Use our rumours form to send us arsenal transfer rumours.
09 Aug 2014 23:26:29
Sheikh city are going to be as week as dishwater tomorrow, come on give them a right good shallaking. I know its not important but every time we can win against big teams we can get great confidence.
10 Aug 2014 07:56:17
Agree Steve
10 Aug 2014 08:33:40
City will be tough and expect them and Chelsea will be the ones going for the title
09 Aug 2014 22:44:39
Good luck to TV5. Hoping nothing happens to Kos before next weekend. Have to say that 6 days before the curtain raiser and only 1 experienced CB available is making me anxious. If we don't have someone lined up we could have an early problem.
09 Aug 2014 22:40:01
So else is waiting to see Hummels signed and in an Arsenal shirt in the next week or so!? Wishful thinking!
09 Aug 2014 21:24:21
Here's a question for you ed something different, out of the top 4 last year, which team from now do you see spending the most until the window shuts?
{Ed002's Note - I really don't want to get in to the money.}
09 Aug 2014 21:20:20
Hey Eds, do you know anything about where Gnabry will be playing this season? Will he stay with the first team or will he go out on loan?
Thanks in advance.
09 Aug 2014 21:14:26
With all the coming and going so far we have only spent about 22 mil so far. The question is are we going to make the two big signings we need or is it really same old same old. I can also more players being sold, one or two of arteta, cazorla, podolski or monreal . Interesting few weeks ahead.
10 Aug 2014 05:59:32
Could you show the Maths on that one?Not sure how you came to that figure. I can see a spend of around 60m and sales of maybe 20m tops including vermaelen.
I think there will have to be a cb as wenger himself has said that one will come in if verm leaves.
Big question is where is the game breaking cdm that everyone knows we need?
Plus the wage bill has gone up a fair bit.
With the deal for fab, some have reported12 to 15 mil. Vela 12 verm 15 durou 2.5 and a few of the lessr lights for a few mil. Wages have not gone up, bendner was on 52 fab 40 verm 45 again some hig earning lesser lights gone took the wage bill got rid of to near 250 thou a week.sanchez on 135 deboucy on 70 ospina 50 and chambers 10 we have not increased wages.
09 Aug 2014 21:08:53
Is there any chance that wenger tries for schneiderlin, khedira or carvalho?
Also, are we linked with any centre backs to replace TV5?
09 Aug 2014 20:31:08
Hi eds
Just wondered how much we would of got for the Fabregas to Chelsea deal? Or is it to complicated.
Cheers
Spartakusmark
{Ed002's Note - We don't discuss money.}
Depends who you believe, somewhere between 6 and 15 mil.
09 Aug 2014 20:14:09
Does anybody think that we should play the players that contributed towards the winning of the FA Cup tomorrow. I know there are a couple of absentees but i'm talking in general.
09 Aug 2014 21:44:24
Nah mate, as you said, we have absentee's,
I think Arsene should play whoever is available, and as close to the team who will be starting against Palace.
No I think we should look forwards and play the new players and get them bedded in. We kneed to hit the ground running and we know what we had but not sure what we got. What is chambers best position and what is sanchez best role etc.
09 Aug 2014 19:11:34
TV5 was the third Arsenal Captain to join Barca in 7 years. That's something to think about!
09 Aug 2014 19:52:44
It's a master plan mate.
Slowly we are taking over Barcelona, in instalments.
Keep it under your hat or they will rumble it.
09 Aug 2014 18:52:32
Ed i'm worried and on the verge of having a winge, we got smashed by 2 of our rivals last year, and although i'm delighted with our purchases so far, i'm concerned about our defensive weaknesses, is chambers expected to provide cover for 3 positions?
Eds I've heard we have intrest in other CB's but wouldn't we consider a couple from lower down the league at £10-15m a piece, experience and fair-quality available at clubs like swansea, everton, hull and so on? We can even add to our homegrown quota?
