Arsenal

[dogsout]

What about Milito? Seems like the perfect single striker to me, and won't cost the earth. Or has he already been bought?

Zaragoza have first option on him but we are rumoured to be interested too. I'd hate to see him end up with the Arse!

[redbloodcell]

Just read this on sky sports...

For some reason it made me lol. A wee bit crazy.

IIRC they're a requirement in Spain or something, so they're not usually anywhere near market value for big players.

[Lucas]

I've been thinking of this Henry sale. Not that I'm that fussed he's gone, for a variety of reasons. But have we been dicked over the price or what? £16m for a player of that status and quality? I think there's someone not quite right upstairs, personally.

Especially as someone like Bent (limited club and country experience) is apparently worth £15-18mil.

However, I firmly believe we've already seen Henry's best years at Arsenal. Also, we don't know how serious an effect, if any, his injuries this year have in the long term.

I also though Vieira went for too little, but seems like the right price given his decline.

[Lucas]

Hell no man, Reyes has absolutely 0% loyalty or commitment to Arsenal – he's practically begging any team in Spain to sign him.

Like Henry?

[hobo]

Like Henry?

Henry put in a good 8 years of service first though...not bad service either!

[Dude Ranch]

However, I firmly believe we've already seen Henry's best years at Arsenal. Also, we don't know how serious an effect, if any, his injuries this year have in the long term.

Very true, and Wenger knows this.

Henry put in a good 8 years of service first though...not bad service either!

True, that mustn't be forgotten. We've had one of the best players the world has ever seen at our Club and had the very best from him. Look back at the Centurions DVD or other season reviews. He's been frighteningly good, truly a genius in top form for virtually all of his red and white career. When you think about Dennis, Pires and Vieira you can't say anything other than four world stars of the highest order gracing our great Club. Four players you simply couldn't have replaced, or wanted to replace, in their pomp. To think I saw them all first hand as a season ticket holder is staggering for me, I feel very lucky. Bravo.

Onwards and upwards.

[BlinkyBear]

The supporters trust are on board? Didn't know that, have you got a link? That certainly changes things considering their damming report on Man U's setup.

No link I'm afraid, just a quote in the Guardian Sport pages that was tucked away. It basically said that after an evaluation of Kroeke's plans, his financial aims and goals for the club that they would welcome investment from him.

That little gem, and that the 'press statement' that Kroneke and Hill-Wood agreed on two weeks ago is yet to be released over 'legal issues' really made me curious. I get the feeling alot is going on. I just hope it's not all bad.

[Mars]

If that's true David Dein may have been a silly boy and cost us dearly

[Lucas]

Henry put in a good 8 years of service first though...not bad service either!

I'm not questioning his service to the club. He's dug out of a hole more times than I can remember. As Dude Ranch says, I feel privileged to have seen him play.

What I'm talking about is all this I'll be an Arsenal player for ever bollocks that he spouted last summer and the start of this before promptly fucking off for more money. You might have expected him to feel some loyalty to the club that put him where he is, but apparently not. Look at Shearer. Should have been somewhere else, stayed where his heart told him.

[Daley]

Tevez rumours in The Sun today and he is reported to say:

"I know people are now talking about Arsenal and obviously that is something I am excited about.

“It’s another big club and the good thing is I wouldn’t have to move out of London. I also already know English football and I like it.

“Arsenal’s style is more technical than physical so I could fit in no problem. My transfer is being talked about a lot. It’s beautiful to be wanted by various clubs.â€

Personally i'd snap him up. Not many players of his type around, he's a quality player, has gotten over his adjustment period to English football and is strong physically so is suited to English football.

Only downside is the way he is owned may put Arsenal off and the fee if they really do want £30m as has been rumoured.

EDIT: But then again...

West Ham striker Carlos Tevez admits there is a strong possibility he will move to Inter Milan this summer.

The Argentinian international, who is currently preparing for the Copa America with his country, moved to Upton Park from Brazilian side Corinthians at the start of last term along with international team-mate Javier Mascherano.

In a season marred by controversy over the legality of the duo's transfer, 23-year-old Tevez ended on a high by scoring crucial goals to preserve the Hammers' top-flight status - in the process attracting the attention of a host of top clubs.

Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been linked with a move for Tevez, but the South American favours a switch to Italy.

"Inter is a great club," Tevez told Italian sports daily 'Gazzetta dello Sport'. "There is a true possibility that I will wear the Nerazzurri colours next season.

"It's also true that Real Madrid are interested in my services but my agent knows exactly how I feel about it - better Inter than Real."

Speculation that Tevez would leave West Ham increased after he preserved the club's Premiership status by hitting the winning goal against Manchester United on the final day of last season.

And the player admits that his fine end-of-season form came as no surprise, revealing that he felt at home in the claret and blue shirt.

"I didn't have problems adapting at West Ham," Tevez continued. "I didn't speak English but nevertheless I made myself understood on the pitch."

Despite his claim that the language barrier did not hamper his start to life in England, Tevez admits playing alongside compatriots Hernan Crespo, Julio Cruz and Javier Zanetti at the San Siro would make for a smooth transition to life in Serie A.

"Inter's team is like an Argentina colony," he added. "I wouldn't have language issues at Inter."

[hobo]

I'm not questioning his service to the club. He's dug out of a hole more times than I can remember. As Dude Ranch says, I feel privileged to have seen him play.

What I'm talking about is all this I'll be an Arsenal player for ever bollocks that he spouted last summer and the start of this before promptly fucking off for more money. You might have expected him to feel some loyalty to the club that put him where he is, but apparently not. Look at Shearer. Should have been somewhere else, stayed where his heart told him.

I know, it was your comparison to Reyes that peaked my interest. Dont worry I get what your saying.

[Daley]

Babel has said that he would like to play at Arsenal one day but sees himself at Ajax next season. He's only 20 but i'd like to see him sign now. He was excellent in the Under 21 final and would be a snip at £6m if we could still get him for that.

Not specifically him but someone like Benni McCarthy would be a great signing if we could find one. He cost Blackburn £2.5m one year ago and scored 24 goals in all competitions. Who else is there like this? A top player whose career has stalled a bit and needs a move? Obviously now McCarthy has done it in the Premier League he would cost £80 million billion so that probably rules us out of buying him but there must be others.

I'm thinking someone who has maybe had a big move and it hasn't really worked out. Dennis was like this, Kanu, Henry. Mmmmmm.

[The Grand Pursuivant]

Babel has said that he would like to play at Arsenal one day but sees himself at Ajax next season. He's only 20 but i'd like to see him sign now. He was excellent in the Under 21 final and would be a snip at £6m if we could still get him for that.

Not specifically him but someone like Benni McCarthy would be a great signing if we could find one. He cost Blackburn £2.5m one year ago and scored 24 goals in all competitions. Who else is there like this? A top player whose career has stalled a bit and needs a move? Obviously now McCarthy has done it in the Premier League he would cost £80 million billion so that probably rules us out of buying him but there must be others.

I'm thinking someone who has maybe had a big move and it hasn't really worked out. Dennis was like this, Kanu, Henry. Mmmmmm.

I think we should plump for Trezeguet to be honest. He wanted to leave last season but Juve wouldn't let him, and it means that we'd actually have a player in the box for once.

[Dude Ranch]

I think we should plump for Trezeguet to be honest. He wanted to leave last season but Juve wouldn't let him, and it means that we'd actually have a player in the box for once.

He just signed a new deal at Juve.

[max]

He's penned a new deal with Juve:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/t...nal/6239950.stm

Edit/ What dude said!

[The Grand Pursuivant]

Lame.

[Dude Ranch]

More random stuff..

Arsenal will give Arsene Wenger a 50 per cent pay rise to sign a new contract this week. The Frenchman has been offered £75,000 a week — nearly £11million in a three-year deal — plus £30m for summer signings.

The Gunners are even ready to include a clause allowing Wenger to leave next year if he wants. Emirates directors have been thrown into a panic by Thierry Henry's £16m exit.

Henry insisted he was leaving for Barcelona as Wenger could not assure him he would stay beyond next year. The 57-year-old manager's current £50,000-a-week contract expires next summer and he has so far resisted all the club's efforts to extend his stay.

But now Wenger is ready to relent according to reports in The Sun, as he knows the speculation is threatening to destabilise the entire club.

He has been offered a £3.5m-a-year package and given the OK for a major spending spree. All the £21.5m raised from the sales of Henry, Fabrice Muamba and Jeremie Aliadiere will be in the pot, plus £8.5m more from the new TV deal.

The bit about the major spending spree. If true then that's a fucking joke and I owe Henry an apology. If Arsene is getting the money from sales and an extra £8.5m then that puts us virtually bottom of the division in terms of ambition. If it's true and I was Wenger I'd leave.

If true, obviously.

[Daley]

More random stuff..

The bit about the major spending spree. If true then that's a fucking joke and I owe Henry an apology. If Arsene is getting the money from sales and an extra £8.5m then that puts us virtually bottom of the division in terms of ambition. If it's true and I was Wenger I'd leave.

If true, obviously.

I can see what you are saying but how many other teams will spend £30m? Wouldn't you be happy with spending £30m? Wenger can buy 10 18 year olds with that.

[Mars]

£30 million (plus Reyes I assume) isn't that bad is it?

[mop]

£30 million (plus Reyes I assume) isn't that bad is it?

Not at all. Spent wisely it's decent. We don't need to spend crazy money on average to OK players (16m on Bent?) to show ambition. Although there are some players (teves) that would suck up all of that budget.

My main concern at the moment is Wenger signing a new contract.

[Dude Ranch]

So we're a selling Club? Sell players to buy players? Nice.

[mop]

I wouldn't call us a selling club or be worried we're heading down that direction despite the fact it might look like that at the moment. Selling players to buy players isn't so bad when some of those players we're getting rid of simply don't want to be at the club or ain't good enough and as long as we do buy replacements.

[Daley]

So we're a selling Club? Sell players to buy players? Nice.

At the moment yes, we are using the funds from selling players to buy. I am as frustrated as you by the current state of Arsenal but we have to remember that the "stadium project" is a long term thing, to enable us to compete with the big boys on an even footing. What this means is that for the short term, money is tied up to repay the stadium loan, as you know. But it won't always be like this. It is short term pain for long term gain. Not satisfying for those who have just dropped £1000 on a new season ticket but its a long term plan and it had to be done.

In 04/05 (all according to soccerbase) we spent a grand total of £1m on Eboue, with Flamini and Almunia free. In 05/06 we bought Hleb in the summer for around £10m, in January 06 Walcott (£5m) Adebayor (£7m) and Diaby (£2m) arrived and Rosicky signed for £7m in May 2006. The only money spent since then is around £5m on Denilson and Song. A total of around £38m. If we now spend almost as much in one summer I think I would be happy. That's three years of low spending. I hope there is not too many left.

[Mars]

£10mil for Hleb

[Dude Ranch]

At the moment yes, we are using the funds from selling players to buy. I am as frustrated as you by the current state of Arsenal but we have to remember that the "stadium project" is a long term thing, to enable us to compete with the big boys on an even footing. What this means is that for the short term, money is tied up to repay the stadium loan, as you know. But it won't always be like this. It is short term pain for long term gain.

How short term though mate? It's a point I've raised on here a few times but no-one can answer it. If we can't compete while we have the stadium debt then that means no benefit at all (well, actually it's taken us backwards) for circa 15 years. How daft is that? Are the Club saying we'll be rich and powerful in 15 years time, bear with us? Most of board will be dead and Wenger in a home for retired manager's.

We've all seen the figures, we're coining it in. Gate money, TV revenue, the Highbury project etc. What is holding us back today from spending big that won't be holding us back next year or the next or the next? I mean, if there's a legitimate and very short term reason then fine but why not find the money somehow, borrow it (it was rumoured) or whatever, because these 'dead' years will end up biting us on the arse when gates fall and no-one decent wants to come here or stay here.

[Dude Ranch]

£10mil for Hleb

Hmm, I know what you're saying. I like him but I want more from him. It's time to have a great season or say goodbye.

[Mars]

I like him too, his close control is great and his passion to win back the ball when he loses it is good to see. Its the fact that his brain turns off whenever he gets to the edge of the penalty area that concerns me.

[Dude Ranch]

I like him too, his close control is great and his passion to win back the ball when he loses it is good to see. Its the fact that his brain turns off whenever he gets to the edge of the penalty area that concerns me.

It certainly is annoying. He's got all the attributes but there are such fine lines between success and failure. He either threads the ball through the eye of the needle or gives it to one of their players. But he's actually an intelligent player and his ability to find space is very impressive. I think he gets a bad press cos people think he's an orthodox wide man. He's not, he's a very specific type that Wenger likes. We don't player with wingers and Hleb certainly isn't one.

[Daley]

How short term though mate? It's a point I've raised on here a few times but no-one can answer it. If we can't compete while we have the stadium debt then that means no benefit at all (well, actually it's taken us backwards) for circa 15 years. How daft is that? Are the Club saying we'll be rich and powerful in 15 years time, bear with us? Most of board will be dead and Wenger in a home for retired manager's.

We've all seen the figures, we're coining it in. Gate money, TV revenue, the Highbury project etc. What is holding us back today from spending big that won't be holding us back next year or the next or the next? I mean, if there's a legitimate and very short term reason then fine but why not find the money somehow, borrow it (it was rumoured) or whatever, because these 'dead' years will end up biting us on the arse when gates fall and no-one decent wants to come here or stay here.

It's a fair point. What is gonna change until the debt is paid off? I'm not too sure really. I guess the money from the flats at Highbury (rumoured to be around £90m profit) is gonna be a big boost. Maybe we are starting from scratch with money. Perhaps we had zero for transfers last year and the money from the stadium is going towards the debt and slowly building up to provide a kitty for Wenger. Perhaps Wenger's obsession with youth is putting him off buying anyone so it doesn't block a young players progress. Whatever it is I hope we find out something soon. We can't afford to drift for much longer.

As for Hleb he had a great first season, especially in the 4-5-1 in Europe, but last year looked a bit uncomfortable on the right. We need fast players around him to get the best out of him.

[Mars]

Yaya Toure's gone to Barca for £6million...