Arsenal Rumours Archive August 05 2011

 

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05 Aug 2011 15:32:40
Ed so if wenger wants to sort out if cesc and nasri go/stay as this affects wages and transfer budget why does he not pull his finger out and get this sorted. I already read the headlines in 3 weeks the market is overheated we tried but the prices went up in august.. words = "told you so".

Regardless of that we probably still have ~£20m of the suppossed £35m budget left after gervinho and jenkinson deals even allowing for a wage rise for nasri (if he signs a new deal) so why not go and spend it. Plus do we have denilson off our wages?

where have the deals for eboue and bendtner gone too - it has all gone quiet?

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Do we think perhaps, that after running the football club (really well) since '96 it is possible that Wenger isn't just going to sip wine and google 'financial doping' whilst the squad falls over and all the players leave?

It has yet to happen in nearly 15 years ... And I don't see any of the bookies giving out odds that Arsenal will be relegated (or even outside the top4).

Big players always leave for tuppence, and we get new unknowns for everybody to criticise.

Henry arrived from from for something like 700K and went on the be TH14 the legend. He left and we barely even noticed because.....

COULDNT HIT A BARN DOOR Adebayor who everybody loved to hate, suddenly started doing the business - from a position of being totally unknown and a bit of a crap footballer.

Infact: Every single season it's the same - and always has been. People panic that X player is leaving and OMG the club is screwed we will never compete... Then we finish in the top4 as always, get our CL place in cement as always; and dominate the MOTD highlights as always

Wenger knows I agree we could all rest easier if he produced the cheque and signed half of Europe, but since that won't happen I will be happy to see Clichy adequately replaced along with Fab when he leaves.

Nasri staying more than 12 months would be nice too, but if he wants away let him -

All the players that leave go on to become nobodies, so more fool him. Arsenal builds the best players from the ground up :) So he can and will be replaced just like all the others.

Keep a little faith look at our league results over the last 15 years, get a beer down you and man it up LOL

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Not to take a whizz on your chips but henry didnt sign for 'something like 700k' he signed for a club record 11million.

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Have to agree with the above post. Think we're all a bit spooked this year for some reason...probably cumulative frustartion/fear that comes with not winning anything for way, way too long. But we were, for large parts of the last two seasons, very, very close to silverware, and I don't think our squad is far off a serious challenger. TV5 being back is massive for us, he'll help whip whatever back four we have into shape, and that was where nearly all our woes originated. Yes, we may have to be lucky with injuries this year, but the same is true of a lot of teams...even those with strength and depth struggle if key players are out for large parts of the season. Not sure why, but I'm more optimistic as the start of the season draws closer than I was a few weeks ago. My belief is back and I'm "glass half full" again lol. Bring it on :-)

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In response to the last post. Why be content with finishing in the top 4. How about this for an idea? Keep our best players and invest in other class players and maybe, just maybe we could win a trophy. Fed up with fans sticking with wenger when it's clearly obvious he's time has run it's course. What are your thoughts Ed?
Essexgooner

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Completely agree with the above post, when did not winning become acceptable to our club?

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05 Aug 2011 20:20:14
guillem balague:Arsenal has rejected 2day the last offer from Barcelona... But ive just seen on twitter,not very reliable that barca and gazidis have reached an agreement.

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05 Aug 2011 18:42:03
Myles Palmer seems to think Arsenal have made an aproach for Rodwell. No idea if Palmer is right but he's a useful player.

Mhc503

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Palmer also said that there would be 3 more signings before the end of the week. Yawn....

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05 Aug 2011 18:03:34
News from a family insider who works in the business:

The main reason why Arsenal are yet to bring in any new faces other than Gervinho, is not down to the fact that they lack a significant transfer budget, it is all due to the squad's wage bill. The simple fact is Arsenal are unable to sign anyone else until the dead-wood are moved on and a large portion of the wage budget is freed-up.

Unfortunately many other clubs know this and as a result the teams interested in some of these players - most notably Bendtner & Squillaci - are reluctant to pay both a transfer fee and high wages in order to obtain the players they are interested in. In fact, they are banking on Arsenal getting desperate towards the end of the transfer window and subsequently offering the dead-wood players out on loan instead, potentially whilst subsidising a proportion of their bloated wages as well.

Yes, Mata was approached prior to his release clause deadline but it was assumed that Fabregas would have been sold before then and Mata would be his replacement. If Fabregas stays - which is looking likely because Barcelona are still reluctant to meet Arsenal's transfer fee demands - then Mata will not come unless Nasri pushes through a potential move to Manchester City. When Wenger stated he would keep Nasri until the end of his contract, he was essentially calling his bluff. The reality of the situation is that Nasri wants to stay at Arsenal but also feels he should be paid a minimum wage of 120k a week, which he of course knows he could get at City. At this stage Arsenal have not and will not offer a penny more than 100k. Therefore, Nasri either needs to accept this or publicly announce his desire to move elsewhere. Obviously his agent and PR team do not want him to do this as he will become a hate figure in the eyes of many football fans which will hinder his commercial and advertising revenue.

The state of other Arsenal targets are as follows:

Jagielka - Everton want approx £18m, Arsenal will at this stage only pay £16m. Unless a compromise between both clubs can be made he will stay put.

Samba - Blackburn want £12m, Arsenal value him at £9m.

Benzema - Will only arrive if Fabregas leaves due to his wage demands.

Barton - Is being seriously considered if Arsenal can get him for free and either one of Fabregas or, particularly, Nasri leaves. At this stage Arsenal are happy to sit back and see how his transfer status develops as of of course, his attitude raises doubts about whether he would be a welcome 'Arsenal signing.'

Hazard - Arsenal have first option thanks to the Gervinho deal, but Lille are reluctant to sell. If however, Fabregas and Nasri are sold relatively quickly then a deal can happen. If however the futures of both players drags out until transfer deadline day then Lille will not sell at the last minute. Arsenal have been told that IF a sale was to happen Lille would need adequate time to find a suitable replacement.

In conclusion, a lot of Arsenal fans need to be patient and have faith that the people in charge of the club are doing the best they can to improve the team whilst maintaining the best interests of the supporters. The club is aware that the 6.5% season ticket price hike was not well received and and have based all their budgets on values that do not exceed their predicted revenue for the season. Therefore unless you are a fan that is so desperate for a meaningless Carling Cup that you are happy to pay even more for a season ticket, or even more for a replica shirt perhaps you should quit moaning and start supporting the current team and manager instead.

Over and out.

The Emi-Rat.

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Wow bless you for sharing some sane and well thought through ideas. Pearls among swine.

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This is a problem of the clubs own making, we have had a lot of dead wood for a number of years now and without any obvious planning for this transfer window it is difficult to take your argument seriously. You sound like someone who has been sent from the club to appease the growing anger and frustration on these forums. It does not wash with me.

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Well put, frustrating as it is we gotta stay patient Silly wages for average players are finally coming home to bite a lot of clubs including our own but take a look down the road and they have deeper issues, as do chelski With the addition of gerviniho and a decent cb we only have utd to worry about?

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You write like you know what you are talking about, when in actual fact you are about as in 'the know' as the last weeks news. Rumours site mate. All the above we worked-out for ourselves.
What is it with people on here? It's a rumour site, not a wish-list or even a big-my-little-life-up site. Nonce.

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Did this take more time imagining or typing?

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Another rumour monger in action, yawn yawn, try and make a very long summer a tad more interesting next time.

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Good reading, maybe a 2 agresive on the end, but true. we supposed to be a 12th player, we supposed to be the wind in/at theirs wings during a game, and especialy during hard moments, we suppose to be the transfer of the seson 2011/2012.

n
n

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What are you a spokes person for arsenal or something ?

The fact people pay an 'exploitative' 6.5% increase is because they love arsenal and have a passion and commitment to the club- something the club's board clearly lack- the difference being to the fans it isn't a business...sure run it like one, but it is a football club first and foremost, a business second- how do you think the club has survived in 125 years? By the fans paying and contributing to the longevity and success of the club- a football club, in fact sport in general survives because it has an audience...no fans and no season tickets, big TV money, advertising, etc, etc it will no longer exist- the board ought not don't take that loyalty for granted- board members and managers come and go- the fans are eternal, *they are the club*- they can be lied to and exploited because of their loyalty...but only up to a point- how many times have we seen chairman, directors and managers resigning because of the fans...?

You may call winning a cup meaningless- which frankly demonstrates how out of touch you are with the *real* fans of arsenal and then you have the audacity to say that effectively we must be stupid to pay inflated prices for a season ticket and replica shirts, because we were unhappy not to win a cup? Which the 'current team and manager lost btw' to an eventual relegated team...?

