Arsenal Banter Archive August 28 2013

28 Aug 2013 22:28:26
It's super early to say but Lamela to me doesn't seem to fit in the EPL and certainly won't succeed as well as he would in another league. Especially with spurs now, they seem lethal but they have too many players capable of doing something special individually, but as a team, they won't work together. I think Chelski pretty much have a similar problem as well as Real Madrid at the moment.

With us, we do need at least someone who has the balls to go and do something to flip a match around - something that none of our other players will do. Di Maria to me seems to me to be the perfect person for this if he hit the gym, and lamela would have been good with us and only us I'd say. It's just that realistically no Madrid player will join us.

We need a solid CDM and there a a good handful about. But just someone who can run in and do something spectacular like rosicky (except he's injury prone and ageing fast) would do too although it's not a priority.

Is it just me who thinks this about Lamela? Even Jovetic I had the same thought about!

Very good post. Logical thinking for a change. Makes a change.

You seem a little confused. If Lamela won't succeed in the prem why would he succeed if he was with us? We are in the prem. As for Chelski, if we finish above them we WILL win the league!
We do need something extra but World class extras are hard to come by.

28 Aug 2013 22:09:56
Liam Brady seemed to be hiding something when asked on Irish tv about signings saying once bale leaves for Madrid a domino effect will happen. He also said Rooney and Suarez are stilll up in the although he did not nesiserily mean these two would be still of interest to arsenal but he jussi seemed to be smirking while saying all this.

28 Aug 2013 22:04:11
Hi Gooners


F**** you! Arsene Wenger. This man is so much obsessed with High /top quality players and is looking in the market, he will keep looking and looking and looking then Sept 3rd will say we signed "flamini and sanogo", which will improve our squad. The fact of the matter is he is stalling and every word he says related to transfer for players like suarez, Rooney, benzema, Di Maria, etc. is Folly. I don't be understand, some say he will sign after we qualify for UCL, but how come spurs are able to sign players like Lamela, Roberto Soldado, Paulinho, Nacer Chadli and Etienne Capoue and almost signed Williams ; when they are in Europa league. This shows and proves one can sign these top players if one is willing to spend and has heart to buy these players. Hey let me ask bloody "Wengerismmmm" is capoue not top quality, even his price was quite low as compared to our existing targets. The worst thing is we need that kind of player but AW is still searching for top quality. I don't see any signings of actual top quality coming. only squad players like flamini will come or young 20 year old.

in so many days AW was not able to buy any one of the world class players we have been linked. strange! Either the entire media is bluffing or is it another one of AW transfer con. "tried a lot and worked very hard and bought flamini and sanogo.". This is typical AW BS. Really his interview and press conference pisses me off. Nothing new to say, has been saying that crap again and again everyday. "we work very hard, top quality, still 5 days left, are in the market as we r a bit short in squad depth(this line shows he will get squad players who can provide cover). may be even lHelb to re-sign. AW please, stop playing around you seriously can't buy 3-4 top players in less than 5 days, considering sat and Sunday plus weekend derby. Looks like we r in for another long and frustrated season. (hope I m wrong, but everyday passes and it makes me feel he is lying). Mr. Scrooge Macduck open your pockets now before it is too late for AFC.

Ramsey you were great! keep up

Cheers!

My friend if he thought Capoue was top talent and he added that special quality to our squad, he would have bought him.
Obviously he doesn't. And that's pretty much good enough for me.

Top post loaded gunners

28 Aug 2013 21:07:46
Ozil says NO to Arsenal. oh my word why would he do that lol

Banbury don't be sarcastic (smiles)

28 Aug 2013 21:31:05
If and it is stil a big if we don't sign anyone, where do you think we will finish? My heart says 4th my head says 5th. Don't see us being out of the top 5 no matter what

Even if we don't sign anybody we could win something this year.
In contrast to signing players, you could also look at the growth of a young squad with great talent, which we have.
This could be Wengers trump card

Your heart only wants the mighty Gunners to finish 4th???
Seriously??
My head says 3rd or 4th but my heart says TOP OF THE LEAGUE BABY!!!!

If Arsenal sign no one else they will finish 6th, sad to say. The squad is just too thin and I swear Arsenal gets more long term injuries year in and year out than any other team in the Prem.

28 Aug 2013 21:24:43
Are we going to sign anyone? And are we going to be left behind? And is this the last of our great club . Or are we goi g to come good? Please please!
I know I sound desperate . But that's how I feel!

28 Aug 2013 21:15:09
Anyone else here expecting some really great players after the transfer saga we had to endure. After talking about higuain or suarez, I would be dissapointed to see cabaye come in as AW's real big improvement. He is a good, solid player, but a great player he is not. For me Cabaye screams plan B, I had the same feeling with the three that came in two seasons ago (Arteta, Merte, Park and Santos) while Fabregas and Nasri left.

