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27 Aug 2013 21:47:46
hi
hey:) well done lads!:)
played well I recon, - ramsey:) santi:) nacho:) schez:) gibbsy:) Jackie:) jenko:) Olivier:) bacary S:)
now. the big real test is on sunday.
missing Podski, not for long I hope:(:(
COYG andi:):)
3 weeks out mate :'(
3 weeks out mate
Regarding podolski, wenger said 21 days minimum, mate
27 Aug 2013 21:41:58
Yaya Sanogo, I dub thee "Bambi" the wobbliest set of legs I have seen since the film bambi itself lol :)
I've been saying it since the confederation cup. Sanogo does not cut it mate. I would only describe him as dreadful at the moment.!
He is nowhere to level he needs to be for a 20yr old, maybe Wenger did sign the postman!
{Ed022's Note - Wow. He was signed on a FREE and yeah its a bit of a gamble but its better than signing a £20m flop. Listen to you so called "fans" slagging off one of your own. Disrespecting a guy who is working himself back to fitness following some horrendous injuries. The sad thing is, the guy probably has more footballing ability in his big toe than all of you put together. He is playing for OUR beloved Arsenal and you owe him a bit of respect...}
27 Aug 2013 21:39:04
Easy win, even Wenger must see we need players now! Surely, with pod out wafer thin bench, New players urgently reqired.
27 Aug 2013 21:38:41
Another couple of goals for Ramsey. Shock Horror seems like Wenger knew better than all the boo boys : )
27 Aug 2013 21:15:13
At least now we know that if we were ever to sell Ramsey, it will have to be to Galataseray.
He'll be a derby legend.
27 Aug 2013 21:14:07
What a goal by Ramsey he's on fine form
27 Aug 2013 21:02:14
Looks like Podolski has done his hamstring. The purchase of a winger becomes even more important.
27 Aug 2013 20:58:44
Why havnt we played Sanogo and Zalalem tonight? Perfect opportunity to break them in
Gooner83
If we played an watered down side and went a couple of goals behind? Job had to be right tonight well done lads and Arsene too of course (credit where its due)
Really, thought he was crap when he came on.
You saw how they booted our players right? You want a 16 year old who has never played a professional game to start against Fenerbache?
Two good performances in pre season and suddenly everyone wants him in and around the team.
Give him a couple carling cup appearances but that's it. Don't loan him out yet because he is at an impressionable age and we want him to be bought up with our style of play. Maybe next year he can play in League 1, but for Gods sake, don't start him against Fenerbache.
27 Aug 2013 20:30:55
Looking very good again tonight, shezney (spelling) is playing amazing, a few additions and we are guna be very strong
27 Aug 2013 19:57:13
rather than hyping the fans all transfer window now arsene panic buying lost out on players like higuen, rooney, gomez, benzema, etc
27 Aug 2013 19:36:33
we have just had 2 really strong away performances, hope the home fans back the team tonight!
COYG!
27 Aug 2013 19:22:01
I would love Benzema, Ozil, Di Maria and Casillas. But do we really want to be seen as just buying a RM side.Surely that would put us in the realms of Man City who basically just bought every player we had over 2 - 3 seasons
Well seeing as Madrid are a better side than we were, and City still ended up winning the league.
Lets do exactly that.
27 Aug 2013 18:30:23
Hi Gooners
C'mon when we will get the big transfer news? when? it's been a torture, but still there is Hope .
Wenger get us some great news (Di Maria, Mesuit Uzil, Benzema, any two will do but none will come. Higuain is the Proof. unless it is confirmed by arsenal.com, I can't believe this rubbish to be true. Hope I am wrong. )
But Realistically speaking, I think we will sign
Mathieu Flamini, Todor Nedelev and maybe Yohann Cabaye. Why?
But again we have got 28-30 players of the books . out of which some players had a pretty heavy salary package. Considering only this, I still have hope we will sign at least 2 actual world class players.
Remember there is no Hope . only a Fool's Hope.
Cheers!
27 Aug 2013 18:04:11
Ed, I hear people crying out for a real DM, one like Vieira or Yaya Touré. If Kondogbia was to sign for Monaco, is there any other real DM available? Which of Guilavogui, Khedira, Bender, Pogba is still available?
I also heard Lille might be considering selling Thauvin, at the right price any chance Arsenal gets him?
