17 Jun 2014 07:56:10
Good morning all.

I have been watching what is said on here, as I always do, and today I have an opportunity to write, so a few thoughts for the day.

Firstly, the Transfer Window isn't even open and yet there are people on here berating Arsene Wenger for not getting this player and that, and so on and so on.

Firstly, do people really believe that he signed on for another 3 years to ensure we are also-rans? Personally I don't.

I know we all sit here, seeing Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City and Man United going for this player and that, but let's take a second here.

Liverpool have bought players, but are they really that impressive? Not in my eyes.

Chelsea and Man City are always going to spend money, they have a lot of it, and a lot more than us.

Manchester United need to rebuild, so of course they are going to be going after a lot of players.

Now let's talk about Arsenal, our beloved Arsenal.

We need to stop complaining. We have for the first time in a long time got money to spend. The players the club are being mentioned with are not exactly poor players so far, but because we have money the press is going to put our name to anyone of any ability.

Arsenal do there business, as best can be achieved in the modern world, behind closed doors.

Modern press and social media make this very difficult.

I for one believe that we will be stronger going into next season, and by some margin.

Joel Campbell will be a very good addition to the club, with Arsene stating he will be back for pre season. He has great attributes, speed, strength, good feet, a great shot but more importantly confidence in his own ability.

If we can add another forward, in fact anyone of any ability then we are instantly better of than we were. Add Mario Batty Trolley and we would have a fearsome attack. Remember Giroud is already at the club and Walcott can also play up front if need be, and although everyone slags off Sanogo, if it wasn't for him coming on in the FA Cup I don't believe we would have won it. He made the difference. Thierry Henry couldn't hit a barn door when he arrived for 9 weeks, then look what happened after the first goal.

I am not saying the same is true of Sanogo, but we don't know what will happen after he does score his first. He is direct, pacey and strong.

So forward options of Sanogo, J Campbell, Giroud and possibly Batty Trolley with Walcott and possibly Podolski. Why are people so upset? Who would have better forward options?

Secondly, Cesc. I loved him, but he created his path out, he paid £4m of his own money to be able to leave. He is now the past. Yes he makes Chelsea stronger, but not defensively, he likes to float.

In midfield we have, Ramsey, Ox (who I think Arsene sees as a box to box midfielder), Ozil, Wiltshire (I personally think this is a make or break season for him with us), Podolski, Gnabry, Walcott, Rosicky (such a class player), Flamini, Arteta then coming through we have Eisfeld, Crowley, Zelalem. Where do people think £26m spent on Cesc would be of benefit to us?

Arteta might be sold, who knows, but we do need a midfielder, a combative one. Again there are a lot of options available. My pick would be Lars Bender or Khedira. Time will tell. Maybe Diaby might get a full season. I hope he does. He is a very good footballer when fit, shame his body hasn't wanted to support his talent thus far.

A centre back is definitely required. I like the idea of Ginter or Hinteregger, and Bressan looks good, but we won't choose, Arsene will.

If we get Aurier then I will be over the moon. The kid looks great going forward and can defend. But again, there are a lot of options on the market.

The one piece for me that is needed is a left winger, one who gets chalk on his boots. A cheeky bid for Bernard I think would be a good idea as I think Griezmann might go to Real, although I would say it is too early in his career, so he should come to us.

If we get any of the players mentioned above I think we are in good shape for the season ahead on all fronts. There wouldn't be many other teams in the PL or Europe that would be light years ahead of us.

Lastly. Arsenal are our team. We should support them to the hilt. People slagged them off last year before the start of the season and we finished fourth, 7 points adrift from the winners and won the FA Cup. Ramsey got battered the season before and yet was player of the season last year, as voted by US.

Let us calm down, have faith, look forward to actually being able to buy players and the season ahead.

I for one am excited. I like how our team is shaping up, a few additions and things are really looking interesting.

Who knows who is going to win what in the season ahead, but I for one believe.

Oh, and on a final thought, I love the way our club is run. I love the class we have, that others with money don't. No player is bigger than the club (which definitely isn't true of other European power houses).

Have faith, be positive and love our club. Passion can be delivered as positive or negative. It is up to us to choose which way we deliver our passion inwardly to our club.

Have a good day and apologies for the long post.

J

1.) 17 Jun 2014
No need to apologize for such a wonderful post mate

2.) 17 Jun 2014
Great post J. Well worth the read

3.) 17 Jun 2014
^^ what he said.

4.) 17 Jun 2014
17 Jun 2014 12:35:09
Top post as usual Jin.

Breath of fresh air.

5.) 17 Jun 2014
Ditto

6.) 17 Jun 2014
This should pop up before you enter the site, to remind everyone what a true fan is. I take my hat off to you good sir

7.) 17 Jun 2014
17 Jun 2014 13:38:44
Good post mate. Sensible and realistic.

8.) 17 Jun 2014
17 Jun 2014 14:18:12
You are my hero. X (not forgetting ed025 of course)

9.) 17 Jun 2014
Best post I have read in a long time great job thanks for the passion

{Ed025's Note - it was a cracking post russ, your right mate..