Arsenal [Archive] - Page 39 - PESGaming Forums

Barry

12-05-2007, 08:25

I was knowingly exagerating on the 1/3rd of Ribery part, but Babel lacks the intelligence to ever be truly world class and as you said he has an awful first touch (Ribery's isn't amazing, but it's decent) and Ribery has a very likely possibility of becoming world class when he moves to a larger club imo. He's a far more complete and more intelligent player. I can't ever see Babel being anything more than a very useful player tbh.

His first touch has gotten way better and it's still improving, he has been training individually with a personal trainer apparently. I seriously doubt that Ribery will ever become world-class. I'm not denying that I love watching him play, but he can't score for shit, and often seems a headless horse. I don't believe Babel will be worldclass either. I'm certainly not denying the fact that Ribery will be a great player, that would be stupid.

Of course I respect your opinion, and I await the day Babel moves abroad so we can see what he's made of.

Viperized

12-05-2007, 09:59

Ribery has scored a few of goals this season. Unless I'm wrong, he has been injured for most of the season. Last season he scored about 7 goals. That isn't too bad.

Dundon's

12-05-2007, 10:54

Next season Rosicky will get 10-15+ goals from midfield. Henry and RVP will get at least 40-50+ between them, now add that to this seasons misfortunes and well be grand.

Personally I don't want to see another big name striker coming to the club we have plenty and more so already have our 1st choice partnership and like a million options.(when they're all back fit)

Barry

12-05-2007, 11:56

Ribery has scored a few of goals this season. Unless I'm wrong, he has been injured for most of the season. Last season he scored about 7 goals. That isn't too bad.

Yeah but it took about 30 or 40 games for that. He can get himself into position quite easily, he just doesn't have the killer instinct at all. I can't say the same for Babel yet, the man is a striker but we use him as a leftwinger. If we had Pele we'd be telling him to play in defence.

Rossy Boy

12-05-2007, 12:29

Why the hell has Wenger Rested Lehmann and Gilberto, we have nothing to fucking play for and its the last day of the season :realmad:

Dundon's

12-05-2007, 12:40

You'd imagine it's Almunia's last game for a while.

Rossy Boy

12-05-2007, 12:42

Adebayor might not be able to play through groin strain, and lauren and campbell are both injured so they cant play either

Dan

12-05-2007, 12:42

You've just answered your own question haven't you?

Rossy Boy

12-05-2007, 12:44

what do you mean? :erm:

Scarface

12-05-2007, 13:01

what do you mean?

Why the hell has Wenger Rested Lehmann and Gilberto, we have nothing to fucking play for and its the last day of the season

That that's probably the reason. ;)

I expect Gilberto's place will be taken by either Diaby or Denilson, who Wenger may want to give as many games as possible to, as they could have a big bearing on what we achieve over the next couple of seasons and beyond.

As Dundons said, this might be Almunia's last game for us for a while (perhaps until the Carling Cup next season, or even his last ever as some Spanish clubs are interested in him) so Le Boss feels it's right to give him a run-out.

Rossy Boy

12-05-2007, 13:08

oh i see silly me:blush: shall be a good game but i do hope that adebayor is fit to play i cant stand to see baptista play upfront with ljungberg just behind him as ljungberg is fit and is playing

Viperized

12-05-2007, 13:33

Diaby adds steel and height in midfield but is he really a defensive midfielder? Then again, Manchester United have shown you don't need a defensive midfielder to win the Premiership.

Viperized

12-05-2007, 14:59

According to Catalunya Radio, Arsenal will attempt to sign Eto'o. And according to the ever so trustworthy Tribal football, we are going to sign Ribery. Eto'o has said he is great mates with Thierry and his favourite manager is Wenger.

Bammers05

12-05-2007, 15:10

Diaby adds steel and height in midfield but is he really a defensive midfielder? Then again, Manchester United have shown you don't need a defensive midfielder to win the Premiership.

well said, I think that Diaby, being in the same mould as Vieira, would probably need a defensive midfielder alongside him, possibly, for tomorrow, Flamini

Yi-Long

12-05-2007, 15:19

Why would Arsenal want to Sign Eto'O, while they can buy Afonso Alves for half the money!? (Eto's is rumoured to be 50 million euro's right?)
I doubt Arsenal will spend money on Eto'O while their strategy has been to sign young talent and make them better. They'd be better of buying babel, who reminds me of a young henry in his younger days. Back then, people weren't all that wild about Henry either, but he developed very well and became very very important to Arsenal. I feel Babel also has that ability to develop himself alot more, and become one of the best strikers in England. But he does need to improve on a some/ alot stuff as well.

martin_cranie

12-05-2007, 15:47

Ribery has scored a few of goals this season. Unless I'm wrong, he has been injured for most of the season. Last season he scored about 7 goals. That isn't too bad.

He's been injured for a time, but he's still made 23 league appearances out of Marseille's 36 games. So it's reasonable to say that he hasn't had the best of seasons, but his tally of 5 goals still leaves a bit to be desired.

This info from Wikipedia is also fairly interesting:

Career total club games: 139
Career total club goals: 22

So anyone who is expecting Ribery to give us goals were he to sign, should probably re-think their appraisal. Okay he may tear full-backs to shreds, and we could do with some width, but our problem hasn't been creating opportunities to score, but actually scoring. If we do sign Ribery I certainly won't be upset (unless the fee is huge) but I also won't be overly optimistic, as he simply isn't as good as people say he is. He's good, sure, but not the answer to our problems.

Tigermen

12-05-2007, 16:00

Why would Arsenal want to Sign Eto'O, while they can buy Afonso Alves for half the money!? (Eto's is rumoured to be 50 million euro's right?)

Allow me to paraphrase...why would arsenal want to sign a striker who has proven himself in one of the best leagues in europe and has invaluable champions league experience when they could sign a far less experienced player whose admittedly top notch goal scoring record has come in the Dutch and Swedish leagues?

Do you see now perhaps why your question isn't really as rhetorical as you think it is?

JoeyM

12-05-2007, 16:08

The problem is that there are not many wingers with a great record of goalscoring that are available to us. You just have to look at the players attributes and hope it works out, Freddie never had an outstanding goalscoring record before joining us but he had the right attributes and enough bottle to finish his chances.

That said, I think that if Henry and Robin can stay fit for the majority of the season (or if we sign another striker than can competently fill in for them) and if Cesc starts taking even the smallest fraction of his chances then I don't think we'll be in such a mess, especially considering Rosicky will most likely chip in with a few more

martin_cranie

12-05-2007, 16:09

Viperized

12-05-2007, 16:44

He's been injured for a time, but he's still made 23 league appearances out of Marseille's 36 games. So it's reasonable to say that he hasn't had the best of seasons, but his tally of 5 goals still leaves a bit to be desired.

This info from Wikipedia is also fairly interesting:

Career total club games: 139
Career total club goals: 22

So anyone who is expecting Ribery to give us goals were he to sign, should probably re-think their appraisal. Okay he may tear full-backs to shreds, and we could do with some width, but our problem hasn't been creating opportunities to score, but actually scoring. If we do sign Ribery I certainly won't be upset (unless the fee is huge) but I also won't be overly optimistic, as he simply isn't as good as people say he is. He's good, sure, but not the answer to our problems.
Unfortunatley, he has not settled at any club other than Marseille. He has constantly been on the move. I think he is playing is best football at Marseille.

Viperized

12-05-2007, 16:49

Eto'o's scoring record is of secondary concern for me. The fact is that he's a grade A twat who will most likely create divisions within the dressing room and make outbursts in the press when things aren't going perfectly for him / he isn't the centre of attention. He's not exactly a team player, in fact quite the opposite. There's also the quoted 50 million Euro price tag which he simply is not worth.

We could do with another forward to fill the place left by Baptista, and while it is important that that newcomer can score, he doesn't need to be a player as huge as Eto'o.
Really? I think he would settle quite well in here.

We have a few African chaps here too, which may help. And surely he'll show a more positive attitude if he said he has massive respect for Wenger and is his favourite manager.

I'd also like to mention that Adebayor was seen as a 'Grade A twat' at Monaco. He used to miss training sessions, went on strike once, has had many problems with his national team coach and so on. Look at him now! And Van Persie was also a reported 'problem' in Holland.

Eto'o may not be a team player but the strikers foremost job should be to finish chances. We have too many players who won't take any responsibility in shooting. We need a greedy player or two. We already put an over-emphasis on team play. To buy another 'pass first, shoot later' player would be suicidal.

Calzone

12-05-2007, 16:54

why dont arsenal just try to pick up Saviola from barca, Did he renew a contract there? I think scarface mentioned him, he would fit right in.

And Viper you make a good point that Adebayor was a pest before coming to Arsenal, Wenger really is somthing.

Scarface

12-05-2007, 17:01

why dont arsenal just try to pick up Saviola from barca, Did he renew a contract there? I think scarface mentioned him, he would fit right in.

No, he's available on a free transfer this summer.

I think Eto'o would settle down here, and enjoy working with Henry. 50m Euros is obviously a huge amount of money for this club to spend, but if that's what it takes to decrease the goalscoring burden on Henry, and take us to the next level, it'd be money well spent. I'd rather that than spending that kind of money on players like Malouda and Ribery - and the rest on unproven squad players and youngsters - who will never have the same impact as Eto'o can for us.

