Arsenal Banter Archive August 22 2013

 

Use our rumours form to send us arsenal transfer rumours.

22 Aug 2013 22:24:51
So Newcastle want 25 mil for carbaye got to love pardew, get real mate you paid 4.5mil don't get greedy

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We paid 500k for Anelka and sold him for 23M.
Sale price isn't determined by profit margins, its determined by market value. Cabaye is easily worth 15M-20M to a club that needs him. We don't need him, we need to strengthen other areas.
Yes 25M is a bit OTT, but if you say 18M, then the highest you're getting is 15M. They will be looking for around 18M-20M. Plus this is Newcastle we are talking about, they got 35M for Carroll, when it comes to selling players, they are no mugs.

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22 Aug 2013 21:48:51
The transfer window starts now, I mean September 3, actually Arsene it opened almost 3 months ago.

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22 Aug 2013 21:43:47
Hope this is true, flaming is a very good player, will tighten our defensive problems, can play defence or midfield, looked good for ac last season. AT LAST A SIGNING albeit free. No applause just get on with you job. next!

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Better than a kick in the teeth put it that way. Ok not the glamour signing we have been hoping for but he will do a job when called upon and won't let us down. Can play right across midfield and can even fill in a fullback if desperate.He will certainly get stuck in. For free no real major commitment financially, I wonder what deal he will get?

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Just a shame it took 5 years to offer him a contract. Should never have let him go

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Surely a one-year deal is on the cards. 30-40k a week I would think

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22 Aug 2013 21:33:52
Lakerville what you said earlier is sound. Il take that. You may have a point.

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22 Aug 2013 21:13:15
I can't believe the rate at which people turn. Arsene Wenger is a fantastic manager, the best left in the Premier League. If he left Arsenal every man and his dog would do anything to get him on their books, all of this Wenger hate is just absolute nonsense. With the resources he has been given there has not been a better manager- he genuinely loves the club and takes the blame on behalf of the board regarding transfers and other poor decisions. It certainly doesn't help that misguided, fair-weather fans who have no idea about how football clubs (or any other kind of business) work. Go back to sending emails telling people they've won the Nigerian lottery.

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What a martyr he is, on 7.5 million quid a year. People like you are deluded. He takes that money and does the boards bidding, putting the financial side of the club above the footballing side. If anything he is a judas

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22 Aug 2013 21:04:59
How short sighted is that!
I don't care who is dropped if it means a better player takes there place, and if the player dropped has the minerals it will spur them on to become better

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You are joking Wengerism??

Do you really think this is a move forward?

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22 Aug 2013 21:00:43
Flamini back to the Arsenal is a great great signing. Even though Milan released him, he suits our style perfectly. And Wenger know how to get the best out if him.
Absolute masterstroke. Save ourselves 15-20m and spend the money elsewhere.

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Agreed. This guy loves the club and will do a job when we need it.

Tough as nails, versatile, and won't break the bank!

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22 Aug 2013 20:28:11
Raid Madrid with 120m for Benzema, Khedira, Di Maria, Ozil and Casillas.

See? Job done. Vote Ted for next Arsenal manager!

In all seriousness, wouldn't a takeover bid be really bead for us at this late stage? Don't they put a transfer embargo on teams going
through a takeover? (Source: FM)

And yes, I am aware that those transfers would be almost impossible.

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22 Aug 2013 19:51:42
This whole transfer window our tempo was too slow, and we had our handbrake on. I assure you the handbrake will be released.
And many of you will be pleasantly surprised.

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Mention some names before it happens then

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Thanks captain obvious

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Problems with hand brakes is you skid around a lot!, just like Wenger, but I hope your right, after all we all want the same thing, right?

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Thanks for that, Yoda.

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Wengerism I sincerely hope you are right

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Wengerism says the handbrake on . your just going out of your way to sound like him now, tut tut tut shame on you :|

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22 Aug 2013 19:37:33
arsenal to sign flamini on a 1 year deal according to david ornstein whos probably the most reliable media outlet when it comes to transfers. wenger obviously dosent see the point in spending 15-20m on what would be his third or fourth choice cdm after missing out on bender and gustavo. a short term solution before I assume going back in for bender next summer. squad additions is what we need and i'm personally happy with this as I wouldn't like to see arteta ramsey or wilshere get dropped which would inevitebly happen if a top cdm was bought. flamini also provides cover at rb and lb, let's hope the money saved will be spent on a top GK, CB, LW and ST.

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22 Aug 2013 19:35:58
I reckon we have agreed a deal with Flamini and Wenger is ideally hoping to get one more signing in before the announcement to prevent all the 'you only sign freebies' type comments.
That said I would like him signed for saturdays game regardless of anything else.
I haven't seen him play since he left us but if he's anything as good as he was then I'll be happy to see him in back in an arsenal shirt.
Will definitely help with our squad depth.

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22 Aug 2013 19:33:45
Looks like we're close to signing Flamini again. I think he could do a decent job as a back up and there's no real risk associated with the deal. The only disappointment is it looks like we won't get a world class defensive mid.

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22 Aug 2013 19:31:05
D on, that's the point I was trying to make, we need change and it will be ok

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22 Aug 2013 18:58:55
Hello all:

We keep asking what players we would like - usual answer: any player please!

But any thoughts on what type of team we would like. Defensive ala Graham? Ball retention like La Liga/Serie A? Counter attacking? Physical. What is the Arsenal style going forward? We haven't really been a lightning counter attack or pass-master team for a while. Just sort of Denilson+ crab-passing team. I hate to say.

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22 Aug 2013 18:45:25
So a good effort against Fenerbache, although they were pretty poor. A good Villa performance against Chelski, they were robbed of a draw. Yes we were poor against Villa, but maybe it's not the melt down we always seem to panic about.

Shame we aren't going to get replacements for Fulham as I don't see that as easy after the long trip to Istanbul. So great result, glad to see some are discovering Arsene just may still have one value, and great to hear we are moving on the transfers at long last. But I still fear there is a big risk f it being too little too late. I'm going to cross my fingers though.

The Arsenal team to play Spuds:

Cesar, Flamini, Koscielny, Inigo Martinez, Gibbs
Bender, Wilshere
Cazorla, Lamela
Walcott, Jackson Martinez

Cost? Cesar £3m, Flamini £0, Matinez £20m, Bender £20m, Lamela £32m, J Martinez £30m. A massive £105m guesstimate. Sell Podolski and Vermailen and that gives us another £25m in the bank, add on Gervinho and Mannone it's £35m. That's £70m of our 'war chest' gone but a side and squad that looks frightening not just for this year but for years to come.

It will never happen of course but I like to dream.

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Why flamini at RB he cian be used as cover there but not Sagan and jenko are available

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22 Aug 2013 18:37:29
Half post before, what I meant

This board is going to be great next few days. transfer window closing and this board becomes priceless

Coupled w eds humor and sarcasm (I look fwd to those now)

Banter is going to be awesome

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Totally agree, talk about a backward step

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22 Aug 2013 18:29:29
And there he goes again. the second I start defending Wenger, he finds a new way to wind me up.

Flamini. really! As in the player who pulled the original Van PurseString move when he rejected a contract and left the club on a free transfer?!

Thin squad aside, surely there is something to be said for self-respect. As a last-resort - Fine, but with 2 weeks to go (and it "all starting now"), surely Wenger can do better.

I have a suggestion for a striker as well. Michael Owen. How about Sol Campbell for Defensive cover.

Perhaps we should do an invincibles reunion tour.

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Classic so true.

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It's hard to come to terms with but these days we are the only fans of a club, not the manager, board, owner, players etc
just us

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To be fair to flamini, we dragged it out for two seasons to extend his contract (which he wanted), then he had an amazing season and the new offer was made, too late!

