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14 Aug 2013 22:33:40
well well well gustavo signed for wolfsburg. well done wenger
Has that been 100% confirmed?
What, because the player chose Germany? We bid more than Wolfsburg but the player decided to go there. Things like that happen.
15 Aug 2013 08:02:12
Ted, Things have been happeing from quiet a while.
Jesus navas never wanted to move out Spain. Joined city
14 Aug 2013 22:31:40
PHEW! Looks like we've dodged a bullet with Gustavo going to Wolfsburg. Thank god Wenger has stuck to his guns and not got bullied by the media and fans into an unnecessary signing. This guy would have stunted Ramseys growth.
Oh my God!
Dodged a bullet. I can now completely disregard anything you post. Makes my job reading easier.
Oh my God!
Dodged a bullet. I can now completely disregard anything you post. Makes my job reading easier.
You being serious? ramsey has played more of an attacking role this pre season, Gustavo wouldn't
Com
Plete
Bol
Locks
We need a holding midfielder.
Gustavo is proven, experienced and approaching his prime.
And if anyone was getting kicked out of the team to accomodate Gustavo it would have been Arteta
You can't actually be serious. Can you not see that we need a holding mid and that Gustavo would've been perfect?
I've got to believe you are a troll. Ramsey and Luiz Gustavo don't even play the same position Ramsey's primary focus is attack Gustavo's defence if anything he would of helped Ramsey, Wilshere etc develop as they wouldn't have to worry about defending he was exactly what we needed.
Wengerism you are a joke, I think u are still thinking its 2003, that's why u say in wenger I trust, because I don't trust him any more
No sense in this post. Ever heard of the term "strengh in depth"
He was obviously being sarcastic
14 Aug 2013 22:22:21
Can I just say it don't really matter what suarez says am afraid liverpool will not sell him to arsenal keep dreaming i, ll bet my life its abroad or nothing for suarez so ye might aswell move on to all the other targets that wana join you none world class but hey never mind ha
14 Aug 2013 22:12:02
It seems as if Wenger is using this transfer window as a smoke screen to fools us. Enough of this rubbish, that rate at which we are missing out target it seems as if our only marquee player would be. 1.Team spirit. 2.Mental strength
15 Aug 2013 00:21:49
3rd signing - "play with the handbrake off"
14 Aug 2013 22:09:29
We've spoken about Higuain, Susrez, Gustavo, Rooney, etc etc. For weeks now we have worn each other out with player upon player with absolutely nothing to show for it. This is truly ARSENAL RUMOURS! Somebody please wake me up when it becomes ARSENAL ACTUALLY ITS NOT A RUMOUR!
14 aug 2013 21:05:20
hi
arsenal to sign sakho (8 million). (source - france (psg))
Only 8? yeah right
14 Aug 2013 20:47:41
I really hope wenger is using saurez as a smokescreen for Rooney, he is just what we need a 20-30 goals a season st can drop back and be a creative mid with wilshere and carzola, plus he's cheaper and Man United IMO would rather sell to us then Chelsea, less of a threat to them plus we sold them are main man rvp, IMO would link up well with wilshere, wallcott, Ramsey?
I prefer Rooney aswell, I thing Manchester United will make the biggest mistake ever if they sell Rooney
I thought Rooney was crap tonight but that was no doubt because he needs to get match fitness and I would like him here as well as when he is fully fit he is unstopable. I don't see AW paying the money that Utd would want so I think it's another non starter.
14 Aug 2013 20:43:03
Watching the England game, anyone else think it's uncanny the similarities between England and arsenals style of play?
Loads of possession then looking lost once they get to the oppositions area. and like us England would really benifit from a few world class additions!
14 Aug 2013 20:40:37
IMO the reason that Ivan has publicy stated we have £70m to spend ain't him being stupid, but him letting the fans no that if no one is brought in, it's wenger to blame and not him. Just my opinion what do you guys think? Ps: walcott and giroud to shine this year
From what I heard, Gazidis is not happy at the flack he has been getting, Kroenke and Gazidis both want Wenger to sign players. But Wenger has been the one who refuses too. It was a public showing to let everyone know its Mr Wengers decision.
Arsenals transfer window is very much like our trophy cabinet. full of empty promises
15 Aug 2013 00:23:27
But why the hell are they willing to give him another contract??
14 Aug 2013 20:40:11
German papers reporting that Wolfsburg has signed Gustavo. Eds?
Also, any idea what's going to happen now? Do we break the bank for someone else or what?
14 Aug 2013 20:33:37
Ed if we are to sign a cb who do you think is most likely sakho, ginter, rami and are we in talks with any
14 Aug 2013 20:25:25
Ed is it true about gustavo joining Wolfsburg (reports) and do you know who back up is for Suarez ( Sanchez, giovinco to name a few {Ed044's Note - It was always going to be the first option if they could work out the money.}
Ed since when was Wolfsburg always going to be first option? Eds have been saying for days now 'Yes' when asked 'do you think we will sign Gustavo?' but now Wolfsburg was 'always first choice? A non- CL team struggling with money? Sounds more like we asked a guy who earns less than Santos did to take a pay cut to join us from the team who just won the CL and he didn't like that. {Ed027's Note - since thy made the first move, nobody said Gustqvo would join
No saurez is def going through a better perioud then Rooney ATM, but IMO I would rather Rooney
14 Aug 2013 20:18:47
Im I the only one who prefers Rooney over Suarez
14 Aug 2013 19:30:58
Interesting that Suarez denies saying he is staying.
Why not say nothing
SY4
14 Aug 2013 18:31:39
Pole: Top three worst arsenal transfer windows in the last 10 years
1) Fabregas, Nasri, Clichy off
2) RVP betrayal
3) This one so far.
Is it coincidence that's 3 rubbishters in a row?
This is worse. At least we brought in players and so we had that hope that something good could happen. I know a fair few people on here looked last season and thought if we hit the ground running we could challenge. I don't see anyone thinking like that this year.
0 spent, this has to be the worst window so far. Ever.