Viperized

12-05-2007, 17:59

Yep. Eto'o is world-class. A different class. I'd say Eto'o has taken the crown of being the best striker in the world now. He has also scored 11 goals in his last 12 games for Barcelona.

Spent:
Fabianski (£2m)

We could sell:
Reyes (£7m)
Flamini (£3m)
Ljungberg (£4m)

Sold:
Muamba (£2m)
Larsson (£1m)
Stokes (£2m)

= £17m.

Now use that £17m plus the current transfer money (£20m? £15m?) to buy Eto'o.

Our current transfer budget surely is greater than £15m. It may well be £20m seeing as Hill-Wood has repeatedly said we have enough money to buy players.

I'd fully support spending £25-30m on Eto'o.

This allows us to play:

.....................Lehmann.. ..................

Eboue........Toure......Gallas .......Clichy

......................Gilberto ....................

.......Fabregas............... .Rosicky.......

.....Van Persie..................Henry. .......

......................Eto'o... .....................

Unrealistic, but I sure can dream!

martin_cranie

12-05-2007, 18:18

I'd also like to mention that Adebayor was seen as a 'Grade A twat' at Monaco. He used to miss training sessions, went on strike once, has had many problems with his national team coach and so on. Look at him now! And Van Persie was also a reported 'problem' in Holland.

Eto'o may not be a team player but the strikers foremost job should be to finish chances. We have too many players who won't take any responsibility in shooting. We need a greedy player or two. We already put an over-emphasis on team play. To buy another 'pass first, shoot later' player would be suicidal.

Adebayor and van Persie were not necessarily well behaved, but they weren't particularly great players when they acted that way. van Persie is a great player now and can put that transformation down, at least in part, to getting his head together. Eto'o has become a world class striker without changing his attitude which means there is practically no chance he will see any need to change now.

The maths you went through in your other post certainly would lessen the blow if we were to sign him, but I still wouldn't be happy with it. I completely agree that we need another greedy striker, but only on the pitch. Eto'o's greed and ego would spread much further, ultimately damaging us, I fear.

Zoolander

12-05-2007, 18:26

The sale of Eto'o would alert other clubs so i'd add more to your valuation.

Dragonfly

12-05-2007, 19:13

If he can avoid injury, I'd like us to get Javier Chevanton. I think since the re-emergence of Kanoute, and Luis Fabiano and Kerzhakov ahead of him, I think Chevanton could be a steal, and a very effective one at that. His scoring record is very impressive.

Viperized

13-05-2007, 01:06

Adebayor and van Persie were not necessarily well behaved, but they weren't particularly great players when they acted that way. van Persie is a great player now and can put that transformation down, at least in part, to getting his head together. Eto'o has become a world class striker without changing his attitude which means there is practically no chance he will see any need to change now.

The maths you went through in your other post certainly would lessen the blow if we were to sign him, but I still wouldn't be happy with it. I completely agree that we need another greedy striker, but only on the pitch. Eto'o's greed and ego would spread much further, ultimately damaging us, I fear.
Actually I think Van Persie was seen as a very talented player at Feyenoord, but also a bit of a trouble maker.

martin_cranie

13-05-2007, 04:47

Actually I think Van Persie was seen as a very talented player at Feyenoord, but also a bit of a trouble maker.

I wasn't questioning the fact that he had talent, rather that he'd done little with it. As I recall, his performances were being criticised left right and centre during his final months in Holland.

Dundon's

13-05-2007, 04:56

As long as Baptista goes we have a good chance of scoring more goals next season. :ninja:

Viperized

13-05-2007, 10:28

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=466332&CPID=8&clid=3&lid=&title=Wenger+waits+on+budget+m eeting

Interesting.

Is Wenger actually requesting some money for the first time ever? Is he planning something big? I hope so...!

Yi-Long

13-05-2007, 10:39

I wasn't questioning the fact that he had talent, rather that he'd done little with it. As I recall, his performances were being criticised left right and centre during his final months in Holland.

Not really, but the older players and the coach were annoyed by his behaviour, and they kinda went tough on him. I personally felt it was a way overblown reaction. He usually put in a good performance though. Certainly not less good than the other players.

Anyway, why doesnt Arsenal buy Boussoufa, from Anderlecht? Voted Best Belgium player last year, and also had a good season this year i believe.

Viperized

13-05-2007, 10:39

Some transfer news mentioning Arsenal:

Allardyce will also look to spend Freddie Shepherd's hard-earned cash on Freddie Ljungberg,
although he'll face competition from Portsmouth. (Sunday Mirror)

Would not mind Ljungberg leaving. It'll give us some money too.

Micah Richards is 'happyish' at Manchester City, although he admits that he would like to play in the Champions League and would view a switch to Arsenal as a 'dream move'. (News of the World)

Richards is a very good RB but he'll be too expensive and the RB spot is the least of our problems.

Carlos Tevez is wanted by most of Europe, with Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid and AC Milan among the suitors. (Various)

Tevez has been playing excellent over the past couple of weeks. Wouldn't mind him to be honest, although I'd prefer someone clinical.

edit: According to the Mirror, Portsmouth are also after Freddie Ljungberg. Pompey = Arsenal retirement home! Lauren, Kanu, Campbell, Ljungberg - I can see it happening.

Barry

13-05-2007, 11:20

Not really, but the older players and the coach were annoyed by his behaviour, and they kinda went tough on him. I personally felt it was a way overblown reaction. He usually put in a good performance though. Certainly not less good than the other players.

Anyway, why doesnt Arsenal buy Boussoufa, from Anderlecht? Voted Best Belgium player last year, and also had a good season this year i believe.

You could see Van Persie had exceptional talent, yet he was selfish and inconsistent. I think Van Marwijk did what he had to do, and he's done a lot of growing-up since then. Eto'o is different though, with him it's a permanent character-trait.

Yi-Long

13-05-2007, 12:12

You could see Van Persie had exceptional talent, yet he was selfish and inconsistent. I think Van Marwijk did what he had to do, and he's done a lot of growing-up since then. Eto'o is different though, with him it's a permanent character-trait.

I dont know. He never really struck me back then as OVERLY selfish, and seemed pretty consistent, as much as you can demand froma young creative player. I mean, a 19 year old won't be great every match, and a creative player, when he has an off-day, everyone sees he has an off day. A worker can compensate and 'hide' when he has an off-day.

Anyway, I thought he was pretty good at Feyenoord, then the shit came pouring down on him from the other players (you will ALWAYS have other players bitching and moaning when you go for a shot instead of giving the ball to them... especially when THEY arent scoring any goals... cause then they'll have a guy to blame... and who better to blame then the young prick with all the tricks, right?) and he was benched and taken down a notch. Him taking the free kick instead of Pierre was blown way out of proportion, he was late for 1 training because of summer/wintertime, and he seemed to do a warm-up 'unmotivated'. He's from the street, I'm from the street: Guys like us don't 'warm-up'. When I was on the bench and my coach told me to go warm-up, I would be back within 2 minutes:'done!' :D

I feel Van Marwijk, who I feel is a great coach, should have defended him more against the older players. Make it known that this is a young talented kid, he WILL make mistakes, but if we give him time we'll all become better for it.
I feel he was being made a scapegoat for the mediocre play and results. The older guys didnt like him as he was tricking them left, right and center on the training. He was confident and not affraid to speak his mind when he disagreed. The older guys turned on him, and the coach had to choose between the older guys' support, or the young kid. I think he felt this would make Van Persie stronger, but it didnt. Van Marwijk should have been very clear that they should have allowed him some room for being creative and making his own actions. Feyenoord would have been much better off if they would have made van persie a bit more important, instead of taking him as just another cocky kid with a few flash moves.

Viperized

13-05-2007, 13:24

Forget that, what matters most is that Van Persie now plays for Arsenal!

Nturtle

13-05-2007, 17:06

As long as Baptista goes we have a good chance of scoring more goals next season. :ninja:

Yeah...and he missed the penalty today against portsmouth...:shocking: No shocks there...shoudl have let Poom take the penalty...sheesh...

JoeyM

13-05-2007, 17:12

Why the fuck do we let The Least take our penalties? That's the third one he's missed.

vanNistelrooy

13-05-2007, 17:14

Didn't realise you lot missed a penalty. So if you'd have scored it you would have got 3rd place? Then again, if Kewell hadn't scored a last minute penalty you would have too.

Viperized

13-05-2007, 17:18

Apparently Baptista missed a couple of golden opportunities to put Arsenal in the lead. If we sign him then Wenger has gone officially mad. He'd be a complete waste of money.

JoeyM

13-05-2007, 17:36

He missed two free headers, a penalty, and was called offside about 8 times. And I think I've forgotten some.

pistolpete

13-05-2007, 20:04

Viperized

13-05-2007, 20:07

Better question: Why doesn't Toure take them?

He is a very good penalty taker. I've seen him take some penalties for Ivory Coast and doesn't look half bad. He can certainly take one with great accuracy and power.

And what has having a pre-season got to do with missing chances that even Jon Stead would've scored?

JoeyM

13-05-2007, 20:18

ok lads i think the Baptista bashing has gone far enough - yes he has missed heaps of chances for us this season but this is form not talent, you dont score 50 goals in 2 seasons in spain without having something about you.

In my opinion he gives his best in every game and the fact that he gets himself into decent positions is a good thing, he just needs more finishing practice to get back his killer instinct.

I would rather keep him if it a choice of him or Reyes back.