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22 Aug 2013 18:24:18
Plz please plz get benzema out of your heads we will not be signing him no way in a million years

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22 Aug 2013 14:58:57
Hey eds, I don't think it would happen, but is there any chance we go for Akinfeev? Great keeper, surely he would want a challenge outside of Russia? Would be huge.

Is their interest in him by anyone else at all?
Cheers! {Ed027's Note - I hope so

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22 Aug 2013 13:44:32
Ed, realistically how much could we get for podolski? Would be a shame to lose him but if the right offer was made and a good replacement came in I wouldn't be too unhappy. {Ed027's Note - 15m

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I would not say he is surplus to requirements yet but expendable if you know what a mean. A decent bid and Arsenal will sell I feel. I am not sure Podolski is all that happy here to be honest. If we do get Di Maria then his game time will even be more limited.

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22 Aug 2013 17:41:06
Hi edd 22

I've heard another confident whisper of a non player related change. People going out as well

Any other eds heard any rumbles?

{Ed022's Note - I have recently signed a five year contract so I won't be going anywhere. However, if I catch the drift of what you're saying then I would have to say I have heard several whispers but how true they are is anyones guess at the moment I am afraid...}

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Is this true Ed? You've signed a five year contract? So I take it your off to the Real page with Bale? Yet another of our stars deserting us at the height of their powers - tell me it isn't true.

It's probably slightly more likely than yet another of those 'I've heard' mysterious rumours that come up every so often. Why don't you just tell us what you heard and who you heard it from? I heard my rumour about you going to Real from Malaga and you know he is never wrong.

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Context - whispers in relation to?

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Intriguing but vague. Anyone care to add a few more morsels on this plate?

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Heard from a friend/ journo something is going on, don't know won't say what, but non playing staff, so no players or manager, that's all I know

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22 Aug 2013 17:06:58
Just a question to the ED's.

Is there any chance of Salah (FC Basel) being transferred to Arsenal? Or anyone?

I rate him highly.

Wenger has been quite contradictory. On one hand he wishes the transfer window closes before the first game and secondly, states that transfers happen "now". I can't rack my brains over that one.

Is it the fact we lost to Villa and that have him the kick he deserved or perhaps that now qualification seems certain; he now had 30 million to spend? I would be very surprised if he spent over that amount and it would be interesting to see if the qualification, covers for his transfer/s this season.

Hopefully that makes sense!

Regards,

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22 Aug 2013 17:00:10
I have a conspiracy theory
what if benzema was always the first choice & we just had to do real a few favours first
*bid for higuain to get the ball rolling with Napoli
*bid for suarez to unsettle him & stir the pot. I mean a 40,000, 001 bid we knew it would piss them off & they would not do business but we did it anyway
*knowing real are trying to get the best price for bale there is no way they can let spurs know they are interested in suarez as well so maybe we did there dirty work for them
*leaving us to take benzema who wenger has always wanted
I know it is a bit far fetched just something to think about

{Ed022's Note - Thats an engaging a one of the Harry Potter books and far less far fetched...}

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"Mornington Crescent". Sorry Ozgunner, I couldn't resist -:)

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22 Aug 2013 21:01:18
I think this might be the site for you:
http://www.talkconspiracy.co.uk/

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22 Aug 2013 16:53:58
think its quite clear there are issues with us and real, do not expect any of their players to come our way.

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22 Aug 2013 16:46:42
Good to be seeing a more positive atmosphere all around and on this site especially after the fenerbache win. I thought we'd go through by beating them at home, but a job well done by the boys especially Ramsey. Now issue is Wenger can win the premier league this year, he knows that, we all know that, and if he had just bought 3 players by now we wouldn't be so thin. Its got to a situation now that if we try to buy players, clubs would sense we are desperate and ask for more money.

players like wilshere and ramsey are getting only better, but add more to this team, 4 solid players and we would be challenging as we have a good team, not just a squad, they understand each other. We all know its not about the quality about depth of quality as well, players like carzola can get injured, and we should be able to replace quality for quality.

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22 Aug 2013 15:19:51
My Manchester United buddy reckons we have bid for Anderson. Not sure How much is in this but apparently we bid 2 weeks ago.

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Now I have heard it all. we have bid for anderson?

Anderson? ffs. anderson?

i mean comeon . anderson?

who is anderson?

{Ed022's Note - Lakerville, look what a success Mickael Silvestre was? Oh wait...}

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Lmao
u might have seen him play at old trafford, one who looked like a fugly tranny
(cough "apparently sir slex paid 27mil for him . cough")
wenger must be laughing soo hard if someone told him about this rumour

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Alex payed 27 mill for anderson?

are we talking about the same anderson?

ffs anderson do something?

why anderson? why not kleberson?

or pederson?

whose sons are all these son's?

why god. whyyyyy. why did you not let me call myself lakervilleson or lakerson or lakson.

how I hate myself.

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Unless my mate meant Viv Anderson

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Lol. United did not pay 27m for Anderson. It was around the 18m mark.

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22 Aug 2013 15:08:31
Last season I was extremely critical of Ramsey. I never believed him and thought he was one of the reason why Arsenal have been so bad.

How wrong was I? What a brilliant performance from him last night. He's definitely improved so greatly from last season. I apologise for the stick I gave him and happy he's an arsenal player.

Credit also has to to wenger for sticking by him and even though he's had a poor transfer window, he is still a amazing coach! Still think he's the best man for the job and hopefully with a few quality signings we can at least challenge this year.

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I agree with you and I expect big things from Ramsey its hard to think he's only 22 he's been around for ages and had a year out and I agree with you re Wenger he has still got it as a manager but I would take transfer dealings away from him and IG just get a list of people of him before each window and leave it to someone else David Dein in a perfect world.

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What did Ramsey say that you considered a falsehood or to be in any way disingenuous? It's one thing to be critical of his performance but to call him a liar. poor form without evidence, we need to know the specifics!

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22 Aug 2013 15:07:05
What's going on is not Wenger's fault, I've stuck by him even after the Villa game, he is the best man for the job! Have faith guys. Support our Arsenal. We will sign quality players. We will be successful.

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Who's fault is it then, gadizis, no the board no, wenger has total control at our club. will you lot remember he is our current manager, we have had others< no I no this is a shock to some of you, but we will have others as well. arsenal will be ok under other managers as they are under wenger.

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Yater21, an "ok" manager is just not good enough, not for Arsenal mate.

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22 Aug 2013 15:01:15
Anybody think Ricky Lambert worth a shout.

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Nope.

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Str8 2 the point ther lad ;)

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Lambert is very underrated smartie, if we did not have giroud I would want him.

He is too similar to giroud through and does not really suit our style of play as we don't really know how to cross the ball.

Still top player certainly better than previous strikers we have signed like charmack and bender

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22 Aug 2013 14:53:54
EDs,

Now that we have a 3 goal advantage coming into the return leg, it appears likely that we will be through to the group stage. Do you happen to know whether Arsenal will be considered seeded again and be in Pot 1? Would love to see City in Pot 2 or 3 again.

COYG {Ed044's Note - Ed02 said the seeding will be as per the rankings - so Pot 1 and Pot 3.}

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23 Aug 2013 11:47:13
Thanks Ed044. I actually found the link with the coefficient if anyone is interested.

http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/uefarankings/club/index.html

Top 8 as of 2012/2013 Rankings:
1) FC Barcelona
2) FC Bayern Munchen
3) Chelsea FC
4) Real Madrid CF
5) Manchester United FC
6) Arsenal FC
7) FC Internazionale Milano
8) FC Porto

Somewhere way down there:

17) Liverpool FC
22) Manchester City FC
24) Tottenham Hotspur FC

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22 Aug 2013 14:39:51
Referring back to my comment regarding "It starts now", which Wengerism rightly alluded to.

