Should have got Costa in the summer, its too late now.
And i'll repeat now what I said then: Get whichever striker Athletico Madrid want next. The best conveyor belt of forwards in modern football history
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Should have got Costa in the summer, its too late now.
And i'll repeat now what I said then: Get whichever striker Athletico Madrid want next. The best conveyor belt of forwards in modern football history
Where'd you get that clause from?Quote:
Originally Posted by Munchies
Someone famously said (although ironically I can't recall precisely) from Barca or Real that their transfer policy was to see who Arsene Wenger wanted and get in there first.Quote:
Originally Posted by BOBN
The fact Costa has signed a new deal recentlyish may only means he will cost a lot more money but doesn't necessarily make him completely unattainable. I agree though we really should have spent our efforts getting him in the summer rather than getting mugged off by camp Suarez.
Back to scratching my broken record.....
He's only 25 (Possible resale value for the cynics)
He's on relatively low wages
A technical goal machine (22 goals in 21 games)
32 million big ones only
He's 6'2!!! So not just a technical midget
Even if like Soldado he's never scored a goal out of the box in 3 millenniums...I'd still take him. Why on earth can't we win the league if we make it happen. I know he may need time to settle but the confidence for that sort of scoring record can give you a big advantage in adapting.
Santa?Quote:
Originally Posted by fakeyank
:coney:
Arshavin was bought in January, despite being cup-tied. So i guess its not impossible that Wenger will go for Diego Costa in January. We now got money to buy big players, Diego Costa wouldnt mind going to Liverpool this summer, so i guess he wouldnt mind going to us either and Wenger knows that this is the closet to the Premier League title he has been in years, just adding an extra striker could be enough. Im getting my hopes up for the transfer window (might not be Diego Costa, but i believe we will see a really good player joining us).
The difference was that 4th place was in severe danger then. The last time we were in this position we had a silent transfer window. That went on to cost us the title. While the upcoming transfer window may not provide the true litmus test of or title aspirations, it will be a pretty good indicator of them.
Costa has apparently decided to play for Spain....even tough he's Brazillian.
Iv seen a lot of him and he is a real handfull, scores all types of goals and what i like about him is that he's a nut case. always picking fights with others and tries to indimidate his opponent.
In terms of actually geting though, i dont think we have a prayer.
When Wumger sold the Arsenal dream to Ozil do we think it included the promise of more quality players arriving or was the deal done so late that Ozil would just be glad to get out of RM without putting his own requests for success as part of the deal.
I don't know, seems like it would be a pretty straightforward deal to me? His release clause isn't the most unreasonable I've seen, and I don't think he's on anything close to PL wages at Athletico? For me, it's more a question of whether we're genuinely after him, rather than whether we could get the deal done - that's pretty much always the problem with us...Quote:
Originally Posted by AFC Leveller
I heard it intimated more than once that is what the former Dein-machine.
However, I think it was almost definitely not so much a promise as schmoozy, managerial buzz wordy sales talk. I'm sure the words 'ambitious', 'compete' and other such things were thrown in. Wenger is generally good on the charm offensive one on one with players.
I reckon so mate.Quote:
Originally Posted by I am invisible
I'm not obsessed with stats especially when it opposes what you can see with your own eyes.....but a player who near the half way point in the season has the same number of league goals as Cronaldo.....and he doesn't have Ooooozil the best number 10 in the world (as we love calling him) behind him supplying.
I can't be the only one licking my lips.
Probably getting my hopes up for nothing though. Seriously even if we have to offer 35 million instead of 32. Id just make it happen....send Henry over to take him out for lunch along with Wenger's wife...whatever it takes.
At least Wenger's on record as saying he likes him, so I suppose that's hopeful, in as far as it goes? Then again, Wenger says that about every player he's asked about, so you probably can't read too much into it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Blink 1nce Quince 2wice
I'm all for it though - take Suarez out of the equation (who divides opinion anyway), and this guy looks about as good as any forward in Europe right now. Reasonable price, reasonable wages... get it done.
His clause was last season before he started banging them in for fun. Athletico are joint top and thorugh to the CL KOs so we'd need to offer them something close to 40-45m.
Would love him to sign for us dont me wrong, he is lethal but i dont think we will.
You must know something all the different sports media dont then, because they've all reported it was 20ish before he signed a new contract and 32m after.
Its being reported that our scouts are in spain to watch him this week. He seems uber crazy like Suarez. He will do anything to get under his opponents skin. But its that kind of crazy that also makes him go for anything and fight for his life to get that ball in the net.
Regarding Costa, the deal can be done if we meet his release clause which is widely reported to be 32million. The sticking point with all transfers hinges on whether he wants to join us, it's not outlandish to think he would not be that keen on joining us mid-season when he's banging them in for Atletico who are going head to head with Barca in La Liga. He is their main man and has guaranteed CL football as they also reached the last 16.
Of course we could triple his wages and he would be playing with a higher calibre type of player but he wouldn't be guaranteed to walk in our team. He's having a great season, looks a very good player...but this is essentially his breakthrough season. Prior to this season his stats are nothing to shout about so paying 30mill+ for him is a risk.