Also footballers always talk about a settling in period and having a decent pre season without transfer activity, and i think the likes of us - who dont play at the highest level - underestimate the importance of it.

Although even i cant defend a record of 0 from 3 penalties this season.

Why doesnt Cesc take them?

Don't get me wrong, I like Baptista, I think he's got a good attitude and great mental strength, especially compared to Reyes. I've been one of his biggest supporters but there's no hiding the fact that he had an awful game today.

pistolpete

13-05-2007, 22:17

i didnt see the game but the facts weigh up against him.
Actually i admire that he has the guts to keep taking penalties when often after 2 misses players hand over the duty to someone else.

On his missed oppertunities - obviously it is on his mind when he gets a chance that he has missed a lot and that affects a player.

I hope that we get Baptista next season and that he proves what a good player he can be.

I was going to say about Toure taking pens but i havnt seen him take any - to be fair anyone should be able to score a penalty.

As Arsenal fans i think that there is too much criticism of individual players, we dont get behind the team enough, Adebayor, Baptista, Flamini, Hleb have all come in for too much stick in my opinion.

Dr. Bob Kelso

13-05-2007, 22:37

Bit of a shit end to the English Season for both of us. I believe we will both do much better next Season.

Scarface

13-05-2007, 23:03

Well, one possible positive to take out of the day; has Mart Poom finally overtaken Almunia in the pecking order?

EDIT: Apparently not. Seems the Spaniard was missing from the squad completely. I don't know why Wenger chooses him ahead of the Estonian. He's capable of putting Lehmann under some pressure, and might give him the kick up the arse he clearly needs.

Viperized

14-05-2007, 00:19

MOTD clearly hate Arsenal. They usually trim down our highlights to last two minutes and show us very late. I've also noticed they barely make any analysis on our play, though I couldn't care less about that part. Hansen always appears to have something negative to say about our club, the cunt. Apparently Hoyte scored a goal but that also was disallowed. Why wasn't that shown?

Bit of a shit end to the English Season for both of us. I believe we will both do much better next Season.
You've still got a Champions League final to play for.

Dr. Bob Kelso

14-05-2007, 01:11

You've still got a Champions League final to play for.

Indeed which is why I said "ENGLISH Season".

Viperized

14-05-2007, 01:36

Indeed which is why I said "ENGLISH Season".
Kinda missed out on that part :P

Nturtle

14-05-2007, 02:33

ok lads i think the Baptista bashing has gone far enough - yes he has missed heaps of chances for us this season but this is form not talent, you dont score 50 goals in 2 seasons in spain without having something about you.

In my opinion he gives his best in every game and the fact that he gets himself into decent positions is a good thing, he just needs more finishing practice to get back his killer instinct.

I would rather keep him if it a choice of him or Reyes back.

Also footballers always talk about a settling in period and having a decent pre season without transfer activity, and i think the likes of us - who dont play at the highest level - underestimate the importance of it.

Although even i cant defend a record of 0 from 3 penalties this season.

Why doesnt Cesc take them?

Fair enough Pistolpete! I just think Baptista has been horrible all season long...no sign of the "Beast" and so expectations have been running too high perhaps.

Out of all the maligned players...Flamini is the unfortunate one - gave his all but was too much of a generalist. He had important goals for us too!

Confidence is such a key thing...look at Tevez...he eventually came round and saved West Ham! Baptista can do a lot more...but just needs to show us fans that he isn't a bumbling meatloaf. :huh:

As for Poom...maybe he needs a few more games...Fabianksi is certainly going to give everyone a run for their money methinks! :cool:

Definitely Maybe

14-05-2007, 14:58

Nturtle

15-05-2007, 14:09

Well...nothing like silly transfer season to come...let's move on...nobody wants the season to start again like an Arsenal fan!!!

Bammers05

15-05-2007, 17:10

Eboue signs new long-term contract at Arsenal

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Emmanuel Eboue has signed a new long-term contract with the Club.

Eboue, 23, who joined Arsenal from Beveren in January 2005, has made a total of 71 first-team appearances (scoring two goals).

He won an FA Cup winner’s medal in 2005 and was in the starting line-up for the Champions League Final in Paris in 2006.

The Ivorian was a first-team regular in the 2006/07 season, making a total of 34 first team appearances and becoming the established right-back in the Arsenal side.

Source (http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=466820&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Eboue+signs+new+long-term+contract+at+Arsenal)

Your thoughts?

K.1.N.G.

15-05-2007, 18:48

Scarface

15-05-2007, 20:03

Source (http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=466820&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Eboue+signs+new+long-term+contract+at+Arsenal)

Your thoughts?

It's good news. He's been getting a lot of stick lately, some of it deserved - his diving and play acting has been embarrassing this season, and his defending has left a lot to be desired at times - but he's got great ability, and the potential to become one of the top few attacking right-backs around.

Dundon's

16-05-2007, 02:58

Agreed, a bit of a twat this year in stages and compared to the likes of Dixon and Winterburn has a long way to go in the "overall solid department".

Way more offensive though are both the new full backs so I dunno, suppose if you want to play the football we're playing these days something has to give.

Lauren was the man, big mistake letting him go so handy but he wasn't prepared to fight for his place and that's another thing, maybe Ca$hley was thinking the same thing was going to happen to him with young Clichy who knows.

Nturtle

17-05-2007, 15:10

Thing is...there are not so many role models now...so it's difficult. Gallas I would have expected to act more professionally...and for him to shut his mouth and not speak to the press...but damn...he's a talker...and to the tabloids...sheesh...

Give me a Bergkamp any day!! Bendtner...you've got a lot to live up to!

Viperized

17-05-2007, 23:30

Arsenal will reportedly sign 19 year old Brazilian attacking midfielder Renato, who plays for Flamengo. Could be a good player. Will cost £2m according to the Independent as he has a buy-out clause.

And these players are likely to leave if you believe the newspapers:
Ljungberg
Flamini
Song
Reyes
Aliadiere
Senderos

JoeyM

18-05-2007, 00:53

I YouTubed Renato Augusto, he looks to be a good player, fast, strong, and very direct. He looked decent in front of goal as well.

Could be a useful signing.

Dundon's

18-05-2007, 01:57

Just had a look at him there, he's on a Rivaldo buzz, I'd enjoy it.

wrigh2uk

18-05-2007, 11:51

To be honest I can see us signing a few no names this season.

Ribery or Eto has to come in or Quaresma even. Players to that standard or equivlant.

We can't signed another 4 potenials this season.. Its needs to be a strong mixture of youth and established bought in.

Viperized

18-05-2007, 12:34

Angry Arsene Wenger could leave Arsenal over the boardroom row which saw David Dein leave the club - and will take Thierry Henry with him. (Various)

NOOOOOOOOO. :(

Let's hope it's all a lie.

Viperized

18-05-2007, 12:45

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCuE-tsMicI

Renato looks like a very impressive player from the video. Appears to be capable of playing down the wings too.

Has impressive pace, close control and has a heck of a shot on him judging by the video. But of course, compilations could make any player great. Nevertheless, if he is anything like the player he is in the video then I'd be pleased with this signing.

nath_scfc

18-05-2007, 18:09

Any ideas who you lot would be loaning out this season?

pistolpete

18-05-2007, 19:56

Any ideas who you lot would be loaning out this season?

Possibilities,
Carlos Vela may be on his way here after being on loan in Spain and it would be good for him to play some English football.

Got a feeling Almunia will be off in the summer, or maybe loaned next season.

Matthew Connolly i think would benefit from some 1st team football.

Fran Merida i reckon will go on loan to get some 1st team football next season as our central midfield is crowded with options.

Who does everyone want to win the cup final tommorrow?
Is it better that ManUtd do another double, or that Chelsea become only the 2nd team to win the League/Fa cups in 1 season, behind us?
I suppose it is no win.
i will be watching the game hoping that it is a good one.
At least one of the two teams has to lose!

Joel

18-05-2007, 20:02

Possibilities,
Carlos Vela may be on his way here after being on loan in Spain and it would be good for him to play some English football.

Got a feeling Almunia will be off in the summer, or maybe loaned next season.

Matthew Connolly i think would benefit from some 1st team football.

Fran Merida i reckon will go on loan to get some 1st team football next season as our central midfield is crowded with options.

Who does everyone want to win the cup final tommorrow?
Is it better that ManUtd do another double, or that Chelsea become only the 2nd team to win the League/Fa cups in 1 season, behind us?
I suppose it is no win.
i will be watching the game hoping that it is a good one.
At least one of the two teams has to lose!

Liverpool won the FA Cup and League Cup in one season - 2001.

Bammers05

18-05-2007, 21:47

Who does everyone want to win the cup final tommorrow?
Is it better that ManUtd do another double, or that Chelsea become only the 2nd team to win the League/Fa cups in 1 season, behind us?
I suppose it is no win.
i will be watching the game hoping that it is a good one.
At least one of the two teams has to lose!

Probably Man Utd, even if it does mean they win the double.

greenegg

18-05-2007, 22:32

Any ideas who you lot would be loaning out this season?

Hark at Mr Loanee team. Potters rely on loans, it goes tits up when ssaid loanees return. I reckon we will finish above you next year.

Apologies for hijacking the Arse thread.

nath_scfc

18-05-2007, 22:54

Hark at Mr Loanee team. Potters rely on loans, it goes tits up when ssaid loanees return. I reckon we will finish above you next year.

