Arsenal Banter Archive June 14 2013

14 Jun 2013 23:44:26
HI everyone,

Well the eds told us that big changes will happen in Arsenal in the summer so credit to them.
I don't know if the changes will be good or bad, but they are happening.
We all know this transfer period is crucial for us. This is our year, our chance to win the damn title, to prove the world that we are still a force and not some selling club to the "big" clubs. I want the club to show some passion, intention to go forward. IG said we have money to spend. He said that last year too, and we ended up selling RVP. I have never been more hurt, ughh I felt angry and most of all disappointed. If the club, god forbid, sells Wilshere to United I swear, I will come to England and I will burn the Emirates to the ground.
So go on Arsene make this team special once again, this is your time. Prove the world that you're the best manager around, prove the spurs that they are light years behind us,
show the middle finger to united and tell them their time is over. Oh and take Rooney off them, I mean Rooney scoring the winning goal at Old Trafford would be very very.

If you fail this time no matter how much we love you, you need to pack your bags.

Totally agree. We're at that stage where we can add a few top players and be great again.

This is it. Arsene needs to do his stuff. We simply have to go for it.

If not I have to be allowed to be the next Arsenal manager. Please vote for me. I just keep doing what we do with 3 or 4 world class players. A killer striker to put away all the fantastic opportunities we create. A talented and powerful defensive midfielder to make sure we can mix it when we
need to. Lastly, a gk who will mentor szchesny and short term, give us a commanding presence at corners and against counter attacks. And of course ditch the nearly men and replace with fewer, high quality players. Gervinho, all the usual suspects. Thank you. Vote Big Cobra!

14 Jun 2013 22:32:46
Just learned the Grandmother of Ryan Rocastle and mother of Arsenal Legend David "Rocky" Rocastle, Linda, has passed away.

RIP Linda.

14 Jun 2013 20:22:05
some of the stuff on here is just plain crazy, does anyone really know who wenger want, s, he hardly ever buys who we would like, I just can, t believe we are haggling for Fellaini, the player is exactly what we need, strong, powerful and aggressive, I heard a talksport caller said he 100% saw Rooney at the Emirates today, Would be nice but doubt it, I am tubby and balding so could have been me he saw!

14 Jun 2013 19:42:15
I do hope Raage turns into a success story. so much potential in back page headlinedome with his name.

"Raage Against the Machine" - Raage leads the gunners against an unbeaten Bayern Munich in the Champions league.
"Streets of Raage" - Raage photographed on a boozey night out lamping a mouthy Spurs fan

err. and so on.

I'm sure you guys can think of some others.

Lets have some fun.

AG

14 Jun 2013 18:14:09
People are moaning over Sir Chips Keswick's appointment and yet, half of you don't have a clue who the guy is.

Sir Chips is a Director at The Bank of England and has actually been an AFC board member for the past 8yrs.

His appointment as Chairman is nothing short of honourary, but he will have a say as PHW did. But this move (Chairman app't) was always going to be internal it was never for fresh blood.

However, as I said Sir Chips was previously a Non-Exec board member, meaning there is now a spot open on the board for his replacement. This is where the real change (s) shall be seen.

Hopefully that's cleared things up for some people.

14 Jun 2013 17:58:43
Just seen on tv we have a new chairman as Peter hill-wood has stepped down. Is this the start of the massive shake up everyone has been on about? Do we expect big things now? Any thoughts was

Gpsgooner

14 Jun 2013 16:41:44
Hill wood steps down! Is the change ed002 was talking about, don't think it'll change much, what u think ed? {Ed027's Note - He will have his own ideas and want to put his stamp on things, so I would expect some change at least

I very much doubt it'll make any difference whatsoever

Chimney sweep Josh

This won't change anything. He is not new on the board and he is 73. Nothing will change, except maybe he won't make stupid comments now and again.
If this is the change we have heard about then its. nothing. Hope for bigger things to come or the board and Arsene will have a hard time ahead.

14 Jun 2013 16:26:43
Total respect for Peter Hill Wood and what his family have done at Arsenal but to replace him with another Dinosaur of the current board is nothing more than a sideways step!