Still hoping though,

28 Aug 2013 21:55:32
Tottenham in talks with christian erikkson, now I ain't no genuis. but. I think we are well and truly screwed, they have strengthend right across the board, what on earth are we doing at arsenal?id of taken all of there signings bar chadli. I personally don't think we will sign anyone. unless flipping diaby comes back from injury then we will be title challengers. what a farse we are.

Totally agree wolvo. I've been a staunch defender of Wenger over the last few years. I've held the board more responsible for the lack of Ambition to move this club forward again.
I use the word ambition as currently other clubs around us are showing a lot more. Wenger lovers will disagree and to an extent I'm holding back my full views until the window is shut. Spurs our main rivals for 4th place last season are attracting players, big name players. How are hey doing that? Is the attraction of playing on channel 5 on a Thursday that great?
The worrying issue is I'm hearing more names linked with Arsenal followed by the line ". Not interested in joining arsenal." Again holding full opinion till Monday nights curtain call.
Even a win on Sunday will only paper the cracks.

28 Aug 2013 21:52:09
Don't panic, don't panic. Mr Mannering? Mr Mannering, don't Panic!

To anyone over 35 a dads army reference but sums up the mood I feel. If Argentinian and Spanish and Brazillian internationals are special enough for Arsenal am all aquiver with excitement to see which big fluffy white bunny Wenger pulls out his hat this window. Well hopefully 4 fluffy white bunnies who can improve our team.

28 Aug 2013 20:44:18
Lets all hope that the spurs are in for a pretty grueling encounter tomorrow night. I personally hope they get as much of a bad challenge fest as JW10 received last night

Gooner83

28 Aug 2013 20:35:49
Think we have been Royally screwed by Wenger and the board, some very angry bloggers out there tonight.

28 Aug 2013 19:54:43
hola mi amigos.

whats with all the doom and gloom on here we have just had 3 good wins on the trot.

bring on the spuds

And. we're going to sign Messi?! What's not to like?

Keep the banter coming.

28 Aug 2013 21:24:56
Just curious. If Bale does not leave Tottenham for some reason, could Spurs afford all these players they've already bought? Could they go bankrupt? Although, if he doesn't leave, they would have a pretty good team

We need to sign players that will do the job!

Malaga mate, If we knew and trusted each other and I was constantly telling you how I was going to buy a ferrari and take you out in it, you might be excited. If I failed to get the ferrari but then said Maserati, or Aston DB9 but kept buying **** all, you might a) lose trust in me, and b) be disappointed and c) annoyed.

So, as you've been posting signings we will be making like an ITK for 2 months, I'm afraid gents like you and the beard artists in the media, along with dear Arsene and the rest we are all a bit grumpy.

Good signings and the mist will pass, but you should read the story of the boy who cried wold. Messi indeed.

Hola amigo

I have no doubt we will beat Spuds

But for the 10th richest sports club in the world, in an un-salary capped league, to barely have enough players to field a healthy squad

Is completely unacceptable

It happens every year, every year we play our biggest matches short on numbers

There is no excuse for it, none

Yeah, but our squad is as thin as spurs trophyroom. we can not afford any more injuries

Baggins

if you were 5ft-8, blonde, blue eyes and had dd balloons you could turn up on a horse and cart and I would be happy

28 Aug 2013 19:29:22
Lamela joins new signings including Roberto Soldado, Paulinho, Nacer Chadli and Etienne Capoue.

But that's ok, when Diaby is healthy again, he'll be just like a new signing.

Diaby? oh please.

28 Aug 2013 18:32:58
I'm afraid ALL Arsenal fans have been mugged off by the French person, I am fuming, do not tell me there is time.time for what a few teenagers from the French 3rd division. There will be NO, NO big signings coming to Arsenal, and please do not say Flamini is one, at last this is the season that I have been waiting for, Arsenal will finally fall outside of the Top 4. With such a small squad Wenger will have no choice but to keep playing his top names and then you know what will happen. Do not think this season will be the one that kicks things into gear because the knock on effect of finishing 5th or 6th is huge, lack of revenue and of course players leaving. We can't get players now so what chance will we have once we are in the second tier of the prem

There is time.

28 Aug 2013 18:07:29
Is it panic time now? Still no signings Thursday tomorrow so that means Wenger and his cohorts will be whereever at uafa for cl draw, so guess what no signings tomorrow, then it's Friday, training for Sunday's game and guess what won't buy anyone then, so Saturday. no one working at our club on a Saturday, Sunday all about the game so Monday, May get 3/4 panic buys nothing like the class of player we need, Wenger comes out and says "we have a squad that can compete, yes I believe so, we tried to get add name here but his club couldn't get a replacement in time" then we sink into mid table mediocrity. Think I'm wrong? Wait till Tuesday morning. I prey I'm very wrong.

Where's Wengerism when you need him, (to defend the indefensible)?

