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Iceman's rumours posts with other poster's replies to Iceman's rumours posts
22 Aug 2014 09:25:48
Hi Ed, what's the situation of Stephan El Shaarawy? I think he'd suit our style. He'd bring some spark to our left wing if he can stay injury-free this season.
{Ed002's Note - Very unlikely he will move this summer, although Arsenal have previously shown interest.}
1.) Okay thanks Ed, I'm really struggling to see who we could sign but luckily we'll find out soon.
04 Jan 2014 09:49:27
ed what's the situation with matthias ginter? I expected him to move last summer and we were definitely interested. are we still interested?
{Ed002's Note - Freiburg will look to hold on to Matthias Ginter until the summer when Borussia Dortmund or Bayern Munich will likely push for the defender.}
31 Jul 2013 14:53:02
ed do you know of any interest in mccarthy or ginter? heard some rumours today. {Ed027's Note - {Ed027's Note - i hear we're looking at Mathias Ginter guys, young Cb from Freiburg, been in talks for a while, Mccarthy is not a target as such, maybe an alternative in the future, if targets fail, we've looked at him}
20 Jul 2013 12:58:15
i must say when I first heard about these suarez rumours I thought no way but now cautiously optimistic. honestly he'd be a perfect fit and I used to think we should sign him but in a million years we won't. now it seems more likely though.
pretty confident 40m would do the trick. liverpool seem to demand more but they're not going to get much more. and the other option for them is to keep him. and keeping a player with suarez's mentality against his own will is, well, a frightening thought!
some are concerned about this "baggage" he has. i'm not. the most concerning part is his ban, but if he signs a 4-5 year contract that ban is really meaningless. imo his reputation doesn't work completely against him. now every defender knows he's not just a fantastic dribbler, a goal scorer and a provider, but he bites too! he makes defender's feel uneasy I can see him starting as a striker, but also as a "winger" (winger like walcott, poldi, ramsey or santi meaning he'll play more centrally than wide) alongside giroud.
1.) To be honest I'm feeling this one aswell just hope it don't go right to the wire and we drop out again last minute
2.) Still think Arsenal will end up with Higuain. This Suarez business is just some sort of mind games with Real Madrid. Selling Higuan to Arsenal will fund Real Madrid's move for Suarez but Arsenal won't pay over the odds for Higuain.
3.) Not really a rumour, but I like this post
4.) I think Wenger and the fans would be equally happy with either. No mind games, Higuain at one price, Suarez (or Rooney) at another. Any of these will do the job!
5.) Suarez interest is very real indeed. Wenger will not pay the asking price for higuain when he can get suarez for a couple million more, anmd who is a much better player in my opinion.
6.) Higuain has had second thoughts about moving to Arsenal. Personally, I don't want Suarez at the gunners. He is obnoxious and a cheat. Don't forget the whole transfer might cost us £70 million
7.) Im not concerned about his baggage either. he's a great player and it outweighs the what-ifs.
Honestly, I prefer Higuain. But i'm happy with either. Both awesome players and will be crucial in the seasons to come.
StarsplashTaiwan
TaiwanGunner
8.) 20 Jul 2013 18:27:25
I would be happy with higuain at £23m however I would not like to see us pay much more for him seeing as he is second choice behind benzima at madrid and they play one up top usually so he is a great second choice striker for them. However I would prefer to have arguably the best striker in the premier league at the moment for an extra £17m, if we got him with the service our midfield can provide he will have a field day for us.
9.) Since when will liverpool become a feeder club to the biggest feeder club in the league? suarez will move to madrid or stay at lfc. there's an outside chance of bayern or psg. not arsenel!
