Summer transfer joy and happiness

[fakeyank]

Fellaini???

I’m willing to give the new regime a chance but jeez...

:gp:

Based on rumors alone, this new regime is going all over the place. I still want to give them time before I judge them.. Fellaini or not.

:sick:

[Letters]

#BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor...

:whistle:



:run:

[selassie]

He's a defensive midfielder. A 6 ft 4 man mountain that's tough and sticks his foot in. He's exactly what we need.

If that's what you want to call him who am I to argue?

I have always seen him as a pure CM, he is very good at his defensive duties but is a very good passer and regularly starts and continues attacking moves. He gets about both ends of the pitch very well.

I have always viewed defensive midfielders as players like Casemiro, Thiaga Motta, Busquets, Maschareno & Makalele etc, more specialist players who's role is to break up play and distribute the ball to the more creative players.

[GP]

We aren't signing Fellaini.

[I am invisible]

I'd have to have a look at the squad, but I'm OK with the idea of bringing some older players in, provided it's in areas where we have players who fall in the 'highly promising but still in need of some guidance' bracket, and the plan is to basically buy Emery a year or two to work on them. If we're just targeting oldies because they're cheap and that's the best we can do then that's a worry.

[I am invisible]

* I should caveat that by stating that I'm not OK with signing fellaini under any circumstances.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

We're signing men. Lichtsteiner has won 7 league titles and 9 cups. We're adding a solid, title winning pro to a mentally weak defence that was crap last season. And it'll give Bellerin some competition and it's something he needs because he went from being the best right back in the league to one of the worst. It ticks so many boxes and is a very shrewd signing. If Man City made this signing Pep would be hailed a genius for adding a mentally tough, solid pro to his ranks.

As for 'and because Wenger failed with some young players we shouldn't sign young players is a dumb argument', where did I say we shouldn't sign young players? I'm saying I can see why they're going with it. It's clear shift in transfer strategy from one that hasn't worked to one where we rely on those that have experience and can deliver. Wenger was hell bent on destroying our mental fortitude in the space of 24 months by selling all of the invincibles, it seems the new regime are hell bent on restoring it.

I don't mind Lichtsteiner as he's purely backup to Bellerin and it makes sense.

I didn't mind Auba either because he's obviously world class. And Mkhi was a good deal as we managed to get a good player out of what was a bad situation (Alexis would have gone for nothing in a few months).

I'm not happy with Sokratis though I can at least admit I can see what Sven's logic there is (we need experience at the back). But I'd be appalled with Fellani or Nzonzi for that matter ........ eventually we have to start thinking about the age profile of the squad and not stocking the squad up with too many 29/30 year olds, who'll be hard to shift and have no resale value.

As said above Fabinho would have been perfect though it's a sign of how appealing & efficient Liverpool are these days that they were swiftly able to wrap that up. Someone of the profile of Torreira would be a good buy instead though.

[selassie]

#BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor...

:whistle:

:run:

:lol:

I feel for Emery, Wenger has left him with a mess of a squad, holes everywhere. What makes it even worse is we have no money to address it as millions have been wasted on duds over the past few seasons.

[Letters]

How can have no money when Liverpool have shitloads?
There's money there if we want to spend it.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

How can have no money when Liverpool have shitloads?
There's money there if we want to spend it.

Because Liverpool actually sell well and get good money for their wantaway stars ...... see Suarez, Sterling & Coutinho, which again is driven by them investing in talented youth players, coaching them and making them into world class stars. The sales of those three alone have almost been able finance all the good players in their team now (Mane, Salah, Van Dijk etc).

That's the approach we need to be taking as well.

When was the last time we extorted another club for a player? Ox perhaps? But that's it.

[Marc Overmars]

I’ve been saying for a while I don’t think we will have the spending power this summer. We’ve spent a lot by our standards in recent years. Ozil, Auba and Laca are all on bumper contracts too, the sort of wages that could rival what the Manchester clubs pay.

People often said they’d rather Wenger wasn’t given another penny to spend because a lot of his signings since we became able to spend big have been more misses than hits. That was tounge in cheek but I think we are seeing the fallout from that now.

We will have to be clever with who we sign. We have made the most important signing already though - Emery. If his coaching can elevate the game of certain players and ensure we become more of well oiled team then that’s good enough for me.

[Mac76]

It sounds like fellaini won't happen, i just think it's embarrassing that it was even talked about

Some people simply aren't Arsenal playees and he's one of them, he's a cheating dirty f****r who i wouldn't want anywhere near this club

[Özim]

I don't get it, all the other clubs seem to have money, West Ham are saying they're going to spend a record amount, Man U ready to spend big again, Liverpool etc will spend and yet we're scratching around for free transfers and ageing players.

I know we signed Auba in January but 40 million of that was money left over from player sales in the summer, Wenger seems to have left us in a terrible state.

[Cripps]

I don't mind Lichtsteiner as he's purely backup to Bellerin and it makes sense.

I didn't mind Auba either because he's obviously world class. And Mkhi was a good deal as we managed to get a good player out of what was a bad situation (Alexis would have gone for nothing in a few months).

I'm not happy with Sokratis though I can at least admit I can see what Sven's logic there is (we need experience at the back). But I'd be appalled with Fellani or Nzonzi for that matter ........ eventually we have to start thinking about the age profile of the squad and not stocking the squad up with too many 29/30 year olds, who'll be hard to shift and have no resale value.

As said above Fabinho would have been perfect though it's a sign of how appealing & efficient Liverpool are these days that they were swiftly able to wrap that up. Someone of the profile of Torreira would be a good buy instead though.

Lichtsteiner + Sokratis will cost a combined £15m, so £7.5m each. In this day and age it's absolutely nothing. It's 1998 prices. Lichtsteiner has probably come in on a 1 year contract, max 2, he's on a free and this'll be his last contract before he retires so there's no risk. Let's not forget our most experienced player Mertesacker has just retired and Koscielny is :rose:*so we're lacking experience in the squad. Both of the signings provide that.

Fact is we are in a much weaker position than what we were 2 years ago and this is exactly what we meant when we said every extra season Wenger stays it's causing more structural decline that will take longer to offset. We have pretty much swapped positions with Liverpool in terms of status + how attractive the clubs are, they can sign any talent in Europe right now whereas we need to work our way back up before we sign the Fabinho's of the world. And in order to do that management have clearly decided we're going down the route of experienced, solid pros which I'm fine with. How many times have we been ripped by the media and other fans for lacking mental resilience and choking when the going gets tough? SASIE are finally addressing it.

[Cripps]

It sounds like fellaini won't happen, i just think it's embarrassing that it was even talked about

Some people simply aren't Arsenal playees and he's one of them, he's a cheating dirty f****r who i wouldn't want anywhere near this club

The media got their clicks and you fools fell for it :lol:

[Letters]

I don't get it, all the other clubs seem to have money, West Ham are saying they're going to spend a record amount, Man U ready to spend big again, Liverpool etc will spend and yet we're scratching around for free transfers and ageing players.

I know we signed Auba in January but 40 million of that was money left over from player sales in the summer, Wenger seems to have left us in a terrible state.

He did waste a load of money, but he was always criticised for being frugal and being too concerned about balancing the books so even if he has left the squad in a terrible state (not something I entirely accept) then financially we should be fine. Since 2014 our net spend has actually been pretty high but nowhere near as high as City or Utd:

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/revealed-premier-league-net-spending-table-sparks-a-debate-over-managerial-achievements-36861511.html

While both those clubs have more money than us it's a massive gap in terms of net spend, we can surely afford to push the boat out a little bit. Our wage bill is high but, again, not as high as the Manchester clubs

https://www.totalsportek.com/money/english-premier-league-wage-bills-club-by-club/

I'm struggling to believe we don't have enough for one or two big signings. If it pushes us back into the top 4, which it might, we'd make back the money anyway.

[Özim]

He did waste a load of money, but he was always criticised for being frugal and being too concerned about balancing the books so even if he has left the squad in a terrible state (not something I entirely accept) then financially we should be fine. Since 2014 our net spend has actually been pretty high but nowhere near as high as City or Utd:

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/revealed-premier-league-net-spending-table-sparks-a-debate-over-managerial-achievements-36861511.html

While both those clubs have more money than us it's a massive gap in terms of net spend, we can surely afford to push the boat out a little bit. Our wage bill is high but, again, not as high as the Manchester clubs

https://www.totalsportek.com/money/english-premier-league-wage-bills-club-by-club/

I'm struggling to believe we don't have enough for one or two big signings. If it pushes us back into the top 4, which it might, we'd make back the money anyway.

He was too frugal no doubt about it, but when he did go out and spend it was pretty clear he spent the money on the wrong players, you won't find too many people whol would have spent big money on the likes of Xhaka and Mustafi.

I'd like to believe that too, but if you look at all the players we're allegedly after, they pretty much all seem to be, loan deals, free transfers, players in and around 30 years of age and relatively low cost transfers. We should be selling some of these guys as well, quite a few of these players aren't up to it, right now we don't seem to be trying to shift anybody out.

People keep mentioning Chambers and Holding but I've not seen much to suggest either will be any good, morever they were signed by Wenger and we pretty much know he wasn't able to build a team able to defend well entirely off his own back, so what is there to suggest these two players are actually any good, I'd personally ditch them and start again.

[Özim]

I’ve been saying for a while I don’t think we will have the spending power this summer. We’ve spent a lot by our standards in recent years. Ozil, Auba and Laca are all on bumper contracts too, the sort of wages that could rival what the Manchester clubs pay.

People often said they’d rather Wenger wasn’t given another penny to spend because a lot of his signings since we became able to spend big have been more misses than hits. That was tounge in cheek but I think we are seeing the fallout from that now.

We will have to be clever with who we sign. We have made the most important signing already though - Emery. If his coaching can elevate the game of certain players and ensure we become more of well oiled team then that’s good enough for me.

Any manager that comes in doesn't work with the players he inherits, he builds the team in his image, it's pretty clear a number of these players just aren't good enough. As for money, prior to signing Auba, we were well up transfer money wise from last summer and despite increases in wages we also removed Sanchez, Gabriel, Mertersacker, Ox, Walcott, Giroud, Coquelin, Gibbs, Debuchy so it probably balances out.

[Bumble]

Any manager that comes in doesn't work with the players he inherits, he builds the team in his image, it's pretty clear a number of these players just aren't good enough. As for money, prior to signing Auba, we were well up transfer money wise from last summer and despite increases in wages we also removed Sanchez, Gabriel, Mertersacker, Ox, Walcott, Giroud, Coquelin, Gibbs, Debuchy so it probably balances out.

that's just wrong. a manager does work with players he inherits. they aren't all league one players you know. he has to work with the players already here and it is a slow change to mould the side. but spending big on 10 players isn't going to make us any more successful next season. the team will need to bed in and get used to playing with each other. it is a team game after all. plus what is the real point of spending a massive wad of cash when in reality it will be a miracle in the next couple of years if we finish in the top 3.

