Arsenal Banter Archive August 09 2013

09 Aug 2013 22:42:06
Read this post as if you were in the position of the Liverpool owner: but IMO they are breaking rules, we all no football is curupt at the highest level, (tho I still love it) but why would saurez say that was in his clause if it wasn't, he hasn't made it up? IMO Liverpool know saurez is worth £50-£60m+ and will do whatever it takes to either get that amount or break rules to not loose out on a lot of money, IMO that was the contract but he has become so much better they no that's to cheap to let him go, plus he's only going to get better, could be wrong but that's what I reckon?

With all due respect, I think you're basically starting a Zeitgeist conspiracy with that logic. The clause in Suarez's contract has been proven to show that when a bid of £40mill or more is registered, the team that lodged the bid can have direct discussions with Suarez. All this effectively does is mean that they can talk to the player without it being called 'tapping up'. Now is this a stupid clause? I would think so, but such is life.

What I think Arsenal fans need to realise is that we (L'pool) simply don't want to sell to someone we see as potential rivals for 4th spot (or maybe higher). Now I will agree that I think Mr. Henry and Mr. Rodgers could do with shutting up about him not being for sale or what have you, especially when it comes to your club (I have always respected Arsenal and their fans). However, what you need to realise is that in our eyes while we may not have made champs league in a while we have still been competitive, while you have merely stagnated in the 4th spot. Luis wants to leave for 'insert whatever Bulls**t reason; English media, Champs league etc. ' but we will not sell to Arsenal. End of.

Now, in my personal opinion we're doing you a favour. Suarez is a real 'person' who will systematically use and abuse your club (just like he has mine). If, and that's a big if, he decides to move to you guys, for a fee of around £50mill+ he will stay what? A year, maybe two? by that point, he will move onto his next victim, I mean club, for probably less than that value as he comes toward the end of his peak. Oh and did I mention he's going to miss the first 6 games, because he's banned? He does that a lot.

Anyway, rant over. Best of luck for the upcoming season I hope we can both get champs league and leave Utd. and spurs in our dust.

Who is this IMO fella - any good? How much?

10 Aug 2013 09:45:22
Notorious Lfc
"Even though we haven't made champions league in a while we've still remained competitive. Where as you have stagnated in 4th spot. "
What a ridiculous comment!
You HAVE to remain competitive to get into the cl every year. Where we have stagnated is when it comes to competing for the league.
If we go by your logic you not only have stagnated, but regressed when it comes to the Europa league.
Simple common sense suggests it's easier to improve from a stronger position (4th) then 6th, no sorry 7th, or was it 8th?
Personally I've stated I don't want Suarez, and I respect lfc, but this comment was well, nonsensical. and breath
Flybo

I have to agree with you. If he comes & is a success we'll be on the opposite side of this farce in 2 years when RM come calling. If he's a flop at AFC we'll be crucified by the press for it.

Respect to you & yours.
It's Thomas charging through the midfield.

09 Aug 2013 21:32:30
I have my share of complaints with Wenger and how the summer has been for us with regards to transfer activity. But without a doubt I am immensely proud that we have a manger and administrators who do not disrespect other clubs or their ethos in public.

Irrespective of all the trash talk by Liverpool owners and the blatant lack of respect shown by BR, Wenger has the most dignified responses to any questions regarding the subject.

We might lack huge names, we might not be winning trophies but one thing is for sure the way Arsenal Football Club conduct themselves is pure class.

Why do you think Liverpool are piss at us, we knew about Suarez contract details, so don't be so proud of us we are just as bad as anyone else

Agreed on this. I can't stand Wenger, I want him gone, but I do respect the way he treats other clubs, totally.

09 Aug 2013 18:35:30
This isn't going to happen, and I doubt it would be allowed, but in theory:

Could Suarez retire from football, then come back as a free agent and sign for Arsenal.

Now this is stupid, but is it possible hypothetically? Ed?

If you could humour me that'd be great, but you don't have to.

Cheers! {Ed027's Note - no

Interesting question, what prevents something like that occuring Ed? {Ed027's Note - I would think legal issues the plays has a contract he has to abide with

09 Aug 2013 20:41:36
I read this site a lot, although The fact that for the most part it is more of a football fans wish list and somewhere that people like to completely make stuff up, however it makes interesting reading.

I am not an arsenal fan but thought I'd share a rumour I heard recently. Apparently arsenal are looking to bring Mascherano back to the premiership. Not the most ambitious of signings I can think of, but wouldn't surprise me.

mikey83

This has been doing the rounds for a few days now. Maybe there is something in it?