Are we all reading WAY too much into this. Wenger was simply making an observation about the increase in activity in the transfer market in the last 2 weeks.

How we and the entire British media has turned this into yet another edition of FM LIVE with AFC. I will never know.

Do we really want Wenger to deplete our ENTIRE cash balance? ZERO cash is a dangerous game for any company, football or otherwise.

I for one, expect some additions - and am coming to terms with the fact that they will not be BRAND names.

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Bilybob, we have £150m+ in cash reserves. We can easily afford to spend £140m and not blink. Now we have Champions League wrapped up our pool of players will widen, 'brand' names and all. We can go and buy Rooney, Lamela, etc. Whether or not we will is an entirely different matter however.

We have another £70m+ guaranteed for next summer with sponsorship deals alone. Plus we bring in around £3m for every home game.

Hope that allays your fears. The time is now. We can move up a class or two here. COME ON ARSENAL!

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Don't forget the 50-60 million we get just for being in the premiership :)

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If we spend £100,000,000 we still have £50,000,000 in the bank. And as ni gooner says, £70m for next year as well. If we spend £100m this summer, we won't need much next summer.

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Billybob the only reason money won't be released now is if wengers about to be replaced. we have at the lower end 150 mil available to use, it will not bankrupt us to buy 3 world class players

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"We can easily afford to spend £140m"

Yeah. hmmmm. you want us to maintain 10mln in Cash reserves. That seems like a REALLY REALLY bad idea. I mean, a phenominally bad idea.

Award monies for Premier league are at the end of the season, who would mean you are happy with us having a negative balance in Month 1.

I STRONGLY suggest you look over some accounting, because a move like that would be very BAD for the club.

I do think spending 60-70mln is plausible, but for the RIGHT players (haha - I sound like Wenger).

Unlike the mega clubs, we do not get to go on silly shopping sprees each year.

Using the analogy of purchasing a house: The oil-rich clubs can casually buy 10 flats in May Fair, and hope that they go up in value; but can just as casually sell them at a loss.

What Gladiz was TRYING to say in June, is that we CAN afford to buy in May Fair, but this would be 1 flat, and we would need to take our time to assess it carefully. We cannot write a blank cheque the way the others can.

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The gate money barely covers the wages!

{Ed022's Note - One home game pays for Nicklas "World's Greatest Striker but no-one will buy me" Bendtner to play football for a year. Instead, shouldn't we adapt a tiger or pay for a goat to be sent to a family in Africa or something constructive?}

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Billybob, you don't understand what cash reserves are. It is SURPLUS cash. We don't NEED it for anything. Our stadium payments and wage bill etc is already covered.

The club operates at a profit every year, and those profits increase every year. So, if we spent £140m right now and left £10m it is still SURPLUS ie we won't need to spend it to keep the club afloat or anything like that. All the PROFIT we earn will be added to the £10m, it will always be there. You seem to think that we'd only have £10m left to do us the rest of the season or something.

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The only thing with spending 150 million of the cash reserve is that the players that would buy would cost anything up to 50 million a year in wages pluys a big slice on insurance and probably a few other bits and bobs as well.

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22 Aug 2013 14:28:16
My ideal transfer window

CDM - Lars bender, paul pogba or Kondogbia
LW - Di Maria
GK - a human being
CB - another human being.

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Lol A Human? Who does he play for? i'm sure spurs will sign him up

{Ed022's Note - On a side note, credit where it's due, Szczesny had his calmest, most confident game for a while last night. Great handling, couple of excellent saves and good distribution. I do feel we need another human in as Flappy isn't up to scratch in my opinion. Listening to Wenger talking yesterday, unless Koscielny is worse than first feared with his head injury Wenger was already talking up Vermaelen coming back and how he "had a central defender on the pitch" in the shape of Sagna...}

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I'm a centre back.

You got arsene's number?

{Ed022's Note - To sign for Arsenal, you must be at least one of the following: French? Young & inexperienced? The owner of some dodgy Sagna style hair?}

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22 Aug 2013 14:26:53
Good result last night Rambo was brilliant he was by far the MOTM!
I can't wait to see the best JW10
To play with the best Rambo.

As for the transfer situation wenger said it starts now so let's hope for some significant additions and I hope that performance doesn't paper over the cracks we defo need at least 4 players down the spine of the team.


.

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22 Aug 2013 14:25:27
I think if real get bale they may play ronaldo down the middle so benzema is possible

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22 Aug 2013 14:17:36
Di Maria and Benezema - why it could happen.

Real have spent a fortune this summer already - approx 56mm on centre midfield (Isco/Irramendi(?)) and will buy Bale for a small fortune. They need to balance books to an extent, as this spending is excessive even by their standards. With their 3 centre mid positions taken (throw in Alonso/Khediera/Modric/kaka and Ozil) that leaves the 3 attacking positions - Ronaldo/Bale and 1 other. Morata is the bright young thing in Spain, Jesse can play a few games and that leaves room for 1 more top striker - currently the unloved Benezema. Real swap Suarez for him, and the fans are happy and they have upgraded.

I still have my doubts, but it makes far more sense than some of the other players we have been limnked too.

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22 Aug 2013 14:06:59
Very proud of the boys yesterday, that was quite an inspiriational performance given the high stakes of the game.

Ed, do you think Wenger is waiting for CL qualification to buy like we did a couple years ago with Benayoun and Arteta coming in after we won the Udinese game?

Thanks for the site you guys are awesome.

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22 Aug 2013 14:06:18
So, do people still think Suarez will be heading to RM this window? A lot of talk on here that RM will still come in for him.

Hope they do, more likely we get Benzema - although as shots go, I reckon it's a pretty long one.

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22 Aug 2013 14:05:33
To the EDs

Can we have some photo interaction on the page? I'd like to share some arsenal themed pics and I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks this is a good idea {Ed044's Note - You can upload pics.}

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22 Aug 2013 13:41:28
Could see us getting Di maria when bale goes but Benzema just can't see it but hey who knows? Would prefer Lamella anyway younger and faster! Di maria and Lamella would be my choice along with Guaita and Richards with Flammini on a free :)

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22 Aug 2013 13:38:39
Awesome to be linked Benzenma and DI Maria, I agree with Ed don't see Benzenma going anywhere. Though its more troubling we still aren't heavily linked to defensive recruitments. I would prefer any signings we make to be more defensively than attack minded we need GK, CB, CDM before we need attacking players

{Ed022's Note - Agreed. Just because we're not linked to them does not mean we aren't in for them...}

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22 Aug 2013 13:31:55
Sounds a bit dodgy given this is from a friend of a friend (aren't they all. ) but Kos could be out for a bit longer than his red card. Not just a cut, could be a fracture.

Hope it's not true, think he's one of the prem's top CBs, just passing on the news.

{Ed022's Note - I said this on another post this morning. The cut was to the skull. However, early indications are there is no fracture of the skull. It is a very deep laceration. I said he will miss the game at Fulham through suspension and he will not play against Fenerbahce on Tuesday. I do expect (with a bit of patching up) for him to play against Spurs on Sept 1st...}

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Just give him a petr cech crash helmet to wear

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He looked ok in the picture with giroud?

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22 Aug 2013 13:29:22
Hey guys,

Last night was a good result and we now look odds on to play in the group stages (unless Fenerbache are banned and we have to play the team they beat in the previous round?). This will definitely increase the progress of potential signings!