Thanks {Ed027's Note - maybe we don't want one? We are not interested in Thauvin at this time
Vieira and Toure are not good examples of a 'real DM' they are/were central midfielders capable of playing deeper but also in a more advanced role (Yaya more so than pattrick)
27 Aug 2013 18:16:09
I know some may know this already, but Thauvin, who plays for Lille, was missing from training earlier, and he has been linked with Arsenal. One for the future definitely, but a great future prospect none the less. Marseilles have been credited with an interest though.
Probably not the player that we need at the moment, but he could turn into one of the best players in Europe in the future.
27 Aug 2013 17:20:40
Boys need to finish the job
There's a lot of pride on that Fener squad and you'll see it tonight. Turkish teams don't fold over
We will have to really earn it
Send a statement to Europe tonight lads
Coyfg!!
US Gooner, they are a very bad team with limited attacking threats.
Hope in fact we go out there to win and attack them.
Grab an early goal and give some of our squad a run out.
Am I being over confident?
No the job was done on their patch.
Comfortable 2-0 tonight.
Bang on .
27 Aug 2013 16:13:54
Bids for Higuan and Suarez all feints for real target (Wender in a recent interview stated Higuan not a target). Arsenal knew full well Suarez contract clauses.
Real target not been playing at moment due to injury and has reasons for leaving not directly connected to the club. If real target were announced early, would spark a media and other club frenzy. Expect it all to happen on the last day.
That maybe a nice way of saying we played poker the right way.
however considering we made an actual bid for Suarez, and then upped it some more and a pound, and cocked up some other deals.
The fact is arsenal have done themselves no favours, they put bids so low, that clubs were wondering if it was to buy shares in the club or buy players.
With 6 days to go, our season will be defined by the players we effectively add to our depth, or add none and end another year with no silver ware.
Hang on, you haven't even said who the real target is.
You can't tease us like that- could at least say which league they play in.
Don't tell me it's Nick from Corrie and the Bistro's closing.
Will he be off the ventilator in time for the Spurs match.
Are you related to Malaga Gooner?
27 Aug 2013 18:19:16
Are you related to Malaga? At least Malaga mentions the names of the people we aren't getting.
Why the hell would our real target be some mystery injured player? Our need is immediate, and god knows we have enough injury prone players
This guy thinks were in for Bale doesn't he . Some people.
27 Aug 2013 16:06:23
Hi Edds
With Arteta, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Cazorla and even Diaby all capable of earning a place in our 2 Centre Midfield positions. surely Cabeye is the player/position we need the very least?
I mean if he was a tough tackling, 6ft beast with great positional play yes please. but he's none of these things. Wenger was also talking about versatilty in signings too, Cabaye can play CM and that's it.
Would like to hear your opinions please on this transfer target?
And if we sign Flamini and Cabaye does that mean we are not getting a new Vieira?
Last thoughts.Im an optimistic Gooner but after the transfer debacles of the past many years, must say I have 0 faith of us signing any of Ozil, Di Maria, Benzema or Casillas. Do still think we will have a great season though.
2-0 tonight. Podolski and Giroud again :)
COYG
Totally agree. And if today's news that we will pay up to £23 million for him is correct, would we not have been far better bidding that amount for Kondogbia, Bender or even Gundogan.
Not a marquee signing in my book. Did not impress in a team struggling against relegation last year.
27 Aug 2013 15:29:09
imagine, just imagine how good the team would look if we signed:
cabaye
rooney
di maria
and now ozil
i actually think this is realistic according to rumours and inside knowledge
110 million, title challengers
110 million? we really are gullible.
So for 90 odd days, nothing, nada, zilch was spent, and in 6 days you expect Wenger to spend 110 mill?
Di Maria, Cabaye quite possible if at all. the others are way beyond us.
In fact they are not even considering us.
But that wouldn't strenghen our weakest areas.
27 Aug 2013 14:52:10
hopefully after tonight when cl finally confirmed expect transfers to happen very quickly don't no if true but hearing cabaye is in London also galatasary in for di maria 2 hopefully lightning doesn't strike twice.
27 Aug 2013 13:38:09
So when we play hull/palace the chant shall be
YOU'VE GOT THE BEST STRIKER
IN THE WORLD!
