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.
SPOTIFY | STITCHER | ITUNES | GOOGLE | POCKET CASTS
Kolasinac will struggle I think. Better suited as a backup. Says alot that Maitland Niles impressed more at LB than him last season
Ishola if you are implying he plays wide when laca plays central then no if you are saying he has liscence to go wide as a striker then ok
“Point isn’t that Auba can’t play wide it’s that he’s at his best centrally”
Well that would be relevant if it was Auba FC, but for Arsenal he produces more than good enough from wide, so your objection is pedantic.
What would he offer centrally that he doesn’t starting left? I’ll ask it again because neither your nor Gambon have answered. Most likely down to the fact you’ve got no answer and are just hell bent on sweeping general statements like “Auba is best as a CF”.
Real Madrid have appointed a Wolves reject as manager……
Dissenter
”He’s not even good enough to start for Wolves
Reading Paulinho’s cringe-worthy fascination for Welbeck, you wouldn’t know he’s praising the forward player with 15 league goals in four seasons.”
I can bet my house that half of those were debatable own goals that had him falling over himself to score. I mean it’s amazing to me. You have a plethora of talents (hell look at Martial for eg) in world football who would elevate this Arsenal team & someone is seriously suggesting we start Welbeck?
Bamford
No they don’t.
Man City have the more natural width and the dribblers cutting inside in comparison to Liverpool.
How Liverpool set-up in their three would be more like Arsenal than Man City.
That being more players seen as strikers making up the three.
According to Champagne charlie, Kolasinac was the bees knees for making the Bundesliga team of the year……jerk off lol
Kolasinac is so slow and cumbersome he can’t handle the prem as a left back
Laca and Auba will more than likely play in the same side more times than not so folks will just have to get used to it.
Welbeck will most probably be the option up top coming off the bench not Laca.
Welbeck has 1 year left on his contract and is already on around 100k a week, does anyone actually see us being stupid enough to give him a new contract with improved wages? For being 3rd choice striker and clogging up one of the flanks?
If you think Ozil makes to much money for his input…
We could easily get 20-25m in this market for a 27 year old English international from a team that’s more his level.
Use that to buy a goalscoring winger instead of cramming in players unfit for the position on the wings.
We will sell welbeck
Brooklyn Round of 16 or the quarters. In the first bracket I did, I had England finishing 1st in their group, beating Colombia in the round of 16 and then getting knocked out by Brazil in the quarters. But now I’m starting to have second thoughts. I’m not a big believer in either Kane or Alli, Sterling hasn’t looked good of late, and Belgium looked pretty darn good in their friendlies. If England manage to top their group, I think I now see them getting knocked out by Colombia, not because the latter are more talented per se but because… Read more »
Thanos
“We will sell welbeck”
You think so?
When?
Well that would be relevant if it was Auba FC, but for Arsenal he produces more than good enough from wide, so your objection is pedantic
But he produces more as the focal point of the attack.
What would he offer centrally that he doesn’t starting left
I told you more goals. Last season 26 goals from playing centrally 5 goals from having to incorporate Lacazette. It’s not rocket science. Lemme ask you a question Charlie why didn’t Dortmund ever think about playing him anywhere else than CF?
“We will sell Welbeck”
Ok oracle, and why would Welbeck leave?
If I was him I’d lap up my 100k a week at Arsenal for another season and become a freebie.
Marko
More general fluff from you, “he produces more” centrally. He scores goals and makes runs, he doesn’t hold up the ball or link play anywhere close to the level Lacazette does.
He scored more goals from central because he played more games and you’re the one sniping about it not being rocket science? Go to sleep.
Lemar to Atletico Madrid
We have to sell Welbeck
Not selling him will be as bad as letting Ozil run down his contract. Eddie Nketiah is ready to take the mantle of the third striker.
Cc
He’s a non-essential player, he has more to lose than the club if he’s not playing.
Doubt he wants to lose his england spot and train with the youths for a year.
Why wouldn’t he want to play every week? He’s still young and can do a job for a lower placed team, he’s going to be on similar wages and probably gets a nice signing bonus.
If Welbeck is told in no uncertain terms that the new manager does not want him, he will be off to start elsewhere.
Really, how have clubs always moved on players in the modern era?
Freddie
It’s the season directly following a WC mate, it’s a gimme. Why go play for Palace on 100k a week when you could chill at Arsenal for a season on that and then go earn 160k a week?
Plus he’ll get game time at Arsenal, this idea he’ll train with the youths is frankly prehistoric.
