Arsenal

[Yossi]

Kranjcar is too similar to Rosicky, and Hleb as well to some extent (although he may be off anyway) so I reckon Wenger should be targetting a different type of winger; one with pace who beats a man on the outside and gets a cross in from the byline. In the style as Aaron Lennon, but not one who is crap.

[somegooner]

Like who?? Dimitrov?? I haven't really seen that guy but I think that he is that type of player. Walcott and Vela can play that role too. He might want Kranjcar to replace the paper man though.

[Meyyappan]

Hopefully Helb doesnt leave,here in the local radio hes reported to hve announced voluntarily to quit Arsenal.But if we are going for Niko,i would prefer this guy:

In the 2006–07 season Larsson was used mainly on the right wing, occasionally filling in at right-back or left-back when players were injured. His performances on the wide right of midfield in the 2007–08 season, in particular a man-of-the-match showing against Bolton Wanderers,[5] indicate this to be his best position.

Recalled to the starting eleven by new manager Alex McLeish for the game at Tottenham Hotspur in December 2007, Larsson scored a spectacular stoppage time goal to give Birmingham their first away win in the England League for over three months.[6] He has scored half of his six goals in the 2007–08 season with direct free kicks, two in consecutive games, against Tottenham Hotspur[7] and Portsmouth,[8] and one from 30 yards (27 m) against Liverpool.[9] With four weeks of the season remaining, Sky Sports' Opta statistics rated him as the most accurate taker of a direct free kick in the England League.[10]


He also scored two goals against Newcastle United in the FA Cup. At the end of January 2007 he signed permanently for Birmingham City on a four-year deal for £1 million


He only got 3 apperances when he was with us......................

Why dont we go for him?
Would Wenger do so?
Would we pay him more to tempt him?
Would he think he would have a chance with rosicky constantly being injured?

By the looks of it he seems a big talent,after all we scouted and got him.Please discuss gooners.:erm:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f62SQ87Nl3U

[somegooner]

Sorry Meyyppan but we have already discussed this. I would prefer Niko, Ben Arfa, or Vela. Dimitrov seems like a good signing and Hleb wanting to quit Arsenal is Bullshit. I would also like to see Naldo replace Blunderos.

[wrigh2uk]

Kranjcar is too similar to Rosicky, and Hleb as well to some extent (although he may be off anyway) so I reckon Wenger should be targetting a different type of winger; one with pace who beats a man on the outside and gets a cross in from the byline. In the style as Aaron Lennon, but not one who is crap.



http://www.voetbalvanoranje.nl/spelers/overmars2.jpg


:wub: ....

[Jonny2J]

http://www.voetbalvanoranje.nl/spelers/overmars2.jpg


:wub: ....What a player.

[Stella Artois]

£18m profit on him too and he was never as good at Barca. :cool:

[Meyyappan]

What a player.

Hmmm Overmars :D And why isnt larsson preferred somegooner?

[Dragonfly]

£18m profit on him too and he was never as good at Barca. :cool:

I think that's the case with most players Wenger has let go. He has a knack of letting players leave at the right time and at a good price.

[Jonny2J]

I think that's the case with most players Wenger has let go. He has a knack of letting players leave at the right time and at a good price.Ruthless as well.

[Dragonfly]

Ruthless as well.

I know. He divorced her.

[Original?]

Ruthless as well.

Nostalgia and sentamentalism have no place in business.

[nath_scfc]

I know. He divorced her.

http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2008/03/17/basil_brush_narrowweb__300x422 ,0.jpg

BOOM BOOM!

[Jonny2J]

Nostalgia and sentamentalism have no place in business.Really? I never knew that.

[Original?]

Really? I never knew that.

Well now you do. ;)

[vanNistelrooy]

Divino, re: your sig:- what do you think of the movie? I saw it last night.

[Cannon ball]

Hopefully Helb doesnt leave,here in the local radio hes reported to hve announced voluntarily to quit Arsenal.But if we are going for Niko,i would prefer this guy:



He only got 3 apperances when he was with us......................

Why dont we go for him?
Would Wenger do so?
Would we pay him more to tempt him?
Would he think he would have a chance with rosicky constantly being injured?

By the looks of it he seems a big talent,after all we scouted and got him.Please discuss gooners.:erm:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f62SQ87Nl3U

Larsson is a good player, but he is not top 4 material, Wenger was right to sell him.

[Viperized]

http://www.voetbalvanoranje.nl/spelers/overmars2.jpg


:wub: ....
One of my favourite ex-Arsenal players.

Great winger.

[CaptainCabinet]

Wenger chases Kranjcar
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/03052008/58/premier-league-wenger-chases-kranjcar.html

Kranjcar will do well with us. He plays like Rosicky but isn't made of paper.

Won't happen. Papers making up bollocks.

[Jonny2J]

What's folks opinions of Bendtner btw?

[wrigh2uk]

What's folks opinions of Bendtner btw?

We should have sold him to Birmingham!

[ThierryHenry14]

Well he has just scored!

76' GOAL! Arsenal are ahead. Bendtner slid in Walcott on the left and he drifted forward before delivering a superb cross for Bendtner to head home!

[wrigh2uk]

Well he has just scored!

76' GOAL! Arsenal are ahead. Bendtner slid in Walcott on the left and he drifted forward before delivering a superb cross for Bendtner to head home!

Still not going to change my opinion, hes still shit

[Viperized]

Still not going to change my opinion, hes still shit
Yep. He hasn't showed much this season to prove why he should be at the club.

Him leaving my also pave the way for a better striker in the team, but no point getting my hopes up. Wenger is clearly not going to sign any strikers.

[Viperized]

Won't happen. Papers making up bollocks.
Good. He has the movement of a snail and would not fit in Arsenal's style of play.

[Yossi]

Good. He has the movement of a snail and would not fit in Arsenal's style of play.

Would he not be ideally suited to Arsenal's style of play?

[JoeyM]

What's folks opinions of Bendtner btw?

Ignore the rest of the idiots, he's clearly not shit (apparently if a player's not one of the best in the world at 19 he's never going to be good enough). He's obviously good in the air, and useful in front of goal, but he's still very raw and his decision making is quite poor at times. He has plenty of work to do if he wants to make it here. His attitude is questionable too.

[Viperized]

Ignore the rest of the idiots, he's clearly not shit (apparently if a player's not one of the best in the world at 19 he's never going to be good enough). He's obviously good in the air, and useful in front of goal, but he's still very raw and his decision making is quite poor at times. He has plenty of work to do if he wants to make it here. His attitude is questionable too.
He isn't really that good in the air. Just because he scored a few headers doesn't mean he is a top header of the ball.

Agreed on the decision making though. But his vision is pretty decent and can produce a good pass, like the one he gave Gilberto today.

But I doubt his abilities as a goalscorer. Arsenal have enough players who can't score goals and the last thing we need are strikers who struggle to score goals.

[somegooner]

. Wenger is clearly not going to sign any strikers.

That's because we don't need any. Our forward line next season will be Adebayor, van Persie, Walcott, Bendtner, Eduardo, and Vela. Wilshere will probably be promoted too so that is 6 or 7 strikers (not sure about Wilshere's postition). Rui Fonte might be promoted too so this we need strikers stuff is rubbish. We just need a winger or two, an experianced center half, a central midfielder, and backup fullbacks if Traoré will be a winger next season. Manone will be promoted too I think.

[JoeyM]

He isn't really that good in the air. Just because he scored a few headers doesn't mean he is a top header of the ball.

Agreed on the decision making though. But his vision is pretty decent and can produce a good pass, like the one he gave Gilberto today.

But I doubt his abilities as a goalscorer. Arsenal have enough players who can't score goals and the last thing we need are strikers who struggle to score goals.

7 in 16 for Denmark and 9 goals this season including ones against Liverpool and Spurs. He might not ever score 25 a season but he's certainly useful enough to be out 3rd/4th choice.

[wrigh2uk]

Ignore the rest of the idiots, he's clearly not shit (apparently if a player's not one of the best in the world at 19 he's never going to be good enough). He's obviously good in the air, and useful in front of goal, but he's still very raw and his decision making is quite poor at times. He has plenty of work to do if he wants to make it here. His attitude is questionable too.

No hes shit, not good enough for Arsenal simple as. Hello we are trying to win titles here, not be the youth academy step up team for Arsenal youngsters. End of the day hes in the squad and its more than clear that if your trying to win titles and challenge for honours hes not a player hes going to do that for you. The guy does have some decent traits in his style i will concede .. But all this comming from a supporter whos team hasn't brought through a succesful youth player since the late 90's you can hardly be calling me an idiot when you do not have to watch laments like Bendtner playing for your club.. You can tell players from a young age who are going to make somthing of themselves and Bendtner is going to be a great average striker when he peaks around 27.