30 Mar 2013 10:50:18
since the transfer talk is heating up, here's my take.
i think we need five players. cb, rb, gk, dm and st. I really like the jovetic rumours, he'd provide a different option to giroud. what is more important he's proven quality with good age and relatively large experience.
asmir begovic would be brilliant for us. I like szczesny a lot and these two would provide good competition for each other.
we need at least one cb anyway because djourou will probably leave. i'd like someone young like 23 or something because verm, kos and mert are all something like 27/28. we don't need necessarily an immediate starter because kos-mert is a really solid pairing and vermaelen is great as well if he sorts out his form.
painful to say this, but sagna is in decline. it's the right time to sell him. jenkinson is ready to become our primary starter but we need cover. I can't decide, should we buy a new one or take a gamble with bellerin? he's awesome. and of course there's yennaris as well.
finally, a dm is a must. wanyama? capoue? gonalons? I haven't seen enough of them to decide but wanyama has attracted a lot of hype and he's young as well so.
i think ramsey has been great lately. next season I think he's ready to bench arteta. I can see a midfield of *a new dm*, ramsey and wilshere bossing games with santi roaming as a winger and popping up everywhere. with jovetic and walcott up front we'd have loads of pace and technique.
the bench would also be superb. imagine ox, podolski and giroud all warming up, that would scare the hell out of oppositions. coquelin and arteta could freeze the game and protect our lead. szczesny and vermaelen would complete the defensive security if a defender picks an injury.
1.) Very good post this, in a ideal dream world I would love hummels as a new cb {Ed029's Note - I have been told by Ed2 that Hummels is off to Barcelona if he moves.}
2.) Oh reall! I didn't see us getting him just wishful thinking. Thanks for the info tho
3.) I'd be very surprised if we signed jovetic but i'd be very happy if we did class player, a pretty solid post but I disagree with playing santi on the wings he's miles better when he's allowed to roam through the middle.
4.) I think we will sign:
jovitec
Aubameyang
wanyama
amorebieta
muslera
5.) First of all I think its clear sagna is off. There have been strong solid rumours that Arsenal have an agreement with Socheux to bring Sebastian Corchia for 5m in the summer.
I think its clear as day that along Corchia, Jovetic will join very early in the summer ( it sounds excactly like podolski last year and some high profile people have been saying that jovetic is ours)
Secondly I think we will get a cheapish 4th centre back. Some unknown african or maybe Amorebieta on free.
We will most certainly get a goalkeeper. Think wenger will buy a premier made goalkeeper. Simon Mignolet, Julio Cesar both make sense. Especially if Sunderland and QPR will get relegated. If not one of those two then I think he will get Begovic.
We will get a Defensive midfielder.
We will get one of Wanyama/capoue/Gonalons.
Finally we will get a second midfielder. Diaby will be injured, rosiscky is off and arshavin is off. I have been tipped that arsenal have been in negoations with Marseille for some time regarding Francis Coquelin. Arsenal want Matheu valbuena from Marseille and I am told that is 7/10
6.) 01 Apr 2013 07:32:14
Does not one else rate fraser forster, I think he's a good young keeper that wouldn't necessarily break the bank, I think wenger would look at him before an established Pl keeper that might cost him too much?
7.) We need an older experienced keeper as we have potential at the club
SY4
8.) We need a good CB ours aren't up to it!
9.) Actually Ed I think any transfers to barcelona will depend on them selling some players.
Also I have a feeling they won't be able to stump up over 20 million for Hummels, unless they win the champions league or reach the finals.
This summer is looking to be the war of the strikers. {Ed029's Note - They are looking to sell players like Sanchez and Villa.}
Iceman's banter posts with other poster's replies to Iceman's banter posts
16 Feb 2025 08:27:26
Yesterday's lesson? Play your in-form players in their best positions. Nwaneri was excellent on the right. Trossard was struggling as a striker but on the left was instantly way better. Good to see we have at least one workable solution with Merino up front. That sounds crazy but if you think about our formation as 4-1-2-1-2 maybe it's not that unimaginable after all.
We have 6 games until the international break. By that time we should have Martinelli back and after that hopefully Saka, even though he will probably take a while to get up to speed. Just need to navigate these games somehow and hope that the returning players will give us a lift.
