There are two approaches you can take to getting what you want in life. One is to work hard and make it happen with positive vibes, the second is to bitch, moan and palm off your failings onto things outside of your control. I demonstrated Stan C’s approach yesterday. Then this story crossed my lap yesterday by Sol Campbell. This is how he signed off the story.
Competition for jobs as a manager is fierce, I know that. So how do you get that first opportunity? I’ve asked myself that a lot.
Is it through friends? Is it through a good agent? Or is it down to timing? Maybe it’s all three.
One thing I know for sure is that I want to be in that environment – win, lose or draw. I want to build a new career. I want to compete again.
Yes, I’ve had knockbacks. But if it’s worth fighting for, you have to go for it. I’ve always known that.
That my friends is how an adult uses the media to deliver a message. Work hard, get your head down, and know that you’ll be rewarded with a chance at some point. It took me well over a year of knocking down doors to land in the industry I wanted to work in. Sol Campbell has a lot more security than most of us who chase our dreams do, and I’ve no doubt he’ll land his chance.
In other news, Sporting Lisbon is dealing with a nightmare at the moment. Fernandes, Carvalho and Gelson Martins are all applying to terminate their deals after being attacked by their own fans at their training ground (and you thought plane banners was the worst that could happen in football).
Arsenal have apparently offered twice this summer for the electric right winger, Sporting rejected the bids, now they might lose him on a free.
The guy did give me a hit of Gervinho to the veins when I first saw him, but look, he’s 23 years old, he has a lot to learn and he has some sexy tricks in locker. He scored 13 and assisted the same amount last season. Worth a punt on a free?
Torriera is still creating headlines in Italy. Sampdoria press reckon he’s Arsenal bound, so do the folk at The DM. Funny that they’re rolling with ‘Arsenal need to spread the cost’ because they’re on a budget. How folk who write about football for a living don’t know that nearly all clubs spread the cost of transfers over the period of the contract is beyond me. Anyway, he’d be a fucking amazing move for the club. I don’t even care that he’s 5ft5. He’s a proper defensive midfielder.
… latest is Di Marzio is now saying he wants Arsenal and he won’t be staying in Italy. GOOD TIMES.
Yacine Adli is playing games between PSG and Arsenal, nothing is done yet, so we’ll wait and see where that lands. He’d be a coup for Emery if he did opt for us, and there’s no doubt he’d get more chances in our first team than theirs. We’ll see though!
Right, quick one from me today, tune into our amazing podcast or I’ll send Stan Collymore round your house to tell you off about your lack of mojo.
We talk about transfers, Sol Campbell, and general excitement about where the club is heading.
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Marko
Even Liverpool are after Cillisen Don’t think there is better keeper than him available
Gambon
Right on the money
Would be utter madness to persist with Cech at this point, we need to sign a GK.
Auba can’t play as striker in Prem he gets bullied. He is best of as inside forward playing like Alexis. Laca is better at playing as striker as he is much more psychical striker.
Laca all season long scored 14 league goals. Auba since February scored 10 in 13 league games. Soooo….
gambon
What do you mean one of the worlds best CF not even the best in the league. Kane, Firmino, Aguero are better.
Even Liverpool are after Cillisen Don’t think there is better keeper than him available
He’s shite. He’s as bad as Karius
Marko.
Please see stats of Auba vs Lacs in big games
Maybe we’re keeping our powder dry for a big keeper.
If we sign
Lichsteiner £0
Sokratis £15m
Soyuncu £30m
Torreira £25m
Martins £0
And sell
Ospina £5m
Martinez £3m
Jenkinson £2m
Chambers £20m
Perez £10m
Welbeck £20m
Then we will have a net spend of £10m.
Leaving room for a top top keeper, maybe an Allison or Oblak.
Probably not true, and all dependent on Martins story being true, which im sceptical about.
“Please see stats of Auba vs Lacs in big games”
Auba has played about 12 games for us.
Campbell is going to be offered a contract by Galatasaray and he goes on a free. Another pointless signing. I remember in 2014 when he put in some decent performances AC Milan offered £12m for him. Should have sold him then…
Oh well… another one off our books and wages.
‘Who are you blaming for the poor attempt of humor Rambo?’
Arsene Wenger.
Kevin
Aubameyang has 110 goals in his last 133 games.
He is absolutely world class, its not up for debate.
gambon
Half of them were big games. Laca is a big game player and mentally more strong.