[somegooner]

Well at least we know that he will be better next season.
Any thoughts on who we should offload in the summer??
I think that we should ship out Hoyte only. Eboué will be an OK backup RB. He will put pressure on Sagna to perform which is good.
If we don't manage to fill Flamini's spot with a signing I think that we should move Touré over there and buy two center backs. Touré has the ability to succeed there. decent passer, smart player, very good tackler, powerful, good leader, reads the game well, good defending and adept at going forward, good shot from distance.

Just to sum it up:
Out:
- Hoyte
- Lehmann
- Gilberto
- Flamini
- Rosicky
- Senderos

In:
- Loic Perrin
- Michael Johnson
- Niko Kranjcar
- Hatem Ben Arfa
- Nicolay Dimitrov
- Naldo
- Bordon

[JoeyM]

No hes shit, not good enough for Arsenal simple as. Hello we are trying to win titles here, not be the youth academy step up team for Arsenal youngsters. End of the day hes in the squad and its more than clear that if your trying to win titles and challenge for honours hes not a player hes going to do that for you. The guy does have some decent traits in his style i will concede .. But all this comming from a supporter whos team hasn't brought through a succesful youth player since the late 90's you can hardly be calling me an idiot when you do not have to watch laments like Bendtner playing for your club.. You can tell players from a young age who are going to make somthing of themselves and Bendtner is going to be a great average striker when he peaks around 27.

He's not good enough for the first team, which is why he wasn't getting a look in when Eduardo and Van Persie were fit. He's our 4th choice striker and only 19, I'm not really sure what you expect. Several things have cost us the title this year, Bendtner isn't one of them.

I'd respond to the second half of your post if it were remotely coherent.

[ThierryHenry14]

Well at least we know that he will be better next season.
Any thoughts on who we should offload in the summer??
I think that we should ship out Hoyte only. Eboué will be an OK backup RB. He will put pressure on Sagna to perform which is good.
If we don't manage to fill Flamini's spot with a signing I think that we should move Touré over there and buy two center backs. Touré has the ability to succeed there. decent passer, smart player, very good tackler, powerful, good leader, reads the game well, good defending and adept at going forward, good shot from distance.

Just to sum it up:
Out:
- Hoyte
- Lehmann
- Gilberto
- Flamini
- Rosicky
- Senderos

In:
- Loic Perrin
- Michael Johnson
- Niko Kranjcar
- Hatem Ben Arfa
- Nicolay Dimitrov
- Naldo
- Bordon

Why would you want Rosicky out..

[Meyyappan]

Well he has just scored!

76' GOAL! Arsenal are ahead. Bendtner slid in Walcott on the left and he drifted forward before delivering a superb cross for Bendtner to head home!

Its tarore,gets some confidence and hes good for someone below 20 i like the lad as back up.

What's folks opinions of Bendtner btw?

Well jhonny i feel hes class,i also think he put himself under unnecessary pressure when he came and said he was better than ade............

While for the Nicklas slaters when Ade first came around the age of 21 was he even as good as bentner???

on Bendtner's progress...
"Bendtner? Fantastic. I think if you look at Bendtner on the 1st of August and Bendtner on the 1st of May there is a massive difference. He has become a good player, and if you look at the chances he has created, in the time he plays, and the times he has scored, especially the goal he scored today... You need to understand the game because he's on the move, he meets the ball, he finishes well, I'm impressed by him."

on Gilberto's future...
"I would like Gilberto to stay. But I have to sit down with him to see what he wants to do. Gilberto is like Jens Lehmann, you can rely on them, they are fantastic professionals. Gilberto is a fantastic guy. We won trophies with Gilberto and Jens because they are special human beings, you know? You do not win with average people."


Wenger is impressed that oughta be good enough for anyone and lehmann farewell simply loved the gup hMmmmmmmmmmmm :no: :no: :laugh:

[ThierryHenry14]

Goal Distribution
Scored 73 Time Conceded 31
9 0' - 15' 6
9 15' - 30' 6
8 30' - 45' 4
13 45' - 60' 5
7 60' - 75' 5
27 75' - 90' 5
Average per match: 1.97 Average per match: 0.83

[somegooner]

Why would you want Rosicky out..

Because for someone who is so important to the team he doesn't play enough. The guy is made of paper and for someone so important he should play on a regular basis. He is always getting injured because he has some muscular problem and someone with his problem shouldn't be an EPL player because of the physicality of the league. Niko Kranjcar would be the perfect replacement.

[ThierryHenry14]

Why didnt you put RVP then he seems to be made of paper at the moment..

[Gooner10]

looks like milan have all but signed flamini...kranjcar would be good as an adition to the squad..but we need more..such as defence wise and if hleb goes too..more midfield strength

[Stella Artois]

He isn't really that good in the air. Just because he scored a few headers doesn't mean he is a top header of the ball.

Eh? He's fucking brilliant in the air.

Anyway, Flamini's signing for Milan tonight.

What a greedy cunt.

[Yossi]

Anyway, Flamini's signing for Milan tonight.

What a greedy cunt.

Well I don't think he has any less chance of winning trophies with Milan, so that 'greedy' comment is a bit harsh.

[Stella Artois]

Erm? If he's just as likely to win something with us, why leave? It's a fact that they're offering more money, so he's clearly gone for that.

Unless of course you believe that the lure of playing for the famous AC Milan is too much for him. :rolleyes:

[ThierryHenry14]

Yup looks pretty certain..
He was beginning to develop into a decent player , hopefully Wenger will spend some cash in the summer , SSN said that he was intrested in Johnson from City..
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_3519560,00.html


EDIT:Wenger confirms that Lehmann is leaving , I think he has been a pretty solid keeper par the little mistakes earlier this season...
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/04052008/58/premier-league-wenger-confirms-lehmann-exit.html

[Viperized]

Wenger MUST sign a defensive midfielder to replace Flamini seeing as he is gone. We definitely need to buy a CB, DM and a winger.

It seems like the squad gets weaker year by year. More players are going out then in.

(The legend in Mad) Jens has left the club. He will be missed. Key moments in Arsenal career: saving Riquelme's penalty, 49 unbeaten run contribution, crazy moments. Good luck to him in whatever he does now.

[wrathchild_uk]

looks like milan have all but signed flamini

I bet Wenger "didn't see" that one coming ;)

[Original?]

Erm? If he's just as likely to win something with us, why leave? It's a fact that they're offering more money, so he's clearly gone for that.

Unless of course you believe that the lure of playing for the famous AC Milan is too much for him. :rolleyes:

Hmmm... more money, a better chance of winning trophies (in my opinion) and arugably a more prestigious club, I don't think I'd be hard pressed in making that choice. He also doesn't really owe anything to the fans or club, who hardly stuck by him.

[Stella Artois]

Hmmm... more money, a better chance of winning trophies (in my opinion) and arugably a more prestigious club, I don't think I'd be hard pressed in making that choice. He also doesn't really owe anything to the fans or club, who hardly stuck by him.

Like what?

The club picked up him up as a young 20 year old and moved him onto the next level. Where were AC Milan at that point in his life? Where were they last year when Wengerr told him he could leave if he wanted?

[ThierryHenry14]

Wenger knows now that he has to spend money..

SSN has pictures of him at Milan.

[gollan]

Like what?

The club picked up him up as a young 20 year old and moved him onto the next level. Where were AC Milan at that point in his life? Where were they last year when Wengerr told him he could leave if he wanted?

Stella as much as I would've wanted to agree, it's us and Wenger who are to blame - he leaves because he's free. A solid 23-24 years old player, shouldn't be free, he should be offered a contract that overlaps the old one. End of story.

Wenger didn't offer. Us fans didn't press for it. And now, when he's bloomed, he is offered 3 times as much the money. So we can't expect anything of him now.

And we are cheap, and we all know that, and we have this policy of not spending, which was excused for building the stadium and now is just a dogma.

So unlike a lot of other players who were stupid to leave us, Flamini's departure is all our fault, IMO.

[ThierryHenry14]

Anyone got any idea when the new home shirt will be revealed?

[Bammers05]

3rd July, I think.

[ThierryHenry14]

Arsenal women are winning 3-1 in the FA cup final.

[Barry]

I remember the time when watching Flamini dribble the ball is like watching someone playing Scrabble during an epileptic seizure. He's come a long way since. I don't know his motives for leaving (better climate? The Duomo? Fashion?), so I'll refrain from going into personalities.

[Original?]

Like what?

The club picked up him up as a young 20 year old and moved him onto the next level. Where were AC Milan at that point in his life? Where were they last year when Wengerr told him he could leave if he wanted?

Milan will always have a good chance of winning the Scudetto, I don't know how they do it at times but they do. Buying players like Flamini will go some way toward that as well. Milan, also seem to do surprising well in Europe, again how I'm unsure but they do. You lot on the other hand, often should... but don't.

The more important question, as Gollan pointed out, is where were you then? Fans calling for him to be shipped, out as he wasn't good enough for the mighty Arsenal. Some real faith there, his manager telling him essentially the same as the fans and then one good season later they've all changed their tunes. Had you had faith in him and supported him, his contract wouldn't be ending now.