27 Aug 2013 14:55:21
Good luck to the boys tonight. Get Champ League guaranteed and let's hope that gets the transfers flowing (well I can live in hope)
Hey Arsene, let's try and finish higher than 4th this season so we don't have to bother waiting round for qualifying games days before the end of the window to start doing business next summer.
Arsenal till I die
Here here on every count.
I am with u on this bruv, nice post
27 Aug 2013 14:22:31
Wenger said on an earlier occasion that world class player only wants to play for champion league clubs. So I guess that is why we have not signed any world class players yet, because our spot in the CL has not been 100%.
After this game it hopefully will be, and we will be able to sign top class players.
27 Aug 2013 14:01:44
Hello all,
Best of luck to the boys tonight, I believe they will get the job done.
A question for everyone: if you could only get 2 signings this summer(realistically, no messi or cr7), which 2 players would you get?
My choices: Gundogan and Rooney
Cheers,
Begovic and Gundongan
Sakho and Bender
Begovic and pogba/bender
.
27 Aug 2013 13:23:15
Santi can play left wing
Ozil Centrally
Di Maria on the right
Giroud/Podolski/Walcot to rotate as strikers with Podolski and theo as back up wingers as well
We would have to be crazy not to sign these "special" players IF the opportunity arises. If a better player comes along for any position, then by all means he should walk into the first eleven. While the squad (without additions) is more cohesive, I still don't think they are good enough for the league. buying these players would make a huge difference in the technical offensive abilities of the team
If we sign Cabaye, he will rotate with Arteta and Ramsey.
Di Maria will take the left wing, walcott on the right with the Ox & Santi & rosicky Covering in Rotation.
the ACM spot will be covered by Santi, Rosicky and Wilshere and in rotation.
The forward spot will be between, Theo/Giroud/poldi
I do not see Wenger spending 38 million for Ozil, on a position he has covered.
Also I see PSG putting a bid for Ozil & Di maria.
Ozil would be great as he can play centrally or from the left.
I feel Cazorla is wasted on the left so I would rather keep him centrally.
I think I am one of the few but I really do not rate Di Maria and ceratinly do not think he is worth £30m. If I had my choice I would offer £35 - £40m for Mata and I think we would get him. This was Pod can play the the middle and we get a true world class left midfielder.
Seen Cazorla play loads of times now on the left and he is wasted out there.
You can also do
Giroud
Di Maria. Walcott
Cazorla. Ozil
Rambo
Jack rotates in when he is
1. Healthy and 100 percent
2. On the type of form that merits a start
You don't pass up the chance to sign Ozil and Di Maria
And if you really wanna challenge for trophies, you don't rely that heavily on a 22 yr old kid coming off of 2 injury plagued seasons
27 Aug 2013 12:17:29
Here's a thought! Could it be just possible that Spurs will hang on to the last minute to sell Bale to Real Madrid knowing that it will not give us enough time to go for Di Maria. Ozil, Benzema. It would be a very cunning tactical move as they know that Real couldn't take a chance in off loading their players in case the Bale deal never went through. Not a situation Real Madrid would want but you could see the method in Tottenhams madness if this was right. They sell Bale and deny us of having a chance at strengthening our squad all in one fell swoop.
Maybe- but there would be around that.
RM could agree to sell which ever players they have in principle, the players likewise agree personal terms, the deal concludes on the basis of when RM sign bale.
So it if the spurs delayed it until one hour before the deadline, everything would already be in place anyway.
But ofc that would be risky all around and would be highly unlikely to happen.
I expect bale to sign in the next few days. Levy will not turn that sort of money down.
Bruv, I think we are going loco, I was also thinking the same.
Dnt u not think if u were really interested in these players and Madrid wanted to sell they would rather sell them earlier in the window? That way they would of had a larger chuck of the fee to pay up front thus speeding up the deal?
27 Aug 2013 12:22:04
Afew points I would like to raise.
Di Maria and Ozil are world class players. But do we really need a RW and CAM? That's a lot of money which would be best suited to other areas. Your only as strong as your weakest link. We desperatly need a GK, RB/CB and CDM.
Is Di Maria only a RM or can he play on both wings. In my opinion we already have enough RW players and need an out and out LW player.
Cabaye is a great player. Very similar to Arteta but with a defensive edge. He players deep for France alongside Diarra/Mvila. Obviously we need a true, no nonsense CDM (Gustavo was perfect imo) but considering how this window has gone I would be over the moon with Cabaye.