In my opinion we need a DM for the first team and a winger and we need to increase our squad depth in this transfer window. Our first team and tactics are very good in my opinion and unbeatable on our day, however when it isn't there isn't anyone we can bring on to change a game really, or when injuries occur! Aston Villa demonstrating both injuries and bad luck! I don't necessarily think big names to need to be signed, but just quality that can be brought in to do a job. I'd like to see:


DM: Bender 22m/Cabaye 16m (if played in arteta's role)/N'Zonzi 12m
Winger: Di Maria 30m
CB: Williams 12m/Sakho 12m/Rami 8m

Total: 64m
16m (including player sales) for additional squad players.

I can't see us bringing in Benzema to be honest, unless Real are desperate to bring both Bale and Suarez in. Finally it's been good to see Ramsey kick on and has a big future! At the moment he's definitely a lot better than Jack, but it'll be interesting if Wilshere can deal with the pressure and overcome his previous injuries.

Cheers for reading and correct me if I'm wrong on prices Ed!

{Ed022's Note - Prices are there or there abouts. The top of you post mentioned us playing the team Fenerbahce beat in the previous round. This will never happen. We beat Fenerbahce over two legs (which we will) and that will be the end of it...}

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22 Aug 2013 13:27:29
Wengerism, I Don't usually agree with you but who know's maybe you are right that Wenger has been told to wait for Champions league qualification. Before he spends big. Who know's. I also think his character would be to martyr himself and cover for them so it'ss a interesting idea. I still think he could of made some signings. At least we can be positive about one thing together for once and that's the win last night. Also Ramsey was quality.

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22 Aug 2013 13:08:22
Eds

Are we about to be waving good bye to mr kroenke? Heard any whispers?

Thanks

{Ed022's Note - I honestly can't see a takeover this summer. Another Ed was sure there was something going on but I think something would happen mid season (before the Jan transfer window) or NEXT summer in order to fund a big spree NEXT summer. Just my thoughts on the situation...}

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Thanks for quick response. Think I'm getting my hopes up after seeing something a little cryptic with a "man city" type late take over

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NEXT summer might be too late!

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22 Aug 2013 13:00:08
I know it really doesn't matter but what edds are arsenal fans now? I know edd027 is one but i've also read that edd040 has been promoted to edd022 and there are a load if different edds on this page at the moment, just something I was wondering.

I must say too this site has become considerably better and more conversation centered since the compulsory registration came in to effect, might still have had edd002 if this was done earlier but to edd027, edd022 and all the other various edds that have contributed lately . Thank you :)

{Ed022's Note - I am a massive Arsenal fan and have been since I was about 9 years old. Ed027 is also a Gooner hence the reason we are Editors for Arsenal. There are other Eds who edit the page but they have links with other clubs. As for the Ed040 becoming Ed022, that is untrue. I have always been Ed022. Glad you are enjoying the site Trev...}

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22 Aug 2013 12:35:26
Eds, is there any truth in the rumours stating that Poldi could be sold? Also what's your opinion on Podolski?

{Ed022's Note - Top player, underrated with great stats from last season considering he was subbed off after starting or came on as sub. Great player for the dressing room and seems a really nice guy. Don't see him being sold as he has 100 caps plus for Germany, very experienced and will be needed this season. No deal Mr Banker...}

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22 Aug 2013 12:19:28
I have to say if you think about things a bit deeper I think our chances of landing Benzema AND Di Maria are pretty high despite being hinged on Bale moving.

Di Maria usually plays on the right correct? And in more recent seasons Real like to play with a left footed right winger and a right footed left winger correct? So either the system will change and we could see Ronaldo playing on the right or Bale wound directly replace Di Maria.

Also they have a VERY good striker in Morata and we all know they won't be able to play both suarez and Benzema. And Benzema won't be happy about that.

You could even see jese on the left and either Ronaldo or Bale playing in a more central role. The possibilities if they sign Bale and suarez are endless and not just for Madrid.

Not getting ahead of myself because I know what we're like but if this is serious I do like our chances.

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I could imagine Di Maria and potentially Ozil being available, but not Benzema, unless they do end up signing Suarez aswel, then it is a slight chance, but feel someone else will come in for him if he becomes available.

{Ed022's Note - My BBQ sauce told me this morning that Madrid are keen to sign Suarez and Bale to take the shine off the Neymar effect at Barcelona, especially as the other club bidding for Neymar was Real Madrid. Therefore, Benzema could be available but I would be skeptical of him moving. However, Di Maria could be on his way, and Ozil is pure class so don't think Ancellotti would let him go, would he?}

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Another option for Real could be to play Ronaldo up top with Bale, Ozil and Isco playing behind him. Meaning no space for Benzema?

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Ozil? no chance. big clubs don't sell their best players.

Di maria, could be, due to world cup year and play time issue. will he want to leave?

They do have Isco, Ozil, morata, jese, Kaka who can play on the wings.

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22 Aug 2013 12:09:58
Look things have gone a little crazy during this window and the first two games. I don't think any of us doubt we have some great players but at the same time we don't have world class players.

Buying the likes of Mitchu, Williams etc is not building a team to win titles and the UCL.

Can you see City, Chelsea or Utd buying them let alone Bayern, Barca or Madrid.

We have to aim higher, we once had a spine of Seaman, Campbell, Viera, Bergkamp and Henry. Any current team today would drool over those 5 players.

We need to buy absolute quality, we may not get it all this window but it has to be big steps up not to make us a strong English team but a bloody strong European team.

We are not rubbish but we are simply not currently good enough, so like Arsene said, his time starts now and I so want him to do it it hurts.

It would be something if Arsene could see the passion on this page and what it means to us all.

Now Come on Arsene get us back in the mix!

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22 Aug 2013 11:45:37
Another question from Poland:) Could you assess the chances of Flamini re-signing? He would bring much needed depth, and Frimpong could probably use another loan spell this year. And now bunch of random names I've read rumours about to join Arsenal, have you? - Piatti, Diame, Agbonlahor, Alderweilerd, Bekkali. Thanks and have a good one:) {Ed044's Note - More Twitter BS I think.}

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22 Aug 2013 11:39:05
Wenger talking we lack depth, I hope he isn't going to buy squad players, we should be buying first team players and then the likes of arteta etc should be our covering players.

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I think it will be somewhere in between. In an ideal world we would sign 3 or 4 world class players but that isn't going to happen. Realistically (or more like optimistically maybe) we might get 2 squads players and 2 marquee signings.

I've said it before I'd be happy to sign cheap squad players like Flamini but only if it meant we could go the extra mile with quality players like Benzema.

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22 Aug 2013 11:37:45
As others have done, reading between the lines, lasts night result was what AW was concerned with before making any transfers.

Now the tie is a good as cmplete, do any of the eds think the rumours of Benzema and Di Maria from Madrid have any legs and will the result from last night be that start of some player movements into our great club.

Still think we need a goalie and not KOS is suspended and injured we are in need of Sakho more than ever.

I put on post yesterday In AW I trust but I am wavering after lasts night game the wavering has gone

{Ed022's Note - I am always honest and if I know something I will share it, however, on this occasion, my gut instinct tells me this is pure speculation. Di Maria is more likely but Benzema leaving leaves Madrid very short upfront. You know that players will be linked, especially now as we have one foot in the CL group stages... We shall see...?}

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Its very hard to get players to leave madrid. even though we could afford di Maria's wages. they don't leave because its madrid.

players don't leave arsenal because we paid them too much.

and i'm not being unreasonable. I mean surely Wenger can sign something to make us happy. i'd bite my own arm off, if he can sign a freaking cabbage.