I am afraid the time for patience and faith is quickly running out- we want decisive action from the people in charge of the club- without key investment it is only a matter of time before the vaunted and cash rich champions league will be a dream -not a certainty- the board have to be careful not to cut their noses off to spite their face... keep making money without adequate investment...? The cash cow dries up

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If this is true, then arsenal aren't such a well financially structured club as we all thought

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Propaganda (bulls**t) from the club, for 6-8 yrs the club has had dead wood against using home grown talent. if things do not improve with AFC, who have the most expensive pies to seats plus a BLUE kit to celebrate 125 years of the club (i urge no one to buys this awful mistake by the club) there will be 60,000 disgruntled fans who will show their frustrations next season

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Ok,accept some of your comments but lets be realistic,who bought the deadwood that is squillaci and who has let nasri run his contract down as we are doing with vp and theo,you can say the people in control are being sensible but they have shown poor judgement in the recent past and some investment most notably last january would have helped us gain some silverware and persuaded some of these players to stay,we have gone downhill since we stopped investing in experience and being a**holes with contracts on players over 30

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Whos idea was it to give our number 52....52k a week....denilson 35k..40k..45k who knows...wasnt creative or a ball winner,never tracked back...deadwood......eboure....how much 30k to 45k...dead wood...diaby...injury prone...jurys out on him....aluminia was never any good...never a suitable replacementfor lehman, who in our champions league final year was outstanding....almunia 30k 35k 40k 45k dead wood west brom home and away....wenger has lost his ruthless edge he onced had who kicked out Nelson vives after the leeds game that cost us the title....infact the Arsenal team and squad has lost its ruthless edge....we havent had a decent captain since viera....henry and cesc are great players but are not leaders or captains the same as R V P....vermaelen is the man who should have the armband.....who do you think...

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I HAVE HAD FAITH FOR 47 YEARS BUT ITS WEARING THIN IF WE CANT SHIFT AVERAGE PLAYERS BECAUSE OF THEIR WAGES THAT FAULT LIES FIRMLY AT THE FEET OF ARSENAL FOOTBALL CLUB AS TO BE BEING PATIENT AW WORDS WERE SOONER RATHER THAN LATER

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Great post. Sadly proves the point that we have too much dead wood & extremely over payed. Rosiky & Diaby are too injury prone to warrant their salaries. This still doesn't hide the fact that Nasri should never have of got to his final year of contract unresolved. This is the clubs own doing & this whole window will go to the wire for us unfortunately..

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Thanks for posting Arsene, but you are solely responsible for paying the dross extraordinary amounts, so don't ask us for patience now.

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I have to say that while some of the stuff you have said might sound credible, it is not enlightening at all. E.g. we all know that Samba's price is £12m and AW thinks the value is £9m. We all know the Mata saga is revolving around Fabregas. So while much of what you said was nicely put and maybe true, it is absolutely nothing new.

So we are all still wondering why our players haven't been sold, why we haven't made any new signings, why we can't afford a higher wage bill, why we haven't sold Nasri to City yet, and why we haven't got a new CB which we so very badly need if we are to last even just a season in the league, let alone challenge the C League, FA Cup and Carling Cup. Just because our tight-fisted board has chosen to allocate its finances in ways that make it sound like they aren't really there, the bottom line is they are there. It's got nothing to do with money being 'taken up' or set aside for anything - ticket sales pay the wages and if we have £43m before the season starts then that should be £43m that we expect to be used for transfers. I don't hear Newcastle fans saying to each other ''look, that 35m for Carroll actually has been used for other things, let's move on'' - they're seething, because it was promised to be reinvested in the squad. We were promised the moon 6 weeks ago and so far we are all bitterly disappointed, 3 weeks to go or not.

Raz

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Players like Eboue, Denilson and Diaby have been ' rewarded ' with new contracts and pay rises over the last year, the fans knew these and other players were not good enough, so all the blame lays with the club, as with Weger failure has been rewarded big time at AFC, now the reality sets in when we cannot shift these players that Wenger rates as his best squad EVER at Arsenal - deluded

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Thanks

I am not mad. There are other sane voices amount the madding crowd.

CrossRoss

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05 Aug 2011 17:53:09
talksport:arsenal having a change of heart and willing to sell nasri for £20m to man city.

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Thanks for the info seems sensible. One thing I will say is what is hampering us is not paying what other clubs value their players at and secondly over-valuing some of our own players e,g. Bendter at £15m.

We have got to take a loss on the dead wood, make the profit on Nasri and Fab and then spend the cash.

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05 Aug 2011 17:35:52
Some peeps are getting a bit hysterical on here now. Too much time spent following SS Non news. CL football for god knows how many years, winning big matches (if not trophies), pretty much solvent, amazing new stadium, not owned by Roman Abramovich - things are pretty good. If its winning at any cost you are after, why not go and support Man City? Or at least go outside and get a life.

A media officer from another club tells me one big name Arsenal player out, one more player in.

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05 Aug 2011 17:16:09
arsenal should sign hulk would be unbelievable signinghas everything to be world class player.

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That would be incredible.

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But for a £100m release clause, is he worth it? I think not.

JH.

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You are joking he would cost a fortune if he keeps ripping of the shirts

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Have you heard about his release clause?

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He also has a buyout clause of about 100 million euros think of how many 17 year old attacking midfielders/wingers wenger could buy with that.........god help us all

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Isn't c ronaldo being used as colattaral by bankia to get money from the e.c.b so real have not payed of there loan to bankia.and surely the ffp rules should bring down the cost of transfer fees.

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I agree also falcao and wenger wants to stop being tight go get leighton baines to replace clichy and also samba and cahill

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05 Aug 2011 16:43:40
I know that Wenger has apparently given Barcelona a deadline but what if there doing what Arsenal do. Leave it to the last day where they put an offer in that Arsene wont want to deny and then that leaves us without a class midfielder, thats why we should be buying people now.

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05 Aug 2011 17:13:48
Please, please, please Mr Wenger, now that the stock market has crashed, you wily old fox, dip into your Euro piggy bank and offer ā‚¬15m for Vertonghen, £5m for Izaguirre, £6m for Scott Parker and give Cheeses of Nasri to Citeh for £6m and Adam Johnson. Job done. the ā‚¬40m you get for Fabregas could buy + the ā‚¬9m you swindle some poor club out of for Bendtner + lets say another ā‚¬15m for offloading Almunia, EbouĆ©, Daiby (damn, he's injured, we'll never get rid of him now) Squillaci, Rosicky and Arsharvin will be handy loose change to look nice in the P&L's and draw down the overall debt of the holding company/line the pockets (ahem).
PLEASE though, just get on with it

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05 Aug 2011 17:01:22
If liverpool get involved in the eden hazard saga, we will miss out. We can't compete with them financially and we take way too long to finalise deals

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Liverpool the guy can hav his pick of any club hes class,liverpool dont make laugh,he will end up in spain

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Lol liverpool compete financially? behave. hazard will end up at madrid

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You are joking end up at real they still owe on the loans they took out to buy kaka,alonso etc.

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Yes liverpool can compete financially ..if they can spend 35miln for carroll, 20miln for henderson , 24miln suarez , 20miln downing then cant the spend 25miln+ for hazard

i know its too much to ask n hazard fev us but ....comolini is the man who can do it for them

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05 Aug 2011 16:58:04
fanatix claim wenger will go for leighton baines for? £15m. surely if everton want £20m for jagielka think baines be worth more

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05 Aug 2011 16:38:41
On one of the news wires i have just seen are suggesting that AW has enquired about Rodwell. Are we going for an all british midfield Jack, Joey, Jack and Aaron.

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05 Aug 2011 16:04:23
Wenger NEEDS to sign at least 3 of Jagielka, Mata, Parker/Barton, Hamsik and a top striker if Arsenal are to even consider top 4 let alone winning title. Cesc shouldn't be victimised, its not his fault, Barca are just taking Wenger for a ride and he has been great for the Gunners. Nasri if you want to muck up your Career like Toure and Adebayor go for it Lets have the cash

Wenger has been great but Ferguson would never let this happen...

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Rather than the three out of four you've suggested, what about Vertonghen, Izaguirre, Adam Johnson and Scott Parker, accepting - sadly - that Cesc will go and (now) gladly that Mr Nasri wants to chase cash at Citeh. I'd swap nasri for a few million + Johnson, now that the Mata deal seems off, get TV's buddy in at centre back and buy a left back. Can't fathom why we've let Bartley go to Rangers again - surely he would be better as a squad player than Squillaci and though I'm disappointed to say it Djourou? TV, Kos, Vertonghen, Bartley, as four centre halves looks reasonable doesn't it? Izaguirre, Gibbs and Traore can cover left back, Parker can be defensive grafter with Song for cover. Johnson is superb and wasted at Citeh. I's love Mata/Hazard/Benzema even Cahill, but feel as frsutrated as ever and now pretty unceratin that any of these three will happen - for now at least. Duncan

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Your spot on with that last comment

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Well I think Hamsik has a release clause of 80 million euros so I think he would cost £35+ million, NOT GONNA HAPPEN, also I now see signing Mata unlikely to happen as Wenger would have to double his biggest spend on a single player.

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05 Aug 2011 15:59:41
where is stan kroenke and why oh why does he not sack gazidis? i have been a gooner for over 30 years and i do not remember such a clueless chief exec cesc will go and nasri should go, so lets just move on and do get some players in. Djourou,diaby,squillaci and bendtner were NEVER good enough 4 us, samba and cahill would be ideal and also mata.these 3 players would be all we need

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Gazidis is useless.The club need david dein back quick

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Silent Stan was here for members day, and board meeting yesterday. But he flew back last night despite the fact we were meeting Barca representatives today. Don't know what he's thinking

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Mate, you listen to the media and dream.