Milan, in my eyes, are a more prestigious club than Arsenal especially for a 24 year old French guy. When he was growing up Milan had the best of the best, Van Basten, Gullit, Rijkaard, Baresi, Maldini, Baggio, Savicevic, Weah etc. They were arguably the biggest club in world football in the late 80s and early 90s, the point in which Flamini would be growing up watching football. So I would suggest Flamini is likely to agree with me that Milan are a more prestigous club.

A higher wage, at a more prestigious club and at least and equal chance of winning trophies is not a hard decision for most people.

[gollan]

Milan will always have a good chance of winning the Scudetto, I don't know how they do it at times but they do. Buying players like Flamini will go some way toward that as well. Milan, also seem to do surprising well in Europe, again how I'm unsure but they do. You lot on the other hand, often should... but don't.

The more important question, as Gollan pointed out, is where were you then? Fans calling for him to be shipped, out as he wasn't good enough for the mighty Arsenal. Some real faith there, his manager telling him essentially the same as the fans and then one good season later they've all changed their tunes. Had you had faith in him and supported him, his contract wouldn't be ending now.

Milan, in my eyes, are a more prestigious club than Arsenal especially for a 24 year old French guy. When he was growing up Milan had the best of the best, Van Basten, Gullit, Rijkaard, Baresi, Maldini, Baggio, Savicevic, Weah etc. They were arguably the biggest club in world football in the late 80s and early 90s, the point in which Flamini would be growing up watching football. So I would suggest Flamini is likely to agree with me that Milan are a more prestigous club.

A higher wage, at a more prestigious club and at least and equal chance of winning trophies is not a hard decision for most people.

No one is a prophet, BUT right now the EPL is by far the best league around, and this year has been a solid proof. The Serie A might take a few years to bounce back, so in reality I'm not totally sure he had made the best PROFESSIONAL decision.

The rest I agree.

[Original?]

No one is a prophet, BUT right now the EPL is by far the best league around, and this year has been a solid proof. The Serie A might take a few years to bounce back, so in reality I'm not totally sure he had made the best PROFESSIONAL decision.

The rest I agree.

I don't think the 'EPL' is the 'by far the best league around', the top teams do seem to be walking through Europe however. If you put their success in context however, Calciopoli rocked the Serie A and the best team Italy put forth into Europe were Inter Milan who are actually physically incapable of achieving anything in Europe, maybe if they get given the competition and all credible challengers are kicked out they may win it. The less said about AC Milan's campaign the better, they were starting to look like the generic old team criticism. Juventus weren't there... Roma got to the quarter-finals and were put out by Manchester United, but were hardly outclassed. Lazio shouldn't have been in the competition, Fiorentina deserved to be instead.

Looking at the rest of the teams I think the quality remains higher in Italy (particularly technically) the further you go down the table in relation to the EPL. I'm quite confident the likes of Atalanta, Cagliari, Lazio, Siena etc are better sides than Bolton, Birmingham Middlesbrough, West Ham and the like. Livorno are currently placed bottom in the Serie A, Derby? :unsure:

The top four of England, are better than the top four in Italy currently but the league as a whole is far more even. I can't comment on Spain in the same depth, however from what I do watch I'd suggest the case is pretty similar. These things tend to go in cycles, Italy dominated in the late 80s to mid nineties, Spain in the late 90s to early-mid 00s and now England are the dominant force. I can't see it staying that way for too long.

I do hope Arsenal find a suitable replacement though as I really would prefer them to win the league of all the likely candidates.

[somegooner]

Reports say that we will sign Jean Makoun. Is he good??

[wrigh2uk]

Hmm reading in the sun today about the whole Flamini thing, but theres bit saying Wenger has already resigned to loosing Hleb to Inter. Saying that his agent has already held talks with Inter :(

[Meyyappan]

“Do I look as if I want to leave?
“Every time I play I give 100% and there is a lot of positivity in this team. I want to be part of this squad. We are a new generation and we have created a bit of history by winning at San Siro. I want to be part of the history [of this club]. I hope I’ll be here next season. My adviser is talking to the club and I really hope everything will be ok. I’m really happy here.

Great.just some 3-4 months ago.

Lehmann - The farewell will always stay in my heart
Arsenal
Everton
Barclays Premier League
Arsenal 1-0 Everton
Barclays Premier League
Emirates Stadium
Sun, May 4, 2008, 1.30pm
Click here for the Match Menu


By Richard Clarke

Jens Lehmann left Emirates Stadium on Sunday with tears in his eyes and a smile on his face.

Before kick-off, Arsène Wenger had said the 38-year-old was "99 per cent" likely to leave at the end of his contract in the summer. Therefore the manager afforded his German keeper the luxury of a 20-minute appearance at the end of the 1-0 win over Everton.

At full time captain William Gallas convinced the former Dortmund stopper to make his own personal farewell. He then joined the rest of the side in a more general thank you to the fans.

Lehmann's name was sung the loudest, proof that his five years had been memorable.

"I had one or two tears in my eyes," he said afterwards. "It was a great farewell for me. This farewell will always stay in my heart.

"The boss told me before that he planned to get me on. It was a very warm welcome on the pitch and I was very fortunate because the team didn't let me down before, just in case it had been 3-0 or 2-0 for Everton, it would have been a different reception."

So how does Lehmann look back on the Arsenal experience?

"It was the right decision from the start to the end, to come here," he said. "Not only in terms of football but as well for my family. My children now are talking, are speaking better English than German, and they don't want to go back.

"My wife and myself, we learnt the language quite well and we learnt about another way of life. A very respectful, very kind way and that's a little bit different to Germany. There are a lot of similarities between English and German people but there are some differences as well.

"As for the football I was part of a team which was playing probably the most attractive game. It was really good.

"In the first two years we won something, unfortunately in the third year we were very close to winning the Champions League, but failed in the end.

"My biggest memory was probably the Real Madrid game at home, when we played 0-0. Then of course the FA Cup Final and then there was the game we became champions at Tottenham.

"I was together with Sol Campbell we were the only players who felt disappointed in the dressing-room because we didn't know we were champions by this time. We had conceded a goal just at the end and it finished 2-2. That was a very, very emotional moment for me.

"But, I said before, there are more memories than only just playing, there is the reception of the supporters. The respectful kindness of the supporters."

And that is what Lehmann saw for one last time on Sunday.

[ThierryHenry14]

I think instead of 20 minutes against Everton , AW should of given him a full 90 against Sunderland..

[vanNistelrooy]

Great.just some 3-4 months ago.
Around the time you were top of the league and fighting on 4 fronts? I don't blame him, but it does seem weird that he moves on at a time he was getting regular football, where as in the past he hasn't.

[Stella Artois]

Around the time you were top of the league and fighting on 4 fronts? I don't blame him, but it does seem weird that he moves on at a time he was getting regular football, where as in the past he hasn't.

Money, money, money.

[vanNistelrooy]

Money, money, money.
You're pretty much spot on. It's sad that this is the reason for most moves, especially when he's already playing in a quality (and better) team.

How much was he on with you lot, and is he expected to be on at Juve?

[Bammers05]

I think instead of 20 minutes against Everton , AW should of given him a full 90 against Sunderland..

Because the Everton game was the last home game of the season, I think Wenger wanted to give Jens a chance to say goodbye to the fans and the stadium rather than giving him a final game away from home.

[Original?]

You're pretty much spot on. It's sad that this is the reason for most moves, especially when he's already playing in a quality (and better) team.

How much was he on with you lot, and is he expected to be on at Juve?

Not a fucking lot I expect.

[ThierryHenry14]

Oh still I think he should of at least had a full game..

Flamini is definately going now..
He passed his medical.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/05052008/58/premier-league-flamini-move-finalised.html

[vanNistelrooy]

I thought he was moving to Juve? May be getting confused with Mellberg :/

[Lord Shrimpeh]

I voted Flamini for captain. Would be a better captain than Gallas even if he has to do the job from Milan.

[accessgranted]

Still not going to change my opinion, hes still shit

So we're going to have another Flamini situation on our hands with him.
i.e. Where the fans bag him out wanting him to depart and then he'll have a good season and the fairweather fans will be pissed at the club for allowing him to leave, etc.

[Meyyappan]

Its tarore,gets some confidence and hes good for someone below 20 i like the lad as back up.



Well jhonny i feel hes class,i also think he put himself under unnecessary pressure when he came and said he was better than ade............

While for the Nicklas slaters when Ade first came around the age of 21 was he even as good as bentner???



Wenger is impressed that oughta be good enough for anyone and lehmann farewell simply loved the gup hMmmmmmmmmmmm :no: :no: :laugh:

I fully support Bendtner and suppose he would surpass ade's popularity if he was a first teamer for the whole season and btw isnt he on 3 more years???

[wrigh2uk]

So we're going to have another Flamini situation on our hands with him.
i.e. Where the fans bag him out wanting him to depart and then he'll have a good season and the fairweather fans will be pissed at the club for allowing him to leave, etc.