Krul? Not much of an improvement on Szeszcny if I'm honest. Why not pay extra £4m for Begovic?
Chelsea are offering Moses on loan. Decent signing imo. We need more options upfront. He can play either wing and Striker.
Looking forward to tonights game. Going for another comfortable win. 3-1 Giroud to continue his fine goalscoring form.
I thought di maria was left footed
Di Maria plays on the right wing for Madrid but is left footed so can play on the opposite flank.
We need the winger but the CAM not so much. However its not often a player of ozil's quality becomes available and I personally think we should jump at the chance to sign him. If that means someone like rosisky or diaby has to move on, then so be it. As much as I like rosisky (apologies for spelling) we need to be more ruthless when it comes to uprgrading the squad if we ever want to challenge for title again.
So your willing to take Moses but not di Maria and ozil? Who are in a different league compared to him.
And di Maria can play both sides, he always played as a LW/LM for benfica.
Ozil would also be a quality signing, with rosicky injury problems, leaves no cover for cazorla or wilshere, so we are defo one player short there.
Cabaye I agree with you, he will be a good signing, not a proper DM but I think he can do the job, and will be a success there IMO.
I wouldn't say krul is the same as schez, he is definitely an improvement, but as you say there are better options available.
Why do we desperately need a keeper? I will keep saying it. Shezza is a world class keeper he just needs to curb his enthusiasm and cockiness at times. He is far superior to Cesar IMO and unless we sign Casillas I see no point in dropping him.
27 Aug 2013 14:59:33
carlo nchelotti would be absolutly Nutts to sell Ozil to anyone. If he becoems avaible. there would be a Q of clubs waiting to snap him up.
27 Aug 2013 15:44:31
Well yes I would take Di Maria and Ozil. But they together would cost £55m-£60m. Take that money and you could buy Begovic (£15m) Rami/Williams (£10m) Bender/Gundogan (£25m) Torres/Ba (£15m/£10m).
Begovic
Sagna - Williams - Koscielny - Gibbs
Bender - Wilshere
Walcott - Cazorla - Podolski
Giroud
Szezesncy
Jenkinson - Mertesacker - Vermaelen - Monreal
Ramsey - Arteta
Ox - Rosicky - Myiachi
Ba
Now that's a squad that could win the league. With just Ozil and Di Maria we are still 2-3 injuries at the back from a crisis.
27 Aug 2013 11:27:59
Remember when the fans would belt out "theres only one Arsene Wenger" song once or twice per game?
Can anyone honestly remember the last time you heard that at a home game?
Do you think Wenger notices? He use to notice when it was sung at him
27 Aug 2013 10:58:32
All the speculation about us raiding RM for 2 or 3 players is worrying, if these players (Benzema, Di Maria etc. ) were available for transfer, surely the spurs would have taken them in the Bale deal?
It's worrying that these seem to be the only names we are holding hope of signing.
They have spent similar money on similar players, and apparently have a player deal/relationship with RM on first refusal of players.
As Arsene said. A deal involves 3 parties. if no agreement can be found between the 3 parties, then a deal cannot be done.
Hence Suarez Stayed.
Now Di Maria and Benzema, and whoever else madrid have. If they do not want to play for us, and with us being in the champions league.
how can you expect them to play for spurs?
you can't force someone to join a club he does not wish to be a part of.
They wouldn't go to the spurs because they have no CL. Even if they don't come to Arsenal I have no doubt there is a backup plan. Its a positive sign that we are being linked with these players we just have to close the deals out!
From what I heard, di Maria was offered, and he rejected to go to spurs.
And I'm sure all the others would have rejected also.
Spurs have spent money this summer, but they haven't really bought any big name. I'm sure if arsenal were in for any player they have signed, they would've chosen us over the spuds.
27 Aug 2013 10:48:03
As much as I love the boss, I do feel that the 1 that got away was David Villa. He would have been a great signing and at a great price. He would have been tailor made for our team.
His age was always going to be a problem, especially with the physical premier league.
Im glad he is at athletico. Similar Level to Arsenal, and he can Star for them in a more technical league.
He didn't want to leave Spain.