28 Aug 2013 17:45:52
Great so the dirty spurs are close to signing lamela and who are we getting no one ffs wenger and the board pull your fingers out your arses we will end up being7th this sseason

28 Aug 2013 17:41:43
Why aren't we after Lamela, spurs have agreed a deal with them apparently worth 25 million! Wenger C'MON!!

Because lamela is simply not better than what we have. Just like all the other players they've signed

I'm sorry 'The Original AG' but all of their signings so far are better players than we have in those positions bar Chadli.

Both Paulinho and Capoue could have played CDM for us and Lamela would be great on the wing for us.
Chadli and Soldado were not bad signings either, Chadli looks a good player for rotation and can only get better. Soldado is good, but over priced, I would prefer Giroud any day.

28 Aug 2013 17:11:45
Whose been buying shares Ed? Any ideas?

{Ed022's Note - At around £16,250 per share they're a little out of my price range. As for who has bought the shares. No news, only speculation im afraid...}

28 Aug 2013 16:47:22
Rooney will end up with us, because Man U don't see us as title contenders. Just put in the bid Mr Wenger.

28 Aug 2013 16:42:07
Unfortunately Ozil has stated that although he is flattered, he is going nowhere. Slightly a shame but I do prefer Di Maria (doesn't seem likely either)!

It's lovely to be associated with a possible transfer for these players but I cannot believe how many of us, Arsenal fans, believed we'd actually sign players of spend the apparent 70 million (transfer kitty).

I'm resigned, and I don't feel the current squad has enough depth to really challenge for anything, to believing that only the MONEY secured from Champions League qualifiers will be spent; yes it's in there and perhaps more but there has been repetition at Arsenal where the books had to balance. I can see and of course I know not much, that only 20/30 million will be spent. It was obvious in AW's words a month ago that Arsenal weren't vying for the EPL. He said that in two or three years we realistically could? This "special" player has been weaved through every statement AW makes and honestly, it all means that he's not prepared to pay and keeps faith in his current squad.

Aaron Ramsey has had a couple of good games against Fenerbache. And an underwhelming Fulham side. I think he's good but he's not special! The only player/s I believe that are special are SANTI CAZORLA. That fella could walk into any team easily.

It's a nervous time, hair pullling, biting nails and greying rapidly but that's the joy of supporting Arsenal. One day we will set the world on fire again, sadly not anytime soon.

It will be very interesting to see how spurs play against us this weekend. On paper I am quite impressed and GOD HELP ME I DESPISE THEM but money well spent with Bale's transfer.

COYG!

28 Aug 2013 17:36:18
My only worry is santi is used to winning with Spain how long till he leaves

Probably leave next year when we don't make champions league along with couple others stating lack of ambition

28 Aug 2013 15:56:44
I knew this would happen. Tomorrow I fly off to colder parts of the world, gone for two weeks. Damn and don't you now it no signings yet. So I go knowing that when I return it will all have changed, the three big signings will be in place, and even without them I'll return to catch up on Sky and watch the 4-0 win over Spuds.

I envy you all sitting watching Jack, Santi and Aaron outclass them, and Walcott and Giroud scoring a pair each. I envy you watching the new signings looking on, I can picture them now.

Actually my only slight problem is I can't picture them. Benzema? It diesn't feel real, just another reoccurring name in an endless list that never join, Mata seems even madder, what next Goetze and Hazard? As for Ozil well surely not? Di Maria? Possible but I'm not too convinced why or how he'll take us to another level, good but is he that much better than what we have?

Casillas? Hmm nope don't see that or one second. Cabaye? Yes if Paris don't take him first he'll end up here, but I don't see him as better than Ramsey, Wilshere or Arteta.

That's it the summer is almost over and I just can't see the names that will truly make a difference to us, the equivalents of RVP and Cesc when they left.

So I'll leave it your hands, I expect spurs to be thrashed and three world class players awaiting my return - the equivalents to Vieira, RVP, and Campbell at their height will do thanks.

There are still players like Erik Lamela, who is heading for spurs, I really don't know what is going on at the emirates.

Can I come with you?

{Ed022's Note - Ahhhh thats so sweet. This post is now sponsored by match.com}

I shed my pity for you. I came off, in one of the hotter climates for ten days, expecting to see a host of marquee signings. Only was I then greeted by what I saw TOTTENHAM were up to!

Enjoy it! ;)

Wenger is going to buy Messi. Come on guys it is obvious.

28 Aug 2013 15:19:09
Words I don't want to hear on 2nd September from Jim White 'it's 5 o'clock and Arsene has gone home early for the day' .

{Ed022's Note - This will only be acceptable if we've signed Begovic, Sakho, Bender and Suarez before 5pm...}

He'll be going home because without signing he's sacked

Wouldn't that be nice but I can't see it we have been crying out loud for players of that calibre in those positions for years and it never seems to happen our own fans, opposition fans, pundits dogs in the street could see these were/are needed I love wenger but he needs to wise up we won't end up like leeds if we spend on quality.

Ed 022 like your optimism.

