Super Super Quality Transfer Speculation & Shit

[Joker]

Replacing RVP won't be that easy tbh. It's not just his goals that we'd need to replace, but he also assisted quite a few goals as well, so getting a "fox in the box" wouldn't be a like-for-like trade and we'd be losing something upfront if that's what happens.

It's by no means impossible to replace RVP, but we would need to pay top dollar to get the sort of player who would give us everything RVP did, and possibly more.

[Power n Glory]

We're losing both Theo and RVP this season. That's why we're signing two first team attackers.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

I keep on reading (granted from no reputable sources, then again what are reputable sources?) that Kenny agreed a deal for Walcott before he left.

Can't see it myself.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Martin Lipton
Arsenal signing of Yann M'Vila effectively confirmed by statement from Rennes on French Stock Exchange. So that's Podolski, M'Vila and Giroud, all heading for the Emirates. If anything can persuade Robin Van Persie to stay at the club, surely these statements of intent will. Three big and important signings, which will surely please Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal fans. Major contrast to last summer when it was all about exits. Onus now on RVP to clarify his position

Then...

Martin Lipton ‏@MartinLipton
Am told by both @BFairthorne and the estimable @Darren_Can that M'Vila stock exchange story is hoax. Sorry, all. But will still sign

[Niall_Quinn]

We're losing both Theo and RVP this season. That's why we're signing two first team attackers.

Wouldn't surprise me. Everyone looks at this in footballing terms, who would be a good replacement, what sort of cover do we have, etc, etc. But for me the question is how far can Kroenke push things before he has a revolution on his hands. That's assuming he's in this to bank the deficit between the current commercial deals and the new deals that can be signed in the near future. If selling is an integral part of the business plan (which it seems to be), then getting that CL spot and also attracting the sponsors makes it a difficult balancing act for the board. And this makes Wenger the most perfect manager for the situation. He can achieve that crucial CL goal, leave Ivan and the rest of the American crew coming in to sort out the shirts and billboards and Stan is quids in if he can keep the whole ship afloat for 4-5 years. Even if it's sinking by the end (or the plan allows for submersion) they can dump the whole mess of Usmanov who has already said he's a fan of kicking cash in to buy success.

I really can't figure how things look for us on the pitch any more. You could say that if we can keep RvP and add a few reinforcements we could challenge - at least for some insignificant pot like the CC. But from Stan's point of view, if he can keep things rolling using Wenger to build the assets until they become ripe to be flogged off, it all looks pretty achievable based on the past record. Could it really be as cynical as that? I would think so. Would love to give Stan the benefit of the doubt but it's hard to imagine he's here to build a team of champions.

[Power n Glory]

We've been a selling club for ages, before Stan's arrival and the fact is players want to leave, they're not being sold off because offers are coming through and we just can't say no.

[LDG]

Wouldn't surprise me. Everyone looks at this in footballing terms, who would be a good replacement, what sort of cover do we have, etc, etc. But for me the question is how far can Kroenke push things before he has a revolution on his hands. That's assuming he's in this to bank the deficit between the current commercial deals and the new deals that can be signed in the near future. If selling is an integral part of the business plan (which it seems to be), then getting that CL spot and also attracting the sponsors makes it a difficult balancing act for the board. And this makes Wenger the most perfect manager for the situation. He can achieve that crucial CL goal, leave Ivan and the rest of the American crew coming in to sort out the shirts and billboards and Stan is quids in if he can keep the whole ship afloat for 4-5 years. Even if it's sinking by the end (or the plan allows for submersion) they can dump the whole mess of Usmanov who has already said he's a fan of kicking cash in to buy success.

I really can't figure how things look for us on the pitch any more. You could say that if we can keep RvP and add a few reinforcements we could challenge - at least for some insignificant pot like the CC. But from Stan's point of view, if he can keep things rolling using Wenger to build the assets until they become ripe to be flogged off, it all looks pretty achievable based on the past record. Could it really be as cynical as that? I would think so. Would love to give Stan the benefit of the doubt but it's hard to imagine he's here to build a team of champions.

Of course he isn't. He's here to milk every last drop dry before he sells to the fat russian.

Who will then own 99.9% of the club.

What is still keeping me in it, is history, and clinging to the vague hope that Wenger still has some magic powder left to sprinkle onto the team for one last hurrah, doing it the proper way, before we become the next City/Chelsea etc.

[Niall_Quinn]

We've been a selling club for ages, before Stan's arrival and the fact is players want to leave, they're not being sold off because offers are coming through and we just can't say no.

Didn't say we haven't been a selling club. In fact I'm saying our success in that respect (as defined and enjoyed by crusty old men) is probably what attracted Stan in the first place, along with our apparent incompetence on the commercial side. Either that or he's realising his boyhood dream to own his favourite "soccer" team.

[V-Pig]

Can't wait 'til we lose the "Nando's Chicken Bones"™ of Theo. Eboue had it right. Theo's an average player with occasional shows of effort which make him look better than he is.

[Master Splinter]

BBC:

A bit of news back on the domestic front for you, and Manchester United have signed teenager Nick Powell from Crewe for an undisclosed fee.

Shame Gary Neville wasn't around to secure this deal for us.