09 Aug 2013 20:22:50
Ed I'm confused. Why is there an Ed who knows all this stuff and won't ever come on here? I remember a little cafuffle a few months back but was all harmless childish stuff in my eyes, nothing major.

And I'm sure most of the people here now aren't the 'persons' (beat you to it) who were rude then? {Ed029's Note - He came back and was abused again. I think he has gone for good.}

Is a Shame really. However now everyone has been made to register that would stop the w****** on this site abusing him because they get would get banned

09 Aug 2013 18:29:21
Disappointed that we appear to have put all our eggs in one basket with Suarez. Let's face it, Liverpool selling him to us was never seriously on the cards. Who are we left with now to pursue? The number one target is a no-goer. So once again we are left to contend with the scraps, and no doubt an iffy signing or two. Deep joy.

09 Aug 2013 18:11:14
Luiz Gustavo has an "injury" for tonight's match.
People thinking this is the same injury that Rooney and Suarez recently had, or Van ****** and Cesc had.

That's all well and good, but is Gustavo really THAT good a player?
Yes, he's had some fantastic games, but there's a doubt in my mind, thinking surely we could do better?
Or have we left it too late?

Don't get me wrong, I'm so desperate for a DM, I'd take Flamini back right now, but I just want to see us use money wisely.


D

Only Xavi at 94. 8 percent pass completion rate was better than Gustavo at 93 percent in Europe. World Cup year with everything to prove. Fantastic buy Imo.
FFS make it happen Wenger.

09 Aug 2013 21:23:24
Gustavo is a top notch centre mid, Arsenal could do a lot worse.

Think gilberto silva but left footed and that would be a wise use of money.

Percentages can be misleading.
If I only play and complete one pass before getting a season ending injury, I've got a 100% pass completion rate.
But if you play 1000 and only complete 750 you've got a 75% success rate.

A very unrealistic example, but you get the idea?

Besides, if you want someone to play fantastic passes, you give the ball to Santi, Jack or Mikel!

We need someone who's more than happy to get stuck in, and feed those players.

I genuinely believe Gustavo would be a fantastic signing, don't get me wrong!
I usually buy 2 shirts a season, one with a new player on, and one with a player I just felt like.
Gustavo would be in with a good run to be the new player I get! (A prestigious accolade!) but is he really of the same level as Bender or Fellaini.

Gustavo hasn't got much of a future at Bayern, other than a bit part player, and as you say, it's World Cup year, he needs to prove himself, so he'll want to leave.
This means his price will be fairly low in the scheme of it, and it just feels to me like we're getting him because he'll be the cheapest option?

But hey, maybe I'm being ungrateful!

D put it this way - Gustavo starts for Brazil and actually plays like a traditional DM.

All the others either start for lesser countries, don't start at all, or are going through a period where their best position is up for debate.

Yes, Bender could be better. But Bender isn't for sale, plays in his home country and starts for his CL team. It's a non-starter unless we're going to go all out for him and then they sign Gustavo.

But why would we do that when Gustavo would improve us? Think about it too, is Fellaini a DM? He spent most of last season starting in the ACM position and playing box to box, so doing both. Gonalons doesn't start for France. Kondogbia isn't the best DM in the U20s. Who else is there? De Rossi? No. Schneiderlin? Probably not what we want technically. We're going for someone at Diaby's level or potential. Not him. Doesn't leave to many. Mendel, Matuidi, Gustavo. I'll take Gustavo!

If we're talking about the type of player that Gustavo is then we're not really looking for "fantastic" defence splitting passes, instead you want ball retention and tackles/ interceptions all of which gustavo's stats are exceptional jn

09 Aug 2013 17:51:04
Is this a willfull act by Wenger to destroy our season, how can he let spuds, l, pool etc buy players and do nothing to strengthen our team we are weaker than last season, 20player out and counting, which by the way he brought in, to all of arsenes apologists do yo still believe he can pull it out of his famous hat this year because I no longer can support this debacle, time for Ivan to act.

09 Aug 2013 21:30:40
Completely illogical post.

How can wenger let other clubs buy players. Really, is that what we've come to?

Theirs more than a hint of desperation in this comment it boardring on stupidity.

Who have any of the clubs you mentioned signed that you would of wanted wenger to sign?

When you see players who would improve us going to other clubs then I think that comes under the category of 'Wenger let them go to another club' in particular when we could afford them and offer them more i. e. CL footy.