Expose Samba to Arsenal and he will not get a sniff of our first team

Cahill, not sure, but not a campbell Adams or Bould

Mata - complete unknown in EPL.


Wake up

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If the people next to you sold their house for 400k and your house is much nicer...fitted kitchen,extention landscape garden...and someone offers you 280k would you sell it.....stop talking about things hen youare unaware of all the facts...the problem is cesc will only leave us for barca,and they know that..so they are taking the piss,if they where that desperate they wouldnt have brought sanchez...i feel sorry for the man....who wouldnt want to return to the home city who are the best team in the world.

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I've said this for ages,I think Gazidis is a Spud.I know we have a strict wage struture,but when David Dein was there he would have got the players we needed,one way or another

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05 Aug 2011 15:58:05
i have been looking at Martin Marvin..... He is class He would be an ideal signing for me at this minute as No.1 He is French. No.2 He is young. No.3 His Value at the minute is 9 million.................. WENGERS TYPE OF PLAYER

TomArsenal

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You are a complete Tomato , this transfer is all a bit of fun, a joke, please Ketchup

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I thought he signed for lille

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05 Aug 2011 15:41:17
Like most Arsenal supporters, I was feeling rather frustrated but just seen on skysports news breaking headline that Arsenal announce triple signing 'Mata, Cahill and Jagielka + Fabregas agrees to see out his contract and Nasri has signed a new 5 year deal' What a way to start the weekend...............................Hang on a minute, it was a dream, no news yet just lots of rumours.

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05 Aug 2011 15:05:51
ed could you please explain to me why aresnal have to wait for the fabragas money before we sign mata? {which now looks unlikely} we were told we had pleanty of money by the powers that be...was that just lies...can you shed anylight on the this? also do you fear for us this seasson?
jay

{Ed022's Note - Wenger is as we all know a very shrewd business man. He always has his eyes on the finances. Any transfer budget is always allocated over transfers, contract renewals etc.. I think Wenger is waiting to see if a) Cesc goes, which would free up some cash to spend and have his wages off the wage bill. b) Nasri signs or is sold which again either takes money from the budget or frees up some more cash. His priority it seems is to sort out those two players before commiting to other players. The phrase get your own house in order first comes to mind. Sort out what's on your doorstep before commiting to transfers. These are my thoughts...}

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I understand your points ED, but hanging on to Nasri this late into the pre season is not helping the team for coming season. We all know Fab wants out, but Nasri is just dragging his backside & we will end up with the same situ next year. Wenger needs to realise that he is the manager of the football team, not the club accountant. Gut feeling is that the fans will turn on him this season.

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My unqualified opinion is that the transfers of Cesc/Nasri/Mata and maybe another 1 or 2 are inter-dependent in terms of costs to Arsenal FC. For instance, buying Mata before sales invites a lower bid from Barcelona (and selling Cesc before buying Mata would increase demands of Valencia). The vital piece to the puzzle may be Nasri - gives Arsenal a degree of financial freedom that can use to dictate values more aggresively.

Just my opinion.

2 cents

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Would it not make sense to buy the players ya want now before fabragas goes as the price will sky rocket when hes sold as other clubs will know we ave a bag of money from the deal...??
jay

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05 Aug 2011 14:59:13
with the real possability of us ending up out of the champions league at the first hurdle this could make the club even more reluctant to spend big ?
jay

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Is we spend 30m on a couple of players it is regardless weather we stay in the champions league or not. 30m will not lead to us becoming bankrupt. spending now is a risk worth taking

#Gamechanger

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Great faith you have in your team, real posibility don't think so

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Our slowness in the transfer market could really come back to hurt us in this situation. Would've been nice for realize the importance of having the team settled by now and just being able to focus on these games knowing our full squad.

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05 Aug 2011 14:36:04
if papers and other reports keep saying there going?-cesc and nasri.
why have they had there first team photos taken?

{Ed022's Note - The team photo has been postponed until further notice, luckily down to the weather yesterday. Their sky shots and arsenal.com don't really matter because if they're sold then they don't get seen. You would struggle to photoshop both out of the team photo...}

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They havnt had there pics done it was cancelled due to the rain and it isnt a rumour that is fact

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05 Aug 2011 14:23:37
Just heard that Fabergas is to miss the games against Udinese. He has been a good player for us, but both the club and the player are taking us for fools. I am glad that i have given up my seaon ticket, i cannot understand why Barcelona would want to buy someone with such a bad hamstring ( sic ), maybe thats why they will only pay 27 million.

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05 Aug 2011 14:31:00
L'Equipe say that Samir Nasri has an 'agreement in principle' in place with Manchester City ahead of a 22 million euros transfer

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Why would it be euros?

{Ed022's Note - Because L'Equipe are French so they would change the bid into Euros given that it's their currency. A bid is likely to be £20m.}

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? Utter bollocks {Ed001's Note - City have bid and, well let's just say personal terms will be no problem.....}

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05 Aug 2011 14:27:14
Nasri not training is that true?? Just seen some of the training photos on a site a moment ago and he wasnt there... ..

{Ed022's Note - Nasri in addition to Wilshere and Walcott did not train this morning...}

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Its interesting that Nasri is allegedly injured. Perhaps we have agreed a sale & have a replacement on their way?

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I was at the members day with my son.....theo was working with a fitness trainer running the width of the pitch....for about 30 - 40 minutes....we see nasri drive in the stadium in hes range rover with french number plates....my son was allowed to then enter the players autograph session in the club level....there was 9 players there the young boy ben affobi(spelling wrong i think)was there really nice boy,bartly also very nice,the japanese kid,diarby,gilvinho and nasri....i ask him why he wasnt training,he said i have a small injury......the media said cesc was sulking thats not true,he was fine joking with the others doing sprints and having a two touch 11 a side game.....at the end he seem to say goodbye,waving at the crowd and looking around as he was leaving the pitch which could be the last time as a Arsenal player....good luck to him,hes been a great player for us and who wouldnt want to play for barca at the moment....if they pay the money,and i think nasri is off to city.....get them out,get their replacements in.This has been a very bad close season for us.....and if wenger doesnt bring in quality in by september,if we have a bad start to the season the crowd will go bloody mad.....i still cant see why he hasnt brought a center back yet.

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05 Aug 2011 14:24:09
Wenger will not buy a Left Back, as he has Gibbs, Traore and TV5 who can play there, as well as Carl Jenkinson, as he did at Charlton on numerous occasions.

I hope Juan Mata eventually comes in, however I'd prefer Samir Nasri to sign a new contract and Cesc Fabregas to tell Barcelona, that he doesn't want to get splinters in his a$$ and stay put.

I still believe we need a goalkeeper and a centre back, I also believe it wont be a major £15m plus signing like Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill, Chris Samba, it will be someone like Matty Upson, who will add experience, but will not stand in the way of Laurent Koscielny for too long, as he might have had a tough season last year, but it was his first season.

Maroune Chamakh, again like Koscielny will be better this season.

And with Alexandre Song's problems with Samuel Eto'o, it looks likely that he will still be round in January, when the Cup of Nations starts, so no defensive midfield cover. Besides Emmanuel Frimpong looks promising.

Newcastle line up in my opinion;

Chesney
Sagna Koscielny TV5 Gibbs
Song Wilshire
Gervinho Nasri Arshavin
RVP

Why isn't Wenger looking at Thomas Hitzelsperger? In my opinion, the German would be a good addition, considering he is available on a free and Wenger doesn't like paying over the odds.

In's;
Matty Upson
Thomas Hitzelsperger

Both frees and in my opinion, probably the highlight of the summer window for all us Arsenal fans.

Remember this is just my opinion, I have no contacts inside the Emirates, so all this, is just me.

Dan82

Believable5 Unbelievable14

Three rumours in and we come across this...That's me done here for the day. Nonsense.

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I still think that Ramsey and Wilshere are our best centre mid combination if Fabregas leaves. Nasri's form has not returned as yet. Rosicky note to come on with 30 to go if it is not working.

Would be amusing to see Barton in an Arsenal shirt against Newcastle to see how long he stayed on the pitch.

Kermit79

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05 Aug 2011 14:05:12
Sky just said nasri didn't train today. I don't remember him being injured. Could be on his way out?

Believable12 Unbelievable3

I thought he had an "ankle" injury, that's why he didn't take place in the games during members day.

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05 Aug 2011 13:58:11
Rumour has it Nasri on his way to City, if so then y dont we get Adam Johnson as part of deal, if they say wont allow him to go to rival club then tell them to sod off.

{Ed022's Note - It's not like we've sold Stuart Taylor, Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor and Gael Clichy to a rival club...}

Believable9 Unbelievable2

Wengers just too scared to ask for player in deal.

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Matt law tweeted heard rumour fab out for 3 weeks-hamstring injury, is just checking to confirm, how convenient takes care of udinese games.

{Ed022's Note - He trained this morning and no problem has yet been reported??}

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Wenger doesn't want Adam Johnson. Wenger doesn't want any players that other people rate. The only thing that makes Arsene Wenger happy is when he finds some player out of the blue who turns up great. He is willing to buy 99 flops if that one out 100 gets him some personal praise for his magnificent eye for talent

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If we have agreed to sell Nasri, it is because he wont sign a new deal & it is far better to take £22ish million from City, than let him go for nothing next season. If a sale has been agreed, Im almost certain a player is on his way in. Interestingly I heard on the radio this morning that Gazidis is away for a week on holiday, which sounds extremely suspicious to me. Perhaps its a smokescreen to throw other clubs off the scent whilst we sign players?