1.) 16 Feb 2025 09:02:23
Hi Ice mate, we have to go with what we have and somehow find a way with the players available, just as we did yesterday. We have been unfortunate with injuries but into each life a little rain must sometimes fall, it's all part and parcel of football, but looking on the bright side without those injuries would Nwaneri and Skelly have got the game time to show just how incredibly good and how ready they are, and without Kai getting injured we'd never have known Merino could do a job for us up top.
Sometimes we learn far more when going through a tough patch than we could possibly learn when everyone's available and the team is firing on all cylinders. Longterm the biggest problem I see is when everyone is fit whos Arteta going to drop?
2.) 16 Feb 2025 11:06:06
Hi G62. I definitely agree with all of that. This is a testing period for Arteta and i hope by the end of it he himself will be better as well. It's good to see him and the squad being able to offer solutions to our injury problems, even if that's probably the minimum requirement for the job.
About selection. Given the amount of soft tissue injuries we have had it's clear to me that we need to rotate the team more in the future, especially if we want to fight in every competition. There should be plenty of minutes available for everyone.
3.) 16 Feb 2025 12:04:45
Yes Ice I agree, I'm not a big fan of Rotation rotation rotation as I believe playing a regular setled side is where good understandings are formed but when so many players have proved their ability it's good to be able to rest players where they only have to play twice a week occasionally rather than on a regular basis.
I personally think everything that is happening and has happened this season has brought long term benefits and if we can somehow be champions this season of all seasons then what the future might hold for our team is a very exciting prospect to consider. Personally my happiness and respect for our current team isn't 100% dependent on us finishing top but to do so would most definitely be a wonderful cherry on top of the cake ?.
4.) 16 Feb 2025 13:03:50
Great result but Leicester have lost 16 of their 25 games. We should beat them and we should have the depth in squad to do so. Let’s call it what it is. LS saved our ass with a remarkable block.
Sui g players in form and in position is key
Having depth and quality in squad is key
Martinelli would not have stayed on side as intelligently as Merino did, based on history. Not fact just opinion - lacks a bit of intelligence.
3 points but 3 every top 5 team would have expected.
5.) 16 Feb 2025 15:19:49
SY, i'm definitely not getting carried away. At this stage and with the squad we have i'm first and foremost relieved we came through. Havertz could well have been our most important player at the time he got his injury and this was the first game without him. We need to readjust the system and it will probably take some time for it to start fully working.
We have another full week to prepare and then another must win game awaits.
30 Jan 2025 15:55:05
Not too long ago i wrote that Watkins would be an ideal January signing for us. At that time i thought Villa would be open to letting him go for a reasonable price as they had Duran as well.
Now that Duran is going it changes everything. I can't see Watkins being available for anything other than a crazily inflated price. Shame.
On a more positive side it seems there's money available to spend in January. Maybe some other player will be available. Cunha would be an exciting player but surely Wolves don't want to sell while they're in a relegation battle. Perhaps Gyökeres then. For me he remains unproven at the highest level but in terms of profile he would fit. If the money is reasonable i think he could be a very good addition.
I think ahead of next season a striker, a wide forward and a midfielder are needed. If the stories about Zubimendi are true and we're able to sign a forward now it would only leave one more (major) signing to be made until the start of next season. Let's see how things unfold.
1.) 01 Feb 2025 18:40:02
As an outsider looking in, I think Watkins is over hyped. Seems to miss more than he bags.
12 Jan 2025 19:54:36
We played against a ten man team so can't draw too many conclusions, but i thought we absolutely battered them. There were several big chances.
And yet they are through. One of the most frustrating games i have seen. The finishing was terrible.
1.) 12 Jan 2025 20:25:46
I sent this accidentally too early. There was one more thing i wanted to say. We can dominate the opponent in so many ways but it's the goals that matter. If we can't put the ball in the net then we deserve to crash out.
Reset and try to do better next time, that's all we can do right now.
2.) 12 Jan 2025 23:10:00
Team need to show they care: stop giving the ball away, pass it forward and play with intent. It’s the performances and that it looks like Arteta is happy watching 6000 passes backwards and sideways before we attack. I’d give him more credit if he sorted thst out. That’s step 1.