Hello gooners, I decided to join you guys in the commentary box.
What are your thoughts about this midfielder Seri from AC Milan, can he be a good fit for Arsenal?
I just watched Gelson Martins on YouTube, I think he reminds me of Gervinho too. I think he might be a good fit on the wing rather than having Auba to play there.
@le-grove thanks for that clip
If Welbeck is sold this summer then of course an extra forward has to be brought in. This forward can play on the left and Auba has his central berth that folks want. Laca on the bench. So all that needs to be ascertained is a left forward that is on the market that is within Arsenal’s price range who is a goal threat. Don’t want to hear goal threat is not necessary. Auba could go down with a long term injury like any other player so not good to just want the player brought in to just supply Auba,… Read more »
he doesn’t hold up the ball or link play anywhere close to the level Lacazette does.
If that’s your argument for playing Aubameyang out of position it’s pretty pathetic. We haven’t had a proper striker since Van Persie we have one now and you want him played out of position.
Agreement for the transfer of Torreira being mooted in Italian circles…
Marko
Just so we’re clear…
My argument that Lacazette is a more rounded CF than Auba, and links play better, occupies the CB’s better, and makes the forward line tick better is “pathetic”.
…but your argument that Auba is “best as a CF” trumps it?
OK MATE, back to the playstation.
Charlie Right, but making runs, stretching defenses and scoring goals is more important than hold-up and linking play, and Aubameyang is better at hold-up play than some of you pro-Lacazette folks are suggesting. Further, look at Emery’s front three at PSG this past season. How much hold-up play did Emery expect from Cavani? Very little. Who more resembles Cavani: Aubameyang or Lacazette? Aubameyang, obviously. Again, none of this matters, as in the end, Emery will make the decision. If reports are correct, though, and he sees Aubameyang as one of his two or three “key” players, there is a good… Read more »
You win Cc
We should just bend over for every average 3rd choice striker/backup RB whatever that wants to sit out his last year. Let the gravy train roll…
If we want to sell him and he refuses why would we still give him game time? He’s a nothing player, it’s not like he’s an Alexis level player and carries the team on his back.
No your argument for playing a much better goalscorer a prolific striker on the wing because Laca has better link up play (debatable by the way Auba links up well) is pathetic. Laca occupies CB’s better yep sure. Makes the forward line tick? Our forward line got better around the time we signed Auba you know. There was a period just before Laca got injured where he couldn’t buy a goal. Fact is if Lacazette was so good why did we spend 55 million on someone in the same position?
Freddie There’s no winning, it’s just the reality. You don’t let players get into the final 12 months of their deals, you negotiate 24 months out like anyone else with sense. Welbeck isn’t nearly as bad as you’re suggesting so don’t try and fabricate a situation where he’d stay for a season and never see game time. That’s rubbish Banford Lacazette does all of the above, Auba’s pace is what makes him effective coming from wide. You’re putting a lot of stock in this “Emery will do X” line of commentary, I’ll be mindful of that when he does something… Read more »
CC becoming one of my favourite posters on here.Guys a beast. In polite terms.
Marko You talk so much rubbish it’s hard to summon the strength to type a response. You’ve offered nothing as to why Auba must play centrally that he wasn’t achieving out wide. He was scoring and assisting from there but because your rigid ideas of football have players only capable of operating in one segment of the pitch, you’ve clearly only ever been a spectator. There is nothing rigid about Arsenal front 3, but the way some on here bash their keys at the idea of Auba starting wide left is hilarious. He’s scoring and assisting, Lacazette is coring and… Read more »
Charlie you’re assuming that Emery will be like Arsene and play players out of position. Doubtful
Charlie they are not going to keep welbeck and let his contract run down some team will buy him. He is gone before August
champagne charlie
“Agreement for the transfer of Torreira being mooted in Italian circles…”
From Gazetta
Arsenal have agreed a fee and personal terms for Lucas Torreira and he will become an Arsenal player. [@Gazzetta_it] #afc
Arsenal’s offer worth over £30m for Lucas Torreira was greater than that of Napoli and Borussia Dortmund. The final details are being worked on before the move is complete. [@Gazzetta_it] #afc
To keep welbeck for the last year of his contract will cost us 7million pounds we sell him for 10m we save 17 mil it’s easy maths he is gone
Who comes in then Thanos when Welbeck is sold in the next month or so?
You’ve offered nothing as to why Auba must play centrally that he wasn’t achieving out wide
How about play him in his best position?