28 Aug 2013 14:29:00
Would you rather.

a) Arsenal finish in the top four but tottenham win the league

b)Arsenal finish fifth and tottenham finish sixth


controversial jeff.

Hamilton

{Ed022's Note - I think I speak for everyone when I say that is completely pointless. I don't ever want to see Spurs win the league in my lifetime. I haven't so far and I don't intend to start now. B all the way for me...}

B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B

{Ed022's Note - Just to clarify Wexico Goon, you are against option A completely?}

I don't want to see spurs lift the johnstones trophy never mind the league. B B B. I would take Arsenal finishing 19th as long as spuds. We're 20th

{Ed022's Note - I'd take 17th if Spurs were relegated...}

Is anyone old enough on here to have seen them win the league? Lol

Not interested in spurs, don't ever care where they finish, only care about arsenal.

28 Aug 2013 14:06:41
Fenerbahce have been kicked out of europe twice now in 24 hours!

28 Aug 2013 13:57:40
Can't understand HassanAFC claiming he and others were not wrong for slagging off Ramsey for the last 2 years, even though he has proved all the doubters wrong.

Many were calling for him to not only be benched, but to be SOLD because he was "not good enough". And now that he is returning to his pre-injury form, the band wagon fans come out with things such as "I'm glad he proved me wrong" and "I knew he would come good".

At least grow a pair and admit when you are wrong. Yes, Ramsey has had his struggles but he always gives his all and he plays for the badge and for that he has always had my support.

Have a good day everyone and let's hope we get a signing in!

{Ed022's Note - Right, let's nip this in the bud right now. No-one has the right to slag off their own players. If they aren't performing then the manager and the coaches will be in their ear. Here's a revolutionary idea, if they had the support then maybe they'd perform a little better? Anyways, that's irrelevant now in the case of Aaron Ramsey as he is now silencing the critics and playing very well. Arguably our best player at the moment. Therefore, get behind all the boys for a MASSIVE game at the weekend agasint Spurs...}

Ed022, I could not have said it better myself. Awesome. This court is now adjourned lol.

{Ed022's Note - Thank you. There's one thing I cannot stand is pointless moaning, bitching and slagging off of players and even other Arsenal fans. Moving on...}

Look Hassan AFC can say what he thinks, so can the others.

Do we have the best squad with the best players? NO.

If we did we would be winning honours left right and center.

however the progression of this team has been gradual, along with gametime.

I understand the frustration of the fans, and I never understood booing the players who are willing to put the Club shirt on.

Ramsey last season worked his a££ off, yet there was no end product, it was work rate without vision. All of a sudden he combines the two and 90% of us are eating humble pie, yet we are calling him out, due to the frustrations of the transfer window.

The manager decides to buy the players and build a team, for lack of success he should be solely blamed.

We had 90 days to do something. just to drink tea and pretend we were doing something. now the season has started, those who are around, are working even harder to keep the fans happy, and fans turn their back on their own? absolute disgrace.

Get behing the team, air your unhappiness in protests outside the club and aimed at the manager.

and NEVER EVER EVER BOO the team.

imagine your at work and someone comes over to you every 5 mins and tells you how crap you are. motivating isn't it.

I have already posted that he's stuck it to me and a lot of others who doubted he'd come good. That's the key "he's come good". He hasn't always been good, and to imply he was playing this well before his injury is absurd. Because he wasn't.

Many, including myself criticised him and his performances for the last few years, and rightly so! He wasn't performing well enough to be Arsenal standard. I mean, come on. It's hardly as if the people who slated his performances did so without reason, what would be the point in that?

It WAS justified. And now it seems those that thought he'd come good sooner or later have been vindicated for doing so. Still early days but he's winning a lot over, and fair play to him. He's upped his game and people appreciate that. All there is to it. Hope he keeps it up!


Regarding the who's right and who's wrong argument:

NO ONE IS WRONG!

We all had opinions, still do. Opinions are just that, opinions. Not fact! No right, no wrong.

All that matters is that he is performing extremely well at the moment, and that only benefits ARSENAL!

Enough of the ego stroking!

I have always supported ramsey- yes, I have found him frustrating at times, but I have never called for his head.

We have to understand, what is for me, two major things that have happened to him in the last few years.

Firstly, the physical.

Getting over that sort of leg break takes time for a non-athlete, let a lone an elite athlete (which PL players are), where it is completely healed, etc.

Secondly, the mental/emotional.

The leg break itself would make anyone feel tentative/cautious of the fear of it happening again and whether the leg 'will ever be the same again' etc.

Also, we cannot underestimate the untimely death of Gary Speed, a man Ramsey looked up to and who gave him the honour of being captain for his national team - that would hit anyone hard.

This is why I have always supported him.

It appears that he has now turned a corner and has regained his confidence and self-believe.

Great for him (and us) and I am sure he will now go on to have a very good career.