Flamini left for Money , simple as.

[Dundon's]

Every player that has left us for these so called "better places" has either bombed or regretted it.

Fuck him he's gone, we just get in someone else.

[Meyyappan]

Yeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssssss .Found him the monsterrrrrrrrrr,if we get him trophies gureented..................... ....Plleeese check it out

Lorik Cana (born on 27 July 1983 in Priština, Kosovo, Yugoslavia now Republic of Kosovo[1]) is an Albanian footballer. A midfielder, 1.85m tall and weighing 77kg, he plays for the Albania national football team and Olympique de Marseille of France at club level.

He holds Albanian, French and Swiss citizenship.
Contents




Lorik Cana was born in Kosovo, but left as a child to escape the war when he moved to Switzerland. His father, Agim Cana, also a famous Albanian footballer of so-called "Golden Generation" of KF Prishtina during the 1980s, inspired him and as a young boy he joined the Lausanne Sports in Switzerland. He then worked up the ranks in the team until year 2000 when he was spotted and signed by Paris Saint-Germain. He finally broke into the first team of PSG in 2003 when during the 2003-2004 season he played 32 games, scored one goal, won the Coupe de France, and finished second in the French Division 1 league. This success was repeated the next season when he also played 32 games for the Paris team, scoring one goal. However, at the beginning of the 2005-2006 season the coach of PSG changed, and this prompted Cana to move to the south of France and join Olympique de Marseille. Since joining Olympique he has cemented his place in the starting eleven, and scored the winning goal in the first match between his new club (Olympique de Marseille) and his old club (Paris Saint-Germain). At present, Cana is considered to be the best Albanian football player due to his value in the transfer market.

For quite some time Lorik Cana has been an objective for some of the largest European clubs. His outstanding qualities and good physical condition have made him one of the hottest topics in French media transfer talks. He has been the team captain of his club since the departure of the former captain during summer 2007, and he is the captain of his national team.

Currently talks with Arsenal FC have been in Transfer Media speculation. Real Madrid[2], AC Milan and SL Benfica have also tabled their interest.



He is Olympique de Marseille's Captain.


.
* Albanian football player of the year 2003-2004.
* 2006 Futbolli.Com Albanian Player of the Year.




http://youtube.com/watch?v=EL_bZAdOKhk

Please check these short clip out its a must see for all gunners hes making roy keane look like a girl,i am sure wenger would be able to control this animal

[Dundon's]

He looks like a mental bastard but more so he looks like a winner and a fighter. Could of done with some of that steel this season that's for sure.

Only thing I'm thinking is that he could be sent off every match, the premier league isn't going to entertain that kind of aggression week in week out.

I'll keep an eye on him, what kind of money are they talking?

[Jonny2J]

Every player that has left us for these so called "better places" has either bombed or regretted it.

Fuck him he's gone, we just get in someone else.Spot on.

[nath_scfc]

Lorik Cana is a cracking player, someone who I definitely rate and it's only a matter of time before he betters himself with a move.

As you can tell, bit of a case aswell. :huh:

[Meyyappan]

He looks like a mental bastard but more so he looks like a winner and a fighter. Could of done with some of that steel this season that's for sure.

Only thing I'm thinking is that he could be sent off every match, the England League isn't going to entertain that kind of aggression week in week out.

I'll keep an eye on him, what kind of money are they talking?

Erm well from what i have heard and seen hes a lot like keane apparently,he the hot favourite in other forums as well like gooners world
maybe this kind of attitude really does inspire the team as keane has been hailed as best of the best and all,he could give us the fear factor as well like roy did at manu.

Whereas the money should be around 5-8m,i think.He might even score us the scrappy goals.

[Dundon's]

Well I'd be hoping Fab ties down the role of getting us double figures every season from playing in the middle but it would be nice to get in a player that can pull a John Jensen out of the bag now and again.

We need a couple of Center backs with the same mentality. It's funny you should bring that whole subject up actually, me and one of the lads were saying it only the other day how Utd seem to always constantly buy these 110% players. It's a field Ferguson has mastered, that's the one area I think he's better than Wenger at regards making signings.

[nath_scfc]

Erm well from what i have heard and seen hes a lot like keane apparently,he the hot favourite in other forums as well like gooners world
maybe this kind of attitude really does inspire the team as keane has been hailed as best of the best and all,he could give us the fear factor as well like roy did at manu.

Whereas the money should be around 5-8m,i think.He might even score us the scrappy goals.

With his height and fantastic physical attributes, he's always going to be a danger from set-pieces too. It might take him a couple of months to settle down and adapt to the game with a few bookings doubtlessly being handed out, but I believe Cana would be a cracking replacement for Flamini.

[somegooner]

If he manages to stay on the field for Ligue 1 matches he should manage it in the EPL. The difference is that he's not English so the refs will be prejudiced against him.

[Miggy]

That Cana looks nuts, I'd love to see him in La Liga. He'd be off every game.

I love a good tackle ;)

[Gooner10]

he looks quality. it may just give us the egde we need and help inspire the team to fight for a win....also i wouldnt mind ronaldo actually being taken out before falling over for once

[somegooner]

The Guardian are saying that Wenger plans to make Cesc Fabregas our captain next season. He is captain material but he's still too young, especially if Gallas isn't offloaded in the summer. We might have another Lehmann-Almunia situation on our hands between the two of them. Touré definitely deserves the armband. I remember that it was him who captained the side during the long winning streak we had at the start of the season when Gallas was injured.

Something I want to discuss is that if Hleb does leave in the summer (which I don't think he will), do you think that young Walcott could make that right wing role his or will Wenger sign another winger. Or maybe Wenger might switch Rosicky to the right side and play Eduardo on the left and sign another striker. Something else we could do is play Vela on the wing. Which option do you think Wenger will go for??

[Viperized]

Fabregas should not be captain.

If Gallas really is going to be stripped off his captaincy, the armband should be given to Toure.

Cesc already has a lot of responsibility in midfield and the 'burden' of captaincy isn't going to do any favours.

[ThierryHenry14]

Toure-Captain,Fabregas-Vice Captain

[somegooner]

Toure-Captain,Fabregas-Vice Captain

Gallas will also be OK as a vice captain. Almunia too. Fabianski has been captaining the side during the Carling Cup right?? I'm not implying that he should be vice captain but I'm just asking as I haven't been able to see the Carling Cup games.

[wrigh2uk]

Fabregas should not be captain.

If Gallas really is going to be stripped off his captaincy, the armband should be given to Toure.

Cesc already has a lot of responsibility in midfield and the 'burden' of captaincy isn't going to do any favours.

I have to agree giving Henry the captaincy did him no favours either.

[somegooner]

If Henry comes back he might reclaim the armband.

[ThierryHenry14]

He won't comeback...

I don't think Gallas would like being Vice-Captain..

[JoeyM]

If Henry comes back he might reclaim the armband.

Right, because returning the captaincy to someone who was our worst captain in ages makes perfect sense.

Jesus Christ, THINK.

[Joel]

Right, because returning the captaincy to someone who was our worst captain in ages makes perfect sense.

Jesus Christ, THINK.

A brain is required for this...

[somegooner]

Might is a key word here. We all know how biased Wenger is, he always gives it to Frenchies.

[Cannon ball]

If Henry comes back he might reclaim the armband.

Not a chance on both happening.

[gollan]

About that Flamini leaving, Hleb dangling thing.

What kind of a message does that send?

Flamini left for allegedly 60,000 per week in Milan, v. the 55,000 or 50,000 he was offered to stay at the Emirates. So it's 10,000 a week, for 2 years (say he was offered 2 years) = 52X10X2 = 1,040,000. That's the cost of him staying. Now, to get a replacement, we'll get someone who's probably not on a free transfer, which would cost at least 5 mil. So I just don't get the math behind it. Why did we give Flam up?

The answer: principles. So my take on that, is fuck them principles. Henry was offered an extension before he left that broke all the salary system. Cesc is on a mammoth contract as well. So the principles can be broken. I think they should be broken.

Why? The message. The message Arsene sent by not fighting for Flamini is what will make players like Hleb leave. Especially as he's one of the older members of the team, and the policy of the 1-year-extension to players over 30. There's another message: Arsenal will not fight in the same arena as other top clubs, simply because they are not willing to pay what other top clubs pay.

So this whole idea of taking a bunch of young players, and let them sit together like good wine in a cask, for a long period, to get something exquisite - is crumbling down, when players that have played together and are essential part of that team, leave.

So yes, Theo can be a good replacement and so will Diaby but giving up key members goes against the logic of Wenger's system.

For myself, I am not happy about this and I think that the fact that the board are the ones to enjoy Wenger's shoestring budget policy, is even more dangerous. For a fact: Hill-Wood just said that it won't be so bad if we don't win any silverware next season. That's just the backing for the "don't spend a dime" policy. First it was "we can't spend because we're building the stadium" and now it's just "erm...No."

What do you think?