14 Aug 2013 18:18:42
So as much as I don't think we really needed Gustavo, it seems as though he has signed for Wolfsburg. if we were in for him this is another kick in the doodahs!
14 Aug 2013 18:03:38
Rumour has it that gustavo's signed for Wolfsburg just letting you know for apparently 15 mill euros what the f**k is going on at arsenal??
14 Aug 2013 18:03:19
Gustavo agreed terms with Wolfsburg according to Die Welt. No idea how reliable they are, but if it's true, I might have a little cry.
14 Aug 2013 18:02:42
Being reported that Gustavo has signed for Wolfsburg! If this is true then we are deep in the mucky stuff!
14 Aug 2013 17:57:03
Good news guys! Weve missed out on yet another target, Gustavo to wolsburg!
14 Aug 2013 17:33:05
Hearing on that Manchester United will consider selling Rooney to us but not Chelsea. This story will gather pace over the next few days. I don't trust as an accurate source, but I do think it makes sense. Also seen a similar story on a random web site.
14 Aug 2013 17:23:07
Although against my better judgement, would it not be an idea to bring Bendtner back into the squad. He would provide cover for Giroud. What about Frimpong as cover for the defensive midfield places & Eisfield looks a promising candidate for cover in midfield.
I have lost faith in signing any top quality players! Its all rather depressing.
Be patient
Why not. When this transfer window is closed we might not have any alternatives if Wenger keep being a tightarse with the Money. He needs to wake up and get in to the millenia.
We need players in yes. But we're not THAT desperate to want bendtner back in the fold
14 Aug 2013 16:51:04
I am shocked to here Swansea have put a £10 million price on Ashley Williams. That is an absolute bargain. He was top class all of last season. Wenger needs to cough up the money needed because he would be a great signing and much needed addition to our side.
I fully agree, but is Wenger interested in him? My concern with Williams is that I believe he is predominantly a left sided central defender, where we already have Koscielny & Vermaelen. We require a right sided centre back to cover Mertesacker. Perhaps Wenger envisaged Williams as a replacement for Vermaelen, if he had departed, prior to him being injured.
Is it just me who doesn't want him?
Would he be considered Cup Tied as he recently played in a Europa League match with Swansea?
14 Aug 2013 17:09:55
70 million war chest, and THAT'S THE WORST HEADLINE TO STATE on the opening of the window.
What a nightmare of a transfer window its proved to be.
We been linked to every available player in Europe and not yet placed our hands in our pockets
For some unknown reason to me, Mr Wenger does not like closing down deals early.
I personally cannot wait till 31st August when it closes, and I am not looking forward to the next one either.
I think we have a good starting 11 that will match any team in the Premier league (apart from a DCM), however my major issue is that we don't have any quality back up for all the main positions. (CF, DCM, CD and GK).
Who he gets I am not really bothered as long as they are well established premiership / champions league players.
{Ed022's Note - Just to prelog your agony sterry, the window actually shuts on September 2nd...}
Ivan made that statement to clearly put the ball in wenger's court, he and only he decides who we sign. Wenger has final sign off on all transfers, no matter how poor we may think dick law and Ivan gazidis are, wenger has full control of the playing side of the club, that's me being itk wenger clearly communicated this himself.
Koscielny is hardly a left sided CB. He was right sided when he played with TV5. He only went to left because he played with BFG. I think Koscielny and Williams would be really strong. Would prefer Sakho though.
14 Aug 2013 16:47:06
Is Wenger's plan to do a repeat of the 2001/2012 Season in regards to the window?
As in buy 3-4 players at the end of the window? This could turn out to be a dangerous strategy, where we overpay for quality players, or end up buying poor squad players (like we did with Santos, Park that year).
-------
Well I guess we need some thrashing in the first or the second game.
Wow that's one long season
14 Aug 2013 16:13:31
There were reports that suarez said that he'd be staying at Liverpool but now apparently he had turned around and quoted " I didn't say that maybe someone else said it but the important thing is that I'm here with my national team now" so it looks like this saga has taken another twist
14 Aug 2013 16:13:22
Lady Arse have a story running that the Suarez remarks are false so hold the back pages we may still have a chance.
14 Aug 2013 16:01:38
at the end of the day we have a game on saturday and nothing more than 3 points will do.
lets get behind the team
eie
Hey malaga not having a dig at you or anything just wondered what happened to all the BIG changes that were suppossed to happen this Year? And where the bloody hell did it go wrong?
Couldn't agree more. We shouldn't need any signings to beat Villa or Fulham.
Gustavo would be nice though.
Shock! U mean malaga mite not be an ITK? Well I for one am flabbergasted! Next ure gunna tell indykalia is not really in the know either ;-)
I will get behind the team but not the manager.
That's disappointing :( it's all in behind whoever we got as I'm sure many tru fans feel
Are you telling me bruv that Malaga is not "ITK", I am shattered, it reminds me of the day I realised there was no Santa.
14 Aug 2013 16:01:00
I know this isn't going to be a very popular opinion, but now the Suarez deal seems to be off the cards I would be content to forget a CF and perhaps move for a real, genuine LW who can provide for Giroud.
By this I mean a real out and out left winger who can take on his man and actually cross the ball, son for example Di Maria. Not some little tippy-tappy technical player, who is better suited to a central midfield role *cough* cazorla *cough*
Opinions?
Real wingers are a dying breed and anyone who is good enough wants to play through the middle.
Di Maria seems a tough one unless bale goes.
How about Ben Arfa? Same agent as Giroud and the Ox.
Di Maria, Gaitan, Griezmann, Ayew, Thauvin (young but very promising)
14 Aug 2013 15:59:15
Suarez has denied the claims of him backing down over demands to leave liverpool.
Suarez: "I didn't say that, maybe someone else did and the main thing is that I am here now with the national team."
14 Aug 2013 15:37:57
The crickets are chirping as usual I am not asking to spend 40 million on a single player although that would be nice but a few 12-20 million worthy players would suffice. I just don't understand we have had all summer to improve the team and we do nothing. By the way who comes out in the press and says we have 70 million to spend nice negotiating Ivan, frigging joker.
