Arsenal

[hercules]

Same sorta thing as Reyes, can play upfront or wide

[Petrousgyre]

With less gay about him.

I miss the gay about Pires though. Lots.

[Daley]

Arsenal will challenge Real Madrid in the battle for Barcelona's out-of-favour striker Javier Saviola. (Daily Express)

From here. I'd take that. I think he is out of contract so wouldn't be too much of a gamble, even though he may be a bit too lightweight for England.

Also lots of rumours that Tevez is gonna leave and I would like to see him at Arsenal. Just the type of player we need and not many of his type around.

Carlos Tevez has told his West Ham team-mates he will quit the club at the end of the season - with AC Milan and Sevilla leading the chase. (The Sun)

However...

Though it is still unclear who owns Tevez - with Media Sports Investment allegedly offering him to five different clubs for £31m. (Daily Express)

Never mind.

[Dude Ranch]

Arsenal management have assured Thierry Henry they will land Barcelona ace Samuel Eto’o this summer.

Catalunya Radio says Gunners management have sought to assure Henry they will be competing at the top table next season by making a raft of big-name summer signings to the tune of £40 million.

Topping the list will be Eto’o, while Olympique Marseille winger Franck Ribery and Lyon star Florent Malouda will also be signed.

Believe it when I see it. Would be nice though .

[Daley]

Believe it when I see it. Would be nice though .

Meanwhile back on earth...

Arsène Wenger believes Arsenal will be ready to fight for the Premiership title next season however he’ll not necessarily add to his squad over the summer.

The Frenchman takes his side to Portsmouth on Sunday for the final game of the campaign safe in the knowledge that they will finish third or fourth in the table. However a slow start to the season ensured they were never really contenders for the top spot.

Wenger has previously talked of the need for one or perhaps two “super, super class” players. However, speaking before the weekend games, he suggested any purchase must be considered in the light of the youngsters who have emerged this season.

“The problem is that because we have had a disappointing season, everybody wants you to buy,” said Wenger.

“I have to really think if that is needed or not because there is an element in our team that they will progress because they are young. Also, what do I need to add, if I do need to add something?

“I will do what I feel is right for the team and for the Club but the situation is not always to buy. Manchester United let Ruud van Nistelrooy go, they bought only Michael Carrick and now they play for the Premiership.”

Wenger went on: “We will be ready to go [for the title] next season if we have the right mixture.

“We need to find a better balance in our team in some positions then we will be ready.”

[anders limpar]

Arsène Wenger believes Arsenal will be ready to fight for the Premiership title next season however he’ll not necessarily add to his squad over the summer.

The Frenchman takes his side to Portsmouth on Sunday for the final game of the campaign safe in the knowledge that they will finish third or fourth in the table. However a slow start to the season ensured they were never really contenders for the top spot.

Wenger has previously talked of the need for one or perhaps two “super, super class” players. However, speaking before the weekend games, he suggested any purchase must be considered in the light of the youngsters who have emerged this season.

“The problem is that because we have had a disappointing season, everybody wants you to buy,” said Wenger.

“I have to really think if that is needed or not because there is an element in our team that they will progress because they are young. Also, what do I need to add, if I do need to add something?

“I will do what I feel is right for the team and for the Club but the situation is not always to buy. Manchester United let Ruud van Nistelrooy go, they bought only Michael Carrick and now they play for the Premiership.”

Wenger went on: “We will be ready to go [for the title] next season if we have the right mixture.

“We need to find a better balance in our team in some positions then we will be ready.”

*head smashes against wall, repeatedly*

[Lucky]

Surely it's just talk, he must know we need a couple of players.

He can't exactly come out and say we are desperate for players becuase the minute we go in for someone they'll just add a couple of million on the price knowing how desperate we are.

It's all just psychology.........................................isn't it?

[Daley]

Wenger confirms Polish goakeeper:

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Arsenal are set to sign the Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski from Legia Warsaw.

Fabianski, 22, will challenge Jens Lehmann next season. "That will be done," Gunners boss Wenger told the club's website www.arsenal.com.

"He will be our new goalkeeper. He will join us next year, he will be in the squad and compete for a position. "He is one for the future. We have identified him as having all the qualities to challenge here and be one of the future great keepers for Arsenal."

Wenger was, however, coy about Fabianski's chances of challenging Lehmann and Manuel Almunia for a first-team place straight away.

"We will assess him when he joins the squad to see how mature he is," the Frenchman added. "We have to be open-minded, it is down to performances."

and about that Henry bloke:

Manager Arsene Wenger has "guaranteed" that Arsenal's captain, Thierry Henry, will not be sold this summer.

Recent reports have linked the French international striker, 29, with a move to Barcelona during the close season.

After a fallow season at the Emirates Stadium - during which a Carling Cup final appearance was the closest the Gunners came to silverware - it has been suggested that Henry might look elsewhere in search of honours as he approaches his 30th birthday.