He was scoring and assisting from there
Yeah but not as much as he scores from the CF position. Obviously.
Why is there a fixation with creating a problem?
You’re actually creating the problem by asking a 29 year old prolific striker to play elsewhere. Charlie why not play Laca wide?
Aubameyang: 0 goals against top six
Lacazette: 2 goals against top six.
Charlie “Lacazette does all of the above.” Actually, he doesn’t have much pace, can’t get in behind defenses and doesn’t stretch defenses. So no, he actually doesn’t do these things. Plus, I could the say the above of Aubameyang. Because it’s not as if he does NO hold-up play. He’s just not as interested in it as Lacazette. But he does do some. Of course, though, what he’s more interested in doing and what he’s better at doing than Lacazette is more important. And that’s why pretty much the whole world, except for a couple of guys here on Le… Read more »
Marko I’m assuming nothing, you’re assuming this cockamamie idea that players have rigid positions and can only operate in one. Modern football isn’t like that, even old school football had a bit of variation to it with CM dropping into CB. You could put Welbz–Laca–Auba as a front three and they could all occupy one of the 3 positions with varying strengths and weaknesses. Emery himself stated Rabiot prefers playing as a b2b midfielder but HE decided he wanted him to be a DM. Why is it so out of the realms of possibility for Emery to see Auba doing… Read more »
Lucas Torierra will be a signing to excite me cos I know nothing about him.
But South American.. Hustler.. Low centre of gravity.. What’s not to like?
I think I like the business we are doing this summer.. Nothing to wow the pundits who love a big transfer fee.. But more like what we need to make what we have work
And we already have a lot regardless of what most of the posters here think
Another gem from paulinho, proposing the absloute gash welbeck to be in the starting XI
Welbz is a below average CM and not even a winger. No way shouod he be starting for a top 4 side.
He cant cross and he cant assist not to mention his inability to shoot. We need better than crystal palace level players.
CC just think. Where has Aubameyang scored his goals in the last few seasons ,even at Arsenal, he had already scored 5 goals before being paired with Lacazette. Tell me frankly , are you just being contrarian. I like Lacazette, after a long time we have two great strikers and don’t want him to be sold, he can be play with Aubameyang or play in his absence
I’m assuming nothing, you’re assuming this cockamamie idea that players have rigid positions and can only operate in one. Modern football isn’t like that
Feel like we’re going in circles. All right tell me why Dortmund never played Auba wide why did they play him predominantly as the CF? Does the 98 goals in 144 appearences have anything to do with it. I mean it’s pretty straight forward if you have someone that good in a position play him in that position
I thought Kolasinac looked good when he first arrived
Then Wenger changed the system and preferred Monreal
Ho
Hope Dick keeps faith with Kolasinac
My name is thanos not Sven ishola I just feel it makes sense to sell him.
Just seems you’re hell bent on putting Auba centrally for the sake of it and nothing more
Jesus you’re thick. Considering the amount of goals he’s scored as a CF is why I’m hell bent on him playing as a CF
Marko
“Feel like we’re going in circles.”
You are. Which is why I said an hour ago that no one was going to say anything that would change anyone’s mind on the matter of Aubameyang vs. Lacazette.
The Auba-Lacazette argument is not even Arsenal’s most pressing concerns.
If Emery can’t set up an effective offensive system that sees both Aubameyang and Lacazette in it then he is no good himself.
Arsenal have bigger problems elsewhere other than the Auba-Laca debate.
“Arsenal’s offer worth over £30m for Lucas Torreira was greater than that of Napoli and Borussia Dortmund. The final details are being worked on before the move is complete. [@Gazzetta_it] #afc”
That’s the point I was making to gambon and Marko
The transfer fee wont be limited to 22 million just because the release clause says that. Market forces can still push the price higher.
Hopefully we got this guy. We need a busy bee in midfield.
Nw9
Auba has been a CF, and so has Laca. Both have done so to devastating effect for their previous clubs respectively. One has continued those exploits from wide at Arsenal so it’s really not much of a stretch to say carry on lad instead of benching a guy who still managed 20 goals on a dodgy knee.
Marko
Done. You’re not worth the effort.
Let’s just be clear regarding Laca and Auba.
Both can CF and both can play out wider on both sides left and right.
As said if Emery can’t make an effective offensive system out of that with the calibre of player then he himself is failing.
Fretting over nothing.
The guardian is reporting that Arsenal outbid Napoli by throwing in an extra 5 million euros for Torriera. This one is done people.
Jack is gone…makes me feel so gol saying this.