{Ed002's Note - I really have no idea what you want me to say?}
09 Aug 2014 19:56:48
I think DM is our weak point.
Wenger, by all account's is considering Callum Chambers.
Why not? He's young, athletic and defence minded.
I wouldn't have minded that lad from Forest, Lascalles I think his name is, but I believe he has gone to Fulham, who have loaned him back to Forest as part of the deal.
F
I agree our defensive cover is short but I'm not concerned at the moment.
One thing that really stands out about this transfer window is that Arsenal are in total control of everything that has happened.
TV wanted Man Utd. Arsenal didn't want him to go there. The first time in years we have controlled the departure and destination of a player.
It's dragged on a bit this transfer. Why? I believe a replacement has been lined up and won't be surprised by the end of next week they arrive. Who? I won't even speculate.
He has went to Newcastle Dags but has returned to Forest on loan. I too would have liked him.
09 Aug 2014 23:03:17
Oh yes, Newcastle.
Thanks G95.
09 Aug 2014 20:26:41
It's amazing how you put Everton in that category seeing as they finished one place behind us!!
{Ed025's Note - me too peter..
09 Aug 2014 18:43:12
Today I had a hug with Vermaelen, before he took his plane to Barcelona. He whispered in my ear, that he is happy with his decision, because Wenger will buy new world class "defensive" player in the next few days.
Watch this spot!
09 Aug 2014 19:47:24
did he nibble on your ear too? wow that would be hot!
09 Aug 2014 21:47:50
Funny enough, I had a hug from Oxlade Chamberlain today.
Or was it Kieran Gibbs?
Think about it. :-)
10 Aug 2014 00:55:38
I also saw Vermaelen at the airport and he asked about the flavour chocolate I was eating. He found out that I was a Liverpool fan and told me that Mignolet had texted him and said that we'd be signing a gooner before the window closed, and there wad also a winky facr. To give me a clue of who it was, he said that they LOVE lollipops. Idk who that is but just sharing.
09 Aug 2014 18:42:51
TV5 has gone!
09 Aug 2014 20:29:34
Have you checked the scart lead?
I crack myself up sometimes, honestly I do.
I actually nearly fell off my chair in laughter after reading that dags.
09 Aug 2014 23:04:33
It's a pleasure Heavy. :-)
09 Aug 2014 18:29:48
Hi ed, do the community shield count as a trophy, if any of the two teams win's it tomorrow, will it count at the end of the season?
{Ed002's Note - Of course.}
09 Aug 2014 19:30:43
What a strange question lol
09 Aug 2014 17:56:11
Alright ladies and gentlemen, I've joined the fantasy league so prepare to finish comfortably ahead of me. But right now, there are other, more pressing matters.
With regards to the Community Shield tomorrow, unless City rest most of their first team I just can't see us taking it. I feel that without a solid CDM bruiser we won't be able to cope with the bigger teams. I think if we're taking the game seriously then Flamini should start, Arteta should be benched and Coquelin should watch it on the telly. I'd also like to see Sanogo start ahead of Giroud. Olivier just doesn't cause problem for the bigger teams and we've seen that, while Sanogo doesn't score competitively, he causes problems for teams (Bayern, Liverpool, etc.) Campbell and The Ox should also play some part, and while it might be a bit much to ask Bellerin to play at all tomorrow, I do hope he plays a part this season. Regarding the result, I think that they will edge it narrowly, 2-1. Sorry for the negativity, but it's not really all that important anyway. Just a decorated friendly IMO.
Something that I am rather disappointed with is that TV5 is on his way out. An excellent professional who, in my humble opinion, is as good as Mertesacker when playing confidently. I will be sad to see him go as he is without a doubt one of my favourite Arsenal players to have played for the club in the recent years after the invincibles.
As for who should replace him, I would like to see either Schar or Nastasic, as opposed to someone like William Carvalho who would cover both CB and CDM, as I think it would be better to have two players covering two positions instead of one covering both.
