04 Nov 2013 17:40:32
Guys, just wanted to post about who we should sign next (in my humble opinion, naturally.) Judging by what Ed002 has been saying, there is a real chance of us bringing in Benzema in January. Although he hasn't played so well this season, I think he would still be a quality addition. Having to choose between him, a striker who has led the line for one of the world's biggest clubs, and Giroud would be a very nice problem to have.
I also think we should try Real Madrid again and make an effort to sign Di Maria next summer. The guy is a classy out and out winger who is slowly being forced out of the starting XI, and I think he would be pretty perfect for Arsenal. He would link well with Ozil and can beat a man or two easily (which is more than can be said for Theo). That sort of skill is just what you need sometimes when the team is playing a bit flatly.
Finally, I reckon a young center back like Zouma should come in as back up for Kos and Mert - I believe Vermaelen's best days are behind him, sadly. It's only realistic that Benzema should come in in January, but next summer, if we could pull these signings off, we would have the best starting XI in the league, hands down.
Peace to all you Gooners and, as ever, keep up the great work Eds.
{Ed002's Note - I think chances of Di Maria are very slim. He is apparently happy at Real Madrid this season (something of a first) and they are happy with him. Arsenal looked at Zouma about a year or so ago but I suspect if he moves soon he will end up at Inter. You are right that Benzema has been struggling in Spain and there is a clear need for him to move on. In the first instance Real Madrid will look to sell Benzema with Arsenal and PSG the two destinations which might provide a home for him. After that, if they cannot sell, he will become part of the offer for Suarez if his club has their way - but I have no feeling for how that would interest the player.}
I would love to see a move for hernandez. he's supposedly desperate for a move and he's proven in the pl. Also, another full back. I would like to see casares from juve. Plays on the left, right, and in the centre. I believe arsenal have had previous interest in him too.
I think Benzema would be a great signing. Apparently having a bad season by his standards, but scored 7 and assisted 6 in 14 games. Not bad at all.
Of course Lewandowski is better but I wouldn't under-rate Benzema. His only major obstacle seems to be his attitude, and I think Wenger could resolve that.
Ed02 I really can't believe benzema would go to psg, he would never leave the bench with ibra and cavani in front of him. So it seems arsenal is the only likely destination. {Ed002's Note - You have twisted the words a little to bring "likely" in to the equation. Firstly, the situation in Paris is that they would let Ibrahimovic go tomorrow but the player has a significant contract and has no intention of giving it up unless he can get a similar deal elsewhere. However, there remains a major political issue between the PSG fans and owners - the fans wanted a high profile French player purchased in the summer and regardless of more than €100M being spent this did not happen. They continue to push for the likes of Ribery, Benzema or, now, Pogba. This is a not insignificant issue. Secondly, if Real Madrid cannot find a buyer by the time the window opens, the chances of Benzema being offered to Liverpool as part of a deal for Suarez will increase. So whilst Arsenal remains interested, I would not go as far as saying it is "likely" a move will happen.}
I really hope we don't get Benzema, I watch quite a lot of Spanish football and this season he has not been the Benzema we all know and who we would all want in our team. However this season he has looked off the pace, lazy, unfocused and general just rubbish and are you willing to take the risk and spend £20-30mil on a player in such bad form? I personally don't think it's a good idea at all, there's much better alternative options for much cheaper.