I suspect Elneny will be sold as well.
Ornstein:
“As widely reported Arsenal in talks to sign Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira. No agreement but central midfield a priority & 22yo Uruguay int’l seen as ideal fit technically + financially. #AFC also want a GK after defensive signings of Lichtsteiner & Sokratis (announced July)”
Ishola,
Let’s just be clear regarding Laca and Auba.Both can CF and both can play out wider on both sides left and right.
Exactly
Both can interchange all the time. They already have chemistry and are willing to be the assist to the other.
This drawn out argument is meaningless.
The Guardian; “Torreira arrived in Italy as a striker, described at the time as the new Carlos Tevez because of his combative style, and joined Perugia in 2013. There, however, he was moved into midfield by the coach and 2006 World Cup winner Massimo Oddo. He gradually grew into his new role and earned a move to Sampdoria in 2016. He has become a key player at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris and is ranked among the best defensive midfielders in Serie A. He has one Uruguay cap and was included in Óscar Tabárez’s World Cup squad for the tournament in… Read more »
Relieved that we are still on the hunt for a keeper
“Exactly. Both can interchange all the time. They already have chemistry and are willing to be the assist to the other. This drawn out argument is meaningless”
Precisely. Almost as if players are capable of moving on a football pitch
Torriera appears to be a deadball specialist as well scoring several goals from midfield.
“My argument that Lacazette is a more rounded CF than Auba, and links play better, occupies the CB’s better, and makes the forward line tick better is “pathetic”.”
The argument for Giroud on here was also linking up play. I’d rather a striker who is better at scoring than one who is better at linking up play.
Also Aubermayang plays on the shoulder of the last defender which is something defenders don’t like.
Heskey was good at holding the ball, linking up but he was still shit.
Can we for once play the best players in their best positions?
I realise this is an Arsenal blog site, but with all that’s been going on over these past few weeks/months, can’t we all break away from our beloved Arsenal and concentrate on the WC a wee bit more. Of course I will be genuinely excited if we manage to secure the services of Lucas Torreira, but in the meantime I want to sit back and watch what should be a fantastic festival of football and put Arsenal on the backburner for a few weeks. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. We’ll be fine come August, so just relax and… Read more »
If it does happen that is a great signing.
Lichtsteiner, Sokratis and Torreria and it is just about mid June, looking for a GK as well and seems like we’re going for Soyuncu seriously as well.
Great stuff.
Martins on a free or Pavon and that is a great summer.
Factor in new manager and new coaches and it is exciting to support Arsenal again.
Dissenter,
No mate. Torreira’s best work is done behind the ball. All his 4 goals were scored from outside the box.
With Bernd Leno apparently nearing Napoli, and Ornstein saying a GK is on the agenda who do folk think the candidates are?
Could we gazump Napoli again, or maybe there’s some gentlemanly stuff gone on and we’ve agreed Torreira for us, and Leno for them.
Timo Horn pledged he’ll stay at Cologne but that’s always up for debate until a bid is made. Lafont maybe if Cech is actually staying another season. Or Sergio Rico from Sevilla is another being mooted.
Love how Torreira is basically a bee in midfield. Tenacious little fella.
Looks like Aldi is off the shelf an staying at PSG
Well see but
Everything is done for the best.
Graham
Come Thursday mate thats all this place will be about for a month, fear not lol
Frost
Hope we don’t get stung…
The transfer fee wont be limited to 22 million just because the release clause says that. Market forces can still push the price higher
No we’re paying more because we don’t want to pay the 22 million release clause up front because we’re on a budget we’d rather pay 26 million in installments
Anyone who passionately loves the game, will always see the WC as the pinnacle of the sport.
Maybe my delight and joy at Wenger finally leaving, has hightened my awareness and appreciation of the game in general.
Thanks Arsene.
Sampdoria conceded a lot of goals season just gone in comparison to others.
60.
9 worse than Arsenal.
“Anyone who passionately loves the game, will always see the WC as the pinnacle of the sport.”
Nope, not for me Graham. Couldn’t give a monkeys about the WC or Euro’s beyond the “spectacle” of it all. Don’t care who wins, just don’t very much care full stop.
Arsenal fan, club football fan, and would much rather watch that than International football 7 days a week.
This little fella will not be able to do it all on his own.
He won’t at Arsenal and looking at how many goals Sampdoria leaked he couldn’t there either.
And I rate him btw Torreira as an individual player.
What the hell is the point of anything if you rate a player and still think he won’t do the club any good?