[selassie]

He did waste a load of money, but he was always criticised for being frugal and being too concerned about balancing the books so even if he has left the squad in a terrible state (not something I entirely accept) then financially we should be fine. Since 2014 our net spend has actually been pretty high but nowhere near as high as City or Utd:

https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/revealed-premier-league-net-spending-table-sparks-a-debate-over-managerial-achievements-36861511.html

While both those clubs have more money than us it's a massive gap in terms of net spend, we can surely afford to push the boat out a little bit. Our wage bill is high but, again, not as high as the Manchester clubs

https://www.totalsportek.com/money/english-premier-league-wage-bills-club-by-club/

I'm struggling to believe we don't have enough for one or two big signings. If it pushes us back into the top 4, which it might, we'd make back the money anyway.

I think the issue is around wages, if you factor in that Ozil is on 330K per week, both Mkhi and Auba on near to 200k per week, Lacazette on 150k per week, then you have to factor in that Ramsey is in negotiations for a new deal and wants close to 200k per week too.

Assuming Ramsey signs his contract, that's 5 players on wages over or near to 200k per week. If we make big signings...especially semi-established players....then they will demand big wages comparable to what our best players are on, do we really have the budget to sanction 2 more players on near to 200k per week...probably not?

This is the issue we face right now unless we shift one or two of the big earners on, that is going to be difficult in itself considering the wages they are on.

We probably do have the funds to make a few big-ish signings but I don't think we have the budget for their wages. We either need to buy experienced which is what we are doing, or go for absolute top quality young players with the promise of immediate first team football and wage increases dependent on performance.

Buying experienced is a risk, but I assume we are doing this on the premise of a quick return to CL. A return to CL will give us a bit more leverage to attract top quality young talent and semi-established players without the need to pay them over the top wages.

The bottom line is we are the least attractive option of any of the top 6 in England, two seasons outside of CL is damaging and we are seeing that right now.

Edited to add: Another issue we face is getting rid of the duds assuming that's the plan. Mustafi and Xhaka are both on over 100k per week so I have heard, we'll be lucky to get back half of the transfer fee we paid for either player and what club outside of PL is going to pay them their wages? Wenger has left us in a right mess.

[I am invisible]

If that's what you want to call him who am I to argue?

I have always seen him as a pure CM, he is very good at his defensive duties but is a very good passer and regularly starts and continues attacking moves. He gets about both ends of the pitch very well.

I have always viewed defensive midfielders as players like Casemiro, Thiaga Motta, Busquets, Maschareno & Makalele etc, more specialist players who's role is to break up play and distribute the ball to the more creative players.

It looks like the DM role is going through a bit of an evolution at the moment anyway, with most teams now adopting a high-press. Most of that aggressive chasing and breaking up of play is now done early and high up the pitch by the attacking players (which includes any B2B midfielder or fullback who has pushed forward), and the role of the deepest midfielder is increasingly becoming more about countering those high-pressing attackers. The hunters are becoming become the hunted, and I think a lot of the more forward-thinking clubs are now looking for the kind of skill set that we used to look for in attacking midfielders for in their DMs - players with exceptional spatial awareness, who are comfortable taking the ball under pressure, have tight control and can go past a man with ease, can thread a pass and break the opposition lines, and who can help catch the opposition with their pants down, with too many players over-committed too far forward.

Basically, guys like Cazorla.

That's what I think we might see, anyway: a GK who's good with his feet, a couple of ball-playing CBs in front of him, and a Cazorla-like midfielder sat in front of them; Then you have a couple of end-to-end fullbacks and 1 / 2 high-energy B2B midfielders (depending on your formation) as the engine, who can overload either the defence or the attack as needed; and finally 3 / 4 hard-working attackers who chase everything down from the front.

[Özim]

that's just wrong. a manager does work with players he inherits. they aren't all league one players you know. he has to work with the players already here and it is a slow change to mould the side. but spending big on 10 players isn't going to make us any more successful next season. the team will need to bed in and get used to playing with each other. it is a team game after all. plus what is the real point of spending a massive wad of cash when in reality it will be a miracle in the next couple of years if we finish in the top 3.

He does to some extent initially as he can't change the whole team, but over time he brings many players that he chooses that fit in better with his philosophy. We have a fair few league one players to be honest, that's part of the issue, many vastly overpaid as well.

I'd personally try and slowly bring in 1 or 2 top quality players (maybe in the mid 20s) to slowly build a team, buying older players is a bit of a false economy as they will need replacing soon enough, our team isn't that young anymore as it stands either.

[Marc Overmars]

In time I'm sure Emery will weed out the players who are no good for him but he'll have to earn his money by getting players from the existing squad to raise their game. Wholesale changes are not that practical so for the first year or 2 we will still be reliant on the same faces I would have thought. You'd hope some of the underperformers respond better to a more demanding coach. Most of City's best players are not Pep signings for example but he's transformed all of them into stronger and more effective players. That's what I want to see from Emery, rather than pinning my hopes on big signings.

[Özim]

In time I'm sure Emery will weed out the players who are no good for him but he'll have to earn his money by getting players from the existing squad to raise their game. Wholesale changes are not that practical so for the first year or 2 we will still be reliant on the same faces I would have thought. You'd hope some of the underperformers respond better to a more demanding coach. Most of City's best players are not Pep signings for example but he's transformed all of them into stronger and more effective players. That's what I want to see from Emery, rather than pinning my hopes on big signings.

Probably true, ust be added that City's players prior to Guardiola were top quality, whereas ours aren't, they were just a bunch of nobodies cherry picked out of nowhere by Wenger.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Man Utd sign Dalot for £19 million.

:unsure:

[Cripps]

Emery will take the Klopp approach and give every player a chance. After a season or two he'll then bring in his own to replace the duds.

[Cripps]

Jonny Evans to Leicester.

Phew.

[Mac76]

The media got their clicks and you fools fell for it :lol:

Not me, the first i knew was on here and i just googled and looked at headlines, no click-throughs, not like a lot of people on here who support the Scum and daily fail by posting links

[hobson's choice]

Emery will take the Klopp approach and give every player a chance. After a season or two he'll then bring in his own to replace the duds.

He'll work with whomever he's told to work with

[Cripps]

As usual you've completely missed the point:lol:

[Cripps]

Shaqiri is available for £12m apparently, he's the one Stoke player I quite like :unsure:

[I am invisible]

I think Zim mention that Bernard at Shaktar is available on a free a few pages back? That makes sense, if we're after a winger and working to a budget...

[GP]

Bernard is shite.

[I am invisible]

Is he? Oh well - fuck Bernard then.

[GP]

To be fair, we were linked with him before he went to Shakhtar.

He's not very good though.

[dostoy]

What are the chances of Arsenal getting a new goalkeeper ?

I think the older players like Cech and Monreal should be let go and Kos should leave next summer, only because he is currently injured and will be until Nov/Dec.

Arsenal need younger players between 24 and 26, the squad is too old at the moment.

[Mac76]

What are the chances of Arsenal getting a new goalkeeper ?

I think the older players like Cech and Monreal should be let go and Kos should leave next summer, only because he is currently injured and will be until Nov/Dec.

Arsenal need younger players between 24 and 26, the squad is too old at the moment.

No way ditch Nacho, one of our best players and if used more sensibly (ie not trying to run him into the ground like youknowwho did) he's got a few good seasons left in him

[Globalgunner]

No way ditch Nacho, one of our best players and if used more sensibly (ie not trying to run him into the ground like youknowwho did) he's got a few good seasons left in him

Nacho has improved since he got here, personally I would play Kola ahead of him.

[selassie]

Shaqiri is available for £12m apparently, he's the one Stoke player I quite like :unsure:

He's off to Liverpool apparently. They are signing Fekir from Lyons too.

[Cripps]

Fee agreed for Fekir

Wow. That's how you capitalise on champions league football.

[Marc Overmars]

Keita and and Fekir behind their already explosive front line. Bit sickening tbf.

[Özim]

Liverpool are gonna blow us away to be honest, Fabinho, Fekir, Keita and maybe Shaquiri, meanwhile we're scraping around for free transfers. We had 20 years in the CL, sad to see us scrape around like this to be honest.

Only one man to blame for this of course.

[Xhaka Can’t]

Yeah.

Kroenke.

[Cripps]

Liverpool are gonna blow us away to be honest, Fabinho, Fekir, Keita and maybe Shaquiri, meanwhile we're scraping around for free transfers. We had 20 years in the CL, sad to see us scrape around like this to be honest.

Only one man to blame for this of course.

Pretty much

Liverpool showing us how it should have been done. Meanwhile we penny pinched and kept promising to deliver in the future.

[GP]

Who are they gonna sell to finance it?

[Letters]

Only one man to blame for this of course.
:gp:

Emery OUT! :angry:

[selassie]

Liverpool are gonna blow us away to be honest, Fabinho, Fekir, Keita and maybe Shaquiri, meanwhile we're scraping around for free transfers. We had 20 years in the CL, sad to see us scrape around like this to be honest.

Only one man to blame for this of course.

Yep we are miles behind them now, they are building an elite squad and paying fairly reasonable fees for their signings.

If they keep Klopp and keep on adding to their squad then we will be behind them for a good while IMO.

They seem to be able to attract fairly high profile players too now, something we could do but refused to for years. Now we are less attractive.

[Cripps]

They're showing ambition instead of making excuses :coffee:

[Ralpheroo72]

Yeah.

Kroenke.

:gp:

[selassie]

They're showing ambition instead of making excuses :coffee:

Yep

[Ralpheroo72]

We are pretty much a cash cow for Kroenke. This whole Sven/Raul/Gazidis thing is a pile of shit. They’ve brought us a 34 year old full back, whereas Liverpool are assembling an absolute beast at Anfield.

[Goonermerree]

We are pretty much a cash cow for Kroenke. This whole Sven/Raul/Gazidis thing is a pile of shit. They’ve brought us a 34 year old full back, whereas Liverpool are assembling an absolute beast at Anfield.

Most people on here think the 34 year old full back is a good acquisition. I think he's too old, but never mind.

[Cripps]

You're deluded if you think we're at Liverpool's level currently.

[Cripps]

Pires wants us to sign Fellaini :lol:

He also wanted Wenger to stay :lol:

Hope he stays well away from the club.

[Globalgunner]

Pires wants us to sign Fellaini :lol:

He also wanted Wenger to stay :lol:

Hope he stays well away from the club.

Pires lost his mind about 5 years ago. Sad for an otherwise beautiful man.

[Cripps]

Completely wengerised :rose:

[Goonermerree]

Pires lost his mind about 5 years ago. Sad for an otherwise beautiful man.

I'm surprised at Pires, didn't he leave because he wanted a two year contract and Wenger would only give him one?

[I am invisible]

I actually think it makes sense to keep Le Bob on in some (non-critical) capacity - he's been training with the squad for the last 2 years, and he speaks fluent Spanish, so he could be just what Emery needs while he's learning himself the good ol' Queen's cockerney?

[selassie]

We are pretty much a cash cow for Kroenke. This whole Sven/Raul/Gazidis thing is a pile of shit. They’ve brought us a 34 year old full back, whereas Liverpool are assembling an absolute beast at Anfield.

Wenger damaged our rep mate. We got away with it initially as we always finished top 4 but the minute we dropped out of top 4 that was it, curtains!

We should never have been in this position, if Wenger would have done his job properly he would have left us with a competitive squad to work with. As it happens, he's left us with a mess of a squad and an owner that won't release proper funds because Wenger has blown it on duds.

[Power n Glory]

Wenger damaged our rep mate. We got away with it initially as we always finished top 4 but the minute we dropped out of top 4 that was it, curtains!