06 Jan 2025 09:36:09
I know christmas is already over but if i could make just one more wish.
. it would be Ollie Watkins to Arsenal in January.
Look at our project. Years of gradual development has brought us on the brink of silverware. What we need is quality here and now. Not potential. Financial regulations mean it's harder than ever to make new signings so money needs to be used wisely. The two factors that drive up prices are ability and potential. So let's focus on a player who has reached his potential to get the most bang for our buck right now.
Ollie Watkins is in his prime, has pl experience and a great fitness record. Can play as a striker and a winger. Provides finishing ability and a direct threat in behind. Both of which we have been sorely lacking. This would not be a panic buy. Frankly this should have happened in the summer already.
At 29 we would hopefully not talk about a 100m price tag. Villa will be just fine with Duran i reckon.
Isak too expensive and injury prone. Gyokeres too expensive and not tested in the toughest leagues. Osimhen too expensive and injury prone.
I know it probably won't happen :)
1.) 06 Jan 2025 10:28:25
Hi Ice, I've been comparing stats for this year.
Watkins 8 goals and 4 assists in 20 games.
Havertz 7 goals and 2 assists in 17 games.
Last season: Watkins 19 goals 13 assists, Havert 13 goals and 7 assists.
If these stats are correct would Watkins be that much of an upgraded you think?
2.) 06 Jan 2025 11:03:47
Hello Sally hope you and your family are good.
Ollie Watkins would be a massive outlay for a strike who will be 30 next birthday.
3.) 06 Jan 2025 11:44:11
All good thanks HB, hope the same with you and yours ?
I must admit I am a bit concerned about his age too.
4.) 06 Jan 2025 12:08:07
Sally i think they are completely different players. No upgrade, just different type of player. One we're currently lacking. They could easily start together.
Bill that's the point of signing a player of that age. Lesser price, more immediate impact.
5.) 06 Jan 2025 15:00:53
Hello Iceman hope everything is good.
In respect of Watkins I couldn't not see Villa letting him go for anything less than 60 mill plus.
Some might say if it got us over the winning line this season it would be money we'll spent.
6.) 06 Jan 2025 19:09:34
Hi Bill thanks for asking. I'm fine, hopefully you're as well.
Value is an interesting thing. Where's the value of Ollie Watkins? He wouldn't certainly hold much resale value after a few years. He probably wouldn't improve that much compared to his current level either.
The 60m (or whatever his price) gets you top performance for 3-4 years. And to me that's fine.
7.) 06 Jan 2025 20:28:37
Lots of chatter today about Vlahovic 25 years old and asking price of 50-58m.
{Ed025's Note - he would be a great buy imo Sally, just what you need mate..
8.) 06 Jan 2025 21:27:03
I am good Iceman thank you
You put a good argument for Ollie6??.
05 Jan 2025 21:17:46
Well it seems Liverpool are incapable of extending their lead further and vice versa. I believe our form tables are identical in the last 5 or 6 games.
They have more firepower but also bigger weaknesses in defence. We exploited Robertson and United gave Alexander-Arnold nightmares.
Let's see which way the tide begins to turn. In any case i suspect we will have to get three points from Anfield if we're to have a chance.
1.) 05 Jan 2025 22:06:48
The to say it but we need to exploit these draws when Liverpool drop standards not maintaining status quo. that's in Liverpools favour as we need to close the gap…. too many draws from a negative coach. We need better attacking options but also a change in mindset from Arteta.
2.) 05 Jan 2025 22:47:31
A couple of months ago we had a poor result which made our chances catching the leaders look much weaker but the then leaders themselves then copied our result which turned out to be the beginning of an unimaginably awful run for them.
Fast forward into the present moment and we are now 6pth ahead of the the then leaders Man City.
Could today be the start of history repeating itself? I don't know but stranger things have happened, and they have already happened this season
To once again nick and adapt one of Mark Twains most famous quotes 'reports of this Arsenal's death have been greatly exaggerated and our seasons obituaries once more have been prematurely written "
3.) 05 Jan 2025 22:47:34
Funny isn't it - everytime I concede the title in my head, Liverpool troll me and immediately drop points.
