Arsenal Banter Archive July 16 2013

16 Jul 2013 20:42:25
Been reading some disturbing things on various sites today. Not only does cesc prefer to move to UTD over US but wenger is willing to let UTD have a clear run at him and pick up a few quid with that clause.

Now i'm hoping it's all media bullsh!te to keep things interesting but it would be so utterly heart wrenching that its almost believable.

16 Jul 2013 22:01:37
It does strike me as funny that when we are supposedly bidding for various targets we are said to be laying a smokescreen or just trying to goad fans into buying season tickets etc.

Yet the minute there's a mention that (for instance) Man U have made a bid for say, Cesc then it's the real deal and will defo go through.

Man U are getting a little jittery themelves me thinks, 'cos they haven't been that successful this window so far and are trying to keep their fans placated by throwing names around. They didn't get thiago, no baines. yet, no fellanni, no anyone of note.

plus they may lose rooney. not to us I hope unless he's willing to get a more realistic wage. 200,000 odd per week. he 'aint worth that.

But hopefully you get my drift. Please give Arsenal some credit in that they know what they are doing. If a player is worth it and HE WANTS TO PLAY FOR US, then I'm sure we will get him.

Estepona gooner

I doubt Fabregas will go to Utd, for a few reasons:

1. He played 48 games this season, so he's hardly lacking first team action.

2. He is at home in Barcelona, and his only other home is at Arsenal.

3. He wouldn't leave to win things, as he plays for Barca.

4. He isn't the kind of player that is driven by money.

5. He is an Arsenal fan, and still has great respect for the club. I think he realizes what RVP did to the club, and he wouldn't want to hurt us like he did.

"There are three people I owe in this life: my mother, my father and Arsene Wenger. "

-Cesc Fabregas

Going to Manchester United would be, in a sense, betraying Wenger, who is like a second father to him.

I don't see why he would go to united. i'm not saying he wont, but if he is a true arsenal fan, he knows that they are our rivals.

we have first refusal, and if he turns us down, then united will be his option.

so far he does not want to leave barcelona, and the coach has said that, yet somehow he is going to united.

i think barcelona need to find a midfielder to replace cesc, if he does go.

they need a defender, too. and perhaps a GK.

quite honestly if united offer them 30-35mill, I find it hard to belive they will turn it down, however with no replacement for cesc, they will hang onto him for another year perhaps.

i think rooney just might make them forget about cesc and think about keeping their house in order. got to love jose winding united up.

16 Jul 2013 20:28:16
Well it's still early but I'm beginning to get those summer jitters again. Why? Well no decisive action that was promised, and nothing happening that suggests it is around the corners.

Yes of course everyone plays it close to their chests. But as far as all those plays we have been connected with, well:

Rooney will stay predictably at United.
Cesc is going nowhere post the Thiago transfer.
Jovetic will end up at City.
Higuain is dying a death thanks to Real and probably Napoli who will end up paying out some of their £50m windfall.
Felliani seemed odds on to be heading our way, but predictably we stalled haggling to the last pound which will allow United in as they fail to land Cesc.
Suarez is going to end up at Real. Don't kid yourself that more debt worries them it doesn't, and post the Higuain deal they'll have more to spend.

So where does that leave us? Erm somewhere quite nasty. All those more obvious game changers will have past us by and Chelski, United, Dortmund, Paris and Bayern will still be buying.

So who next? Answers on a post card please as I'm struggling.

The Ghost of Terry Mancini

Rooney was on his way out before Moyes comments now after them he is angered and confused and wants out for certain.

16 Jul 2013 19:32:59
Bettin has just been reopened on the signing of Higuain. Looking less likely

16 Jul 2013 19:09:30
WE DON'T NEED A MIDFIELDER.
ramsey is playing class the whole midfield is, they are title contenders without a doubt we just need an out and out striker that is it.

I would say we need a world class striker but if it was either Man U get cesc then I would say if we have 70 million then but him, only improve the team. Fabragas Wilshire and crazorla/arteta in midfield, will be the best midfield in the league

Who's this crazorla? is he that midfeild general u need? I hope so cause that midfield would get killed in the league ;)

If we got cesc which I think he will stay at barca I can't see arteta staying. He only has a couple of years left playing at the top and his playing time would be very limited.
MgM

16 Jul 2013 20:52:12
Phuck me, CTR picking someone up on spelling and still spells midfield wrong. You are one thick gormless plank!