We should never have been in this position, if Wenger would have done his job properly he would have left us with a competitive squad to work with. As it happens, he's left us with a mess of a squad and an owner that won't release proper funds because Wenger has blown it on duds.

We're in a mess but for me, it would be an even bigger mistake to trust Emery with everything in the bank straight away. Let's see what he can do and how far he can get with little before we give him everything we have. If he were to spend a shit load and turn out to be flop, we'd be in an even worse position.

[Cripps]

Wenger damaged our rep mate. We got away with it initially as we always finished top 4 but the minute we dropped out of top 4 that was it, curtains!

We should never have been in this position, if Wenger would have done his job properly he would have left us with a competitive squad to work with. As it happens, he's left us with a mess of a squad and an owner that won't release proper funds because Wenger has blown it on duds.

Stop being knee jerk :lol:

[selassie]

Stop being knee jerk :lol:

:lol:

[selassie]

We're in a mess but for me, it would be an even bigger mistake to trust Emery with everything in the bank straight away. Let's see what he can do and how far he can get with little before we give him everything we have. If he were to spend a shit load and turn out to be flop, we'd be in an even worse position.

Aye, I see your point PnG and I’m fully behind Emery. I’m excited for this upcoming season for the simple fact that I have no idea what we are going to achieve with Emery in charge of this squad of players.

I personally can’t see him doing any worse than last season and genuinely expect a fair bit of improvement, enough for us to be in the mix for top 4 or dare I say some sort of title challenge? Not sure....

I’ll say one thing though, 3 seasons out of CL and we’ll have to have a serious summer next year putting together a competitive squad.

[Marc Overmars]

It took Liverpool years to recover after they fell out of the top 4. Look up their signings from when Benitez left, apart from Suarez it reads like a who's who of shite. I'm genuinely worried we could be in the wilderness for at least another year or 2 and that's being compounded by the type of player we've been linked with this summer so far.

I'm just praying that Emery is the real deal.

[I am invisible]

Supposedly, we've opened talks with Sampdoria about Torreira - some say we're still negotiating, others say the clubs have reached an agreement but high agent fees are causing problems?

[Cripps]

It'll take some time to get back into the top 4 but as Arseblog said, I'd rather go for experienced players that can hit the ground running and know how to get a job done rather than young & potential where the risk is bigger.

[Power n Glory]

Aye, I see your point PnG and I’m fully behind Emery. I’m excited for this upcoming season for the simple fact that I have no idea what we are going to achieve with Emery in charge of this squad of players.

I personally can’t see him doing any worse than last season and genuinely expect a fair bit of improvement, enough for us to be in the mix for top 4 or dare I say some sort of title challenge? Not sure....

I’ll say one thing though, 3 seasons out of CL and we’ll have to have a serious summer next year putting together a competitive squad.

I'm already ruling out a title challenge. It's rare for a new manager to win it in their first season so I'm not expecting it. I just want to see what ideas he has and what he can pull from the current squad.

The competition is tough. The teams above us have top players, top managers and we will find it hard to get back into the Top 4. We'll need a couple of teams to go through their own internal turmoil and disruption to get back to the top. I'm banking on Man Utd and Chelsea stutter next year. Maybe Spurs if Pott gets dragged into departure rumours.

We've got a lot of work to do but it also depends on our rivals being stable or making the right choices if key people leave. We'll have to capitalise off those moments. I think people now see the massive opportunities we blew when Fergie left and the season Leicester won.

[Letters]

It took Liverpool years to recover after they fell out of the top 4. Look up their signings from when Benitez left, apart from Suarez it reads like a who's who of shite. I'm genuinely worried we could be in the wilderness for at least another year or 2 and that's being compounded by the type of player we've been linked with this summer so far.

I'm just praying that Emery is the real deal.

I'm not sure what you mean "after they fell out of the top 4"?
Since they won the title they have been bobbed around all over the place, never lower than 8th but never consistently inside or outside the top 4.
They have never had more than 4 seasons in a row either inside or outside the top 4.

https://image.ibb.co/jdJW8T/Liverpool.jpg

The problem with being top 4 now and challenging is simply there are more clubs capable of doing so. It's a myth that we "dropped out of the top 2" after the glory years, there simply wasn't a "top 2" any more. Chelsea and City bought their way in, now Spurs and Liverpool have sorted themselves out (although historically Liverpool have never done so consistently, neither have Spurs so it remains to be seen whether they are in it for the long haul). It is more of a top 6 these days and while we finished rock bottom of it last year I don't think it would take that much to do better. A better away record last year (and I honestly can't remember the last time it was that bad) and we'd have been challenging last season.

[Power n Glory]

I'm not sure what you mean "after they fell out of the top 4"?
Since they won the title they have been bobbed around all over the place, never lower than 8th but never consistently inside or outside the top 4.
They have never had more than 4 seasons in a row either inside or outside the top 4.

https://image.ibb.co/jdJW8T/Liverpool.jpg

The problem with being top 4 now and challenging is simply there are more clubs capable of doing so. It's a myth that we "dropped out of the top 2" after the glory years, there simply wasn't a "top 2" any more. Chelsea and City bought their way in, now Spurs and Liverpool have sorted themselves out (although historically Liverpool have never done so consistently, neither have Spurs so it remains to be seen whether they are in it for the long haul). It is more of a top 6 these days and while we finished rock bottom of it last year I don't think it would take that much to do better. A better away record last year (and I honestly can't remember the last time it was that bad) and we'd have been challenging last season.

Which is why I've never given Wenger much credit for keeping us in the top 4. There weren't enough good teams around to truly challenge us. That has now all changed.

[Letters]

That's a bit of a weird argument. Chelsea and City have usurped us by spending a shit ton of money, so have Liverpool actually.
Only Spurs have sorted themselves out with good management.
All the other teams were trying to get into the top 4, none of them consistently succeeded till the money men came along.
Wenger was far too proud of just keeping our top 4 status, but the fact no other teams managed it shows it wasn't an easy task to be that consistent for that long, we weren't spending big in the transfer market to do it.

[Marc Overmars]

I'm not sure what you mean "after they fell out of the top 4"?
Since they won the title they have been bobbed around all over the place, never lower than 8th but never consistently inside or outside the top 4.
They have never had more than 4 seasons in a row either inside or outside the top 4.



I was more referring to their period under Benitez when they had a strong team. After he failed it took them 4 seasons to qualify again and their signings at the time were a reason for that.

[Power n Glory]

That's a bit of a weird argument. Chelsea and City have usurped us by spending a shit ton of money, so have Liverpool actually.
Only Spurs have sorted themselves out with good management.
All the other teams were trying to get into the top 4, none of them consistently succeeded till the money men came along.
Wenger was far too proud of just keeping our top 4 status, but the fact no other teams managed it shows it wasn't an easy task to be that consistent for that long, we weren't spending big in the transfer market to do it.

We don't spend as much as Chelsea, City and Utd, but we've spent a shit load more than those outside of the top 4 to stay in that position. We're a much bigger club than those that were outside of it, hence why they could never get in, hence why I don't go overboard with the praise for Wenger.

[I am invisible]

We're in a mess but for me, it would be an even bigger mistake to trust Emery with everything in the bank straight away. Let's see what he can do and how far he can get with little before we give him everything we have. If he were to spend a shit load and turn out to be flop, we'd be in an even worse position.
Yeah, I agree. Even if we're 100% confident that Emery is the real deal, I still don't think it would be unreasonable to expect him to spend a bit of time with the existing group before we go on a mega spend up. Bring in an immediate handful of trusted players who can help him to quickly transmit his ideas and the professional standards he expects - that makes sense - but I'd hold off on the total tear-down until he's a) done a thorough assessment of what he has, b) gone some way to addressing the culture at the club, and c) made sure his authority is established.

Not much point in bringing in 100m players until the attitude in the group has started to change and the players are fully behind the coach - we'll just end up ruining them...

[Power n Glory]

Yeah, I agree. Even if we're 100% confident that Emery is the real deal, I still don't think it would be unreasonable to expect him to spend a bit of time with the existing group before we go on a mega spend up. Bring in an immediate handful of trusted players who can help him to quickly transmit his ideas and the professional standards he expects - that makes sense - but I'd hold off on the total tear-down until he's a) done a thorough assessment of what he has, b) gone some way to addressing the culture at the club, and c) made sure his authority is established.

Not much point in bringing in 100m players until the attitude in the group has started to change and the players are fully behind the coach - we'll just end up ruining them...

Very true. We need to address the culture first and he needs to see what players can do what before we start with the sweeping changes. Set the foundations first and then start building.

[Cripps]

We don't spend as much as Chelsea, City and Utd, but we've spent a shit load more than those outside of the top 4 to stay in that position. We're a much bigger club than those that were outside of it, hence why they could never get in, hence why I don't go overboard with the praise for Wenger.

Our wage bill was huge as well.

[Power n Glory]

Our wage bill was huge as well.

The wage bill, the stadium, facilities such as our training ground, scouts, medical team, revenue generated... it all counts. We have a huge advantage over a lot of teams which is why we were able to stay in the top 4 for so long.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I think it comes down to expectations. If they expect him to win a trophy and challenge for the title straight away then not giving him the personnel he thinks he needs to do that is a little daft.

Realistically though the aim is probably to get us back into the top 4, which they can hide behind for why his funds may be limited.

I haven't been delighted by the transfer dealings so far but in spite of that I thought the squad was good enough to get into the top 4 last season anyway, so the fact we didn't hows an enormous level of underachievement with needs to be addressed in the training field first and foremost.

[Letters]

We don't spend as much as Chelsea, City and Utd, but we've spent a shit load more than those outside of the top 4 to stay in that position. We're a much bigger club than those that were outside of it, hence why they could never get in, hence why I don't go overboard with the praise for Wenger.

There were times when Liverpool and Spurs were spending loads more than us to try and leapfrog us and failed till very recently.
I don't think we should go overboard about the top 4 thing but I don't think it should be dismissed as though any idiot could have done it, especially during the period when the stadium move was hampering our spending.
Other big clubs have changed managers and failed to keep them in the top 4 despite spending loads of money.

I think we're well placed to push on, we have the infrastructure and fanbase to push us on. I don't think any manager could take us over and we'd be sweeping all before us, too many clubs have too much money now.

[Letters]

Wenger damaged our rep mate. We got away with it initially as we always finished top 4 but the minute we dropped out of top 4 that was it, curtains!

We should never have been in this position, if Wenger would have done his job properly he would have left us with a competitive squad to work with. As it happens, he's left us with a mess of a squad and an owner that won't release proper funds because Wenger has blown it on duds.

Rubbish! :lol:

I realise that is not a very intelligent reply but this is nonsense. We have the infrastructure and fanbase to compete. I don't think our squad is a million miles away.
The owner is a certainly a problem though.

[Power n Glory]

There were times when Liverpool and Spurs were spending loads more than us to try and leapfrog us and failed till very recently.
I don't think we should go overboard about the top 4 thing but I don't think it should be dismissed as though any idiot could have done it, especially during the period when the stadium move was hampering our spending.
Other big clubs have changed managers and failed to keep them in the top 4 despite spending loads of money.

I think we're well placed to push on, we have the infrastructure and fanbase to push us on. I don't think any manager could take us over and we'd be sweeping all before us, too many clubs have too much money now.