Apologies for hijacking the Arse thread.
Here's (http://www.pesgaming.com/showthread.php?t=24664) your thread mate.

Viperized

19-05-2007, 00:29

Angry Arsene Wenger could leave Arsenal over the boardroom row which saw David Dein leave the club - and will take Thierry Henry with him. (Various)

NOOOOOOOOO. :(

Let's hope it's all a lie.
I see no Arsenal fan has taken notice of this news?

Dragonfly

19-05-2007, 00:33

News to me. I can't see it happening any time soon. Although, I believe this rumour than the others about Wenger leaving.

pistolpete

19-05-2007, 12:10

Liverpool won the FA Cup and League Cup in one season - 2001.

Got me, forgot about that - suppose that makes my mind up, i wnat Chelsea to win - but only because i think Essien is a legend.

Concering the Wenger & Henry walking out rumour - no im not worried in the slightest, all Wenger or Henry has said is that they are looking forward to next season, Wenger has constantly said that Henry wont be leaving...... so when the papers make up stuff to sell papers, no i dont take much notice.

Scarface

20-05-2007, 13:30

I'm not concerned about the Arsene Wenger & Thierry Henry rumours whatsoever. It's been slow for any big transfer news lately, so they pull out the usual repetitive trash to sell their papers. Just need to read/listen to their recent comments/interviews on Arsenal.com and it's obvious they're both here for the long run and desperate for success next season.

Dundon's

21-05-2007, 04:13

Nturtle

21-05-2007, 08:35

Your right mate, it's the same old record played every summer, Anelka- Wenger-Vieira - Henry- Wenger and now Henry AND Wenger.

Makes me sick to read this shit.

P.S. I'm looking for some good up and coming players for a Manager game I play online, can you guys PM me on the next big thing in your opinon or someone that might of been missed out on as I'm sure there's a few diamonds still out there.
Also the game is taking on new managers soon and I highly recommend this site to anyone wanting to play the role of a premiership boss (you'd be posting as Wenger if you were the gunners boss), there's no chit chat and no forum involved either so it's not very time consuming. Just one main message board where managers can discuss tranfers or comment on recent results.

So basically aside from transfers, you post up your team once a week and the games are simulated on a PC manager gaming system.

It's invite only so if you're interested pm me but here's (http://www.geocities.com/thegi06/) the site's main page open to the public in the meantime. ;)

Definitely right on the first bit mate...it's going to be a slow summer...

Vela's off in the Spanish premier league for a season...hopefully that'll be a good test for before he arrives at the EPL.

I reckon...wingers and maybe a forward....African Cup time so maybe some defensive cover also...but we'll see. Experience counts...but we have to make sure new guys are not deflated (Hleb), injured (Rosicky) or mouthy (bloody Gallas and his comments)...

Nice one on the GI league thing Dundon's...sorry...didn't quite get what you were missing...

Lami

21-05-2007, 13:10

I know you lot probably don't believe this or maybe not like it but its news and got to post it anyway.

Adebayor Confirms Problems At Arsenal

Emmanuel Adebayor has confirmed that there are problems with the key men at Arsenal, but he remains hopeful that both Arsene Wenger and Thierry Henry will stay put.

The futures of the duo have been in doubt for a number of weeks following hte departure of Wenger's key associate at the club, David Dein, following a boardroom row.

There has been strong speculation that both players will leave this season and there at least appears to be some truth in the stories that the duo are not entirely happy at the Emirates Stadium.

Adebayor told Sky Sports News: "I don't know yet, I think they are going to sort out all the problems.

"I hope the boss stays, he is the man for Arsenal, the key.

"I hope he stays and helps all the young players."

While regarding Henry, the Togo international added: "Of course I do (want Henry to stay), he is one of the best players in the world.

"He is an amazing player so I hope he will be at Emirates next season again."

Henry has again been linked with Barcelona as he was for many months before electing to stay with the Gunners following the Champions League final between the two clubs last year.

Source (http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=3081 74)

Dragonfly

21-05-2007, 13:21

I think if Henry goes, then I can only see it being as some sort of exchange, probably for Eto'o. However, I cannot see anything happening. And about the problems, I think it's a culmination of the Dein problem and the fustration of winning nothing this season, despite playing some awesome football.

Anyway, I'm feeling confident about next season and have a feeling we are going to be challenging hard for the league title.

Lami

21-05-2007, 13:38

Probably all them problems and heated arguments for the good of the team? It is normal i guess specially with a big team expected to win titles and coming out with nothing.

Dundon's

21-05-2007, 14:25

Nice one on the GI league thing Dundon's...sorry...didn't quite get what you were missing...

Sorry mate I'm lost. :mellow:

K.1.N.G.

21-05-2007, 19:05

Nice one on the GI league thing Dundon's...sorry...didn't quite get what you were missing...

Sorry mate I'm lost. :mellow:

typical Dundons - at least he knows his way around the penalty box!:D :ninja:

nturtle, i think he's looking for a few heads to sign up to take over as manager of a club.:cool:

Scarface

21-05-2007, 23:20

Your right mate, it's the same old record played every summer, Anelka- Wenger-Vieira - Henry- Wenger and now Henry AND Wenger.

Makes me sick to read this shit.

P.S. I'm looking for some good up and coming players for a Manager game I play online, can you guys PM me on the next big thing in your opinon or someone that might of been missed out on as I'm sure there's a few diamonds still out there.
Also the game is taking on new managers soon and I highly recommend this site to anyone wanting to play the role of a premiership boss (you'd be posting as Wenger if you were the gunners boss), there's no chit chat and no forum involved either so it's not very time consuming. Just one main message board where managers can discuss tranfers or comment on recent results.

So basically aside from transfers, you post up your team once a week and the games are simulated on a PC manager gaming system.

It's invite only so if you're interested pm me but here's (http://www.geocities.com/thegi06/) the site's main page open to the public in the meantime. ;)

Kaka, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo and Gigi Buffon to Arsenal. If only :happy:

It looks good, but I wouldn't have the time.

Who makes up the stats? Fabregas 1 point better off than Kaka. Good stuff :cool:

EDIT: Also, thought people might like to know that tickets for the Emirates Cup will be on general sale from 9.30 in the morning. Games take place on 28/29th July.

http://www.arsenal.com/membership/article.asp?article=463702

Viperized

21-05-2007, 23:47

Arsenal are doing everything in their powers to catch the man they call "The Bull"

21 year old midfielder Alberto Zapater is reportedly the subject of a £7 million interest from Arsenal who are considering making an offer for his services to his current club Real Zaragoza.

The News of the World claims that Arsenal have sent scouts to watch the player on several occasions during this past season and quotes the player as saying:

"I look at the Premiership matches and see how exciting they are. I do not mind the pressure."
Again, we're linked with Real Zaragoza's Zapater.

I could only see this going through if someone like Gilberto would leave. We have plenty of midfielders and there is no way we'd let Diaby and Denilson let go.

Dragonfly

22-05-2007, 01:06

I think Song will probably leave, probably to a French team, and maybe on loan to start with.

Dundon's

22-05-2007, 01:11

Kaka, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo and Gigi Buffon to Arsenal. If only :happy:

It looks good, but I wouldn't have the time.

Who makes up the stats? Fabregas 1 point better off than Kaka. Good stuff :cool:

Aye mate the Gunners are my side. :blush:

That number is current form, the game generates it so it can go up and down when the updates come in, it's all depending on how the player is doing in general really.

My team in full, feel free to suggest improvments.

...................Buffon..... .............
Eboue.....Alex...Cannavaro...C lichy
.................Fabregas..... ...........
Messi.............Kaka........ ...Rosicky
............................He nry..........
...................Ronaldo.... ............

P.S. Cheers for that list, I'll be going through it with a fine tooth comb. :ninja

Scarface

22-05-2007, 01:14

I've seen a few of them taken, but Raul Albiol, Marcell Jansen, Jesus Navas and Joao Moutinho seem to be available ;)

I'd like to think we could have Gilberto Silva and Zapater as our defensive midfielders, and Fabregas, Denilson and Diaby as our central midfielders, but should we sign Zapater, it wouldn't come as much of a shock if Gilberto signs for Juve, which would leave me with mixed feelings.

JoeyM

22-05-2007, 02:53

Zapater is a great young talent, but losing another one of our most experienced players and vice captain after he's had his best season would be silly.

Dragonfly

22-05-2007, 11:38

http://a237.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/00604/63/25/604665236_l.gif

K.1.N.G.

22-05-2007, 11:41

P.S. Cheers for that list, I'll be going through it with a fine tooth comb. :ninja

List??:shocking: c'mon k1d, as if u dont have a great team already......

I've seen a few of them taken, but Raul Albiol, Marcell Jansen, Jesus Navas and Joao Moutinho seem to be available ;)

i took over sheffield utd ten games in - rock bottom, with no squad whatsoever!!!

totally turned them around, and now we're out of the relegation zone!!!:cool: they had only scored one goal in their previous ten matches, and conceded an average of 4 a game! they're no longer the push overs they used to be, and i've built up a fine ol team!:blush:

i'd to let joao leave last week to build up the squad, unfortunately. i just brought in jesus navas this week, so have him n SWP fighting for a spot on the RW.

by-the-by, james, any chance of getn a sneak preview of that list?!:rolleyes:

-Rafa-

22-05-2007, 11:43

Maybe in 50 years :ninja:

pistolpete

22-05-2007, 18:51

EDIT: Also, thought people might like to know that tickets for the Emirates Cup will be on general sale from 9.30 in the morning. Games take place on 28/29th July.

http://www.arsenal.com/membership/article.asp?article=463702

GREAT, thanks for telling everyone, maybe thats why i spent 2 hours on the phone today as the Arsenal website crashed and they left tickets in the (UN)reliable hands of ticketmaster, who must have about 5 staff!

Actually, more tickets sold to real fans, will mean more atmosphere.

Managed to bag myself 12 sunday tickets (for £260) so im well chuffed!

Scarface

22-05-2007, 22:50

GREAT, thanks for telling everyone, maybe thats why i spent 2 hours on the phone today as the Arsenal website crashed

From the few people that visit this thread regularly that go to games? Hmm, somehow I doubt it.

Adebayor has been rewarded with a 'long-term' contract, while rumours suggest we've joined the race for Gareth Bale. For the money he's likely to cost, it would be a strange signing.

@K.1.N.G - What's it worth? :innocent:

Top Gun

22-05-2007, 22:54

GREAT, thanks for telling everyone, maybe thats why i spent 2 hours on the phone today as the Arsenal website crashed and they left tickets in the (UN)reliable hands of ticketmaster, who must have about 5 staff!

Actually, more tickets sold to real fans, will mean more atmosphere.

Managed to bag myself 12 sunday tickets (for £260) so im well chuffed!

I might be going to this game(s). My mate has got a spare and it is worth £35 to see both Arsenal vs Inter and PSG vs Hamburg. When he told me it was at The Emirates I couldn't believe it, very good price.

pistolpete

23-05-2007, 18:40

I might be going to this game(s). My mate has got a spare and it is worth £35 to see both Arsenal vs Inter and PSG vs Hamburg. When he told me it was at The Emirates I couldn't believe it, very good price.

They are on general sale mate, not sure if they have sold out yet but my tickets were £25 each low down near corner flag i think.

Bentdner has agreed a 5 year deal by the souns of things.

Nturtle

24-05-2007, 01:41

LOL @ Dundons & K1ng...well...figured it all out now!!

RE: tickets...fantastic pistolpete...sounds like a good set of tickets! I need some plane tickets to get there first!!! HA!

Is Zapater any good?

K.1.N.G.

24-05-2007, 18:14

LOL @ Dundons & K1ng...well...figured it all out now!!

bout time too.....:D :cool:

:no: :no:

so u gonna sign up?!

@ James - nice one for that - i appreciate it!!!

Nturtle

25-05-2007, 04:10

bout time too.....:D :cool:

:no: :no:

so u gonna sign up?!

@ James - nice one for that - i appreciate it!!!

Sorry...too much going on...and travel...etc...I would if I had more time mate.

RE: News....finally...the beast is beat...Baptista is outta here for sure! :realmad:

Aliadiere to Middlesborough...and that's about it so far...

It's going to be a long summer...

Dundon's

25-05-2007, 04:39

I knew from the first 2-3 games Baptista wasn't going to suit us, if only the bloke had a half decent first touch and a straight leg.

Aliadiere is a good player but doesn't have what it takes to step in for the likes of Henry and RVP and that's what we need at this level of football. I wish him all the best and hope he does well where ever he ends up.

Viperized

25-05-2007, 22:33

.Wenger handed £40M warchest by Arsenal
May 18, 2007

Arsenal are set to hand manager Arsene Wenger a transfer kitty worth up to £40 million for this summer's market.

The Times says Keith Edelman, the managing director, told shareholders on Thursday that a "significant sum" would be made available to the manager for new players in an attempt to improve on their disappointing fourth-place finish this season.

Arsenal have the facility to spend £40 million on players over the course of next season as a result of a loan from Barclays, but such an outlay is unlikely. Wenger is adamant that he needs only one or two more players of "super quality" and is concentrating his efforts on signing Franck Ribery, the winger, from Marseilles.

Arsenal scout admits Ribery interest
May 22, 2007

An Arsenal representative has confirmed their interest in Olympique Marseille wing ace Franck Ribery.

A Gunners scout attended last week's clash between Sochaux and Auxerre and admitted to La Provence: "By definition, Arsenal are interested in every talented player between 17 and 25.

"And so, we are following Ribery closely - but we're not the only ones."

Along with Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and AC Milan are keen on the France international.

"Franck has exceptional quality and belongs to the biggest of Europe's clubs," said Ribery's new agent, Alain Migliaccio.

Arsenal are also linked with Florent Malouda of Lyon and Ryan Babel of Ajax. Bent is also mentioned as a player Wenger likes. However, Bayern Munich have got a strong interest in Franck Ribery, who is said to be Wenger's first choice winger.

Fortunately for us, Bayern Munich are in the UEFA Cup and not in the Champions League. It has been said that Wenger is firstly going to get the Reyes situation sorted out - before he'll bid for players he will sell Reyes first, with Atletico Madrid interested.

I'd also like to mention that the Spanish press are reporting Wenger has met Atletico officials to discuss about Reyes... and Fernando Torres.

Arsenal have also been linked with Real Zaragoza's Zapater. The player himself has admitted interest! - Our scouts have been watching him according to a few papers.

Rossy Boy

25-05-2007, 22:38

Sounds Good :) should expect some interesting buys

Calzone

25-05-2007, 22:40

.

Arsenal are also linked with Florent Malouda of Lyon and Ryan Babel of Ajax. Bent is also mentioned as a player Wenger likes. However, Bayern Munich have got a strong interest in Franck Ribery, who is said to be Wenger's first choice winger. Fortunately for us, Bayern Munich are in the UEFA Cup and not in the Champions League. It has been said that Wenger is firstly going to get the Reyes situation sorted out - before he'll bid for players he will sell Reyes first, with Atletico Madrid interested.

Would you be happy with one of those signings?

i know i would, Ribery too.

Dragonfly

25-05-2007, 22:46

I'd like Darren Bent to join us. If not him, then Chevanton. A good winger, too. Ribery seems the most obvious choice.

I'm glad we have a good amount to spend. I doubt Wenger spend it all this summer. He'll probably save some for January.

Viperized

25-05-2007, 22:51

I don't know about you guys, but I'm very excited at the news I posted. I'm hoping we would at least sign 2 players - Ribery and a striker. If that happens, I'll be a very happy man. Hopefully everything mentioned is true.

Rossy Boy

25-05-2007, 22:53

yeah another striker is definatly needed as ribery would be a very good signing

Nturtle

26-05-2007, 00:54

http://footballcommentator.blogspot.c om/2007/05/arsenal-pipped-french-star-heading-to.html

According to this...Ribery has been sold off to Bayern!!!! No champs league...yet he goes there!!! Strange...must be the $$$ Well...of course...it has to be true first!

Scarface

26-05-2007, 00:58

That website contains a lot of bullshit, take it with a pinch of salt is my advice.

It's nice to know that we have a healthy transfer budget, but this has often been the case and we haven't splashed out, so i'm not getting overly excited just yet.

Viperized

26-05-2007, 01:03

Nturtle

26-05-2007, 01:21

Wrong. Both Marseille and Bayern have denied a fee has been discussed let alone him signing for Bayern.

LOL!! Well...that's what newsnow does to you then! Thanks guys.

Ribery still needs to show me that he's consistent...and he needs to score...that's what we had in Pires. Then again...it's hard to compare across generations of players...although I'd love the next Bergkamp! Will it be VP?! Heh...or maybe Henry turning into DB10.

Babel might be good...but then again...is Walcott not similar??

Rambo

26-05-2007, 06:30

I do remember Ribery saying he would only leave if Marseille fail to qualify for the Champions League and they recently achieved that.

Nturtle

28-05-2007, 05:12

I do remember Ribery saying he would only leave if Marseille fail to qualify for the Champions League and they recently achieved that.

Very true....so...we'll see....maybe he'll just stay at Marseille...no problem with that really! Except that we might miss out on a good player at Arsenal that is.

All the action is in the Spanish leagues....ha!

Top Gun

28-05-2007, 05:15

Going to the Emirates now on 28th or 29th July, my mate had a spare ticket so I am going to tag along with him to watch PSG vs Hamburg then straight after Arsenal vs Inter Milan. Ticket was £20 so that's not too bad.

Zoolander

28-05-2007, 05:23

Traitor! That £20 could be the £20 they need to pay Samuel Eto'o's transfer fee.

Top Gun

28-05-2007, 05:33

Traitor! That £20 could be the £20 they need to pay Samuel Eto'o's transfer fee.

Well I'm hoping that Henry will be playing for Inter by then anyway. I just want to see some good football really as Hamburg has some handy players as do PSG and Arsenal and Inter are both good sides so it should be good.

Nturtle

28-05-2007, 10:38

That's a fine bargain to watch such games for a twenty!!

Dundon's

31-05-2007, 01:26

Hurry up and buy someone cool Arsene and for fucks sake don't sell Thierry, Jesus christ you'd think them scumbag papers would just let us get on with things and fuck off out of our business.

I think I got the end of season blues.

Dragonfly

31-05-2007, 01:29

Are you referring to the Eto'o plu £17m deal Dundon's?

I'm not sure how I feel about that. £17m plus a very good striker sounds like a good deal to me, but Eto'o doesn't have the best of attitudes.

