Its easy come on Arsenal spend some of that seventy to one hundred million pounds you have sitting in the bank, or is it?
Everybody and his dog are telling Arsenal they need a goalkeeper, a center back, a central defensive midfielder and a striker. Now lets look at our squad and in particular these positions.
Goalkeepers-Szczesny and Fabianski, it looks like Wenger likes Szczesny as our number one keeper for the season. What seems to be the problem is a strong number two to push Szczesny and to keep him on his toes. Now comes a phrase that I will probably use a lot in this piece, ‘if you was a’ goalkeeper especially in the year of a world cup would you move to a club to be a second choice goalkeeper and only guaranteed FA cup and League cup games?
Central Defenders-Per, Kos and Vermaelen, Per is (or was) captain for the game against Aston Villa in the absence of Arteta in midfield so it looks like he and Kos are our first choice central defensive partnership and with Vermaelen and Sagna being able to cover we are looking for a fourth choice center back to come in and again ,if you were a central defender would you be happy to come into Arsenal to be a bench warmer ?
Central Midfield-I don’t need to list our midfield for you as I am sure you can see where this is going but again if you were a central midfielder and you looked at Arsenals starting midfield would you want to come in and fight for a place or go to a team that you were guaranteed a starting place.
The only position I can say that a player will be able to walk in to the Arsenal starting eleven is as striker, but as we have seen this summer trying to get that striker is a problem do we take a bench warmer from Real Madrid for twelve million more than he was first quoted for or do we wait to see if the release clause in the Louis Suarez contract is real or not?
As last year showed with Jan Vertonghen last year showed players want to move to clubs that guarantee first team football and Arsenal can’t do that. Gustavo’s move to Wolfsburg is a prime example of this plus a wage of over one hundred and ten thousand a week.
Yes Arsenal has money to spend but to spend that you have to find the right players they have to suit the Wenger style of play, be able to fit into the squad but most importantly of all be happy unless you’re a striker to sit on the bench and wait for your turn because who are you going to get ahead of in the Arsenal team?
@Swales1968
Positively Arsenal 
Makes sense to me
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Bang-on, SWales.
Replace the central spine of the team? Seriously no.
Squad back-ups? definitely yes. Wenger will sort it out.
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Chambo did alright when he came into CM against Newcastle.
Against Scotland (& Brazil too).
*clucks like chicken*
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PG is there an email address i can use to send over something?
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If Arsenal had a fully fit starting 11 would Gustavo at £13m and £115k per week walked straight in?
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I have sent a Mail to you at the address you post with Finsbury
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No Swales, because he would be competing with our most important player
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Of course he would. He’d allow MA to play as he did superbly his first season with us as a linking midfielder and deep lying playmaker who also bursts forward for shots from distance and the odd goal in the box, just as he did before he sat deeper this last season. Is Arteta better than Ramsey at this, to my mind yes. No knock on Ramsey whom I love. But having 3 players for those back 2 CM roles is good strength and each will get plenty of games plus inevitable injuries and need for rest will be an issue-Artetais 31 and never played as many games a season as he has the last two seasons for Arsenal. JE is just getting back, needs to be brought on slowly and carefully, is not as experienced now as either of the other three we are discussing and can also play games as AM when Cazorla is wide left and Rosicky needs a rest or is injured.
Plenty of games on offer for Gustavo who should be confident as a 26 yr. old Brazilian international starter who has played for a Bundesliga champion and twice finalist in CL that he can get games comoeting against 2 young and developing players in their early early twenties and a 31 yr. old player out of possibly his best position. He offers our midfield qualities we are lacking in size and physicality since Song left and Diaby has been injured long term. For me he gets in a great many games and would be an excellent signing. Reminds me a bit of Gilberto Silva. A very good passer, tackler and interceptor of the ball with speed and strength. It isn’t his fault that Pep bought his pet Alcantara and that he has had to share more starts and play second fiddle to the Bundesliga record signing in Martinez. He’ll get more starts with us than he did last year.
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JE=JW, of course
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George its been so long since i logged in to my microsoft email that i can’t get in! Try this email address please, ta!
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Good post, no doubt Brazil 2014 is a factor in many players’ decisions. But it is also possible to exaggerate the problem of getting games when we have a solid but not spectacular core of experienced players and some exciting young talent, if we are purchasing truly top class players in their prime. Those sort of players ought to be able confidently to get quite a number of starts in the 4th place PL team. If we are not going for the top level, I think it is a genuine concern for those players. But there are very good players on national teams that are in no position to qualify or little chance to break in ahead of an established starter. Those are options for us as well.