Chris jog on back to your own site, your input is not needed here thanks.

16 Jul 2013 22:42:40
I agree Ramsey is progressing very well indeed. But Coquelian gone, Diaby and Frimpong always injured and Rosicky and Arteta getting older. We need at least one top quality CDM who takes no prisoners.

Detroit Gooner

I do not think Ramsey is the solution to our problems, nor the problems of any club that is seriously thinking of mounting a title challenge

16 Jul 2013 18:19:24
just wondering if ike is still around?
belly

Was thinking the same.

malaga gooner

16 Jul 2013 17:31:59
Soccernet is reporting that the supposedly clause in Fabregas transfer deal that Arsenal will get 50% of the fee is apparently wide of the mark. It isn't there. Can you confirm this ed? thank youu! {Ed027's Note - i can't confirm this, nobody really knows the real clauses in Cesc's deal, I think it may be similar to David Villa's situation now he has joined Atleti

16 Jul 2013 17:01:43
love how our squads great with fans from everywhere, look like they're having fun
that running man was brilliant
(Arsenal Player free for a while for those who didn't know)

PdotY

16 Jul 2013 16:44:59
All as we are obviously not announcing any signings imminently I wanted to get all your thoughts on Ox, Rambo, and Jack. Ox had kinduv a slow year and limited opportunities but looked string towards the end and really filled in great for arteta against newcastle. Rambo has really great end of the season and looks confident in preseason. Jack has looked great when healthy and fit. Do you all expect big seasons from these three? I really feel it could be a breakout season especially for Rambo and Wilshere if the latter can stay fit. what's your thoughts? I REALLY wanna see Ramsey boss our midfield form box to box and start to add a few goals to his performances.

Ramsey was unreal last year, I would love to see a midfield double of Ramsey and Wilshere, but then how can you leave Arteta out?

If I had to, i'd have 4231 o 433 Ramsey Wilshere 2 CMs
Walcott Ox out wide then either Cazorla as CAM or Arteta as DM

dandan

Ramsey was unreal!

Face-palmed so hard I've got a concussion.

If cesc stays, and I hope he stays, then we don't need him back. let him take over for xavi and be happy. but if he to join united, I would rather we sign him. just because I don't want to see him in that jersey.

anyway I think he will stay and moyes can go after other targets. fellani, modric whoever.

it seems like the only players anyone ever wants is the arsenal players wenger signed. if it was not for clubs who basically have no scouting system, we would have been on top of the pile by now.

Or if u didn't sell them Laker, just saying.

Expect massive things from all the Brits next season. Especially jenkinson, got a massive man crush on this guy, he's the perfect mould of a full back!

Ramsey And oxlade should have great seasons next year with gervinho looking more likely to leave and Gibbs just needs to stay fit and he can improve leaps and bounds.

Wilshere just needs goals and then will be the best and most complete player in the prem.

Our Brits can bring us a title soon.


COYG

16 Jul 2013 15:53:00
Honestly, I don't think suarez will end up at madrid. Think he may end up at one of the rich french clubs or bayern. If this happens, higuain will go to napoli or chelsea, and we will have to re-evaluate

Why would Mourinho want Higuain at Chelsea?

Higuain will not end up at chelsea. The special one chose to play bemzema ahead of him most of the time and mourinho doesn't rate him

Honestly, I think Suarez will go to Madrid and Higuain will leave. I don't think Higuain will go to Chelsea, City, Bayern or Napoli. If Rooney is to be second fiddle to RVP then even if Rooney is sold, they'll struggle to attract someone who wants to play every week because 1) the reason Rooney wants out is the same reason for potential stars to not want in - not first choice - and 2) I think Moyes has some stripes to earn before players like Higuain want to go to United. I could be wrong there but that's what I think right now.

16 Jul 2013 12:34:45
Ed0029, how do I know whether we have made a bid for higuain and fabregas? nobody knows. I think it's a case of wait and see. but I believe maybe, something will be announced at some point obviously but about who, I really don't know. {Ed029's Note - You are still churning out rubbish. I have explained to you repeatedly since you shared your view that Arsenal has already purchased Higuain and Fabregas that what you have been telling everyone is rubbish. Yet you go on and on about it. The situation with both players was explained by another editor on the Barcelona and Real Madrid pages - although he has since given up dealing with them. You need to accept that Arsenal has not purchased these players.}

Dont know why your wasting your time ed. your explanations couldn't be any clearer yet still seem too complicated for someone to understand.
belly

Can I just play devil's advocate here - doesn't sound to me as though Fibby is saying he thinks we've signed Fabregas or Fellaini, if you read it. Sounds more like Fibby is suggesting that we might have deals done for SOMEONE already - and that's not such a daft thought.