[:mrgreen:]

So yes, Theo can be a good replacement and so will Diaby but giving up key members goes against the logic of Wenger's system.

What do you think?

I agree on almost every idea or point you pointed out..
But let's not forget that we need some experienced players..
We are missing that in our team.
RVP in my point of view didn't show any consistency..

[somegooner]

RVP was consistent at the start of the season. It's just that now he's not 100% fit.

[:mrgreen:]

RVP was consistent at the start of the season. It's just that now he's not 100% fit.

That's the point when I said he showed no consistency.

[Viperized]

Nevermind Van Persie not showing any consistency... we should be more concerned at the fact he is becoming a Rosicky clone - injured pretty much all the time.

[somegooner]

Rosicky should leave. He has some muscle problem and isn't suited to the EPL. RVP is just incredibly unlucky.

[Dundon's]

Gunners' Greatest 50 Players - Choose your favourite!

Arsenal have enjoyed many great players in their history but which was the greatest?

The season may be drawing to a close, but the football will keep on coming on Arsenal.com over the summer as we're delighted to announce the launch of our brand new series: Gunners' Greatest 50 Players.

Below is an initial list of the club's 75 greatest players as nominated by the Arsenal.com team. It is now up to you, the Arsenal fans, to whittle it down to a final 50, decide how the players should be ranked and, indeed, which should be called the greatest.

Only players who had left the club by the start of the 2007/08 season were considered. The players are arranged in chronological order of departure.

Voting closes at 4pm on Monday, May 19. The results countdown will start on Monday, June 2, when the 50th Greatest Player is unveiled on Arsenal.com. A weekly countdown wrap-up show will also be shown every Friday night on the Arsenal TV channel.

The Gunners' Greatest Player will be revealed on Friday, July 18.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/7523/40866214om4.png

Source Arsenal.com (http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=490880&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Gunners%27+Greatest+50+P layers+-+Choose+your+favourite!)

Wiltord must be a joke, good on his day but never an Arsenal legend.

Delight to see Limpar make the short list, that fucking Graham ruined the lad.

[somegooner]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/may/09/arsenal.internazionale

Say it ain't fucking so!

[AgentZero]

if i were you lot id vote Dennis Bergkamp with alan ball second and probaly mr pringles 3rd
EDIT: farrrrrk thats rough about Hleb.

[Jonny2J]

if i were you lot id vote Dennis Bergkamp with alan ball second and probaly mr pringles 3rd
EDIT: farrrrrk thats rough about Hleb.Alan Ball ahead of Liam Brady? Don't make me laugh.

[:mrgreen:]

Dennis Bergkamp
Ted Drake

[:mrgreen:]

Adebayor is demanding £80,000 a week to stay at the club.
Nice

[somegooner]

That Ade wants 80,000 stuff is bullshit. Don't believe anything from Goal.com unless it's a direct quote from the player. Agents talk shit to give the players higher salaries and reporters talk shit to get themselves higher salaries.

[Wan]

What would you do if it's true?
Shot yourself?

[Barry]

Alan Ball ahead of Liam Brady? Don't make me laugh.

Amen.

[somegooner]

What would you do if it's true?
Shot yourself?

No. I'll see what Wenger does and hope for the best. But I really doubt that it's true. Ade was an Arsenal fan even before he joined the club.

[Cobinho]

Hleb is probably Arsenal's most influential player, if the cannot afford to lose one player its him.

[:mrgreen:]

What would you do if it's true?
Shot yourself?

simply sell him..

[Wan]

I'm just joking mate no offence. ;)
I've heard that Wenger had join the race to sign Barry.

[Billy Minof]

Looks as though Hleb is definatly going....

Agent - Hleb leaving Gunners

Alexander Hleb's agent claims the player will leave Arsenal this summer.

The Belarus midfielder has been linked with a move to Internazionale, who have expressed an interest in the 27-year-old.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has already had to cope with midfielder Mathieu Flamini agreeing to join Milan when his Arsenal contract expires at the end of June, and now Hleb's agent Nikolai Shpilevski claims his client will also be leaving Emirates Stadium at the end of the season.

He told Belarusian paper Pressball: "Alexander is preparing to make the most important moves of his life.

No way back
"He is leaving Arsenal even though they want to offer him a new long-term contract and better conditions. Only time will tell if leaving is the right decision, but there's no way back now. Everything will be cleared up in the next two weeks."

Wenger revealed earlier this week that he was keen to keep Hleb at the club and he could face a fight in the summer to persuade him to stay in North London.

[Barry]

Inter Milan :laugh: Of all clubs.

[nath_scfc]

Hleb is probably Arsenal's most influential player, if the cannot afford to lose one player its him.

I don't know. I agree on how skilled and influential Hleb is, but if someone is causing unrest and is being a disrupting figure within the dressing room then surely they're only going to do more harm than good?

[ThierryHenry14]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/09052008/58/premier-league-wenger-dismisses-hleb-speculation.html
Some Good news about the Hleb story..

[AgentZero]

Alan Ball ahead of Liam Brady? Don't make me laugh.
like i give a toss about arsenal's greatest player list. :ninja: :ninja:

[somegooner]

http://www.arsenal.com/article.asp?thisNav=News&article=491302&lid=NewsHeadline&Title=Adebayor+-+Reports+I+want+to+leave+the+C lub+are+%27rubbish%27

I told you guys that it was a lie.

I have a feeling that Hleb's agent was only talking shit to either raise Hleb's price and wage in case he really does want to leave or the papers paid him so they could sell.

[:mrgreen:]

We never said he wanted to leave..
Re-read well..

[wrigh2uk]

Was reading the sun today apprently we've won the race to sign Ben Afra from Lyon for 16M if you believe the sun

[Meyyappan]

Yep.I have heard that too,Sun have recently got things right,Modric,Eldeman and Flamini hopefully this one is true as well.

http://www.arsepod.co.uk/wordpress1/?p=560

Reports suggest we have put in a 12m bid for Nasri :

http://www.thesoccerblog.org/premiership/arsenal-step-up-interest-in-12m-nasri/

As well as Yaya Toure:

http://gunnerslive.wordpress.com/2008/05/09/unsettled-midfielder-linked-with-gunners/

Lorik Cana FROM Wikipedia

And finally Aquilani from A.S roma:
http://arsenalitalia.altervista.org/blog/?p=232

Hopefully we pull one of these deals off.

[Miggy]

As well as Yaya Toure:

http://gunnerslive.wordpress.com/2008/05/09/unsettled-midfielder-linked-with-gunners/



So, because he is disappointed with how the season has gone he automatically wants to leave.

Behave. Press can be right tits at times.

[:mrgreen:]

I'd like to see Pascal Feindouno in the squad..
I like the lad.

[Nifty1Pound50]

I suppose it's not an entirely ridiculous suggestion.

Not sure what the brother dynamic is like with Kolo, but a positive word about Arsenal whilst there's seeds of doubt in Yaya's mind could go a lot further than anything else...

It's also the first position we need to deal with, regarding the squad shortcomings after Flamini's departure.

Which, for the record, makes him as big a cunt as Ashley Cole. Flamini turned down £55,000-a-week to go elsewhere for more money.

[Miggy]

But we love the guy, mate. He's only been here a season, I'm sure he's on good money and gets to live in Barcelona. I'd be gutted if he really wanted to leave. I read an interview and he said he's more then happy with us. But now days in football that can pretty much mean fuck all.

Go for Keita, he's said that a top 4 club in England was asking about him and that a move to the prem would be a "dream".

Leave our Yaya alone.

[:mrgreen:]

Liverpool are on for Keita.

[wrigh2uk]

But we love the guy, mate. He's only been here a season, I'm sure he's on good money and gets to live in Barcelona. I'd be gutted if he really wanted to leave. I read an interview and he said he's more then happy with us. But now days in football that can pretty much mean fuck all.

Go for Keita, he's said that a top 4 club in England was asking about him and that a move to the prem would be a "dream".

Leave our Yaya alone.

Now you know how it feels to be circled by us for once lol

[Viperized]

Was reading the sun today apprently we've won the race to sign Ben Afra from Lyon for 16M if you believe the sun
Superb talent and is well capable of scoring goals too.

Would love him here. But Lyon are hard sellers - they'll want something ridiculous such as £20m.

[wrigh2uk]

Superb talent and is well capable of scoring goals too.

Would love him here. But Lyon are hard sellers - they'll want something ridiculous such as £20m.

Wenger loves his frenchies though, he may just break the bank for Ben Afra IFthe stories true anyway.

[Usul]

I read that Hleb may be Deco's replacement.

[somegooner]

The Sun are claiming that we have signed Ben Arfa £16,000,000. As for Hleb, he can fuck off to Inter if he wants to leave.

[wrigh2uk]

The Sun are claiming that we have signed Ben Arfa £16,000,000. As for Hleb, he can fuck off to Inter if he wants to leave.

