So today’s post is mostly going to be about your opinion on the state of the summer. We’re a little over two weeks until the start of the season, things seem like they’re shaping up and now it looks more like a case of us shuffling a few players around, so the question is, what makes a good summer for you?
I don’t have any red-hot sources, my contact has gone into hibernation, so we’re all clamouring over the same news, but it seems Arsene Wenger is going to land Juan mata, the versatile Spanish attacking midfielder and Phil Jagielka, the versatile Everton captain who can play almost anywhere across the back, including defensive midfield.
The difference between Jagielka and our other two British based targets is that he comes with more pedigree. He’s a solid international, a consistent outstanding performer for Everton and a player who is, like I said, a jack of all trades in defence. My worry is his height, we have a problem from set pieces, he doesn’t solve that. I can’t imagine he’s coming here for bench time, so the thought of Tommy V and him in the middle does worry me a little. However, that worry is offset that by the fact that he’s coming in from the hard knocks of Premiership football and he’s one more body in front of Squillaci. He knows what it means to be organised and he knows what it’s like to come in from a non-pampered back ground. I also know about the hard knocks of Northern life A few years ago I was nearly attacked in a Merseyside petrol station for wearing a particularly stylish pair of winter gloves. Sammy, if you’re staying, put the fu*king snood away…
Juan Mata is another exciting signing. I can’t quite believe we appear to be in for a player Arsenal fans could only dream of before this summer. Valencia have said he can go as they’re looking to rebuild, Juan Mata Snr has said his son wants Champions League soccer ball, ruling Spurs out. Liverpool have bought Downing, Chelsea/City don’t have enough style for the Spaniard and United aren’t interested. So he looks set. Last season, in 33 games, he scored 9 goals and bagged 15 assists. If you’re looking at things cynically, what we’ve done is sold Cesc (pretty much so) who typically scores 20 and assists 20… and we’ve bough in Mata and Gervinho who between them last year scored 19 and assisted 30.
I said replacing the Spaniard was a two-man job and it appears Wenger has taken my advice.
My gut feel is we will let Cesc go and he’ll keep Nasri on. That sounds like madness considering the £20mill we’ll be losing, but for Arsenal’s title aspirations next year, we can’t possibly sell both. Selling 3 first teamers is ripping the heart out of the team experience wise. Gervinho and Mata look to be fantastic prospects, but you can’t take 7 and 4 seasons worth of Premiership experience out of the side and not expect a negative impact.
So… Jagielka, Gervinho, Jenkinson, Mata and keeping Cesc or Nasri.
We’d obviously need a new striker to come in. If we sell Cesc for £40million, I see no reason why that couldn’t happen. Lukaku or Benzema would be the dream options. Finally, there’s a gaping hole in the middle of the park behind Alex Song. I’m not sure who’s out there, but for me, replacing Denilson with the 18 year old Frimpong really isn’t wise. We need to give the youngster some career breathing space because if we don’t sign a replacement for Denilson, I’ve no doubt the first player injured this year for 6 months will be Song.
So… if all the above happens, have we had a good summer? If not, what would constitute a great summer for you? If you looked at our squad after action like that, would it be fair to say that our squad was looking far better than the one Manchester City have? Would you be worried about the Liverpool title assault? Would we finally have the ammo to take down United and Chelsea over a full season?
Let us know!
Players sold…
So far you can’t argue can you? I said at the start of the summer who I was pretty sure would go and it appears we’ve made good on Eboue, Clichy, Bendtner and Denilson. Last year, bar Clichy, those were the boys grumbling in the dressing room and that’s why they’re off. I’m not sure if they’ll be anymore exits out the door, after Henderson picked up his nasty cruciate ligament problem, you wonder if Lansbury will be given a reprieve? One mans nightmare is another mans dream… as the saying I just made up goes.
Cesc leaving…
As Geoff pointed out yesterday, Cesc needs to go, his behaviour this summer has been disappointing and unbefitting of a captain. I watched Alcantara the other night and I can’t for the life of me understand why Cesc wants to go back. Barcelona are about the exciting players, Cesc is exciting for me, but then again, I used to get excited watching Hleb maraude up and down the wing. Alcantara is very fast, very mobile, he’s got trickery to die for and he has a penchant for the spectacular. I know Cesc is amazing but I do wonder how much love he’d get in the Barca first team with the new kid on the block making waves?