That previous statement, however, doesn't mean that I don't want Carvalho at Arsenal, because I really do. Apart from Javi Martinez, I can't think of a midfielder that I'd rather have sign. Khedira would be my third choice, but he's more of a box-to-box, and we already have enough of those with Jack, Ramsey and Arteta (who I believe should be sold at the first chance).
We should really sign a striker. Giroud should be, at best, an impact sub. I know a lot of you don't like him, but Balotelli would be a dream for me. Always rated him and I think he will mature this coming season, especially if he was under Le Prof's management. Alexis will probably go play through the middle, so it may not be a cause for concern.
And finally, I would like another attacking player to come in, especially if Pod or Santi left. I don't really think we need one, but they're just so exciting. I always get a certain buzz when the likes of Ozil, Alexis and Arshavin (unfortunately didn't work out.) join. I'm still hoping for a deadline day move for Reus or Draxler, but I know it won't happen.
If you read all of that, I thank and applaud you. Your thoughts are, as always, appreciated.
I look forward to being completely humiliated in the fantasy league.
09 Aug 2014 18:37:13
Damn fine post Ted.
Great post mate
09 Aug 2014 17:40:00
Hi Ed's, could you please let me know if you have heard the same as me? Apparently part of the tv5 transfer agreement is that next summer, AW can have first refusal on any outbound Barcelona B players. Not sure because it doesn't seem like a stipulation you would normally request in a transfer but with AW's previous for barcelona's youth players, it isn't really a surprising clause if it's true. Thanks
{Ed002's Note - It is BS.}
09 Aug 2014 18:40:12
Can't see it.
Over the year's, Wenger has got up Barca's nose by stealing some of their young player's, Febregas for example, although I'm not sure if their B team is linked to their academy.
09 Aug 2014 17:17:13
Right! Now that the verminator is leaving what is everyone favourite tommy v moment?
For me it's the last minute winner vs Newcastle quite simply because I was there plus that goal made me run up and down an empty row of seats like a right pleb! Haha :)
.
10 Aug 2014 06:53:55
Remember it well.
Just before TV scored RVP was having a go at Tim Krul for time wasting.
Also, loved TV's debut.
We beat Everton 6-1 at Goodison on opening day of the season, and he scored.
Sorry Ed0025
09 Aug 2014 15:15:18
Is there any interest in Eduardo Vargas?
09 Aug 2014 16:02:19
I'm going to nip in before G62.
Prediction for tomorrow.
Not too worried about result, as long as the player's get some match practise and avoid injury, I will be a happy chappy.
Oh yeah, 2-2.
Giroud and Alexis.
Good call that Dags I think you might be on a winner there mate, but the fact its friendly I'm going to go 3 2 with Ramsey scoring two and Kos getting the other
09 Aug 2014 15:57:56
Another Wilshere post.
Just want to pick up on something Anon021 said earlier.
"I still remember the great game Jack had against Barca".
I'm not having a pop at you Anon, it was a fair comment, but the fact we all talk about JW's great game against Barca, is fundamentally wrong.
He has, for many years, been talked about as our main player, a Worldie in the making.
Now, I'm not trying to pigeon-hole JW, but do we talk about Messi playing well against Athletico Madrid, or Ronaldo playing well against Real Sociedad, or Ribery playing well against Frankfurt?
No, of course not, because these player's play well, all the time, and against every team. Too many to mention, or even remember.
Without trying to open up the whole 'Jack Wilshere' debate, we really need 'JW' to start playing well, every week, every game.
I'm not talking Man of the Match every week, but we need a vast improvement, and not just a 'memorable' game every 2 or 3 years.
09 Aug 2014 16:31:05
Sorry, that should be Aman021.
Sorry mate.
I think we should all rate his first 10 games of the season either as poor =0pts average =1 pt very good 2 pts and outstanding = 3pts and see how effective he is over those games consistency wise, be interesting one way or the other.