I heard that barca sold him cheap as they have a deal on one of AM younger players. Otherwise he would have cost 10-15mil
27 Aug 2013 10:41:27
We are now in for ozil apparently madrid are selling ozil, di maria and benzema to free up cash for bale and suarez. WENGER ITS YOUR TIME!. BUY
If Ozil is for sale, I expect PSG, Manchester United to have a bigger pull to us
27 Aug 2013 10:28:02
Did anyone notice Sanogo against Fulham Saturday . I know it was only ten minutes plus a but if injury time but seriously he was terrible. I don't know if he knew where he was supposed to be playing. Totally out of it.
Relax, dude.
It was his first 10 prl min, give him some time. I know we all are very disappointed about the lack of transfers but do not turn the frustatration towards the players, it isn't their fault.
He is a young, cheap forward who maybe come good, and if not, then it isn't the end of the world.
Give the kid a chance!
I've watched many debuts over the years and even some of the greats were poor in their first few games.
One that stands out more than any is Alex Song (not that he's great) but probably the worst debut i've ever seen.
I'm sure if Sanogo was rubbish they would have noticed in training.
Its his debut man. Did you expect him to come on and bang in a hatrick?
chill out. I know its frustrating, but let's stick with the players we have.
27 Aug 2013 10:27:20
Not sure what the latest is, but it is very quiet and 6 days to add to the squad.
Di Maria, Ozil, Benzema, Casillas. players any team in the world would dream of adding.
however I am not entirely sure about Ozil joining us, same with Di Maria, Casillas and Benzema.
I also think the spurs are delaying the deal for Bale, so that they can sabotage any deals we may have with madrid.
its all a game after all.
Ozil will cost over 30 million, If they do sell Di maria, he can play on the wing, he can play central and he can be used in rotation with Isco.
So for me Ozil is a no go. The player I see them willing to sell is Modric, and for the price they want for him, again, I feel clubs like Manchester United would look elsewhere.
The Luis Suarez situation for me is a no-go. he will stay at liverpool. 6 days to go and no advance made, very unlikely any will come now.
What I can see happening is Madrid Selling 2 players after Bale arrives. Di Maria and Modric. the prices on their head will determine their sale.
On another note with the link to toby alderweild. i'm perplexed as to why wenger never thought about trying to force barcelona to part with Alexis Sanchez.
They have that position covered, they need a CB, if they only tried an option of Vermaelen+10 million for Alexis Sanchez. we could possibly go the False 9 route.
anyway I understand reality is not a FM game.
6 days to go. time to buckle up.
Modric is not for sale, as alonso is injured.
Last night ozil stormed off the pitch after being subbed off, and went straight into the dressing room. I've been hearing that he has had rifts and disagreements with ancelotti and the real president regarding his starting spot. Apparently isco is his replacement.
Any decent offer for him is defo going to be considered.
Di Maria I have feeling is the most likely to happen.
Benzema all depends on Suarez, so could be a last day deal, 50/50 on this one.
Casillas, as good as he would be, I can't see leaving at all unfortunately.
This is my opinion, based upon some runours and what I heard.
27 Aug 2013 10:23:54
Arsene wenger has said there could be signings before the north london derby.
On the day of the north london derby. he will say that we will have additions in Jan.
I honestly do not see the big names coming.
Cabaye, 2 unknown named players and possibly a defender and that's what we go into the season with
"Cabaye, 2 unknown named players"
I agree with this as well. While the media is hyping up this Real Madrid raid, this is mainly from British Publications and the Spanish Media is saying very little.
I see us signing Cabaye for 17mln, and probably a young winger that can provide cover.
Finally 1 defensive signing might come in.
27 Aug 2013 10:21:47
So who's going to the game tonight?
About 60,000 people, surely we can't all post our names!
Wasn't suggesting a meet up, just so we could have a bit of chat about how the game was for people. Nice reply though. {Ed044's Note - We are going to be introducing some match day chat rooms for the site. I am not sure when they would be ready but the plan will be to open them up for 24 hours to fans of both clubs.}
Sorry goonerholic, was only tongue in cheek!
Would be a major p**s up with 60k people though. But who would hold the whip? I volunteer!
Enjoy
I'm going but really don't see the point tbh. The tie is over.