For example, Higuain seemed quite willing to come. It is a World Cup year for him in a big Argentina team that has many strikers competing. And he has had to fight very hard to get games as a young and not very expensive/Galactico purchase by Perez’s rival behind Club legend Raul, van Nistelrooy, and big Perez signing Benzema. He wasn’t too worried about competing with a good player like Giroud, because he was confident in his quality. The upper echelon players like Higuain and Gustavo will, I think, get into the side regularly in these two positions and believe that they can. I hope Gustavo feels that way as he would add much to our team.
It is a challenge to convince some players, I’m sure. But hopefully there are enough good players who would come despite this issue of the WC year.
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Exactly!
I dare say that a striker may get a hard time getting in with how OG has looked so far, I see him doing big time damage. Can we get an Eduardo type killer in? that would do me fine. For me, we don’t need a big name but a big talent that AW can make even better. If not I would be very intersted in seeing with Apkom and Yaya can do. Suarez is a no no for me, he is just not the type of character that I can see in The red and white. If he does come in, I am sure that Arsene will have a really good talk with him about his dirty ways.
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George,
I’m having Luddite problems with this email address.
I’ve sent a post into the spam bin, try the address on that please.
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Limestone, what happened with Gustavo, if you think playing time had nothing to do with it?
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Limestone
If Gustavo was going to start, and MA8 is on and pushes forward, where do JW10 and AR16 go? There would be plenty of games for everyone, but he would not walk into the first team.
He is officially at Wolfsburg, so the subject is moot.
MA* is our for 6 weeks, apparently, so we will see how the Ox, Jack, Rambo and Mozart do.
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Limestone, you did not know that he signed for Wolfsburg? Playing time was an issue with him. It was a reason why he wanted to leave BM and even after signing for Wolfsburg he mentioned how he had a talk with Scolari and then helped him make his mind up also. Apart from playing time for Brasil, I struggle to see what that could have been about.
I also don’t think he would have been a shoe in at Arsenal.
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as far as starting 11, that is.
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Paul-N
He siad he really liked Germany. REALLY liked it there.
He seem’s to have a lack of ambition, though by not coming to Arsenal.
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No, I hadn’t heard. Is it actually official? If so I can see a few factors involved: playing in a familiar league/country, starts/playing time ahead of WC, Arsenal not meeting Bayern’s price, and wages. As to the latter, Fernando Duarte who is close to the Brazil team had mentioned that Wolfsburg was probably going to win out because of the high wage they were offering. We won’t find out for sure but there are a complex set of factors, one of which might have been the player’s assessment of playing time. If that was decisive then I wouldn’t want a player with his credentials lacking the confidence to compete with our central midfielders. But if other factors were decisive, I would have hoped we could make it an easier decision for Bayern and Gustavo to come here. Can someone provide a link to the announcement?
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Limestone
Who said we would or could not match the price or wage?
https://www.vfl-wolfsburg.de/info/aktuelles/detailseite/artikel/wie-ein-neues-leben.html
A lot players in Germany are on a lot lower wage structures than in England.
The German’s have got more sense but VW are rich enough to subsidise his wages.
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On a different aspect of today’s post: where is the evidence that WS is nailed on as our #1 GK? Last season he was dropped and we went on a good stretch, Fabianski got injured, and WS got the position back and proceeded to perform pretty well. That has happened before too. In preseason, including the Man City game they each split time. To me it could be up for grabs.
As to the argument that this assumption was used to make, that it would be tough to bring in a GK. what about a veteran like Schwarzer? I think a GK like him would be quite useful to have and he clearly has no problem sitting behind Cech–do you think he’d be less inclined to do the same at Arsenal where he might actually get more games? For a GK who is concerned about his WC place, like Cesar, I think he would start ahead of WS, who could usefully learn from him for a season as part of his development. Unfortunately WS has only 2 yrs. left on his contract so this might be part of the problem–WS has used that before to lobby for his position, if we recall! Cesar’s stats for last season in the PL are quite impressive and much better than WS’. 7amkickoff had a very good analysis of PL GK’s.
So while it is a consideration, I don’t think it is impossible to recruit a GK, since we shouldn’t assume WS is #1 definitively.
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I didn’t say we could not. Fernando Duarte is the one who said Wolfsburgs high wage offer was a factor. Perhaps we did match but that wasn’t enough given other factors? How do we know the precise set of calculations over the various factors involved? I’ll have to read the article you posted. Thanks for linking it.
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DC, yeah, apparently Wolfsburg had wages second only to Bayern last season in Bundesliga, I believe, though I haven’t verified that. But they are known to have some cash because of their corporate ownership.
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George, reply sent!
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Quick match preview:
Bentake? Meh.
The unhyped Weissmann who was their best player on their last visit ignoring his goal will be a threat. Though missing MA could be a weird kind of boon considering his frightening and exciting pace, we’ll be at Home and Villa will (obviously!) look to counter.
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Limey
please don’t forget the Arsenal midfield of 07/08. The scurrying Flamster got in ahead of the abominable Diarra, praise be to the football gods. There’s more then one formula for a successful midfield, and even though I’ve seen it I can’t tell you what it is : )
For myself I would not want to really move a 31 year old with the best numbers in the league in his position further forward. Doesn’t mean Gus couldn’t play, but he would have got more games in 14/15 then this year. And as already said there could be multiple reasons behind Scolari’s advice.
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Flamster is training with the club, Fins. Whaddya say–one last nostalgic hurrah! Actually it is sort of strange given how he seemed to have strung AW along that final year, insured we lost Silva and Diarra then ran off on a free to Milan to rot for several years. Now he’s welcomed back to Colney… Funny one.
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Well on to bigger and better things! Anyone with a lineup for tomorrow?
How will we set up? 4231, 433, 442!
Fabianski (just to be controversial)
Sagna Merts Kos Gibbs
Rambo Wilshere
Walcott Rosicky Cazorla
Giroud
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Not that funny Limey. We don’t know what goes on, we didn’t when he left. Unlike some recent others we don’t know why he left.
The club are happy to let former Manc Beckham train at the club, why not Flamini?
I’d swap LJW for Chamberlain, or maybe they’ll swap at somepoint anyway.
Fabi? I like him. Heh, some (not me) here were critisised for critising Szcesny although I read today that we don’t ever critisize any players. Ah well.
Like the manager he has less then a year left on his contract, he’ll have plenty of options. Whatever he does this season and next I wish him well.
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Good team that, Limestone. I would also start Fabianski, at this point I think he is the better goalie. That young man came in against Bayern Munich and looked right at home. He was unfazed.
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Smart move for Luiz Gustavo staying in the Bundesliga. He wants the chance to play in Brazil more than anything else and a move to England could’ve jeopardized that. Had he come to Arsenal he would have had to cope with new teammates, a new league and a new style of play. It’s rare that a player comes into a new squad all guns ablaze. I really liked what I saw of him in the Confeds cup, so I am a bit disappointed we didn’t get the player. This being said, I trust Wenger to get someone of the same quality as Santi or Arteta to play in the middle. It’s just a matter of time.
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Fins, at the time we blamed him for using his contract situation get some playing time and it seemed Aw expected him to be signi g a contract. In the meantime Silva lost out and that seems to have contributed to his departure. But you are right, we don’t know the details. But do you really consider Beckham as a Manc still? I think of him as a football goodwill celebrity. Nice PR for the club. But my main point was whether you could see the Flamster filling in on some pay as you play deal while Arteta is injured?
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Paul, it is certainly an argument. WS is talented but there are issues there. I can’t say AW is absolutely set on him the way many assume.
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Wojo
Bac,Per,Kos,Gibbs
Rambo,Rosicky,Santi
Theo.Giroud,Podolski
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Gains, I agree that familiarity with country, league, language etc.. factored in. It isn’t just playing time alone. I believe he would have had a chance to play pretty regularly for us too. I do think Wolfsburg offered him some big wages too. It is disappointing, so I hope AW does find someone of equal quality and with physicality, which we can use to give greater range and options in our midfield.
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Any arguments and you are banned..
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I don’t get the assumption that WS is number 1 GK. Fabianski is good enough to compete and take that away from him. I also think OG should be given a chance to prove himself in his second season before being written off so readily.
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Actually, I was considering George’s team and could really go for Podolski over JW who still doesn’t quite look up to speed. George’s 11is better for this match, I think…
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Have a good day tomorrow at the day which has finally arrived – be you there, near there or watching or listening worldwide
And enjoy every fucking minute of it – I will
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I hadn’t read your comment there George! That’s an honest agreement!
Passenal, who has written off OG? He’s a good striker. What does it mean to write a player off? Is it writing a player off to suggest that we need more than one in a given key position, particularly a player with other qualities and attributes that can benefit the team and provide options and competition? I certainly have done that but haven’t regarded it as any critical diminishing of OG and his quality. I think OG to his credit had even welcomed this which certainly raises my respect for him even higher. I don’t think he was scared by the Suarez or Higuain stories.
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Is Steww taking his offseason break?
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Now that you mention it Passenal, the main post does rather shortchange OG, but perhaps is assuming we got Suarez. In which case I think he would be a starter, but not always displace OG as he can play wide as well. I suppose that’s one way to look at it.
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I like OG as a striker I was just trying to be balanced in the view of the team. If Arsenal signed a Suarez or Rooney type striker OG would still get time on the pitch as the plan B striker or maybe in a 2 up top strike partnership. Tomorrows team I think we can cope without Arteta, will Villa try to push through our midfield or try to bypass it either way I would expect Ramsey and Jack to cope. Walcott looks like he’s hitting the season running so will keep the right side of villa quiet its just the Arsenal left I am worried about if Villa target that side of the pitch.
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Swales, what about GK? I don’t think you can assume Fabianski is not in AW’s plans for the first 11 and that WS is uncontested 1. Paul and Passenal agree with me on that.
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Chamberlain was good on the left against City
Sir Szczęsny
Sagna BFG Kos. Gibbs
Chamberlain Chamberlain
Chamberlain
Chamberlain Chamberlain
Chamberlain
?
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LG when people say any striker that comes in would be an automatic starter over OG, that sounds like writing him off to me. Another striker to compete with OG would be good for the team, and I have no issue with that.
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Swales, I still think you are writing off OG, why would he be plan B and not the new striker? He knows our game and offers a lot more than goals. Let’s see who comes in and how he fits in AW’s game plan before writing off our current striker who could turn out to be our number one if given the chance.
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I’ve wondered many times before is fourth place the hardest to find new players, we all know there are the usual clubs that get first pick and after that their are clubs that offer an automatic choice for players, if you then consider some players do not want a move to the premier then the pool becomes smaller and smaller. If you then consider ARSENAL’s reputation of playing and developing youngsters you can see why alot of established players are nervey about signing for us
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If we pay 50 million for Suarez.you had better believe he will displace OG.Unless he plays No.10 behind him.I cant see it though
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He will be a starter but it doesn’t mean OG won’t sometimes play up front, George. And I don’t think price is the determining factor.
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AorB
If we thrash Fenerbahce next Wednesday, some players who have been holding out, may decide to commit.
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There are many factors at play, but the most important is that Wenger looks for specific types of players, mentality and roles to improve this squad. Above that he looks at players capable of fulfilling more than one role, Ox being a prime example, to provide fluidity and options. Gustavo would have been a good acquisition, but would not have walked into this team for a while (injuries aside), likely used only for certain types of situations, and potentially allowing MA into Ramsey’s role as needs will. I can see a loan deal or two taking shape, which will not be on “transfer gossip” radar, or other types of stopgap solutions. Flamini is one such, and on the form we have known previously, is exemplary for versatility. I would welcome him, and he may be the reason Arsenal did not go all out for Gustavo, if indeed we knew we have a multi-purpose player without over-loaded expectations and huge incentive to redeem his career, with some known qualities (hard work being one), we would not be over-zealous in buying until the best becomes available. I suspect a forward able to perform left and central is priority (would have been Suarez), as well as a defender (might be Williams).
As for the core, injuries aside we are well fit, and the season looks a decent challenge for Ryo and Serge on the fringes, as well as Sanogo, and Frimpong (if him being still listed as a first team player is anything to go by, should he be fully fit). I notice a few are already tipping Zelalem for first team competitive debut this season, vying with others as one of the youngest ever. Is he that good? If so, it is very exciting.
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Good morning all
I’m excited. I will be driving down the M1 to my home town in a short while to see the Arsenal. I’m meeting up with Arsenal Andrew, Steve_I, and I hope, CalamityJane and Hunter in the Coronet pub on the Holloway Road at 1.30pm. I’ve just downloaded the matchday programme onto my iPad for free. I feel like a child!
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