Maybe you’ll get your wish of Pavlenka being signed gambon. Can’t imagine that we don’t sign a keeper and can’t imagine that we’d let a obvious bargain like Leno go unless we had someone else in mind. And Sven loves to shop in Germany
gambon
Yes it is he can’t perform in big games even for Dortmund he went missing. Also if he is so good why did only Arsenal were after him?
Half of them were big games. Laca is a big game player and mentally more strong.
You’re on a wind-up
Moe
Agree totally, the state of some on here throwing their arms about football but trying to quell genuine issues worthy of chat. This is a football blog, yesterday’s race discussion was born from issues of race in football. Absolutely the space for it.
In other news…
Sky Sources showing their hand as per, running a “breaking news” banner about Torreira with two week old info. Useless
Ospina is sure to be off this summer after wanting to leave for 2 years. That leaves us with an over the hill Cech and Martinez and Macey that are not even ready to be a nr 2.
We’re buying a keeper, only question is what caliber.
I would be happy with Lafont if we’re not going top shelf, he at least has the potential to be world class and would sort that position for a looong time. Perfect time to do it now with Cech bejng able to play a few games still and mentor him.
Marko
Refer City games, Totenham, United, Newcastle
http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/fulham-eyeing-arsenal-duo-chambers-lucas-perez-4235594?utm_source%3Dmediafed%26utm_medium%3Drss-feed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed-Latest%2BArticles
Fulham eyeing Chambers and Perez? Yes please. Perhaps we can do a swap for their young left midfielder Ryan Sessegnon who is valued at £25m…
Leedsgunner
Can we send Holding as well and get him for free?
Don’t want Gelson another Gervinho rather get Leon Bailey
Sessegnon at £25 mill? No chance.
He’d go for double that easily I reckon.
AMN has signed a new contract.
Think its just one midfielder coming in, Torreira probably.
CC I hope you’re not implying that we don’t need to bring players in. This transfer window is different for multiple reasons; -It is too short [ends at the beginning of the season] -There’s a new manager with new staff and methods who needs time to pass on his message. -The preseason starts in 3 weeks. We are running of time. Our situation is precarious because it’s a transitional period in which everything has to go right for us to stand a chance to make up the big gap between us and fourth place. Frankly you should be concerned about… Read more »
Same song
Laca isn’t he can go up against big defenders unlike Auba
Keviv
“Don’t want Gelson another Gervinho rather get Leon Bailey”
I suppose Gelson rhymes with Gervinho for you, because that’s where the similarities end
Neither Auba nor Laca can go up against big defenders.
Would anyone take Fabianski back?
Don’t throw darts at me…I’m just asking a question.
Sky Sources showing their hand as per, running a “breaking news” banner about Torreira with two week old info. Useless
They usually don’t report on something unless it’s close to being completed. it’s like Ornstein’s tweets he’s no oracle he literally reports on stuff that is so blatantly going to happen
Grooves
He’s 18… and yes, he’s had a great season but £50m? Come on.
By the way, that is Sessagnon’s valuation at transfermarket at the moment.
Maitland Niles new deal
CC
“The other managers in the top-6 zone have the advantage of continuity, we don’t.”
…oops. I forgot that Chelski don’t have a manager nor DoF, which is why they are playing Europa league at the moment.
Dissenter
Both dribblers with no end product
“Aubameyang has 110 goals in his last 133 games.”
Let it go Kevin.
Vintage Gun
And ended up in Arsenal
Leeds
Fulham would be daft to let go of Sessagnon for anything less than 50 million.
The transfermakt value isn’t relevant because Fulham don’t have to sell their best player knowing well that he’s a major reason why they may beat relegation.
They aren’t going to sell him. Their owner is a billionaire who doesn’t need the money.
Really, the kid is going to have a good season in the league. He does well, they stay up.
Dissenter
I mentioned this last week.
Pavlenka would be my choice of GK, but apparently he isnt available this summer. I would get talking to him now to line up a move next year.
Sign Fabianski as a stop gap. He would cost about £5m i hear, and was good last season.
When we sign a number 1 next year, Fabianski would be 34, perfect age for him to be our back up keeper for the next few years.
AMN has signed a new contract.Think its just one midfielder coming in, Torreira probably
If Ainsley signing a new deal means that then we’re not a serious club. I like the lad but he’s a squad player at best. This team needs more than one player signed to sort out it’s midfield
All the writing on the wall is that Wilshere is gone…not going…GONE.
I hope we move Elneny out as well for a tidy profit.