Anyway… enough of my jabbering.
What constitutes a good summer for you now? Let us know in the comments!
P.S Yesterday was a record-breaking day by almost double our previous. Thanks for popping by!
Fantasy Football…
That time of year has arrived again where we peddle a bit of Fantasy football! We have a £100 prize for the winner, which basically feels like I’m gifting myself and Geoff £50. The league comes with an app for your phone and it’s all very sophisticated! If you fancy your chances…
1. sign up the Metro Fantasy League HERE
2. The Join the below league, using the below pin!
League Name: Le Grove
League Pin: 4450
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Where is this Biglia coming from. Dude is an Argentine DM, he can’t be compared to Mata.
Wow, no matter how Wenger tried to spin the Cesc situation, it’s obvious he has lost faith in the Spaniard, It’s so obvious that Cesc isn’t committed to Arsenal at all, I say leave him out, get in the replacements, and if Barca doesn’t stump up the 40m, then he becomes a bench player, we’ll lose him next season when we want to, not when Barca and Cesc want. Then, we should recoup on what we spent on replacements, same with Nasri, let him go Aug 31st, Mata should be in by then…I say Cesc’s replacement should be a strong, intelligent big man in the middle, No! Not Diaby!
zeus…i didnt know him until i heard about our intrest on SSN….from youtube clips,he looks good and already in the argentine squad…….but bt youtube,you cant judge but i am certain he cant be worse than denilson and song is back and forth lately so i would welcome him……btw..players like this can make it big attimes
ghoke
Even so, he is not an alternative to Mata. He is a slightly less physical Mascherano.
“At the moment you have two categories of movement, one from zero to 10 million, and one from 30 to 50 million. We are in between,” he said.
===
That’s very true. Players who should be worth 15-20 million are going for 35.
He added: “Samir loves the club, like Cesc. They both do. Every day we read that they are going somewhere but they are still with us.”
======
One word “DELUSION”
Biglia actually looked slightly better than Gago for Argentina….but i really think Pastore would be a very good replacement for Cesc, he actually has the energy to get back and forth the pitch and very skillful
I am an R god
Biglia would be a smart signing, only thing about him is he is a very small player (about 5 foot 7)
“Henri Lansbury is in a situation where I believe he will make a career,” said the manager. “At the moment it is a bit congested for him but I believe he has the talent to play for Arsenal Football Club.
“I have to give him a chance at some stage and as quickly as possible. I believe in him. But if I honestly believe he will not play this season or has no chance to compete for a position I will tell him and let him go.”
=========================
It’s not fucking congested Arsene, Diaby is a piece of spud glass! there space made!
oh wait, wrong player, biglia is 5 10,im thinking of someone else.
He is quite a physical player though who can pass the ball well.
Atleast this will put paid to the shit spouted that Wenger doesn’t like Lansbury because he’s English. He’s always said that he likes him.
Looks like Lansbury could still leave.
I’ve seen some really inflated prices but I’ve also seen some bargains.
Henry – Keep Wenger in charge ‘for life’
*******
If I had a glock I would use it scratch my head wondering what Thierry is on about.
From the press conference
When asked about defensive preparations on set pieces etc.
Chezzer: “I think you might see a little change of tactics tomorrow.”
Like not allowing players who are well known as good headers of the ball to stroll unmarked into the penalty area perhaps ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWcKB8tLrEs&feature=related
Miss the old Coldplay really Othello. Back in the first half of the decade.
I hate that they’ve done a Kings of Leon and gone proper mainstream.
hahahaha, what a mug. Go atleast 1:00. He can’t help bragging.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qycvOtuM4ww
Just to let you mofos know, I have just implemented a handwriting (numbers only) recognition statistical package which right now has an accuracy rating of 98.5%.
Sorry, can’t help bragging. Even if I say so myself, I’m a bit proud of myself.
I shall remember to use a printer for my ransom notes from now on.
How can henri be omitted from a team including diaby song n rosicky , a team that found 160 games to hand denilson?
MOCKERY!
SACK ARSENE!
THE JUDGMENT MAY BRIGADE
hahaha, Rohan, that douche says how much weight he was lifting hah..
Samir Nasri – DEAL OR NO DEAL ????????????
“Naturally, I finished my set”
HAHAHAHA
What a douchebag. haha.
dont like kiwis
Watt’s up!
http://younggunsblog.co.uk/2011/07/boreham-wood-1-7-arsenal-watt-bags-a-trio/
Lansbury apparently scored a stunner.