We could keep a record work an average out a see how he does
Nice post Dag, Completly agree, we need to see 7 and 8 out of 10's as a common thing this season.
Even Jack has come out and said he needs a good season, he feels good and he came back early to show his comitment.
Only time will tell. Come on Wilsh do us proud.
09 Aug 2014 18:18:54
Good idea G62.
Although some people might think we are picking on him.
Good idea though.
I was thinking of every one who want to join in scoring Jacks performances as we might be surprised either way.
Why Jack? Well he's the one with so much to both offer and prove.
Maybe some of us are being harsh and maybe others in denial to him underachieving
Well you pretty much made a hash of my name, sounded totally something else. Anyways what I am saying is how many of those Players were injured as much as Jack? And I am talking abt a jack aged 18 who played at that time against the worlds best team, not a AM or a frankfurt, there is potential we all can see it, is what I am saying, wenger trusts him which is important so should we end of story.
09 Aug 2014 20:02:49
Yeah sorry Aman.
I think Jack needs to realize his talent an stop think that effort will get you through let's be honest if it was just all about effort may be a few of us would be slipping our boots on tomorrow.
Some good footballers become great through using there footballing brain as in Pirlo I would love for Jack to understand this because I still hold faith in his talent.
Jaygun1
09 Aug 2014 22:40:43
Why are people literally obsessed with Jack? Like stalker obsessed?
Let the lad play football.
Let's put this repetitive debate to bed now.
09 Aug 2014 15:51:46
Sagna isn't playing, be surprised if he was there
09 Aug 2014 20:05:20
C'mon Bambam,
You can't get paid £130,000 per week and expect to work for 90 minutes per week as well.
Jeez, you slave-driver you. :-)
09 Aug 2014 15:48:23
{Ed033's Note - You can use our Arsenal Team Formations creation app to create Arsenal teams now. They will be posted on the Teams page.
09 Aug 2014 15:59:19
Thanks Ed.
Lovely Avatar BTW, lol.
Thank you 033, just had a go and had a few teething problems but I'll get there :-)
How many hours to the CPalace game?
09 Aug 2014 17:39:57
G62,
Maybe you should attempt the last game of the season, lol
I've had a go Dags but where its gone is anyone's guess mate ;-)
I've either bought some diet pills or just applied for a loan as I can't find it anywhere on here oooops, par for the course I'm afraid :-(
09 Aug 2014 20:08:17
G62,
If there's a knock on the door and a Thai Bride named Ting Tong is standing there, you know where you went wrong.
Cor times I've done that Dags! I think we all have when we've had a few, ain't we? Oh ok neither have I then
09 Aug 2014 14:37:35
Wow. this is really really old news, but I've only just found out Arteta took a pay cut to join us?
Why couldn't/didn't we match his old wages at Everton, surely we had the means to?
09 Aug 2014 15:35:59
I think MA took the pay cut to force through the move on transfer deadline day, otherwise the move may have collapsed.
We offered Everton £5m the day before, which Everton rejected.
By taking a pay cut, Arteta basically paid for the extra amount we gave Everton, which ended up as £10m.
It was a last ditch deadline day deal and Arsene had a pay structure in place that meant he would have been on more than people who had been around longer so he had to take an initial pay cut to make the move happen.
That was my take on it at the time and i'm sure he soon earned his way to a pay rise, the Eds will know more I'm sure
09 Aug 2014 11:58:31
I really hope Sagna doesn't get any stick tomorrow no matter how anyone feels about him leaving he gave us the best years of his career.
Personally I think he falls into the Henry category and certainly does not belong in the horrible dutch bloke and nasty spoilt nasri club.
All of the years we were paying off the stadium he stood by us and helped us achieve CL football when others did what was good for them only.
The man deserves our respect not bitterness
09 Aug 2014 12:55:33
Well said G62. Bacs was a good servant in what is a mercenary game these days. He played proper for us on the shirt and represented the game well. I'll give him a cheer to send him on his way and then he's no longer our player to worry about either way.