Lacaweights Kev
It would make no sense for Fulham to sell Sessegnon this summer unless we’re talking crazy money. If he performs in the PL next season the crazy money on offer will seem normal,
He’s still a kid. i’d advise him to stay at Fulham and continue to develop, play and grow
Marko
Yup looks like they are trying to get top 4 at cheap. No ambition whatever like United, Spurs, City and Liverpool
Marko
“If Ainsley signing a new deal means that then we’re not a serious club. I like the lad but he’s a squad player at best. This team needs more than one player signed to sort out it’s midfield”
I like your posts for the most part but damn….that’s not the ,most intelligent post you’ve pit up recently.
Renewing the contract of a 20 year old youth product who’s earned his squad place shows that we aren’t serious?
C’mon man, get off this hyper-reflexive state you’ve taken this transfer window.
If there aren’t good keepers on the market.. or affordable [more like it], then b all mans sign Fabianski as a stop gap.
He’s better than Cech. Frankly, 16 starting goalies were better than Cech last season.
@Kevin
And so did Alexis
I won’t be surprised when Sampdoria increase the price of Torriera after the world cup.
All they have to do is have another club join the bid to sign the player.
Vintage Gun
Alexis had flopped at Barca
Signing Ainsley isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength.
It means we are keeping our best youngsters from other clubs. Has Reiss Nelson and others signed their new contracts yet?
Sanchez won almost everything there is to win in Spain aside from the CL with Barca – not sure how that adds up to flopping…
Honestly.
Dissenter if we only sign Torreira and don’t even attempt to sign another midfielder like Rabiot or Bruno Fernandez who seem available or Kondogbia or a proper presence in midfield because we gave new contracts to Elneny and Maitland Niles then I’m sorry but we’re not a serious club. That’s of course if what gambon said were to happen. Maitland Niles is a good prospect but he’s not ready or the answer to our current midfield woes
“I won’t be surprised when Sampdoria increase the price of Torriera after the world cup.”
He has a release clause.
gambon
Alderweireld has a release clause of 25 million but it’s irrelevant so long as someone is willing to pay more.
Release clauses have a lot more in them than just a number. It could be a minimum of XXXX. Remember how Liverpool called our bluff about Suarez because the release clause was left intentionally murky?
Dissenter,
No, if his release clause is £25m, then it doesnt matter if another club want to pay £100bn, we still only have to pay £25m. Thats what a release clause is.
Suarez didnt have a release clause.
Sanchez earning close to £450k a week… yep, a flop if I ever saw one 😉
Kevin
Alexis flopped at Barca? Really? or Was it simply his style of play didn’t feed into the ‘Barca way’. Just like Ibra?
Also we signed Auba in Jan. Most big teams make these massive money moves during the summer, but because of our fuckup over Sanchez the board had to do more than Mhiki alone.
Auba’s a World class Striker and 110 goals in his last 133 games confirms this.
Lightweight or not
gambon Actually Suarez did have a release clause, John Henry confirmed it. We didn’t know the full details of the clause, all we had was a number – 40 million and above, To answer that specific scneario you raised. We would only have to pat 25 million [as opposed to a higher 100 million offer] of the release clause stated that it was specific for “a north London club with a cannon on their crest”. If another club offers more money to the agent, player and the club then the release clause is irrelevant. The release clause is for if… Read more »
gambon, John Henry speaking at the MIT Sloan’s sports analytic conference in 2014 “”Luis Suarez is the top scorer in the English Premier League which is arguably the top soccer league in the world,” Henry said. “And he had a buy-out clause – I don’t know what degree I should go into this – but he had a buy-out clause of £40million – more than 60 million (US) dollars. So Arsenal, one of our prime rivals this year… they offered £40million and one pound for him and triggered his buy-out clause. “But what we’ve found over the years is that… Read more »
Dissenter It wasnt a release clause. John Henry was playing Billy big Bollocks. Gordon Taylor, of the PFA, said he saw it (at the time) and it wasnt a release clause, it was a clause that meant he had to be informed of any £40m+ bid, but no obligation to accept. A release clause does what it says on the tin. The club have to sell if another club are willing to pay it (assuming the player wants the move). Theres a reason Barca lost Neymar absolutely 100% against their will, and theres a reason PSG didnt offer £300m, because… Read more »
Dissenter
“If you are going to have a supposed buy-out clause it should be that, but it is different as it says if there is no qualification for the Champions League and if there is a minimum offer of £40 million then the parties will get around the table to discuss things – but it does not say the club has to sell,”
I am confused about the situation at Sporting Lisbon. When it is reported that these players’ contracts have been “terminated,” does this mean that both the club and player have agreed to terminate the contract or only that the player has decided to terminate his contract? Further, does this mean these players are all available for free? How could that be possible? Doesn’t the club own the rights to the player regardless of what the player wants?