For example, Wenger let Sturridge go to LFC and I'm not going to let that drop. He missed Coutinho, the guy who sees passes like Fabregas and plays like Mata. Guy is PURE class. He let Jovetic go to City because he didn't want to pay over £20m. That's what letting someone go somewhere else means and he does it all the time! Not desperation to point out that teams already better than us are buying players we could buy if we wanted to. You think City just got WEAKER buying Jovetic, Negredo etc? Did they ffff.

Strengthening Liverpool and spurs is a lot easier than improving arsenal. Apart from the strikers really.

09 Aug 2013 17:46:47
Miquel to Leicester confirmed leaving room for some defensive incomings.

Gustavo anyone?

Do not need any more to leave b4 any arrivals,. it's gone mad at our club, time to act is now

09 Aug 2013 17:08:35
Even last year with less money we'd signed someone by now, what's going on? Wenger must be doing something surely? I'm losing my mind! So much so I might be forced to believe something Malaga says to give me some hope for the new season!

Don't think any one is coming in, Prozac time anyone

09 Aug 2013 16:29:22
Why is Gordon Taylor (PFA) sticking his nose in to the Suarez situation and declaring that there is not sufficient time for Liverpool to find and recruit a suitable replacement and therefore Suarez will not be leaving? What has it got to do with him? Why is he supporting Liverpool? I thought his responsibility was to support the player who clearly wants out. If what he says is true then they might as well shut the transfer window now. Strange that come the night the window shuts there will be deals happening in hours rather than the three weeksl left. The truth being that anyone of that calibre is not going to want to join Liverpool.

Time to sack of a head, interfering in transfer dealing, what has it got to do with him, ffs what is going on here!

09 Aug 2013 16:04:47
Wenger at the beginning of the window had a bid rejected for Lars Bender, confirmed by Leverkusen. Unless you've been hiding under a rock you'll have noticed that Wenger has also entered the market for a forward (suarez hopefully but pessimistically beginning to believe we'll miss out). And there's been interest in a CB (ginter i'm led to believe).

Seems that he's shown genuine interest in strengthening all areas of the field, is this for real?

As a gooner can you see him bringing in a top quality midfielder, defender and striker? Or is Wenger keeping us fans happy by throwing a bid here and there (apart from the genuine pursuit of Suarez)

Still believe that Wenger is naive about our squad, and won't strengthen everywhere needed.

But if he brings in 3 quality players (Kurt Zouma, Willian and Suarez would suit nicely) Is that enough to win big?

09 Aug 2013 15:15:55
With just over a week to go before the start of the new season and we still have not made any significant signings.

It seems we were close to Higuan and by all accounts tried to get the Suarze deal going, but Higuan went to italy and looks like Suarze will stay at liverpool. So are these the only 2 players we have tired to punches this season?

we have trimmed a lot of fat off the club and there is a stong possibility that we will move on another 2 playerz (chamak & N52) from the club! which means there is space in the squad and there is more money to pay wages.

We need to act sooner rather then later, the longer we leave it to get new faces means other clubs will more reluctant to sell as they will not have enough time to replace those players.

brummy gun

Who is Suarze?

No, they are not the only to players we have tried to 'punches' this season. Though the fact that we punch our targets may be why they never come.

How much space and cash do they need, is this wengers master plan, compete with 16outfield players players we won't make it to November without injuries, WE MUST SIGN 4/5FIRST TEAM PLAYERS

I wouldn't say Suarez looks likely to stay at Liverpool. I reckon he has to leave and despite what they say an unhappy Suarez is something I doubt Brendan Rogers wants in his squad. I think its more a question of where he goes.

Ah Ted ease up a small bit please, We all make spelling mistakes from time to time.

brummygun, you make a valid point but it wouldn't kill you to do a quick double check on your spelling mate :)

What is it with Liverpool fans? Is your own site not worthy? Please also learn to spell if you are going to write something, this is an intellectual page lol!
On and on

09 Aug 2013 15:11:40
Eds further to my post reguarding gadizis, it does seem to be gaining momentum, I have a very good friend within the London press who phoned me last night to chat and he has also heard something is afoot at our club. Maybe more to do with ownership than management. Can someone check on it please. {Ed029's Note - The only Ed who could really help out with this won't do so, so we cannot assist.}

09 Aug 2013 14:53:23
If we bought these players I would be 100% satisfied with the transfer window:

Jesus Gamez, exchange deal with Bendtner, the worlds greatest striker going the other way. Both parts happy.

