Arsenal Banter Archive July 23 2013

23 Jul 2013 23:12:04
Not being funny buts who's running your club? Kermit the frog? A 40 mil plus bid rejected now, if your clubs officials don't take the hint now then I really do worry for you guys. {Ed030's Note - We don't have to sell,Remember the RVP situation last year,You did all you could to keep him at the club,Liverpool are doing that with Suarez,We don't have to sell he has four years left on his contract so we are in a position to demand whatever fee we like. }

Don't think you can force a player like Suarez to stay. He was a problem when he was happy, scary to think what he'll do when unhappy. {Ed052's Note - he will force a move}

Ed 030 you misunderstood, I'm a scouser and that message was to Arsenal fans, sorry if I wasn't clear. {Ed007's Note - Well maybe if you weren't as ignorant and left a name or tag there wouldn't be any confusion and people might actually pay attention to anything you have to say. Anyone can hide behind anonymity and troll.}

Hi edoo7 how are you mate.

gl next season with the celts

malaga gooner {Ed007's Note - I'm good thanks MG and good luck to you and Arsenal as well. I'm hoping we can qualify for the CL group stages again, after that anything can happen as we showed last season.

23 Jul 2013 22:53:17
Hi Eds, just a quick question - why are we (allegedly) bidding so much for Suarez and not putting in another bid for Higuain? To me Suarez appears the risky option and isn't the signing we need. I just don't understand the logic of it. What do you think?

Great work on the site by the way guys,

Thanks {Ed030's Note - Higuain is wanted by Napoli who will bid more for Higuain,Suarez is the less risky option,He is proven in the premier league. }

Less risky! Maybe as a player but not as a person. If he keeps behaving like he did last year he will only play 30 prem games (not including injuries). {Ed030's Note - That's why Arsenal shouldn't bid for him,Just remember what you thought of him while he was playing for Liverpool,The Ivanovic bite for instance,Do you really want him at Arsenal? }

Funny how ed030 is trying to convince us we don't need or want Suarez, as if Arsene or Gadzidis are amongst us. If he's such a liability why are you so worried ( first time I see so many livepool fan ed's here).

Chechen gooner {Ed052's Note - were just on here to provide you with posts to read}

23 Jul 2013 22:11:06
Lfc fan here, with the greatest of respect guys if your club pay a penny over 30 million for Suarez then you're being ripped off BIG time. He's good but he's not that good, personally I would be over the moon if you bought him for anywhere near 40 million, Rodgers would do very well with that kind of money and I'm sick of the circus that Suarez brings to the table. Again he's no Maradonna so if you sign him good luck, just remember what a pain in the arse he's been for us.

I think if Arsenal actually sign him Arsenal Fans will be over the moon too. So its a win, win situation for both fans. {Ed030's Note - As long as Liverpool buy a goal scorer i.e Soldado it will be a good outcome. }

Yeah fair point- great talent, but carries a lot of baggage. A fine balance to manage.

How come your fellow pool fans, go mad and say arsenal should pay 50 + mil!

Are you lot divided about him or something? {Ed030's Note - Because obviously Liverpool fans want as much money as they can get for him. }

Show some respect, if it weren't for Suarez you would be struggling to stay up. {Ed030's Note - Are you being serious,Did you see how well Liverpool played without Suarez in the team,He is a magnificent player and there is no doubting that however he misses a lot of chances and does not have a very good conversion rate,There are also the worries he will do something stupid while watching him. }

I think 40 mil is a bargain for suarez, it will all be clear when he score 30 plus goals in his first season with us. Its just a 'grapes are sour' situation for you guys.

So Ed030, are you saying that Liverpool would've been better off without their top scorer last season, and without his 23 goals in the PL?

23 Jul 2013 21:17:01
hi edo27 do you have any new news on suarez.

do you know if this 2nd bid is true.

cheers bud

malaga gooner {Ed027's Note - I believe we will make another bid close to 40m, whether this has be done I don not know, do I expect to be accepted? No, not until Madrid have there say

Well the next bid was certainly close to £40m!

Paul

23 Jul 2013 21:00:41
Not being able to afford players has never stopped RM before they just borrow more money that won't ever get paid back and UEFA will never stop them or even try! FFP is for everyone else

Real Madrid and Barcelona get about 150 million a year in just tv rights alone can afford bale if really want him

23 Jul 2013 20:42:20
Arsenal have executed the first phase of this summers window in clearing around 18m off the wage bill. This figure set to rise with sale of Gervinho, loan deals for both Chamakh and Bendtner and the termination of Park contract.

Phase two

In

CF - Higuian or Suarez

AM - Bernard or Cesc

CM - Kongdogbia or Gustavo or Coupe

DF - Williams or Sakho

GK - Cesar

Higuian is the key to either getting him or Suarez. He is not keen on a move to Italy and would still prefer a move to Arsenal. As you all know this will only happen if Real revert back to the previously agreed price. If they don't then Higuian will stay at Real for another season on an improved contract. If this happens we will be clear favourites to land Suarez. This will be confirmed by Thursday and a deal should be in place by this weekend with offical announcement next week.