How long has all these websites been up Ed(s)? I can only see it getting bigger and better! great job, is there a suggestions box type of thing we could contribute to ideas (incl. graphic designs, general ideas and that) {Ed027's Note - main site at least 10 years
Well there is John, Peter and his son Ron, Allen, Terry, the 2 Paul's, Lenny, Frank, Donald, Danny. Jamie Tony, Ronnie P . Ronnie C. Colin, David, George, Mathew and his bird, Fat Tony, Martin with the limp, Nigel, Greek Nick. Winston and Marcella, jimmy the fib, Swearing Simon, Big guts Bobby, Billy the burger and Hot dog Harry, Farting Fred, The Frenchman, Sexy Sarah etc. How do we know who is going?
27 Aug 2013 10:19:21
Would anyone else if they were Wenger put the war chest plus money from out going players on a bid for bale.
Never! No one player is worth that money, the spurs have done brilliant business by replacing one fantastic player with 3 or 4 very good signings.
I would not bid 100 million for Ronaldo.
The only player I would genuinely think is worth his price tag is 250mill for messi.
He is a team player. And he would make the 10 around him much better than they are.
not saying barcelona don't have superstars, but if you look at games with him and without him, its evident how much he impacts their gameplay.
anyway in short the answer is, why buy bale, when you can build a team with World class players.
27 Aug 2013 09:55:20
I think we could get Ozil, Di Maria and Benzema fairly cheap if you think about the amount in wages it would save Real.
It would cost us a lot in wages though.
Gooner83
Combined fee of close to 100 million pounds.
Benzema =40 mill
Di Maria = 25 mill
Ozil = 30-35 mill
between 95-100 million.
to pull off such a massive deal in the last 6 days of a transfer window would be a miracle. Best case scenario is one of the 3, worst case scenario is well. 0/3.
27 Aug 2013 09:42:35
The hold up in Bale's transfer will have a knock on effect on our targets. RM clearly need to sell if they want Bale & Suarez, the money situation in Spain is also effecting the bigger clubs with RM unable or unwilling to stump up a large payment up front to Spurs and are trying to structure the deal over a number of years.
Of course the opposite could happen and that is RM could agree to sell some players before the Bale purchase and this is where we might be successful because we have the cash ready & waiting.
I agree & wish Bale would hurry up and sign for Real Madrid. If Levy takes this to the 11th hour we will have no time to do our business. A conspiracy theory is emerging. This is a dangerous game. It does look like the Bale sale is the key to our transfer window.
Tick tock tick tock.
27 Aug 2013 08:55:36
Bale deal is being purposely held up by them so that we won't have time to get the player/players we are after from RM this is my view on it. Would they be that petty?
Oh yes,
27 Aug 2013 08:29:47
Arsenal will buy players. I think it will be suicidal not to. And these players have to be quality players. Arsene Wenger really needs the 12th player (us the fans) fully behind him if he is to achieve anything this season. Imagine 19 homes games of negativity from the fans? We might win less than half of those. Arsene Wenger needs to woe back all the fans that are disappointed in the club right now. And also, the fact that he has waited until after the qualification is sorted out means there will be big players coming in. Champion's league qualification is a requirement for the truly special players. Once we finalise that today, then hopefully the cheque book will come out for the bumper signings
If Arsene and co fail to get in the big names, then I am afraid there will be a very negative atmosphere at the emirates. A loss at the Emirates will be accompanied by the loudest boos in history.
Arsene must sign 3-5 very good players and of course, the most important player. THE FANS
27 Aug 2013 07:20:20
Every so often I like to share a concern. Today it's have we become so desperate for Arsenal to sign that we have forgotten why we wanted them to strengthen in the first place?
Some of the names mentioned here and in the media, indeed most of the names mentioned, are midfield players.
So Cabaye seems serious, a very good player, but isn't he too like Arteta, Ramsey, Wilshere to make sense? He's a deep lying strong skilfull midfielder not a Vieira or Gilberto or sadly even a Gustavo.
Di Maria is clearly talented but like Sanchez at Barcelona you get the feeling has never quite shown what he can do with any consistency. Is he better than Santi? Also there is Rosicky, who yes I know gets injured, but still seems pretty classy most weeks. So is this the position we most need to strengthen? Throw in Chamberlain too and we seem strong.
The idea of Ozil seems fantastic to me, I guess Real might sell if Bale goes there way, but I'd expect United to be way ahead of us desperate to sign exactly the one player they need, and again we've already got a very strong midfield.