Dundon's

31-05-2007, 01:36

Any deal involving Henry leaving our club is a bad one period.

The knock on effect on the squad would set us back years and besides all that, the man is a genius.

Dragonfly

31-05-2007, 01:39

I'm just worried that his "I'm tired" excuse is possibly covering up his possible lost desire to play (for us). I'm sure I'm wrong, otherwise he wouldn't have signed a new contract.

Dundon's

31-05-2007, 01:50

Unless the man is a liar he's going to be playing for us next season come the off, aside from signing a new deal what else can the poor bloke do?

You know what Madrid are like with their never "giving up trying to sign/unsettle a player" like they're pulling with C.Ronaldo and something tells me Barca might be playing the same game with Henry.

martin_cranie

31-05-2007, 04:37

Any deal involving Henry leaving our club is a bad one period.

The knock on effect on the squad would set us back years and besides all that, the man is a genius.

Completely agree. Balls to Eto'o and the cash.

Nturtle

31-05-2007, 04:58

Frankly....I think there is not much news..and there's not much Henry says that can't be taken out of context! If someone asks him "are you disappointed" he can't exactly say..."I'm bloody happy" can he!?

so...let's not worry too much...but I do agree that Arsene should move quickly to show the team we can get some good players in that adds width to the team + experience!

Viperized

31-05-2007, 13:21

Completely agree. Balls to Eto'o and the cash.
Unfortunately, he didn't rule out a move to Barca while at a conference in China. He simply evaded the question and said: "I'm an Arsenal player at the moment."

Dragonfly

31-05-2007, 14:25

Yeah. He kept saying "at the moment", like there's a good chance of him leaving.

wrigh2uk

31-05-2007, 16:53

Man Utd by two whiz kids and Arsenal are.....doing what exactly????

Sombody please tell me ?

Usul

31-05-2007, 17:32

I think this Henry for Eto'o trade, is imminent.

Bammers05

31-05-2007, 17:40

This is from about a week ago:

Tony Adams has revealed his dream of one day managing Arsenal.

The former Gunners defender is currently Harry Redknapp's assistant at Portsmouth, having previously managed Wycombe Wanderers.

He admits he is keen to return to the hot seat, and would love to take charge of his old club sometime in the future.

"Managing Arsenal is the ultimate aim. The club was a massive part of my life," Adams told the Daily Mirror.

"Who would not jump at the chance to do that job?

"Everything is in place - the backroom staff, facilities, training ground and scouting network is phenomenal."

Adams is grateful to Redknapp for the knowledge he has passed on to him, but he has been at Fratton Park all season and does not see himself staying for the start of next term.

"The agreement between myself and Harry was that I would stay at Portsmouth for a year," Adams explained.

"I have learned so much but assistant manager is the most frustrating job in football.

"I now miss having my head on the block."

Source (http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=468311&CPID=8&clid=3&lid=&title=Adams+reveals+Arsenal+am bition)

Your thoughts?

CaptainCabinet

31-05-2007, 17:41

I knew that ages ago. Pretty obvious an' all.

Tony, don't go. :crymore:

Zoolander

31-05-2007, 17:43

Let just hope his managing is like his football analysis on MOTD.

Viperized

31-05-2007, 17:44

I think this Henry for Eto'o trade, is imminent.
Based on what?
According to who?

martin_cranie

31-05-2007, 18:03

Unfortunately, he didn't rule out a move to Barca while at a conference in China. He simply evaded the question and said: "I'm an Arsenal player at the moment."

I'm not trying to cast doubt over the possibility of the deal, but rather state my distaste for it.

Nturtle

01-06-2007, 07:21

Man Utd by two whiz kids and Arsenal are.....doing what exactly????

Sombody please tell me ?

Damn good question. The funny thing is...these two whiz kids Anderson and Nani are "proven" (playing for their country + UEFA Cups etc) + Owen Hargreaves...and that is a big confidence booster for ManU fans.

I just hope Arsene has something up his sleeves...otherwise the "perception" is that we are weaker. The reality is that a lot of our youngsters have been blooded...which is fantastic...but they are just not as "proven" in other people's/press eyes. Remember this...we had the MOST players at the world cup last time of any top club...if the standard of play at the wc is anything to go by....that's not bad!

The funny story is about Cisse moving to Arsenal...how?

Dundon's

01-06-2007, 14:46

If that useless cunt joins us I'm given up on the football, just when you thought it couldn't get any worse than Baptista this Cisse shit starts to rise.

Usul

01-06-2007, 15:45

Based on what?
According to who?
It's just a hunch, my boy.

Scarface

02-06-2007, 02:24

Any deal involving Henry leaving our club is a bad one period.

The knock on effect on the squad would set us back years and besides all that, the man is a genius.

The more i've thought about it, the more I agree with that notion.

Not only is Henry the greatest striker in the world, bar none, as far as i'm concerned, he has a love and passion for the club that will not be found elsewhere, and how often do you hear a transfer target or top player taking an interest because they would like to play alongside him? He more often than not gets a mention when a target states their interest in joining Arsenal. Would Eto'o create the same interest for us? Great striker admittedly, but absolutely no chance. Let's face it, we don't possess many other world class players at the moment, and certainly no other football icons, so losing Thierry would be more than just losing one of the best players we've ever had.

I think we'll see a fired up and revitalised Henry next season, ready to reclaim his status as the Premiership's top player. I'm certain he will stay if it is solely up to him. Unfortunately, Wenger's business mind may see such a deal as Eto'o plus 17m (if it's on the table) too good to turn down for a player a few months away from reaching 30.

"I already answered so many times ... You know already the answer," he said when asked at a press conference here if he would be with Arsenal next season.

That leaves me with more optimism than the "I repeat, for now i'm an Arsenal player, that's all there is to say" quote.

Dundon's

02-06-2007, 04:37

Tigermen

02-06-2007, 13:08

Exactly James and if we want Eto'o badly enough then we should just fork out and get the cunt in like everyone else seems to do. This summer will really prove if we are a buying or selling club. In the past I seen Anelka, Petit, Overmars and Vieira all go for big money moves and each one broke my heart at the time.

Breaking down the replacments......

Anelka = Henry
Overmars = Pires
Petit = Gilberto
Vieira = Fabregas

Now in all the above case we seemed to recover and bar the Vieira/Fabregas (which is in the early days) switch all the others are improvments, but Thierry is different, Henry is going to be up there with the Maradona/Pele's of the world and players of that calibur only come round once every generation.

In many ways I agree with you and Henry is without a doubt the finest player I've seen at Arsenal. But as you've touched on here, going through those transfers and their replacements it's never the end of the world. Ever since I've been supporting Arsenal, there's always been the 'one' player we just couldn't bear losing - Adams, Wright (I remember Wrighty handed in a transfer request in '96 and it broke my heart!) Vieira etc and we've always survived when the unthinkable happens.

Now Henry is the best we've ever had, so I don't think it'll be as simple this time, but the fact is 'someone else' always comes along. In 2 or 3 seasons, one of our key players will probably be someone we've never heard of now. I mean, look at 1997/8 for example, Wrighty's on his way out, Anelka's a season away from leaving, but in two years time Henry was to arrive even though we didn't know it at the time. In 02/03 and 03/04 when Vieira was so strongly tipped to leave, little did we know that in two years time Fab4 was going to be running things in the midfield. I'd also say that Fab's loss now would be just as, if not more detrimental than Henry's.

Put it this way, if VP stayed fit last season, I honestly think we'd have had a decent shout of getting 2nd place, without Henry. So yes it'd be unwelcome if he left, but I don't think it'd be the end of the world. Of course, I still hope it doesn't happen though.

Bammers05

02-06-2007, 14:59

Looks like Aliadiere's going:

Skysports.com understand that Middlesbrough are set to agree a deal with Arsenal for Jeremie Aliadiere.

Boro were close to signing the French striker in January, but their interest cooled in recent weeks and they looked like going elsewhere.

However, with rivals interest from the Premiership and La Liga - Boro boss Gareth Southgate has again launched a bid.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is willing to do business as Aliadiere - who featured a number of times towards the end of last season - wants regular first-team football.

The 24-year-old has been with Arsenal for eight years and obviously feels the time is now right to move on and Teesside looks set to be his new home.

Source (http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=469725&CPID=8&clid=3&lid=&title=Boro+move+for+Gunner&channel=&)

Also:

Reports in Spain claim Barcelona will fight tooth and nail to keep Samuel Eto'o in the face of renewed interest from a host of Europe's most powerful clubs.

The Cameroon striker - who is currently on international duty preparing for a match with Liberia on Saturday - has enjoyed another productive season for Barca despite a serious knee injury earlier in the campaign that sidelined him for four months.

The African has still managed to bag 13 goals - including 12 in 15 league starts - cementing his reputation as one of the continent's top marksmen.

However, renowned for his outspoken views, Eto'o has caused a certain amount of unrest at Camp Nou and had a highly-publicised fall-out with Ronaldinho earlier in the term.

It was thought that Barca were preparing to offload him this summer with Arsenal's Thierry Henry his preferred replacement, but the Catalan giants are now reported to have changed their stance.

His fine form, which has been the catalyst for Barca's resurgent title bid, has convinced the club's hierarchy to retain his services although they will make it clear to the 26-year-old that further controversial outbursts will not be tolerated.

Eto'o's list of admirers reads like a who's who of Europe's premier outfits with Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Milan and Internazionale all ready to make their move given encouragement.

Rafa Benitez, armed with a substantial summer transfer kitty, is thought to have pinpointed Eto'o as the prolific goalscorer to spearhead what is likely to be a revamped side next term with Spanish sports newspaper AS claiming an incredible €60 million (£40 million) is being readied.

They would be sure to face stiff competition for the former Mallorca hot-man, although it would now appear that Barca will shun all offers to keep hold of their coveted striker.

Source (http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=469727&CPID=21&clid=3&lid=&title=Barca+to+fight+for+Eto'o )

So it seems Eto'o won't be joining us this summer

Dundon's

02-06-2007, 19:18

Well if Eto'o isn't leaving then there's a fat chance of Henry joining Barca.

Phew....

P.S. I still don't believe anything I read or hear from the papers so I'm going to continue doing what I always do and play it all by ear. :ninja:

Jonny2J

03-06-2007, 14:41

Viperized

03-06-2007, 15:18

Quite a bold statement, and no I'm not just on about the fact I have bolded the text.
I'd agree with that.

But I'd personally say Henry has been the best striker I've seen during the past decade, IMHO.

Jonny2J

03-06-2007, 15:23

I'd agree with that.

But I'd personally say Henry has been the best striker I've seen during the past decade, IMHO.In The Premiership there's no argument about that but world wide I'm not so sure.

Viperized

03-06-2007, 16:17

I guess the other candidate for that title is Ronaldo. Is that who you have in mind?

Dundon's

03-06-2007, 21:26

Jonny2J

03-06-2007, 21:28

Henry has preformed at every level and should of won the European player of the year twice and you know it so saying he's not in the same league as the two lads is madness.

Maradona and Pele are special players yes, but so is Henry simple as.Henry is not in the same league as the above two players despite how great he has been.

Only Ronaldo and Zidane from the past decade's generation rank up amongst the all time greats IMO.

How on Earth is it madness saying he's not in the same league as those two players? tell me what Henry has done himself at international level under the most difficult of circumstances like those two players achieved.

Tell me did Henry play a starring role in 2 Winning World Cups like Pele did? Did he almost single handedly win a World Cup on his own like Maradona did?

Case closed.

What next Dundons? Fabregas as good as Gerson?

Bammers05

03-06-2007, 21:29

Carlo Ancelotti has admitted Milan hold an interest in Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.

Henry is once again being linked with a move away from Arsenal, with Barcelona reportedly hot on the Frenchman's trail.

The Gunners have stated their intention to retain the services of their talisman, but his future continues to be speculated upon and Ancelotti has added fuel to the fire by admitting he could be interested in signing the former Monaco man.

"Our will is to sign a midfielder and a forward," Ancelotti told the Italian press. "You know of the names that are circulating.

"There are lots of big-name strikers, but there is nothing concrete as these players are playing for big teams.

"Henry is a great player and he could be of interest to us."

Source (http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=470054&CPID=21&clid=120&lid=2&title=Milan+hold+Henry+interes t)

Seems Barca aren't the only ones interested in Henry

wrigh2uk

03-06-2007, 21:32

If we sell Henry the only thing it will prove is that we really are a selling club.

McGregor

03-06-2007, 21:51

Henry has preformed at every level and should of won the European player of the year twice and you know it so saying he's not in the same league as the two lads is madness.

Maradona and Pele are special players yes, but so is Henry simple as.

I'm going to have to dispute this claim as I feel it is totally unsubstantial. To put Henry on the same pedestal as Diego and Pele is incorrect and I honestly do not know how you can come to this logical conclusion. In football there have been many fantastic players who have been quite magnificent but every so often you get a player who is majestic and really no superlatives can do them justice.

For me, Henry does not fit this mold. He is not currently the best player in the world, to me he is not even the best striker in the world and in my opinion he is not even the best of his generation. Whether or not you regard the best of his generation to be Ronaldo, Romario or some other supremely gifted player that is your prerogative but surely we can all admit that saying Henry is on par with the very best ever is a stretch too far.

May just be me but Henry will be remembered as a very good player but not one of the all time bests.

Personally I think Eto'o would be a great replacement, especially if you get cash to invest elsewhere.

Dundon's

03-06-2007, 21:59

Henry is not in the same league as the above two players despite how great he has been.

Only Ronaldo and Zidane from the past decade's generation rank up amongst the all time greats IMO.

How on Earth is it madness saying he's not in the same league as those two players? tell me what Henry has done himself at international level under the most difficult of circumstances like those two players achieved.

Tell me did Henry play a starring role in 2 Winning World Cups like Pele did? Did he almost single handedly win a World Cup on his own like Maradona did?

Case closed.

What next Dundons? Fabregas as good as Gerson?

Henry has a world cup and European Championship medal under his belt mate, along with that his form in the champions league over the years is 2nd to none, add to that him been the greatest player in the history premiership and it's quite a nice CV.

Pound for pound he can hold his own with the best of them that's all I'm saying, Pele and Maradona were "examples".

Lets not forget the fact how much the game has come on in the meantime too.

P.S. I rate Fabregas as the best young center midfielder in the world. ;)

wrigh2uk

03-06-2007, 22:01

I'm going to have to dispute this claim as I feel it is totally unsubstantial. To put Henry on the same pedestal as Diego and Pele is incorrect and I honestly do not know how you can come to this logical conclusion. In football there have been many fantastic players who have been quite magnificent but every so often you get a player who is majestic and really no superlatives can do them justice.

For me, Henry does not fit this mold. He is not currently the best player in the world, to me he is not even the best striker in the world and in my opinion he is not even the best of his generation. Whether or not you regard the best of his generation to be Ronaldo, Romario or some other supremely gifted player that is your prerogative but surely we can all admit that saying Henry is on par with the very best ever is a stretch too far.

May just be me but Henry will be remembered as a very good player but not one of the all time bests.

Personally I think Eto'o would be a great replacement, especially if you get cash to invest elsewhere.

I think what Dundon and Viperized are summarising, is that if you put those players in a league of their own. Henry is in the league just not near the top of it.

Jonny2J

03-06-2007, 22:06

Henry has a world cup and European Championship medal under his belt mate, along with that his form in the champions league over the years is 2nd to none, add to that him been the greatest player in the history premiership and it's quite a nice CV.

Pound for pound he can hold his own with the best of them that's all I'm saying, Pele and Maradona were "examples".

Lets not forget the fact how much the game has come on in the meantime too.

P.S. I rate Fabregas as the best young center midfielder in the world. ;)Guivarc'h has a World Cup Winners medal to his name? what is your point about that?

Peter Schmeichel is the greatest player in the history of The Premiership.

Say for example Ronaldo who was the best player in the World Cup on two occasions and still scoring 3 goals in the last tournament despite being criminally overweight and unfit thus becoming the top scorer in World Cup history. Scoring the most goals in a single World Cup tournament in 32 years averaging more than a goal a game, which is unheard of in modern football in such a high ranking tournament.

What is people's lasting memory of Henry in World Cup tournaments? falling down holding his face because Puyol was man marking him "roughly" in the Champions League final.

Why have you not mentioned his individual performances in such International tournaments Dundons? why is it that you've only referred to the medals he has picked up? I think we both know the answer to that.

Henry flopped in Italy, did Ronaldo?

Don't get me wrong if he was fit now I'd say Henry is the best player in the world but by no means is he up there with Pele and co, as a matter of fact I don't rate him as the best Arsenal player I've had the joy to watch. That accolade goes to one Dennis Bergkamp.

Viperized

03-06-2007, 22:13

Henry flopped in Italy, did Ronaldo?
Henry played a total of 16 games. And those are not 16 starts. He was also seen as a left-winger with them.

I think what Dundon and Viperized are summarising, is that if you put those players in a league of their own. Henry is in the league just not near the top of it.
Heh, the only thing I said was Henry was the best striker of the past decade and I added a IMHO to the end. But I then thought of Ronaldo. Still, Henry is definitely one of the better strikers in Europe of the past decade without a doubt. During 2003-2006, Henry was pretty much Europe's best striker.

Did I compare him to Maradona and Pele? Of course not.

Barry

03-06-2007, 22:16

What next Dundons? Fabregas as good as Gerson?

I think one day he might well be. Shame he plays for Spain, classic underachievers. Although I can't really judge being from Holland :crymore:

Calzone

03-06-2007, 22:16

Why cant you compare henry to maradona and pele again?

Dragonfly

03-06-2007, 22:17

Bergkamp's the greatest Premiership player.

Dundon's

03-06-2007, 22:38

Why cant you compare henry to maradona and pele again?

Because the above can make bolts of lighting shoot out of their arses.

Jonny2J

03-06-2007, 22:44

Because the above can make bolts of lighting shoot out of their arses.Or because they have both shown up at the highest level of the game for their national teams.

Calzone

03-06-2007, 22:46

Think we can rate henry up there with them.

Jonny2J

03-06-2007, 22:51

Christ almighty why do I even bother?

Dundon's

03-06-2007, 22:54

Or because they have both shown up at the highest level of the game for their national teams.

Pele played in Brazil where you didn't see him and Maradona had a handful of good years in Italy. I can name like a million players that had great world cups and ended up shit after a big money moves so having a good world cup isn't the be all end all either.

George Best and Liam Brady so must be shit going by your theory.