Contrary to Arsene's comments today there is strong interest in Bernard, this deal is dependant on Cesc. If the new barca manager confirms Cesc is not part of his first team plans then he will seek a move away from the club.

After seville let Navas and Negredo go they don't have much appetite or need to let Kongdogbia go, this would be the clubs first choice at around 10-15m. Gustavo would welcome a move if the guarentee of first team football was on offer and we could match bayerns valuation of around 15m. Capoue will definately leave, however monaco are at the front of the pack for his signature.

Williams will leave Swansea now they have a suitable replacement in Flores from Genoa.

Cesar will sign next week.

Booooooooom!

Not boom

Paul

Why have you posted this again?

23 Jul 2013 20:36:25
The last time I posted on here was just over a year ago and I do love the site (even though 100% of the time it is in pure frustration) and there's great work done by the eds. Malaga you are a joker! (in a good way - keep it up).

I'm sick of this. So sick it is having a detrimental effect on my health. Sick of being mugged off by the Arsenal hierarchy every transfer window since we were great. I'm a die hard Arsenal fan, have been since the age of 7 and share every moment of glory and pain we endure. Now, it is bang out of order the ticket pricing which is being employed (HIGHEST IN THE WORLD!) and we faf around with a few million here and there and end up with Higuain going to Napoli. I do understand that a few million here and there does, in the long run, result in poor business but when we charge what we do for the tickets then that is just bang out of order. And let's face it, once the deal is cemented (which it pretty much is) Real will sign Suarez.

I'm a massive fan of Giroud, infact I think some of the criticism of most of our squad is pretty harsh. I won't go on to specify and bore but with one marquee signing and a few bad boys thrown in (CB - Micah Richards, who is a gooner, DM - Capoue/Kondogbia, S - Suarez) then players who are deemed average by a lot, like Rambo, would flourish.

I am do have a blind love for Wenger and I'm happy for this to continue as he has given me so much joy. But I want this bs which happens every transfer window to STOP! And this leads me to exactly why I posted this long rant. I'm completely confused and hacked off. What is the answer to end this? I hated that black scarf crap and I despise all who start booing our players (Eboue - although that was rare) and giving off collected sighs when a missed place pass occurs at the Emirates. But it's getting to the stage where I'm thinking that something more than a black scarf parade needs to be employed. WE ARE BEING MUGGED. The transfer window has been open for 23 days, we have £70 million to spend and we have bought Sanogo!WTF! And Manchester United are throwing bids at Fabregas. Too much. In writing this I'm actually being quite rude to my girlfriend - this is what this s### is doing to me and I'm sure this is happening to other Gooners.

I was so confident we would sign Higuain I posted smugly on fb this a few weeks ago ("What's that sound heading towards the Emirates. HIG, HIG, HIG, HIG, HIG"). So not only am I confused, hacked off, frustrated, sick; I am humiliated (probably because I am a mug!).

If we don't sign anyone sick this transfer window I am going to be so angry - I am already angry as f###.

Understand your frustration fella, but don't let it f**k you up. Wait until the end of the window and we'll see where we are.
Now from a fellow GOONER and complete stranger, kiss your girlfriend if she'll let you, and tell her that your sorry.
Flybo

I think most of us understand where your coming from.

I think its taking time because they are trying to make some big deals.

I am saving my anger and rant for the when the window closes.

I am hoping I won't need I!

Stay cool, let's see what happens.

P. S.
As I am writing this I have just heard that LFC have rejected a 40mil+ £1 offer for suarez (meeting the 40mil clause).
You know what? Arsenal have just bid 40mil on a player!
I know bidding and completing a deal are 2 different things, but I like the fact we are actually make these huge bids. that has to be encouraging.

Thanks for the advice Flybo, albeit I did apologise to her shortly after posting. It felt good getting that off my chest. It's been 23 days in the making. I don't want us to spend money for the sake of it, I just feel our squad has the potential to be title challengers next season and honestly feel the higher powers are happy with Champions League football every season. I know it's pesimistic but I honestly don't see us signing anyone above 20mil.

Hey steve.

be a little patient mate the window has a long way to go.

malaga gooner

23 Jul 2013 20:29:18
Ed please post this, our fans need to know?

Im the person youve been waiting for. I am itk and will reveal how at the end of this message. Wenger isn't going to sign anybody worth talking about.

He has however ensured 1000's of us have ordered the new kit and signed our season ticket renewals.