One nice thing about him is that he has so far delivered in CL for Atletico, so he has proven to date that he can mix it with the best.
Having said all this I have read in numerous places that Wenger is reluctant to meet his release clause, I very much doubt we're going to get him for a penny less due to Atletico needing him.
Edited to add: I would prefer Costa over Benteke or Michu but only because he has proven himself in CL, that's what separates him from them two IMHO.
Yes but can he do it....... Oh you know the rest.
Sorry chaps, there is no way we can get him in January. Why would Athletico sell. It would be suicide for them, especially as they could get the same money or more in the summer. I would like it to happen, but can't see it.He has also the WC to think about, either for Brazil or Spain he needs to prove himself before the season ends. Brazil have no proven CF. I would think they haven't given up on him seeing as he hasn't played a competitive game for Spain yet.
We need other targets. I would love Rossi from Fiorentina but just like Costa, there is no chance in January.
[QUOTE=Globalgunner;353256Why would Athletico sell.[/QUOTE]
Because if we meet the release clause, they'd be obliged to.
I think the first team place thing is over stated at times. Let's be honest, just about every top top forward in Spain not at Real or Barca, end up there or another top club overseas regardless of the competition they may face. Torres went to Liverpool, Aguero went to City for 38 million (looks bloody good business now). Villa went to Barca, Eto'o went to Barca. If we wait for 3 seasons for him to score 180 goals in 180 games and prove his quality beyond doubt some other club would have long snapped him up. He seems a late bloomer to me. If he is a bastard like Suarez without the bitey and racism then great. I want a striker who is willing to upend the oppositions centre back, his own centre back and anyone else to put the ball in the back of the net.
About time we got ours.
Spain are trying very hard to get him playing for them and if he is of the best quality he will absolutely play enough games for us. Even if he takes time to settle he will play a load of games because we can't expect Giroud to be a machine.
We'll offer 32,000,001.
It's also World cup year and he's trying to get into the Spain squad, a mid-season move to a new league is a big risk.Quote:
Originally Posted by selassie
I don't see this happening for various reason, I'm not entirely convinced by him either, saw him a number of times last season and he was good, but not amazingly good....he was very much in Falcoa's shadow.
Before spending that kind of money you want to make sure a player is the real deal.
Yep, totally agree.Quote:
Originally Posted by Özim
And you think when he proves to the "real deal" you're going to get him for same price, eh?Quote:
Originally Posted by Özim
I can already see you then having modified your argument to say we shouldn't be paying that obscene amount of 50mil or more for him.
He's trying to get into the Spain squad? He's probably the first player they have ever begged to join them, i dont think he needs to try. A top player belives in himself and would not be afraid to go on the big stage, they're not some average joe behind the computer with no confidence.
Last season he spend most of his time on the wing and the season before that he was injured for most of the season but still ended up with 10 in 16 games as a striker (which was almost the same goal per game average falcao had that season).
I believe Wenger knows that he is one of the only top strikers in europe he can get for under 40 and he needs to get it done before the world cup, in which there is a pretty big chance he will shine and therefor be much harder to get.
All of those players you have listed were established goalscorers in La Liga, I.E. had scored goals scored consistently over a number of seasons. Torres & Aguero were major talents, it's not like they were gambles, they were both established at International level too. Costa isn't there yet, spending 30mill on him would be a risk for a club like us IMHO. It's not about waiting 3 seasons for him to blossom, it's about paying the market rate for established quality, we are not a club that can risk wasting 30million on gambles.Quote:
Originally Posted by Blink 1nce Quince 2wice
I'd much rather we spend say 10-15million on a squad player and then spend big in the summer on the real deal.
I genuinely believe if spending 30million, you need at least 2 consistent seasons out of a player and at the very least they need to be capped at International level.
32 million is a lot of money for someone who has really only done really well this season, like I said last season he was OK but very much secondary to Falcoa.Quote:
Originally Posted by Santa's Big Sack.........of Gifts
I haven't modified my argument, I've seen this guy play over 2 seasons and am giving my opinion of him, like I said based on what I've seen he's good but not in the same class as the top players IMO at this stage.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JonasTC
Yes he's trying to get into the Spain squad and no they didn't beg him they gave him the chance to play for them and he did. Changing league is difficult for anyone and involves a period of adaptation, he's not a definite choice for Spain he's only come into consideration this season in reality, if he moves and struggles for form there's others who could be picked before him.
I watched him last season, wasn't impressed to be honest, I've seen him a few times this season as well and he's been quite good but I'm not entirely convinced based on what I saw last season, think he needs another season to prove he can reproduce it and it's not a one off season.
He reminds me of Hulk basically in that he's strong on the ball, he's doesn't have the skills of a Suarez of Aguero or of the very top players, he's more about brute force.