Liverpool and Spurs were behind us in terms of how much was being spent on wages, infrastructure, stadium and resources. But Liverpool have finished above us on quite a few occasions. Now it looks like Spurs have finally caught up. It's not about any idiot being able to keep us top 4, it's just a club of our size and resources had more of an advantage over the majority.

[Letters]

Don't disagree about our advantage, but Utd had the same advantage and post Fergie were outside the top 4 a bit, it's not as easy as it looks.
And that advantage did come about for a reason...

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Fekir staying at Lyon, apparently.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44425961

Oh dear. :lol:

Aulas is such a bastard!

[Power n Glory]

Don't disagree about our advantage, but Utd had the same advantage and post Fergie were outside the top 4 a bit, it's not as easy as it looks.
And that advantage did come about for a reason...

We take the piss out of Moyes for a reason.

[Power n Glory]

Don't disagree about our advantage, but Utd had the same advantage and post Fergie were outside the top 4 a bit, it's not as easy as it looks.
And that advantage did come about for a reason...

We take the piss out of Moyes for a reason. He's a sub par coach. Wenger was average and then slipped into sub par with his last few league results.

[Cripps]

Who was worse, Moyes or Wenger? It's a tough one

[McNamara That Ghost...]

This Fekir thing, what has actually happened?

I've read Fekir has a bad knee, Liverpool therefore asked Lyon for this price to be moved down and then promptly told to jog on.

However I've also read due to the bad knee, Liverpool told Lyon to fuck off, Lyon tried to re-negotiate but then that failed?

Apparently it had got as far as Fekir taking photos in a Liverpool shirt. :unsure:

[Mac76]

Who was worse, Moyes or Wenger? It's a tough one

Oh come on, you're joking right? Wenger won things even recently, Moyes has never even won a raffle

[Mac76]

This Fekir thing, what has actually happened?

I've read Fekir has a bad knee, Liverpool therefore asked Lyon for this price to be moved down and then promptly told to jog on.

However I've also read due to the bad knee, Liverpool told Lyon to fuck off, Lyon tried to re-negotiate but then that failed?

Apparently it had got as far as Fekir taking photos in a Liverpool shirt. :unsure:

Looks like Fekir's a faker

[I am invisible]

What do you think they're smoking over there at Emirates Anfield?

John W Henry,
Bellend

[Letters]

Oh come on, you're joking right? Wenger won things even recently, Moyes has never even won a raffle

Yes, he is joking.

[Globalgunner]

Oh come on, you're joking right? Wenger won things even recently, Moyes has never even won a raffle

I disagree. His being appointed Utd manager was akin to a lottery win with SAF in charge of the draw.

[selassie]

Rubbish! :lol:

I realise that is not a very intelligent reply but this is nonsense. We have the infrastructure and fanbase to compete. I don't think our squad is a million miles away.
The owner is a certainly a problem though.

No offence taken! ;)

Maybe I should have elaborated on my point, I’ll stand by what I said above, Wenger has damaged our current or dare I say it short term reputation / appeal.

We failed to take advantage of our standing in both PL and CL over the past few years prior to us not qualifying for CL. Our reputation a couple of seasons ago was such that a player would indefinitely choose Arsenal over Liverpool. Not anymore, and as it stands we appear to be operating in a market a tier below them.

None of the above really matters if we improve over the next few seasons to the point of competitiveness and regular CL football but the fact remains that we certainly have some catching up to do both in terms of appeal and performance.

[Letters]

Do you mean appeal in terms of players we can attract?
I don't really agree. We are a massive club and if you wave enough money at players and show ambition then they'll sign.
I think the issue is how much ambition we show, I don't think that's entirely down to Wenger, we don't have a board prepared to push the boat out.

[selassie]

Do you mean appeal in terms of players we can attract?
I don't really agree. We are a massive club and if you wave enough money at players and show ambition then they'll sign.
I think the issue is how much ambition we show, I don't think that's entirely down to Wenger, we don't have a board prepared to push the boat out.

Yep appeal in terms of players we can attract.

Oh I agree we are a massive club but ironically up until fairly recently we hadn’t really shown any kind of ambition as such on a consistent basis.

I don’t subscribe to the notion that the board were withholding funds from Wenger, he had plenty of funds over the past few seasons and it looks as if he just recruited really badly.

I also don’t think an unambitious club spends £100 million on two strikers in one season and pays 3 of its best players 300k per week and close to 200k per week respectively.

I realise these things are quite complexed but I stand by my point that I believe the negligence of the team coupled with poor player recruitment has left us in this dicey position, Wenger is 100% responsible for that.

[Cripps]

No offence taken! ;)

Maybe I should have elaborated on my point, I’ll stand by what I said above, Wenger has damaged our current or dare I say it short term reputation / appeal.

We failed to take advantage of our standing in both PL and CL over the past few years prior to us not qualifying for CL. Our reputation a couple of seasons ago was such that a player would indefinitely choose Arsenal over Liverpool. Not anymore, and as it stands we appear to be operating in a market a tier below them.

None of the above really matters if we improve over the next few seasons to the point of competitiveness and regular CL football but the fact remains that we certainly have some catching up to do both in terms of appeal and performance.

:gp:

[Globalgunner]

The difference now is that potential players will see us now and think of the possibilities. The new manager opens up a vista of hope....maybe a little fear but mostly hope. With Wengert in charge, players knew we were going nowhere fast. They always knew we could pay top dollar, but our ambition had a ceiling. Now it is limitless.

Hopefully by Xmas we will be thinking that the following season, we could actually win the PL for a change.

[Cripps]

I doubt that will happen by xmas. Emery has to implement a new system, new tactics and overhaul the culture completely. He'll also have to shape the squad and that'll take a few transfer windows.

[Marc Overmars]

Italian press reporting that we are talking with Lucas Torreira.

[Unai Tea]

Sounds like we're getting close with Torreira and Soyuncu.


"Arsenal are in talks with Sampdoria over signing midfielder Lucas Torreira, according to Sky in Italy. The Gunners are thought to have offered to pay €30m in instalments instead of meeting the €25m release clause all at once. An agreement is believed to be close but discussions over terms and agent’s fees continue."


"Soyuncu's agent, Mustafa Dogru, said: "Sven Mislintat (Arsenal head of recruitment) has been keen on Caglar since he was at Borussia Dortmund. There are concrete talks - all that remains is for a fee to be agreed.""


Also, Sokratis nearly in the bag and two promising young players from PSG and Barcelona.

[GP]

As widely reported Arsenal in talks to sign Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira. No agreement but central midfield a priority & 22yo Uruguay int’l seen as ideal fit technically + financially. #AFC also want a GK after defensive signings of Lichtsteiner & Sokratis (announced July)

https://twitter.com/bbcsport_david/status/1006637146235723776

[Marc Overmars]

Getting the business done quickly. :popcorn:

[KSE Comedy Club]

Jesus! This really is a new era :popcorn:

[GP]

I know nothing about Torreira but he's definitely the player we need.

[I am invisible]

I don't understand any of this. We're getting linked with players, and then actually buying them... what the hell is going on?

[Cripps]

It's what happens when you get rid of a stubborn, dithering dinosaur.

[GP]

Harsh on Gunnersaurus

[Cripps]

This Torreira seems to be very highly rated.

The videos I've seen of him he looks like a little pitbull but he also has good feet and is a good passer too. Santi and Kante rolled into one.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

This Torreira seems to be very highly rated.

The videos I've seen of him he looks like a little pitbull but he also has good feet and is a good passer too. Santi and Kante rolled into one.

Don't think he could be that good.... otherwise he'd be the best player in the world....but it would be nice if he has a similar range of skills.

Seems in the same ilk of Keita.

I think Chambers, Mavropanos, Holding and Sonyuncu may be one too many young CB's to have around..... I wonder if Chambers or Holding have futures here if this is all true....

[Cripps]

We're close to Leno too apparently :wacko:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Buy all the players!

[Ralpheroo72]

The nobody 17 year old from PSG isn’t happening

[GP]

http://img.timeinc.net/time/photoessays/2009/time_100_influence/jay_leno.jpg

[selassie]

This Torreira seems to be very highly rated.

The videos I've seen of him he looks like a little pitbull but he also has good feet and is a good passer too. Santi and Kante rolled into one.

Yep, I don’t really know much about him either mate, but from what I have read about him he is very highly rated in Seria A. A lot of people say we are getting him on the cheap due to his buyout clause which expires soon. Many people view him as a 40million Pound plus player.

I caught some you tube clips and the kid looks a great player, very mobile, gets stuck in and technically decent. He has been compared by many to Marco Verratti!

[selassie]

We're close to Leno too apparently :wacko:

He was really highly rated a couple of seasons ago, talked about as a potential world class keeper and geniune rival to Neuer for the German national team. He’s still decent enough and pulls off some great performances but is a bit error prone IMO.

If he can iron out some of the errors then we will have a very good keeper for years to come. He is definitely an upgrade on what we currently have, still a bit of a risky signing though.

[Gooner23]

I guess the theory is to take a punt on someone that has the potential to transition into the no. 1 role over next season or two. I agree it's risky though.

[Marc Overmars]

Don't think he could be that good.... otherwise he'd be the best player in the world....but it would be nice if he has a similar range of skills.

Seems in the same ilk of Keita.

I think Chambers, Mavropanos, Holding and Sonyuncu may be one too many young CB's to have around..... I wonder if Chambers or Holding have futures here if this is all true....

Fulham are interested in Chambers apparently.

Would happily sell to them if we could work out a deal for Sessegnon as well...

[I am invisible]

He was really highly rated a couple of seasons ago, talked about as a potential world class keeper and geniune rival to Neuer for the German national team. He’s still decent enough and pulls off some great performances but is a bit error prone IMO.

If he can iron out some of the errors then we will have a very good keeper for years to come. He is definitely an upgrade on what we currently have, still a bit of a risky signing though.
From the bits and pieces I've read, it sounds like we'd be going back to the kind of level we were at with Szczesny. Which is fine - I have no problem with working with a keeper who is potentially brilliant - just as long as he spends more time on the training ground working in his game than he does smoking and on social media.

Anyone know what's he's like with his feet? With everyone playing a high press now, it sometimes feels like one of the most important defensive contributions your keeper can make is offering your CBs a trusted, reliable option to pass to if they're under pressure...

[selassie]

From the bits and pieces I've read, it sounds like we'd be going back to the kind of level we were at with Szczesny. Which is fine - I have no problem with working with a keeper who is potentially brilliant - just as long as he spends more time on the training ground working in his game than he does smoking and on social media.

Anyone know what's he's like with his feet? With everyone playing a high press now, it sometimes feels like one of the most important defensive contributions your keeper can make is offering your CBs a trusted, reliable option to pass to if they're under pressure...

Aye, my thoughts too mate.

Apparently Emery is bringing over his Goalkeeping coach who is supposed to be very good so I reckon things could work out quite well. Fingers crossed! :)

Not sure what Leno is like with his feet, will do a bit more digging today.

[Cripps]

I asked someone that lives in Germany what Leno was like and he said he's in the top 3 keepers over there.

[Goonermerree]

From the bits and pieces I've read, it sounds like we'd be going back to the kind of level we were at with Szczesny. Which is fine - I have no problem with working with a keeper who is potentially brilliant - just as long as he spends more time on the training ground working in his game than he does smoking and on social media.