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22 Aug 2013 11:37:39
Careful fellow Gooners!! We are far from out of the woods! If we can manage to actually complete a deal for Di maria that would be fantastic but someone of his quality will without doubt draw in other clubs! As will Benzema! And as we know that's when our negotiators lose their bottle! Di maria I think is definitely a possibilty it just makes sense given where Bale will play, Benzema not so much, he has said recently he does not want to leave. We have also tried for years to get him and he has never really showed interest even when he wasnt playing much. don't get me wrong these are just the type of players that we should be going for but with terrible negotiators and no positive signs from the players i'm scepitical to say the least.

What do you guys think of the story in the Mirror saying that Rooney may well be allowed to leave, if they find a suitable signing? Would he be a more realistic than Benzema?

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22 Aug 2013 11:11:43
Just thought I'd share my confidence with you all whilst many are rolling with the negative vibes.

Had a tenner on The lads to win by 2 or more goals last night. Boom! Cheers boys!

{Ed022's Note - Well done matey!}

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22 Aug 2013 11:08:15
Don't see how madrid can sell benzema, that would leave them with no striker at all lol.

{Ed022's Note - IF Benzema was to be sold then expect them to wrap up a deal for Suarez. Ronaldo plays as a false striker anyways, especially if Bale comes in on the left...}

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Alot of transfers to happen though before we could even get benzema. Yes ronaldo and bale would player as false strikers, but you still need that one guy up front. Imo madrid need 1 more striker plus benzema, not one to replace him if he left.

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22 Aug 2013 10:46:48
Reading between so many lines a happy thought occured.

"There Is absolutely no chance of us signing suarez"

Because Arsenal will bid £70 million for Casillas, Benzema and Di Maria. Impossible for Madrid to turn down as it will give them the rest of the money to sign Bale, upgrade fom Di Maria, and £50 million to sign Suarez, upgrade on Benzema. Liverpool would prefer to offload Suarez to Madrid at that price and Suarez would prefer that too. We are dealing in hard cash here, we have it and others want it. The only losers here are Liverpool (but we all know that anyway). That's what happens when you finish 7th and have no European football.

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Oooh meeoow davros

{Ed022's Note - Saucer of milk is on the way for Davros. Put your claws away man!}

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22 Aug 2013 10:26:38
Lakerville just a bit of banter mate. No harm meant.
I know you'll probably disagree, but don't you think it's weird what wenger said last night.
I personally think the board left him to hang out to dry this summer. They boasted about this war chest in order to get the season tickets sorted.
But had no intention of spending it till qualifying for champions league was more or less sorted.
You can go back to Wengers previous comments. 'We have time'
'There's still time in the window'
The one gripe I have with the boss is why does he martyr himself.
People will talk if his salary, but frankly I think he deserves it. We live in a capitalist economy, and people won't want to hear it but he is good for the business.

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I honestly don't know mate. our jobs as fans is to demand the best.

what goes on with the board or wenger is not for us to think like logical people and then go. oh wait. let's give him 5 more years.

its all process of elimination.

if wenger falters this is the scenario

1) wenger does not get a renewed contract and leave for PSG - due to fan pressuere
2) Board hire new man and he too does not spend - fan pressure anyone?
3) arsenal fans wise up and start calling for the board and owner to go - shall we go for fan pressure here too?
4) new owner due to pressure from AST and supporters.

there is no logical way of defining how the season or how the transfer window will pan out.

Wenger has to Martyr himself, as he will not disclose club polictics to the whole world, and especially the players.

He has to keep them motivated, he has to keep them positive, I understand its not an easy job, but he does get paid handsomely and in this line of work, its all about the results.

all I can say from a Fan point of view.

9 years no trophies, patience running thin, money in truckloads, and someone has to pay the price.

Life is never fair, but there is always a scapegoat.

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22 Aug 2013 10:12:19
WENGERISM. I don't want to sound rude but you are seriously deluded . To me you are becoming like an old record mate. I am beginning to think along with a few of my friends on here that you might be Wenger in disguise.

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Mate you say I sound like a broken record. Looking at your posts, just the sheer repetitive negativity

{Ed022's Note - Right, both of you have earnt yourselves a time out. Go sit on the naughty step and stop bickering...}

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Sorry

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22 Aug 2013 10:09:49
morning eds . what's on the agenda today? who are we going to get rejected by today. every window that I can remember we have been linked with benzema.think he's wengers son?any chances of getting him. or has ivan gazidis and his big mouth ruined our chances of recruiting anybody over the #£25 mil range?

{Ed022's Note - I think we're putting a bid in for Ronaldo this morning although Wenger values him at £50 and a double decker. He will go to £51 though which activates a release clause where Real Madrid inform Ronaldo so that he can laugh off the bid...}

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22 Aug 2013 10:32:14
no change with you then. comedy genious!

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22 Aug 2013 10:07:06
I am going to be a real optimist and say from rumours who I think we might well get
Begovic £10m
Sakho £9m
Richards £12m
Di Maria £18m
Benzema £40m

I reckon about £90m the lot and we would have an awesome team although I have completely made up the valuations!

1st 11; begovic,
Richards, sakho kos Gibbs

Rambo / arteta
Cazorla. Wilshere

Walcott. Benzema. Di Maria

Think that we need a dm but after Ramseys performance last night we may stick with what we have

If we don't sign this lot wenger should be sacked and I will take over!

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Never gunner happen ;)

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22 Aug 2013 09:46:57
So I have registered. so why the have my posts not been accepted, I had posted last night about Benzema and Di Maria!


{Ed022's Note - I am posted this just to let you know, stop being a douche or none of your posts will come up. If you carry on swearing and being abuse, which I have taken out of your post then you will be banned...}

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22 Aug 2013 09:38:34
Today is my 30th birthday, and after the boys did the business in Turkey last night, waking up to the rumours of Benzema and Di Maria is a very nice feeling. Although as this transfer window has proved, nothing is done until we see a player holding our shirt coupled with a handshake with AW. Please don't ruin my birthday by "just missing out" on these targets. Get it done today.

{Ed022's Note - Happy birthday mate. I don't know that we will wrap up a signing today but fingers crossed we'l get in 2 -4 players before we play Spurs Sept 1st...}

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Well have a good one, Gooner83. paint the town red and white.

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Yeah happy birthday gooner83 here's hoping you get a new signing to celebrate just hope it's this year for you not next! Have a goodun son

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22 Aug 2013 09:35:32
A question for all you Ramsey haters,
Are you still sad we didn't sign Gustavo to replace him.
Ramsey will become a great at the club, Wenger sees this everyday not us. I'm more than happy with Flamini as backup.

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Gustavo was not going to replace Ramsey, he was going to take Arteta's place.

and before you say anything else, you do realise we have a long campaign and we need depth.

Gustavo would not start all games, neither would rambo or Arteta and that's how it should be. Rotate.

Ramsey, Wilshere, Cazorla, Rosicky. that's what we have now. we need another midfielder in there, preferably a CDM.

we don't want a ACM. we want a CDM.

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I wasnt aware Gustavo was going to replace Ramsey. I think if he was in the squad he would be playing instead of Jack or to give Ramsey a break when needed.

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Love the guy, have no idea why he gets stick, but now they will stop.

{Ed022's Note - One of his best games in an Arsenal shirt last night. The stats are impressive. One shot on target, one goal. Two key passes in the game and 86% success on pass completion. 100% tackle success rate and he ran nearly 1km more than anyone else on the pitch (he ran 12km) in 90mins. He did very well and hopefully will get some much needed support...}

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Player like Gustavo wouldn't want to be on the bench. Arteta, Wilshere and Ramsey are more or less 1st choice.
That's why for backup I'd be happy for Flamini and Diaby.

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Please stop putting diaby in as back up when were lucky if he backs us up 1-2 games a year! Put him out to pasture ASAP and move on.