Ignoring the “bubble” world that the Northern Chavs now operate in…my guess is that Mata & Jagielka added to those already purchased will represent a decent summer.
If we’re not going to be as thrifty as we usually are, we really should be going for a specialized DM. I’m happy that we’re atleast linked with Biglia.
I’d like to think that Wenger is atleast concerned with that position and is keeping his eyes open.
The way Arsene was smiling when talking about mata just confirms we’re getting him. Juan hell of a player if you ask me!
haha yeah Nasridane. It was that cheeky cheeky grin.
He couldn’t hide his delight. Such a shame man city will beat us to him. Mancini said they’re in for a winger.
Mata seems like a bit of a maverick. A bit like Bergkamp. He isn’t your usual footballer. Very very mature. I have a feeling we’ll get him.
Yeah you’re right. I really hope we do. Don’t think Theo and Arsh would share our view.
Wenger and Gazidis are crazy liars.full stop
Also, wenger was wearing his cream coloured suit. That’s his ‘I’m making a transfer’ suit. wore that when he signed Theo and diaby! Watch this space, although u might wanna sky it cos arsenal transfers take an age!
just ate a whole packet of hobnobs.
glutton.
iF WE DO MANAGE TO GET mATA, then finally we would have PROPER competition for the forward wide places.
Just get the feeling that Walcott will get relegated to a sub role like AA23 and by mid season, it will be Mata (obviously as a record purchase for the club) and Gervinho. If we managed to keep Cesc and Nasri as well, then we Wenger would have a headache about options.
Myachi, almost forgot about him and Campbell maybe. its almost too good to be true.
jeez, Wenger is disgustingly well-dressed. Fucking French. I’d kill to look like him by the time I’m 65
zeus – don’t forget Gervinho is actually a wide man too….
Lurch, any movie you recommend? Planning to stay in tonight
I think Wenger will move Mata central, ship out Cesc and continue to play Nasri out wide. Of course there will be a great deal of interchange on the right.
I fancy Walcott to keep his place on the right ahead of gervinho most days. gervinho for me is more of a replacement for Bendtner. Forward man who can play out wide as well. Chamakh will be relegated completely to the bench.
Don’t know about Campbell. God knows where he’ll come in. Don’t know about Miyaichi either. As for Vela, I have absolutely no idea. His career at Arsenal is over imo. Best ship him out.
Anyone else hearing the crap being reported coming out of the Barca press site?
What is it ddm?
You ready for this –
It’s being reported that a certain Daniel Campos ( Barca Press) has stated that arsenal have signed matta ! And Cesc leaving to Barca is near completion !! Cesc to join Barca for €40m!
Rumours spreading Monday if Cesc is not sold, he will pay the difference and be compensated later by Barca! Just like Mecerano did 1yr ago!
Daniel Campos Longarela apparently is the most reliable Spanish sports journalist & main Barca press representative. In Spain a big shot, a reliable journalist and Barca press representative for Catalonian paper Elentorno! He just released the memo!
is it kicking off?
has campos got any cred?
movies, ermm what genre you feeling?
Genre; psycho killer japanese
I’m happy as long as we don’t make even a cent of a surplus this transfer season.
I still trust Wenger’s hand when he actually spends the moolah.
Has any of those Barca cunts got any credibility……
Have any………..fucking shit grammer, i’m so fucked off with all things Arsenal these days…….
Dunno, the past couple of days as I was telling Lurch have pretty much resigned me to Cesc leaving.
Arsene has always been extremely firm as far as the Nasri situation goes. He’ll stay and Arsene will hope he signs a contract mid-season.
Juan Mata is a great replacement. It will make us a bit more dynamic in the middle. cesc is a great player but was also a major proponent of “tippy tappy”
haven’t gone there recently Zeus…but
itchy the killer
audition
old boy / vengeance trilogy (avoid third )
battle royal
uritsokidoji: legend of the overfiend (manga)
for strters…
I really really really want a DM. If we get a top quality one, i have faih in the squad to atleast challenge for the title. Right now, can’t see us lasting the season.
Agreed, i’m more than happy to see the back of him, but sell him for what he’s worth to us ffs €40m does not come close, £35m ffs.
What’s Scneijder worth?