Anyone know what's he's like with his feet? With everyone playing a high press now, it sometimes feels like one of the most important defensive contributions your keeper can make is offering your CBs a trusted, reliable option to pass to if they're under pressure...

I also think we gave Schezzer number 1 too soon, he needed to be back up to an experienced goalie who could help him and for him to earn the spot.

[Goonermerree]

Anyway, I'm liking some of these players we're linked with, hope they come to fruition.

[I am invisible]

Don't think he could be that good.... otherwise he'd be the best player in the world....but it would be nice if he has a similar range of skills.

Seems in the same ilk of Keita.

I think Chambers, Mavropanos, Holding and Sonyuncu may be one too many young CB's to have around..... I wonder if Chambers or Holding have futures here if this is all true....
More Kate than Cazorla, I'd say, although I do think he offers a mix of both. Think of Kate also attempting some of the things that Cazorla did and you probably won't be far off - not quite as graceful and slick, but still effective.

Not sure what the plan is with all these young CBs - it does feel like too many though. Seems likely that one / both of Chambers or Holding will be loaned or sold, if we bring in someine like Soyuncu.

Weren't we looking at Chambers playing DM at one point? I seem to remember himMaybe that's something we cab look into again (although that would probably mean we'll see another midfield casualty instead of a CB)...

[I am invisible]

Aye, my thoughts too mate.

Apparently Emery is bringing over his Goalkeeping coach who is supposed to be very good so I reckon things could work out quite well. Fingers crossed! :)

Not sure what Leno is like with his feet, will do a bit more digging today.
Plus we'll have crazy Jens lurking somewhere in the background - he wouldn't dare make a mistake!

[Cripps]

Cech has a year left on his contract.

The plan will be to phase out Cech and phase in Leno.

[hobson's choice]

Love this Torreira signing. Always been a big fan of Uruguayan Mids and defenders.

They do the simple things very well. And they know how to play dirty without getting caught

[Özim]

Torreira sounds like a good signing, Leno I'm not so sure about though:


Leno’s numbers last season were impressive, keeping 10 clean sheets in 33 Bundesliga appearances to help Leverkusen seal Europa League qualification. But questions remain over his concentration levels, boasting the unwanted record of committing the second-most errors leading to opposition goals among goalkeepers since the start of the 2015-16 season.

He's also been left out of Germany's squad for the world cup, Stegen and Trapp were preferred to him. I've heard mixed stuff about him, some say he's decent and others say he's rubbish and not to go near him. An odd kind of signing really, generally you don't take chances with keepers, you buy keepers who have been at the top of their game.

Re Torreira that is kinda odd too, his release clause is £21.9 million and yet we want to pay £26.4 million, I don't get it.

[Static]

According to reports we're trying to pay over time rather than one lump sum.

[I am invisible]

Yeah, the release clause has to be paid in full, up front - by paying more we can spread it across installments. Allegedly.

[Cripps]

Think this guy summed Leno up pretty well:

@JanAageFjortoft: Bernd Leno to Arsenal seems to be just around the corner. Was a great talenter keeper. It’s fair to say he hasn’t “taken the next step”. But a move to England can be good for him.


Plus Bayer Leverkusen aren't exactly the best side, I bet he's had some suspect players in front of him.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Would be ecstatic with Torriera assuming it all goes through (I've got Arsenal PTSD about failed transfers).

Leno not so much. But we've finally got rid of the hack Peyton so maybe our Goalkeepers may actually improve and get better under a new GK coach. At any rate, apart from the freaks like Oblak & De Gea I think most half-decent GK's have the potential to be competent with the right coaching & setup.

[AFC Leveller]

Torreira is very similar to Verrati, small but very tenacious and can tackle. He also had a good passing range and his awareness seems good, happy with him.

[Özim]

Think this guy summed Leno up pretty well:

@JanAageFjortoft: Bernd Leno to Arsenal seems to be just around the corner. Was a great talenter keeper. It’s fair to say he hasn’t “taken the next step”. But a move to England can be good for him.


Plus Bayer Leverkusen aren't exactly the best side, I bet he's had some suspect players in front of him.

Yeah I read that, basically a player who hasn't fulfilled his potential (we've had a few of those). Leverkusen might have a dodgy defence but the stats about errors is just due to him making mistakes rather than a poor defence in front of him really.

I mean we'll see with this guy if we sign him, wouldn't have been my first choice though.

[KSE Comedy Club]

He may very well improve with a proper and decent coach though.

We’ve spent too long under Wenger and his head in the sand ‘play how you want’ bullshit to realise that genuine coaching of players yields better results :good:

[Marc Overmars]

Martial wants to leave United. Cheeky bid?

[KSE Comedy Club]

£20?

No seriously, we could swap him for Welbeck

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Fulham are interested in Chambers apparently.

Would happily sell to them if we could work out a deal for Sessegnon as well...

Sessegnon is a player we should seriously be keeping an eye on.....seriously!

I don't like the sound of Leno at all and a German keeper of that age with so many reports regarding individual mistakes does not feel me with confidence. The Uruguayan midget sounds good though.

[Marc Overmars]

Yeah this error prone reputation he has is very concerning. Surely there are better options out there in our price range?

If only we could spunk the lot on Oblak.

[Cripps]

The shining light is that he was one of the top goalkeepers in Europe up to 2 years ago. He's stalled but that could be because he wasn't getting the right coaching or he hit a ceiling at Bayer and needed to move on. Similar to Chezza, who is flourishing at Juve now.

[Cripps]

Bernd Leno: Only Manuel Neuer (56) has kept more clean sheets than Leno (45) since the start of the 2014/15 Bundesliga season.

Stats can be used whichever way you want.

[Maestro]

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/seven-sporting-lisbon-players-terminate-12711946

we should be all over this and nick a couple of those players

[Maestro]

I hope we've tied up that yout Torreira, before he blows up at this WC

[dostoy]

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/seven-sporting-lisbon-players-terminate-12711946

we should be all over this and nick a couple of those players

Absolutely right.

If Wenger was still here, he would say 'they are all good players but we are not in for them because we don't need any of them, our squad is top top top top qauliteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee'.

[Cripps]

:lol:

[Bumble]

I hope we've tied up that yout Torreira, before he blows up at this WC

Not seen the guy play or read much about him but just based on the fact he is Uruguayan think he would be a good signing for us and the sort of no nonsense, tough player we need. Not to stereotype of course.

[Özim]

Martins on a free from Sporting would be good, no excuses for not going for him, won't cost us a transfer fee.

[Cripps]

Think there's a few clubs going in for him, doubt we'll get him.

[dostoy]

What about William Carvalho, especially because wheelchair is bound to leave.

[GP]

Torreira is the wheelchair replacement.

[SMatthews]

Not seen the guy play or read much about him but just based on the fact he is Uruguayan think he would be a good signing for us and the sort of no nonsense, tough player we need. Not to stereotype of course.

He’s not that sort of player at all going by what journalists who specialise in Italian football are saying. Hardly got booked last season but still won the ball back more times than anyone else in the league. Supposed to be quite resilient despite his size. A specialised defensive midfielder and regista who acts as the fulcrum for most attacking moves.

[I am invisible]

He’s not that sort of player at all going by what journalists who specialise in Italian football are saying. Hardly got booked last season but still won the ball back more times than anyone else in the league. Supposed to be quite resilient despite his size. A specialised defensive midfielder and regista who acts as the fulcrum for most attacking moves.
And yet another former attacking midfielder who's made the switch to DM / DLP and is proving to be bloody good at it. Definite trend developing across Europe here - feels like we're actually ahead of the curve for once...

[Özim]

Xhaka has signed a new long term contract apparently, how odd, he's been terrible for us, why are we giving him a new contract?

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I would call it protecting the asset.....but seriously...who's going to take him off our hands for what we got him for or more.

Terrible profile of player.

[SMatthews]

If Xhaka isn’t asked to be a player he clearly isn’t then we’ll get a lot more from him.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

He isn't a holding/defensive midfielder. He certainly isn't a box to box second midfielder....and he is far from the best attacking option we could pick in midfield. Somebody else should get more out of him.

[SMatthews]

His attributes are best used upfield - it’s something he’s said himself (“a false 10” whatever the hell that is). Playing alongside another player like Ramsey who also wants to get forward is just disastrous for us.

[Penguin]

His attributes are best used upfield - it’s something he’s said himself (“a false 10” whatever the hell that is). Playing alongside another player like Ramsey who also wants to get forward is just disastrous for us.

His best position is off the pitch. It doesn't matter where he plays, he's just not good enough. Hopefully it doesn't take Emery too long to figure that out.

[GP]

I'm glad Xhaka has signed up. Really good player.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

His best position is off the pitch. It doesn't matter where he plays, he's just not good enough. Hopefully it doesn't take Emery too long to figure that out.

Perhaps it was strategic.....but I fear Emery actually fancies him.

If Torreira comes in though and Emery likes Ramsey and Ozil as reported..... then Xhaka's place is nevertheless in some doubt.....though I suppose Torreira may not be first team straight away....

[Power n Glory]

His attributes are best used upfield - it’s something he’s said himself (“a false 10” whatever the hell that is). Playing alongside another player like Ramsey who also wants to get forward is just disastrous for us.

When he first started playing for us, he was played upfield and he struggled to make an impact. His long range pass is his best weapon. For his former club and Country he operated from a deep position but wasn't a DM.

It's most likely he'll be playing alongside Ramsey considering all the talk around Emery thinking Ramsey is essential. We'd need a more defensive mid player to cover both of their defensive weaknesses if that's the case. If the plan is to play a three man midfield, that leaves no room for Ozil as a 10.

[Power n Glory]

Perhaps it was strategic.....but I fear Emery actually fancies him.

If Torreira comes in though and Emery likes Ramsey and Ozil as reported..... then Xhaka's place is nevertheless in some doubt.....though I suppose Torreira may not be first team straight away....

Thinking on the same page. Not a fan of Xhaka at all. We can find a use for him. There are ways to make a system work for such players. You only have to look at has previous teams. But I suspect Ozil will be pushed out wide and won't be playing as a 10. Again, if you look at how Emery has played similar playmakers, they often end up playing wide.

I can't see a situation where he tries to accommodate these three in a central midfield. They're all really poor defensively and would need serious drilling.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

A midfield double pivot of Xhaka & Torreria could be very special. Right blend of abilities.

Ramsey further forward & Lacazette/Auba/Ozil/Mkhi in the forward positions.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Thinking on the same page. Not a fan of Xhaka at all. We can find a use for him. There are ways to make a system work for such players. You only have to look at has previous teams. But I suspect Ozil will be pushed out wide and won't be playing as a 10. Again, if you look at how Emery has played similar playmakers, they often end up playing wide.

I can't see a situation where he tries to accommodate these three in a central midfield. They're all really poor defensively and would need serious drilling.

I really don't get why a player is so desirable to have in a team if he needs 1/2 of exactly the right players around him in the right system to function!!! It's madness. He's fast becoming one of those hipsters choice players that only the intellectuals understand.

His biggest and pretty much only attribute he doesn't execute nearly consistently enough. I can remember very few more purposeless players that have been a mainstay in our midfield over the years.

[Power n Glory]

I really don't get why a player is so desirable to have in a team if he needs 1/2 of exactly the right players around him in the right system to function!!! It's madness. He's fast becoming one of those hipsters choice players that only the intellectuals understand.