I agree on both counts - have you heard something we haven't? IG made it pretty clear they were thinking strongly about this, and honestly I think Bayern have given our lot a massive slap in the face on a lot of ways and I think they are considering many issues put forward by the AST-commissioned reports presented to IG, which highlighted concerns regarding lack of ex-player and fan representation on the board, amongst other things, as well as the concern about age, and lack of modern football nous and awareness of modern players. I am hoping the positive changes at the club will continue and this area will be one that is addressed. Seeing Freddie become ambassador was great, things are looking good.

Just seen the announcement. disappointed, but I guess not worse than we expected hey?

Understand your argument. Just don't want others to moan about this guys age in one breath, then in the next say they want to see David Dein in the boardroom. The same David Dein who turns 70 in September.
Flybo

Agree with you Flybo
I'd like someone like Niall Quinn. Done the job at Sunderland. Has a history with arsenal. Age right for a 10+ year spell. I'd like to see Karen Brady on the Board too. She's wasted at west ham

Paul, I would prefer other Arsenal luminaries but can't really think of anyone.

Interesting your take on Brady - hadn't West Ham changed owners in recent years? And they've just agreed some stadium rental deal? Their owners are also investing in players again - you say wasted there, but in all honesty I think from the little I have seen here and there that they have an interesting project under way there.

14 Jun 2013 16:21:21
Just heard some info re big boardroom changes. Unfortunatley it isn't that dein or usmanov is joining only that a new american chairman has been appointed. Ownership is staying the same. Silent stan is just bringing in his men. Was hoping for at least dein with usmanov kobo12

14 Jun 2013 15:08:01
Rooney has been spotted at the emirates! Arriving in a black mercedes.

Aaw no. not one of those exclusive sightings. bet you he was showing off his dodgy new hairpiece

Why always a black mercedes? a hyundai perhaps?

14 Jun 2013 15:52:21
I spotted rooney here in Antartica

14 Jun 2013 14:47:13
From what I understand Fellani is concerned thinking a move to the Emirates may fall through as his club are yet to give Arsenal permission to negotiate personal terms and wrap up a deal. This is contrary to media hype claiming Arsenal will not meet his buy out clause. Wenger is well aware of his buy-out clause.

JJ

14 Jun 2013 14:16:14
Higuain and Jovetic won't join us, most probably Juve will be their destination, Jovetic could join Chels*** as well, it reminds me of Mata's situation, we didn't sign him just for money, He joined them and everybody has seen his talent and brilliant performances during last 2 seasons. We won't sign Fellaini too, don't hold your breath mates. We may sign a couple of young French talented injury-prone players who will leave us a few years later for pastures new. I'm not a gloomy pessimist, it's just a logical deduction, though I sincerely hope to be proved wrong

14 Jun 2013 13:02:33
Dear Mr Wenger.

So, I gather we are on a surge to insure the future of the club is safe with an investment into youth/ reserve players. Therefore I think we should really consider Jordan Lukaku ( Romelu's little brother). AS HE IS A TANK.

Thank you,

14 Jun 2013 12:48:40
Arsenal have signed jamaal raage for around £295k and julio Pleguezuelo selva for around £255k

14 Jun 2013 11:56:53
I'd just like to say as well, that I am aware that IG has given himself a massive get-out-of-jail card by saying the money is there BUT it's down to Wenger to use it how he sees fit.

This annoys me, and does give IG an excuse if we don't sign top players, but like I say, he has come out and outlined very clearly what we can afford to do, so Wenger will see no peace if the team isn't up to scratch by the start of the season.

Have faith people :) this time in a month, then fine be worried haha

Thing is metal you and I and everyone else knows we WILL be in this position in a months time. It's so frustrating waiting for any little bit of news or wishing what the rumours say are going to happen but nothing! I read that certain people are on holiday delaying us from signing anyone yet other teams are all making signings. Perhaps they should ban all holidays till transfers are done and dusted then maybe just maybe that would push them into acting or no 2wks to wherever. How we never learn from past seasons is beyond me.

14 Jun 2013 10:37:11
When will people learn wenger won't spend big we get told every year he will our best players leave and then he try's to fill the void by buying mediocre players same s*** day in day out and now the pamdimonium has started again please we all need to wake up and not believe the lies we are spoon fed for once

I understand your frustration, but I really think this summer will be different. we have apparently turned a "financial corner" and now have more funds to play with, although don't expect 30 million signings.