Jonny2J

03-06-2007, 22:55

Pele played in Brazil where you didn't see him and Maradona had a handful of good years in Italy. I can name like a million players that had great world cups and ended up shit after a big money moves so having a good world cup isn't the be all end all either.Did Pele and Maradona both end up shit like?

A handful of good years in Italy is quite an understatement to say the least.

Dundon's

03-06-2007, 22:58

Maradona was fucked in his late 20s, fucked as in "went like Gazza".

How many full games did you see Pele play in personally?

Viperized

03-06-2007, 23:02

Dundon's, Henry was not as good as Maradona or Pele...

Both of those players have won the likes of the World Cup for their country, especially Maradona who was the sole reason why the Argies won it. He single handily won Napoli the Italian league title too.

Calzone

03-06-2007, 23:05

Hey guys there from a different time so its hard to judge. We put maradona so high that no one in this gen or the next can ever compete. I think henry and Ronaldo... etc are the closet to be like them or are just as good.

Jonny2J

03-06-2007, 23:06

Maradona was fucked in his late 20s, fucked as in "went like Gazza".

How many full games did you see Pele play in personally?Went like the same Gazza who was the best midfielder in the world at one point? the player who'd walk into any team in the world right now at his peak, that one?

I can't think of any midfielder who is currently playing in The Premiership now or actually has played in The Premiership who is better than Gazza was.

I've saw every Brazil game from '58, '62 and '70. I've got countless matches of Santos as well when they came over to Europe and absolutely annihilated all of the opposition at the time. Especially the so called catanaccio that the Italian teams mastered, it was absolutely ripped to shreds with Pele leading the charge.

Dundon's

03-06-2007, 23:07

Dundon's, Henry was not as good as Maradona or Pele...

I rate Henry as good as any player I've ever seen and that's my opinion. Everything you said about Maradona winning the league for Napoli has been written in the papers about Henry in the past also so lets jst put that point to the side.

We'll just agree to disagree on this.

EDIT: Jonny I ment "Went like Gazza" as in wasted his talents young.

Usul

03-06-2007, 23:08

Comparing Henry to Maradona or Pele, is preposterous. :ninja:

Maradona would dribble past defenders and keepers twice, just for fun.

Dundon's

03-06-2007, 23:11

Fucking hell I used them as examples of legend players, you're allowed more than 2 like.

Jonny2J

03-06-2007, 23:14

I rate Henry as good as any player I've ever seen and that's my opinion. Everything you said about Maradona winning the league for Napoli has been written in the papers about Henry in the past also so lets jst put that point to the side.

We'll just agree to disagree on this.No it hasn't though. Did Henry go to an Arsenal side that was starved on any sort of success? Did he build up a team from virtually nothing albeit with the help of the likes of Careca and co.

When Henry goes will Arsenal wilt like Napoli did when Maradona left?

Perhaps the way Napoli were before Maradona went to them would be say if Henry went to Middlesbrough would he have the same impact that Maradona did at Napoli? no he wouldn't as for a start he doesn't have the right attitude. He'd moan and sulk at the rest of his team mates instead of encouraging and inspiring like Maradona did.

Jonny2J

03-06-2007, 23:15

Fucking hell I used them as examples of legend players, you're allowed more than 2 like.But you clearly didn't, you named the two greatest of all time and believe Henry ranks up there with them. You're only back tracking on that due to the backlash you're receiving from everyone on here.

Calzone

03-06-2007, 23:19

No it hasn't though. Did Henry go to an Arsenal side that was starved on any sort of success? Did he build up a team from virtually nothing albeit with the help of the likes of Careca and co.

When Henry goes will Arsenal wilt like Napoli did when Maradona left?

Perhaps the way Napoli were before Maradona went to them would be say if Henry went to Middlesbrough would he have the same impact that Maradona did at Napoli? no he wouldn't as for a start he doesn't have the right attitude. He'd moan and sulk at the rest of his team mates instead of encouraging and inspiring like Maradona did.

bull shit:)

Also Henry is more then just a footballer as is maradona. You can compare the 2 on both aspects.;)

Dundon's

03-06-2007, 23:21

Henry is going to be up there with the Maradona/Pele's of the world and players of that calibur only come round once every generation.

As in plural (more players could of been listed)

My post reads (to me) "Henry will be remembered along side the best players the world has ever seen"

Not much back tracking going on there junior. ;)

martin_cranie

03-06-2007, 23:29

Or because they have both shown up at the highest level of the game for their national teams.

While I agree with your thoughts on Henry, this particular point doesn't strike me as fair or well thought out.

Many would argue that someone like George Best was of roughly equal talent to Pele, yet according to your point he cannot be compared simply because he didn't do wonders at one or more World Cups.

In actuality, Brazil's World Cup successes in that era weren't merely a reflection of the abilities of one player, but of many. While Northern Ireland had some good players, Brazil typically had a far better team during the Pele-Best era, thus making Pele's chances of getting into the World Cup in the first place far greater than Best's. Pele's individual performances may have been matched by someone like Best had his nations players been of the quality of Pele's team mates, thus providing him the platform from which to play his game.

Offering judgements of players based on the silverware they've won simply isn't adequate on it's own, just like OPTA stats saying that Hleb is the 10th best player in The Premiership doesn't accurately reflect the truth. (Forgive me Hleb, for I think you're awesome)

Anyway it's all subjective so let's not waste our time arguing. After all, sensible people recognise that the answer is always Oranje. Cruyff is the best player ever and Bergkamp is the best player in Premiership history. :tongue:

Jonny2J

03-06-2007, 23:30

bull shit:)

Also Henry is more then just a footballer as is maradona. You can compare the 2 on both aspects.;)How so? is Henry the sort of inspiring character like Maradona was? personally I don't think so.

Jonny2J

03-06-2007, 23:35

While I agree with your thoughts on Henry, this particular point doesn't strike me as fair or well thought out.

Many would argue that someone like George Best was of roughly equal talent to Pele, yet according to your point he cannot be compared simply because he didn't do wonders at one or more World Cups.

In actuality, Brazil's World Cup successes in that era weren't merely a reflection of the abilities of one player, but of many. While Northern Ireland had some good players, Brazil typically had a far better team during the Pele-Best era, thus making Pele's chances of getting into the World Cup in the first place far greater than Best's. Pele's individual performances may have been matched by someone like Best had his nations players been of the quality of Pele's team mates, thus providing him the platform from which to play his game.
Difference being though that Henry has played in three World Cup's now and not left an imprint of any kind in all of the tournaments he has partook in despite being in a team with the likes of Zidane. That's why the comparison can be made.

Best just never got the chance to play at such a level due to the ability of his team mates.

Dundon's

03-06-2007, 23:38

How so? is Henry the sort of inspiring character like Maradona was? personally I don't think so.

And you know Thierry personally, Jonny. :rolleyes:

All the man can do is walk around the likes of Real Madrid and Spurs 10 times and walk the ball into the net. If you don't call that inspiring I don't know what you want from the man.

Dragonfly

03-06-2007, 23:39

(Forgive me Hleb, for I think you're awesome)

:D

Calzone

03-06-2007, 23:42

How so? is Henry the sort of inspiring character like Maradona was? personally I don't think so.

Maybe, will never know till his move to boro. :laugh:

Henry is quite inspiring tho, he shows it thru his performance on the field and vocally. But I cant tell who is more inspiring. Both are in the world class category or Henry will be, if he isn't already.

Jonny2J

03-06-2007, 23:44

And you know Thierry personally, Jonny. :rolleyes:

All the man can do is walk around the likes of Real Madrid and Spurs 10 times and walk the ball into the net. If you don't call that inspiring I don't know what you want from the man.Does he inspire his team mates and drive them on when the chips are down at Arsenal? Does he show good leadership qualities? he is a poor captain. Last season for example his attitude was all wrong at times when things weren't going correctly for Arsenal.

Viperized

03-06-2007, 23:45

But he did lead an inexperienced Arsenal team to the Champions League final, no? If you are talking about the 06/07 season, then I not sure how you could say that. He was pretty much injured during the whole course of the season.

I could mention some results such as:
Arsenal 2-0 Juventus
Arsenal 1-0 Real Madrid

The fact is without Henry there is no way Arsenal would've made it in the CL (05/06). We were completely crap throughout the whole season in the Premiership, yet Henry still scored over 30 goals that season to keep us in the Premiership as well as our great run in the CL.

Difference being though that Henry has played in three World Cup's now and not left an imprint of any kind in all of the tournaments he has partook in despite being in a team with the likes of Zidane. That's why the comparison can be made.

Best just never got the chance to play at such a level due to the ability of his team mates.
Finished France's top scorer in 98.
Finished France's top scorer in 06.

Scored plenty of important goals in 06. Scored a goal against Brazil - the only goal of the game if I remember correctly. And that was a big game, no? Some of his goals for France in the group stages were also exceptionally important - France didn't look too comfortable in the group stages didn't they? But I also think its the system France play. Henry's best position is not the lone striker position. And the team was built around Zidane.

Henry is 3 goals away from being France's top scorer too.

Calzone

03-06-2007, 23:51

Does he inspire his team mates and drive them on when the chips are down at Arsenal? Does he show good leadership qualities? he is a poor captain. Last season for example his attitude was all wrong at times when things weren't going correctly for Arsenal.

yes, the last derby at highbury where there were down and henry scored late on.

Dundon's

03-06-2007, 23:58