His biggest and pretty much only attribute he doesn't execute nearly consistently enough. I can remember very few more purposeless players that have been a mainstay in our midfield over the years.

I know what you mean. As soon as we have a injury in midfield, we might as well be down two players if one can't function without the other. You're right about Xhaka's speciality as well. It's never been vital to how we play or potent enough to give us an edge over any opponent.

We'll see what happens. Just watching the World Cup game and I like how Bilic described the Modric dilemma. Good enough to play deep to help control a game but then you feel you lose an attacking threat if not further up pitch. But play him to in an advanced and you lose his ability to dictate the pace of game from deep. That's the sort of problem I like to hear when talking of midfielders. You can build around that sort of problem. It should never be a case that you need 1 or 2 players to cover over the inadequacy of another player and you definitely don't build around that sort of midfielder.

[I am invisible]

Thinking on the same page. Not a fan of Xhaka at all. We can find a use for him. There are ways to make a system work for such players. You only have to look at has previous teams. But I suspect Ozil will be pushed out wide and won't be playing as a 10. Again, if you look at how Emery has played similar playmakers, they often end up playing wide.

I can't see a situation where he tries to accommodate these three in a central midfield. They're all really poor defensively and would need serious drilling.
:good:

He'll want to play 4231 if he can - I think he likes having the 4 advanced players for the high press - so my guess is that we'll see Torreira and Xhaka as the deeper 2 (in a classic DM / DLP pairing), with Ramsey in the centre of the 3 behind the striker (where he'll give Emery the option of doubling-up as either a second CF or a 3rd CM as the game dictates). Very similar roles to Alonso, Mascherano and Gerrard back in the day.

As you say, I expect Ozil and Mhiki will be pushed out to the wide roles in that row of 3 - possibly both will be in the same team to begin with due to lack of other options, but eventually I think Emery prefers one of his wide men to be more of a traditional winger and a goal threat, so the long-term plan might be to only play two of Ramsey, Ozil and Mhiki at any given time (possibly in a 2 games on 1 game off rotation to keep everyone fresh)?

[Niall_Quinn]

Torreria - SECOND TIER

WAKE UP!

We're still rolling in the second rate league. Ivan and his boys have bought some goodwill by booting that loser Wenger, no doubt. But stopping the ship from sinking doesn't mean we're on good time for port. Two different things. Let's not forgive cheapskating and mediocrity because we made a brilliant gain by booting the last French nothingness. Yes, sure, Wenger had to go. But not so we could then sit around doing fuck all. And so far what we have is FUCK ALL. It won't do. Unless this Emery bloke is a tactical genius (which he isn't) then we are still left with the shit pile that fought it out with Burnley for 6th. Where's the spine in all of this? Cech, Kos, Xhaka - STILL? Anyone want to guess how that's going to turn out?

[Static]

The "shit pile" was under the watch, control and instruction of Wenger. If you're complaining about the spine then you're effectively making an excuse for Wenger because this is what he had to make do with.

The fact is we have a new boss man and he'll want to see what he has available to him before he starts to make changes.

Players don't forget how to play, you can only do so much under someone who has lost all the attributes that once made him great. Wenger failed to adapt and, eventually, so did his teams. No point throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Have some patience.

[I am invisible]

Optimism all hinges on what you're pinning your hopes on - I think we all expect some essential investment in certain areas (GK, CB and DM), but if anyone is expecting us to go out and bring in 3 or 4 of the biggest, most expensive, most-established names out there then they're going to be profoundly disappointed with this coming season.

As I said, I'll expect to see a certain amount of investment, but in this first season I'll mostly be looking at what Emery can do with the group for the biggest gains. I don't think he'll even need to be a tactical genius to make a difference - just appreciate that things like urgency and intensity, tactics, shape, training to defend as well as attack, etc, etc are important and make some effort towards them...

[Cripps]

The "shit pile" was under the watch, control and instruction of Wenger. If you're complaining about the spine then you're effectively making an excuse for Wenger because this is what he had to make do with.

The fact is we have a new boss man and he'll want to see what he has available to him before he starts to make changes.

Players don't forget how to play, you can only do so much under someone who has lost all the attributes that once made him great. Wenger failed to adapt and, eventually, so did his teams. No point throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Have some patience.

:gp:

People expecting Emery to come in and sell all our players without assessing what he has :lol:

For years we've wanted a new spine and we're buying Leno, Sokratis and Torreira, with Lichtsteiner added in to give Bellerin some competition. That's a new spine full of experience and leaders.

[I am invisible]

:gp:

People expecting Emery to come in and sell all our players without assessing what he has :lol:

For years we've wanted a new spine and we're buying Leno, Sokratis and Torreira, with Lichtsteiner added in to give Bellerin some competition. That's a new spine full of experience and leaders.
Possibly another young CB coming too.

Then there's Mavropanos and AMN who look like they'll be in regular rotation this season, and we've only had Aubameyang since January - the spine of the side that starts this campaign will be very different to the one the started last year's...

[Özim]

:gp:

People expecting Emery to come in and sell all our players without assessing what he has :lol:

For years we've wanted a new spine and we're buying Leno, Sokratis and Torreira, with Lichtsteiner added in to give Bellerin some competition. That's a new spine full of experience and leaders.

True, but clearly Xhaka isn't been assessed, he's been handed a new contract despite being awful for us.

[Cripps]

2 people I know said he was a good player in Germany :coffee:

WUMger ruined him :coffee:

[Özim]

From everything we've seen doesn't look much good, really doesn't do a lot, if I'm honest I don't know what the point of him is, he doesn't bring anything to the teams he plays for, he just sits there does his 5 yard passing thing.

[Letters]

The "shit pile" was under the watch, control and instruction of Wenger. If you're complaining about the spine then you're effectively making an excuse for Wenger because this is what he had to make do with.

The fact is we have a new boss man and he'll want to see what he has available to him before he starts to make changes.

Players don't forget how to play, you can only do so much under someone who has lost all the attributes that once made him great. Wenger failed to adapt and, eventually, so did his teams. No point throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Have some patience.

:gp:

Spot on. I don't see how anyone can argue that we had a bad manager AND bad players.
No manager should come in and completely dismantle the squad in one season. The argument that made sense to me was that Wenger wasn't getting the best out of them, wasn't setting up the team right, wasn't adjusting tactics depending on the opposition. At least give Emery a chance to work with this lot before making your "Emery Out" banners.

[Özim]

:gp:

Spot on. I don't see how anyone can argue that we had a bad manager AND bad players.

Why not? Was it not the manager that chose to bring those players in and on the basis that he is a bad manager it goes to follow he may well have brought in bad players does it not?

Personally I agree it's a mix of both, the manager wasn't good enough but he also brought in sub standard players that we should have never signed in the 1st place, now it seems those substandard players are getting a 2nd chance and in some cases (Xkaka) a new contract.

[Letters]

Why not? Was it not the manager that chose to bring those players in and on the basis that he is a bad manager it goes to follow he may well have brought in bad players does it not?
The results indicate they're not that bad. And that's with a manager who wasn't getting the best out of them, isn't tactically astute.

Last season was a car crash, granted. Even then we got to the semi-final of the Europa League and finished 6th - nowhere near good enough for a club of our size, but it was mostly the result of an unprecedentedly bad away form, if we'd been half decent away we'd have been much closer to the top 4. I don't think an away form that bad will be repeated. I think this squad is good enough to challenge for the top 4, the season before last we were close to top 4 and we won the FA Cup. This is not a bad squad. I think a manager who can get the best out of them could push this squad into the top 4 and build from then. I don't expect us to sweep all before us but no manager could achieve that, too many clubs have too much money now. But I wouldn't want any manager to have a massive clear out, let's at least see what Emery can get out of them first. If you think a bad manager can win trophies with them and the worst he managed to do is finish 6th then isn't it fair to see what a different manager could do?

[Niall_Quinn]

:gp:

People expecting Emery to come in and sell all our players without assessing what he has :lol:

For years we've wanted a new spine and we're buying Leno, Sokratis and Torreira, with Lichtsteiner added in to give Bellerin some competition. That's a new spine full of experience and leaders.

Looks like we're shaping up to be the Iceland of the PL. Workmanlike. Solid. And I suppose that's a start. Provided it's not the finish. An uninspiring start that will probably prevent us chucking games against the lower half of the table. Whether these experienced, salt of the earth types can do much against our supposed rivals, well hopefully they can.

Very short period between the end of the world cup and the transfer window closing, relative to normal seasons.

[Niall_Quinn]

:gp:

Spot on. I don't see how anyone can argue that we had a bad manager AND bad players.
No manager should come in and completely dismantle the squad in one season. The argument that made sense to me was that Wenger wasn't getting the best out of them, wasn't setting up the team right, wasn't adjusting tactics depending on the opposition. At least give Emery a chance to work with this lot before making your "Emery Out" banners.

Of course not one single person has called for the manager to go before a ball is kicked. But it's not a surprise you go there. In fact it would be surprising if you didn't.

[Niall_Quinn]

The results indicate they're not that bad. And that's with a manager who wasn't getting the best out of them, isn't tactically astute.

Last season was a car crash, granted. Even then we got to the semi-final of the Europa League and finished 6th - nowhere near good enough for a club of our size, but it was mostly the result of an unprecedentedly bad away form, if we'd been half decent away we'd have been much closer to the top 4. I don't think an away form that bad will be repeated. I think this squad is good enough to challenge for the top 4, the season before last we were close to top 4 and we won the FA Cup. This is not a bad squad. I think a manager who can get the best out of them could push this squad into the top 4 and build from then. I don't expect us to sweep all before us but no manager could achieve that, too many clubs have too much money now. But I wouldn't want any manager to have a massive clear out, let's at least see what Emery can get out of them first. If you think a bad manager can win trophies with them and the worst he managed to do is finish 6th then isn't it fair to see what a different manager could do?

Massive clear out? Is that what was being said?

I wonder will you ever stop your nonsense?

[I am invisible]

Looks like we're shaping up to be the Iceland of the PL. Workmanlike. Solid. And I suppose that's a start. Provided it's not the finish. An uninspiring start that will probably prevent us chucking games against the lower half of the table. Whether these experienced, salt of the earth types can do much against our supposed rivals, well hopefully they can.

Very short period between the end of the world cup and the transfer window closing, relative to normal seasons.
It's boring, but the solid, workmanlike element is what we need to add to this team. We have a good foundation for the exciting side of things already (enough to be getting on with anyway), but without something stable to anchor it to it all just flies apart whenever we have to deal with any kind of adversity. As you say, it can't be the finish, but it does feel like the right place to start.

[Cripps]

It's boring, but the solid, workmanlike element is what we need to add to this team. We have a good foundation for the exciting side of things already (enough to be getting on with anyway), but without something stable to anchor it to it all just flies apart whenever we have to deal with any kind of adversity. As you say, it can't be the finish, but it does feel like the right place to start.

:gp:

Enough of the nimble, creative players. Time to give the team a backbone and bring in some men.

[Gooner23]

Ornstein has spoken, sounds like the Leno deal is close.

[I am invisible]

Cool.