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22 Aug 2013 09:33:00
People are bang out of order, we had a tough start to the season and we had our backs against the wall.
We pulled of a remarkable victory.
The players get acknowledged.
The fans all pat themselves all the back. 'Look how loyal we are, we are great' they say.
So what about the manager. With all the vitriol pointed towards him, and he gathers the strength to pull of a victory like that.

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Its only 2 games into the season. the objective of Arsenal FC is not to just win every other football game.

it is to win trohpies.

If you pay 62 pounds and your happy to sit there and pat yourself on the back for surviving relegation, you really do not see life the way I do.

To be the best, you have to push yourself, and that's what we want. the best players, the best team. a trophy winning team. not a team that makes up numbers in the EPL.

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Tough!, against a team which 90days ago almost got relegated, stop saying stupid comments and you will get more respect

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Who were unlucky not to get a result against Chelsea last night? Yater don't say stupid comments and you will get more respect.

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Baz come on mate if we want success we have to ask for the best, nothing less, villa should never have been allowed to beat us, I am not being hard on the guys or wengerism, realism is what's needed from now on nothing more than that.

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22 Aug 2013 09:28:29
With the words of Delia Smith, I have a message for all you Wenger haters:
"Where are you?
Lets be having you!"

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One win and all of a sudden you think he should be safe at the club?

Don't be a fool

{Ed022's Note - This is what I was afraid of. Let's make one thing clear, yes last night was a fantastic result in the context of us qualifying, but make no mistake, Fenerbahce were awful. I laughed my tits off at how badly Meireles played all game. Moussa Sow and Pierre Webo couldn't hit the side of a house, let alone a goal. Walcott destroyed their left back Kadlec and Volkan Demeirel should have saved Ramsey's shot. All in all, you beat who is in front of you, however, it shouldn't paper over the cracks and the fact we need signings and depth in this squad...}

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I would give my right arm to hear "one Arsene Wenger" chanted at Emirates again.

And "Wenger, give us a wave"

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You need to get off the PC mate. a bit too many thoughts about the same thing.

i appreciate your support for Arsenal, but calling out other Arsenal fans, is not going to make you look any better.

We all support the same club with varying opinions.

Deal with it.

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I couldn't agree with you more Block 5 Gooner, I would love Wenger to come out buy a few unbelievable buys and kick us on and say I couldn't spend because of the stadium bla bla bla . But I don't think this will happen as much as I wish it would mate :(

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22 Aug 2013 09:24:54
Juve rule out pogba sale, arsenal are in for benzema apparently we will or have bided 40m for him, COYG

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22 Aug 2013 09:21:31
Wenger on if he needs to bolster the midfield:

"Quality-wise we don't need anybody but number-wise we are short as I told you yesterday. We lost Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arteta and Diaby - three international midfielders. That is why we are short. We tried to bring one in but we are working on that. You have to understand there is still a long way to go. The transfer market starts for me now and a lot of activity will happen between now and September 2. From August 21 until September 2 you have 12 days, so a lot will happen. It starts now."

Opinions?

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I disagree with Wenger on this. We are short on quality too. We need atleast one or two game changing players (i.e world class) and probably another one or two squad players.

If we just needed numbers I'm pretty Flamini would have signed by now, along with Williams, Cesar and a cheap striker (or Bendtner back in). I think Wenger knows we need a special player or two.

If we ended up with Benzema, Flamini, Williams/Richards/Sakho and a GK then I think we are nearly there.

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22 Aug 2013 09:17:12
Kondogbia, bender, di maria, benzema and richards and we will win the league this year, that's probably about 100-110mill

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That wouldn't mean we'd win the league for sure. It would mean we'd probably be nearer Man City in terms of quality and could fight with them, Chelsea and ManU.

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22 Aug 2013 08:56:28
"The transfer market starts for me now and a lot of activity will happen between now and September 2." AW

Hold on to your hats :)

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I would hope it's all done by 30th so all new players registered and available for the spurs game

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I'm with you Moodygoon. Wenger had a plan, and it's about to be played out. Just a shame some fans have absolutely zero patience.
Sad indictment of the times we live in buddy.

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Sorry, Wenger didn't have a plan this has been forced on him by injuries etc, but saying that we will benefit from top quality players

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Even if we signed, benzema, di maria, pogba, lamela, and whoever else we are linked with.

Wenger is not going to play them for the Spurs game, without integrating them with the team.

what we see now will play the spurs game. a week later we are likely to see the new recruits. "if there are any"

{Ed022's Note - I understand what you're saying Lakerville but playing Devils Advocate here, we sign Benzema and Di Maria (which I don't think will happen but using their names as an example). We sign these players in the next week or so. They're registered to play against Spurs. Its 1-1 after 60mins and we can bring those two players on, it will lift not just the fans but the players, it could also deflate Spurs. Like I said, its a theory...?

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No plan, no ideas. All forced by injuries. If it works great if it's the famous supermarket dash, well not good

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If it's a super market dash sod gazidis off and give Dale Winton a ring! Probably knows more than dear old Ivan anyway.

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22 Aug 2013 08:55:44
Lambert tought the ref had a good game Saturday even tough the neutrals questioned the refs performance but last night he got his just desserts haha he's my new manager to hate now that pupis and twitch are gone

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22 Aug 2013 08:55:09
Am I over analysing Wenger's comments:

"It starts now" - because we are comfortable in the champions league tie?

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It starts now, and there are going to be a lot of posters on here feeling rather silly on sep2nd

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Wengerism. Posters like me that have grown tired of the same promises aren't going to feel stupid if he brings players in, I'll be happy and in sure everyone else will be too. So please be quite with this constant backing up of wenger when for years there have been promises of 'we can spend' and 'we are in a much better position to buy now'.

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22 Aug 2013 08:33:10
Signing benzema would make up for the failed Higuain saga

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Don't want Benzema. And why would Real sell any way? He's there only established striker.

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10 days to go. we shall find out soon enough.

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22 Aug 2013 08:03:35
Great result last night and well played to Wenger & the team.
With CL qualification virtually guaranteed, hopefully the signings will arrive. I would love to see Di Maria & Benzema arrive from Real. I would also like us to sign Begovic, a 4th centre back is essential, my own choice would be to sign Micah Richards, as both he & Sagna, can play both right back & centre back.
A defensive midfield player is also a necessity & my own choice would be Fellaini. Once back Arteta & Fellaini could reform their successful partnership, allowing Wilshere & Ramsey to play further forward & signing a creative midfield player would then not be necessary.
These 5 players would be costly, but provide necessary reinforcement to the squad to compete on all fronts.

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22 Aug 2013 07:40:21
Well after last night win looks like we will be in commanding position to move into the group stages which comes with a £30m wind fall, add that to the coffers and we will have somewhere in the region of £150m surplus cash to spend or count.

Reports are linking us to a number of real players, most notably Benzema, Di Maria, Ozil as well as sevilles konogbia, Newcastle caybe, psg Sakho, Swansea Williams and Valencia Guatia.

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22 Aug 2013 07:00:18
Eds. I think after all the saga we have been going through you would have thought that Arsenal would have learnt a lesson and now kept their gobs quiet if they are going after Benzema, Di Maria and Casillas. Seems to me every time they get associated with any signings it gets sabotaged . What do you think boys.?

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22 Aug 2013 05:40:26
soccernet.com are reporting that Benzema is our main fwd target now, with Ozil and Kondogbia in the mix as well. Fox Sports also mentioned Angel Di Maria.