How i'm in the know?
. Common flippin sense, wenger Never goes public on a deal. We always keep it quiet, it was obvious and I sniffed a rat when we announced our bank balance to the world. I mean think about it, when chelsea got rich, clubs inflated their transfer fees to rob them for as much as they could. Wengers into economics he wouldn't brag about his spending money its only a negative and achieves NOTHING (except sales)
Heres the BEST bit.
So we bid on hig and it actually ends up advancing sumhow, then according to reports we had agreed a fee with RM and 100k-150k wage deal with Hig. Why then the very next day would Ivan Gazidis publically announce that we can afford Rooney AND any wage demands of 250k?
Is that not intentional sabbotage of a deal with hig?

Zzzzzzzzzzzz

23 Jul 2013 20:10:32
Just doing the regular read through there and couldn't help but notice a few people still miss A. Song?

Is it just me or was anyone else glad to be rid of him?

I wouldn't say I'm glad we got rid of him more that I didn't mind either way.

It's not that I was glad to get rid of him as such, but I saw it as a great opportunity to replace him with a proper solid d. m. Something Wenger still hasn't got. Song for me had his moments, but overall too inconsistant. At no point last season did I think "god I wish we kept song" I did think "god why didn't we buy a good d. m"
Flybo

Was glad mate, he started to neglect his defensive role, looking for that Hollywood pass all the time

Shaneyd

Glad we mugged Barcelona on price for imo a very average player, just annoyed we have not replaced him with all cash made on him

23 Jul 2013 19:50:19
Easy Guys,

As we seem to be missing out on so called "targets" if we are in for them or not.

This is how I see it going down

Rooney - Chelski
Hig - Napster
Suarez - RM
Bernard - £20+ mil for a 20yo? not so sure

Where does that leave us?

Torres.

If he came he would have that feeling of being the main man, big fish, king dick. Some players thrive on that.
Example of Rooney at united, had his nose put of with the arrival of RVP who is clearly top dog there now, he wants out.
Chelski was never the right destination for him after Liverpool & before them I thought he might have come to us.
I reckon we could nip in with a cheeky £15-20mil.

I would take that chance with him 100%

Dubz

No. Just. no.

I think he is potetially the best of all the strikers around who are possibly available

Dubz, they are other strikers beyond those that you mention.

No no no. You don't sign a player based on how he used to be

Paul

I agree there are other strikers out there. Who would you have being realistic?

I was pointing out that all of our so called targets that's where I feel they may end up and where does that leave us?

Dubz

Have been saying this for couple weeks I reckon we will end up with Torres alongside current strikers no bad thing really, not sure who else my bets are on
Cesar
Capoue
Bernhard
Torres
Wanted
Cesar
Hummels
Bender
Higuain but would be happy either way. Who do you believe we will get?
Higuain

23 Jul 2013 18:57:49
If you look at this logically, the odds of Bernard and Suarez signing for Arsenal are very high. Before we even knew anything about the Suarez rumour, there were huge bets placed on him joining arsenal coming from Spain, I don't think it's coincidence that we are now certainly interested in him, this means the negotiations must of started some time ago.
As for Bernard, Wenger didn't deny the rumours, he just said the report was force of him having a medical pn Friday which means negotiations are probably in process, Bernard had an interview in Portuguese and also didn't deny the Arsenal link, he said the board will decide he's future on thursday, put 2 and 2 together and the signing looks likely

The similarity in rumours of both these transfers leads me to believe that Arsenal are looking to surprise the fans as well as keep other clubs from knowing there business.

Wenger has been given a huge budget, it would be stupid to think that we are not in advanced negotiations with some quality players, everything is hush hush, I'm sure the wait will be worth it.

As for Higuain, I wouldn't be surprised if we got him or didn't get him, to me it seems like the managers are just trying to keep there own fans happy by denying that there own players could leave, it always happens.

23 Jul 2013 17:59:24
guys, does anyone really care who spurs man u chelski etc buy, we should worry who we end up with, this is a make or break window for us and we should be looking at that. also cesc. give it a rest guys, he's gone. not coming back. let it go. worry about the future

23 Jul 2013 17:32:21
Just realised bale has a 3 year contract until 2016.

they leave it to run another year. won't his transfer value decrease?

Also the quote from AVB was telling.

"He's a player that we are willing to continue to have. "

sound's weird for someone to say that, and also say he is not for sale.

5 weeks before the madness ends.

AVB says a lot of weird things. He reminds me of Yoda, but without the force.
"Downward spiral Arsenal are on"
Flybo :-)

And

dave

I like it tbh - he sounds like a guy who speaks as though the club is far bigger than any player. Hence he is a player they are willing to have, not the other way round.

Spuds banking on super quiff to bring them champions league football, IF and is very large IF they do in some way scrape in and he proves himself in comp maybe worth more, still think if anyone comes up with 70+ he will be off though. Do they cash in now or Chase the dream, Choices avb, have to make will mmm

Reports are that RM leaking info that Bale has been signed on 6 yr contract. Also I think think AVP is using the word WILIING in a different sense as in Praying for rather than happy to have.