Ilkay Gundogan, 20mil, wich he is worth, great technique and workrate. Similar to the eminent Arteta, just not as perfect hair ofc.

Luis Gustavo, defending abilities at a very high level. Good at breaking up, and starting attacks. Not too expensive since he is not wanted at Bayern due to new signings.

Luis Suarez, great player, and Wenger can get the best out of him on and off the pitch.

With these players coming in we are contendors in every competition. I am under no circumstance sure that we will buy these players but I hope I got 1 or 2 right.

COYG

{Ed022's Note - No goalkeeper? You also wouldn't get Gustavo and Gundagon...}

If we are going to bring in any players they have to be of the highest quality to get in the squad, otherwise it's a waste of money. I'd take Suarez he's special. But if you look at our squad we are fine, no need for Gustavo, we have enough there. Maybe need a backup keeper, I don't trust Fabianski. Just because we've got £100m in the bank doesn't mean we have to go and blow it all for nothing.

Personaly I am happy with Sczezney and Fabianski as goalkeepers, but it probably would not hurt with more experience in that position though. Take away Gustavo and add Cesar, then it maybe starts to look better?

WHAT ARE U MAD we are way way short of a winning squad, all these would make us a better side, no way for Suarez though, he's ****ed himself good and proper, no way back for him and no way we would buy that lying toerag

It is not just about quality is also about getting players to address areas where we are lacking manly a proper Physical strong DM and a proper left winger so that our side is better balanced as a result, as Arteta and Podolski in those roles are simply not effective or relible enough.

This Gustavo bloke may not be the best in the world but he will forfill a important role we have not filled for a good few years.

Wengerism, with the big summer clearout, some of the players who left needs to be replaced. Yes, some youngsters are ready to take the step, but there is still room for signings to give the squad depth, and that extra piece of brilliance (suarez) that we have lacked before.

09 Aug 2013 14:41:17
Time to move on from the 'Transfer mess Suarez fiasco'. Liverpool will not sell to us now out of principal. it looks like R Madrid will turn from Bale and get Suarez.
The club needs to identify 4 new targets and just go and get them, GK, CB, CM and LW. this means we will have Giroud as main striker and Pod and Theo to step into the central role if he gets injured.
I think Wenger and the Board have really mess up in this transfer window. even the spurs have bought very good players in this window that certainly will improve their team. and have not pissed off the clubs that they bought them from.
So from getting a few marquee players at the start of the transfer window. we can only hope that by the end of the window, we get some players in that are able to do a job for us in the league.

While I agree with most of your post I still think we need to bring in a quality striker that can make that moment of magic and get us a goal from nowhere when we are playing bad as a team, which was something we seriously lacked at times last season.

If we would have had a Suarez type player last season we wouldn't have struggled for fourth quite as much Imo.

09 Aug 2013 14:14:47
Really couldn't care less about the draw for the UCL Qualifier. If anyone is worried by that I don't know. Fenerbahce won't be 'easy' but we'll go through.

Really thrilled that we are getting shot of some serious amount of deadwood. Though there are some players left to go IMO. As well as those who have been moved on already, I think we'd be no worse off by getting rid of these guys:

Fabianski - Liability. Costs us points. Easy to find better out there.

Frimpong - Doesn't add anything to our squad. At all. Pointless keeping him.

Bendtner - Pretty obvious. Best we can hope for is a loan.

Park - Don't know what to say. Crazy. Hope someone takes him.

Diaby - I love him, don't get me wrong. But it's pointless paying him a wage. Get rid or pay as you play.

That's another $240k/week. None of those players contribute enough to be of any use.

I mean, would anyone be sad if we got rid of them all and we used their wages on Rooney?

{Ed022's Note - This is what I said earlier, we are freeing up wages by shiping out the unused players. Wenger won't leave the squad this short by the end of September, to me that's obvious...}

Mate you surely haven't seen fabianski play. the only reason he hasn't played more recently are his injuries. in napoli's second goal he made the wrong call, I admit. other than that I don't remember him making a single mistake for a long time. i've decided to give him another chance if wenger wants to keep him.

all the rest should leave though.

Fabianski won't leave unless replaced, we would have only one 'keeper if he left. I imagine Fabianksi will leave when he contract expires (next summer, I believe).

Forcing Diaby out the club doesn't make sense as we would have to pay off his contract anyway, I would offer him a new deal with some sort of pay as you play or significantly reduced terms - but there would be no reason for him to sign this until his current deal is over.

