Pretty sure Wilshere is the Arteta replacement, long term.Quote:
Originally Posted by I am invisible
You're right on the Sagna thing though. One of our best signings would be to keep him.
Pretty sure Wilshere is the Arteta replacement, long term.Quote:
Originally Posted by I am invisible
You're right on the Sagna thing though. One of our best signings would be to keep him.
We're being linked with Cesc again, if thier ban gets uplifted.
Arteta out, Cesc in :coffee:
Fact!Quote:
Originally Posted by LDG
I do think we should be keeping an eye out for another young CM though - the situation isn't critical yet, but with Arteta, Flamini and Rosicky all in their 30s, and with Wilshere still suffering a lot of injury setbacks, I think it's something that should be on out radar, if the opportunity is there...
Arteta is pretty much a full-time DM now so Wilshere can't really be a replacement. We wont get Cesc either unless we're selling Ozil or Ramsey. :unsure:
So basically we need a GK, 2 CBs, RB, DM, Winger/wide forward & a CF? Not happening :lol:
As usual I think any dreams which feature mass top name incomings are being overly optimistic. I think the philsophy that Wenger has is that having more than 2 or 3 major big name first team signings in a window causes squad integration problems. And I don't think he's necessarily wrong either with that belief - just have a look at Spurs this season. A complete shambles with 10 or so new names brought in, most them struggling to integrate themselves.
Sticking with that principle, my three major signings I hope for are:
Striker: Mario Ballotelli
I have my reservations about him, not on his ability but his behaviour and temperant. But top quality strikers are a dime a dozen and incredibly difficult to acquire. Given AC Milan's current plight, I believe he should be available with the resources we have at our disposal. He's 23, so right at that age of maximum return on investment.
RM: Antoine Griezmann
Quality player with bundles of pace and energy - qualities the current team is severly lacking. Seems to have a knack of scoring goals and like Balotelli, at that perfect age. Allegedely also wanted by the likes of Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool, which demonstrates his potential. But I believe if we bid early and fast and use the French influence, he's definitely gettable.
DM - No candidate yet
I had previously been a major advocate for Lars Benders however after witnessing how easily we can get brushed of the ball (often resulting in a goal) I think we need to aim for someone's who's a lot more powerful instead of a Flamini/Busquets type runner, e.g. Viera like. Someone like Matic would have been perfect for us. There's talk about William Carvalho, but personally I'm very unimpressed by him. Hopefully our scouts can find someone.
Other Minor additions
- Young reserve goalkeeper
- Young reserve Central defender
- Young reserve striker (that Swiss guy?)
Out:
Either one of Arteta/Flamini
Either one of Podolski or Giroud (Hope it's Giroud)
I love the Ballotelli idea too. He's a nutcase, but ultimately exactly what we need in a striker.
He may be suspended half the year, but if like Suarez, he can keep it down anpeg or two, we'd have a blinding player on our hands.
Trouble with Balotelli is he usually goes AWOL half way through the season to fight a revolution against a central african tyrant before setting up a ballet school for anyone from the cast of Game of Thrones who is under 5 feet (without their shoes).
Half our team have a half season off anyway, so if we can get him to cover that half, we're ok.Quote:
Originally Posted by Niall_Quinn
Suarez had proved his worth beyond doubt in this league though in spite of his questionable personality. Balotelli, didn't even wait that long. There's a lot more trouble for him to get himself into down in London and I sense that he just doesn't like the fundamental culture and modus operandi in situ in England.....especially with the press and all. I seriously doubt Wenger has the personality to keep him in line.....but if Wenger signed him, I would be just relieved he got the quality through the door over anything else at this stage....
As far as unruly personalities go too, I'd like to throw M'vila in there.... Positionally disciplined and astute a quick distributor and he's got an Isley brother beard too....
A BIG NO for Balotelli from me. Comparing him to Suarez is wrong. Suarez might be a diving cheat but he loves to play football. I do not think Balotelli's first priority is football though.. I'd rather have Remy here instead of him.