In theory they're there for the taking, the only problem being we're not playing very well!
4.) 05 Jan 2025 23:18:57
Hi SW mate, this season all rational and logical predictions appear to be going out the widow faster than last night's chamber pot commence.
We are still nowhere near our best yet we keep hanging on in thre like a piece of chewing gum the leaders can't quite scrape off their shoe or get rid of.
28 Apr 2024 07:49:16
I think the dutch market has a lot of value in it. The level is probably better than most people realize, the big clubs aren't as able (or perhaps willing) to hold onto their best players and i think the dutch football philosophy in general suits our style very well. So my pick for midfield would be Mats Wieffer from Feyenoord. Add in Ollie Watkins and we're all set imo. I see Jesus as a utility forward who can cover both wings and striker.
01 Mar 2024 15:36:08
I think he has great potential but he needs lots of coaching to maximise it. I'd agree he's not needed here because of Martinelli.
04 May 2018 07:46:32
Why would we give the new manager/ head coach any transfer budget at all given the appointment of SM and RS?
As for the candidates who see the lack of champions league football next season as a problem, i think it's better to overlook those coaches anyway. I'd rather like a coach who plans for long term instead of one season success.
As for the salary, i don't know of any details but would imagine it's just natural the new guy wouldn't earn quite as much as Wenger since he wouldn't have as many responsibilities as Wenger had (like transfers for example) . I'm sure we can still offer competitive wages.
I would also like to point out one reason why i think we will be an attractive option for any coach, and that is the way the club has handled Wenger. We are known as a club with patience and the board won't make any rash decisions based on short term results. I personally would like to see the new coach get at least two seasons time to improve our performances (unless the first season is a total disaster) .
Okay thanks Ed, I'm really struggling to see who we could sign but luckily we'll find out soon.
I thought he has a spanish passport?
16 Feb 2025 15:19:49
SY, i'm definitely not getting carried away. At this stage and with the squad we have i'm first and foremost relieved we came through. Havertz could well have been our most important player at the time he got his injury and this was the first game without him. We need to readjust the system and it will probably take some time for it to start fully working.
We have another full week to prepare and then another must win game awaits.
16 Feb 2025 11:06:06
Hi G62. I definitely agree with all of that. This is a testing period for Arteta and i hope by the end of it he himself will be better as well. It's good to see him and the squad being able to offer solutions to our injury problems, even if that's probably the minimum requirement for the job.
About selection. Given the amount of soft tissue injuries we have had it's clear to me that we need to rotate the team more in the future, especially if we want to fight in every competition. There should be plenty of minutes available for everyone.
05 Feb 2025 16:26:30
I read SY saying below we lack ambition. I just think we are being very picky. I bet Arteta is set on signing Sesko and is prepared to wait for him. Is this the right call? I'm not sure. I think we should have loosened our criteria a bit. Not getting the second best option may well end up costing us a trophy this season. But this should have happened in the summer. Even if we were more open to other options this January it was always going to be very difficult to pull off.
Now that we have made our choice i can kind of see everything coming together in the summer. Sesko, Zubimendi and Williams all look ready to move in the next window and we could finally see the squad being completed. A "complete" Arsenal squad sounds a bit surreal though so let's see if it really happens or not.
02 Feb 2025 05:19:35
If striker targets aren't available then wait until the summer and see if we can add a wide forward now. If that's not possible either then the academy needs to step up. Havertz has played an enormous number of minutes and needs more rest in my opinion.
The league is never a given but if we get those players we would be pretty well placed. Many of City's and Liverpool's key players are on the wrong side of thirty, injured or out of contract in the summer. I would be wary of Chelsea though.
25 Jan 2025 19:29:15
Even if you accepted it as a red then you can't possibly accept Gomes only receiving a yellow for a worse tackle.
These refs are terrible at their job, corrupt or both.