I don’t blame Cesc for tipy tapy, i blame the rest of them for not splitting the defence with decent runs.
Cesc has been a great servant. He has repaid all we’ve done for him in my eyes. If he’s that desperate to leave (I can understand his reasons somewhat), let’s just take it on the chin and move on.
I’m sick of this saga honestly even though I can understand the argument of us being obliged to get his market value.
It’s just that I don’t even think 45 million is his market value. He’s worth 60 at the very least. At the end of the day, the sooner we send him off, the better.
His farewell will be emotional though.
of course, all of this is conjecture at the point of time. I’ve never even heard of Campos. If he’s like Ballague, then I’d heed the opposite.
Schneijder’s in the £50m realm, not sure Cesc’s hamstrings get him in that bracket…
Why do ppl like Itchi the killer?
The only cool part of the entire film is when that dude with the slit cheeks blows smoke out of them.
I can see what you mean, Lurch. But we can see a bit more of a quick passing one-touch game now I think with everyone having genuine pace.
Cesc always like to get the ball, shield it for a couple seconds and then look for a run before delivering an inch-perfect pass. As you say, it wasn’t the most successful tactic.
Also I don’t think it was a great tactical decision to play him that much forward. While it may have inflated his statistics, it didn’t do much for the team as a whole imo. Cesc really should be playing the role Jack plays these days. I always saw him more as an extreme Alonso sort of player.
Sneijder’s class but he doesn’t come close to Cesc imo in his allround game. Cesc is on a different level. With the right players around him, he’s pound for pound the best midfielder on the planet.
The stats show the same.
Cesc hasn’t had a proper summer rest in a while with the world cup, Euro’s and the Confederation Cup all in a row.
Rohan
Cesc doesn’t fancy getting it up ‘im. Thats why Wenger moved him forward. He just doesn’t have that tenacity needed to play so deep.
While he could get away with it paired with Viera and Gilberto, that won’t work with this lot, especailly next to Denilson when he was here.
I attribute the hamstring problem to that. It is worrying though.
If I were him, I’d be more worried about him not being really guaranteed a starting spot.
.
Not that deep, but 07/08 deep. He was perfectly suited to that. Difference was he had Flamini next to him who is a lot more mobile than Song.
That’s the problem with our midfield at the moment. Cesc, and Song are too slow. Jack, has decent acceleration but isn’t the quickest.
I think Wenger sees that, and that’s why he’s keen to move Nasri/Mata in there.
I’d have been happy if we’d lost nobody and got a world class DM, its that simple.
I’d also like us to try out the diamond at times. It would also protect Gibbs a bit more.
just with a spuds fan he said they had won more titles in the last 50 years than us,
laughed him down, looked at wiki and we only just won 16-14
those cunts have won the cup alot
league titles and they are shite.
incesc – just tell the cunt to fuck off, that’s all he deserves the inbred fuckwit.
Oh, and as a parting shot, ask him if his mother & father are brother & sister?
haha
your an intelligent fella incesc why bother with the retard?
no offence dale
When your mother is your sister
Your Father is your uncle
Your son is your wife
The Rooney Family, ta da da da!
=====
To the tune of the Adams family
you know i do a little jig when you mention that tune rohan…
zeus
Getting what up him? Would you fancy that? That bullshit term borders on homophobic. Where the fuck does it exactly come from? “Up him”. Good grief. Does it come from the same Northern Football Booklet which also coined the best-selling term “Cold January Tuesday night in Stoke”??
night munglers, 25 min cycle though the hackney back streets home, wish me luck… or not.
God help Wenger if Tottenham beat us to Mata’s signature. All this fucking about helps absolutely nobody, except our rivals.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jul/30/tottenham-hotspur-juan-mata?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29
Why the fuck would Mata go to Spuds? that’s a step down from Valencia even.
at least its not essex lurch
glad that i can wake up to watch arsenal tomorrow, even with the speedo in charge
Yandi
Just repeating what Richard ‘did-you-smash-it’ Keys and all the Northern Cunts like to say. Don’t think its meant to be homophobic though.
Either way, Cesc doesn’t like the overly physical side of the game and thats why Wenger opted to move him forward.
safe.
hope we lose to red bull
anyone else think TH14 was more emotional than usual?
he seemed particularly sombre on the issue of aw’s retirement…
It’s 4-1-3-2:
Chesny
Sagna-Jag-Cahill-Gibbs
Vermster
Mata-Wilshere-Ramsey
Gervinho-RVP
Sounds good??