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Lot more now posting fab didn't go to portugal inc portugese press, marca(realise dodgy one)

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Arsenal now say fab didn t go, say not match fit

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05 Aug 2011 13:38:20
Ed, any idea which defender wenger is going to sign?
and what is happening with mata?

{Ed022's Note - Id like Vertonghen in but can't see it. I expect an English CB to come in (Jagielka is the favourite). As for Mata, that will all unfold if and when Fabregas/Nasri are sold. It appears Wenger doesn't want Cesc, Nasri and Mata all at the club. Expect one of Cesc or Nasri to leave before anything with Mata can happen...}

Believable12 Unbelievable1

Time for Fab to go the way of the paella

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05 Aug 2011 13:06:12
IMO whilst IG is in Spain he should take a trip up to valencia and seal the deal with mata, can't see it happening though as he is more bother about generating cash than spending it

Believable9 Unbelievable3

The problem is Arsenal baulked at paying £18m for Mata, can you see AW jumping to £26m? It's a massive month to be an Arsenal fan.

Sydney!

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With rumours of Nasri being sold to City emerging, he has suddenly been withdrawn from the friendly squad and IG on 'holiday' in Spain, I think we are tying or have tied up the Mata deal. Fingers crossed

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05 Aug 2011 12:56:42
Well if RvP is suspended for the Udinese game, we really need a goal scorer b/c we'd need to get an advantage at home

Believable14 Unbelievable2

It is not a striker that we need but a defender, because an away goal will be crucial - and NY Red Bulls and Boca did not find it too difficult to get one

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No, im with you mate. we are seriously in need of a striker. With walcott out aswell we simply arnt stong enough up front.

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I have faith in Gervinho vs Udinese. I can see a Gervinho Walcott front line working alright with Bendtner in emergency.

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05 Aug 2011 12:55:04
Liverpool are now interested in Eden Hazard, if Arsenal want him at all this transfer window there'll have to be quick because Liverpool are sorting there deals out quick

Believable16 Unbelievable6

Ye - need to watch liverpool - keeping their cards close to there chest

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I believe Hazard has stated several times the two clubs he'd be most interested in are Arsenal and Real, so we'd have an advantage over Liverpool there if we actually make a reasonable bid.

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05 Aug 2011 12:39:34
This is what pis*es me off with our manager and board.
players we have sold to man Sh*ty. toure £16m, clichy £7m, adebayor £25m and soon to be nasri £22m
Total.£70m and what have we spent ?
why dont we get for one of de jong, richards, johnson or balotelli as part of the nasri deal. wenger just aint got a clue.
he will sell cesc and nasri on the last day of the transfer window and wont have and time to get in a replacement. he needs to stop being tight and give blackburn £12m for samba. go and buy a lb . our ticket prices are the most expensive in the league . so what are we pay them for . ? oh yes to sit in a stadium that there is no atmosphere at all . (we never get behind our team on the pitch. all you can hear is the away fans. its embarrassing
1 last thing go and get joey barton NOW b4 its to late

Matt

Believable25 Unbelievable7

Totally agree with the comments made. It won't be long before there will be empty seats at the Emirates because why should the fans continue to pay such ridiculous ticket prices to watch a team that is always "in transition". As usual we are dithering in the transfer market and that will cost us dearly. I also agree with your plea to get Joey Barton, he is exactly what this team needs - a bit of desire

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Ballotelli... no thanks

{Ed022's Note - Yeah I think we'l pass on Bib-a-telli thanks...}

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Wenger is on the slide. There is no way he will last the season

{Ed022's Note - He will if we win something which is really all we want...}

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What a great comment, well done that man you put it all into one pot.
He has done these deals for these players and taken not one player in exchange we could've have Richards or SWP by now.
There is no atmosphere at the emirates because you feel like you sitting in an office, it isn't stooped in history like highbury and full of real fans it is full of people willing to pay £5-£10k on club level membership. they get a meal, a private bar and never come out for the start of half time and they leave early what has happened to all the songs we used to sing at highbury? why is there only "stand up if you hate tottenham" "Arsenal FC" or "Arsenal, Arsenal" what happened to the "AW is a magician" "i will follow the arsenal" "who's that team we call the Arsenal" "tip toe thru the north bank" or the alltime classic "we're the north bank highbury" we are still in Ashburton Grove/Holloway now it still works but naming our ground after a plane just killed it. Why not call it Ashburton Grove or Holloway Road. Our club has lost it's soul recently and it needs to find it again.

North Bank Elite

{Ed022's Note - I am in no way defending naming the stadium Emirates stadium but I am pretty sure the £100m deal over the 15 years until 2021 played a part...}

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I agree with almost everything you say but I have experienced first hand some amazing atmosphere in the stadium. The Barca tie at home was unbelievable. All my mates who weren't able to get to the game live said they could really feel the atmosphere from their TV sets. Apart from that I agree with the rest of your post.

{Ed022's Note - I would like to say I too have experienced some amazing atmosphere at the stadium with Barcelona, Man Utd and Chelsea last season springing to mind. However, I am also honest enough to say Wigan, Stoke, Blackburn and West Brom etc.. were severely lacking in atmosphere. Sometimes it feels as though if we're not 2-0 up after 15mins, instead of getting behind the team, cheering, singing songs etc... the whole crowd goes quiet or even worse, moans and jeers. Coupled with the undoubted fact the whole middle tier is full of complete "non fans" who as stated pay the money required. I can only afford a season ticket by going in with other people. Normal working class fans can no longer see the games live and this is a massive problem...}

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Ed if some of that 150 million had gone towards the buying of players would the atmosphere be that bad, we have had no success since we have moved we need to win a cup and things will improve.

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I agree it isn't the same as highbury, we needed the sponsorship to pay for the stadium, the extra fans (not club) that now can watch arsenal may disagree with you. Don't think you would have got booing at a pre season match at highbury though. But expectations have changed.

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Balotelli as part of the deal?

Sounds like you aint got a clue fella lol

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I was at Highbury when we won the leagues in 98 and 02 and when we won the cups in 93 and 94 we have always expected success and we got it at highbury, Graham once said "if i didnt put silverware on the table at the end of the season i was told i had underachieved and failed the fans". We didnt boo at highbury because the players werent average or useless they always had fight now since we move to the emirates it is all gone sour the players dont have us breathing down there necks they have been separated from us, even tho AW said the fans need to be near the pitch. the "extra fans" may get to see the games but getting tickets for highbury was never impossible it seems to be now if you aint a member. we welcome new faces but when you ask a crowd to stand up to show unity they would rather tell you sit down or tut instead of joining in. the atmosphere IS AN ISSUE why do you think the stands have been renamed and the clock was demanded back, to try to recreate the highbury where teams feared and knew they would be in for a real game. since thewe moved our record speaks for itself at home, fortress, my a**e

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If they are not good enough for citys first team why should we take them....as for that Italian nutter are you mad...hes agro mate....dont you know anything about football

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Well said mate good too see someone whos got an opinion and dont just say beleive in wenger and all that , dont care what any off you say we at arsenal are MINTED we got 100 mill availible no problem we cound increase our wage budget no problem , wenger just gets off on buying cheap talent nuff said

tony too

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I think that under wenger balotelli would end up a world class player

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05 Aug 2011 12:35:21
would any 1 like to see bergkamp as no2

{Ed022's Note - Personally I would love him on board in any capacity. I see him as a future manager (not neccessarily Arsenal) but the guy is a legend. He still has some playing ability as we saw from Edwin Van Der Saar's testimonial the other night. Pat Rice will retire in June 2012 and so there will be a change to the no:2. There will be many who (if we don't win a trophy) will suggest a complete overhaul of staff and board...}

Believable17 Unbelievable0

Do you think if we dont win a trophy he should go ed

{Ed022's Note - I think he will go. Not should go. I think the abuse/stick he would get if we fail again would make him walk away from the club. It is very hard to see him being sacked. The board back him (not so much financially but) ability/loyalty wise...}

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Bergkamp is a Legend.. would love him back at arsenal... as a no 2 or advisor,,
I hate the fact we lost out on Vieira to Man City when Patrick was looking for a club and now we lost out again coming back to the club as a advisor, Vieira knows what it means to play for our club

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We need a defensive coach not another offensive one and hes only just been appointed Ajaxs number 2.....

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As much as i hate to say it I can't see Bergkamp ever making it as a top manager if he can't gdt over his fear of flying

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05 Aug 2011 12:14:24
Arsenal to sign Matthew Upson before August 31 (as CB/LB cover) on a free - this will be the only addition between now and the deadline.

Toby Larone

Believable7 Unbelievable32

Toby Larone.... sure

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Tobylorone i like them but not Upson.

{Ed022's Note - Yeah they are one of my favourite chocolates. Upson however, isn't up to the job personally...}

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I posted at the start of the window that I thought we would end up with Upson as a CB, I hope to god that we are both wrong

Mong Out

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No, he can't play for toffee...just keeping the confectionary side going...