23 Jul 2013 17:24:11
Eds do u think we'll stil sign a forward if we sign Bernard (which is a winger)? {Ed027's Note - yes, Bernard is not a striker

I've been wondering this. Do you think he could move for a winger (not necessarily Bernard) and put Podolski up front, rotating with Giroud?

23 Jul 2013 17:18:35
Right, I'm going on holiday in the next week. I remember it was my hoiday last year when I got home and the firth thing I saw was that Arsenal had sold RVP to Man U. i'm hoping that this year I'll be coming home to some better news. Hopefully the signing of a couple of world class strikers on long term contracts, the last remaining dead wood will be gone and a top class defender.

As you can see I'm easily pleased ;)

Have a nice time!

malaga gooner

23 Jul 2013 17:09:00
If barca accept a bid for fab off utd do u think we will go in
Aswel

23 Jul 2013 16:29:43
As no doubt you've heard about the alleged bale to RM transfer.

Just an opinion/view, or anyone who has knowledge of RM.

IF bale transfer true, could RM afford both Bale and Suarez?

It could make sense why RM moved the goal posts with the fee regarding higuian (rising as much money as poss) and why, since their reported '25mil valuation of suarez', they have seemed to have gone pretty quiet in ref to suarez.

Haven't they spent a fair amount already?

The reason I am asking must be obvious, if they are spend out, would it leave the door open for arsenal to potentially sign suarez?

I would doubt very much whether Real could afford Bale and Suarez. Perhaps, it will force Real's hands to sell Higuain to us. I can't imagine we would sign Suarez as well. This would mean Wenger played a game to force Real into selling Higuain to us, by making an offer for Suarez.

Real have already bought 3 quality young players.

With Isco in the team, I don't see them buying Bale. I think Suarez comes in (if anything)

Billybob

No idea what's going on at Real. The country is going to pot, and their spending like there's no tomorrow.
Not going to get into conspiracy theories, but there's a lot of grassy knolls in football.

FFP = F**k Financial Prudence.
Flybo

Hard to say. all they have said is that suarez is worth 25mill.

reports are that madrid will now make a swoop on suarez, but why did they wait all this while?

Just to sell higuain and get money to buy suarez? I find it extremely hard to think, Madrid. the club with endless pockets before the arrival of the sheikhs, had to sell a striker to buy one.

im not saying they don't want Suarez, but this Higuain to napoli thing has been agreed to death for a week now, why have they not come in with a offer?

we could end up without higuain and suarez, vey likely scenario. however until madrid bid that obscene amount on suarez. I still consider us to be in the running.

With the signing of Isco for £23 million, and Bale would cost near the £60-70million mark, I would highly doubt that they could fork out another £30-40million for Suarez. So I think you have a good point there.

Hmm if they are serious about Bale and its true, I can't see them going for or even affording suarez as well.

From their perspective I would expect it would be convenient to have suarez 'hanging around' as back up, in case the bale transfer doesn't happen?

I really think if arsenal make a push asap and put real money on the table (no pun intended) for suarez, it could happen.

23 Jul 2013 15:49:33
Eds why is the clause that's ment to be in cescs contract not being mentioned anywhere else but on here

Cork City Gooner {Ed052's Note - it has been}

Been done to death on here.

Conclusion - AFC fans don't understand why Man U are even bothering. Because of this, we're uneasy as we think perhaps the clause isn't what it says it is, or perhaps Wenger has already waived it.

We also don't understand how it benefits us completely - as in, Man U could bid 50m tomorrow, Barca turn to us and say right, your move, and we've spent all our money. Clause is redundant, we don't buy him.

Tbh the thing is pissing me and a lot of other people off, and I don't think there should be any more posts about it, but that's just me.

Oh ya it is when you goggle the exact words

CCG

Yeah but if they got 50m we'd get like 25% of that.

25m profit / 2
=12.5m

thats an extra 'wenger' signing or +cash to sweeten a deal.

this is all just trying to find a positive outlook

23 Jul 2013 15:33:25
so wenger denies signing bernard funny that he also said that bout cazorla podolski and arteta and we ll no what happend then still think it a big gamble for a kid haven't really seen a lot of him though

Of course he would deny it, to put other clubs off the scent, while we seal the deal.

23 Jul 2013 11:08:24
hi eds big fan of the site I was just wondering if the Fellaini deal was dead. I read reports and rumours that we had met his release clause then we hadn't, then he wanted more money now off to utd, what's the story

leitrimgooner {Ed027's Note - those rumours were bs

23 Jul 2013 14:23:04
who would take suarez and the hig and sell podolski.

malaga gooner

No brainer really mate. And I love Podolski.

I'll keep the guy we have. mainly because the other two are fictional.

Wenger is still using the Scouting reports from 2004. he is after players who have retired. he just does not know it.

I would keep Podolski.

Poldi will improve this year

More importantly, whatever he did at Bayern, he was around top players and winners playing for trophies.

He has the experience for club and country, and clearly sees something special in our squad.