Yes, Vermster should be converted as DM but Song deputised. Samba must be bought as final defence cover. Nasri though suffice as extra winger if we use 4 midfielders but Gervinho alone upfront. Hopefully Henry appointed as Football Director soon.
P/s.Mata said he never heard of this team called ‘The Spuds’ except Arsenal. Wooot~~~!!
thank god your safe lurch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9Km95JV9hU
Gervinho, Mata, Jagielka and Biglia would be a good summer. Maybe a striker too
Beating weak teams this weekend means it’s a sign of good mental strength. Anyway fans will get a look at how good Sakho is.
The Evening Standard has been advertising all week, most likely there are/were tickets still on sale probably for the PSG v New York match, as of yesterday (Friday) Sunday is all sold out obviously because of Thierry Henry.
It’s been all talk very little action right now, at least there’s still a month left of this summer window but the defense has been weakened and only Clichy and Denilson have been sold/loaned so far.The rest of the deadwood is proving tougher to sell and Cesc and Nasri future’s are still not resolved.
The squad looks far from settled right now.
BAG OF SWEETS
Cheeky smile
Arsene Weners got Maddie
MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA MATA
If we sign Mata, it will be the second biggest English signing after Aguero probably.
lol @ ‘Pool with Downing and Henderson.
gambon, don’t be a bitter cunt
Diaby is out for 10 weeks with an injury. Plus ca change…
http://arsenalist.com/2011/07/29/arsene-wenger-press-conference-video-pre-emirates-cup/
we really really really really tried to sign mata but dont worry we were to cheap so frimpong will play instead
Mata ,Praveen,Mata,Sreesanth,Mata,Ishant,Mata,Bigilia,Mata,Jagielka,Mata
HELLLLLL YEEEEAAAAHHHHHHH!!1
It will be pathetic if we end up losing mata to spuds
Gambon
Didn’t that shit get u banned last time?
Also gambon arsene wenger adopts kids from barca academy. And we all know them cunts will eventually fuck off back hoem
I meant to say Home?
Yeah Home. They will all be shifted home after they are all well educated here.
Yeah Home. They will all be shifted home after they are all well educated here.
Gambon the relentless prick
Guys It looks like Mata won’t be coming to Arsenal. So don’t get so excited cos he won’t be coming to arsenal.
gambon:
BAG OF SWEETS
Cheeky smile
Arsene Weners got Maddie
gambon the nasty cunt.
Guys it looks like mata won’t be comimg to Arsenal. So don’t so excited cos he won’t be joining Arsenal
now the gunnerblog reporting we’ve captured joel campbell
for thoose who speaks spanish there’s even a link to some TV report where campbell himself and the coaching staff of the u-20 team conferming he’ll be joining us the minute the u-20 world cup is finished…..
here’s the link also http://www.teletica.com/teleticadeportes/detalle.php?id=105222
SACK ARSENE!
THE JUDGMENT MAY BRIGADE
Love the smell of burnt crack in the morning.
Yeah my arse is alight after that madras wow!!!
I read Spurs have bid 22 million for Mata. Think how we Arsenal fans would feel if we lost out on Mata to our bitter rivals. I can imagine the outrage and the vitriol directed at Wenger for not wrapping up the deal earlier when he had the chance. It would be one more nail in Wenger’s coffin.
A hypothetical scenario, I know, but if it happened, I’d love it ! Short term pain for longer term gain.
” In Arsene we rust.”
Anyone else think Phil Jagielka is utter tosh? or am I alone in my thinking?!
Lurch LeRouge says:
July 30, 2011 at 08:50
Love the smell of burnt crack in the morning.
————————————————————————————
Live in Scotland?
Ah….Joel Campbell. The new Karim Benzema.
” In Arsene we rust.”
How could ever possibly spurs afford and attract Mata?
these transfer rumors are getting so annoying…
I just want Cesc to piss off
SHOOT- WILL SOMEONE SHOOT-FUCK IT IM GOING IN THE GARDEN.
We’re supposedly linked with Mata but according to Valencia no offer has been received, so how come a couple of days ago the deal was more or less complete & he would be joining us. What’s happened. Or is that lot down the road supposedly making a better offer, but they’re not in the CL whereas if we get through the qualifying rounds we will be. If you were Mata which team would you sign for?