14 Aug 2013 14:27:45
I was at the Arsenal U21's game last night v Colchester. Despite it being a 5-1 win for Colchester, some of the boys looked alright, and some friends and myself had the pleasure of meeting some of the lads (Akpom, Eisfeld, Zelalem, Olsson, Bellerin) after the game. I asked Akpom if he wanted to play first team football this season and he replied, "Yeah hopefully, well that's the plan). Could this mean Wenger is going to put his faith in him?
{Ed022's Note - Well he's not going to say "I don't want first team football..." is he? He's going to get a chance in cup games etc... but it'll be a while before he is playing Premier League football...}
Look, this site is for speculation, hence why called it 'rumours'. I'm just speculating, so why you shut the door to this being a possibility I don't know.
{Ed022's Note - Settle down angry! No need to get your knickers in a knot. It's just my opinion. Go calm down in a darkened room...}
Ed, there is a fine line between being angry and wanting to have your opinion supported by people who share the same views as you, not just completely rejected. All I was getting at is that perhaps you should agree with and develop the argument of people on this site, instead of suggesting a completely different hypothesis. That's all I'm saying, and I didn't mean to sound angry at all, I was just trying to get a point across that's all.
14 Aug 2013 14:14:13
So is Lamela really any good? Tottenham are lining him up apparently (along with everyone else) - should we be in for him?
{Ed022's Note - He's a 21yr old striker for Roma. Last season he scored 15 goals in 33 league appearances. 15 goals made him the fifth highest goal scorer in Serie A. He also laid on 6 assists. He is a striker with a great deal of potential and at nearly 6ft 3 is strong and powerful and can lead the line. He will be unfortunately around £25m-£30m in today's inflated transfer market...}
From the little I've seen Lamela is amazing! Would cost a fortune now because of his great season last year. He's still a bit raw but imagine the Ox playing on fire, that's the general level he's at. Would have loved him at AFC, would be a massive disappointment if we didn't even try and get him in the Gerv deal, but I highly doubt he's available at all.
{Ed022's Note - Especially given the season he just had, he would definitely not be for sale unless its £30m plus...}
Its weird, because when you say 'He would unfortunately be around £25-30m in todays inflated market' - it should actually be 'fortunate' in the sense that we would be one of the only clubs in the world that can genuinely afford him! Alas. players of value elude us :(
{Ed022's Note - My unfortunately is more Wenger's preference to not spend the money...}
Isnt the problem in buying him that he is still owned by a 3rd party which means we would have to give them a hefty sum so they can make a profit
14 Aug 2013 14:06:53
Wenger up to his usual tricks, by making offers for players that simply can't be bought by Arsenal. Suarez, Rooney, etc.
In reality, this is what Wenger might do.
3rd keeper - Martinez
4th CB - Sagna
Def Midfield: Frimpong
Midfield/attacking midfield: Miyaichi, Gnabry & Zelalem - for some reason he ignores Eisfeld.
Forward: Sonago & Akpom
Possibly the failure Gourcuff, if he is cheap.
I have a feeling Wenger will leave for PSG at the end of the season.
So your saying you think Wenger would do that to arsenal?
Your kidding me.
Someone who cares about this club, like the way Wenger has since he started, would pretty much leave it to rot and jump ship?
I'm sorry, your thoughts are pretty disrespectful to a great manager.
14 Aug 2013 14:06:36
Hey guys, its funny how suarez has been quoted. I think suarez saying he wants to stay at liverpool and might sign a new contract is for him to create a good relationship with them liverpool.And remembering wenger said he wants peace talks between suarez and liverpool. This might be the scope guys ;) . I'm expecting an arsenal bid soon, then we have a classy strike
{Ed022's Note - You think he'l sign a new contract and then sign for us? Its a bold theory but one I feel is doomed to fail...}
I think that would probably make his situation with Liverpool a lot worse, if he was to do that.
{Ed022's Note - His valuation would go up. There would be no stupid clause and Liverpool would be even more inclined not to sell...}
14 Aug 2013 14:05:42
Eds, what is the deal with Napoli? Are they becoming the new Spurs in that "to hell with a scouting system, let's just sign the players Arsenal are linked to!"?
{Ed022's Note - It does seem that way...Rafa and Arsene are very good friends, maybe over a bottle of wine and a candle lit dinner Arsene let slip his transfer target wishlist and now Rafa is signing players by offering the correct price and a decent wages...}
14 Aug 2013 13:50:24
I don't think we will sign anyone other than Sanogo.
Think about it this seems to happen most years that we will sign a class player but we rarely do (except for last year but that was due to Van Persie being sold) we have sold lots of players out squad lacks any kind f reasonable depth but trust me. WENGER AND ARSENAL WILL SIGN NOBODY!
I believe the club do have the money it's just that we don't know how to sign a player where the club would prefer not to sell.
Your thought ED?
I'm truly loosing hope as an Arsenal fan, with all my family Manchester United fans it is embarrassing to do worse than them every single year :(
I may consider my support for Arsenal if we fail to sign anybody
We don't need fans like you. If we sign nobody you'll 'consider' your support? Disgraceful.
Iam with you Ted what a stupid comment, I will state however if the board buy no one, I will not spend any money on anything to do with arsenal, no shirts or merchandise I will not be going to any games to bankroll the greedy board and owner I am a arsenal fan not an arsenal plc fan
14 Aug 2013 13:15:35
Eds is th Suarez deal now off after what he said today & does it change anythin(in terms of us getting him)? Thanxxx
{Ed022's Note - Suarez has apparently said he's open to staying now. I feel this is a way of going back to Liverpool with his tail between his legs if the worst happens and he doesn't leave. Let's put it this way, if Real Madrid offered £45m or so then he'd be on his way to Spain faster than you can say "Luis Suárez es un hipócrita..."}
Sky tv just reporting Suarez has not said he wants to stay despite recent claims. It was a misinterpretation of him saying he is still there for now because of the fans.