09 Aug 2013 11:48:49
Arsenal draw Fenerbahce for the qualifiers, should be an easy one to get through, although my question to the Ed's Fenerbahce participation is pending action so if they don't clear their hearing, do we get a bye or do they get replaced with another team?

{Ed022's Note - I have been reliably informed that if Arsenal win over two legs then Arsenal will go through and Fenerbahce will go out. If Fenerbahce win over two legs then Fenerbahce will then be found guilty and Arsenal will go through and Fenerbahce will go out...}

How ironic. If that's right then they get expelled on a match fixing charge when uefa already know the outcome.

God bless UEFA

As soon as I saw the draw I thought it was a fix as we are very likely to be able to put Fenerbache out the comp thus saving the hassle of the Arbitrary court case.

People seems to Think that Fener will be easy games. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Udinese, Celtic, Zenith. I think we can do it.

{Ed022's Note - To win away at Udinese was a big statement as they're a very good side and don't get beaten at home very often. I fancy us to win by 2 goals over the two legs...}

Right on Ed

09 Aug 2013 11:40:44
Eds let's lighten the mood a bit and have a poll on who's got the dodgiest haircut. I go for Chamakh.

{Ed022's Note - Ed027 is your man for that. I will get on his case later today and tell him but I will throw it open to you beautiful people to throw forward some names. Current Arsenal players or Premier League?}

Sagna has to be in the mix! And Miguel 'legohair' Arteta. Great poll! #

{Ed022's Note - So far we have Arteta, Chamakh, Sagna. Any others?}

How about a certain 16 year old Francesc Fabregas' mullet?!

Ray parlours storm of curls!

Steve bould

{Ed022's Note - Typo there Belly. Steve Bald.}

Theres a few gervinho, sagna and song and the worst of all time is ronaldo from brazil when he shave all his hair but left the front triangle

Has to be that Colombian goal keeper that did the jumping back kick with his two feet in the world cup, that and his hair were ridiculous ha

09 Aug 2013 11:23:10
Everyone saying how the draw could have been better but imagine how fenebache are feeling! Come on you gunners!

Exactly mate. They must be bricking it, the idea of facing the Wengerboys!

Wengerism have you ever been to a game where Arsenal are playing Turkish opponents in a European competition. I can assure they will not be bricking it with there amazing support behind them in the first leg they will be up for it and we will be lucky to escape with a draw.

We have qualified 16 years in a row. Why should it be different this time? Fenebache know this.

{Ed022's Note - Interesting stat: Arsenal have played 10 games in the play off's for the Champions League. They have won all 10...}

All of you beleiving Fenerbache will be easy need a reality check, no doubt you all thought we'd win the Emirates Cup as well (instead of finishing last equal). there's 4 games in 10 days with a paper thin squad.

An unbeaten run only means that we are one game closer to defeat, one year closer to missing out on the CL or one diving Rooney closer not to get 50 games unbeaten.

09 Aug 2013 14:35:47
invincibles Ed022!

{Ed022's Note - To this point we are Champions League Qualifier Invincibles... Let's continue that...}

09 Aug 2013 11:10:03
arsenal to face fenerbache in the champions league qualifier. can someone clarify if fenerbache are still banned from champions league or has this ended as I read somewhere that they were.

{Ed022's Note - They are under investigation for alleged match fixing. They are still very much in the Champions League until you hear otherwise...}

09 Aug 2013 11:06:27
What happens if Fenabache are banned? Do we get a bye?

{Ed022's Note - It's complicated but if they do get expelled from this season's competition then I expect us to be given a bye as we are a seeded team and our co-efficients rating is high with us being in the champions league for 16 seasons. However, we should not entertain that thought and beat them over two legs to be sure. The key is to get the second leg at home because we play Spurs a couple of days later and we don't want to be travelling to Turkey and back before that...}

09 Aug 2013 10:56:36
Ed is their any chance of us signing Jackson Martinez, very good player and looks perfect for the premier league? I just want a striker

{Ed022's Note - I would say it's honestly unlikely mate. Not interesting Wenger at the moment...}

We don't need Martinez or Michu etc.
Look at our front 4 we've got Giroud, Walcott, Podolski and Sanogo.
I've got money on Giroud finishing top goal scorer and the others are more than good enough to fill in.