We will see come september personally I still think its the same s*** every year I use to get excited about transfer window but it always makes us weaker

Completely agree with you, however let us reserve judgement until the transfer deadline has closed and try to be patient. it is torture I must admit especially when our players are leaving but this should be the beginning of the turnaround for Arsenal FC (fingers crossed).

14 Jun 2013 10:43:29
I for one am not panicking (yet :D) about lack of signings. The club is clearly busy, we're shifting a lot of rubbish and a lot of under-par youth, we're making room in the squad and we've been signing up young talent at a pretty nice rate. To me it seems if Wenger doesn't get a new contract, he is at least filling the reserves with the sorts of players who could do very well for the reserves/youth/NextGen teams and actually step up to senior level as winners of some sort, which we haven't really had for a while. So for me it's great that we're signing these guys. Some kid called Raage just announced we've signed him. such a a great name!

I liked how open Gazidis was the other day - for someone who clearly has no desire to directly pressurize Wenger into spending he has done a mighty fine job of landing him in it - but I still feel Wenger is that stubborn and self-assured it'll be like water off a duck's back.

Even so, if our team doesn't look like it can compete for the league come the start of the new season, there is only going to be one man to blame, and the atmosphere at the Emirates will be vile. Tick tock Wenger!

I want to do a separate post on the clubs he spoke about.

14 Jun 2013 10:01:33
Many moons ago when I was at school, two of my mates were Spurs supporters. They would go to White Hart Lane and wait for about ten minutes after kick off and climb over the wall. One Saturday a policeman caught them and forced them go back in and watch the rest of the game!

(just got a laugh out of this and thought i'd share :P)

Thank you so much for this!
Can't wait to unleash this on my spud mother!

14 Jun 2013 06:00:38
I don't think a lot of people are actually taking note of what our transfer kitty IS. I posted it before but I feel I need to do it again. It is supposed to be around £75 million. that is to INCLUDE THE PLAYERS WAGES we bring in. Not £75 million pound just to buy players. So as I said before IF! We buy let's say 3 players on around £90. 000 per week over let's say a 3 year contract that's over £42 million in wages alone which leaves us around £33 million to actually spend on buying. Now, if I am right and I hope I am not if we are looking for what is rumoured to be around another 3 players we look like we are going bargain basement AGAIN! unless we get just one real quality player and a couple of make doers! just to look like something is happening.

Not saying we will spend £70m but if you include the wages of the players coming in as part of the budget you have to offset this with the players wages that are going out and there has already been a fair chunk just from the released players. We may even get another £10m from player sales depending on who leaves so all this has to be added to the reported £70m

I would love to know where this 70m figure was plucked from, did anyone at Arsenal actually say that is what we have to spend? I hope its just press fabrication because your maths suggests we are going to need a bit more

14 Jun 2013 10:20:14
Does it take into account the huge amount off the wage bill due to the departure of Arsharvin and co. If 52 k goes it could be in the region of 240k per week. that's one player on 100k a week and one on 140k per week. we are due payments for song and Cesc transfers that are paid in yearly instulments. on top of the 123m surplus we had in the bank before any comments from the CEO. I think you will find out there is a lot more if Wenger wants it. Two French based imports might be offloaded soon aswell. that would be another 100 k off the wages. km

Eddie5555, sorry but I am inclined to disagree with you here!

In previous years there has been a lot of debate over whether this '£50m war chest' is for fees or fees and wages. Wenger has said it's for wages. He's then sold up to £50m of our stars, and invested close to £50m on much worse players, bloating the squad and not even touching that initial balance.

We also have a massive wage bill that is used for wages. I have said before and will say now that I still believe that kitty has always been completely available to Wenger for fees, going on what has been said by the club.

Now, we have approx £70m depending on what story you read. Gazidis has said that is all available for transfers due to commercial deals kicking in. It's not for fees and wages. This is why we can buy Rooney if we want, stick him on £200kpw if we want, and go and buy more afterwards.

Also, it doesn't make much sense to have a squad whose wages are paid for with the wage budget (£145m), sell several players and loan others out, freeing up space for signings, only to then say 'but we won't use those wages we just freed up, instead we'll pay them with the transfer kitty' - it has ALWAYS been a red herring. Wenger would love you and me to believe he couldn't afford £10m players. It's BS and Gazidis is sick of saying it!

Financial restrictions didn't mean we couldn't afford to buy players like a GK or DM last summer, it simply meant we have never been able to spend e. g. £35m+ on one player like our rivals have.