I feel like this is a no-lose situation for us really. Leno will probably spell the end for Ospina (seeings how we've just given Cech no.1 jersey), and with Cech also near the end of his contract / retirement we'll probably be after a second keeper before too much longer anyway. If Leno lives up to his potential then great! We'll only have to look for a solid backup. And if he doesn't then he can be the backup and we'll look for a new first choice. Hopefully we'll be back in the CL by that point, which will make life a bit easier...

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

I hope he's the backup....

[Globalgunner]

Spiderman is the backup

[selassie]

I hope he's the backup....

First choice I reckon, though he may rotate with Cech a bit to start with.

I am not convinced about Leno, he's been a bit meh the last couple of seasons, he looked like a genuine potential worldie about 3 or 4 years ago so the potential is definitely there.

[selassie]

Torreria - SECOND TIER

WAKE UP!

We're still rolling in the second rate league. Ivan and his boys have bought some goodwill by booting that loser Wenger, no doubt. But stopping the ship from sinking doesn't mean we're on good time for port. Two different things. Let's not forgive cheapskating and mediocrity because we made a brilliant gain by booting the last French nothingness. Yes, sure, Wenger had to go. But not so we could then sit around doing fuck all. And so far what we have is FUCK ALL. It won't do. Unless this Emery bloke is a tactical genius (which he isn't) then we are still left with the shit pile that fought it out with Burnley for 6th. Where's the spine in all of this? Cech, Kos, Xhaka - STILL? Anyone want to guess how that's going to turn out?

Torreria is a decent player, not second tier going by his performances last season. He's a much talked about emerging talent in Seria A. If he is developed properly he could become the real deal. I think it's a very good bit of business by us taking advantage of his cheap release clause, he was playing like a 50million pound player last season.

[selassie]

Looks like we're shaping up to be the Iceland of the PL. Workmanlike. Solid. And I suppose that's a start. Provided it's not the finish. An uninspiring start that will probably prevent us chucking games against the lower half of the table. Whether these experienced, salt of the earth types can do much against our supposed rivals, well hopefully they can.

Very short period between the end of the world cup and the transfer window closing, relative to normal seasons.

At least we are building a defence and midfield now, we are adding genuine competition to both the squad and first team. Wenger wouldn't do any of that, heck he wouldn't even replace an error prone Almunia back in the days when we use to challenge for titles, Almunia was chucking them in the net back when Adebayor and Co were trying to shoot us to the title.

Anyway, the point I am making here is that we are making change, it's not like we are picking up the scraps either...we are purchasing solid established international or young guys with a lot of potential who have actually kicked a ball!

[Özim]

Pretty satisfied with our alleged business so far (only one confirmed so it might not pan out), good to see some younger players coming in as well as more experienced ones, it's a start at least.

I guess we'll know more about what the squad will look like in a few weeks.

My only concern was giving Xhaka a new contract, really odd decision, the guy offers nothing, even for Switzerland he does very little, the decision to sign him up long term is an odd one because he doesn't really have any stand out talent.

[Niall_Quinn]

Torreria is a decent player, not second tier going by his performances last season. He's a much talked about emerging talent in Seria A. If he is developed properly he could become the real deal. I think it's a very good bit of business by us taking advantage of his cheap release clause, he was playing like a 50million pound player last season.

Sterling is a 50 mill player.

[Özim]

Leno seems to be happening, we've agreed a fee:


https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44533207

Hope he turns out to be a masterstroke and not a mistake.

[Marc Overmars]

Atleti have signed Arsenal legend Lemar for £63m. :lol:

[Cripps]

Griezmann has signed a new contract :blink:

That's some attack they'll have, with Lemar joining the ranks.

[Cripps]

Emery about to spend £20m on a GK in Bernd Leno.

Wenger's previous GK signing:
Cech £12m
Wright £8m
Almunia £4.5m
Fabianski £4m
Ospina £3,5m
Lehmann £3m
Manninger £2m
Vivano £1m
Manonne £500
Poom Free
Warmuz Free
Shabaan Free
Martinez Free

[Özim]

Griezmann has signed a new contract :blink:

That's some attack they'll have, with Lemar joining the ranks.

Yeah it will be Athletico already very strong defensively now just trying to make their attack stronger and Costa, Griezmann and Lemar will certainly be strong.

Got to admire Simeone, always looking to improve. Be interesting to see how Lemar gets on, he'll probably be worth double the amount they paid next year (bit like what happened with Griezmann, they took the plunge and the rest is history).

What I also like about Athletico is they don't waste any time with these big deals, they wanted Lemar, went for him and then sent over a delegation and got his signed up in no time.

[Gooner23]

Emery about to spend £20m on a GK in Bernd Leno.

Wenger's previous GK signing:
Cech £12m
Wright £8m
Almunia £4.5m
Fabianski £4m
Ospina £3,5m
Lehmann £3m
Manninger £2m
Vivano £1m
Manonne £500
Poom Free
Warmuz Free
Shabaan Free
Martinez Free

Lehmann for 3 million :bow:

[Özim]

Emery about to spend £20m on a GK in Bernd Leno.

Wenger's previous GK signing:
Cech £12m
Wright £8m
Almunia £4.5m
Fabianski £4m
Ospina £3,5m
Lehmann £3m
Manninger £2m
Vivano £1m
Manonne £500
Poom Free
Warmuz Free
Shabaan Free
Martinez Free

Wenger didn't seem to want to spend decent money on a keeper, that's why we more often than not ended up with inadequate players in those positions.

[LDG]

EMERY!! YOU ARE NOT OBSERVING THE WAITING PERIOD :fury:

[GP]

https://www.arsenal.com/news/first-team-coaching-staff-confirmed

Bould still 'Assistant head first-team coach'

Interesting.

Jens Lehmann gone.

[Marc Overmars]

Bould is probably seen as an Arsenal man who will help Emery settle and get his ideas across, also let him know how important certain games are, understand what the fans expect etc. Handy to have a familiar face to bridge the gap with the players I suppose, I'm sure it's all going to be very alien to them when pre-season starts.

[Globalgunner]

No problem with that. Bould will know his place. Emery has his own lieutenants already. Bould might actually learn something for a change instead of watching paint dry with Gunnersaurus` dad.

[The Emirates Gallactico]

https://i.imgur.com/I6hSQ7l.png?1


Seems like he was fired. Hasn't taken it too well.

[Globalgunner]

https://i.imgur.com/I6hSQ7l.png?1


Seems like he was fired. Hasn't taken it too well.

Cant have 2 goalkeeping coaches. Unai has his own man. Jens should go help his countrymen out in Russia

[Marc Overmars]

Perfectly normal if Unai wants to bring his own man in, no need for Jens to be so bitter. Just unfortunate for him that he was hired in Wenger’s final year.

[Globalgunner]

Perfectly normal if Unai wants to bring his own man in, no need for Jens to be so bitter. Just unfortunate for him that he was hired in Wenger’s final year.

Poor chap probably moved his kith and kin over to London. He too bought into Wengers immovable force myth. He`ll get over it. Letters has. Ty on the other hand.....Has anyone seen him of late?

[Cripps]

That Juan Carlos Carcedo is supposed to be a nutcase, constantly barking orders from the touchline :lol: The players are gonna get a rocket up their arse :lol:

And that Javi Garcia is supposed to be very highly regarded as a GK coach, PSG didn't want to let him go apparently. One of the best around.

[Cripps]

Poor chap probably moved his kith and kin over to London. He too bought into Wengers immovable force myth. He`ll get over it. Letters has. Ty on the other hand.....Has anyone seen him of late?

Ty's with Wenger on suicide watch :lol:

[I am invisible]

Cant have 2 goalkeeping coaches. Unai has his own man. Jens should go help his countrymen out in Russia
I think he was hired as a regular assistant coach, and not a GK coach?

I guess the same principle applies though - Emery will want his own people, and he's already made one concession with Bould.

[I am invisible]

I bet Leno's breathing a massive sigh of relief right now!

[Globalgunner]

I bet Leno's breathing a massive sigh of relief right now!

Maybe he made it a condition before he signs. Make sure you get rid of that mad swivel eyed maniac

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Yeah he was hired as a regular coach not a goalkeeping coach. Apparently he was hired as Ivan's man against Wenger's wishes which may explain why he feels betrayed.

Though I don't know why he's so bitter ....... coaches/managers have short shelf lives. It comes with the territory and throwing his toys out of the pram will just make it difficult for him to return in the future in any capacity.

[GP]

https://www.arsenal.com/news/bernd-leno-join-arsenal

Leno confirmed

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Jack confirmed to be leaving!

https://i.imgur.com/eAkTYBG.png

[Goonermerree]

Jack confirmed to be leaving!

https://i.imgur.com/eAkTYBG.png
Wonder where he'll go and what prompted him to leave?

[The Emirates Gallactico]

Wonder where he'll go and what prompted him to leave?

Judging from the rumours a team on the level of Palace, Wolves or West Ham.

Good on Emery for not giving him any guarantees though. No player in the team should be be guaranteed to start, especially not an injury prone & inconsistent player like him.

[Cripps]

Glad Jack is leaving. Whilst he was Arsenal through and through and had lots of passion, he's not a player you can rely on. Gets way too many injuries and he has a weak mentality, we're heading in a different direction and we need to get rid of as many of the weak minded Wenger lot as we can.

Loving this new ruthless Arsenal. Santi gone. Jack gone. Players signed early. Contracts renewed early. :wacko:

[Xhaka Can’t]

West Ham.

Put your money on it

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

Yeah he was hired as a regular coach not a goalkeeping coach. Apparently he was hired as Ivan's man against Wenger's wishes which may explain why he feels betrayed.

Though I don't know why he's so bitter ....... coaches/managers have short shelf lives. It comes with the territory and throwing his toys out of the pram will just make it difficult for him to return in the future in any capacity.
Amy Lawrence has suggested that when interviewing him a few years back he was keen on distancing himself from goalkeeper coaching as a specific role and keener on the idea of coaching so that is my understanding too.

Considering what we know of Jens his parting words are quite amicable.

[Blink 1nce Quince 2wice]

It won't happen but would love him to end up at Juve with sneezy. Gutted to see him go but good luck to him.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Bye.

[Cripps]

:lol:

[Özim]

Jack confirmed to be leaving!

https://i.imgur.com/eAkTYBG.png


:wave: Overrated, overhyped, always injured won't be sorry to see him go.

[Özim]

Glad Jack is leaving. Whilst he was Arsenal through and through and had lots of passion, he's not a player you can rely on. Gets way too many injuries and he has a weak mentality, we're heading in a different direction and we need to get rid of as many of the weak minded Wenger lot as we can.

Loving this new ruthless Arsenal. Santi gone. Jack gone. Players signed early. Contracts renewed early. :wacko:

Spot on, the guy wanted a free pass into the team despite having years to perform and never delivering. Good riddance.

[I am invisible]

Shame we never got to see more of the Wilshere that started his senior Arsenal career, but I'm not really sorry to lose today's Wilshere - too many injuries for too many years have turned him into a shadow of his younger self. Hope he can get his career back on track at his next club, but unfortunately we're out of time...

[Cripps]

Spot on, the guy wanted a free pass into the team despite having years to perform and never delivering. Good riddance.

Tbf he can thank WUMger for destroying his career. He shouldn't have been overplayed at such a young age, that destroyed his body. If he'd played under a half decent manager he'd have hit massive heights.