CC
Good luck to you mate.
Sad though that you don’t give a toss.
Did something go wrong in your childhood?
To the extent where we all want Arsenal to be Sancho.
Get in an additional DM behind him then Arsenal have better chances of getting where we all want them to be.
BBC also reporting on Torreira.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44462975
Graham
haha no mate, just not that attached whereas I am with Arsenal. Never got to grips with hating United players and then wanting to cheer for them alongside Arsenal ones every 2 years.
I’m happy to see Arsenal players do well but very much a neutral at the WC
Ishola
Yes of course. But not everything can be done and announced simultaneously. If the club are making a move you think is a good idea 6 weeks into a new regime, maybe it’s a good thing.
I’m just saying. If the club sign someone you rate, logic follows that you would be excited. It’s better than having a player you don’t rate come in, or nothing at all being done. Isn’t it?
R.S.P.C.Arsenal
“Hope we don’t get stung…”
Always the thing with bees isn’t it. At least he can sting. Can’t rem the last time we had that
CC,
“Arsenal fan, club football fan, and would much rather watch that than International football 7 days a week.”
I though I was the only one
International football has become second class to club football.
International football gets tired players, shoddy FAs and second rate managers.
The WC is just a good way to pass time until the season begins
Sancho, what’s the position with Sporting
Sancho
I was saying good things about this player a while ago on here.
I like him as an individual player.
I think I would like him even more if he plays at Arsenal with a safety net DM behind him.
On an individual basis would be very happy with the signing.
Ishola70
“Sampdoria conceded a lot of goals season just gone in comparison to others. 60. 9 worse than Arsenal.”
They’re sampdoria Ishola.
Ishola
“This little fella will not be able to do it all on his own.He won’t at Arsenal and looking at how many goals Sampdoria leaked he couldn’t there either.”
C’mon man.
You’ve been beating this drum for weeks now.
No defensive midfielder can do it alone. It has to be a system approach with good understanding among the midfielders and defense.
Dissenter
Nope, always been like that for me. I watch Arsenal 60 games every year, I just can’t get hype for England or anyone else in the 12 meaningful games bi-annually. Friendlies infuriate me.
Happy to pass the time and see the undoubted spectacle of a WC, but the excitement I’ll have nearer the final only comes from the fact Arsenal will be on again soon haha
If Lemar to Atletico is true then could it be Griezemann is on his way out? To Barca maybe? Or would one have nothing to do with the other?
Just a faint hope of a sniff at landing Dembele is why I ask.
I guess it’s time then, with ornstein reporting it
*opens “LUCAS TORREIRA – Deadly Skills, Tackles & Passes – 2017/2018 (HD)*
We’ve needed a mobile two footed midfielder, who loves to tackle and has excellent dead-ball skills. I love the Uruguayan bastardo madness in him as well. The midfielder that will be cunning to dive in critical spaces to give his team a chance. We need guile in this squad.
If his defensive presence is as good as Kante then he will be a smash signing because he has better attacking ability.
Frost
”They’re sampdoria Ishola.”
They are a Serie A side that finished 10th.
60 goals against is a lot to be leaking.
To put in perspective the two teams that finished 8th and 9th in the league conceded 14 less goals than Sampdoria team that finished 7th 21 less goals conceded than Sampdoria.
If Torreira isn’t enough by himself to save Arsenal then why is it one man’s job to stop Sampdoria from conceding 60 in a season?
Graham
“Maybe my delight and joy at Wenger finally leaving, has hightened my awareness and appreciation of the game in general.”
Your kind of obsssesion with Wenger is weird,you literally can’t help yourself lumping him in every post you make,wont be surprised when you chip in of his departure upping your bedroom performance.
you might need to see a professional,ah.
If Lemar to Atletico is true then could it be Griezemann is on his way out? To Barca maybe? Or would one have nothing to do with the other?
I think he’s staying and signing Lemar is Atletico convincing a star player that they’re ambitious. Basically the opposite of what we did with Alexis
We don’t necessarily need someone big. We need someone hard, preferably dirty too. The only periods in the last 12 years when we have looked close to being good enough to being a title winning side we had either Flamini or Coquelin in the side…how Arsene continually reverted to going without that type of player despite the clear evidence having one made us a MUCH better team is something that I will never understand.
If this lad fits the bill, we will not make a more important signing this summer.
Your Comment Here
The only periods in the last 12 years when we have looked close to being good enough to being a title winning side we had either Flamini or Coquelin in the side
Never came close to a league title challenge with Coquelin