Kermit79

{Ed022's Note - We all know he's got a sweet left foot...}

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You know what? A month or so ago I would've said, no way that won't happen. Now? sadly I can absolutely believe every word of it.
Not feeling particularly optimistic gooner

{Ed022's Note - Like I said before. Arsenal were linked with;

June: Benzema and Vertonghen.
July: Jagielka and Mata.
August: Barton, Dann and Upson.

This shows the slide this transfer window followed...}

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No please nooooooooooo...

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Well overrated always has been....

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@ed22 June: Benzema and Vertonghen.
July: Jagielka and Mata.
August: Barton, Dann and Upson.

sad, but all too true.

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05 Aug 2011 12:11:08
how about Erik Lamela?

Believable2 Unbelievable17

Hes joined roma u muppet

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More chance of erica eleniak

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05 Aug 2011 12:09:24
Anyone no the odds on wenger being the first PL manager to get the sack ?

Believable12 Unbelievable16

Hes 1/50 on to be in charge on the last day of the season

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16/1 to be sacked 8th favourite at the moment

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05 Aug 2011 12:06:44
Arsenal Vs Udinese in the CL. No Cesc, no Nasri. Wilshere & Walcott injured. This is a tough team to play.

Sydney!

{Ed022's Note - Walcott is possible. Wilshere will probably play. He only has a small ankle knock and will play against Newcastle and or Udinese...}

Believable10 Unbelievable5

When is the first leg Ed? I expect Arsenal to win, but this is a tough test and would be financially catastrophic if you didn't qualify.

I think Cahill, Dann or Jagielka in before the first leg is crucial because your defense at the moment is not good enough to prevent 'anyone' from scoring.

Sydney!

{Ed022's Note - It has now been confirmed the first leg will be Tuesday 16th August, 745pm. This means the away leg in Italy will be Wednesday 24th August, 745pm. (UK time) I personally think we should get a 3-1 aggregate victory. 2-0 at home. 1-1 away...}

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I disagree, I think you will draw 2.2 in Udine after leading 2.0, and 1.1 at the Emirates and go through on away goals. Djourou has been consistently poor for club and country so you must start with Vermaelen & Koscielny. But even this defense will leak goals, who will play LB? The difference between you qualifying and not will be RVP IMO. An injury to him this season and you will struggle. The only saving grace for Arsenal fans is that Spurs & Liverpool are still not good enough to overtake you for 4th spot. RVP is so important for Arsenal, if he gets an injury which he is probably due if you look at his injury record over his career, Arsenal will struggle next season.

Sydney!

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Come on it's by no means the end of the world, no Inler, no Sanchez and they play three in defence, they will get swept aside with ease, Gervinho and Arshavin will get down the flanks no problem.

{Ed022's Note - Di Natale is the key. 28 league goals last season in a primarily defensive league. The Italy international is no slouch in front of goal. They also have a top class keeper in Samir Handanovic (who Arsenal were heavily linked to last year) so this will by means be a walkover...}

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Funnily enough, we didn't really struggle for goals when he was out last season, when he came back that is when everyone else couldn't score, so your input is a bit pointless. As for Kos and TV5 I don't think so far this pre season when they have been paired together they have conceded? Maybe I am wrong, peoples doom and gloom is all from the dismal end to last season, this one will start off much the same, we will get passed Udinese, then lose draw and draw one or two in augest and september.

CT

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You are crazy we will beat them 5-2 on aggregate

{Ed022's Note - Scorers for both teams please?}

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I know Di Natale has been consistently brilliant for them and that Handanovic is a good keeper but they play in a more defensive league and Arsenal will as usual dominate possession and clearly attacking is where we are best. Two wingers and a striker against their three defenders is good odds for me. I think a trip to Kazan would have been so much worse.

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Is rvp banned also,really are in the brown stuff

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05 Aug 2011 12:06:24
if we loose to udinesa should wenger go?

{Ed022's Note - Simple answer. No.}

Believable27 Unbelievable13

Wenger has to go if we lose, he has lost the dressing room anyway.

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Yes he should - despite all the promises our squad is going to be weaker than last season with Clichy gone and Cesc and Nasri next out of the door. We are now looking at a Championship defender in Scott Dann and we all know that certain of our players will be freqently injured - Van Persie, Walcott, Diaby. The board have been weak during the summer and I see little sign of any improvement on last season. If we lose to Udinese, we will be considerably worse off financially and the only person to blame is Wenger for not strengthening the team.

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Ok let's say we all throw caution and experience to the wind ... and sacked Wenger:

Who would be able to come in and continue his work? Because I for one didn't wait for 6 years only to cancel the project sack the manager and START AGAIN

Which is what happens every time a new manager arrives and the old one leaves.

Wenger has enemies, but he also has many many more friends at Arsenal, and those supporters who know what came before will always want him to stay

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I have always been a big supporter of Wenger, but let's face facts. We are about to lose 2 of our best players in Cesc and Nasri, one of whom will probably be joining Man City. If you want to compete you need to keep your best players and under Wenger we are going backwards. The squads at Man utd, Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool are much stronger in depth and the chances of a top 4 finish are remote. As fans, we pay hard earned money to support our team, yet the club seem happy to settle for mediocrity. If we supposedly have money to spend why don't we? If we had bought last January there is a good chance that we would have been in with a chance of winning something - but sadly we did not and we can't even win the Emirates Cup now because of the usual poor defending.

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As a rival fan I have to say that if you ever sacked AW, you would struggle to get into the top four. He works on a shoestring budget and still keeps you challenging every year. Despite what many of you think, it isn't just AW being stubborn and tight with the money, I genuinely believe you are not as flush with money as Gazidas makes out.

IMO sacking Wenger would be a mistake and the Arsenal hierarchy know this.

Sydney!

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No 1 cant tell me we dont have money

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TBH I would be happy if we started from scratch we have built all our foundations the clubs policy and structure is in place bringing someone new in is not gonna change anything the youth structure is running on its own thru liam brady and we just need a new man picking the team and choosing the players. We need to give our kids a random call ups when we are down in position instead of moving players out of position this gives the kids the end product which makes them play harder, the only way into the team atm is when someone leaves or plays bad for three seasons. Players shoudl be dropped and youth given a go to remind them how bad they are playing. Squillachi should've been dropped for Bartley quicker with Miquel pushing dj, denilson should've been dropped for frimpong earlier and bentners place should've been given to Murphy or JET to give them a real shot not a bit part. We aint won nothin for 6 years and tbh I dont care aslong as we fight and play the arsenal way not this pikey version of barcelona.

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No. End of. Now support the team. We haven't even started playing yet FFS will this never end? Sack Wenger who will come in? The board would have to pass the baton to Pat Rice, wait we have a ready made manager in Vic Akers JOKERS

CrossRoss

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You are all crazy kids they haven't even played a single game and you want him sack. chill man, if that was the case, then you should have sacked him after loosing in the LC final or in the FA Cup. You are all so scared, instead of backing up the team now over the next games that are very important Fake fans on this site....you should be banned.

{Ed022's Note - Everyone is entitled to air their opinion to be fair. No matter how mental it is (within reason!) This leads to debates, questions and discussions (again with sensible boundaries) Unfortunately there are a few shoot first, ask questions later types...}

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He should've gone end of the season my pick would've been to move quickly and put Mark Hughes in and Tony Adams or Dennis Bergkamp as number 2, Bould is another option at num 2 or why not put Hughes and Wilkins in they would have everything they need to make us fight, scrap and want to win. He should've read the riot act and said to the fans, I have players here who arent good enough and they will be replaced, we wont spend big but we will improve what we have. He constantly defends Almunia, Flappy, Bendtner, Denilson, Diaby, Traore, Squelchy, Rosicky etc they should cut and shut they are collectively worth around £25m+. Instead he has defended there woeful ability watched targets dissapear and watched given pas him by, parkers free loan hasnt even registered and barton should've been picked up straight away.

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When gazidis said in may we will be busy in the transfer market it was a smoke screen so the season tickets would be sold i cant see us buying anyone now with just over a week to go to the season wenger better get it right or this will be his last season

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I tend to agree that Arsenal will not make the sigings they should but.... BUT...before you all sack Arsene let's be clear Sagna, Vermailen, Djorrou, Gibbs, Song, Wilshere, Nasri, Ramsey, Gervinho and Van Persie is better than any other side outside United, City and Chelski. Oh and the idea of sacking him is beyond crazy - without him we will be back where we were before him mid table.

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05 Aug 2011 11:53:52
Lets be honest. This community on this site know's no more than whats been officially announced about transfer dealings, everything is speculation. We do our business is private, which is abit fustrating at times but at least we know that when a story is reported on our website or the bbc its reliable.

Believable16 Unbelievable0

Wouldn't have it any other way.

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05 Aug 2011 11:35:10
Fabregas saga update, part 2566:

BBC is reporting that Barca HAVE NOT recieved a second bid for Cesc Fabregas (the first one was £27m) and that Ivan Gazidis is meeting Barca officials today to discuss the potential transfer.

Get this god damn farce over with I was desperate but now I'm just seriously mad...Well fortunately it is weekend so I can get rid of my memory

{Ed022's Note - Barcelona wouldn't receive a bid for Cesc Fabregas as he isn't their player...}

Believable6 Unbelievable0

Nice one ed. Maybe I've already started the memory loss process. The first phase of the process might cause some word mix-ups BTW why didn't you edit the post. You are the editor??