Someone explain. Thanks.
Bamford
Apparently the players have the option of unilaterally cancelling their contracts due to the club not keeping them safe (they were attacked by their own fans at the training ground recently)
Maybe all clubs have this in their contract.
gambon
I’m sure you’re read about Alderwiereld’s release clause?
It’s supposedly 25.4 million but Dani Levi and his clever lawyers muddied it up with so many restrictions and caveats that it’s irrelevant.
The devil is still in the details of the so called release clause.
The Neymar release clause is unique though because the restriction was on the wrongly assumed unattainable transfer fee that Barca set. They would have felt that they didn’t need to muddy up the clause because the fee did all that.
Alderweriald’s release clause doesn’t come into effect until next summer
gambon
That’s exactly what I’m saying; the devil is in the details. The scanty labeling on the tin doesn’t say everything.
Clubs used fine lawyering to murky up these release clauses.
Marko
Alderweriald’s contract ends in 2019!
Spurs set it in such a way that it only comes into effect if they decide to extend his deal this summer .
You only get you release clause for 2019 if we extend your deal in 2018.
That’s the clever lawyering I’m referring to; the devil is in the details.
Dissenter
I dont really know what youre arguing about.
Theres nothing to suggest any complexities in the Torreira release clause.
Dissenter
What are ou talking about with regards to player acquisitions and manager continuity?
Unless there’s another CC you were addressing..
A release clause is a release clause I think the Suarez incident was more of an informal understanding as opposed to an actual written agreement. Otherwise we would have signed him
What I’m arguing is that the notion that a “release clause is a release clause” is not exactly right.
Firmino has a release clause of 83 million ….except for Arsenal.
My point is that in certain situations, thee are other restrictive information besides the transfer fee.
That’s all.
AMN after signing his new contract.
Speaking to the club’s website he said: “You don’t really hear a lot of young players being shouted out by their managers, especially a new manager who hasn’t really seen them play too much, I think it’s brilliant to hear from him and it gives me a load of confidence.”
I wonder if Ramsey has received his phone call yet ?
Frankly if Unai Emery hasn’t called everyone player in the squad by now then he’s not worthy of the job.
The manager has all the players on express dial courtesy of the club. He would have spoken to every player by now.
“Would hate to see Aubameyang playing wide just to accomodate Lacazette.You dont sign one of the worlds best CFs then put them on the wing.No-one ever suggested putting Henry wide in order to play Wiltord up front.” We played with two up top at that point, almost certain Henry would be used in the same position Auba has been deployed at Arsenal thus far if he were about today. The idea he’s being shunted to accommodate Laca is garbage, he’s being told to start wide because it means no defender can go near him and he’s free to exploit his… Read more »
Thanks, gambon. I get it now.
dissenter
shouldn’t it be the opposite ? the players call him up, congratulate him, and express their desire to achieve great things with him ?
CC Maybe we should sign Koulibaly and put him at RB in order to give Mustafi some minutes? Unlike Wenger, Emery isnt suffering from dementia, so he will recognise that you dont play one of the worlds best CFs wide just to avoid having difficult conversations. Aubas shots per game was massively down at Arsenal compared to the last 5 years. He outperformed xG quite significantly, but 1 goal in 3.3 shots is not sustainable in the long term,. You dont spend £56m on a 30 goal per season striker and turn him into a 15 goal per season striker.… Read more »
Nothing wrong with Auba playing wide attacker and Laca central, it means the full back behind Auba would be very defensive and so is the left side midfielder, Henry played wide left at Barca and still scored his fair share.
“Nothing wrong with Auba playing wide attacker and Laca central, ”
No thanks, none of this Wenger nonsense.
Strikers playing wide, number 10s playing wide, number 10s playing in CM, midgets playing CB, players being told to “go out there and enjoy themselves”
B10
Ref to the “HAND OF GOD” game in 1986.
Maradona’s wonder second goal came about due to a lack of focus from several England players.
If the score had been 0-0 at the time, would Maradone have scored? I’m not so sure.