09 Aug 2013 10:17:36
Firmly believe that everything rests with the c. l draw today and subsequently qualifying from it before a single signing is declared. All these players shipped on has to indicate new faces as if not we are screwed. If this is the case then not leaving much gel time but better late than never. Gunner till I die but patience wearing thin! Coyg

09 Aug 2013 10:34:48
Hello Ed what do you think would happen if we only signed Sanogo, Marica, El Jadeyoui and even Flamini and that was the total sum of our transfer window activity and it all went tits up very early in the season do you think in your opinion AW would survive and do you feel that even IG is distance himself from what could be a very very strong incoming storm.
Thanks for the site Ed
Heybridge Gooner

{Ed022's Note - Firstly, if that did happen (transfers wise) and it did go the way of the pear, then I fully expect IG and AW to recieve the brunt of the criticism. IG will not be able to escape the fans as he put himself out there declaring we had large sums of money and could afford Wayne Rooney's ridiculous wages...}

My personal opinion is Wenger would not survive, and nor should he. Gazidas is not the organ grinder here, Wenger is.

Wenger would be sacked, sooner rather than later, another wasted season, great.

09 Aug 2013 10:17:28
So, now the Suarez deal is dead. If you're Wenger, who is on your back up list?

Burak Yilmaz
Jackson Martinez
Michu
Demba Ba
Phillip Hoisner

{Ed022's Note - Well now Charlie "Golden Ticket" Austin has been signed for QPR, I am all out of ideas.. Maybe Adam Le Fondre...?}

Still gutted that Austin deal didn't go through.

09 Aug 2013 09:57:57
We probably won't be adding to the squad. But we will win something this year. I would pay a lot of money to see some of your faces when we win. A lot of you guys will be owing a certain French manager a massive apology.

You don't know when do give up do you?

We could win the champions league and premier league this year and it still wouldn't make up for the torrid 8 years we have been put through.
We won't owe him an apology. We owe him respect because he did fantastic things, however the club has been in decline, quite possibly due to financial restrictions.
It won't be an apology I'll be offering him, at best we might win an FA Cup anyway.

{Ed022's Note - Oh shut up whinging!! Winning the Premier League and Champions League wouldn't make up for it? Are you kidding me?! That's the biggest load of "donkey pile" I have ever heard! If we won those two trophies I wouldn't give a damn about the last 8 years as it would have been worthwhile if we'd win those two trophies. If you have nothing of note to say in the future please feel free to keep your opinions to yourself. Pathetic.}

Everyone's entitled to their opinion and this is a "banter" site, but what a completely ridiculous boast from you, Wengerism! What on earth is your logic? We have won diddley squat for 8 seasons, we struggled to come fourth last season, we lost embarrassingly in both domestic cups and came nowhere in the Champions League and yet despite the squad shedding 23 players so far (much needed) and still with Chamakh, Bentner and Park to go to finally rid us of useless money sapping liggers, we have signed Yaya Sanogo to replace and STILL don't have an enforcing midfielder, a back up centre half, an experienced keeper to keep Messrs Szczesny and Fabianski on their toes (though I like them both) and not the 30 goal-a-season poacher we so very obviously and patently need.
I'd like to warm to your optimism and you adoration of Arséne is both heartwarming and pitiable> he once was a pioneering genius: now he's just a lovely business man who is blind to the failings and Canute-like doesn't recognise that other have replicated and over taken him. Don't forget that this is the man who "didn't know" Berbatov was available when he was busy flogging the title to Sir Alex last season when Judas van Person was being sold.

Wake up and smell the paraffin Wengerism - and Wenger too for that matter.

So you think with this squad, with no additions, we will win something?

I would like to see your face when we finish 5th and no cup. What will your view be of a certain French manager then?

I honestly don't understand your blind faith- try looking at reality, it will give you a different answer.

Would you guys still agree that he has been our greatest ever manager. You call it blind faith, but I'm sticking with him. We are a good team, we should be proud that we still promote from within, instead of ignoring the youngsters.

{Ed022's Note - Statistically, Wenger is our longest serving and most successful manager. For that, he is owed respect. He has overseen a new stadium which brings in £3m EVERY match day. The training facilities are state of the art and lead the world in not just football but sport in general. There is no doubt about it, he has been under severe financial restraints in the last near decade and now we are starting to come out the other side of that. We've yet to see the spending power or a change in philosophy but he should be at least given the rest of this window to show us what he can do. Let's remember his current contract runs out at the end of the season. Do you think he wants to go out on a whimper being slagged off by fans and winnning nothing? Or follow SAF's example and go out on a high winning a trophy? Or another scenerio win and sign and new contract...}

09 Aug 2013 09:50:28
Is it just me, there's 24 days left of the transfer window. Is that not quite a long time to negotiate potential targets which Liverpool surely must have ever since Saurez came out early in the summer saying he wanted to leave england. Or is it that None of those targets want to go to liverpool due to NO Euro football. Big club or not that's what it's all about these days.
And what the hell is Daniel Levy Smoking! 120m (euros) + a player. Talk about deluded!