{Ed022's Note - I found it funnier to take the mick in an attempt to lighten the gloom around here...No offence!}

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I thought Ivan was on holiday


Cazza56

{Ed022's Note - Well he wasn't in Nyon for the Champions League qualifying draw so maybe he's in Barcelona... When he turns out not to be there someone else can speculate as to where our super negotiator is spending his holidays...}

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Ha ha good post mate

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05 Aug 2011 11:34:46
i am sick of SSN doing negative stories about arsenal is it some thing we should worry about?

Believable12 Unbelievable3

No, it's always been Arsenal against the world, you know that.

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I so hope we out fox every 1 and buy well and surprise every 1 next year

{Ed022's Note - What about this year??}

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Thats what i mean smat ar.se

{Ed022's Note - Well with the new season 9 days away I would hardly call that "next year". I was also poking a bit of light hearted fun. Don't take it so personally...}

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I was poking fun at you ed chill

{Ed022's Note - Im cooler than a cucumber wearing shades in the fridge...}

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There isnt anything positive coming out the club right now so yes we should be worried. the club are dragging their heels with regards to tranfers in and out. fabregas should have been sold ages ago. nasri should be shown the exit and the money should have already been spent. but this will NEVER happen. the whole board need to be sacked and wenger should follow. hes a fantastic manager and transformed the club but he has done as much as he can

paul - a wooried gooner

{Ed022's Note - Ok Paul, I understand your frustrations so I will play devils advocate and say who would you want as manager? Who would you sign? How much would you spend? Who would be Chairman? Kroenke or Usmanov?}

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For 1 year they could change policy. does any 1 realise with 4 top signings how good we would be even if nasri and cesc went

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Speedy reply ed thanks, ok so i would go for someone like van basten as manager. hes got a name that would attract world class players. who would i buy? id still go for someone like jagielka, alternativly anyine of cahill shawcross huth maybe alexfrom chelsea. we need height and power in the midfield. fellaini from everton maybe would compliment the team well. maybe even push the boat out and go for rodwell. with van basten as coach i think christian eriksson would be a shrewd move to replace fabregas (ajax connection). as for the chairman. initially i would have said kronke but his lack of pressure for success is showing already. usmanov however has made comments saying money WOULD be spent. i appreciate that could all change if he was in charge but at least he's showing some spirit

paul

{Ed022's Note - Some interesting points Paul. I appreciate the views. Erikson has been looked at by a number of clubs in Europe as a massive upcoming talent. It would be a Wenger signing. A relative unknown to most, turns into a superstar, sold for £40m... As for the rest, I will leave that up to debate from the Gooners on here...}

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Thanks ed for ur comments, i think my frustration comes from seeing wenger create a blueprint for a team built not only around speed but power. go a season unbeaten then decide to dismantle that team. why? a decision that he could now never justify

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05 Aug 2011 11:22:59
Just glad that we're standing up to
Barca,they think they can push
anyone around,fact is Fab is contracted
to us & they thought they could get him
on the cheap.
As for Nasri,really hope he stays but
he said all along that it depends on who
Arsene signs,which has been a let down so
far.As fans,we have to keep the faith
but it must go both ways & the club
should repay fans loyalty & spend or
risk being out of the top four this season

Believable12 Unbelievable0

05 Aug 2011 11:22:40
Arsenal Vs Udinese

4-1 to arsenal (1st and 2nd round)??

Elie MS

Believable17 Unbelievable11

They have lost there 3 main players. Sanchez, Inler and Zapata... we should win this comfortably..

{Ed022's Note - Fabregas might not play with his future up in the air. Nasri and RVP are also suspended. A note of caution I would suggest. Hopefully a good home result (2-0) should see us through comfortably though...}

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I didnt even think of the suspensions.. good point ed

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That is the kind or disrespect that can lead to an embarrassing outcome. Udinese finished fourth in Serie A, so not a shabby outfit.
Being an Italian team they will probably stick everyone behind the ball and make it very difficult and look to nick a result. Or they could come out and play football and get a result, so a little caution and respect is due.
You can not underestimate any team in the competition.
However, I would expect us to get a result but by no means will it be a drubbing.

Kermit79

{Ed022's Note - This was my point. I actually think Udinese and Rubin Kazan were the toughest teams we could have got. Kazan would have been worse because of the journey to Russia. I expect a close game and as I have said, the home game will define the two legs. If we are sloppy and concede we're in trouble!}

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Agree, don't be over confident- they're a decent team. Although we *should* beat them...

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And for the newcastle game ELIE??
sissi

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Kazan would have been a nightmare, repeat of shaktar last year. udinese look decent. are RVP n samir suspended for both legs?

{Ed022's Note - My understanding is they will both miss the first leg only. RVP was given a second yellow (to red) for allegedly not hearing the whistle against Barca. That carries a one match ban which will be the first leg. Nasri is suspended for one match for collecting three bookings.}

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Cheers ed, hopefully we wont concede first leg. we dont want to be going to udinese needing a win. one other question.will be be seeded 1st for the group stage draw?

{Ed022's Note - Yes. If we get through we will be seeded. This is because of our coefficients rating that is given to each club based on their performances over previous years in Europe, as we have always been "there or there abouts" we will be in the top seeds should we progress through against Udinese...}

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So basically we are still being punished for that joke of a ref in the Barca game.

{Ed022's Note - My lawyer advised me not to say anything but in a word. Yes! That joke of a referee has put RVP and Nasri out of the first leg due to his inability to ref a game of football...}

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Hahah, SISO, Newcastle 0 - 3 Arsenal
in Wenger we Trust com on support our Team and never doubt anymore

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05 Aug 2011 11:21:59
We have drawn Udinese, home leg first.

Believable12 Unbelievable1

05 Aug 2011 11:16:34
Udinese in qualifying group

{Ed022's Note - Not a group. A two legged play off. Arsenal will play at home on Tuesday 16th August/Wednesday 17th August (Yet to be confirmed) and the away leg in Udinese will be played on either Tuesday 23rd/Wednesday 24th August. This will be a tough game for Arsenal.}

Believable12 Unbelievable0

05 Aug 2011 11:11:13
Just saw this on John Cross' twitter page "I checked with UEFA and if Cesc plays he'd be cup tied for Barca. RvP, Nasri banned for 1st leg too"
Although, by then if Cesc/Nasri are really going they should be gone by then anyway.
Eman.

Believable16 Unbelievable0

05 Aug 2011 11:00:57
Wenger PROMISED defensive signings back in May....nothing against Carl Jenkinson, but seriously?ly?....is this the best we can do? In an era where
"overvalued" players have become the norm...we can't simply hold on to our "ideals" and "valuations" while squads around us spend and strengthen at an alarming pace. If we need a player...and that player is the right fit for the squad....just buy him already.

Believable24 Unbelievable2

05 Aug 2011 10:52:23
That's it i'm afraid. I think Arsenal will sign no one else (at least not before the Newcastle game). In the most pivital part of the transfer window our chief exec has decided to go on holiday....w.t.f. Anyway its international week coming up, so the chances of any deals being done are exceptionally small. The brutal truth is I think Cesc and Nasri will stay now, but neither will give a toss about anything this season, and both will leave next summer.

Team for Newcastle

-----------------Szczesny-------------------
---Sagna---Koscielny--Vermaelen---Traore---
---------------Song--Wilshere---------------
------------------Fabregas------------------
----Gervinho-----van Persie-----Samir Nasri--

Subs: Fabianski, Gibbs, Djourou, Frimpong, Ramsey, Walcott, Chamakh.

Hmmmmm......

Ben

Believable15 Unbelievable5

Let's just ignore that you have forgotten Arshavin completely and say that beyond all the negativity that is not a bad team to start the season with. The idea that Cesc and Nasri won't care with professional pride and Euro 2012 at stake (as well as massive wages) is frankly insulting to both of them. The last player to run down his contract was Flamini, who had his best season then. More than anything they will be trying to prove they are worth more next summer than this.

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Why would wenger prefer traore over gibbs

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We have always had a great starting 11 but its the squad that counts.

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I think we have a good quality squad.
it is the morale of the player that always let us down.
when we are down by a goal or 2, we always look like a lost soul.
we need to have a leader to get the team togther.
we need a team that has 11 player that fighting in every match.
if we can see that in every game, we'll see our 11new signing playing on the pitch.
i hope that RvP and TV5 can lead the team out to fight hard this season...hopeffffull fan

-Hakeem-

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What has traore done to deserve a first team place? he was inept at juve and useless for us when he last played. Gibbs was expected to takeover Clichy last season but injury stopped it in the final months of the season he has an england cap and all the experts say he will progress and be arsenals number 3. he wouldve dislodged clichy last season aswell so remember one thing Gibbs loves AFC with all he has has and he could've walked away this season but AW said you deserve your chance. Traore is a backup nothing more.