And it's a friendly (soft of). Let's not start the season with negatives.
09 Aug 2014 13:01:42
Totally agree G62, City have him the last big contract of his career so he was right to take it. As you said, he stood by our club when many others jumped ship, top player and professional and a great servant to Arsenal over the years
{Ed025's Note - he was a very good player peter, but he was paid in excess of £2.5m per year for the privilege, hardly the wages of a servant mate, im not knocking the guy, just pointing out that this is what should be expected of players..
09 Aug 2014 13:28:19
I agree Ed25. A better way of saying it - He as well paid, but seemed more dedicated than others equally well paid. We thank him for a job well done and we all move on. Except for a few exceptional players who really are the team through and through and have that special relationship with the club and the fans, that's the way of the modern game. I think the Bac transfer highlights this conundrum.
You make it sound like he did us a favour by playing for us. We paid him more a week than most of us get a year, and after all the loyalty the club and fans showed him, he decided to buggar off even with the brilliant new contract we offered him. Any player can leave a club, but why should I cheer here for doing no more than he was paid to do? In fact, I might give him a boo. He plays for man city now; why would I do anything other than boo any of their players considering what clubs like that do to football in our country.
Totally Agree but it just feels like it won't happen, instead would get an ovation
CS would you boo Henry?
Yes the players are paid extortionate amounts of money but Sagna was a top RB for long time and I'm sure he could have earned much more that we paid much sooner in his career.
But if the game ever becomes as passionless as you make it sound its as good as dead
09 Aug 2014 15:19:11
I agree with ed there. Not knocking the guy n I hope we don't boo him. But why do people act like he deserves respect for staying with us and earning a huge amount of money at a club with a huge history and reputation. He should be privileged to have put the arsenal top on not us being privileged he stuck with us
09 Aug 2014 15:38:28
Even Wenger said Sagna always gave 100%, even when it was obvious he was going to leave.
It was his final contract, you can't blame him for going where the money is.
09 Aug 2014 16:00:29
Henry went to barca that's very different to choosing citeh!
G62, having someone ask me to use Thierry Henry as a comparison to sagna is honestly one of the most ridiculous things I've read on here.
If Henry wasn't our top ever scorer, had run his contract down and rejected a contract purely for the extra money in spite of the lucrative contract offered and loyalty shown by the club, then yea I'd boo. Sagna is no different to nasri or clichy.
But he left us and played against us! I'm just using C S example with Henry.
Oh I see so if Sagna had been a striker and bailed out mid contract things might have been different?
I don't for one minute think Henry should have been booed but equally neither do I believe Sagna should either or Cesc come to that, he wanted to come back but was told there was no room, which I s fair enough but not his fault.
09 Aug 2014 17:33:03
I agree with your point Ed, I should of said "a well payed servant".;-);-)
I booed Adebayor. He was a striker who left mid contract. And I'll boo sagna. Both mercenaries. It's never ever the same going to another team in the same league. And it's never ever the same leaving a club he's in your opinion 'loyal' to, for the money.
Good for you CS. Enjoy
09 Aug 2014 23:13:55
Most people are thanked for doing a good job (when they actually did a good job -:)) when they leave their place of employment for better wages or for personal reasons. That's all we are saying CS.
I think it would set the season off to a negative tone in the stands and be a bit of a sour note to start off the season by booing someone for seeing out their contract in a professional manner and moving on in what is a pretty normal set of circumstances.
09 Aug 2014 09:32:33
It looks like TV is off to barca for a reported 15m.
This would be a great bit of business in my opinion. It also shows we are no longer being bullied by the so called big clubs in the prem, or being held to ransom by our players. I can't tell you how happy I am he won't be going to utd. It seems like wenger is standing up for the club, not rolling over like has happened before with nasri and rvp.
2 more signings, cb and cdm and I think we'll be fine.