Paul, I agree well overpriced he isn't worth that kind of money and I am a bale fan. But levy wants to keep his best player and build a team with him where-as wenger has sold many of his top stars so a similar stance maybe some of the top players that have left might not have done.

Got to agree with Dave on this one. Hate to say it, but I think Spurs are handling the situation quite well. They don't need to sell Bale and know that RM have more money than sense so are trying to mug them off, getting either silly money for him or keeping him. Very different to Suarez who clearly wants to leave, while Liverpool are clutching at straws trying to keep him. This means they are going to have to accept less than they want eventually.

09 Aug 2013 09:25:32
Morning eds, on your own opinion do you see us suddenly having some kind of spree and signing a few players? Have a feeling now most of the dead wood have gone and free'd up wages he may make a move on several players. Most probably unknown with a few known players.

Love the site!

{Ed022's Note - Three players (IMO) that remain are deadwood. They are Chamakh, Park and Bendtner. Their wages alone are around £140k per week. Shocking! Personally I do feel we will sign 2-3 players at least. Wenger after 16yrs will not leave the squad as paper thin as it is currently. He just can't. The fans would be on his back the minute we lose a game. He has a legacy to protect that every trophyless season that passes, he realises that legacy gets chipped away at...}

09 Aug 2013 07:32:20
I think it is too little too late for us now. I don't believe there are targets available to takes us up to that next level. We have missed out on all our targets and I don't doubt that we will make signings but they won't be good enough to walk into teams in the bottom half of the table. I think the club will reserve 30million of the transfer kitty to cover the losses of not qualifying for the champions league next season. I think 5th or 6th is our realistic target and I even think Liverpool will overtake us. Very disappointed after being promised so much. Hope to god i'm proved wrong.

09 Aug 2013 09:04:18
Hi Eds. With Mr. Henry's pronouncements, I expect we should look elsewhere for a striker. Everyone talks about Muriel but I have a feeling he will have work permit issues. Could you please educate us. Thank you.

{Ed022's Note - Educate you? That would be a bit patronizing surely? Luis Miguel is a 22yr old Columbian striker who plays for Udinese. He was on loan for two seasons at Granada is Spain and Lecce in Italy. He returned to Udinese and played 22 times, scoring 11 goals. My patronizing nature will explain that is 1 goal every two games. He also laid on 3 assists for his mate. Bloody nice bloke!}

09 Aug 2013 09:07:23
If we lose on on Suarez, I certainly hope we WON'T go after Benzema. He is not world class in my opinion. The Hig used to outscore him even though he spent most of his time coming off the bench.

09 Aug 2013 05:13:31
What is happening with Robert Lewondowski now? I know dortmund are performing better than us at the moment but this would show him, fans and other players some real ambition and also money talks and we would certainly be able to offer more in terms of wages. He is certainly a quality player. I know there was/is interest from bayern and Dortmund are reluctant to sell to a rival (sounds familiar) but maybe they would be more likely to sell to a foreign club. So throw 40m at it and test the resolve.

{Ed022's Note - It has been said, time and again, Lewandowski will be signing for Bayern Munich on a free transfer NEXT summer. He will not be sold. Even if Dortmund ACCEPT a bid from anyone, the player has his mind made up and will reject the move...}

Please, he will not come here, let it go, move on

09 Aug 2013 02:36:46
With the Liverpool hierarchy seemingly reluctant to sell Suarez to Arsenal, could Wenger turn his attention to Rooney?
I would not be willing to sell him to Chelsea (or city) as I see them as a genuine threat to the premier league title and it would be shooting ourselves in the foot.
However, should Arsenal come in with a bid of 35 mil plus, then I would be more inclined to think about it (assuming Rooney IS adamant about wanting to leave) as I see them as less of a threat.
What are your thoughts on this and do you think Rooney would even be prepared to join Arsenal, or would it be a case of Chelsea or staying put at United?
(Just to make clear I do hope he stays, but if he has already made up his mind about leaving then I would rather do business with Arsenal for the above reasons. )

Giggs11

Man U fans appraisal!