{Ed022's Note - Whenever players go away for an international fixture, stories always come out and the old chestnut of an excuse is "lost in translation..." For someone who imposed a media blackout, its funny how stories still come out...}
Yes I think He will just back down now and just stay one more season ensure he gets his contract clause inserted in writing. Then Madird will come with a 40Mill bid next seaon and he will have to be released.
Ed How can it be “Lost in translation” when it’s a Uruguayan Media story?
{Ed022's Note - Because funnily enough they do speak Spanish in Uruguay mate. My point was, footballers talk to their "home" journalists more so than they would with the British Media. This always happens during International fixtures. However, when a story breaks over here using a foreign source, such as this one involving Suarez, the player usually cops out with "It was mis-translated..." Or "my words were lost in translation..."}
14 Aug 2013 13:09:32
If Suarez is not coming, need to focus on depth and improving other positions and possibly wait until January to buy a 'star' center forward.
Versatile defender (Mamadou Sakho, Adil Rami)
Defensive midfielder (Geoffrey Kondogbia, Luiz Gustavo, Lars Bender, Sebastian Rode)
Creative Midfielder/Winger (Christian Eriksen, Florian Thauvin, Javier Pastore, Ángel di María)
Versatile Squad Players (Mathieu Flamini)
With Vermaelen, Diaby, and others spending almost as much time in the trainers room as the pitch, we will never make it through an entire season this thin. As nice as some of the young players look, it is a very difficult thing to ask them to learn while playing the likes of United, City, and Chelsea.
Thoughts?
{Ed022's Note - I agree with the majority of your point, as I have mentioned on another post, we need defensive reinforcements such as Sakho, Rami, Gustavo or Bender. As for waiting til January to sign a "star forward" your idea is flawed as all star forwards will be playing for top clubs and will no doubt be cup tied in the champions league or domestic cups if they're are playing in the Premier League, sure, you can just have them playing in the PL but Wenger has never been a fan if players are cup-tied in Europe...}
Generally, we play a lone center foward in our system. Giroud, Pololski, and Walcott should be sufficient, if not world class. Suarez would have been adding something different to the attack as he prefers taking on defenders. If they can not get someone who adds something like this, then add something in another position. Di Maria is a pure class winger who would get proper balls to Giroud. Eriksen is every bit of a final ball creator as Gotze and would allow for rotation with Santi and Jack. Sakho is a beast who can play across the enitire back line.
As far as not finding someone in January, it is possible. Suarez for example is not in Europe. Michu came from out of nowhere last year as well.
Thanks for your input Ed.
{Ed022's Note - This is true, and I thought about Suarez after I had replied. He could be a January signing and wouldn't be cup-tied so maybe there is the case for that...}
14 Aug 2013 12:20:14
Suarez deal is off, He has chosen to stay.
Obviously I never thought we would actually get him (feel free to search my post history).
But you know what? Good on Liverpool, they kept their star man, something we can't seem to do. Brendan Rodgers put his foot down and stood firm over this issue and now Suarez has realised that he wants to stay at Liverpool (for the fans I think?)
I didn't think he was worth 45 mil + anyway, too risky. Quality wise of course he is worth that but he bites people ffs.
Better off getting someone like Rooney, Muriel, Doumbia etc. For 15-25 mil.
Nick. {Ed022's Note - Nick, you do know your sign off name is automatic now that you've registered....}
When will people start seeing through the jokers we all follow (every footballer) Suarez is doing a Rooney saying he wants to leave in order to get a bigger pay cheque from Liverpool it worked for Shrek it will work for Jaws I would much rather Wenger gets a talented no name player Hungary then pay these play boy tossers what they want! Arsenal forever regardless of who they don't buy!
Congratulations to Liverpool for potentially keeping a player who has no interest in playing for them. Let them enjoy the Millions of pounds they pay him to perform poorly this season only to sell him for around £30m next January or Summer.
I still think we will get him but if we do not I will enjoy seeing Liverpool struggling even with their star man.
I can feel the bitterness out of this post
14 Aug 2013 11:37:58
Hi eds a lot of talk about Michu and Dzeko (spelling) coming but is Michu and Williams who we were also credited as having an interest in cup tied for Europe as they have played a qualifier against Malmo in the Europa League
14 Aug 2013 11:18:32
Comments on the so called 70M war chest are a pipe dream, we will be lucky to spend half of that the way Wenger is going about this transfer window. As reports suggest we are in another little stand off over the price of Gustavo, hopefully these are BS, if they require €17M, pay the price. We will find out tomorrow when a announcement is due from the player himself.
14 Aug 2013 11:04:28
Time to consider an Anzhi raid (much like malaga)?
Willian
Lacina Traore
Eto'o
Lassana Diarra (not that I would want him back)
Yuri Zhirkov
{Ed022's Note - This has been suggested already. Willian is overpriced at around £30m. Liverpool and Spurs are keen. Eto'o is on £270k per week and won't take much of a paycut. He's 32 and will be 33 in March. He'l still require a transfer fee so don't bet on Wenger buying him. Zhirkov is a left back/left wing. We have Gibbs and Monreal and plus he's rubbish anyways. Lassana Diarra is an arrogant fool who is now rightly stranded in Russia, far away from the real action. Lacina Traore is the Ivorian Peter Crouch standing at 6ft 8inches tall. He would still cost upwards of £20m in the current market and is unproven in Europe. Bit risky for Wenger...}
Thanks Ed, explains why they are under performing.
Which leads to my nexy question: WHO ON EARTH IS LEFT TO TRY AND SIGN!
{Ed022's Note - There are still plenty of players left to sign. Honestly, out of your original post, I wouldn't sign any of them. We don't need them. We need defensive reinforcement (Sakho, Rami, Gustavo, Bender). These are the priorities...}
14 Aug 2013 10:48:37
Arsenal Fan Observation
Ive noticed recently A lot of Arsenal fans are thinking more about the clubs financial stability, than its footballing ability. If your a fan that first thinks about the transfer fee and wage structure, and tries to justify paying/spending x amount on transfers, it is my opinion that you have totally lost touch with what the fans (you) are paying to watch.
Its clear that because the club, and Arsene in particular, have spent so long talking about value, and FFP, a lot of fans have forced this into their way of thinking aswell.
Just my opinion, but Arsenal fans especially, are spending far too much time thinking about how much money Arsenal FC have in the bank. Its really not important information for fans in my opinion. You don't get a seat in the emirates to sit and watch stock values.
cheers
Its just the way the club has spoken out in regards to various situations,
the fact that they have relied on FFP to give us a position of strength going forward.
However we are also aware of our transfer budget, if it really is 70 million.
Knowing that we have multiple positions to fill, we are all taking a punt and assuming that the reason player X was not signed as it would not fit into our transfer scheme.
at the end of the day we all make excuses due to our bias. but in reality, what matters is the fans signing to a trophy.
We want to have the best team. not the 4th best team. and when the club starts to win trophies, we won't look back on this period and say, it was due to this and that. it will be about the team in that moment that won the trophy.
as they say fans are as fickle as the players, and winning is all that matters in a world where results rule.
I agree with the principle but not sure who you are actually accusing? Most fans seem to be saying that we are putting financial stability, or, even worse, profitability, ahead of footballing success. Those fans who do defend our club's austerity mainly say that being financially strong means we will be stable in the future and be able to maintain a good team and compete for trophies long-term. Maybe that's a flawed argument, but I haven't heard anyone saying that financial stability is a good thing in and of itself.
I personally think financial stability is good for football - it makes teams get the most out of their academies, players etc, and teams like City/Chelsea make football worse IMO. At the same time, as an Arsenal fan I think our financial behaviour is basically ridiculous and will go mental if we haven't properly invested in the team by September. At this stage, winning trophies has to be top priority -I don't think you'll find many gooners disagreeing with that.
Well said mate could not have put it better myself. Yes we are a self sustained club but fans should not be bothered about the bank balance and be more worried about the trophy inbalance
I think you have a point.
The majority of other clubs run at a constant loss every year, are in debt or they are subsided by a benefactor.
Either option is easy, any club can run at a loss and have loads of debt or find a "sugar daddy" owner.
But running a club properly is a lot harder. Arsenal do that and a lot of arsenal fans do feel proud about this.
After all, if we're honest, there isn't much else to be proud about recently is there, a part form being a well run club?
If the focus was on what we have won in recent seasons and a [genuine] buzz about what we might win this year, I think the 'being run well' would be a bonus not the sole object of some fans attention.
The club has done fantastically well to build a great new £450mil stadium and achieve financial stability, new commercial deals, etc.
'Off the pitch' the club has to be commended and that is something to be proud off.
However, it is now 'on the pitch' that the club needs to turn it's attentions towards. Which I think is what you're getting at and I totally agree.
The club needs to show its ambitious and why its so well run - to ultimate challenge and not just to be well run.
I don't won't to hear about the club saying they want to 'please the fans' with "big signings" - I want them to sign big players because *they want* to sign big players to compete and demonstrate that as a club they are as ambitious on the pitch as they are off the pitch.
This is supposed to be the window (escalation in financial firepower etc) when this can finally can happen.
I am (at least trying to be) patiently waiting for the club to show its hand.
Sorry for the long reply!
14 Aug 2013 10:47:28
War chest makes me laugh. All that talk for years of money being available, and when we finally pull the trigger, the ammassed amount of reputedly 70m equates to 2 decent players.
Usually i'm glass half full, but really feel we have missed a trick this summer. Shame.
{Ed022's Note - £70m could get us exactly what we need: Cesar (£2m) Sakho/Rami/Williams/Alderweireld (All under £11m) Gustavo (£17m) Thats £30m for three players leaving £40m to get a striker...}
We all know that Wenger won't spend. He only spends what comes in. Last summer RVP & Song out for approx£42m. Cazorla, Giroud & Podolski in for approx £42m.
Its really sad this summer, so far, as the Toot & Liverpool are both improving their squads.
{Ed022's Note - Well he's released Squillaci, Chamakh, Arshavin etc for nothing and signed Sanogo for nothing. We've sold Gervinho for £7m which means we can buy Suarez's left knee cap, Sakho's elbow and Cesar's right ear for a combined total of £7m...}
14 Aug 2013 11:34:33
Ed022, can you get on the hotline to aw and tell him how desperate we all are. most people on this site would agree with your analysis of what's needed. perhaps when a vacancy comes up next year you could come out, perhaps that's the wrong phrase. what I mean is put your hat in the ring for the job.
{Ed022's Note - Thanks for your vote of confidence. I tell things how it is, give my honest opinion and use my knowledge and views to add a different perspective to posters thoughts...}
14 Aug 2013 22:09:49
Ed022 - was thinking more that rumour of suarez bid hitting 50mm and then a defensive mid at 17-23mm (gustavo or fellaini) and suddenly we are at the 70mm without signing the world class players that we all dreamed that money could get.
14 Aug 2013 10:38:56
Ed honestly now who can you see Arsenal signing before the window shuts, because were a few days from the start of the season and it only seems were after gustavo and Suarez, please ed share some light on other potential transactions?
{Ed022's Note - I expect Wenger to sign a centre back. There are several names mentioned Williams, Ginter etc... My choice would be Sakho. He's a beast and exactly what we need alongside Koscielny in my opinion. I also feel he will sign a midfielder and think Gustavo could be the man in question. As for striking/attacking midfielder options, I reckon Suarez is dead in the water unless Liverpool perform an embarrassing change of heart. Rooney has been mentioned alongside Michu and Dzeko. At this point, Suarez would be my first choice followed by Rooney. That being the case, Wenger will sign a Slovakian 19 year old from the Hungarian Second Division...}
Haha ed that cracked up me up about the 19 year old playing in the Hungarian 2nd div.
{Ed022's Note - I try to keep the spirits of my fellow Gooners up when I can. If we don't laugh we'l cry into our beers...}
14 Aug 2013 10:14:25
hai Ed.
Liverpool fan in peace.
Suarez situation is really becoming difficult, at this point I simply don't see him moving to arsenal, Things would have been different, If you would have come up with a third bid last week with a real intention of getting him Like Jose for rooney.
Instead you played a waiting game.
My question, Any interest in sanchez or willain. Both would be pretty cloe to suarez, interms of Assist and skill, But unproven in the league, but suerly would get him under 40 mill.
{Ed022's Note - Wenger's interest in Sanchez is long standing but he is not in for him at the moment. As for Willian, Spurs and Liverpool have been sniffing around him more than Arsenal right now...}
Willian is overpriced at 30million plus.
I would rather go for Erik Lamela, but he too won't come cheap, another transfer target for the spurs, that arsenal have not even considered.
Of the two Michu and Dzeko, I would have Dzeko.
Not sure city will want to sell him.
rather hard to understand how city plan to utilize their players this season.
4 strikers so if they go with two upfront they won't be selling any of their players, but with one upfront its very likely they will.
Is aguero their main striker? or is negredo/jovetic?
Rumours in that Barcelona looking at Luis Gustavo, if that rumour is anywhere near true, we have just lost another target.
Wasn't Chelsea's highest bid for Rooney 25M. Not sure how realistic that was. 35M might do it .
{Ed022's Note - £35m might just be the tipping point...Especially as they don't want to sell to Chelsea. They don't see us as much of a threat...}
Wenger will have a plan B- who it is and whether they will sign, we're have to wait (as usual).
But I agree, if wenger bid around 50 mil last week or so, he could be in an arsenal shirt by now. That's very frustrating.
Man utd have had a similar transfer window to us, the difference being, they won the championship last year, so major additions are not necessary only the right ones.
while we have not won for 8 plus years. its not about major additions, its also about the minor ones to strengthen the squad.
{Ed022's Note - Abuse me if you want but I will be honest here, De Gea is slightly better than Szczesny, yes De Gea had a ropey start but now he looks strong and confident. WS is still too arrogant for someone who's won nothing and cost us the League Cup against the Brum. Jones, Evans, Vidic, Evra is a far stronger back four with Ferdinand, Rafael, Smalling as able back up. Something we lack. Man Utd have the best striker in the league (who shall remain nameless) in addition to strong strikers such as Rooney, Hernandez and Welbeck. Man Utd's midfield is weak in my opinion and hence Moyes desperation to strengthen it. Man Utd are much stronger in strength and depth across their squad (midfield aside) which is why they shouldn't be as worried as Arsenal fans...}
De gea is already a better GK to Sczesny. that is a fact.
I really do not rate Jones - He flys into tackles, really struggles in zonal defending and is great at man marking,
Evans for me had a breakout year, but not good enough, but good for depth. Vidic, Evra, Ferdinand are seasoned players so they are obviously good at what they do.
rafael for me got away with his defensive lapses due to the firepower upfront, and smalling is another like jones, great in moments but nothing great. and injury prone.
all in all they have depth and experience, however to me we have a better CB pairing, and if vermaelen can shake of his disaster year last year and pick up his boots we would have a very strong CB lineup.
our LB's won't set the world on fire, but Gibbs is great going forward and nacho is great at the back and in keeping to his man.
The RB position for me sagna is on the decline, and jenkinson is not ready, but if given the chance he can put in a decent year but not trophy worthy year.
Our midfield is one of the best with Arteta, ramsey, wilshere, santi. what we lack is depth.
upfront theo is not consistent and goes awol for big games, Poldi was injured or so they say but he is a key player and given more game time can be a better one this year. and giroud will come leaps and bounds.
in short Man united had a better offense but a poor defense as shown in pre season. while we had the second best defense only to city since Jan, but we struggled to score and had the most 1-0 scorelines of any team in the EPL.
we needed firepower and this has not arrived, we needed depth and this has not arrived. if we can win our games till the transfer window opens and some additions come in then we could have a better year.
but if we sign no one of significance, then we are right where we were last year, and if liverpool and spurs ammo up we are fighting for that trophy we soo love at 4th.
For me this squad is good, but not good enough to go a season. and if wenger decides to take the moral high ground he is committing career suicide.
The fans will tell him to leave, and that he shall do by joining PSG.
The board and usmanov have been absolutely silent during this window and something is brewing and it looks to be a high level war.
14 Aug 2013 10:06:51
It seems that the club are totally incompetent at making signings. So far, just an injury prone 20 year on a free.
We desperately need a centre back, a defensive midfield player, an attacking midfield player & a forward.
Our squad is paper thin, god knows what state the team will be in by the end of September.
Lets hope my fears are not justified.
We desperately need nothing. The squad will be strengthened, that is a certainty, the likes of you and the rest of us are not privvy to the business of actually signing anyone.
We will be informed when these (not if) signings occur.
Galway - usually I agree, with a mind to us being 4th faves for league, but this year was a huge chance to stamp our name on things. 3 new managers elsewhere could have created confusion, and a strong start would have given us the momentum.
Right now, god forbid we are losing at half time to Villa on Sat - I think the place would self combust
I agree with you Robbie. The man from Galway must have nerves of steel to take that attitude - Blimey.
Galwaygooner. Firstly, you don't know me, so you have no idea whether or not I am privy to any of Arsenal's business. Secondly, we have been informed of the Arsenal signings to date, being one promising young player. We haven't signed any first team players, despite letting players go who formed part of the squad last season and played some part. We also have Abu Diaby & Vermaelen out for the foreseeable future, as well as Monreal out injured. We are down to our last two fit centre backs & have to rely on a vertically challenged right back as cover, which in turn would mean Jenkinson promoted to right back (in my opinion he is not ready yet & the team looks far stronger with Sagna at RB). If you exclude Frimpong & Miyaichi, we have 17 fit first team players for Saturday. If we pick up any midweek injuries, we are in trouble before the season starts & we have CL qualification to contend with! I hope we make the four signings we need, but it is virtually impossible for any to arrive in time for Saturday & the CL squad must be registered soon, as the first match is in a weeks time! There is less than 3 weeks until the transfer window shuts. Since Dein left & Fiszman died, we seem incapable of tying top players down to long contracts & perform very weakly in the transfer market. This down to Wenger, Gazidis & the negotiating team. I hope they prove me wrong & sign Ceasar, Williams, Gustavo & Suarez, but somehow I doubt it very much. At best two signings.
14 Aug 2013 10:02:12
Hi guys and Eds I've only just registered but always read the posts I was wondering if any new news on the Suarez front has come to light thanks in advance x
He claims he wants to stay at Liverpool now. Well, that's apparently what he said on a southaAmerican radio station. According to a certain newspaper, we're now looking at Dzeko and michu. This newspaper doesn't have much credibility however; they're synonyms with writing bs.
Sorry, that was awfully writen, wasn't really concentrating. Anyway, ed, do you reckon we will make a move for Dzeko and if we do, how do you see our chances of getting him? I read that pellegrini has said that dzeko will play a "major" role next season. Always rated him, got city out of trouble a few times last season.
{Ed022's Note - He's a very good player, massively under-used at City. Proved his worth several times as you mentioned. Wenger is a fan and we were linked with him before City came in with millions and millions. However, he played a massive part in pre-season and impressed Pellegrini so I fully expect him to play alongside Aguero. Jovetic is more a attacking left winger/striker and Negredo will rotate with ED and SG...}
14 Aug 2013 09:56:20
Only the disgruntled complain and make unnecessary noise. Thus giving the perception that the majority of the fans are against our manager. I assure you, that its the opposite. I reckon 80% pro Wenger. 20% Anti. I just think its a damn shame the minority keep on chipping away at him like a bunch of bullies
Are you blind? Can you not see that we have won ZERO TROPHIES IN EIGHT YEARS and in a year when we have a huge opportunity to catch up with our rivals, We have made ZERO signings with a "war chest". I can't understand why people still blindly support Wenger!
Well I am not sure I agree. My own view is that it's more like 50/50.
Personally, I love and support arsenal- I did before wenger was manager and will continue to do so when he eventually leaves.
I praise and criticise wenger in probably in equal measure, when I think he deserves it. No one is beyond approach.
Players and mangers come and go and I will support them whilst they represent AFC. But if I think they are not doing their best or make a bad decision, etc I will criticise and question what they're are doing.
I am neither pro nor anti wenger as such. I just want to see my club doing as well as it can. So I try to be objective.
Have we had this poll yet? For Wenger? Against Wenger or in the balance? I think many will be in the balance. A lot will depend on the outcome of this transfer window. Wenger has his principles and his own valuation of players for sale, unfortunately prices have been driven up. In some part due to certain clubs announcing 70M war chests being available. Could be we've snookered ourselves.
14 Aug 2013 09:52:58
Well so the news today rules suarez out of a sale.
He will sign a contract with a release clause, so looks like we are looking for a backup.
if we start the season badly, the pressure is on wenger, and I really can't see him pulling it off again this time around. other teams have just added too much talent, while we waited and bargained.
even the luis gustavo deal seems to have hit a barried due to a bid too low.
so it just goes to show, how poorly our team has handled the transfer window. {Ed044's Note - You mean one Tweet rules him out?}
Well i'm not quite sure its the tweet that bothers me, its the fact that Arsenal have actually started with their backup solution as they have actually realised that Suarez won't be sold.
Michu and Dzeko, would be good additions, but with the way the transfer market has gone thus far, it seems two weeks may not cut it.
hope to be proven wrong.
If the boss thinks £17m is too much for Gustavo, then it's too much. If he thinks £34m is too much for Higuain, it's too much. I think he knows a little bit more about football and its talent than us. If someone got in the back of my cab in London and started telling me which way to go, I'd chuck him out
A tweet from the guy who said about 3 weeks ago that Luis was DEFINATELY leaving to join Arsenal lol. it contradicts itself, he has a self imposed media blackout while on international duty, then this comes out?
lets just wait and see.
Yeah exactly, agree with ed- it's one unconfirmed tweet. let's see what happens.
"If someone got in the back of your cab and told you which way to go, you would chuck him out"?
So say person A knows how to get to his house, while Driver B is taking the long scenic way around london, if he told you otherwise you would chuck him out?
1) you clearly have no respect for those who give your your daily bread.
2) kind of ignorant to think you know much better than everyone else.
Sometimes it does not hurt to listen.
14 Aug 2013 09:47:47
Could you Imagine if the boss was reading some of the negative crap written on this site about him and the team. I despair, I really do! If you are reading some of this stuff Wenger, please turn the other cheek. You'd better than this, the large majority of the fan base is truly behind you.
The fans that back Wenger, back him more of the fear that we will be worse of if we sack him.
I will give Wenger the benefit of the doubt until 2nd September, when the window shuts. At present our squad is woefully thin.
14 Aug 2013 09:34:33
Suarez now says he is going to stay at liverpool because of the fans.
14 Aug 2013 09:04:24
Dear Eds,
Any interest on Alexis Sanchez from us? Please update.
Thanks. {Ed044's Note - No mate.}
14 Aug 2013 09:09:33
Some clarification please eds
Suarez has come out and stated he is not leaving, told the Uruguayan media, apparently?
As a life long Arsenal supporter, of some,
(using my fingers) 46 years, I can honestly say I have never felt so out of touch with the club. I'd like to say, Well done Liverpool! Of course, as an Arsenal fan I would have loved to have seen Suarez in an Arsenal shirt, but, and this is key, they have done what they needed to do to hold onto their player.
Arsenal, Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal board take note, that's how you hold onto your star players, I feel this is quite simply a (another) massive kick in the collective groins of all Arsenal fans, Arsene, or the transfer process, is making our beloved club look weak and unable to make a serious bid in the transfer market, thinking as a sponsor, do you think the perception of the arsenal brand is strong or weak, I think the latter COYG
Wenger has made the perception of The Arsenal weak! Are you joking man!
The reason why we are the best run club in Europe, is because of him.
Financially one of the best run clubs,
in terms of actual football ambitions, none have been met.
you must be quite rich to pay the high extortionate amounts to watch a team lose to blackpool and blackburn and not question the direction of the club.
Carefree is good, but not to the extent where you blindly follow just because of passion. if you did that for every endeavour in your life, it would lead you to the doldrums.
I'm not asking for wenger to leave, but should we not ask questions, as fans who give the club our money, so that they can match our ambition and win trophies?
Isn't the sole existence of a Football club to win trophies?
Its about the game, not about bank balance.
I'm not asking him to spend 50 million on Suarez, oh no.
But the CB, RB, CDM, GK, LW
would suarez play all those positions, or are you going to tell me that our squad can compete?
and for the record, with our lack of depth and injury history, what we did last year may be even harder this year.
14 Aug 2013 09:02:58
Hi Gooners
I m freaking tired and really disappointed seeing AW doing nothing (except for trying; they say- which is not good enough) to sign players for our 1st team squad.(in case of AFC one has to specify first team). God! day goes and comes and then goes; we all hope everyday; but what we get is only hope. Surely now the hope is starting to fade away. Not a single signing ; all there is stupid talk talk and more talk, by media and that Manager of ours. Even if we sign all our players today, I don't think so they will be available for villa game, also they won't be eligible to play first leg of UCL as well. We can hope we survive villa and return back from turkey (not an easy place to play - especially English teams) without any injuries and most importantly without loosing.
Really I don't think we will sign(hope we do) but if we were serious abt getting in players we would have already got key marquee signings. simply don't understand why AW perusing Suarez. He is a world class player no doubt, but he must have known it will take hell amount of effort and money to get him. Liverpool will sell him, but first, they need replacement(Ed - why Aspas can't be his replacement or is he? - no offence, he is brilliant) and second, they will wait till other teams have their interest in him. I am sure bayern Munich will get suarez( gustavo is being sold; not to us or may be to us for a decent sum of money). they will use it for him. Guardiola likes Suarez kind of plAyers and they showed interest during start/or before start of transfer window. We will in typical AW style get 2-3 Players (squad players) or may be 1decent signing (but I expect nothing, just going by majority) as we r well short of plAyers.
if we don't get good players, I think it will be a great disappointment for the club, the fans and players as well. almost every player expects us to sign. I don't know what is AW waiting for (his contract renewal?). pay the money even if it is 2-3 millions more as we have the money as well. AW is treating this money as if it is coming out of his personal bank balance. Arsene "the miser one" sign some freaking players! its high. time now, other wise leave and let someone else do the job. Why don't u retire like SAF and be the youth academy director or head as you nurture and love working with youth players . Please don't frustrate us anymore.
14 Aug 2013 06:14:56
Hey eds. Is there any chance that Arsenal could sign Javier Hernandez from Man U? He looks a top quality player, but never given the playing time, with Rooney, RVP and Welbeck ahead of him, Cheers {Ed044's Note - There is no interest in him.}
I too would like to see us go after "the little pea". He is the fox in the box sort of player we need to work off Giroud. Technically excellent player and his goals per minutes on the pitch ratio is none too shabby either.
14 Aug 2013 06:05:22
I would just like to see a point cleared up . Do you Eds or anyone else know how many present first team Arsenal players that have played MORE! than 5 first team games last season for the first team actually came through our policy of developing youth and bringing them through. All I can think of is Ox, Walcott, ( and they came from Southampton) Wilshere and I think! Gibbs. Doesn't seem a lot seeing as we seem to have a policy of bringing in young talent.
Gibbs came from Wimbledon originally
Jenkinson, shezza, ramsey. Not all of these were from our youth academy but are were youngsters when they joined.
{Ed022's Note - It is true, Gibbs did come from Wimbledon. He came when they disbanded in 2004 and became MK Dons. Jenkinson was obviously signed from Charlton, Ramsey from Cardiff and Szczesny from Legia Warsaw in 2006 aged 16. Ox, Walcott came from Southampton. So really the only current first teamer is Jack Wilshere who actually started at Luton Town Kids Academy aged 8yrs old. He joined Arsenal Academy aged 9 and has been here ever since...}
14 Aug 2013 04:32:51
Hi ed,
This is probably only likely in FIFA 14, but, could Pato be lured back to Europe? I think he'd go alright at the Emirates. {Ed044's Note - There is no interest in him.} {Ed002's Note -
14 Aug 2013 02:40:21
Players I hope to see at arsenal
Cesar
Williams/rami/ginter
Gustavo
Gourcuff
Suarez
14 Aug 2013 00:28:50
Your all right if we don't improve the squad it is down to one man and him only, but IMO we've got to bring atleast 2-3 class players in, maybe not that world class player but with what time we have left just class will do me, arsenal always improves most players anyway, but i'm sticking to my opinion of getting rid of all are dead wood was the first most important thing before bringing in fresh faces, but you must remember getting rid of the deadwood is much easier and faster then bringing them in, it might take 2-3 seasons to build are squad back up fully, because we have got rid of ALOT! Of players, but aslong as the ones coming in are class, weather young or old, I'm happy. BUT WENGER YOU MUST START SPENDING! Bring in some good youngsters buy all means, but we NEED! Established players aswell.
13 Aug 2013 23:00:11
Gustavo seems pretty close, any bet he will go to Napoli haha.
Honestly, seems like a good buy. He will give us more depth.
All we now need is a striker, LW and a defender.
Suarez, Gustavo, Eriksen/Sanchez and Ginter and the league could be ours.
Nick.
13 Aug 2013 22:18:59
Gustavo would be my number 1 signing for midfield lynch pin position, however I just can't see us pulling the deal off.
I would be more than happy to be proved wrong, I just don't think le boss will offer the assurances of guaranteed first team football.
Plus the fact we are just being used to bump up prices, so expect a pony a bid or acquisition of either Barry or Flamini.
13 Aug 2013 22:18:17
I voted arsenal in that trophies poll because honestly I think we have or maybe just about to turn a corner to become England's 1st self made super club and think the flood gates could be about to open. Hopefully
13 Aug 2013 21:32:22
Hi Eds. Can you please create a poll for us:
Who do the Arsenal fans think will be our top scorer next season:
Giroud
Walcott
Podolski
Santi
New Signing {Ed027's Note - ill do this once the window has closed