Gazidis made it pretty clear about 2-3 weeks ago that that money is ALL for transfers anyway.

And that doesn't even start to go into how ridiculous an idea is that when we sign a player and offer them 5m a year for 4 years, we instantly hand over 20m to them on the spot and say goodbye to our transfer kitty!

It's just daft!

We have £115m in reserve. I really doubt the £75m includes wages as that would be ridiculous.

No, that is not how it works at all. I don't where you have got the idea that transfer and wage budget are put into one pot, but that is not true. Anyway, you saying that adding up all the money spent over their respective three or four year deals is redundant, because new money is always coming in over that space of time through certain deals. By your logic, we spent 84.4 million last summer, and given that this summer, which is supposedly our most financially free one for a long time, we have, as you say, a transfer kitty of 75 mill, I think it is unlikely that we spent more last summer.

The 70 million is there for Wenger to spend on transfers alone.

Who says it includes wages? (it might well do) and also aren't we getting rid of about 5 players on 50k or more contracts so there is plenty of wages.

We can easily spend 100mil if we wanted this window. Also we have freed up about 300k a week already so will have no problem paying wages.

I'm pretty sure that's without wages. That is why we have a wage bill. With Arshavin, Squid, Denilson and hopefully Bendtner leaving and freeing up wages, does that mean our transfer kitty suddenly rises? I don't think so. Perhaps one of the Eds can help us out here? Thanks in advance

Your forgetting that we have released a huge amount of player, some of whom had large wages.

All the players gone plus maybe a few more should easily cover the costs of 2-3 top quality player wages.

I know what your getting at but that's assuming we won't have a budget at all next year, that the £75 million we have this year has to finance the players wages who we buy this summer for the duration of their contracts.

AFC will (should?!) have a long term projected set of budgets, set by assumed income (season tickets, advertising, earnings, merchandise etc) against outgoings (wages, fees, loans, fixed costs etc), and with these in mind probably estimate a simmilar transfer budget next season and some more after that, with a degree of flexibility I imagine.

I`ve not read everything there is to read about the supposedly `£75 million transfer budget`, it could well include wages too or that may be a seperate fund of monies. Hopefully its purely transfer fees and we can afford the likes of Higuain, Rooney etc.

Quick word about the bargain basement transfers we bring in each season - I think Wenger has a strategy; buy young players at a low cost, loan them out and sell them on for a profit. If they come good whilst out on loan, we keep them or sell at a higher profit. They`re a commodity, 100%. We loan a huge amount of players out every year, if none of them end up playing for AFC yet bring in a profit, who cares. If they do play for us, all the better. I think these types of players are very different to those who Wenger buys with the first team in mind, such as Podolsi, Gervinho etc of which we only buy 3 or 4 of each summer.

Surely wages are budgeted for on a year to year basis. Taking into account future revenue as apposed to a single "70 mill" amount. It's not like when a player is signed there wages for the contract are paid up front!

Club confirmed it does not include wages

Club would do 5 year forecasts and the funds normally include wages on new contracts

Quite reasonable that the club would include wages as they are a business and commit to the salary. This is why it was clarified


SY4

I am trying to think if I have ever read a positive or optimistic post from "EDDIE5555" and I really cannot think of one. such a party pooper lol

14 Jun 2013 00:23:14
There is fantasy and wishes. then there is reality, where a lot of us arsenal fans live- despite what IG has been saying, I expect business as usual= a French & german u21 or two, with maybe 1/2 senior 10mil type players.

Anyone expecting more will be sorely disappointed by the end of summer.

Sorry, sad I know- I wish and hope for more, but I am just being realistic. Anything better will be an unexpected amazing surprise.

I agree, IG made those statements just before the season renewal deadline to ensure the money comes in! He is not as daft as people think, get the money in first then blame someone else when NO topline players are bought.

I`m hoping (and this isn't unreasonable) for a new keeper, central midfielder, wide/creative midfielder and a striker. all top end, International quality players. Its bb Sczesny, Ramsay, Gervinho from the first team and a quality striker to compliment Giroud. (I`d keep Walcott out wide, why move a player who scores 20 goals a season to striker when he can do it perfectly well from the wing)

I`m expecting half a dozen youngster tho, 90% sent straight out on loan though as an investment :d