Read up about 4 posts above this one FFS

[Keyser Soze]

Why is it that when a player leaves Arsenal he is doing it solely for more money according to you guys? Sometimes it probably is a factor but I mean it's hardly the only conclusion when a player wants to leave a currently under-achieving Arsenal side to go to a club like Milan.

In regards to all the Flamini comments btw.

[somegooner]

I'm not saying that he can fuck off for the money. It's that he can fuck off so that we can get a goalscoring winger like Ben Arfa.

[Keyser Soze]

I'm not saying that he can fuck off for the money. It's that he can fuck off so that we can get a goalscoring winger like Ben Arfa.
I wasn't talking about Hleb.

[wrigh2uk]

Why is it that when a player leaves Arsenal he is doing it solely for more money according to you guys? Sometimes it probably is a factor but I mean it's hardly the only conclusion when a player wants to leave a currently under-achieving Arsenal side to go to a club like Milan.

Henry left because he didn't think Arsenal were going to win things and time for him was getting on. Plus the fact his marriage situation didn't help.

Petit - Left for money

Overmars - Left for money

Cashley - Hmmmm

Vieira - Who knows, probably wanted a new challenege

Flamini - Why would any player whos having the best season in his life want to move on. Surely it makes sense to atleast build and learn upon a great season and then move on!!! Its obvious that money was a factor here



........ And whats so decent about Milan at the moment if you look at there squad they need major rebuilding before there going to win silver

[Meyyappan]

Henry left because he didn't think Arsenal were going to win things and time for him was getting on. Plus the fact his marriage situation didn't help.

Petit - Left for money

Overmars - Left for money

Cashley - Hmmmm

Vieira - Who knows, probably wanted a new challenege

Flamini - Why would any player whos having the best season in his life want to move on. Surely it makes sense to atleast build and learn upon a great season and then move on!!! Its obvious that money was a factor here



........ And whats so decent about Milan at the moment if you look at there squad they need major rebuilding before there going to win silver
What!!!Nononono he was on the verge of signing then refused because of his love for the club,the later when we had cesc we accepted a meaty bid.

[wrigh2uk]

What!!!Nononono he was on the verge of signing then refused because of his love for the club,the later when we had cesc we accepted a meaty bid.

Wenger persuaded him to stay because he was on the verge of signing for Real Madrid and then he stayed for another season and we sold him to Juve next season. Cesc comming through played a part in the transfer but Vieira wanted to go, he'd wanted to leave for the past 3 summers.

[:mrgreen:]

Cashley - Hmmmm



I don't think Ca$hley did it for the money..
Who would say a thing like that?!

[JoeyM]

Judging from what Vieira himself said Arsene took the initiative to sell him. I believe he said that Arsene came to him one day and told him that Arsenal had accepted a bid from Juve and he was free to leave. Whether he secretly wanted to leave I don't know, but he certainly wasn't making any noise about it (for once).

[Joel]

Flamini - Why would any player whos having the best season in his life want to move on. Surely it makes sense to atleast build and learn upon a great season and then move on!!! Its obvious that money was a factor here

Or there is also the fact that the Arsenal fans were calling him "shit", "useless", "headless chicken" last season. Also there is the other fact that Wenger said Flamini can go last season.

But these things don't come to mind, do they?

[wrigh2uk]

Or there is also the fact that the Arsenal fans were calling him "shit", "useless", "headless chicken" last season. Also there is the other fact that Wenger said Flamini can go last season.

But these things don't come to mind, do they?


End of the day he stalled on a contracted offer waiting for somthing better along. Either 2 reasons for that, He didn't believe he could achieve the things he wanted with the club OR he wanted more money

[Dragonfly]

It's possible that Flamini had planned to not renew his contract before the season started. He could've thought that he was not going to get a chance here, so gave it his all this season in the hope to attract the attention of other teams. So, him leaving is not necessarily down to financial gain, but we may never know.

Anyway, I think he was my favourite player this season, so I'm gutted he's going, but hope he does well in the future.

As for Hleb possibly being Deco's replacement, and Yaya coming to us - trade? I'd prefer to keep Hleb, to be honest, I love the guy.

[vanNistelrooy]

If that was Flamini's plan I think he may have decided to play after the amount of football he got this season.

It's all about mo' money I'm afraid.

[CaptainCabinet]

Ben Arfa eh?

[:mrgreen:]

Closer and closer mate..

[Viperized]

Ben Arfa eh?
£16m according to The Sun.

Here's hoping they're right, but then again, its the sun..

[CaptainCabinet]

£16m according to The Sun.

Here's hoping they're right, but then again, its the sun..

True, he'd be a very good buy for youse though.

[Meyyappan]

Wenger says he will pull his signings quickly this month itself to reassure Arsenal fans.Mean while we are linked with Mario Gomez

[somegooner]

We don't need Gomez. To be fair to the Sun though they were the first to know when we signed the Bac.


EDIT: Yesss!! Walcott!!

EDIT 2: Song is just immense today.

[ThierryHenry14]

According to the Mail on Sunday Wenger hopes to buy a central defender and a midfielder by the end of the month.

The central defender being Valencia's Carlos Marchena.

[somegooner]

Not Raul Albiol??

Why did we take a free kick from inside the box??

[ThierryHenry14]

Supposedly the new home and away kit's...
Away is really ugly and I highly doubt that it is the real one if there is a new away top..
But there obviously fake...
http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/8967/arsenalnew0809nikefootbuc8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Guillermo]

Why did we take a free kick from inside the box??

I'm guessing there was an obstruction?

[Miggy]

Maybe a pass back.

[somegooner]

Maybe a pass back.

That was what it seemed like but I didn't think that there was a rule for it. I thought it was a penalty becuase thats what we do at school.

[vanNistelrooy]

That was what it seemed like but I didn't think that there was a rule for it. I thought it was a penalty becuase thats what we do at school.
LULZ

[Yossi]

According to the Mail on Sunday Wenger hopes to buy a central defender and a midfielder by the end of the month.

The central defender being Valencia's Carlos Marchena.

Heh, I would've though that if he was to leave Valencia, it would be to take a step backwards. I don't rate the bloke particularly highly.

That was what it seemed like but I didn't think that there was a rule for it. I thought it was a penalty becuase thats what we do at school.

No; it's an indirect free kick where the keeper picked it up. I always love those scenarios, and I doubt I am alone in that.

[Dragonfly]

No; it's an indirect free kick where the keeper picked it up. I always love those scenarios, and I doubt I am alone in that.

No you're not. The thing I love about it the anxiousness of the wall. Most of the time, they look like a fat man that hasn't had food for a week, but can see a pie a few yards away.

[Definitely Maybe]

It was indeed a backpass. Whitehead volleyed the ball back to Fulop from a cross.

[Miggy]

Heh, I would've though that if he was to leave Valencia, it would be to take a step backwards. I don't rate the bloke particularly highly.


Shouldn't rate him full stop. I'd be surprised if it was Marchena and not Albiol or maybe even Alexis that Wenger is interested in.

[Dundon's]

The papers here are saying Arsenal bought Richard Dunne for 1m. Going by these papers though we've already signed nearly 5 players.

Bunch of lying cunts the lot of them.

[Nturtle]

The papers here are saying Arsenal bought Richard Dunne for 1m. Going by these papers though we've already signed nearly 5 players.

Bunch of lying cunts the lot of them.

Let's see if they can get 220 stories of players joining us....lol!!!

A bit lacklustre...still can't figure out Eboue...and Wenger's choice in him. Wanted to see Nordveilt instead of Senderos...and Barazite for the poor body language of Adebayour.

Let's see how next season turns out!! Looking forward to Vela whom I hope will not turn into Reyes #2...

[somegooner]

I have a feeling that Vela will not bother to learn English.

[ThierryHenry14]

Lyon starlet Hatem Ben Arfa has confirmed that he has held transfer talks with Arsenal over a possible summer switch to the Emirates Stadium.:D

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/12052008/58/ligue-1-ben-arfa-arsenal-admission.html

[Viperized]

The papers here are saying Arsenal bought Richard Dunne for 1m. Going by these papers though we've already signed nearly 5 players.

Bunch of lying cunts the lot of them.
At £1m he would be an ABSOLUTE steal seeing as he is 28 years old.

Very underrated defender and a huge improvement over Senderos.

[wrigh2uk]

Lyon starlet Hatem Ben Arfa has confirmed that he has held transfer talks with Arsenal over a possible summer switch to the Emirates Stadium.:D

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/12052008/58/ligue-1-ben-arfa-arsenal-admission.html

Thats great news to hear but still alot of work by the sounds of it, but very excited to hear that.

At £1m he would be an ABSOLUTE steal seeing as he is 28 years old.


Very underrated defender and a huge improvement over Senderos.


Definately a million would be a steal the guys playing the football of his career at the moment. But last time i heard Man City valued him at around 8 mill.

[:mrgreen:]

Definately a million would be a steal the guys playing the football of his career at the moment. But last time i heard Man City valued him at around 8 mill.

One thing is sure, he is leaving Man City for sure..
Let's leave our hopes high.