If I was being greedy a striker would be nice, perhaps on loan but we've got giroud sanchez Walcott sanogo Campbell and arguably podolski who will be fighting for the place at tje top of our front 3.
I've got a feeling we might struggle tmro without our world cup winners but am feeling optimistic for the season ahead.
City are resting several players as well, could be quite even with the odd goal in it.
All eyes to the Palace game for me.
No injuries tomorrow is a win IMO
I'd be delighted with that for tv5. I was thinking he'd end up going to Manchester United for 10million, so it almost feels as good as signing a new player to me. A week until the season starts and united's three central defenders are smalling, Evans and jones. Happy with that. Though that's reminded me that our own fit cb's for next week are koscielny, chambers and miquel, which is hardly anything to shout about!
I'm with you Banbury mate its CPalace that matters, tomorrow will mean nothing either way.
We beat city in a preseason game last year and they were champions and we finished you know where.
Just a week to go to the real stuff starts and I can't wait
09 Aug 2014 23:16:41
No injuries AND a better sense of squad shape and how some players are going to fit in would be great. Oh and if Arsene threw in some tactical experiments that would really make the day. But really, no injuries please. You know you ara Gooner if that's the first thing you ask for -:)
09 Aug 2014 09:10:48
What's this I'm reading about Joel Campbell going out on loan. I've got to ask why?
Hasn't he been away from the club long enough now learning his trade and! proving himself in the World Cup. Just don't get it at all. I think he would now be an asset to us.
I am a bit dissapointed with this descision if this turns out to be true.
09 Aug 2014 11:18:15
got to be the papers getting bored? Wenger has clearly said he's not going anywhere.
Galatassary manager said they tried and were told Wenger wants to keep him.
Hopefully that's the case!
09 Aug 2014 12:56:36
I read that it would be to a prem league club which I have to say could work, it worked for JW and Lukaku as long as the loan club play them enough
09 Aug 2014 12:57:17
Click bait. Ad revenue. That s always a factor this time of year.
Yea I don't see him going anywhere.
09 Aug 2014 15:41:36
Have to agree with you on this one goldboy, is he destined to keep getting loaned to the point where he becomes disillusioned with the game like other in the past.
He's good enough to be a squad player now and should be so.
09 Aug 2014 15:41:57
Hope he stays Golds, if he goes on loan, I wouldn't mind it being another Prem club, maybe he could join Jenk's at West Ham.
09 Aug 2014 19:59:31
The rumour is Newcastle. Maybe this was the hidden secret as to why we got Debuchy, that's just a wild guess mind you.
09 Aug 2014 09:06:14
I've got a feeling Jack will have a good game tomorrow, let's face it every 10 to 12 games he does look very good so he's due one.
Whether like me your running out of patience with him or think he's still the best thing since sliced bread let's all make a judgement on him at the end of October.
A quarter of the season will have passed by then and we can make a fair assessment of his new attitude and progress by then.
Szczesney proved me wrong last season I very much hope Jack does the same this season
09 Aug 2014 13:03:17
He'll require patience from the fans. Even if his match time is properly managed, I reckon he's 30 games minimum, playing in the centre of the pitch, from getting consistency. Aaron didn't start to come good until April of his first year as a first team regular. I think he's worth it.
Whenever I'm at the emirates he gets a better reception than anyone else, bar possibly Ramsey. I don't think the fans are particularly close to losing patience just yet.
Jack will come good he just has to, I still can't forget his game against barca, where he played as DM against Xavi and Iniestia, I believe in his talent and just like Ramsey will come good.
09 Aug 2014 09:03:02
Really looking forward to the new season. I am extremely pleased with the signings to date. Clearly Vermaelen is going, I am not too disappointed as he hasn't looked the same player since his achilles ops. Wenger mentioned one, possibly two signings. Clearly one will be a replacement for Vermaelen, whilst the second intrigues me. I believe we need another centre back, but I have a feeling Wenger will be happy with Debauchy, Bellerin, Gibbs, Monreal, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Hayden or Miquel & Vermaelen or his replacement, as our 8 defenders. In DM he will use Arteta, Flamini, Wilshere & Ramsey as options. So what position will the mysterious second signing be? My feeling is that it will be a left sided attacking midfield player, with Podolski leaving, if this signing happens. The defensive situations concern me as the likes of Bellerin, Miquel & Hayden are clearly not ready for the first team.