He's a top player around Europe who wants to win with us, can't complain there

Podolski is my favourite player so I wouldn't sell him unless we're getting Messi or Ronaldo I'm return. Sick of seeing my favourite players (Song and Fabregas) leaving season after season.

No under no circumstances do I want to see that ******* disgrace Suarez in an Arsenal shirt.
And Podolski is going to have an amazing season this year!

1404

23 Jul 2013 14:15:03
Ed, With options for strikers supposedly running out, who are arsenal still apparently interested in? Personally, I would love to see Dzeko.

NE Gooner {Ed052's Note - I don't see a move for Dzeko, as he is on high wages. Bernard?}

23 Jul 2013 14:04:44
IMO.

We have been played by RM good an proper. they knew a player of Higuain's quality would go for more, and want to bleed as much cash out of any deal as possible. And we are also being played by the Suarez camp too, he has no intention whatsoever to come to Arsenal and playing us to get Madrid to bid, which they will and get their man. Should Arsenal be blamed? to a degree yes. We have been to keen to tell the world we have money, too keen to get a cheap deal done quickly - in today's world money talks. you stump up the most cash, you get your man! the list goes on - Cesar - the guy want £70k a week, we paid this type of money to the crap we are trying to get rid of. Fellani - too much money according to Arsenal. Rooney, I can assure you, wages WAS and issue. I applaud the business model and strategy the club has followed strictly to ensure we have the financial clout but don't go promising the fans the world if you have no intention in deliverying your promise.

Well said, on top of this, I've got a feeling that Wenger is just too indecisive. He hops from 1 target onto another, I'm sure this makes them feel great.

You say Wenger hopping from one target to another- WHAT targets. I haven't seen one interview or read one certified word that is certified to Wenger of Targets. all I see is people going mental with frustration being wound up by persons and mediocre media who lazily make up sh**E. stop believing everything you read. AFC don't usually publish their targets till they are signed.

23 Jul 2013 13:41:46
Thank god I did not renew the season ticket

I hope you'll be gutted very soon!

Leaves room for a real fan to get their season ticket.

Ah Ted, the tired old you're not a real fan unless you agree with my personal opinion line. I did renew my season ticket, but I don't support Wenger in any way, and this may well be the last year as I simply can't afford it. Scrapping for 4th again isn't my idea of value for the time and money I put in!

Said you didn't. wats going on

How long have you been a "fan"?

Estepona gooner

23 Jul 2013 13:09:23
Nacho man is injured what about a loan move for ally cissokho quality lb and cheap

Why not a left-footed DM that cab slot in at LB if needed:

Geoffrey Kondogbia
Luis Gustavo

Billybob

With Nacho out looks a real problem as Gibbo has a glass body. we should defo look at Gustavo as he can cover CB, LB too. Micah Richards says not sure he'll stay at City. Worth a punt for CB and RB. Hasn't Sagna covered at LB before? Not sure.

23 Jul 2013 12:50:07
According to the local press in Liverpool, AFC have lodged a 40m bid for Suarez. I guess in the absence of any firm interest from Spain, this is designed to force the hands of both Suarez and LFC, who must have lost hope that he will stay despite what Rodgers publicly says.

23 Jul 2013 11:51:22
Ed? Why is wenger putting offers in for Suarez when he knows its not enough? Is he just doing it to say he can say he was willing to spend big? {Ed052's Note - What do you think will be enough for LS? I think another offer from Arsenal is possible, and it may well be enough}

I honestly think liverpool want 50mil. however if madrid make no appearance, then they may be forced to accept the bid, especially if Arsenal say. this is the best we are going to do, or walk away.

i think arsenal will bid close to 42mill. and call it a day. If madrid go Bale hunting. it will be bad for liverpool, as the striker will have rubbed a lot of players the wrong way. + another controversy and liverpool, will find it very very hard to recover from the public damage.

23 Jul 2013 11:51:59
I love the 'where will we finish' debate. Here's how I feel about it today. With squads as they are, my top 10 looks like this:

1 City/Chelsea, 2 City/Chelsea, 3 United, 4 Spurs, 5 Arsenal, 6 Liverpool, 7 Swansea, 8 Southampton, 9 Everton, 10 West Ham.

If the teams make the transfers they all need and are aiming for, it looks like this:

1 City/Chelsea, 2 City/Chelsea, 3 Arsenal/United, 4 Arsenal/United, 5 Spurs, 6 Liverpool, rest the same.

What do you think? Think I'm crazy?

Metal I agree, I think that's pretty fair.

let's hope we get those signings!

No transfer = Wenger OUT.

no more chances.

As is I'd say City/Chelsea/Utd top 3. Us and spurs 4/5th. don't care about the rest.

With 3 really good signings I think we'd join the top 3.