NI Gunner gets my point, I think most people did, whether they agreed with it or not is a different matter all together.
I slagged off Ramsey because a the time he was not good enough, was he good enough? No.
We all remember that when Jack and Rambo both joined, Rambo was the player with more potential, the more exciting player. Unfortunately for him, he got injured and that slowed down his progress.
Ramsey put in 100% effort last year, like Lakerville said however, no end product, no touch of class to go with a tireless work rate.
So was I wrong to say he should not have been in the team? No. Because performing at the skill level he had been performing at, he was not playing well enough to warrant a place in The Arsenal team.
That doesn't mean however, the player deserved to be booed, of, or for that matter that any player deserves to be booed off. Its not a players fault they are playing for the team when they aren't good enough, think Squillaci, Eboue. But if you paid me £50k a week to play for Arsenal I would too.
So no, I never booed Ramsey, I support Arsenal, I support their players. At the end of the day we weren't going to sign better players so I supported the players we had. Even though, some of those players were not good enough, like Ramsey.
This season however, he has combined all the attributes he showed signs of. He has combined an incredible work rate with an air of class and elegance. Not only that, but he is putting himself in goal scoring positions, and showing composure.
A lot of this, comes from confidence, like Ed said, players perform better when supported by their fans. That is why I would never boo our players, I just make my feelings known to those around me or random names on a forum.
Trinidad, you said grow some balls and admit I was wrong. I said Ramsey has been playing brilliantly and good luck to the fella. But that doesn't change that in previous years he has not been good enough. that's my point and I stand by it.

28 Aug 2013 13:26:28
I have just been told, that Iker Casillas is ready to move from Madrid, Madrid are looking for a significant fee. (can be anything from £1 to gareth bale money)

Apparently he has been blamed by the madrid Hierarchy for quite a few internal club leaks. and even his personal vendetta against ronaldo awhile back.

In other news, AVB has just said that Bale will join Madrid very very soon, however it is likely he will be fined for not turning up for training.

Disclaimer : none of this information is from my ITK source (Also known as the boogeyman - and moonlights as the sly source). This is from the media in spain and sly sports.

Hi Lakerville, any news that the Bale deal will go through soon or are we looking at a deadline day deal? Meaning if we are going to raid Madrid at all for anyone we are also looking at deadline day. I know that's when Arsene likes to do business anyway but for once I would like to not be constantly looking at the clock on tv on deadline day lol

Its all going down to the wire.

AVB has stated that THFC are trashing out Bale's Contract with Real CF.

He also states they will take the world record bid, which is 86 million over "X" amount of years over the 72 million in one pot.

Bale will also be fined for his very primate like antics.

Lamela, Eriksson, Ever Banega have been sounded out about joining the spurs.

meanwhile at Arsenal. Wenger is just having his cup of team after a heavy meal of nandos, and is ready to take a nap.

28 Aug 2013 12:30:21
Do you think Spurs are holding up on the transfer of Bale to Real Madrid as we are interested in some of their players and don't want us to sign them to play before the game on Sunday? I am a genuine Arsenal supporter (Season ticket holder, Clock end upper tier). Thanks

{Ed022's Note - This is the rumour doing the rounds. Ultimately Bale is now trying to force the move through but Spurs will not be bullied into selling early and until Bale signs then don't expect any signings such as Di Maria, Ozil, Benzema etc...}

Looks like our best bet could be Mata, Cabaye and Flamini.

Mata to cover the left wing, caz in the middle, walcott on the right wing and giroud in the middle.

28 Aug 2013 12:08:48
Looking ahead to the North London derby I feel we will do the business, Spurs have made some quality signings but the fact that they haven't been convincing in the two prem games they have played fills me with hope and optimism. Soldado looks good from the spot and they do have players that can break quickly and hurt us, Townsend is looking good and Gibbs will have to be on his game to null that threat. I feel if spurs give us space we will dictate play and punish them, but my only problem is the lack of strength currently in the middle. Compared to spurs who have paulinho and Capoue who are both physically strong the likes of Cazorla and Rosicky could struggle, Ramsey and Wilshere are both strong players and have big hearts, they fear no one but even they will not be able to out beat the those two in a physical battle. Giroud looks on form at the minute and our form recently I feel could be the factor in us winning. We have the home advantage and this squad knows the importance of is game and what it means to us as fans, but also us as fans need to play our part and get behind the team from the start and all the noise should be coming from us not the rubbish from down the road. Watching the game yesterday I felt our attendance was shocking. All be it a Tuesday night game one we had practically won before we started but still the crowd was quiet for numerous amounts of the game and at times all you could hear was the fenerbache fans, so I'm hoping the atmosphere on Sunday will lift the team which I'm sure it will as last year the crowd were immense at the game. In terms of signings this is the time wenger needs to get the players in especially befor ethics game considering podolski is out now and wilshere and Ramsey are doubts. This should surely warrant wenger to bring in 4+ players. In terms of the striking department and being realistic I hope why don't we challenge udinese and try and sign someone like Muriel or even try and nick a newcastle deal for go is or ba. I heard that mata's agent/Dad was there and although it seems speculative with mata currently being benched and mourinho recently saying he would sell to a rival I hope this materialises into something bigger. Di Maria is a just I think if bale joins Real as he would add quality to our wings and is a marquee singing we need. Cdm I feel we should target Kondogbia or bring in flamini for free. I feel we need on more win defence, maybe Williams or someone like Juanfran of Atletico who is versatile. Overall though I feel this squad has the quality to overturn spurs who haven't been convincing lately and this would be a real morale booster winning the first big derby of the season.

