Arsenal

[phresh]

The sale of Ronaldo turned a big loss into a big profit. That makes them a selling Club at this moment in time. That's just as I understand it, not a dig at them.

We've only sold one player who it should be said wanted to leave anyway. The papers seem to be assuming that we will make the same loss next year and as such will have to sell players to make a profit. This completely ignores that we could just make a loss or more positively an increase in revenue* coupled with a reduction in interest payouts from the bond issue will reduce the losses anyway.

*Revenue for the last year was appriximately £270 million, ~£20 million up from the previous year and this doesn't include player sales. We'll also have a new sponsorship deal in the summer which should increase income over the current one.

Which explains why both Chelsea's and Man City's owners have recently converted the debts into equity. Basically created more shares in the clubs, instead of the debt, which they also own.

They were both interest free loans provided to the clubs but have now been converted into shares to satisfy Platini. Not sure what Man Utd and Liverpool will do though. Although i'm not sure if the club has the debt or the holding company which owns it and if that will be allowed.

The UEFA regulations will be interesting as a large part of it is to ensure 'financial fair-play'. It's fairly obvious that Liverpool and United have seen no financial benefit from their debt so to penalise them while allowing Chelsea/City to convert endless debts into equity would probably be a bit daft even by UEFA's standards. They did mention limiting spending (on wages) by turnover as well, something that would effect Arsenal as much as it would United (although less so than Liverpool, Chelsea and City). Whatever happens it will be interesting to see what form the regulations take though.

[BlinkyBear]

Phresh, I'd have a read of the Guardian's breakdown of Man Yoo's financial situation. They are in a dire financial state with debt that is only serviceable through success on the pitch and that whilst revenue was up last year, it's unlikely to rise much next year. As for your new sponsorship, the club have already been paid half of the total amount that is due over X number of years.

The Club are far from in trouble at the moment, but the accounts basically say that the club is making money, but the debt is getting worse.

[The Grand Pursuivant]

The UEFA regulations will be interesting as a large part of it is to ensure 'financial fair-play'. It's fairly obvious that Liverpool and United have seen no financial benefit from their debt so to penalise them while allowing Chelsea/City to convert endless debts into equity would probably be a bit daft even by UEFA's standards. They did mention limiting spending (on wages) by turnover as well, something that would effect Arsenal as much as it would United (although less so than Liverpool, Chelsea and City). Whatever happens it will be interesting to see what form the regulations take though.

Do you really think that Platini believes Man Utd's ability to drop £30 million on Berbatov constitutes financial fair play?

[Rev]

Do you really think that Platini believes Man Utd's ability to drop £30 million on Berbatov constitutes financial fair play?

They're English, so no. Ronaldo to Real will probably be fine though - Kaka definitely, since that was Italy to Spain. Chamakh, France to England definitely won't be fair play though.

[arokib666]

We've only sold one player who it should be said wanted to leave anyway. The papers seem to be assuming that we will make the same loss next year and as such will have to sell players to make a profit. This completely ignores that we could just make a loss or more positively an increase in revenue* coupled with a reduction in interest payouts from the bond issue will reduce the losses anyway.

*Revenue for the last year was appriximately £270 million, ~£20 million up from the previous year and this doesn't include player sales. We'll also have a new sponsorship deal in the summer which should increase income over the current one.

The UEFA regulations will be interesting as a large part of it is to ensure 'financial fair-play'. It's fairly obvious that Liverpool and United have seen no financial benefit from their debt so to penalise them while allowing Chelsea/City to convert endless debts into equity would probably be a bit daft even by UEFA's standards. They did mention limiting spending (on wages) by turnover as well, something that would effect Arsenal as much as it would United (although less so than Liverpool, Chelsea and City). Whatever happens it will be interesting to see what form the regulations take though.

apparently you guys have already received almost £40 million of the £80 million that this new sponsorship deal is bringing in.

and the bond issue isn't going to save you much in interest payments as even though it's to refinance larger amount (~£500 million), the 14.25% interest on the other loans (~£170 million) is still accumulating.

don't you think it's scary that having won the premiership and reached the champions league final and with the success of the past three seasons, the only reason you are in profit is because of the sale of ronaldo to real???

[hauk]

Doesn't signing Campbell break Wenger's never re-sign old players policy?. Couldn't he re-buy Flamini while he's at it? He's not getting any games at AC Milan. Wouldn't mind Hleb back either.

[mop]

Flamini? Yes please!

Helb, though? Can't say we need him back.

[Rev]

I wouldn't be surprised if we had been offered Hleb already. I should think we have said no.

[Dude Ranch]

Helb, though? Can't say we need him back.

Not when we've got Theo fucking Walcott terrorising defenders the length and breadth of Europe .

[mop]

So Cameroon lost their first game in the ACoN. Hopefully they'll keep that kind of form up and we'll get Song back ASAP.

[Mars]

Hopefully!

[Dude Ranch]

Not just me thinking that then?

[Dude Ranch]

They've giving Fabregas the rough stuff. That foot in the face and hair pull was a joke.

[SeanR]

They've giving Fabregas the rough stuff. That foot in the face and hair pull was a joke.

I tuned in, just as he was walking off the pitch looking dazed and confused.

fucking bolton.

[Dude Ranch]

Traore is a bit of a liability. And shock horror, Almunia's made a couple of saves . Arshavin continues to disappoint. Eastmond's not entirely convincing but he's growing into it.

[Shoes]

At least Eduardo seemed a bit better going through the middle.

I know blogs have touched on this, but why does Almunia keep hoofing it up? It just comes straight back.

[Dude Ranch]

Merida, great goal not withstanding, looked an entirely different prospect in the fist team with class around him. After today I hope he stays.

The central defensive pair are the best we've had for five years and Campbell coming in, if needed, doesn't worry me.

It's looking good, without getting carried away. The test is the return against Chelsea cos that needs massive improvement after last time.

[BlinkyBear]

Merida, great goal not withstanding, looked an entirely different prospect in the fist team with class around him. After today I hope he stays.

The central defensive pair are the best we've had for five years and Campbell coming in, if needed, doesn't worry me.

It's looking good, without getting carried away. The test is the return against Chelsea cos that needs massive improvement after last time.

This mean that people are starting to agree with me about Diaby?!

[BlinkyBear]

HA! How's that for a fact, Lolverpool fans: Fabregas and Van Persie have missed more games than Gerrard and Torres. Brilliant stat.

[Mars]

On my way back from the game. A good win but Jesus Christ, Bolton are dirty fuckers. New manager, same old shit.

[Dude Ranch]

This mean that people are starting to agree with me about Diaby?!

I've always liked him. He still gives away too many sloppy passes, though. We need to keep him in a position where his quality is fully used but his failings don't turn into a liability. I suppose that means sticking near the top with a bit of freedom. If he plays deep he'll always give the oppo something.

Oh, and Cesc. Awesome . Even when not 100% at his best. The hold up under pressure and pass leading up to the second goal was terrific.

[vincenzo]

Thank goodness we got a second - phew

[Shoes]

I'm still worried. Good win, of course, but if any of Matty Taylor's chances fell to a half-decent striker we'd be stuffed. The comings months will be interesting.

[Mars]

Diaby was pretty useless until he pushed up later in the game. Oh, and I Cesc, obv.

[Shoes]

[Naysonymous]

That Bergkamp fella was quite good at football, wasnt he?

[Mars]

Oh, and the Adebayor chant at today's game was pretty rancid.

[Dude Ranch]

That Bergkamp fella was quite good at football, wasnt he?

He was OK in a kind of all time great type of way. All time great, legend, sublime, awesome and etc. Top of his profession, world class.

[Shoes]

Oh, and the Adebayor chant at today's game was pretty rancid.

Jesus, I dread to think. What was it?

[Peter Hitchens]

I'm still worried. Good win, of course, but if any of Matty Taylor's chances fell to a half-decent striker we'd be stuffed.

Also, losing Nasri for (apparently) about 3 weeks is quite a big blow. Especially with Ramsey out, Song away etc, we barely have any options in midfield for the next few games. Hopefully Rosicky can stay fit and get straight back to form, and Merida can repeat what he did today.