I've got a feeling City will struggle this year

Reckon if we get a Top ST, DM and GK then we could push for 2nd or even 1st If Chelsea don't blitz it

But all depends who everyone buys if united get Cesc or a midfielder of his calibre they will be a force, if Chelsea sign Rooney or a top ST its there's to lose

Dandan {Ed052's Note - City will be second, or first if their Ronaldo offer is accepted}

Wait if the teams make all the signings they need, then wouldn't that make the top 5 all possible to finish 1st?
Waq

I'm confident we'll end top 4 without any signings.

Chelsea and city top 2. United 3rd. Arsenal 4th. Don't care about anyone else.

23 Jul 2013 10:44:23
I think the striker search could be put on hold until we get some defensive cover in.

Just read Monreal is going to miss the start of the season now after injuring his back while on holiday.

That's TV5, Kos, Schez and Monreal all injured with lower back problems.

Whats going on? Are these boys into some k!nky stuff in the bedroom or something?

Come on Arsenal, fork out for some yoga classes or put a ban on jumping of wardrobes and s3x swings because this is getting ridiculous.

No. It's just Arsenal's medical staff are terrible. We are the only premiership club where 2 week injuries turn in to multiple month layoffs.

I am sure it's not our medical staff who are terrible. It would be more to do with training coaches, training regimes, recovery programmes and lack of tailoring training to individuals (not that I can prove that). The medical team aren't the ones to blame if Monreal tears a muscle in his back or whatever. It's been well-documented for several years that Arsenal, despite facilities, are well behind in terms of their training. We train modern, young players like older, different athletes of some 15 years ago, in an age where more is required of them every game. We're slow to catch up. You go to United, Chelsea, City etc and the conditioning of the players is totally different, as almost every single Arsenal player who leaves us 'kindly' explains.
I feel sorry for our medical team. It's like someone getting a cold and blaming it on the tissues they blow their nose into.

The initial injuries may well be down to the training we do. However, surely the recovery times which seem to be substantially longer than at other clubs is down to the treatment they are receiving?

23 Jul 2013 09:52:01
Arsenal to miss out on all targets! Once Higuain moves to Napoli, Real will move to sign Suarez (Liverpool will sell to Madrid but not us). Wenger was never interested in Rooney, it was just a smokescreen for Suarez. Liverpool will then hijack any potential move for Bernard (they will guarantee 1st team football). We will just have to rely on Giroud, any injury to him and we are done for. I for one will not be happy when Higuain plays against us at the emirates cup and no doubt scores! {Ed052's Note - Liverpool wouldn't stop LS going to Arsenal, its more likely LS rejects Arsenal. And Liverpool won't be hijacking any Bernard move. Don't me so doom and gloom!}

Ed, that's a really interesting comment for a couple of reasons. The other day another Ed suggested Suarez's agents are seeking legal advice to try and prevent Liverpool from blocking a move to Arsenal (although good luck with that!). Liverpool wanting £55m for him when only two clubs are in for him can also be considered a block of sorts. You guys clearly not only don't want to sell him to an English team, but if there's one spot Liverpool would want to take in the race for top 4, it's ours. I'm therefore surprised you say they wouldn't try and block the move, when all signs suggest the last team they'd want to sell their best player to is us? From here it would definitely seem LS would not be the one blocking a move, especially after ESPN reported that his agents confirmed that he would be prepared to stay in England and play for us if the offer came in. Be interested to hear more about your take on it :)
Cheers, metal

What bernard move AW, his club and even he says it isn't happening. YOU may be right though just don't hold your breath

dave

Dave, you well know that means absolutely nothing.

When asked yesterday, Bernard didn't confirm, but he didn't deny it either and basically said went to thurs when his future will be decided, after their big game on weds.

Dave, when will you learn that what AW, the players or the media say is totally meaningless?

I'm not too fussed if we miss out on a striker as we have a hopefully fit Podolski who is about as good a Higuain anyway (strip away the fact he plays for Madrid, is from South America and plays in a league where the top 2 bang in shed loads of goals).

But then we'd need another winger. No idea who though.

23 Jul 2013 09:32:06
So what do you guys think, when the eventual happens?

Higuain - Napoli
Suarez - Real Madrid
Spurs - Soldado
Arsenal - sanogo and perhaps a defender and a CDM.

which strikers besides higuain and suarez, could take us to the next level?

WENGER IN or OUT?

3 weeks to kick off

Unfortunately mate there are still plenty of talented players out there, there will be Bentekes, Michus and others who we won't have heard of.

I am just sick of feeling that other managers literally do what it takes to brin players in. We seem to work 'very hard' at not really doing what it takes to land players.

Higuain, in this market, is easily a £30m player. A £35m deal rising to £40m after another year is realistic in terms what teams could expect to pay to get him to leave Madrid. If we have identified him as a target, why are we not prepared to do what it takes to sign him? He'd probably have scored about 8 goals this pre-season had we signed him and the club wouldn't have any regrets.