28 Aug 2013 12:01:15
I really do think the signing of Flamini is an absolute disgrace.

I stuggle to believe Wenger will sign Flamini AND Cabaye, at the risk of "killing" the careers of Ramsey and Wilshere.

Very sad state of affairs, Wenger is goign to dissappoint once again.

I don't understand loaning le coq out only to bring flamini in.
rubbish don't make no sense

{Ed022's Note - Here's an insight, Coquelin isn't currently ready, where as a 29yr old experienced Flamini who has played for Arsenal and AC Milan in all domestic and european competitions is ready? Just a thought or insight into how Wenger's thinking??}

Ed, that said, he has very high wages and is injury-prone, so I don't see him as a vital signing.

He is more like a "yossi benayoun" signing. Stop gap because we missed all of our targets in the position.

{Ed022's Note - I have never said he was a vital signing. I would prefer Bender or Kondogbia personally...}

28 Aug 2013 11:56:51
Appox 5 day to go. to Identify, enquire, negotiate, agree, then purchase a player. will we do it. can we do it. stand by for tommorrow's thrilling instalment of . Arsenal's summer transfer spree.

Yes I am being sarcastic because I know we have bounced back well from the Villa game. but our squad is thin and we urgently need 3 or 4 top quality players. just hope we can put out a fit and decent side against the Spuds

28 Aug 2013 11:09:35
Eds, If Milan and Lyon are knocked out should we be looking to make bids for El Shaarawy and Gonalons? If they play in the play-offs they are still eligible to play in group stage for another team according to Fifa's rules. Also if Ajax want €15m for Eriksen he has to be worth a punt as he has scored 2 in 4 with three assists so far this season. Thoughts?

{Ed022's Note - Even if Milan get knocked out, which they won't as they will win in the San Siro against PSV, El Shaarawy will still cost upwards of £30m and will be cup-tied in the CL. Gonalons will also be cup-tied and Lyon do not want to sell their captain. As for Eriksen, we have no interest that I know and he is interesting Liverpool and Spurs. We have Cazorla as our magician who dictates play...}

Hi Ed, Fifa rule 18.07 states:

As a rule, a player may not play in a UEFA club competition (i.e. UEFA
Champions League and UEFA Europa League, but not UEFA Super Cup) for
more than one club in the course of the same season. Exceptionally, however, a player who has been fielded in the first, second, third qualifying round or the play-offs of the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League is entitled to play in the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League for another club as from the group stage.

Surely that means they would be available?

{Ed022's Note - Sorry Platini, I stand corrected...}

I agree with you though Ed that chance of getting them is remote, but if the players want to play Champions League in a World Cup year it must be worth a punt, particularly with Gonalons.

{Ed022's Note - In football there is always a chance, as you and I have said on a regular basis, its a world cup year and that's slightly different as players want and need regular game time...}

28 Aug 2013 10:42:59
guys I will come on and fully apologise if i'm wrong on this, I can see us buying no players of note in this window, wenger and his cohorts and in a fantasy world if they think we can run with this squad, we are so unprepared for this campain it is scary, down to 13 fit players now inc gk's. and . nothing from the club on transfers, SINCE JUNE what has been going on. don't buy this cl crap, why hasn't brought in squad players etc what his excuse for that, fast running out of time, and maybe his legacy.

Yater please get a grip.
We just won 5-0

Wengerism I agree with you we should perhaps take a breath and savour the win and progression to the group stage.

However I think the point being made is that yes we can beat teams like Fenerbache etc but over a full season of around 60 games can this thin squad compete on 4 fronts. I think with some additions and depth we can. If however we make no signings I can see injuries, suspensions and fatigue being a big issue. let's hope Wenger has a plan I like you hope he does and proves he still has it. I am a but nervous though.

Sebastian, he's a man without a plan, wake up and smell the coffee.

Also 5-0 against a really poor side who knew they were going to get kicked out anyway.it's another day gone . tick tick and all that, do you really believe we can run 60games without 4/5 signings? And I will apologize to him if I'm wrong.but with his history and the behind the scenes conflicts with were going on. I really worry for us, still think we'll beat the spurs though.

28 Aug 2013 10:34:04
ed 022 is there any logic doing what we seem to be doing, ie buy no squad players(they don't need cl to join us), waiting for . what, I don't know what, if 60000 people in the stadium, every pundit you listen too, thousands of fans at home can see this why can't the club. there is no excuse for this window, even if we bring in messi, haha it will seem a panic buy now, ok that one won't! but you know what I mean, don't want change in manager, just want action for our squad.