09 Aug 2013 01:58:43
There are only 2 explanations to why we have got rid of mannone etc. or to put it the nice way crap. Wenger has lost it and needs to be rounded up and shot or he has got a serious spending spree planned. Let's just put it this way, I don't expect there to be an empty fuel tank by the 3rd september. Keep the faith COYG

Looooool

09 Aug 2013 01:32:24
Getting rid of the dead wood is all well and good.
Actually. its fantastic.
But why do people think its such an absurd idea to bring in quality before getting rid of the dead wood?
Of course we haven't made signings people, we need to clear the wage bill.
That is incredible to me.
Why does that affect anything. What we're saying is if we can't clear the wage bill then we don't bring players in? Now that's absurd.
Bring the players in now, in fact, the players should already have been bought in so they could get used to the club and have a proper pre-season.
The wage bill clearing is another convenient excuse the fans are coming up with to suit a certain situation. Its clutching at straws. Will signings be made? Yes. Will they satisfy the fans? Not necessarily.
Was waiting to clear the wage bill beneficial either financially or performances wise? Nope.
Getting rid of the dead wood has nothing to do with our signings. If it does then we are in even more trouble than we thought.

If we could afford the wage bill last season with all the 21players now left. WTF is going on

{Ed022's Note - It's not that we can't afford these players. It is more a case of shipping out unneeded players and 'freeing up' their wages in the budget. Think about it, Gervinho, Arshavin and Squillaci's wages would total about £170k per week. That could go on a "top, top player"}

Getting rid of the 'deadwood' is neccessary as we need to clear the wage bill for new signings to come in.

Also, if we sign new (expensive) players and then look to sell players afterwards, other clubs will know this and know that we are desperate to clear the wage bill, which can result in a lower selling fee and sometimes a deal won't occur at all.

09 Aug 2013 01:07:05
well, just as most of us feared, but expected, suarez will not be joining arsenal.
john w henry, owner of liverpool fc, has said that suarez will definitely not be joining arsenal, not matter how much we offer, because we are their main rivals for finishing in the top 4.
he has even spoke to gazidis and told us not to contact them because no way will suarez join us. now they might be playing hardball but, i'm sorry, there is no way an owner of a club the size of LFC will come out with a statement like that if there was any chance of suarez joining arsenal. that won't just be egg on their face but a god damn omelette.
speaking of eggs, I think wenger is a person because he put all of his in one basket. higuain would have been a much more attainable target, more affordable and we would have stood much more of a chance of getting him.
we were promised so much but as usual nothing has been delivered. I hope I am wrong but I can't see it happening. 4th next season?, have you seen spurs squad?. truly disappointed but not surprised.

Is this the same guy who rejected a 40 million bid for torres and Said "Torres is not for sale at any price"

and then sold Torres for 50mill to Chelsea?

09 Aug 2013 00:47:30
"I'm unequivocal that we won't sell to Arsenal, whatever the bid is, " he said. "I have not said it to Stan (Kroenke, Arsenal's majority shareholder) but I had a personal conversation with Ivan Gazidis (Arsenal chief executive) and told him we would not sell.

J W Henry LFC Owner

Gutted suarez won't be joining us but not surprised

08 Aug 2013 22:15:44
hey ed
i think we could do with a new right sided winger. can we have a poll on who would people like to see signed in that position? {Ed027's Note - it would be to difficlu to make, as options gave to be fixed, people will have there own opinions, it would be best to discuss here

09 Aug 2013 00:14:43
so mr henry saying suarez not for sale and not going to rivals arsenal didn't he say similar thing about torres before he went to chelski

08 Aug 2013 23:58:57
You all need to remember we will offload all the crap before we bring in the new boys, we need everyone off the wage bill and that first, be stupid to bring in players when we still have all the crap sitting around, IMO we won't sign loads this year it will be done over a few seasons BUT IMO we will def buy a few players this season, we have all been crying out for change at the club can't you see we are in the start of the process, wenger tied to new contract, british core tied down, all first team players still hear, stadium paid off, incoming profits each year plus a HUGE new sponsership deal with puma next year, now the clear out of all the crap, followed buy the new signings. Be patient fellow gunners a new era is upon us now the emirates will be turned into the future highbury that we have all been waiting for.

08 Aug 2013 23:21:45
mr wenger should take alook at luis muriel he has a very good future ahead of him, better than higgy