Bored with players only being good enough if the money is right, whilst other fantastic players who are SO affordable end up going elsewhere like Wanyama. You watch, this season Saints will be a bitch of a team to beat and I bet he puts in the best performance. Big clubs sign players like that for fun because they know they'll get their money's worth. At Arsenal we track them for 10 years before haggling, then walking away.

I don't know if it's Wenger or someone else but it is embarrassing. You need to know how to use your knife and fork if you want to dine at the top table. We still ask for a high chair and a bib and expect to do well.

Things that keep me faithful though, sadly aren't coming from the club, but the fans. The atmosphere will be mutinous if the fans feel there's even a slight risk that we could lose our 4th place trophy when the season starts. That's literally all I've got to go on.

A lot has happened in a month, and none of it to us!

We've most likely, althought never say never, missed the boat for Hig, and I just don't see Suarez.
A player I quite like is Wilfred Bony, who Swansea snapped up in what I think is a great deal!
His physicality and athleticism make him a great forward.
As for forwards that can take us to the next level, it's difficult, as there's plenty that would, but are unrealistic; Benzema, Aguero, Falcao, Cavani
And others that are realistic, but missed a trick on; Negredo, Higauin ( (I still hold some hope, but less than 10%)), Gomez
And then the ones that are realistic, and a notch above current.
Suarez (as much as I really dislike him) Damiao, Soldado, Dzeko, Osvaldo. (opinions of mine of course)

To be honest, Giroud is a good striker, who's settled now, to improve on him, it'd have to be a big player, and if it's Suarez, I think he'll be played on the left, not as a striker.
I have this weird feeling Suarez isn't our second choice forward behind Higuain, he's our first choice winger ahead of Bernard.
And if I'm right, I'd prefer Bernard.

Also, you can't say because a player is good in the EPL for X, he'll do just as well for Y, Suarez is very much Liverpools focal point, where as we variate ours amongst The entire front line, will Suarez have the work rate to deal with that?

And what of players, that aren't thought of?
For example, would Jelavic improve us?
Part of me says yes, the other says he's too similar to Giroud.

Quite frankly, I'd like us to forget our striker pursuit, play Giroud, Theo and Poldi as forward, and focus on getting a right and left winger, instead of forcing strikers out wide.


Dragovic
Fellaini/Cesc
Bernard /Agew
Ben Arfa

Perfect window for me.

Really sorry, I've rambled on and digressed from the topic!
But there we go!

D

Well Marca are now stating, that bale to Madrid is on. and levy is looking at a world record fee. perhaps with madrid trying to collect a very large sum to buy the player makes sense. its not like they would struggle to put up 35mill to match Arsenal in the Suarez pursuit, but they have not.

lets hope they go all out for bale, and in them mean time we can wrap up suarez.

Its def, wenger. this can't keep happening year after year. we seem to sign the cheap deals, to make massive profits, just not the reasonable deals to make us contenders.

If we do not sign anyone of value, its time for him to go. No more chances. 10 year trophyless stretch should be enough. and we need to let him know, we don't want him anymore.

he did bring us success, but of 18 years, the past 9 years have been barren, so its not like we have not given him a chance. He's just not taken it, when presented.

transfer window is still open, and the jury will be out once the window closes.

Questioning suarez's work rate tells me you haven't watched him enough to pass judgement on how good he is.

23 Jul 2013 09:12:02
Everton fan here,

Reading through your site, I seem to see a lot of people wanting a new CM. I think you are all under-estimating a certain Mikel Arteta, he had a quietly brilliant season for you last year and when you bought him of us for £10m I was gutted and thought that was an absolute steel!

Arteta oozes class for me. I think a new CM is needed to add squad depth, and not necessarily push a player to the bench. Arteta is great at always being available for the pass and moving the ball along nicely. A lot of people moan about his game, but for me he is vital as the link between def and mid. can't see him being dropped.

You're right he has done very well for us and as you say just quietly gets on with it.

I agree, when you look at some of the fairly ordinary players going for some crazy prices, 10mil was a steel.

Have a good season.

Love everton fans, great bunch of lads.

arteta was the man that held together a sinking ship last season.

should be full time captain this season coming.

gl for the new season.

malaga gooner

23 Jul 2013 08:26:39
Don't mean to sound negative, but 'im starting to get the feeling Arsene will do the same as last season, panic buy. Everything at the last minute. Then sorry but we tried and failed in our bids for the players we wanted. Unrealistic for most players rumoured.
Andylat.

It's the previous season he 'Panic Bought' last season we got our transfers sorted early.

Andylat, name me one 'panic-buy' from last season?