{Ed022's Note - We could have gone down the Spurs route in signing players such as Paulinho, Soldado etc... who have been sold a project rather than CL qualification. The noises coming out of the Emirates are that 2-3 signings of top quality are trying to be signed. This would mean that some players such as Rosicky for example will become the squad players. For example, Chamberlain would be more of a squad player upon his return if we sign Di Maria...}

28 Aug 2013 09:13:34
This is ridiculous it really is, rewind 17th August wenger says we are in the market, Fast forward 10 days ahead and still no one. This is going to come back and bite us, we have no LW Pod and Ox are injured so who do we put in there Gibbs? You can't be serious, or play carzola on the wing. Wilshire and Ramsey are doubts as well for the game. So whose going to play midfield now, Crying out Loud we need a DM, Rosicky Wilshire Ramsey Carzola are all similar players, who is playing the holding role?

Juan Matas dad present yes, but again if we do sign him which I would love, its another similar kind of player to these, the priority for now before Sunday a must is a LW, a DM, and a striker, we are short at CB as well another injury away, and I don't know who we play there, at RB also we are short.

I do not get it how wenger doesn't see this and waiting for the last day of the window. Our Squad members ramsey kept saying we are short number wise, wenger says the same old story then where the hell are the Numbers.

Irrespective of yesterdays game we had more than a foot inside the CL, business need not have waited for the game to officially finish because players signed before wouldn't have anyways played, and we had 3 away goals for Christ sake, Fenerbache were awful literally awful over the 2 Legs.

Against spurs we are light at this point in that midfield department without a proper LW and a DM, we will neither cause them problems, and we will be in problems, and I have no clue what's wrong with Wallcott, he is one dimensional, doesn't look like in the mood, first touch is horrible, followed by horrible free kicks and set pieces.

I agree fully with your assesment, I would love to know what they have been doing since june, also I don't buy this cl qual crap, who has he ever brought in before?
i would love to be proved wrong on this, but I fear the worst now

This is precisely why so many of us want Wenger gone from the club, not moved upstairs. Its a stubborn refusal to accept the facts, or invest in quality players in a timely fashion which drives us crazy (along with playing people out of position, a complete lack of tactics and mad pronouncements at press conferences). There is absolutely no excuse for not securing the players we need early in the transfer window, we have the money and it allows the sellers time to replace. I fear a barrell scraping trolley dash in which a load of 3rd rate players are bought to make up the number.

Aman021, I would far rather sign Juan Mata than his dad. Sure his dad would likely be cheaper and demand lower wages so in those respects more of a Wenger type signing but I think for that little bit more investment Mata junior would be a better bet.

28 Aug 2013 08:29:09
Arsenal to sign thai Gk sinthaweechai hathairattanakool. This is to appease the fans that want to see a big name signing

Now that's funny

Another possibility
Seemelookatmeeyes Youaintpasingmealive
Should appease those for a big name D/M signing.
You know this is just going to go on & on

28 Aug 2013 06:15:24
See matchday 1 for why we need a dm

Teams tear through the middle of us way too often. Need a crasher and basher in there to protect back 4 against certain teams/players.

Its about options, we have the small, balanced diminutive playmakers, we don't have the 6'3 battering ram to tidy stuff up and be in the box for set pieces.
AG

To be honest, I can't see that being the answer to our problem. off the ball we are shockin. noone seems to know what there doin. The answer's sat next to wenger. what bout getting lehmann in to sort out sir szcezcezxcez, he ain't going to take no s##t

{Ed022's Note - Jens the crazy German Lehmann was at the game last night in the Directors Box which will no doubt lead to speculation that he is joining the coaching staff...}

That's what i'm sayin' ed! saw that cheekey german head of his. does the guy age?

{Ed022's Note - I cannot say Jen's name without saying Jenz Ze Crazy German in a really bad German accent. He is officially nuttier than a bag of squirrels, but I can't help but like the guy!}

28 Aug 2013 02:36:46
Games like tonight are when I love to be proven wrong (even though my wife claims this daily) before it was Kos and wasn't sure, then Gibbs . The anger I had for him . Ramsey not so much but swayed to the anti crowd .

And they all seem to have filled their boots quite nicely . I see a lot of strength in the team but would still like to see some additions .

A GK
CDM
AM
And a Striker

I'd love to see Di Maria, Uchida, Bender, Begovic and (I wish) Benzema . To name a few .

Fingers crossed for the next few days . I'll wait to see before I blow up.

You'll need to cross more than your fingers

28 Aug 2013 00:05:19
News coming out of arsenal tonight. We've qualified for the champions league.

Now the big one! Mata's dad who is also his agent was in a directors box tonight. If this is true this could be huge few days for us.

