik has gone to Derby £10m

[Gooner23]

We plugged a major hole in the squad (one that had been there some considerable time) with one of the best players in the position available.

We absolutely should be looking at a competent CB, but frankly, after the way we finished the season I was expecting there to be a couple if not a few major holes left.

In an ideal world, Ceballos will mean not having to play Granit Hospital pass Xhaka and ridding ourselves of one of the regular liabilities in a key area. Mustafi is obviously a problem but there is a vague hope that he won't have to play the majority of games.

I think Xhaka will still play unfortunately. Either alongside Ceballos in the home games with Ozil in front. Or with Torreira away from home and Ceballos ahead in the no. 10 position.

Positive noises about Mustafi being pushed out though.

[Mac76]

Bielik has gone to Derby £10m

i guess that's a decent amount, i just hope he doesn't turn out to be really good or we might regret it...

[SMatthews]

That is a good price and what we should be pushing for when selling any player.

No reason to think he's anything we'll miss. He done well - in the third tier. The fact he's ended up in the Championship shows there wasn't too much interest in him to go elsewhere.

[Letters]

£10m for a 21 year old who played 2 league cup games for us and spent all last season in League One :wacko:

[GP]

Harry Maguire

Eighty million pounds

:haha:

[dazthegooner]

Desperation.

[Mac76]

Harry Maguire

Eighty million pounds

:haha:

is that the weight of his fat head? :lol:

[dostoy]

Desperation.

Yes it is, but at least they have now got a very good CB.

Arsenal need one of them as well, and time is nearly up.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

He's very good?

I must be missing something.

[I am invisible]

What’s happening? My mouth keeps trying to do this strange, twitchy thing at the corners, and I’m feeling something that isn’t rage or despair? It’s not shame either. What else is there?

[Globalgunner]

Ole desperately trying to buy his way out of his inadequacies. Big head Maguire wont win any extra points for that sit team. Without their keeper they are a mid table team

[LDG]

What’s happening? My mouth keeps trying to do this strange, twitchy thing at the corners, and I’m feeling something that isn’t rage or despair? It’s not shame either. What else is there?

Drugs

[Letters]

What’s happening? My mouth keeps trying to do this strange, twitchy thing at the corners, and I’m feeling something that isn’t rage or despair? It’s not shame either. What else is there?

Having a stroke?

[LDG]

Isn’t Cahill pretty gettable as a cheap CB.

I know he’s not a worldy, but as a stop gap for a year, he has to be better than Mustavabrainfart

[I am invisible]

Having a stroke?
Stroke was my first thought too.

[LDG]

Loadsa shit doing the rounds that we’re after coutinho on loan :haha:

[SMatthews]

That def not gonna happen :lol:

Tierney looks like it could def be on though.

[fakeyank]

Isn’t Cahill pretty gettable as a cheap CB.

I know he’s not a worldy, but as a stop gap for a year, he has to be better than Mustavabrainfart

:gp:

If we fail to offload Mustafi and Kos, then we should definitely look into this.

[I am invisible]

The 3 musketeers here we come...
The whole attack feels completely reinvigorated this year - not just that first choice front 3, but the supporting cast too. We’ve gone from having no genuine wide options and dribblers income he squad to suddenly having 4 or 5 options to choose from. Even if the younger players represent little more than wildcards that we can bring off the bench for the last 20 to start with, it’s enough to give us more depth, a broader range of playing styles and the options we need to play the shape and system we want.

Plus we don’t have to put up with any Özil’s nonsense now, or worry about Mkhi or Iwobi looking lost out wide. I think a large part of the reason why everyone gets so angry at those guys is because we really couldn’t afford for them not to show up. Because we didn’t have anyone else to pick! But with the additions of Pepe, Ceballos and Martinelli, and the promotions of Willock, Nelson, Nketiah and Saka, it doesn’t feel like as much of a worry.

[I am invisible]

Loadsa shit doing the rounds that we’re after coutinho on loan :haha:
Get used to it - it’s gonna take a while for the rumour mill to get this out of their system...

Raul + Edu = Arsenal must be after any Brazilian who has ever played for Barca (Malcom, Alvez, Coutinho, etc)

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I think Xhaka will still play unfortunately. Either alongside Ceballos in the home games with Ozil in front. Or with Torreira away from home and Ceballos ahead in the no. 10 position.

Positive noises about Mustafi being pushed out though.

He'll probably take his time like with Torreira but the pressure on Xhaka will be good. Guendouzi and Ceballos can take his place if he's making too many mistakes.