Ehh neither Torres or Aguero ever really had 'great' seasons in spain before joining premier league, they were talents that was being gambled on to be great, Costa has done fine for the last 3 season despite a long injury break and being played on the wing alot. A guy that is keeping up with C.Ronaldo, i dont really think we need to be afraid if he's gonna be scoring for us with the amount of creative midfielders we have, all we need to know is if he can put it in the net when given the chance.
lol! Real Madrid were desperate to sign both of them, Barca were constantly linked to both of them. Are you trying to tell me Costa's stock is higher than that of Torres or Aguero before they left Atletico?Quote:
Originally Posted by JonasTC
Everyone wanted both Torres & Aguero.
Edited to add: I am more than happy to be proved wrong with Costa, I still stand by what i said, paying 30mill for him is a gamble.
Also, here are there stats Jonas, bear in mind they were both in their early 20's when they left la liga.
Torres: 75 goals in 174 La Liga appearances
Aguero: 101 goals in 234 La Liga appearances
Torres and Aguero both stood out for Athletico, I can remember seeing them, there was much more about them than there is about Costa no doubt about it, their skills were obvious, Costa's aren't as apparent as he's not the same kind of player. Yes he's keeping up with Ronaldo, however it's not unheard of for players to have one prolific season, there are plenty of examples.
I don't think we'll sign him anyway, but regardless of that I still have my reservations based on what I've seen of him over two seasons, someone referred to him last season and I actually said I don't really rate him at the time.
How much do you think he'll be worth should he go on to being consistently awesome, if he's already valued at 32mil?Quote:
Originally Posted by Özim
And, I didn't say you've modified your argument.....well, not just yet in this instance. But going off how you did it when we were tinkering with Suarez, I feel you'll do same again here should we still be interested in a year or 2, providing he's become top notch commanding a massive transfer fee.
Yep, they were both more rounded players, they could score goals, but were really great team players. Both of them had breakthrough seasons when they were teenagers too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Özim
Not sure but 32 million is too much anyhow based on what he's done so far, but that's Spain for you with their buy out clauses, they never really represent the value of the player.Quote:
Originally Posted by Santa's Big Sack.........of Gifts
Suarez is top class I think we can see that, I didn't want him though and still don't as he's a scumbag but 42 million was enough money for him at the time IMO. 32 million is a lot for Costa, considering his career record.
Exactly and that's not knocking Costa, it's just that they were always considered special talents, Costa hasn't really been, he's played 2nd fiddle at Athletico for a while and has only really come good this season.Quote:
Originally Posted by selassie
Ye he sucks because he was behind a guy that was being considered the best striker in the world and as soon as he leaves he does even better than him, makes sense. 2 of the best national teams in the world are were fighting for him to play for them, doesnt mean anything either i guess... Diego Costa have been doing great for the last 3 seasons and we're forgetting looking at what he would offer us, not only is he strong and really fast, he always gets into really good positions and when he gets the proper pass, he doesnt dissapoint. I dont care if he dont have the technical level of Suarez or Aguero, all we need for a striker is a guy who gets into the right positions, because he will be fed all day at our club.
*edit*
Just read a bit about him, last season there were already coaches/players saying they believed he was slightly better than Falcao, because he had more tools to play with, so i guess the hype is not new. Him blooming late might have something to do with that he didnt play football at a club before he was 16.
Everything he said here.Quote:
Originally Posted by JonasTC
:gp:Quote:
Originally Posted by JonasTC
That is one way to look at it and they were established goal scorers in La Liga...... and yet none of that lot (or at least not all) were THE top scorer in Spain. Costa is the leading scorer with Cronaldo.Quote:
Originally Posted by selassie
Would Costa represent a risk? Absolutely he does. Pretty much any player you sign out of Spain barring Cronaldo or Messi or Bale are going to be a significant risk. Aguero and Torres were both risks themselves. You might argue for different reasons to Costa, but the fact is you take a risk on any player for any substantial fee 90% of the time. And you are wrong, Costa has 2 international caps for Brazil.
When you aren't taking a risk, or at least not so much of one, that is precisely when you are paying 50 million plus for a player, hence the transfers of Cavani, Falcao and others this summer gone.
Ozil himself, is a player who has divided opinion amongst our fans to an extent himself at 42.5 million. Was that not a risk?
Calling the leading scorer in Spain, who Spain are trying to nationalise 'wasting' 30 million on a gamble is a bit of a stretch. Using the word 'wasting' on a gamble in the context you used it, implies you are under no doubt that he will be a dud, which I find curious too.....
Well, I've not seen much of him, but from the bit I have seen, I'd say he looks a good fit for us? He's spent the last season or two playing the support act to Falcao, which means he'll have been able to hone that aspect of his game, and this season he's showing that he can also be prolific as the main man too - sounds like we'd be getting a player who would allow us to retain the link-up play that Giroud brings to the side, but also add more pace and goals? Isn't that ideal?
Coming at it from a different angle, you also have to ask yourself who else is available who would represent a better option for us? Assuming for a minute that the Suarez deal is a no-go, and that Lewandowski is still Bayern-bound, then this guy would have to be at the top of the list of whoever is left? Plus, how many of the other options that we might be looking at have release clauses that would compel their clubs to sell for a fixed price?
It wouldn't make sense for Athletico to sell in January but aren't they still in debt?