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22 Aug 2013 05:18:39
BBC sayin wer going for benzema and Di Maria. These would be 2 fantastic signings

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22 Aug 2013 03:59:37
Before anyone too excited we played a team tonight that would have struggled in league 1 they were diabolical and to add to that they had the added pressure of knowing that even if they did beat us it might all be in vain anyhow. Our performance was average, if we had been playing a quality team like Barcelona, Real Madrid etc. we would have been caned. The only bit of light I can see coming out of this would be that if any players were waiting to see if we were going to qualify for the Champions League, can now make their moves to come to us if that was what was holding them up beforehand . Now all we can do is sit back and see. But make no bones about it after watching our team tonight against a team that you could only describe as crap! we are in desperate need of some quality players.

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Best pre-match post. 100% true.

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So negative

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22 Aug 2013 03:52:18
Eds, we seem to have turned our attention to Benzema (again?) with a 40m offer, despite the fact that he is their only recognised striker. When we are rebuffed (again), surely, we go back to El Shawwary, whom we enquired about earlier in the window. I'd MUCH prefer we signed him for 30-35m. Milan have said he's available (for the "right" price), he's young, yet already world class and can play up front or wide. I know I've banged this drum before, I just can't understand why we would enquire, then completely ignore when we are running out of quality options.

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22 Aug 2013 03:17:55
Ed, any possibility of signing Casillas, Di Maria, or Benzema? Could you put it out of 10 please

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22 Aug 2013 01:32:30
After the performance tonight, don't let it slide my fellow gooners, however sh#t was first half we fu##in dominated 2nd. We are lookin scarily short now(squad wise) koscielneys out and nursin a shiner and we're down to are bare bones sat'day. one guy's fault. and he comes out with "I don't have to explain myself to noone". Well someone f##kin does. Neway, up the arsenal, and who's wih the thought let's play a bit more narrow. i'm fed up with 4 balls bein knocked bout between sagna and the BFG with noone movin deep to recieve the ball. when that happens either jack or tommy makes a move forward with the bLL, and more often than not it ends up f##ked. Great Result! pull your check book out, let's do somethin this year. and ed, don't worry mate, I got you covered. I got a few gaz baz spares from my panini last yr. Get your f###in crayolas out!1

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Im sure kos be ok by time his suspension is up I'm even sure he be ok for return leg

{Ed022's Note - He suffered a very bad injury with a worry he'd actually fractured his skull, which it appears he hasn't and it's just a deep laceration. I expect him to sit out his suspension against Fulham and also to be rested against Fenerbahce so that he is fine for Spurs on Sept 1st...}

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22 Aug 2013 01:27:55
Hey all you knicker twisters, if the result in Turkey wasn't enough to calm you down a bit David Ornstein has written an article on the tv website stating we are in for benzema AND di Maria. If that still hasn't worked just remember footie is sometimes chaotic. every season has a few lucky/unlucky results: eg villa have just had two in a row. I'm not going to judge wenger until the window is over and def not just because of an unlucky result.

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You speak a lot of sense

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22 Aug 2013 01:14:33
Arsenal to apparently make bid for benzema and Di Maria
According to bbc.

Benzema would be lethal better than higuin or suarez, however
Would real sell? Pretty much depends on the monkey from the less desirable part of north London making the switch. which looks quite likely.

Finally what a result tonight whether or whether not fenabache is aloud to compete or not coyg!

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I can't see R. Madrid selling Benzema as there would be short of strikers then, as they are only buying Bale. Although It could be plan to get Saurez then in Jan.

Di Maria I can't see them willing to sell but will Di Maria want to come to EPL. I am not building up my hopes up too much on this one, very suprised if we get both. Maybe a sweetner with Bendtner going the other will secure the deals lol.

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No way is Benzema better than Suarez. Suarez knows he is top 5 in the world which is why he is so aggrieved he is not getting even Europa League this season and is manoeuvering to get a move to RM. Trouble is they will be all spent up after acquiring Monkey Boy.

{Ed022's Note - Real Madrid can sign both Bale and Suarez. Trust me, if they need money they will lay their hands on it. As I have said before, when it comes to money and finances, Madrid have more loop holes than a can of spaghetti...}

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They would replace him with a better player (Suarez).

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22 Aug 2013 00:56:31
Hi Eds wanted to ask wheter the interest in Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria is genuine and real and also whether we have any chance of both players signing fot the arsenal {Ed027's Note - it seems we are trying to, Di Maria yes, Benzema not to sure

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22 Aug 2013 00:40:56
Eds tv are reporting they arsenal are looking to sign di Maria and benzema. It's not on the rumours/gossip section but on their main sports news page.
Bbc to me are the most reliable, as they never report rumours, therefore I would like to know your input on this.
Is there any truth to it?
Could it be that arsenal were looking to secure champions league qualification, which is pretty done and dusted to be fair. {Ed027's Note - let's see ey

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22 Aug 2013 00:23:08
Arsenal are working on deals to sign benzema and do Maria according to tv sport, aswell as a gk and defender. If that happens I might just run down the street naked lol. Wenger said it starts now. Maybe there is light at the end of a very long tunnel

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22 Aug 2013 00:14:29
just saw on the cub sorry don't know about the editing that we are after benzema and di maria as well as a goalie snd deensive mid. They are ussually reliable, any thoughts. Also, we wee dominant tonight, can see ramsey and wilsher saving us. But I reserve judgement until after the spurs game

COYG

Bergkamp5353

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22 Aug 2013 00:09:12
Just a few things about what's happened with Wenger lately:

He says:

"I believe in the players we have and we can compete" - people get so worked up about this (myself included) but still when thought about if he said we are rubbish and have no chance what would that do to our players?

"There is no quality out there" - Wenger is notorious for keeping transfers secret, this could easily be seen as covering for potential targets and keeping other clubs away from our targets (who do seem to get picked off as soon as our interest is public).


Another thing is I know we have made some dreadful signings previously such as Andre Santos, Podolski seems increasingly to be a flop (even though I loved it when I first heard) and Giroud for example. But if you look at what these players did at their previous clubs they are very very decent players. I think Girouds main problems is 1 - He's not RVP, but RVP wasn't Henry or Bergkamp until about 3 seasons ago. 2 - Our midfiled lacks any defensive players which inevitably means more players need to drop back isolating Giroud, I think he could be good if we can draw defenders away from him, he showed this against Villa with the goal before he was crowded and again tonight all Fener did was hound Giroud and stop anything getting to him, hence why walcott had such a good game as he was left slightly less marked and dominated that right wing. Giroud should take his chances better but it's hard with 3 or 4 on your shoulder.

Anyway this post is most probably a bit W*nk but anyway thought I'd give my interpretation of what's been said and done.

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22 Aug 2013 00:05:16
My transfer window has went like this hope, confusion, frustrated and finally anger if we sign benzema and di maria itl all be worth it could this be what is holding up the bale transfer?

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22 Aug 2013 00:02:34
a web site are saying we are in for a Benzema and Di Maria! Now that would be amazing, £40m just for Benzema, not sure about how much Arsenal will bid for Di Maria.

Di Maria never started against Betis, and maybe Ronaldo wants to play upfront as the main man, only possible way they'd let Benzema go?

All we can do is hope, also WHAT a performance 2night, would like to say I was a hater of Ramsey with all his constant mistakes! But he actually looks like a new player.hope he does fufill his potential!

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21 Aug 2013 23:57:20
Great win tonight never would have expected such a convincing result. This could go either two ways.

1) Wenger employs the "I told you so" speech as he believes this squad of 17 players can compete on 4 fronts and play 50 games.

2) We now don't have to wait until 27th August to seal deals for targets who are waiting on CL football. Eg. Bender? Suarez?

I have not seen Wenger's post match interview yet so hopefully it's not along the lines of how we have best XI in league and he has faith in their mental strength etc.

Roll on Fulham.