Loads of clubs prefer to announce the sale of a player after they've brought in the replacement, so they don't get rinsed as they're in a position to buy. Everyone knows that. If PSG had announced Ibra's departure before signing Cavani then Napoli probably would have tried to get an even bigger fee somehow (just an example, don't come at me with release clauses!).

'I believe maybe something will be announced but about who nobody knows' doesn't like he's saying 'Ed I think we have signed Higuain and Fabegas'. Just saying.

Can I just play devil's advocate here - doesn't sound to me as though Fibby is saying he thinks we've signed Fabregas or Fellaini, if you read it. Sounds more like Fibby is suggesting that we might have deals done for SOMEONE already - and that's not such a daft thought.

Loads of clubs prefer to announce the sale of a player after they've brought in the replacement, so they don't get rinsed as they're in a position to buy. Everyone knows that. If PSG had announced Ibra's departure before signing Cavani then Napoli probably would have tried to get an even bigger fee somehow (just an example, don't come at me with release clauses!).

'I believe maybe something will be announced but about who nobody knows' doesn't like he's saying 'Ed I think we have signed Higuain and Fabegas'. Just saying.

It sounds to me like fibby is badly in need of a re-evaluation on his meds.
He talks more Bow Locks than the wife

Wow you got two for the price of one there!

16 Jul 2013 15:24:46
Why are people saying vito said fabregas is going nowhere? He said he spoke to fabregas and fabregas said he wanted to stay, now if the manager wanted him to stay, there would be no need for this conversion and tito would simply say fabregas is going nowhere I want to keep him. But he never, basically it sounds like its up to fabregas and I really can see him coming back to arsenal.

He's staying at barca- forget it and move on.

16 Jul 2013 16:26:56
If he brings Higuain and Bender with him all the better

16 Jul 2013 13:24:34
Dera Mr Wenger
I am sure you do understand and care what the Arsenal Football Club is all about. ( I am also sure that an assistant or someone on your behalf, looks through this rumour page)

Please do not let Man United sign Fab. last season we let them have VP, they won the league, if they get Fab. no matter how weak their team looks, I think they will do it again with Fab and VP.

Fab is our boy, but he does not want to leave Barca. but it seems that Barca are looking to do a deal to off load him. Get him back no matter what the cost. but you need to show him that AFC are serious about getting marquee players. pay the extra couple of 'mil' to tie these players down, because we will recoup this extra money when we start winning trophies.

This is going to be our year. but only if you play our cards right.

A hopeful, Highbury Old Timer

16 Jul 2013 14:20:13
What about this for an idea, we can't get Cesc untill another team bids for him, then we can get him on the first option clause. We agree with Man U to bid for him so we can invoke said clause, in return we back off from Fellani, stanger things have happened
Just a thought. I hope it's true.

16 Jul 2013 13:50:12
Eds how long do you guys think it'll be before we sign either Suarez or Higuain?

16 Jul 2013 13:04:29
Eds, any news on the keeper situation? Have we done a u-turn re: signing one?

The Cesar link looks dead, apparently Begovic is staying as Stoke consider loaning Butland out, it's been quiet around Reina since they signed Mignolet, but he was rumoured to be returning to Spain - do you guys know anything?

Cheers {Ed027's Note - We are considering our options, nothing concrete, we made a bid for Alex McCarthy of Reading and were told 10m, we barked at Cesar's wages, Ruffier is still on the cards, Begovic was also too expensive at 15m, Reina is possible

Ed don't you reckon Reina will also atleast cost 8-10 million and I am pretty sure his wages will be more than Cesar.
LFC fan {Ed027's Note - i do, but Alex McCarthy isn'y really proven, whilst Reina has been doing it for years, i'm not sure what Reina is on...but Cesar is on some serious cash

16 Jul 2013 13:00:57
According to FranceFootball we want Gourcuff on loan, paying 100% of his wages, with a buy option at the end.

Can't understand why but hey ho.