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05 Aug 2011 10:51:16
I think Phi Jagkielka is perfect defender and he has s composure at the back with experience and also have defencesive ability whatsoever,and must bring Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, and other experience players that can take Gunners to upper level to win valuable trophies

Believable11 Unbelievable2

05 Aug 2011 10:50:50
its on football forum we have opened talks to sign marvin martin

{Ed022's Note - Love this. I big the guy up and two days later we're "signing him up". I feel I should now big up Mata and Vertonghen...}

Believable13 Unbelievable1

I think Vertoghen is really a bargain buy for arsenal. he can play LB/DM as well as his preferred position at CB.
He should be top priority target for AW.
-Hakeem-

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Go whole hog and big up Sakho for me please Ed haha. In my opinion the best defensive prospect in the world. Simply the beast

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I dont see PSG are willing to sell Sakho as they are trying to be europe big club in 5yrs.
Sakho is really ideal type of player to lead their team from the back.

-Hakeem-

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05 Aug 2011 09:50:05
According to Swedish Televisions tele text service Canales has joined Valencia on a two seasons loan deal - could this open for Mata to us?

Believable10 Unbelievable11

As far as i knw they have said he would eb the replacement for Mata, but also said him and Mata will be able to play together...

Not sure on the Mata situation anymore, he captained them the other night against Hamburg and scored aswell...

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Are you from sweden? where in sweden,if that is the case?

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I'm Swedish but live in the UK since 10 years, from V ster s originally

{Ed022's Note - It seems a few letters are missing from the town??}

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Ed - your system obviously can'y handle Swedish umlauts

{Ed022's Note - What like me writing the Swedish province of Västergötland...? Yep, you're right. Our system can't handle it... We should really move with the times...}

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Impressed Must be my computer.....Vasteras without umlauts, V ster s with...working?

{Ed022's Note - No, I think you'll find it's spelt Västerås... Don't mess with Ed! Lol.}

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That's it, I demand a new computer And Mata, and Cahill, and MMM, and sell Nasri....

{Ed022's Note - All Ed's are given a top of the range laptop as we work at home and abroad on here. Therefore I can type in any given language. You however will be unable to im afraid...}

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Cool Jag bor i Helsingborg

nering

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05 Aug 2011 09:51:03
quiet honestly who do arsenal look like signing for..........knowone


{Ed022's Note - Knowone is a highly rated youngster who hasn't played much competitive football but who is looked at for being an "outstanding talent"}

Believable14 Unbelievable1

Knowonder AW is looking at him with such a glowing tribute from Ed.

{Ed022's Note - Well ever since I gave Marvellous Marvin Martin the nickname on here or MMM for short there were three rumours last night and this morning speculating a move for him! I thought i'd give the kid some much needed publicity...}

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I heard he once represented france @ under 4 level and was nicknamed the new Remi Garde. Typical AW signing here's hoping *crosses fingers*

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Knowone is actually a young Korean attacking midfielder. He's got good ball control, loves to pass, a bit lightweight in terms of the physical side, but wow he can over elaborate with the best of them. Hey so great news - let's hop we also get Kno-One-New and Weilwin Fugall (he's a young Latvian a bit like the late great Stepanovs).

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05 Aug 2011 09:49:43
SSN say Arsenal have rejected the latest bid from Barcelona,does anyone know
how much was bid this time?This must be sorted before the start of the season.

{Ed022's Note - I have heard it was around £30m with add ons apparently but awaiting confirmation...}

Believable7 Unbelievable0

The latest offer from the European champions is reported to have been 29million plus 6million in future add-ons, whilst Fabregas was also believed to be putting a 3million sum towards the move.

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It was £35 million. £29 million upfront and £6 million in add ons :)

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It is suggested that the total value of the bid was 37m which is about 8m lower than Arsenal's valuation. To me it seems that Barca just simply don't have the money Arsenal is requesting as my understanding is that the quoted 37 included some money from Cesc himself (about 3m).

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05 Aug 2011 08:32:00
tomorrow week to the start of the season can any 1 say that there not worried with whats going on at our club
have you any news for us ED
mark wex ford

Believable7 Unbelievable4

I aint worried and wont be until September 1st....

We are signing players, some people need to realise the transfer window ends on August 31st and not when the season starts...

2 players, basically 3 if Miyaici gets his permit in the bag already.... More on the way (We all know we will sign more its just a matter of who.....

Its better we wait and make Bolton hold out and sweat with Cahill personally i dont think a club like Bolton (no disrespect) can afford to lose out on 12-15m and let him go on a free at the end of the season... I am glad we aint signing Jags for 20m, he is a 6 footer and it just aint what we need but would not mind us signing Mertesacker, he wouldnt be too expensive, is a quality CB and is also 6ft,6....

If Nasri and Cesc leave well than they will be replaced as they go, but you are going to have to expect everything to remain quiet until those sagas are sorted out.....

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05 Aug 2011 09:10:53
Arsenal has rejected the latest bid for Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona. Stan Kroenke has backed Arsene to hang on to the valuation of Cesc.

Sources: ESPN, SkySports...etc

Believable16 Unbelievable0

I would like this debarcle to end, but Barcelona are trying it on and should be shown that Arsenal cannot be messed about
with.

Cazza56

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05 Aug 2011 08:49:04
any truth about wenger and nasri having a barney ED
MARK WEXFORD

{Ed022's Note - Personally I cant confirm the argument. IMO I think its the media trying to stir it up again. Players and managers have arguments and disagreements all the time. Training ground, match day, managers office etc... The speculation hasn't specified what the argument was about. So, if there indeed was an argument then it could have been about anything or something completely innocuous. For me, I wouldn't read/listen too much into it...}

Believable5 Unbelievable1

Why didn't all the journo's who fly with the
team hear this argument. If it did happen,
I'm they would have mentioned it before this.
Just Brazil talking with his spud hat on.

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I am reliably informed the argument was centred around the ending to the movie inception. Nasri believes he was still in limbo whereas Wenger was adamant that he was back in the real world.

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05 Aug 2011 08:34:44
barcelona bid again

{Ed022's Note - Arsenal reject again. Knowing Barcelona it was an improvement on their last bid so it is now probably £27m and a slice of paella...}

Believable14 Unbelievable1

I think this whole saga has dragged on for long enough ,cesc is obviously unhappy ,it is continues to drag down the morale of the team enough is enough
let him go , and get on with the new season.

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Well im sure barca can come up with the 40 mill but it will be add ons and stuff. I think arsenal want the cash as its certain cesc could very likely be injured and add to it their sub.

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I have come round now to Arsenals stance on getting the 40m that we want. Barcelona are pissing us about but they will have to now make a descision before the champions league fixture.

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MORNING ED any news on signings
mark wexford

{Ed022's Note - Morning Mark, I am on the case with BBQ and Tomato sauces to see if I can dig up some news. I can say the Jagielka deal is stalling big time as Everton are as stubborn as we are. Also Barcelona have bid around £31m for Cesc which was again rejected this morning. Eboue looks a gooner and could possibly be gone by the end of the weekend. Bendtner is touch and go through wages demands...}

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A whole slice of Paella, not bad for a club over 400 million Euros in debt

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It is apprently 28m upfornt, 7m in add ons, Fabregas putting 3m in himself, totalling 38m... Still 7m off the mark

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Are you worried ed i am
mark wexford

{Ed022's Note - Honestly I am not comfortable. I would have been very happy had we wrapped up a defender or two and possibly Mata but its never been easy as an Arsenal fan in transfer windows. I have come to learn that until August 31st or January 31st it isn't over til its over! Frustrating as it maybe we have to be patient. I will be honest enough to say I have been pulling my hair out and waiting each day for the news we've signed someone but as yet we're playing the waiting game...}

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Its no joke ed i have started smoking again. being an arsenal fan should come with a health warning

{Ed022's Note - I just try to joke, laugh and be sarcastic through the months of July and August. I cry in September...}

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To be honest Arsenal are pissing Barcelona and Fabregas about, take the money...he is only worth 35 million tops...so take it and get over it

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Holding out could do us more harm if we miss out on potential signings

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05 Aug 2011 07:46:29
I appreciate there is a genuine attempt for people to try and keep their opinions positive and upbeat and I totally get the whole support your team through thick and fan.

Ive supported arsenal for 25 years and i cant ever remember being so disulussioned is it because i hurt to see the great man wenger continue to put his tubborness for a cheap deal over and above the needs and requirements of the team did we really only offer £14m mata, £10 jaglieka.

Really am I going to cheer his name and talk about him so fondly because he saved a few quid in thetransfer market ....no im not

I want to praise him for acting quickly and decisiveley identifying the gaps and taking the necessary steps to address. Yes we need a new centre half, yes we need a left back, yes we could do with another midfielder if cesc or smair leave its not rocket science.

I still have huge respect for arsene and what he has achieved with arsenal but whether its IG or the board somebody needs to get his transfer targets and ban him from the financial dealings, yes he can sell the club to the palyer, bobody does this better but leave the fees and wages to somebody else.

Sadly I can see a sluggisg start to the new season and the emirates will turn on the great man and this is not something which i think he deserves after so much greatness.

This is why I am so upset and sad as to the current plight of our great club.

Anybody agree/disagree - welcome your thoughts

leddders

Believable26 Unbelievable6

AW is definately someone we all appreciate but loyalty is wearing thin because of his stuborness, loyalty to players that want to leave and his total disregard of what supporters want.