[Dundon's]

I'd take him no problem at all, imagine we had a player like that fighting for us at the back in the big fixtures this season. We need some old Skool players in there that will throw their face in front of the ball for the good of the cause.

I've seen too many Arsenal boys turning their backs on freekicks and shots this season for my liking, could of saved us plenty of goals and more so got us over the finish line in 1st place.

If we only held out against MUTD for the win, everything could be different this week. It's really amazing how these little things cost you in the long run.

[Dragonfly]

If the Dunne thing is true, I guess that would save us from signing a defensive midfielder, as I expect Toure to fill that slot.

[:mrgreen:]

http://www.arsenal.com/Images/v/vanpersie_0708face.jpg

RVP looks pretty old in that pic.

[:mrgreen:]

If we only held out against MUTD for the win, everything could be different this week. It's really amazing how these little things cost you in the long run.

If you look at it this way, maybe if Lehmann (against Blackburn Rovers) & Clichy (against Birmingham City) did not commit each one a mistake that cost us the game we maybe could have finished in the top 2.

[Dundon's]

http://www.arsenal.com/Images/v/vanpersie_0708face.jpg

RVP looks pretty old in that pic.

So the lad is going silver, I thought I noticed that last time I seen him play.


P.S. I just came in to ask for the Poll to be changed and noticed it's gone already, what's the plan for the next one?

I'd like to see a poll for our player of the season if there's nothing lined up.

[Zoolander]

Post your nominations & I'll stick them up.

[Meyyappan]

Le Mans forward Gervinho has admitted he is flattered to be linked with a move to Arsenal.

The 20-year-old has been tracked by Arsene Wenger since his days in Ivory Coast and then at Belgian club Beveren - who had a co-operation agreement with Arsenal from 2001 to 2006.

Gervinho only moved to France last year but he has already become one of Le Mans' top performers and he is now attracting interest from some of Ligue 1's big hitters in the shape of Monaco, Marseille and Paris Saint Germain.

Arsenal were believed to have made the player an offer before he joined Le Mans and are now considering a renewed bid for the youngster - who is tipped for big things by compatriot Didier Drogba.

"If he is lucky with injuries, in the next two years he could be at the same level as Ronaldo, Messi, Nani - those top young players, he is so good," said Drogba.

Arsenal link

Arsenal are no strangers to hiring Ivorian and Gervinho - who made his international debut at the African Cup of Nations earlier this year - is attracted by the possibility of a move to North London, where compatriots Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue already play, but he is not ruling out the possibility of remaining with Le Mans.

"To play for Arsenal would be fantastic," he said.

"Arsene Wenger is the best coach in the world, however I am fine in Le Mans and I am learning my football here.

"I am getting help from everyone and I am happy here and at the moment I still need to learn a lot - but things can change very quickly."


HMmmm,if hes that good we should buy him regardless of if we have enough strikers or not.I wouldnt mind someone in the calibre of ronaldo or messi and hes good on pro evo.

Nominations:

Fabregas
Adebayor
Helb
Flamini
Clichy
Sagna

[Dundon's]

Nominations:

Fabregas
Adebayor
Helb
Flamini
Clichy
Sagna

Same for me.

[somegooner]

Nominations:

Fabregas
Adebayor
Helb
Flamini
Clichy
Sagna

Same for me.

Me too.

[Keyser Soze]

HMmmm,if hes that good we should buy him regardless of if we have enough strikers or not.I wouldnt mind someone in the calibre of ronaldo or messi and hes good on pro evo.

O rly?

Anyone remember when the Arsenal thread wasn't full of 'tards?

[vanNistelrooy]

O rly?

Anyone remember when the Arsenal thread wasn't full of 'tards?
Nope. I don't believe I do?

Arsenal need to start winning trophies to attract a player like Messi.

I wouldn't worry, as we all know Wenger will pull a £250k rabbit out of a hat as usual.

[Miggy]

I'm just surprised they're not United fans.

I'm sure the sponsorship deal with Emirates has something to do with it all.

[Meyyappan]

O rly?

Anyone remember when the Arsenal thread wasn't full of 'tards?

Yes,when u werent around:ninja: .

Wikipedia states we have already signed Lorik Cana but i doubt that it has been edited,can someone please confirm this for me please?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorik_Cana

[somegooner]

I wouldn't worry, as we all know Wenger will pull a £250k rabbit out of a hat as usual.

Your just jealous that your manager can't do it.

[Miggy]

Is it true that Flamini was on 20 grand a month?

[wrigh2uk]

Your just jealous that your manager can't do it.

Thats just not a clever statement, even for you.

[Adammce05]

Is it true that Flamini was on 20 grand a month?

If thats true, I'm sorry but given Flaminis ability, and the absoloute money daftness of the EPL, then no wonder he bloody left.

[wrigh2uk]

If thats true, I'm sorry but given Flaminis ability, and the absoloute money daftness of the EPL, then no wonder he bloody left.

Im not sure what he was on before but the contract offered which he rejected was around the 40-50k a week margin.

[Yossi]

Apparently he was on £10k a week, Arsenal offered £50k, but he went to Milan for £60k.

[RB14 ARSENAL]

Went for the money then.

What chance does he have to win trophies at Milan, I believe he made a mistake in moving.

Once we get some top quality signings this summer, then we have a solid title shot and to get some silverware, and prove Mathieu wrong :happy:

[Yossi]

What chance does he have to win trophies at Milan, I believe he made a mistake in moving.

???

No less chance than at Arsenal.

[Sully]

Went for the money then.

What chance does he have to win trophies at Milan, I believe he made a mistake in moving.

Once we get some top quality signings this summer, then we have a solid title shot and to get some silverware, and prove Mathieu wrong :happy:

He has the same chance that he would have had at Arsenal. Yes, Milan are in a bad place at the moment but they are in a transitional period too. They realise that they can't rely on their older players anymore. They know that changes are needed at the club and have big plans and ambitions. Maybe Flamini saw their ambitions and targets more achievable than the ones set by Wenger.

[Zoolander]

Went for the money then.

What chance does he have to win trophies at Milan, I believe he made a mistake in moving.

Once we get some top quality signings this summer, then we have a solid title shot and to get some silverware, and prove Mathieu wrong :happy:

He fucked over Marseille so what did you expect?

[Jonny2J]

Your just jealous that your manager can't do it.Why would he be jealous when his team has just won the league you numpty?

[Dundon's]

UTD go out each summer and spend an average of around 60-80m on 3-4 players, now days they just seem to be getting younger and younger, it's almost impossible to keep up with them and Chelsea at this rate. If Arsenal didn't have Wegner we'd be finished.

P.S. Dunno why, just said I'd throw that in there, give us something to be happy about. :ninja:

[Meyyappan]

One of my friends reckon that we should bring bobby pires back,hes been injured for the first 7 months last season and has been brilliant this season.Also he would add vital experience,knows the club and if used sparingly might be very good.He has stated his desire to have one final season here.Plus he would be available on free transfer.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/Robert_Pires1.JPG/225px-Robert_Pires1.JPG

[Barry]

Nominations:

Fabregas
Adebayor
Helb
Flamini
Clichy
Sagna

Same for me.

I think Almunia has been great this season. What do the real fans think of his season? I obviously missed a lot of games.

[Dundon's]

Almunia is a solid goalkeeper and would make an excellent back up goalie for anyone. He's not the kind that will win you games though and that's what we've missed this season, someone that will play a blinder and earn the team points on his own every other week.

Any half decent attempt goes a past him.

P.S. Bout Pires, I've seen a good few games now of him this season and he's playing well alright, scored the weekend I think, but I can't see Wenger bringing in older players ever again to be honest. 27 years old would be the cut off for him I'd image.

[JoeyM]

Almunia isn't good enough for us. Terribly average.

Pires has been decent, but his legs are gone and he couldn't cope with the league physically anymore.

[Dundon's]

Exactly Joey, this man is never going to do a "Seaman V Wolves" like save.

Saying that I'd keep him as back up while Lukasz gets more experienced. We need a new number 1 for next season though.

[Viperized]

I think Almunia has been great this season. What do the real fans think of his season? I obviously missed a lot of games.
By the large part of the season he has been okay, but he has also made some horrendous errors.

We definitely need a better first choice keeper than Almunia. But as a backup, I don't mind. Fabianski hasn't looked too bad so perhaps he might take the backup spot?

[somegooner]

We should sell Almunia and buy another keeper because I don't think that he will want to be second choice again.

[Keyser Soze]

Almunia is a solid goalkeeper and would make an excellent back up goalie for anyone. He's not the kind that will win you games though and that's what we've missed this season, someone that will play a blinder and earn the team points on his own every other week.

Any half decent attempt goes a past him.


Erm, so he's not a solid goalkeeper? :erm:

Generally I agree with you all though, you rarely see Championship winning sides without a world-class keeper.