The former Juventus hitman has not played since March due to stomach and groin injuries - prompting fears that he may already have made his final appearance for the north London club.

But Wenger has dismissed that idea, saying: "It's more down to imagination than anything else. Thierry Henry will be here next year."

Asked whether he could guarantee to fans that Henry would remain at the Emirates after the current campaign, Wenger told the club's website

www.arsenal.com: "Yes, of course."

[hercules]

cool, despite what everyone says henry needs to stay for the good of the club

[Dude Ranch]

cool, despite what everyone says henry needs to stay for the good of the club

He does, really. It's a message and despite his flaws he's still frighteningly good.

We can compete on all fonts next season, no doubt .

[hercules]

we can compete, but there's something missing from the team, although i can't quite think what it is!

[Dude Ranch]

we can compete, but there's something missing from the team, although i can't quite think what it is!

Goals. I really believe that a finisher (Henry, van Persie, one of the others stepping forward..) will take off the pressure cos the number of chances we create is amazing and we are much the better side in 99% of games. When teams realise they can't simply hold out and nick the inevitable a goal the whole picture changes. We really flow when we're confident and the mix we have can start to fly if we can take even 25% of our chances. I also think we could do with one more pacey player cos we're not quite as dynamic as we were in the true Wenger glory days.

IMO .

[hercules]

Well yeah goals but there's something else, probably a true leader in the middle of the pitch we need someone that will lead by example. I think diaby will do this in years to come. But for now i'm not sure. If the midfielders score more that'd be great, Fabregas and Rosicky showed in the last few games that they can score quite easily so next season they need to push on.

[Benji]

Fuck sake, i will actually punch the wall if we refuse to sign players this season.

[max]

Why are you moaning, your team is 4th and is in the Champions league, with a very young team. I really can't see why you're upset!?

[Dude Ranch]

Fuck sake, i will actually punch the wall if we refuse to sign players this season.

Why are you moaning, your team is 4th and is in the Champions league, with a very young team. I really can't see why you're upset!?

Our XI today was very odd and way under strength, so from that perspective 0-0 was nothing to panic about. Our bench was even stranger .

[hercules]

I just looked at the team and can't even guess who played where. its a very under strengh side but then again we have alot of injuries and its the last game of the season. I need this break from arsenal now to help bring back some belief that we can actually compete with this squad next season.

[Dude Ranch]

I need this break from arsenal now to help bring back some belief that we can actually compete with this squad next season.

Hey man, you know the score deep down . Injuries cost us all over the pitch and with a ruthless streak we all know it will be bright. I've been mega cynical this season but I reckon it can work out. Diaby will grow, Rosicky has bedded in, Cesc is quality, Gallas (hopefully) will come good. We've got Walcott a year older, Clichy as good as any left back, Denilson.

I can't remember a game (maybe Liverpool away) where we've been second best. I really can't. OK, PSV we were lacking and that was disappointing but they weren't our better. We have quality coming through and growing up together, Henry and van Persie to come back. Adebayor, IMO, is a great foil for a centre forward and very willing.

One or two (or three!) good signings and we're set. The spirit among the young players will be a big part and I, for one, can see a challenge on all fronts.

Believe, my man .

[dogsout]

Hey man, you know the score deep down . Injuries cost us all over the pitch and with a ruthless streak we all know it will be bright. I've been mega cynical this season but I reckon it can work out. Diaby will grow, Rosicky has bedded in, Cesc is quality, Gallas (hopefully) will come good. We've got Walcott a year older, Clichy as good as any left back, Denilson.

I can't remember a game (maybe Liverpool away) where we've been second best. I really can't. OK, PSV we were lacking and that was disappointing but they weren't our better. We have quality coming through and growing up together, Henry and van Persie to come back. Adebayor, IMO, is a great foil for a centre forward and very willing.

One or two (or three!) good signings and we're set. The spirit among the young players will be a big part and I, for one, can see a challenge on all fronts.

Believe, my man .

I agree with everything you've said there, bar the maybe Liverpool away bit.

You've got a very young, very talented squad of players who've all gained a year of experience playing at the top level and haven't come out of it looking too bad. You'll be stronger next year, no doubt. With everybody fit the only thing you're missing is some bite in midfield.

[Dude Ranch]

I agree with everything you've said there, bar the maybe Liverpool away bit.

You've got a very young, very talented squad of players who've all gained a year of experience playing at the top level and haven't come out of it looking too bad. You'll be stronger next year, no doubt. With everybody fit the only thing you're missing is some bite in midfield.

*offers handshake*

Respect, dogs. I like your style, we can chat productively .

We're at a crossroads and it's all 'up for grabs' (remember that, dog bro ).