16 Jul 2013 12:42:36
Think in relation to Graham hunters comments regarding Higuain. On a positive note, at least it shows we are finally looking at top quality players for a change. Think there's a lot of gamesmanship taking place due to RM stance on the player and Suarez rumours. Can't for on minute see Wenger Sanction a 40m bid for one player. Looks like 3 of the 4 rich players have filled their bellies with big signings. or soon to be signings. PSG, Monaco and City. Villa has gone too which leaves very few remaining on the table. This could end up in a farce for us come the start of the season. km

16 Jul 2013 12:33:27
I'm fast beginning to think all the clauses in Cesc's contract were complete nonsense.

It's gone from 50% of the sell-on fee, to 50% of the sell-on profit. The whole point of this was to deter Barca from selling him after a short time because it would essentially mean we sold him for nothing. As well as it obviously meaning we got more money. But Eds it's been said so many times on these pages, 50% sell-on fee, not 50% of sell on profit, how come people are suddenly saying it's the latter?

And what the hell was this £25m buy-back option and 'first refusal' even for? I mean the loopholes regarding that surely just make it a totally redundant thing? What if they offer us Cesc when we can't afford to buy? Then he just becomes available to whoever wants him anyway. If they offer us Cesc, and we say no, or not yet, does that mean we have now used our first refusal and that's it, gone? Imagine fi they'd offered him to us in Jan, we would have said no, then they'd be free to offer him to other clubs as they see fit.

Someone tell me, if this clause is true, how Man U were permitted to make a formal approach? Because surely for Barca to allow a formal approach means they have to have cleared it with us first? This would imply that we've already used up our first refusal, we don't want him, and we're not signing him.

So what was the point? So Wenger can pat himself on the back? Honestly, apart from the removal of first-refusal on Toral and Bellerin, all the clauses in Cesc'c contract seem to be totally useless if we won't buy him back, or they don't sell him for a fortune.

Literally, worst case scenario is he goes to another club for a few bob more than our buy-back e. g. £30m. We all thought the sell-on fee protected us in that sense but if Barca don't actually need to make a profit on him then again the whole thing has been a total waste of negotiating posturing.

Metal it's simple re the activation of the first refusal clause. If another club formally makes a bid of any amount and Barca are minded to accept they have to get on the blower to Gazidis and Le Prof and advise us that this has happened. We can then say ok "we exercise our right to buy Cesc back for £25m" and they then have to honour that. If we don't exercise our option at that point then they can either accept the amount offered from the bidding club or try to negotiate a higher fee by playing hardball or even refuse to sell because thay changed their mind - our first refusal clause is no longer useable after this as we refused to take him at the opportunity as presented. If said sale to bidding club actually goes through we would be entitled to 50% of the amount agreed above the clause figure of £25M.

CECEGUaW

And you have to add even if we are able to pay the 25m he might just say NO to us too.

What I'm driving at is what if we do want him, but can't buy him now? We can't exactly say 'we want him, so you can't sell him, but we won't be buying him this summer. '

See what I mean? We get one shot at him, and that's it. If Barca had any brains they'd offer him to us in Jan last year when we are in no position to accept. And you and I don't even know if this has happened already! What if it has?

I can picture Wenger honestly passing up the chance to re-sign him, as bad as that sounds, I just don't see Cesc coming back. It feels as though it's either this summer or never. If Man U DID bid, then Barca have to offer him to us, no? So if he doesn't come this summer, then we've waive dour buy-back right and as far as I am concerned that means we'd never see him again at AFC.

I understand it to mean, IF Barca decide to sell him, we have first refusal.
This is assuming that he wants to come back here.
He did say he would never play for another EPL team but you never know.
People change.
Personally I think we should move on and go all out for Higuain, Suarez and Fellani plus a keeper.
That would see us challenge for the title I think.
Keep up the good work great posts everyone.
Mark.

16 Jul 2013 11:41:41
Hi ed,

Just wondering how the first refusal on Fabregas works would we have to match the highest bid or is there a set price we can buy him back for?

In Arsene I Trust. {Ed027's Note - there is some fella who posted something about it, it was pretty much spot on

16 Jul 2013 11:24:17
Don't know why but just remembered somewhere last year when one person mistyped striker as sticker. Lol, what abuse of remarks th poor fella got.
Nam-gooner

16 Jul 2013 10:20:34
Ed, would it be a reasonable assumption that Arsenal will not complete any signings until they are back from Asia? {Ed029's Note - No mate. Business still goes on.}

Is this the same one as you posted about a couple of weeks ago or another or is it a fantasy disco / boogie night
:) :0

Is there any assumption that Arsenal can complete negotiations FULL STOP!