Final note. Ramsey I have no idea what drugs wengers given him but unrecognisable from last season, full of energy no misplaced passes confident. Class act don't need Cabaye!

27 Aug 2013 23:36:42
Aint seville, got that holdin guy. diame, too many of them for me to remember what one. but there aqll holdin guys ain't they ha. Let's get big Geoff

How good was Rambo tonight?! 2nd goal was top class, started off by sanogo, thought he was a postman?! wish my one could do that! Up the ARSENAL!

27 Aug 2013 23:27:07
good performance tonight. not quite as flowing as the 1st leg, still think we are a bit nervous at home.
I will hold up my hands and say for past 18 months I have continually slated aaron ramsey and called him the weakest link in our team. he always seemed to have his head down and never looked to pass to a player and always gave the ball away. I thought he was defensively weak and not good going forward and his link up play was rubbish. we got him from cardiff and he played like a championship player.
but, aaron ramsey I salute you. he is turning into a terrific player, he looks for the ball, he is running into positions where he is causing danger to the opposition.
he has turned from a squad player to a player brimming with confidence and he has added goals to his game.
in the words of Andy Gray, "take a bow son, take a bow".

27 Aug 2013 23:08:05
'Geoffrey Kondogbia

will be signing for Monaco after buying himself out of is contract

27 Aug 2013 22:54:22
Solid game tonight. Our defending was average but we won 2-0 so all is good.

Szczesny played brilliantly, as did Ramsey.

Silenced a few critics today, both of them.

Both are talented players, who if they stay at Arsenal with the likes of Wilshere, Chamberlain, Walcott, Gibbs, Jenkinskon etc. they will shine, we will become an English version of Barcelona with an amount of chemistry that could beat anyone.

Always liked Szczesny but his performence last night was far from brilliant. Would like Casillas or Begovic.

{Ed022's Note - Szczesny is an excellent shot stopper (he proved that last night) but he also showed he is prone to a rush of blood. E.g. coming to flap at a cross and messing it up. Coming sliding out and clipping a player in the box. Luckily, the player was already taking a dive. He has looked more assured in recent games but we still need cover. Begovic all the way for me as I think Casillas isn't going anywhere...}

27 Aug 2013 22:33:46
Not seen post match yet but sure wenger is still saying we will do well with or without signings, well sorry to bust his bubble but with the wafer thin bench, no striking back up no defensive back up we will be also rans, someone at our club needs to grow some balls, stand up to him, we are screening out for success he must strengthen or watch our season end

27 Aug 2013 22:23:24
Great work

Rambo on fire

Poldi injury sucks, need a replacement ASAP. He will be out a while

Get em signed, no excuses

27 Aug 2013 22:17:14
I have been very guilty of slating Ramsey in the past. I am so happy to have been wrong right now. The lad is on fire and am glad Wenger stuck with him. I am eating humble pie with a big smile oon my face

27 Aug 2013 22:06:52
First of all. I absolutely LOVE being wrong about certain players. Koscielny proved me wrong, and although it's early days Ramsey has been excellent of late, picking up his 3rd MOTM award in as many games. Go on Son! Keep it up! I'm more than happy to be wrong. I want what's best for Arsenal, not to say "I told you so". Just had to say that as I have gotten on his back (deservedly so IMO) but he's improving week on week so he'll get my appreciation (deservedly also). Happy for him.

Now that's out of the way. Delighted with that win. Ensures without a shadow of a doubt that we can attract top quality players. In the words of Wenger himself, "It starts now". I really hope we 'go' now, as Gary Neville put it. EVERYTHING we need to be a footballing giant again is within our reach. Let's go out and get what we need!

GK - Szczesny has always had flashes of brilliance and tonight was no exception, but we still need a top class GK to guide him, and compete with him.
(Begovic, Cesar)

RB - Sagna has been a titan at CB for us when needed. Keep him there and buy a RB as Jenkinson isn't ready yet.
(Corchia, Danilo)

DM - Although Ramsey has been excellent so far we still need a protector to 'sit' and win the ball in the bigger games as we don't have an out and out defensive midfielder.
(Kondogbia, Matuidi)

LW - Again, we don't have, and haven't had an out and out winger for years, we could really use one to feed the front man. Marquee player is a must IMO.
(Di Maria, Lamela)

ST - We need someone who offers something different to Giroud (also improving) and can turn matches on his own. Marquee player is a must.
(Rooney, Suarez or Torres - AW could get him back to his best IMO)


COYG!

27 Aug 2013 22:00:20
Can't wait gunner fans, I'm telling you there is a surprise this week, AT LEAST 1 MAJOR name is coming in IMO who? I don't know but one big name is coming in maybe 2, and then decent squad players ie: cabaye / Williams etc etc

27 Aug 2013 21:58:08
so arsenal qualify for 16th cl in a row and liverpool are extra time in a league cup tie with notts county how can rodgers class us as rivals please don't make me laugh anyway rant over arsenal transfer window now open