What we lack is a defensive box to box Vieira or Gilberto. More than anything else it is our one defining weakness. Just look how our defence gets exposed, and the numbe of last player challenges.
We also clearly need an RVP replacement. Giroud is a talent but was signed to play with RVP and would have been fantastic - just imagine Walcott, Giroud and RVP - terrifying.
Final a defender who can ideally play in more than one position.
That's three mega signings, why on earth are we looking at two who simply strengthen our best positions?
Im not sure what the definition for a CDM is anymore.
Cabaye=ramsey=arteta
a much more world class example of the same is gundogan, xabi alonso
Paulinho, Dembele, Sandro, Capoue, lars bender, kehdira these guys are traditional DM's.
But I think style of play is very important to the type of player who plays that position.
Ramsey/cabaye can retain the ball, can pass and are much more technical to a standard CDM.
what I think is basically a CM playing a CDM position, just because of his ball winning abilities.
manchester united seem to go the same way and barcelona, dortmund and bayern always utilised a very technical holding player.
i can't really describe it in length over here but what I am trying to say is. the options we are looking at, may have a downside in defending, but with the setup of the squad, a massive bonus while attacking. and when the attacking and possession comes as one way traffic, the other team does not get a chance to expose your flaws due to the superior technical abilities.
27 Aug 2013 06:13:15
Doesn't it seem strange that if Chelsea wanted Rooney that the deal has not been done yet after all it's not like Chelsea are shy with their money. It seems odd that the deal has not been tied up and surely Rooney is not waiting to see who else we sign up if that rumours true.
United do not need to sell and do not want Rooney to go, they will either dig their heels in or will wait until they have a replacement bought.
27 Aug 2013 05:12:18
Ozil and Di Maria to be concluded by the end of the week, Benzema also looks likely, Flamini and Guaita also in the frame
27 Aug 2013 03:20:14
Feeling so hyped. Reports are saying we're in for a triple to quintuple Real Madrid swoop with Benz, Ozil, Di maria, Khedira and Coentrao all on the cards. Note coentrao would be used as a winger or a midfielder.
27 Aug 2013 02:58:11
Wouldn't it be great if we signed;
Casillas
Alonso
Di Maria
from Real Madrid, funding their signing of Bale, then complimented those signings with Sakho and Martinez? Heaven
Doesn't alonso have a lengthy injury?
27 Aug 2013 01:19:10
Greetings and Salutations my fellow Gooners,
So we begin another campaign, some are excited, some are skeptical but all are united in that we love the club dearly.
So the question beckons, what needs to change?
And here are my two pence:
1. Transparency - From an accounting perspective our pockets are very deep. Yet from a spending perspective we are extremely thrifty. There is divided opinion that it is the manager Arsene Wenger who prevents the purchases we seek, others believe it is club personnel in particular Mr Gazidis and Mr Law who have made our position untenable with open declaration and poor negotiation, and then there are others including myself who believe that Mr Kroenke wishes to win but will not spend more than what he deems is appropriate organizational spending. Hence the disconnect with supporters and club. I personally believe this is why AW is still the manager. I believe very firmly from my own experience that he has been given the mandate of the club from the owner and continues to exercise Mr. Kroenke's wishes as such the club will continue to operate as status quo. However it would be nice I believe of the club to stop talking from both sides of their mouth's.simply tell the truth, believe you me we will still all love the club!
2. Contingency Plan - Our British Core. I believe Arsene has decided that due to our fiscal structure that it is best to attempt to build a winning club in the model of others past and build through a young core who will grow with the club. I think he believes that his English players will show greater loyalty and hence the lack of purchases which thereby increase their opportunity, loyalty and development (Jack Wilshire case in point).
3. Dumping dead wood - Many have stated that this transfer window has been an unmitigated disaster. I for one do not share this humble view. I believe we have finally got rid of all our deadwood from years past (Yes of course Arsene has to take accountability where due), but he and the club must also be given credit for moving forward. For myself I still remain confident that we will buy, and like Podolski, Giroud, Monreal and Carzola of last season I am hoping they will be successful in their addition.
4. The bottom line - Until the truth is ever stated by those who truly are in the know we will never know. As such many suppositions and possibilities exist. I have faith in Arsene both from a supporters perspective but from a professional one. I can tell you within the sporting world he is considered one if not the brightest individuals in the industry, ironically a surprisingly striking contrast to what many of those would have you believe on this site.