Thirty two years later, irrespective of Maradona’s hand assist, I still blame Shilton.
laca is the back up, that is very clear. we need a winger, no more of this CAM playing wide bs. I don’t mind if auba drifts wide mid way through the game. interchanging positions during the game is always being done. but I don’t want to see Auba playing wide for 90 mins…
Yeah I dunno it’s almost like people are afraid of actually seeing wingers play for Arsenal. Auba is a CF end of
‘No-one ever suggested putting Henry wide in order to play Wiltord up front.’
Only a matter of time before many people realize PEA is not as good and Laca is not as average as they are made out to be.
Marko
I think its more Arsenal fans endless desire to be football hipsters, forged by mentally incapacitated Wengers bizarre decision making.
These guys have been conditioned to think goalkeepers arent important, central defenders dont need height or speed, central midfielders dont need to defend, wide players arent needed etc.
I don’t even know how you can watch Lacazette play and call him average
I expect big things from him next season.
If anything i was a bit surprised how one dimensional Aubameyang’s game appeared to be ..great fox in the box though..sniffs out a goal and makes it look easy
Charlie
“The idea he’s being shunted to accommodate Laca is garbage, he’s being told to start wide because it means no defender can go near him and he’s free to exploit his pace – Laca is better at occupying the CB’s than Auba, who relies on his running power and movement.”
At what point will you give up trying to educate the uneducated…you’re floggigging a dead horse I’m afraid.
I get completely what you are saying and of course, it makes sense.
No sensible person is saying Laca is average just that Pierre is better and should be played in his natural position
“The idea he’s being shunted to accommodate Laca is garbage, he’s being told to start wide
He’s a center forward and you said it yourself he’s being told to start wide so therefore the above statement isn’t garbage. Look it’s all pointless really because Wenger’s gone sacked done and the days of us playing players out of position to accommodate his favourites or the days of playing number 10’s as wingers and hoping for the best are likely over. Balance is coming to the Arsenal first team. Hopefully anyway
I don’t see nothing special in either Aubameyang or Lacazette.
“If anything i was a bit surprised how one dimensional Aubameyang’s game appeared to be ..great fox in the box though..sniffs out a goal and makes it look easy”
I agree with this sentiment
Auba is a well rounded footballer. He sucks at pressing or defending. Laca is better off the ball.
Hands up if you guessed Real would appoint their new manager?
Auba is more a target man to me. He needs the ball fed to him in good space.
Not like TH, who could take on 1 or 2 defenders.
Also dangerous in the box…
Neither Lacazette or Aubameyang are technically good enough to play out wide.
Intentional double negative, Red? 17.41
I agree with this sentiment
Auba is a well rounded footballer. He sucks at pressing or defending. Laca is better off the ball.
We don’t need that from our center forward if anything we need that from our wingers so therefore putting him on the wing is a hindrance. He’s a better CF so play him CF
Sell Lacazette for £30m and bring in a hot Anelka clone.
Strengthen midfield and give the captaincy and gloves to Ospina.
“Only a matter of time before many people realize PEA is not as good and Laca is not as average as they are made out to be” PEA is EXACTLY what i thought he would be. A greyhound whom can stick the ball in the net on a very consistent basis. I for one wasn’t expecting mad skills from him just goals from inside the box. And plenty of them. Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Pipo Inzaghi etc weren’t the most skillful of players but their job in the team was to finish off team moves. As for Laca, i think he… Read more »
Teams now EPL at least the top ones are not looking at traditional out and out wingers anyway. For more traditional width and whipping balls across the box it is done from further back FB or WB.
It’s about forwards that cut inside now and that are as much about goal threat as an assist maker. This would mean none of the clubs that finished in the top five would be interested in a player like Gelson Martins. His goal threat would not be good enough for these teams.
Receding Agree with you regarding Aubameyang.. Great movement off the ball, has the ability to time his runs and arrive at the right time. Lacazette and Aubameyang should not be compared as, though they are both labelled as strikers, they both have different strengths and weaknesses and bring different things to the team. There will probably be a lot of horses for courses in certain games, especially up front, in that players will switch positions or come off the bench… I dont see us having the same side /formation for home and away. I should imagine we will set up… Read more »
Gambon
Can you tell me where Auba struggled in his dozen game with us starting wide?
While you’re at it tell me what he’s going to do in place of Laca that he wasn’t doing out wide..
If folks are looking at offense ideally Arsenal need another forward that can drive inside and is a serious goal threat.
Nothing to do with wing play though.