[Marc Overmars]

Wheelchair. :rose:

He’s one of our own. Should have been an Arsenal legend but a career blighted with injuries and inconsistent form put a stop to that. I’m not going to lie, I am gutted to see him leave even though I know for football reasons this is the right move. I wish him all the best and for a free transfer, someone is going to be getting themselves a bargain. I hope he can still have the career we all thought he would have 10 years ago.

[Letters]

Wheelchair. :rose:

He’s one of our own. Should have been an Arsenal legend but a career blighted with injuries and inconsistent form put a stop to that. I’m not going to lie, I am gutted to see him leave even though I know for football reasons this is the right move. I wish him all the best and for a free transfer, someone is going to be getting themselves a bargain. I hope he can still have the career we all thought he would have 10 years ago.

I'm not gutted or pleased. Bit sad as he was one of the few players who seemed to "get" what playing for The Arsenal is (or should be) about but he was injured too much and his form was patchy.
Wish him well though.

[Letters]

Massive clear out? Is that what was being said?

I wonder will you ever stop your nonsense?

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vWaeqs2KqpE/hqdefault.jpg

:lol:

:hug:

[selassie]

Wheelchair. :rose:

He’s one of our own. Should have been an Arsenal legend but a career blighted with injuries and inconsistent form put a stop to that. I’m not going to lie, I am gutted to see him leave even though I know for football reasons this is the right move. I wish him all the best and for a free transfer, someone is going to be getting themselves a bargain. I hope he can still have the career we all thought he would have 10 years ago.

Me too mate. I’m gutted he didn’t develop in the way he could have done, he looked a potential star at 19.

Good luck to him!

P.S I am hoping Maitland-Niles will develop into our homegrown star, I’m banking on him to have a true breakout season in Central Midfield!

[selassie]

Poor chap probably moved his kith and kin over to London. He too bought into Wengers immovable force myth. He`ll get over it. Letters has. Ty on the other hand.....Has anyone seen him of late?

:lol:

[Marc Overmars]

Me too mate. I’m gutted he didn’t develop in the way he could have done, he looked a potential star at 19.

Good luck to him!

P.S I am hoping Maitland-Niles will develop into our homegrown star, I’m banking on him to have a true breakout season in Central Midfield!

Wheelchair was the crown jewel of the academy at the time, I had so much faith he’d be our version of Gerrard, Terry etc. Now AMN is the next big hope but after how Wheelchair turned out I won’t be so quick to believe he’s the real deal. Too many young players don’t even go on to have a fraction of the careers they were touted to have.

Also, in this climate he’s easily a 30m player and we’ve missed out again on a big fee.

[Power n Glory]

Judging from the rumours a team on the level of Palace, Wolves or West Ham.

Good on Emery for not giving him any guarantees though. No player in the team should be be guaranteed to start, especially not an injury prone & inconsistent player like him.

He sounds entitled. He wasn't a guaranteed starter under Wenger so what made him think Emery would guarantee him playing time? I like Jack and have had sympathy for him in the past but I think he's made a poor decision. Again. It's just like when we decided to go on loan to Bournemouth because Wenger wouldn't assure him of playing time. That decision to go out on loan backfired because he had an average season, still ended up getting injured and that put him in a shit position upon his return to Arsenal to negotiate a new contract. You can't come back off loan with 2 assists under your belt, average performances and think you'll get back into the first team. It exposed him and dropped his stock around the country.

Emery can't guarantee him playing time but if he'd at least tried to prove himself and hang around to learn from him, it would be better for him in the long run. Unless he's going to a bigger rival club, I don't see the benefit of taking a step down to a lower league club when he still has a lot to learn and could benefit from Emery's knowledge. He should have at least hung around for a year and then make a decision.

[Marc Overmars]

You can’t expect him to play for a manager that doesn’t really care if he’s here or not, every player needs to feel wanted. I don’t think it’s about being entitled, it’s about him being 26, embarrassed to have missed out on the World Cup and in desperate need of regular football to reignite his career.

Theo left it too late and wasted his entire career, Ox got out at the right time and there’s still a bit of time for Wheelchair to start again. The time was right for him with his contact up, there was no point in signing a new deal to become a bit part player, eventually he’d have just become deadwood.

[GP]

I hope he's brave enough to go and play abroad. I feel like he could really flourish in Italy.

He'll waste away playing for shit like West Ham.

[Power n Glory]

You can’t expect him to play for a manager that doesn’t really care if he’s here or not, every player needs to feel wanted. I don’t think it’s about being entitled, it’s about him being 26, embarrassed to have missed out on the World Cup and in desperate need of regular football to reignite his career.

Theo left it too late and wasted his entire career, Ox got out at the right time and there’s still a bit of time for Wheelchair to start again. The time was right for him with his contact up, there was no point in signing a new deal to become a bit part player, eventually he’d have just become deadwood.

Why not? Most players are in the same position. You also can't expect a new manager to guarantee him a start when looking at his track record. Every player has to prove themselves. It concerns me that Jack doesn't see this as an opportunity to try and impress the new boss and prove his worth. I don't want the new coach to pander to bruised egos. That's partly where Wenger went wrong for some players. The players you mention left it too late because they were playing under Wenger for years, got plenty of playing time and learned nothing. Jack deciding to leave now is silly because he doesn't see the challenge ahead of himself and it sounds like he wants to walk into the first team despite the fact that he's been on crutches most of his playing career. Who is he to Emery?

[Goonermerree]

Do we even know if Jack got the option to stay? Maybe he was tole he wasn't required but let him look as if it was his own decision.

[Marc Overmars]

Why not? Most players are in the same position. You also can't expect a new manager to guarantee him a start when looking at his track record. Every player has to prove themselves. It concerns me that Jack doesn't see this as an opportunity to try and impress the new boss and prove his worth. I don't want the new coach to pander to bruised egos. That's partly where Wenger went wrong for some players. The players you mention left it too late because they were playing under Wenger for years, got plenty of playing time and learned nothing. Jack deciding to leave now is silly because he doesn't see the challenge ahead of himself and it sounds like he wants to walk into the first team despite the fact that he's been on crutches most of his playing career. Who is he to Emery?

You’re right most players are in the same position of having to prove themselves but the difference is Wheelchair was out of contract. I’m sure there are plenty of others Emery can’t guarantee football for but it’s not so easy to get rid of those.

We’re not privy to how the meeting went but it’s safe to assume Emery didn’t give him the time of day, which is absolutely fine by me. Wheelchair doesn’t have any chips to play with now so I think he’s doing himself a favour by moving on. As I said, whether there’s a challenge to be had or not, players if faced with a choice are not going play for managers who don’t value them. I don’t think he’s silly or entitled, he’s just putting himself first which is fine at this stage of his career, I can’t knock that given the amount of deadwood who’ve been stealing a pay packet over the past decade. Wheelchair would undoubtedly have gone down the same path had he stayed.

[Gooner23]

Sorry it hasn't worked out for Jack but I think he would struggle if Emery wants to adopt more of a pressing game. He really lacks the engine to get around the pitch. Agree that somewhere like Italy might be more suited to him.

Have to say I am enjoying the quick decision making, identifying areas we need to strengthen, signing players early, releasing those not part of the plans (players and coaches). I'm sure not everything will work out, but it's a fresh approach after years of dithering and last minute trolley dashes.

[I am invisible]

Sampdoria's president has confirmed that Torreira has been sold for €30m - no mention of the buying club, but fingers crossed!

[Power n Glory]

You’re right most players are in the same position of having to prove themselves but the difference is Wheelchair was out of contract. I’m sure there are plenty of others Emery can’t guarantee football for but it’s not so easy to get rid of those.

We’re not privy to how the meeting went but it’s safe to assume Emery didn’t give him the time of day, which is absolutely fine by me. Wheelchair doesn’t have any chips to play with now so I think he’s doing himself a favour by moving on. As I said, whether there’s a challenge to be had or not, players if faced with a choice are not going play for managers who don’t value them. I don’t think he’s silly or entitled, he’s just putting himself first which is fine at this stage of his career, I can’t knock that given the amount of deadwood who’ve been stealing a pay packet over the past decade. Wheelchair would undoubtedly have gone down the same path had he stayed.

I fear Wilshere will sign for a West Ham and he won't progress any further. I can't see him going abroad because he looks as though he's afraid of a challenge and wants security. I don't think that will do him any good. I say it's the wrong time to move on. If you can't break into the first team after a year then hand in a transfer request and move on. We've seen some major changes at the club, positive changes that could help his development.

[selassie]

Wheelchair was the crown jewel of the academy at the time, I had so much faith he’d be our version of Gerrard, Terry etc. Now AMN is the next big hope but after how Wheelchair turned out I won’t be so quick to believe he’s the real deal. Too many young players don’t even go on to have a fraction of the careers they were touted to have.

Also, in this climate he’s easily a 30m player and we’ve missed out again on a big fee.

Aye, I do kind of feel for him because injuries wrecked his development. He is still a tidy player but most definitely not good enough to be a guaranteed starter in a top 4 team. I also don’t think he is suited to playing in a high press team which appears to be Emery’s defined style for the teams he manages.

Yep agree re: AMN, I’ll reserve judgement until he fully establishes himself. More recently Bellerin & Iwobi both looked like great young talents and they both appeared to lose their way under Wenger.

[Cripps]

Wheelchair had the potential to become one of the best in the world. He was exceptional when he first burst on the scene and was the one stand out player, but injuries and inadequate coaching took its toll and he'll never be the same again.

[Özim]

Wilshere was never going to make it, too much of a playboy, not enough dedication or desire to succeed and very injury prone, spent more time on Twitter than on the pitch.

He was lucky, he got a free pass into the team and 10+ years at Arsenal getting paid a small fortune on the basis of hype, never proved himself IMO and not sorry to see him go.

Again he wanted an easy ride and guaranteed football, no player should be given that, even less so some guy who has barely ever performed, even last season he was mediocre. Anyone with the dedication and belief would have been excitd about playing under a new manager with a fresh start and chance to impress, he saw it as too much work and wanted the easy way out where someone promises him a free pass into the team.

He's out of contract so fair enough, but this claim of love for Arsenal is a bit far fetched, had he loved Arsenal so much he wouldn't be leaving, especially for the types of teams he's being linked with. Don't rate the guy and never have and to me never really fitted in at Arsenal, good luck to him but IMO the best days of his career are probably over, he won't be playing for a big club again.

His attitude sums up the Wenger era IMO, pampered and entitled thinking things should be handed out on a plate rather than having to work for them.

[Cripps]

Think that's harsh. When he first burst on the scene he was excellent and a breath of fresh air. So he was going to make it, until Wenger destroyed his career :coffee:

[Xhaka Can’t]

Nobody told him to write cheques his body couldn’t cash.

Possibly

[fakeyank]

Torreira seems almost confirmed as per Skysports :wave:

What a difference a real football manager makes!! :dancingman:

[Xhaka Can’t]

We don’t know if he is responsible for transfers

[Marc Overmars]

He isn’t.

[Letters]

FY :haha:

[fakeyank]

He isn’t.

So what you are saying is that Emery has no say in what position he wants filled? Sven and the rest of the crew just go and buy whatever player they fancy?! Sure, I can accept that he is not sitting at the negotiating table like Wenger would, but it wouldnt make the slightest sense if Emery didnt have a major say on what roles he wants filled. Unless you know for sure otherwise.

[fakeyank]

FY :haha:

:unsure: