428 replies to this topic

[RedSoxinIsrael]

I've been pretty busy so I haven't had the time to follow rumors this offseason. Can anyone bring me up to date?

I know Flamini is gone, signed with Inter. I've heard rumors of Helb to Barca and Adebayor to Milan but that's all you hear around here. Anything else?

[MarkInLondon]

I've been pretty busy so I haven't had the time to follow rumors this offseason. Can anyone bring me up to date?

I know Flamini is gone, signed with Inter. I've heard rumors of Helb to Barca and Adebayor to Milan but that's all you hear around here. Anything else?

You missed the real big one then - Wenger's taking over the French side after the European Championships finish....

[Carmine Hose]

Aaron Ramsey picked Le Arse over United and Everton.

Edit - Wenger is requiring he change his name to Aron Ramseille.

Edited by Carmine Hose, 10 June 2008 - 09:51 AM.

[MarkInLondon]

Aaron Ramsey picked Le Arse over United and Everton.

Edit - Wenger is requiring he change his name to Aron Ramseille.

Batted!!

[ElUno20]

Gunners are eyeing a striker.

Cesc Fabregas last night called upon Arsene Wenger to join the race for David Villa after watching his Spanish team-mate score the first hat-trick of Euro 2008.

Link

Arsenal are being linked with a move for Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz but Rovers insist he is not for sale.

Link

[Tony the Pony]

Adebayor to Milan - 40 mio euro.

Should be done before the week is over

[Apisith]

David Villa and Samir Nasri have been heavily linked. Nasri was said to have been on the verge of signing a couple of days before the Euros began so I'm expecting it to go through pretty soon.

Villa has actually come out and said that if he could go to any team in the world (or Premiership, I don't remember), it would be Arsenal. That was as a big as a 'come get me' plea as you're going to get from any player.

Hleb was off to Inter before Mourinho was hired so I'm not sure if that's happening anymore.

Edited by Apisith, 18 June 2008 - 08:28 AM.

[ElUno20]

Adebayor to Milan - 40 mio euro.

Should be done before the week is over

Where did you see this?

[sweet sox]

Adebayor linked with Milan

He has also been linked with Barca today.

[Tony the Pony]

Hmm, two days difference? They're getting faster and faster....

[sachmoney]

David Villa and Samir Nasri have been heavily linked. Nasri was said to have been on the verge of signing a couple of days before the Euros began so I'm expecting it to go through pretty soon.

Villa has actually come out and said that if he could go to any team in the world (or Premiership, I don't remember), it would be Arsenal. That was as a big as a 'come get me' plea as you're going to get from any player..

I haven't really heard any rumors about Villa moving to Arsenal. I read what Cesc said of course, but I've seen no progress since then. Nasri has agreed to join Arsenal.

http://soccerlens.co...rs-190608/7923/

Adebayor linked with Milan

He has also been linked with Barca today.

Yes, I believe AC Milan is hoping if they don't get Adebayor that they can get Ronaldinho at a discount from Barca who cannot afford another big money transfer with the debt they've racked up.

Arsenal is strongly linked with Russian midfielder Andrei Arshavin.

http://newpaper.asia...,168652,00.html

They also went after Diogo, but they're fee is short according to Diogo's Brazilian club.

[Spacemans Bong]

I'll believe it when i see it on Arsenal.com.

By the way, you can bet I was stoked Arsenal signed a Welsh guy.

[MarkInLondon]

Arsenal is strongly linked with Russian midfielder Andrei Arshavin.

The fee for whom just doubled last night....

Half the Russian team won't be playing in Russia next season.

[sachmoney]

The fee for whom just doubled last night....

Half the Russian team won't be playing in Russia next season.

Well with the fee Adebayor is going to collect, Arsenal can afford him. They're asking price starts at 31.5 Euros.

He wants 100,000 Euros per week.

We'll see what happens.

http://www.goal.com/...tenutoId=746673

If they lose Adebayor, they need a striker to take his place. I would hope they would go after someone like Podolski.

[Tony the Pony]

Interesting story on Arshavin.

Hiddink - who won the EC with PSV and managed very good players in his career - said before the Euro 2008 tournament started that he'd never worked with a player before who utterly understands the game as well as Arshavin.

I don't have a link to this, but Hiddink saying that made me pay extra attention to him after he came back from that suspension. A central midfield tandem of Fabregas and Arshavin would not be bad...

[Apisith]

http://www.sportingl...ual_174540.html

Nasri has signed. Another coup for Wenger, I feel. In a few years time, people will look back and think '£15m? What a fucking steal'.

[Spacemans Bong]

What's interesting is that £15m is the highest Wenger has paid for a transfer after Reyes - only Wiltord comes close. It's Wenger splashing the money in a way he hasn't in a while which could mean the days of Wenger the economic micromanager (after all he has a Masters in Econ) are gone.

[sachmoney]

What's interesting is that £15m is the highest Wenger has paid for a transfer after Reyes - only Wiltord comes close. It's Wenger splashing the money in a way he hasn't in a while which could mean the days of Wenger the economic micromanager (after all he has a Masters in Econ) are gone.

I feel Wenger has a good philosophy for the team (more from a business stand point), buy players when they are good and young. Get them for the beginning of the prime of their careers. Get them on the "cheap." Sell them near the end of their prime for good money.

With Adebayor almost certainly leaving, my main concern is who will pick up the slack. Can Van Persie stay healthy? What about Eduardo? May be we're overvaluing Adebayor at this point because he scored so many goals last year, but still who is it that Arsenal has that can be big in the box? Can Bendtner step up (he is the only other tall forward at this point)?

Of course, a lot of eyes and fingers will point to Walcott and Vela as the answers. We all remember Walcott's brilliant run against Liverpool, and I expect "London's next hope" to get his chances. Vela is a tremendous talent who can now play for Arsenal having gotten a work permit. The problem is that both of these guys are short, in the 5-9 range. They can play brilliant ground soccer all year, but for Arsenal to win, they're going to need a big body who can knock balls in the back of the net via header. They're looking at this Brazilian player, Diogo, but he's only 5-11.

There are some important things that need to be answered.

[sachmoney]

Didn't Arshavin play withdrawn striker at Zenith? Fabregas as your offensive CMF, and Da Silva as your holding MF, with Adebayor/Eduardo in front, and Van Persie on the left wing sounds pretty darn good. .(I'm guessing Wenger wants Ramsey on the other wing, but I haven;t seen enough club football to know). Arsenal usually play a 4-4-2?


What is the current projected *starting* lineup for 08-09, if they get AA?

Yeah, they play a 4-4-2. Arsene had to play around with that when Van Persie went down. I would think that Adebayor has had his last days in Arsenal (he wants to leave and they can get great money for him). I personally would have Walcott and Eduardo up front (although I do believe we need a big striker). My midfield would be Rosicky, Van Persie, Fabregas, and Gilberto. The defense would be Clichy, Toure, Gallas, Sagna. First striker, off the bench would be Carlos Vela (tremendous talent, can't wait to see him play). For midfield, it gets complicated, Arsenal is absolutely stacked at the position. I mean Ramsey is an option as well as Nasri if his transfer ever is finalized.

I think if they can find a way to keep Adebayor, then Arsenal is in good position for this year. Other wise, it's very troublesome. Adebayor is a big striker that Arsenal doesn't have. He is not a disposable piece of the puzzle, right now it seems he is irreplacable. It would be interesting if he left because they'd ave to have a striker step up.

[sweet sox]

Gilberto will not start for Arsenal next year, he hardly kicked a ball last season and that was with some of the terrible injury problems the Gooners had. Plus, you cannot count on Eduardo to play upfront as he will not be match fit until September/October at the earliest.

[sachmoney]

Adebayor is going to meet with Arsene about his future next week after Arsene returns from Euro 2008. We'll see what happens.

[sachmoney]

It sounds like Adebayor is on his way out if the Price is right. Arsenal might make a move for Marcos Senna to replace Flamini.

Also, an interesting article featuring Wenger on transfer fees:

http://www.guardian..../jun/29/arsenal

[biollante]

Senna would be a good pick up for Arsenal.

[ElUno20]

I would like Senna a lot. Any of you get a chance to look at the schedule to open the season? Very favorable.

[sachmoney]

The Nasri deal is done.

http://soccernet.esp...d...and&cc=5901

[sachmoney]

Anyone else desperate for Arsenal to get Huntelaar? He's amazing. Exactly the kind of goal scorer they need.

[sachmoney]

On a side note, what do people think of the new kits?



They're kind of eh...The away kits are tributary to the kits worn against Liverpool in 1989. Can't say I'm a huge fan of the kits, but it doesn't matter how they look in them, it's about how they play in them.

[Spacemans Bong]

The away kit is alright. The home kit blows and I won't be buying it. It looks like something Boro or Charlton would wear.

Wearing football shirts in public isn't really considered good form here anyway - I don't like wearing jerseys to games so I haven't worn my old one once. You can't get into a lot of pubs wearing them.

[ElUno20]

Looks like Club America London.

[sachmoney]

So Hleb is taking a physical in Barca today and could be signing a contract as soon as tomorrow. I believe the transfer is just shy of 12.

This Gareth Barry saga just got a little bit more interesting now that Arsenal have said they are interested in both Barry and Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso. I think both would be fine auditions to the club, but I once again have to say that I would really like to see them get a primetime striker like Klaas Jan Huntelaar. However, with AC Milan getting Ronaldinho and Barcelona's financial future for the moment in question, I think Adebayor might have to spend another year at Arsenal. I hope that some how they can reconcile and he can get another 30 goal season.

[Toe Nash]

The away kit is alright. The home kit blows and I won't be buying it. It looks like something Boro or Charlton would wear.

Wearing football shirts in public isn't really considered good form here anyway - I don't like wearing jerseys to games so I haven't worn my old one once. You can't get into a lot of pubs wearing them.

I like the away kit a lot and I think I'll be buying one.

Why can't you get into pubs, out of curiousity? Do they think you'll be too rowdy?

[Toe Nash]

Also, Gilberto to Panathinaikos, officially. Hopefullly a midfielder deal is in the works.

Finally, Arsenal's first pre-season friendly, v Barnet, is tomorrow at 10:00 AM ET.

[sachmoney]

So my friend sent me a link with Arsenal's roster for the friendly on Saturday, but I can't find it. Some of the guys who are expected to play are:

Vela
Walcott
Ramsay

I'm pretty excited.

The Arshavin saga gets more interesting. I really don't want him because he seems like scum.

http://www.telegraph...narsenal118.xml

One minute, he's begging to go to Arsenal, the next he reiterates his dream is Barca. Make up your mind.

[Spacemans Bong]

I like the away kit a lot and I think I'll be buying one.

Why can't you get into pubs, out of curiousity? Do they think you'll be too rowdy?

Football kit is generally favored by young people, chavs (sort of like a hybrid of white trash and wiggas, though you don't have to be white to be a chav) or builders. They're three groups a lot of quote-unquote respectable pubs don't really want around, since they are bad for business. Builders just because they're smelly and leave dust everywhere, and the last two because they're associated with bad behavior.

There's still plenty of pubs for those types to go to, but the really nice pubs that have a better clientele, good beer and good food are going to be off limits. In some ways it's pretty snobbish, but there is a definite yob culture in this country which loves to adorn themselves in football kit (invariably from the big four) and you can understand why people don't want them in their pubs. Also, a middle-class student type like me with a funny accent walks into one of their pubs and I immediately get looks of "Who the fuck are you?"

So if I want to meet up the ette after a match and go out, I don't wear a jersey.

[sachmoney]

Barret-Arsenal 1-2

Sounds like Ramsay played well, anyone actually watch?

[fletcherpost]

Another interesting article by James Lawton iin today's Independent. I've said as much before but if you don't read what Lawton writes about sport you miss out on some of th4e finest sports journalism around. I don't always agree, with him but he's a great writer and the best in the UK.

James Lawton's Independent article re: Wenger, Aresenal, Money etc

If all of the top level of English football has turned into a counting house, and placed at the heart of the universe a bunch of agents who are utterly impervious to the effects of oil and food prices, there is surely nowhere more depressing to view the phenomenon than at the club which seemed to be a bastion against so much of the madness.

Nor can it be surprising that if Wenger is not throwing over the tables in the temples of the game, he is issuing a passionate broadside against the "destabilising" of players by major clubs like Real Madrid, and ironically, perhaps Manchester United in the case of Dimitar Berbatov.

[Tony the Pony]

So if I want to meet up the ette after a match and go out, I don't wear a jersey.

Long story short, you don't get any pussy from your girl if you wear an Arsenal jersey.

Point: girl.


NB - Arsenal has always had yellow / dark blue away kits

Remember this hideous one?

Edited by Tony the Pony, 22 July 2008 - 08:44 AM.

[Vinho Tinto]

If all of the top level of English football has turned into a counting house, and placed at the heart of the universe a bunch of agents who are utterly impervious to the effects of oil and food prices, there is surely nowhere more depressing to view the phenomenon than at the club which seemed to be a bastion against so much of the madness.

Nor can it be surprising that if Wenger is not throwing over the tables in the temples of the game, he is issuing a passionate broadside against the "destabilising" of players by major clubs like Real Madrid, and ironically, perhaps Manchester United in the case of Dimitar Berbatov.

I'm not sure what the point of the article is. Arsenal has never spent as big as ManU, but they have bought the allegiance of players in the past (Sol Campbell being the most notable example). I don't see how there is moral dignity for either being unwilling or being unable to financially compete with your rivals. It sucks for Wenger, and I can believe that he is a man who uncomfortable with the idea of all players being mercenaries, but it does work both ways. He does not hold on to a player for too long out of loyalty, and I wouldn't expect him to.

Link

The link above is from this site which shows MLB team payrolls from 1977 to 2004 in an excel worksheet. You can see in the early/mid 90's (IE Butch Hobson era) when the Red Sox payroll was being passed by several teams in their own division. Once the Duke arrives in 1995, we see the team payroll begin a gradual increase until 2001 when it shows them spending virtually dollar for dollar with the Yankees.

When we look back on the last 10+ years as fans, do we dwell on the payroll fluctuations of the Boston Red Sox (And their general place in the MLB spending hierarchy) or do we focus on titles won/lost? I'm pretty sure it's the championships. There are fans who feel uncomfortable by the level of spending, the cost of attending games, and the marketing the Red Sox have taken on in maintaining this revenue level; but those fans probably celebrated the '04 and '07 titles with no restraint.

I don't follow Arsenal's financial situation closely, other than knowing that they are prudent and have a new stadium; but I get the sense that the club is getting left behind by Chelsea, ManU, and Liverpool in terms of spending and that Wenger's comments are just as rooted in being frustrated by this as morality.

[Spacemans Bong]

Like most things, it's a little from category A and category B.

I think Wenger is frustrated by Man U and Chelsea. Not Liverpool because Liverpool's gotta do something in the League first. But Wenger LOVES turning profits on the transfer market. It's just never really been his style to throw the money around. This cannot be understated but Arsenal are the only major club in world football whose manager has a master's in Economics from one of the best Econ schools in Europe. He is someone who understands the value of a dollar (or a euro, or a pound). The money is there, because the board make it clear to the public that it's there and Wenger doesn't even really deny it. But he doesn't want to.

A lot of Arsenal fans want him to quit moaning and open the check book, but I think he does genuinely believe what he's saying.

[sachmoney]

Arsenal draws with Szombathelyi 1-1

Theo Walcott found the back of the net...haven't seen highlights yet...need to.

[sachmoney]

Thought I'd post the links to some highlights from the first two friendlies in case people hadn't seen them.

Arsenal vs Barnet: First Half

Arsenal vs Barnet: Second Half

Arsene Wenger: Post Barnet

Arsenal vs Szombathelyi: First Half

Arsenal vs Szombathelyi: Second Half

Arsene Wenger: Post Szombathelyi

Gael Clichy: Post Szombathelyi

Jay Simpson (not Homer): Post Szombathelyi

I heard Ramsey was impressive against Barnet, but didn't hear his name called in either game. I thought Vela looked really impressive against Szombathelyi...who needs Arshavin when you've got Vela? It was his debut for the Gunners. I've still got to watch the Clichy and Simpson videos.

[sachmoney]

Also it sounds like Adebayor has priced himself out of a potential move to Barca...

Adebayor...Too Pricy?

Togolese International Emmanuel Adebayor is worried that his huge wage demands have priced him out of a move from Arsenal to La Liga side FC Barcelona.

New Barca coach Pep Guardiola is thought to be less than happy with Adebayor’s astronomical £120,000-a-week salary demands, and is believed to be no longer willing to pay the Gunners the £37.5million (€47.5m) to bring him to the Camp Nou.

In a saga that has run all summer between the Catalan club and Arsenal it is also rumoured that Barcelona were not impressed by the attitude of Adebayor or his entourage.

With Serie A giants already ruling themselves out of the race for Adebayor, the chance of the Togolese still being at the Emirates Stadium next season is looking ever more likely.

Adebayor has refused to sign a new £60,000-a-week contract to stay at the Gunners, but could now be forced into an embarrassing u-turn, with it being claimed that he has now told a team-mate he wishes to remain at Arsenal.

[DLew On Roids]

Hey Bonger, I have your next avatar:

[sachmoney]

This scares me.

Fabregas Happy for Now

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has hinted he is interested in a move to Real Madrid, but poured cold water on the idea he could move to the Bernabeu this summer.

Reports in Spain suggest Madrid president Ramon Calderon, resigned to missing out on Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, has prepared a big-money offer for the 21-year-old.

But while Fabregas, a product of the Barcelona youth academy, revealed he could move to Madrid in the future, he insists he wants to stay at the Emirates Stadium for the time being.

'I didn't tell Ramon Calderon no,' he told Spanish sports daily Marca. 'I told him that now wasn't the time to go to Madrid. That you are wanted by Madrid, one of the biggest teams in history, is important.'

Fabregas enjoyed a great summer as he helped Spain end their 44-year wait for a trophy at Euro 2008.

Domestically, however, for the third year on the trot, the midfielder ended yet another season empty-handed.

And the young star, who feels he would be certain to lift a trophy should he opt for the Spanish champions, admits another season without any silverware could see him head for the exit door.

'To be four seasons without winning any titles would be too much for me,' Fabregas added. 'Real Madrid are the favourites to win La Liga this year.'

Arsenal's trophy-less season was made even more painful as rivals Manchester United swept all before them at home and in Europe.

Fabregas is in no doubt that the man who made the difference for United would be a big success at the Bernabeu.

'The league and the Champions League that United won this season was because of Cristiano,' he continued. 'At Madrid he would help them win titles.'

This scares me that the Golden Boy might be tempted to leave after the season. I've always thought Cesc would go to Barca if any Spanish team (because of his town and heritage, Barca is more than a team), but I could see him going to Real. I was hoping that it would be in a few years after Cesc has reached his prime and he has won a few trophies and brought a long awaited Champions League to Emirates. We'll see what happens.

There's another Friendly today.

[sachmoney]

Return of the Champion: I am Happy at Arsenal

Following media reports this morning, Cesc Fabregas wanted to put the record straight by making the following statement.

"I have not spoken to any media so it's frustrating to read quotes that I have supposedly said about my future.

"I have spent the summer relaxing with my family, friends and girlfriend and I return to training with Arsenal tomorrow.

"I think that some people are just trying to make mischief but my intentions are very clear. I am happy here at Arsenal, my future is with Arsenal and the priority is to achieve success and win trophies at Arsenal."

That quells my fears a little bit.

I'm glad he's finally getting back into camp because the team needs to gel in order to have an effective start to the season. I'm expect 20 goals and 30 assists out of Cesc this season in all play (lofty, but includes EPL, FA Cup, and Champions League). I definitely think he will get player of the year consideration in leading Arsenal to trophies.

Apparently, Wilshere scored the first for Arsenal in the friendly. Bendtner seemed to not look good (bad touches...surprise surprise) but scored the second goal. Apparently Vela had a nice pass (sorry I don't have a summary, I'm just following a game thread). Bendtner had two goals...Sounds like Wilshere was playing really well. Carlos Vela scored (the game was a blow out...10-2?). Remember how I said Bendtner wasn't playing well only like two sentences ago...he scored again (HAT TRICK!). Sounds like Burgenland was terrible. Vela scored again. Bendtner scored a fourth. A quote by one of the posters ("this is the worst team we've played." Sorry, Vela had three goals. Wilshere got the ninth on a PK and Walcott got the tenth. Apparently, there was some defensive break downs late that allowed Burgenland to get their two goals.

It sounds like they were generally impressed by how Ramsey, Vela, and Wilshere played. Ramsey's play apparently deteriorated in the second half. Vela and Wilshere were apparently good through out and Walcott and Bendtner appeared rusty.

When I get/find highlights, I will post them.

EDIT: Arsenal-Burgenland: First Half Highlights

SECOND EDIT: Arsenal-Burgenland: Second Half

It was like playing a high school team. In fact, I'm sure my high school could've put up a better fight.

Edited by sachmoney, 28 July 2008 - 04:00 PM.

[sachmoney]

The Missing Piece?

According to reports in Italy and England, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to activate Gokhan Inler’s £5m release clause in a bid to sign the Udinese star.

Following the departure of Gilberto Silva, Aliaksandr Hleb and Mathieu Flamini, Arsenal’s priority in the summer transfer market has been to sign a top quality centre midfielder.

So far Arsene Wenger has been unsuccessful but, according to sources in Italy and England, ‘The Professor’ is set to go all out to sign highly-rated Udinese schemer Inler.

The 24-year-old has seen his stock rise over the past 12 months after a superb debut season in Serie A with Udinese.

Inler, who has been linked with a move to giants such as Liverpool, Juventus and Inter, has a £5m release clause in his contract that Wenger is ready to meet.

Arsenal face competition from Premiership rivals Newcastle United though, and it could all come down to who offers the player the better salary.

Only a couple of weeks ago Inler revealed his wish to stay at Udinese, stating: “My head is at Udinese. I want to have a good season with my team.”

However, the former FC Zurich man, who was one of Switzerland’s best players at Euro 2008, may find it difficult to resist a move to England.

Edited by sachmoney, 29 July 2008 - 01:30 AM.

[Spacemans Bong]

I wouldn't be surprised if Cesc left after this year (the big gaping flaw in Wenger's plan is that if Cesc or Adebayor or Toure gets pissed off by not winning anything and wants out, he's screwed) but he ain't going to Real Madrid.

Catalans don't go to los merengues, and Catalans whose heroes are coaching Barcelona definitely don't go. Barcelona would shell out and Cesc would probably love to be coached by Pep Guardiola.

[sachmoney]

I wouldn't be surprised if Cesc left after this year (the big gaping flaw in Wenger's plan is that if Cesc or Adebayor or Toure gets pissed off by not winning anything and wants out, he's screwed) but he ain't going to Real Madrid.

Catalans don't go to los merengues, and Catalans whose heroes are coaching Barcelona definitely don't go. Barcelona would shell out and Cesc would probably love to be coached by Pep Guardiola.

Yeah, I agree. I always anticipated Cesc going back to Barca after he was done with Arsenal. I'm fairly confident that Arsenal WILL win some silverware this year though.

[sachmoney]

Wenger: Post Burgenland XI

Gavin Hoyte: Post Burgenland XI

Arsenal Training Footage in Austria

Tomorrow's game against Stuttgart should be exciting. Wenger said Nasri will make his Arsenal debut.