09 Aug 2014 07:07:48
Heard Celtic have changed their name to Oscar Pistorius FC.
Lost both legs, only had 4 shot's on target and still got away with murder.
This is a new and inproved darker Dags.
I'm worried
Very good.
09 Aug 2014 09:32:37
i like dags!
Hmm a good one dags but a but too close to the bone for me :-o
09 Aug 2014 15:42:36
Now that Dags, was funny!
09 Aug 2014 16:11:04
It was a bit Trev, but in fairness, I did get permission off Ed007 before posting, lol.
09 Aug 2014 06:48:34
Spurs will play AEL Limmasol in Europa League.
For those who doesn't know, Spurs is a small team who is based on North London.
09 Aug 2014 09:14:25
Love it FG.
Good joke by the standards of this board!
09 Aug 2014 03:45:00
People have to stop this love affair with Mikel Arteta, you too Mister Arsene Wenger! Sometimes it seems the heart gets in the way of the head. yes he is a lovely chap and has lovely hair and yes he has had a few good years as a Gunner, but realistically he is not a defensive midfielder. not for a top team anyway, he has neither the pace or physicality for that role. yes he helped us out for a couple of years but things have changed. we were broke then and feeding on scraps, now we are not and have to move(and will)forward
I love the guy. as I said lovely chap :D However people who think he is adequate for us are seriously mistaken.
Jenkinson = Huge Gooner and lovely lad. will never be good enough for us. Sorry If I seem harsh but this for me is true
09 Aug 2014 09:09:19
I, regrettably, have to agree. Don't think Arteta and Jenkinson are good enough. I wouldn't mind keeping Arteta however because he's a true leader on and off the field; I just don't think he should get much EPL/CL gametime as he's just not well made for the CDM role unfortunately. As for Jenkinson, I hope he plays well for West Ham, but wouldn't be disappointed if he did left as I think Bellerin will be better than him after this year (some may argue he's better than Jenkinson now)
I agree, while I have the utmost respect for them as proffesionals, who love the club, unfortunately sentimentality has no place in football any more. look at chelsea, lampard arguably their best player in history and cole (all hatred of him aside) probably the best LB in the league for the last 10 years, both given the club great service, neither offered contracts to see out their careers at the club. unfortunately if you want to win things sometimes you have to be ruthless
09 Aug 2014 00:45:25
Eds any interest in Koke from us? Ideal Arteta replacement.
{Ed027's Note - nope and he is far from ideal mate
On the other hand, we have many central players who are'nt real defensive minded. Damn
09 Aug 2014 00:38:59
Although we've done good business so far I get the feeling were not going to address the problem we've had for years. We need a beast in midfield to win the ball back and give it to more technically gifted players in the team. I mean I love arteta and still think he has a big role to play on and off the pitch but he is too slow and not strong enough I'm afraid. Really want carvalho.
Also just joined Reet's fantasy league so watch out lads! ;)
.
I think the boss has a different view of Arteta than many, because word is out that he will be the new skipper.
I am great with it, class act!
09 Aug 2014 00:01:10
I just read an article that said Diaby picked up a knock during the game against NYRB, and it now seems that he has a hip injury as a result of this 'knock'.
The article also said that he will miss Sundays game against city.
Can anyone confirm if this is true or false?
If it is true how unlucky can one bloke be.
I don't know. However I'm going to say yes it's true.
Flybo
Well there's 'not a surprise'
Dont get me wrong I use to stick up for Diaby non stop. I thought he was a really good player for us. But I'm beginning to wonder whether there are some players that don't really mind being injured in the publics eyes as long as they are still picking up their money every week. The clubs must have a really tough job in determining who is really injured and who is not.