[ThierryHenry14]

Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure has admitted it would be "fantastic" to join older brother Kolo at Arsenal next season.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/14052008/58/premier-league-toure-eyes-arsenal-switch.html
Lot's of transfer gossip towards us at the moment lets hope some of them happen.

[Dundon's]

Erm, so he's not a solid goalkeeper? :erm:


Half decent = good shot = Doesn't make big saves = Does alright

[wrigh2uk]

Half decent = good shot = Doesn't make big saves = Does alright

Wengers always had a soft spot for the average keepers though

Manninger, Taylor, Jen, Almunia - Very average, but I suppose jens gets abit more credit than the rest mentioned there, but god he was one who had way to many moments.

We've never really replaced Seaman really..

[Dundon's]

Jens was the best goalkeeper around the season we got to the champions league final, I felt so sorry for him after he got sent off, he of all people played out of his skin that season.

But yes Seaman was never replaced properly, goal keepers seem to be Wengers achilles heel.

[Keyser Soze]

Half decent = good shot = Doesn't make big saves = Does alrightIf a keeper lets past "any half-decent attempt", he's not a solid keeper though. I know what you mean though, I'm probably being a bit picky at exageration.

I've no idea why Wenger is buying young keepers he's unsure of, for a decent amount, and not playing them - it's ridiculous. A club of Arsenal's stature, you should just splash out on a good-aged, solid, reliable keeper (I'm sure you could get a proven top-class keeper for around 8m) and not have to worry about the issue again. I think Arsene knows he's dropped a bit of a clanger with Fabianski; maybe a bit of a panic buy.

Also, Jens has been great for you in the past. Trouble is, he's always been well past the wrong side of 30 at Arsenal and probably only enjoyed about a season at his peak with you. Still a cunt though. :coffee:

[Dundon's]

A cunt, but a legend of a cunt if anything. :D

[Keyser Soze]

Haha, I suppose. One of them players you only really like if they play for your team!

[:mrgreen:]

Haha, I suppose. One of them players you only really like if they play for your team!

A Materazzi like..
Nah wait.. Matrix is a cunt, even if playing for your team.

[Barry]

Ah well, it took United some time to get a great keeper too after Smeichel. What, about 6 or 7 failures?

[Dundon's]

Haha, I suppose. One of them players you only really like if they play for your team!

Now you said it, but the thing about it was the nutter used to play better after he got booked. The game needs characters like Jens, people need to be able to point the finger and say "man I hate that cunt". :happy:

Mean while....

Vieira voices Gallas fears


Patrick Vieira fears that William Gallas may suffer psychologically if he is relieved of the captain's armband at Arsenal.

The former Chelsea defender was handed the role this season in the wake of Thierry Henry's departure for Barcelona last summer.

The early effect of Gallas' leadership skills were initially hailed as The Gunners enjoyed a blistering start to the 2007/08 campaign.

However, an extraordinary act of public emotion from the Frenchman against Birmingham City in February was followed by a torrid run of form which saw Arsenal's season crumble around them.

Difficult

It has since been claimed that manager Arsene Wenger may relieve Gallas of his duties; but Vieira believes the decision could result in the undoing of his compatriot and, in turn, the Arsenal squad.

"I think it has been difficult for him. I have been talking to him and he has been hurt by the criticism he has received," former Gunner Vieira said at an event run by Ford's Feel Football debate website www.feelfootball.com.

"Of course, he had a difficult moment. He is a really strong player who is committed to the club. He wants to prove that he deserves to be Arsenal captain, I know he wants to be a successful captain at Arsenal, and he will do everything he can.

"He is a really emotional person sometimes. He expresses his feelings and that is why he is so popular on the French national team.

"I hope he stays as captain. I think he is a leader of the team. He has experience. I think he has the full support of the players.

Henry

"It would have a bad effect on him (if he lost the captaincy) and everybody else in the team as well. If you had the captaincy taken off you after a year it would be difficult psychologically to start the next season not as captain.

"He might think about what he did wrong and think that he lost the manager and the players' trust. It would be a big blow for him and for the club and players."

Meanwhile, Vieira also reiterated former Arsenal team-mate Henry's desire to succeed in Primera Division after it had been suggested that he could leave Barca following a frustrating debut term at Camp Nou.

"I spoke to him and he said that he was really happy at Barcelona, and while it was a difficult first year, he is really happy there," Vieira concluded.


It's a fair point, I'm not even sure myself how I'd handle the situation. Toure should of been appointed captain in the first place, maybe the African nations cup played a part in Wengers decision who knows.

[Meyyappan]

Lehmann was a class keeper during our unbeaten season he made some important saves against everton in the very first game

[Meyyappan]

Guys what about Andrei Arshavin,several of my friends are about his raving
absolute class self while as far as i have seen him his dribbling ability is helb like!!He can do just as good assists but scores with the clinicality of lungberg!!

Edit:sorry its more like bobby pires after seeing more and wiki is reporting hes gone too everton:no:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gkw-Gq2_op0&feature=related

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Zu7x98AKcSs&feature=related

[somegooner]

Guys what about Andrei Arshavin,several of my friends are about his raving
absolute class self while as far as i have seen him his dribbling ability is helb like!!He can do just as good assists but scores with the clinicality of lungberg!!

Edit:sorry its more like bobby pires after seeing more and wiki is reporting hes gone too everton:no:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gkw-Gq2_op0&feature=related

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Zu7x98AKcSs&feature=related

Wouldn't trust Wiki if I were you.

[wrigh2uk]

Arsenal are believed to be preparing a summer swoop for Marseille starlet Samir Nasri.



The Gunners are keen to bolster their midfield options following the departure of Mathieu Flamini to Milan and have identified the French international as their prime target.


The 21-year-old signed a new long-term contract at Stade Velodrome just a fortnight ago, but it is understood that the deal was only agreed in order to settle a transfer protocol with the Ligue 1 club.


Marseille are subsequently in a position to demand 17.8million euros (£14million) for the player, a figure which Arsene Wenger may struggle to meet.


If the Gunners fail in their attempts to bring the playmaker to Emirates Stadium, Internazionale and Real Madrid are expected to renew the interest they showed in Nasri last year.



Offers


Eric Gerets admits that the likelihood of keeping the midfielder in France looks slim and expects one of Europe's top clubs to come knocking during the close season.


"Before thinking about bringing in reinforcements over the summer we need to know who is going to stay, and above all the players I want to keep," the Marseille boss told L'Equipe.


"If there is a big offer for Samir, then of course he will leave.


"I can't criticize the club because it is the same everywhere. When there is a huge offer made, players leave."


To be honest i've never saw the guy play but have heard very decents things about him.

Anyone know what this guys like ?

Whats this guy like?? Have only heard things about him

[Barry]

Quick, good dribbler, creative spark etc. At the times I saw him though this season, I was more impressed with Cana.

Under Wenger he could grow into something special.

[somegooner]

Nasri isn't what we need. If Wenger signs him though he will be played on the left or right. Trust me guys.

[Cobinho]

Nasri isn't what we need. If Wenger signs him though he will be played on the left or right. Trust me guys.

Nasri is an extremely talented young player and of all teams in England he'll fit in best at Arsenal. Given the amout of times Diaby, Eboue and even Fabregas have been used out wide it makes even more sense.

[Dundon's]

I like this guy, he has the flair and skill to do well in our system. If he costs us 17m then so be it, we have to fork out sometime for some proven quality.

[Meyyappan]

Wouldn't trust Wiki if I were you.

Yes u are right they have suggested we have already signed 2 players.

[somegooner]

Ben Arfa and Cana right?? The Arshavin to Everton thing has been removed btw.

[pistolpete]

Diarra looked pretty good for Portsmouth today, shame AW didnt just loan him out till the end of the season until he knew what Flamini was going to do.

[Dundon's]

Diarra is a muppet, I wouldn't want him anywhere near my dressing room if I was a manager sorry.

However he is a good player but another Anelka case.

[Rambo]

http://www.skysports.com/nikelivefabregas/

Might give this a watch.

[ThierryHenry14]

Mathieu Flamini says he would still be an Arsenal player had they offered him a contract last summer.

The 24-year-old French midfielder asked the club for a new long-term deal at the end of the 2006/07 season, but was told instead to prove his worth to the team.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_3576002,00.html
What a stupid reason to leave..

[wrigh2uk]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11670_3576002,00.html
What a stupid reason to leave..

Honestly and truely the guy was not worth a new contract at that point in time. I don't blame the board one bit for not offering him a new one at that point.

[Gooner10]

Oh well i'm sure he'll have fun in the uefa cup

[Cobinho]

You lot miss this guy. Fabregas is class but that presence is missing for me, he could add it to his game though.

WBtQJf0sxtc&hl

[Jonny2J]

If that's Vieira I agree in an extent that yes they miss someone like him, but not him at the moment as he isn't a patch on the player we knew at Arsenal. I don't think his heart was in it as well towards the end.

[ThierryHenry14]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/19052008/58/premier-league-arsenal-talks-aquilani.html
Arsenal are holding talks with Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, according to the Italy international's agent.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is