Summer Transfer Speculation and Shit.

[Power n Glory]

Also, whilst I'd also prefer quality over quantity in an ideal world, I think that only really works if you're talking about the difference between 1 vs 2 or more players in the same area - if your squad is thin, and you desperately need to buy players across multiple areas, then quantity is pretty much your only choice (unless your scouts (and luck) are unbelievably good)...

That's true. But in 2011/12, Ox wasn't ready for the first team and hardly played. We shouldn't even mention Park Chu Young and Campbell was loaned out straight away because he didn't have a passport. That's almost £16m blown in the summer on players that had little to no impact on our season.

[Marc Overmars]

£32.5 MILLION POUNDS for Benteke!

:cry:

Brendan is collecting strikers.

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

The crazy thing is the money is almost no object now with this new Sky TV deal - if we're finishing anywhere in the top 4 then we're getting close to £100m a year just for taking part!

The problem now is actually making sure you're getting a £30-50m player for your £30-50m - that's where I think Wenger's opinion probably differs quite wildly from a lot of other people's, and where his reluctance to spend starts to creep in. Say what you want about the players he's taken a punt on or signed for lesser fees, when he get's his cheque book out for someone over £30m, I think he expects someone on Sanchez or Ozil's level for his money...

Precisely and I cannot fault him for this line of thinking, even though I think he uses it as an excuse for inaction

[I am invisible]

That's true. But in 2011/12, Ox wasn't ready for the first team and hardly played. We shouldn't even mention Park Chu Young and Campbell was loaned out straight away because he didn't have a passport. That's almost £16m blown in the summer on players that had little to no impact on our season.

The ones I think were wasted money were players like Santos - £6-7m may not be a great deal, but we should still have been able to get a decent LB for that money, without having to sacrifice other purchases to do it? Didn't we get Sagna for something like £6m?

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Agreed - thats why we should be all over Vidal for £28 mill, especially using Sanchez as a contact.

Even though I don't agree with this, this would be Wengers thinking

If I buy Vidal I will have to play him week in week out, this kills Coquelins development

Therefore what I need is someone who is able to deputise when needed and I have that in Arteta who fills the dual role of the leader off the pitch.

Like I say I don't buy it, but that's how he will have reasoned it

[I am invisible]

Precisely and I cannot fault him for this line of thinking, even though I think he uses it as an excuse for inaction

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you want to look at it) I think that's where we find ourselves this summer - in terms of forwards and midfielders, which is where everyone seems to be focused, I think we're only really on the look out for one or two exceptional players, who will really take us to another level. Basically, it will either be a piss-you-pants-exciting summer, if someone suddenly comes on the market... or, as is more likely, we won't do a thing...

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

More encouraging....Arteta (presumably our cover for Coquelin) is still injured as is Welbeck (our cover for Giroud)

Sigh.....

[fakeyank]

This is basic stuff, Letters. If you sold your car, house or whatever asset, how much money will you be left with to spend?

You can't say we had no money to spend.

[I am invisible]

Even though I don't agree with this, this would be Wengers thinking

If I buy Vidal I will have to play him week in week out, this kills Coquelins development

Therefore what I need is someone who is able to deputise when needed and I have that in Arteta who fills the dual role of the leader off the pitch.

Like I say I don't buy it, but that's how he will have reasoned it

I'm not convinced Vidal was ever the right choice for us - good player, but for me he's more of a Ramsey or a Wilshere than a Coquelin. Do we need to spend close to £30m on another player like that (especially when Ramsey's stats are arguably already better)?

What I think we might see happen is that we'll try to push for one of these young CBs that we keep getting linked with (Rugani, Romagnoli, Manalos, etc), and then use Chambers in more of a utility role, covering CB, RB and DM (with Coquelin remaining first choice DM)?

[Herbert_Chapman's_Zombie]

Not sure he is, Ramsey especially is not good at winning the ball back in his own half.