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I totally agree with what u say. The problem I see is that he tries to play the same way with inadequate players and doesn't actually play to the strengths of the players. When he joined we had, Adams, Keown,Winterburn, Dixon, Seaman, Wright, Bergkamp, Platter, and I think Freddie joined shortly after. then came, Pires, Overmars, Gilberto, Cashley, Lauren, Henry, Corral, Petit, Toure and Lehman. All world class players. however, as this class of player left or retired they weren't replaced with the same quality player. Arsene chose potential over proven experience. Denilson, diaby, Marida, Bendtner have not really delivered and u can't play the same fast free flowing game with players that don't have the quality of their predecessors. The Stadium has curtailed our spending and Arsene has done a remarkable job getting the team into the champions league for the last 11 or 12 years. However, the fans have been told there is money available for transfers but we always offer less than the asking price. Is it any wonder that Barca are doing the same with Cesc. Arsene can't have his cake and eat it, he can't offer less than the asking price but insist Barca pay what he wants. The Cesc situation disrupts the whole preseason. Arsene should've either sold him or come out publicly at the beginning and said Cesc is under contract he is not going to be sold and if Barca or their players make comments about it in the press he will report the club to UEFA, end of. Nasri should've been sold. He will go on a free and what point has Arsene proved? Nasri won't give 100% to be honest is he that good? He had 5 good months at the start of last season and his form dipped, he believes he should get a massive pay rise for that. Sorry do it consistently then ask for more money. I also worry about Their, he isn't a right wingers. Look at the pace he has and he has a decent right foot, remind u of anyone? Move him to the left or the middle and c how many goals he may score. He's lost on the right and gets a lot of stick because at times he is ineffective. I love this club and have been a fan for 40 years we have had bad times before anyone remember the Don Howe times? How bad we were in 94/95 we weren't far off relegation at one point. Arsene is a great manager, Arsenals greatest manager, but he is stubborn and its his way or nothing else. I'd hate to see him sacked and tarnished his reputation, but I'm one who has said maybe his time is up. No one knows for sure. Players come and go as do managers. I was devastated when Brady left and Terry Neill was sacked but the club carried on that's the way football is. I'll always bleed red and white.

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I have certainly been more disolusioned at points in the last 25 years than i am now,the problem is our expectations have risen ,we are used to being in the top 4 every season ,competing against the best teams in Europe. Maybe peoples memory of the previous years before 98 have faded

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100% Right Fella
You have put it to a T.
I feel Exactly the same

We want to know where the old Wenger has gone?

N.London Gooner.

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I recently suggested something similar on another respected Arsenal blog and was berrated for suggesting some supporters had blind faith in Wenger and his(clubs) transfer policies and had bought hook line and sinker the self sustaining model that one day will deliver the promised land. It is a fact that domestic clubs above us have spent vast amounts of money, the ones likely to overtake Liverpool and (the ones down the road) are also spending. They have vast debts but still trade and are trophy succesful. Barcelona and Real Madrid also owe fortunes. This is not going to change despite the new regulations which big clubs will circumnavigate. Wengers success was based upon the Arsenal spirit and defensive strength (the englishness that MK alluded to) Wengers fitness and dietry regimes, his eye for a player, Deins wheeling and dealing plus Fismans money (we still do not know to this day how much was spent) and transfer sale successes a lot of which went toward the new development. Fans have been paying through the nose for a number of years now and quite rightly want to see success. Wenger has lost the edge he had as clubs have caught up with his regimes. The squads gradual decline in quality and Wengers tactical naiveness...sorry but how do we lose so many good leads in games when the pressure comes on? is coming home to roost. We badly need a committed leader and a commander at the back everyone knows that..thats why Ferguson spent 35 million on Rio Ferdinand all those years ago and good money for Vidic. Chelsea hang on to John Terry for dear life..Look how commanding Puyol is for Barca..on and on. We all know the problems... fitness and pretty football will not be enough.. I hope I am wrong

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"Where the old Wenger has gone?"

I believe he's gone to the same place as film director John McTiernan after he directed Die Hard.

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Well I put a post on here regarding the faith some people have in the team and manager... and although without reading my words carefully some may think I am contradicting myself, I am not, but I completely agree with this post Leddders (3 Ds?)

My post was not saying 'don't question the manager' and don't worry I don't feel yours was in any way necessarily a jibe at mine, I just feel compelled to respond. Mine was of simple thought - no matter what happens this tf window, get behind the team and the manager, support the lads, have faith we can do well, and when it comes to watching the mighty Arsenal play, make the lads on the pitch feel like they are being supported, not invigilated. Those 'fans' who want to apparently hold a 90 minute vow of silence when they go watch us play can just stay at home.

Back to what you have said, I really hate the fact that the fans are well and truly kept in the dark. I honestly think it is criminal. When it comes to our buying tactics I simply do not believe the 'keep your cards close t your chest' tactic because the second we are interested in a player it is all over the media.

I think it is appalling we don't get told what's going on. I also HATE the fact that we will never ever know whether all this issue over making poor bids, never securing deals etc, stalling over wage demands etc, is down to Wenger, or whether he is simply the middle man for our money-grabbing board. I will never know this and it really vexes me. I don't want to support Wenger if he has the green light to spend and isn't. Conversely, I don't want to question his methods etc if he is working for a board who simply will not let him spend the money. And we all know that the manager is just the scapegoat for the board/owners, at every club. So for me, if Weneger went, I feel the next manager would be exactly the same. When you look at the ethos of the club you have to accept that no matter who is manager, some things may never change with regards to transfers. I wish they would. I strongly believe that if our club is so damn successful financially then we have set ourselves up perfectly for bigger signings and higher wage demands. Surely winning things recoups the costs and soooooo much more. I was prepared to understand our poor tf activity as forecast by the board for the last 6 years due to the new stadium, but now I am not buying it. I want some big signings, I want someone who draws attention to this club. One thing is for certain - every team sees us as the biggest threat. Other prem teams are terrified of our football. If we had players who could really seal the deal for us game in game out, with spine and experience, and maturity and leadership, then we would be winning all sorts. I feel the squad we have now could be winning things in say 3 years. For me that is not good enough. I think AW and the board have to accept the fact that just as time flies, prices inflate, wages have to go up, and so do transfer fees. You cannot ask the fans to cough up more money for a ticket and then not bring in superstar talent, and not be prepared to pay higher wages. What is the price increase for? Are we getting any more for our money? Do you suddenly get a goody bag and a weekend away? No. Perhaps the fans need to take a vote on the board, not the manager??

Raz

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05 Aug 2011 07:20:19
tht joel campbell guy looks gud two goals and an assist yesterday...great prospect..

Believable15 Unbelievable4

I feel that IF Arsenal have signed this Joel Campbell it would be a cracking buy because everytime I see him play he looks better and I can see him scoring 30+ goals a season easy which is what we need. So all we need now is a CD, LB and a LW then we will be unstoppable

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'great prospect'... man im sick of these words.. what i want to hear is 'great player now'
how many great prospects turn into great players ... ??
not many.. infact one of the 'greatest prospects' has just joined ipswich.. youtube has a lot to answer for...

The Night Doctor..

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05 Aug 2011 02:39:20
Cesc & Nas out, Mata, Marvin Martin, & Cahill in

Believable1 Unbelievable18

I wish I can't see it some how..

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05 Aug 2011 00:30:03
dont know if you have noticed but the youths we have been signing have been mostly spanish teams
if you look at
ignasi miquel
jon toral
hector bellerin
n possibly Jose Rodr guez
Edd do you think this paving the way for possibly pep guardiola managing arsenal in the near future? {Ed002's Note - I think you may be reading too much in to it.}

Believable11 Unbelievable15

05 Aug 2011 01:12:15
footy bunker:Arsenal will turn their attentions to Sochaux midfielder Marvin Martin should they fail in their attempts to lure Valencia s Juan Mata to the club

Believable13 Unbelievable8

Wouldn't be surprised if Ed022 started is rumour since he wants the man with the magnificent name - Marvellous Marvin Martin - at our club Well Ed, gonna own up? ;-p
K1ck3m0n

{Ed022's Note - I cannot claim responsibility for this rumour but it did make me laugh a lot reading this today! I told you. Im the guys agent. If he signs im looking for a %...}

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05 Aug 2011 00:58:11
Am i the only one getting a bit worried by the lack of transfer activity reported ever since the Jagielka and Mata stories broke down?
Jersey Gunner

Believable26 Unbelievable6

05 Aug 2011 00:37:38
Ok, so Bartley has gone out on loan again. Can we assume this is because we do not need him? As in could this be because we have lined someone up?

If I were AW I would seriously be looking to see if Kyle is a viable option for us at the back. Squillaci should be going out on loan, or Djourou, but not Bartley, so many of us were hoping he'd begin his step up.

Like Vela last year for me this is daft.

Raz

Believable12 Unbelievable3

Regardless of whether we sign anyone I'd have kept Bartley - he's better than Squilch; I'd have sent Squilch on loan to some lower french league team, have bartly for LC/FAC
AG

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You gave him to the mighty Gers :D, thank you :)

{Ed022's Note - Personally I would have like Bartley on loan at a PL club with a 24 recall clause. Also, Wenger could see him up against PL opposition and see how he handles it...}

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