5. Finally and I must admit I truly enjoy this site, the banter is brilliant and for the most part cordial, and while I may not agree with all I respect everyone's opinion. 3 nil to the Arsenal this weekend, oh how bad life must be to be a spud.COYG!
By far the best constructed bit of banter I ever did see!
Well said old chap, I could not concur more with your synopsis of the current situation.
Hussar.
Unbelievable tekkers
That my sir is a very informed and eloquent observation, I concur and if I might add Mr Wenger has a degree in economics so I am informed, much derisory comments have been made towards him, however he has changed the way that football is played in terms of diet strategy and so on and to add has had financial constraints building a new stadium, (not personally) and still managed to stay in the CL for 16 years, to me the guy should get his own statue but that's just me, I understand all of our needs for top top players and trophies but in 10, 20, 30 years time, people will say Arsene Wenger he was the best manager in Arsenals history as we are walking through the gates in the Emirates and believe me, my 5 year old will be saying the same thing in years to come too
26 Aug 2013 23:45:14
Offer Madrid 70million for
Di Maria
Ozil
Casillas
Giroud, Poldi and Theo are good enough to test out as scorers till December
It's like you read my mind, was thinking exact same thing lol
What? So are you going to sell Santi or have either him, Ozil, or Di Maria on the bench. It looks a bit nuts when we have real weaknesses in other positions to put all our investment where we are strongest. I'm far from convinced that other than a Gilberto or Vieira we need a single signing in midfield.
Man utd will be all over ozil like a dog with a rash.
Casillas, won't be leaving Madrid, especially with 6 days to go. if in Jan he is still on the bench, it could be an issue.
Di maria is the likely player, but will he want to join us? perhaps the reason why spurs delaying bale deal, so that Di maria is not sold to us.
I honestly don't see Ozil joining anyone. he is just too important to sell unless a crazy bid comes in.
1 ) we don't do crazy bids
2 ) Manchester United making a crazy bid, just means they wasted 18 million on kagawa. ( similar type of player, although Ozil is much more superior)
If bale joins madrid I can see them move Ronaldo uptop, and move bale to the left wing. and make benzema the backup striker he never wanted to be.
26 Aug 2013 23:22:52
Hi mates!
I was listening to Newcastle Coach saying something like "we have a world class player bla bla bla. and we are going to miss him, we are already missing him and you can see that in our two matches. bla bla bla and goes on to mention Cabaye's name"
I am sure Cabaye is on the move but to where? Eds any clue on his destination
I certainly hope it's not us. He is good, but unnecessary at present
26 Aug 2013 23:09:02
probably not the best time to ask this question, what with a week to go, no new signings and everybody on here getting annoyed/irritated//anxious with regards to who we are/are not going to sign but here goes.
just suppose at end of last season wenger resigned/got sacked/moved upstairs and jose mourinho took over, what do you think would have happened with our squad? would we be where we are now? would "the special one" have added to our squad? if yes, who?
would you, as a gooner, been more happier than what you are at the moment. would we be better off or worse?
Technically, Arsene wenger is a much better coach than Mourinho. But Jose Mourinho does not rubbish. He demands the best out of everyone, the board included. I mean look at him, Mata was the best player at CFC last season. This season he can hardly get a game. Mourinho would rip our team apart. I am sure he would sell off about 5 or 6 first team players that's for sure. So. Yes, he would change the squad
Don't underestimate Jose's coaching abilities. By all accounts he is very good technically and covers all the bases in how to approach every match vis a vis the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition. I would also say that he is tactically much bolder than Wenger with far more ability to rescue a game that has gone tits-up early doors. Where he outscores Wenger big time is his ability to motivate palyers and get the very best from players who are not necessarlly the greatest individually. It is done through his undoubted charisma and the force of personality. Very similar in that respect to Cloughie who managed to turn an above average but not world beating squad into back to back European Cup winners. This approach demands players who will buy into the manager and follow the programme - it leaves no room for dissent (hence Casillas being benched and maybe why Mata isn't getting a game) and that is why Jose would probably disrupt our squad if he ever took over at Le Grove.
26 Aug 2013 23:02:42
I can't see us blowing it tomorrow, so once our place in the group stages is confirmed it's time to put our money where our mouth is and get the deals done, no more spin thank you very much.