Anyway, we might need something in the centre, good observation, but I think Diaby will be just that. Recovering from a horrific injury has hampered him but he's got it all there. When we signed him I saw a photo and I genuinely thought it was Vieira . Here's hoping he'll be half that good, if he is we're laughing. Pat was the best I've ever seen in his position at his best. Incredible.

AFC fans, trust what's going on. We are a step away, I really believe that.

Of course, you need to keep up with the opposition too. But it's not all about spending.

[Benji]

Why are you moaning, your team is 4th and is in the Champions league, with a very young team. I really can't see why you're upset!?

Because i want my team to win the league again! It's a strange feeling when your club doesn't win something when they're used to winning stuff. Two cup final losses though.

[hercules]

Hey man, you know the score deep down . Injuries cost us all over the pitch and with a ruthless streak we all know it will be bright. I've been mega cynical this season but I reckon it can work out. Diaby will grow, Rosicky has bedded in, Cesc is quality, Gallas (hopefully) will come good. We've got Walcott a year older, Clichy as good as any left back, Denilson.

I can't remember a game (maybe Liverpool away) where we've been second best. I really can't. OK, PSV we were lacking and that was disappointing but they weren't our better. We have quality coming through and growing up together, Henry and van Persie to come back. Adebayor, IMO, is a great foil for a centre forward and very willing.

One or two (or three!) good signings and we're set. The spirit among the young players will be a big part and I, for one, can see a challenge on all fronts.

Believe, my man .

I agree with what you've said, i just need a few months away so that when next season starts i feel fresh and full of optimism for the new season.

[Lucky]

I honestly can’t see the manager buying a striker in the summer. He’ll look at Henry, van Persie, Adebayor, Bendtner (who has just signed a new contract to take him to 2012) and Walcott who can play there as well.

From Arseblog.

Doesn't look like we'll be signing a striker this summer really. Even with all these players, I think we could still do with an out and out goalscorer, someone who just want to put the ball in the back of the net. (I mentioned Benni McCarthy a few months back. He's got a few good years left and can do a job for a top PL club. Also he wont cost £20 million).

[Mars]

Ribery or Malouda please

[Lucas]

Malouda's rubbish.

Ribery would be good.

Bendtner is 18. He's had one decent season at Birmingham. Dont think he'll do the business next season. Walcott's hardly been a revelation this season either.

I also like McCarthy. He cost around £2.5m. Hesky cost £5.5 and Bellamy £6m. I know which I'd like to play for Arsenal. I also like Lita. He's quite similar to McCarthy. We need someone who plays like that. But not that crock Owen.

In fact, a few of Wenger's recent signings/sales have been bad judgments. Is Hleb really any better than Bentley?

[a big boy]

Malouda's rubbish.

Ribery would be good.

Bendtner is 18. He's had one decent season at Birmingham. Dont think he'll do the business next season. Walcott's hardly been a revelation this season either.

I also like McCarthy. He cost around £2.5m. Hesky cost £5.5 and Bellamy £6m. I know which I'd like to play for Arsenal. I also like Lita. He's quite similar to McCarthy. We need someone who plays like that. But not that crock Owen.

In fact, a few of Wenger's recent signings/sales have been bad judgments. Is Hleb really any better than Bentley?

Not in the Prem he's not, no way.

[Dude Ranch]

In fact, a few of Wenger's recent signings/sales have been bad judgments. Is Hleb really any better than Bentley?

It's a good point, actually. I think Bentley was a typical, cocky young English player and, like Pennant, Arsene ultimately had no time for him. Compare those two with Walcott who comes across as decent and mature. In fact, all the youngsters at the Club now come across well. Whether personality traits should come into it is up for debate but if there's a hint of disruption then you're usually shown the door.

I like Hleb but his work has little margin for error. When it comes off it's magical (he's a maestro on the ball at times and can make space for himself with ease) but when the passes are going astray he doesn't really make up for it with pace or tackling. And he doesn't shoot.

Reports are in that Bendtner (as previously hinted on here) has signed until 2012 and is now a recognised first team player. I can't see us signing another striker, even if Baptista and Aliadier go, which they surely must. Henry, van Persie, Adebayor, Bendtner and the option of Walcott seems sufficient even if there still isn't a dynamic goal scoring machine at the Club

[hercules]

I don't want Malouda, i wouldn't mind seeing babel though. We don't really need a striker as V persie has come on so much this season. People forget he had 18 goals this season before he got injured and he probably could've taken that tally to 20 before the season ended, and we all know henry can score goals. Its up to the midfield now to start contributing more goals.

[g wings]

I'm a big fan of Hleb but he doesn't quite 'work', at least in the premiership.

I think the talk is right, we probably won't see a striker signed. Midfield may be a different story though. Ribery would still be my first choice.

[The Grand Pursuivant]

We need a new Pires, basically.

I never thought I'd miss him so much.