Mata. Hazard. Jovetic. Higuain. Whos next?

Cammy out!

xxx

16 Jul 2013 08:54:12
I think Mr. Crabs, boss to Spongebob Squarepants the cartoon was modelled on Arsene Wenger lol. He won't part with any money

I think you should stop watching Spongebob Squarepants

Paul

Spondgebob rules lighten up!

-Homesick-

16 Jul 2013 08:23:29
Real Madrid will offer liverpool Higuain + cash for Suarez. However, Liverpool would only consider straight cash 40m+. Madrid will need to sell to buy after spending a large amount on Illamendi, forcing them to sell Higuain to Arsenal. I love it when a plan comes together!

Watch out for Napoli

16 Jul 2013 10:22:35
He will want champs league footy. RM have already signed 3 players and need to refinance Ronaldos contract. Napoli could be a player. Still think Higuian is a good chance of happening. km

16 Jul 2013 06:59:10
Man utd are now looking at fellaini.
Napoli are prepared to pay up to
30million euros for higuain, and Real
madrid are about to offer 40million
pounds for Luis Suarez.
Mr Wenger and his negotiators
are too slow. We must now go after
benteke

United 'now' looking at Fellaini? You don't think, you know, like, perhaps, they've been considering it all along?

16 Jul 2013 05:32:29
As Roma want Gervinho. I say offer them 20m plus Gervinho for Lamela. This kid will be great.

16 Jul 2013 03:50:32
I read on here earlier that Luis Gustavo and other Bayern midfielders are for sale?

Which players are for sale and how much would Gustavo in particular cost?

Thanks,

Nick.

Hi mate not sure where you read he's actually for sale, but I have been saying for weeks that he is a possible target, if that's what you're referring to?

We were interested around christmas time, I think we considered a move in jan but didn't/it didn't happen. We need a dm, and he's one who *could* be made available. It's hard to know since Pep joined, as he had a fantastic confeds tournament and you don't know what Pep is lining up. All I know is that midfield is heaving!

About 5 days ago, maybe less, I put up a post saying don't worry about the lack of signings guys, for example our DM targets haven't gone anywhere.

Well a few days on, it's looking like:

Fellaini - us or United, but I get the idea Fellaini would rather not work under Moyes any more, otherwise this move would be done already.
Gonalons has decided to stay at Lyon
Lars Bender hasn't moved, is expensive, and already in CL with Leverkusen.
Wanyama is now a Saints player

Its looking like our DM targets will either be some randomer we don't know of, Fellaini, Gustavo, or another one who's emerged is Matuidi.

I don't know what's going on with Capoue, there's been nothing about him for ages.

Thankfully we still have plenty of viable options so I won't freak if we don't sign Fellaini. I will freak if we fail to sign a DM though.

My preferred choice at DM, from those on the list still available, are:

-Gustavo
-Capoue
-Fellaini

I think Bender can be classed as 'unavailable'. I heard yesterday we're considering a loan move for Song - I hope that's nonsense. We play better without him!

16 Jul 2013 00:30:20
Just an opinion and perhaps any Ed's could input kindly.

Obviously I am not in "the know" and I do realise it's paper talk but I read an article stating Branislav Ivanovic (courtesy of BBC's gossip column) is a target for Paris St-Germain; costing apparently £8 million GBP. He is 29 years of age, unaware of how much he is paid but would imagine £80,000 a week or a little more and has all the quality in the world. Quick, attacking, defending and a true footballing brain playing centre half or right-back. I would honestly welcome him to Arsenal with open arms to replace Bacary Sagna.

Anyone else's thoughts welcome and of course I look forward to hearing the wisdom from the Ed's. {Ed027's Note - I'd take him, and play him at CB, but I think the story is BS, as I reckon he will be a starter for Chelsea

He's also a winner, so why would he join Arsenal

Agreed ed, he scores quite a bit as well.

always liked him.

malaga gooner

15 Jul 2013 23:10:38
Why the hell don't we go for florian thauvin 6 million young and won the cup looks good prospect
Bishop22