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21 Aug 2013 23:12:07
Hi Eds, any possibility in getting vidal and subotic potentially? vidal good strong player, can play CM or CDM, Subotic good positioning and tackling at CB just what we need right? Thanks {Ed027's Note - no Chance

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21 Aug 2013 23:03:42
Lots of speculation around that AFC will bid £40m for Karim Benzema. Eds any truth in this? {Ed027's Note - let's see ey

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21 Aug 2013 22:53:12
Am really struggling to understand arsene Wenger, does he really think we can compete with 16 outfield players, he must be in the market for at least 5 players, the average squad size is 23 players, man u 31 city 36 etc, if he does not buy we won't get passed Xmas, kos out not poss fractured skull, so let's expect 2-3signings by Sat with 2 more poss big names by end of window, logically this must be about to happen, there can be no other reason for his inaction but waiting to qualify, which we have tonight, that side ain't coming back!, so arsene, now's your moment. don't **** it up this time, by the way fantastic win guys, well played. now onwards

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Dont know where you get 16 from. The official Arsenal website has 24. If you exclude Bendtner, Park, Frimpong, Ryo and Diaby that's still 19. So we are probably about 4 short.

I don't really think any team has more than 25 "proper" first team players (you can exclude youngsters who play 1 or 2 carling cup games).

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21 Aug 2013 22:45:11
Hey all,

I've just watched arsenal destroy fenerbache and i'm thinking I wish we did that against villa but what can you do about injuries and dodgy refs that want to be the centre of attention?
This team has quality - wenger knows he has to strengthen to maintain it.
The frustration from fans after the villa game is very understandable and if we don't win at fulham this weekend then the voices will get worse. I expect the last week of the transfer window to be a fireworks display from arsenal and the media with a few players being signed.
Could it be true that if you get your business done early then you pay over the odds for a player whereas in the last week its basically a free for all with deals going left right and centre?
I suspect wenger is putting out the feelers for valuations in this period and then cashing in on the last week of transfer window (he f**king better be lol).
All gunners need to cheer up and realise we do have a good team and to get behind them - look at the result tonight - I hope that what i've said does happen and we get some quality players come the end of the window. SG

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21 Aug 2013 22:41:01
Did any else hear Wenger say tonight when questioned about transfer?

" I don't think people really understand it starts now"

Maybe he means players they have chatted to were waiting for CL qualifiation

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21 Aug 2013 22:40:04
lets not get carried away here!
we beat a poor fernabache team that made us look good. i'm not knocking the result but all it has given wenger and co is breathing space.it has just covered up the cracks.
a big up to ramsey today, played with fire in his belly, Walcott showed why he is better on the wing, jack needs more game time, gibbs also plays with passion. santi and rosicky were good in spurts. kosci was unlucky, and the defence played well, szecs also made some fine saves.
that's about it, I don't want to sound bad but we won't get games like this every week. we still need to buy quality in defence, midfield and attack. we were caught out a few times in defence, against a very weak team, we have to buy to strengthen.
with a 3 nil lead will stan and ivan go out and buy players to strengthen the squad, I hope so or we will just fall into the same trap thinking we have turned a corner. make no bones about it this was a good result, but we need to invest in quality.

well done the arsenal. NOW GET THE EFFIN CHEQUEBOOK OUT.

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21 Aug 2013 22:39:59
Great win, kos looks bad fractured skull is the word, Wenger has to dip in the market now, get them all in at once, come on arsene earn your salary.

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21 Aug 2013 22:27:05
Ed - were we actually talking to Valencia.?

If so - how on earth did we not bid on Rami! {Ed027's Note - we did, for guita only, don't expect him to join

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21 Aug 2013 22:19:56
Ed, people are saying that we are in for Casillas, which I believe to be absolute horse s#!t. But how much would he realistically cost, surely 30m+? {Ed027's Note - I'd think so

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They played against Malmo FF in EL.

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21 Aug 2013 22:04:12
Hi Ed, isn't Michu and Williams Cup Tied to Swansea? {Ed027's Note - how?

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Swansea played against Malmö FF in EL.

{Ed022's Note - I maybe wrong on this but I THINK that you are allowed to name a player who's played in the prelims and qualifiers in your official group stages CL squad. Someone correct me if I am wrong but I am pretty sure I heard or read that somewhere?}

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21 Aug 2013 22:38:07
Walcott down the middle for the rest of the season and we will have the goal scorer we crave

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21 Aug 2013 22:31:52
Before anyone gets excited we played a team tonight that would have struggled in league 1 they were diabolical and to add to that they had the added pressure of knowing that even if they did beat us it might all be in vain anyhow. Our performance was average if we had been playing a quality team like Barcelona, Real Madrid etc . We would have been caned. The only bit of light I can see coming out of this would be if any players were waiting to see if we qualified for the Champions League can now make their moves to come to us if that is what was holding them up beforehand . Now all we can do is sit back and see. But make no bones about it after watching our team tonight against a team that you could only describe as crap we are in desperate need of some quality players.

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21 Aug 2013 22:29:48
I think I figured Wenger out and the reason he doesn't just sign anyone. He says it in every interview in fact.

He spends most of the window looking for the best of the best and doesn't settle. However he is never able to sign the best and as a result the squad doesn't receive additions.

That's the reason we get panic buys as he realizes time is running out in the window and the team needs bodies.

Perhaps he should look to make the squad more well rounded and add quality depth than try to sign players out of our reach.

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21 Aug 2013 22:17:29
See David villas goal for Atletico. Quality!

3.1 mill he cost them, makes you wonder why we didn't buy.

On a better note kudos to the boys today. A 3 to nil win makes us look more attractive for clubs as we should qualify after 2nd leg. Some of the lads looked tired, but we pulled it together. Also what's with the head injuries all of a sudden!

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21 Aug 2013 22:06:00
After tonight's good results. Watch the madness off the transfer window begin. Peace

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21 Aug 2013 22:05:08
Well that was just what the doctor ordered! Thank goodness I can now cancel my appointment with my psychiatrist.

Not at all trying to dampen the mood but did anybody else notice Podolski's attitude? To me he looks a bit disenchanted, I also noticed this in pre-season hope I am reading to much into it.

Just a hypothetical question here, (I actually don't and never thought he would come) but if Suarez were to be an arsenal player would anybody be worried about him not fitting in? I thought Torres was a top ten striker in the world when he joined Chelsea, despite style differences I thought his sheer quality would show through which I haven't seen yet. Maybe chelsea and liverpools styles were further apart than ours and liverpool would be? Just wanted opinions on how highly people rated Torres at Liverpool and whether it could be possible to happen to Suarez.

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21 Aug 2013 22:00:26
What a great result. At times the boys looked like they were playing for fun. Qualification now sorted let's go.
Ps Chelsea 2 v villa 1. Villa aren't going to be a pushover. They will shock some teams this year

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21 Aug 2013 22:00:01
Now why could we not do that against villa. Terrific performance and just when you think we are down in the gutter this team reminds you they still have the quality to win games. Some fans may have wanted us to lose but that is ridiculous, in some ways I see what they mean but in other ways it will do the club more harm. I feel the club will bring in additions especially if the Kosceilney injury is serious but all in all a performance like that may interest potential targets (etc Cabaye) that this team can challenge for silverware with better players added to the squad. Thought cazorla was magnificent tonight, went a bit under the radar but everything he did was quality, Ramsey and wilshere battled hard and kept the team in control and the back 5 looked strong. Still feel we need a cdm as Rosicky started there and he hasn't enough strength so I feel some one like bender or Kondogbia is a necessity. Giroud is looking better with each game and seriously looks like he can hit 20+ goals this season. Tonight atleast I sign off a happy gunner.

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