Problem for them is if the injury has happened on the job so to speak. The club has an obligation to look after them. i'm not truly convinced that a player can have as many injuries as him have the time out that he has had and there not be something a bit strange going on. Take it as you want but I would be questioning it if I was paying the wages.
09 Aug 2014 06:57:37
Have to agree.
I'm a Driving Instructor and if my car kept breaking down every week I would get rid of it.
Diaby, lovely bloke but not fit for purpose.
Harsh?
Yes, but sentimentality doesn't win you trophies, players that can perform win you trophies.
Correct me if I'm wrong but has Diaby not refused wages in the past when injured? When he did his ACL?
09 Aug 2014 09:19:23
Agree Rocky,
but it becomes a problem when AW say's "we may not need a DM because Diaby could be fit".
Nothing against the lad and not taking wages goes to show what a top boy he is, but not signing a replacement on the basis of his fitness, or lack of, is the problem.
I only posted because I think questioning a player about how injured he is is disgraceful.
I don't think diaby will ever regain proper fitness. If he's happy to just be on a pay when you play contract, think he should be kept.
09 Aug 2014 20:08:23
Come on Rocky mate. Diaby refused wages. We are not talking about an ordinary man on minimum wage or something. He could not be paid for the next 10 years and it still wouldn't affect him. Anyhow what's discraceful about discussing whether a player is genuinely injured or not? It goes on all the time mate. Matter of fact there are lots of players that are reported to be injured when in fact they have been out on the town and out of there heads so the club puts them down as injured so as not to be caught out by the P test. Believe me! I will leave it at that.
08 Aug 2014 18:28:42
Would like too ask Ed002 who does he think we will sign or has he heared any solid rumours please ed thanks mate
{Ed002's Note - I am done with the Arsenal page for a while.}
09 Aug 2014 09:31:18
Can't blame ya Ed - transfers go quiet and everyone goes crazy with wanting more transfers!
08 Aug 2014 23:42:22
Ahhh poor Bacary.
It's okay he's been a mercenary because 'it's his final payday' and his 'last contract'.
Poor old guy, if he never made the move he would of struggled to feed his family for the rest of his retirement.
What a load of rubbish!
Another player has stabbed us in the back, let's not try and cover that up.
But we're ARSENAL FOOTBALL CLUB, THE ARSENAL, we'll move on!
COYG
We are all supporters here and we are all entitled to our opinions but been reading all summer about dumping all our loyal players - Arteta, Poldi, Giroud etc yet Sagna is the bad guy. We can't have it both ways.
I would rather he stayed.
Agreed he was terrible at times for us. good last season no question about it but he was really poor at times for us over the years.
09 Aug 2014 01:58:36
I would have preferred it if he did stay, but at the end of the day, he didn't!
And I know what you mean with your comparison; but the fans do not make the decisions, so those player will not be shipped out. Wenger and the club are 100% loyal to his/our players, the loyalty should be reciprocated.
But as you said, it's all opinions!
I always felt Sagna performed well for us. However, his place in the French national team has been filled by Debauchy, who is a couple of years younger and equally as good, if not better.
LG as you say Sagna wouldn't have starved if he'd stayed but maybe there are things he'd like to do when he retires that the city money will make more achievable.
Maybe its own an island maybe its help people in less fortunate circumstances who knows!but what I do know is we could if we'd wanted to matched city's offer?
Loyalty to some people is very much a one way street my friend and like real life that seldom works with everyone.
09 Aug 2014 09:40:04
sorry lads imo sagna has never let the arse down. I believe he has been one of the top 5 right backs in the world over his career but has one trophy to show for it and it was his last contract. I can remember more last ditch tackles and important headers from him than bad games and overall he was very consistent for us although not spectacular. Same he went to city but as a player and a man I rate him!