23 Jul 2013 07:52:16
I think if we bid 40 million, we will offer suarez improved wages, champions league football, amazing service. Therefore I feel he will then sulk at liverpool and he will be ours. No one want's an unhappy suarez coming to suck your blood

Bergkamp5353

23 Jul 2013 07:40:20
Everyone moans rm mucked up the deal that was set at 28million euros for higuain which is true but its blatently down to the incompetence of our negotiating team. once cavani was sold its logical that napoli have money and would prob bid for higuain who was one of the only strikers left of top standard. arsenal knew cavani would go and seeing that most of the top strikers avaliable had gone already he would at least be a target for cash rich napoli. worse thing is another target suarez who as good as he is I don't really want at arsenal is blatently going to choose madrid for numerous reasons so the rich we got so much mobey arsenal end up sucking eggs again. I can't think of another top striker left availiable after these two deals happen. rooneys going chelsea and lewandowskis staying at bd. why didn't we get our nuts in the higuain transfer early doors he was exactly what we needed!
K cider

Unfortunately, negotiating these deals isn't as easy as it seems, unless you have unlimited funds. If we pay £30m, we would probably be able to sign Higuain. Last season we sold RVP for approx £23m, with one season left on on his contract & the woeful Song for £16m. We signed Cazorla for approx £16m, Giroud for approx £12m & Podolski for approx £12m. These deals were well negotiated. We need to be patient, as we can't compete financially with the likes of Chelsea & Man City.

23 Jul 2013 06:18:20
Hi Everyone. This is my take on the Striker (Higuain) Situation (I have no insider information). Arsenal and Real Madrid agreed a price and later Madrid went and hiked the same. Further they publicly called for a bidding war for the striker saying no bids were received. Arsenal in anger went ahead and bid for Suarez ensuring that his valuation goes up and Real Madrid gets a taste of its own medicine.

Even though I would love arsenal to get higuain, I sadly do not see that happening as it is a clash of Values between two clubs. It's come to a point where Real Madrid won't reduce the price because of perez ego and arsenal won't increase the bid because of its principles. For once I agree with arsenal as if they fall to this prey once it may become a recurring affair.

I doubt arsenal will ever pay Liverpool's valuation of suarez. Rooney goes to Chelsea. So what I expect another value for money buy striker to compliment giroud and appease the fans.
Gooner from India {Ed052's Note - I have the feeling Arsenal will meet the fee asked the LS, but perhaps he won't sign.}

23 Jul 2013 00:22:23
Hi ed, one very exciting thing to emerge from this pre- season, is the promise that gedion zellalem displays every time he plays. His rate of improvement has been meteoric. I saw him a few times last season and it was difficult to get to enthused by his performances. This summer, he is a totally different proposition. His touch, technique and vision are way beyond his princely years. A talent like this emerges very very seldomly. Some of the passes he has played in this pre-season would make invests proud to call his own. True greats always have time on the ball, they dictate the play and play at there own tempo. He is always scheming and sees the game as ronnie o'sullivan sees a snooker table. I hope we continue to nurture this great talent, you only realise how much potential he has when you compare him with our other prot�g�es. He is streets ahead in his maturity and ability. Please note I am not a relative or agent of gedion, just someone who thinks we have a true little Mozart on our hands. Mickey mcflurry. {Ed027's Note - he is brilliant mate, just think as soon as he turned 16 he was staright into the U21's, never kicked a ball for the U18's side (I could be wrong) shows how much the big boys at the club rate him

I was thinking this earlier. I watched our youth play Liverpool youth and he was pretty turd, but he'd been hyped no end going into the game. I was really disappointed. I mean, he did fairly well, but he wasn't half the player we've seen in pre-season.

Whatever they're feeding him, it's working. I still think the hype thing is going awol a bit though, I mean Gnabry has matched Zalalem's through balls but nobody's talking about him really. I guess maybe it's the age thing.

They've both looked fantastic in pre-season and I would put Zalalem at the stage where Aneke was about a year and a half or so ago in terms of the level I think he's at. I know they play diff positions but just trying to liken him to someone people are more familiar with.

Metal,

Sorry mate but I disagree, particularly with the comment that Gnabry has matched Zelalems through balls but nobody talks about him.

Zelalems through balls (in preseason) are ridiculous, and the ones the don't come off are very good ideas too. The kid is only 16, Gnabry is 2-3 years older isn't he? Both great players, but I think Gnabry has better trickery and flair, whilst zelalem has more vision and passing ability.

Obviously I don't want to hype him up too much, but I think he and Gnabry are both very promising players.

Also, I don't rate Aneke that much, nor Afobe. Both very average strikers, decent, nothing more.

Zelalem, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilshere, Gnabry and Crowley will be the future arsenal midfield/attack.

Nick.

Nick, to be honest I don't rate Aneke that much. Just for the record, he's a deep lying/defensive mid, not a striker :)

A year and a half ago, Aneke was playing the way Zalalem plays now - so obviously Zalalem is more developed, but it was just a frame of reference in terms of quality.

Gnabry has unleashed some unreal through balls this preseason mate! I've been impressed. The trouble is they didn't quite come off, or there wasn't a goal so it wasn't all 'OH MY GOD GNABRY!' like we've seen. Obviously I appreciate your point about the age thing.

Zalalem has been very impressive this pre-season, let's just agree on that lol.