***The Official Arsenal Gunners" Thread***

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

I can't stop laughing.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/gallery/2011/mar/22/jens-lehmann-arsenal-return-gallery?picture=372738732#/?picture=372738724&index=1

[rsnomar05]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

What pisses me off the most is that it wouldn't even take that much to make this team really good. Its not like we need to spend Man City or Madrid money this Summer. 30 or 40 million would make this team very tough to handle.

It's so true, and yet I fully expect Wenger to say, "Our goalkeeping and defending situation is fine. Getting Fabianski, Szczesny, and Vermaelen back will be just like new signings. Instead, I will buy two cheap 17 yr. old prospects who should be ready in a few years time."

[ZM Punk]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

I agree. Definitely what upsets me when I sit and ponder it while watching games. With a few signings we would go from a team that pundits pick on, to a team that pundits pick to definitely challenge for the league, at least.

A keeper is a definite need, as I just don't think Szczesny is ready to fill the role we want him to and he shouldn't be. He's far too young for anyone to expect him to play at the caliber that this team should have a keeper playing at.

At least one central defender is a must as well. I think we absolutely need to bring one in from another top flight side. Cahill is an obvious choice from Bolton. Other than England, you and I would both agree that Subotic or Hummels from Dortmund would also work out, although I'd rather see them stay there.

A midfielder who can fill Song's role when he's out is also key.

I think those are absolute, must have's. On the attacking side, I think we're going to be alright...maybe.

Agreed on all fronts.

I don't think we need any attackers unless someone leaves besides Bedtner. If Nic leaves we might as well give Vela one last chance to prove his worth because he can't be much worse than Nic.

Defensively, I would love to see any of the choices that you said, Cahill is definitely the most realistic and should be a no doubt buy at 15 million. Rami or Bodmer would be pretty good buys as well as their French, and in Bodmer's case could slot into the midfield. I would absolutely be elated if we could pry a Hummels or Subotic away but I don't see that happening even though it should.

I absolutely love Alex Song as a player but I think if Arsene is really serious about winning something (which I'm pretty sure he isn't) as soon as this season is over he should go straight up to Lyon and go hard after Jeremy Toulalan. The guy is too good to spend his whole career in France and I think he would actually consider Arsenal with all the French players throughout the team. And while he's there go ahead and splash the cash for Lloris.

I know that would put us over the 40 million mark dealing with Lyon but those 3 signings would put us in the drivers seat for the title next season. Of course depending on how much Roman and City spend this year.

Imagine a lineup of Lloris, Sagna, Vermaelen, Cahill, Gibbs (I think Clichy leaves in the summer), Toulalan, Wilshere, Cesc, Nasri, Van Persie, Walcott. That team would be tough to handle.

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Agreed on all fronts.

I don't think we need any attackers unless someone leaves besides Bedtner. If Nic leaves we might as well give Vela one last chance to prove his worth because he can't be much worse than Nic.

Defensively, I would love to see any of the choices that you said, Cahill is definitely the most realistic and should be a no doubt buy at 15 million. Rami or Bodmer would be pretty good buys as well as their French, and in Bodmer's case could slot into the midfield. I would absolutely be elated if we could pry a Hummels or Subotic away but I don't see that happening even though it should.

I absolutely love Alex Song as a player but I think if Arsene is really serious about winning something (which I'm pretty sure he isn't) as soon as this season is over he should go straight up to Lyon and go hard after Jeremy Toulalan. The guy is too good to spend his whole career in France and I think he would actually consider Arsenal with all the French players throughout the team. And while he's there go ahead and splash the cash for Lloris.

I know that would put us over the 40 million mark dealing with Lyon but those 3 signings would put us in the drivers seat for the title next season. Of course depending on how much Roman and City spend this year.

Imagine a lineup of Lloris, Sagna, Vermaelen, Cahill, Gibbs (I think Clichy leaves in the summer), Toulalan, Wilshere, Cesc, Nasri, Van Persie, Walcott. That team would be tough to handle.

I'm definitely alright with spending this Summer, as I believe we'll be bringing some in from transfers for Bendtner and possibly Clichy. Also, if I get my wish, Denilson.

I'm torn with the possibility of Clichy leaving, as he's been great later in this year. He doesn't seem to be getting beat and his crossing has improved. Still not as good as Sagna, but last year he would loft each cross into the air instead of driving them in. I just hope Gibbs is ready. Clichy's speed is also fantastic, as when he does get beat, he recovers as well as anyone. I think we'll be alright without him, though and if we can use money we get for him to fix a position we need to, then I'm all for it.

[ZM Punk]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

I'm definitely alright with spending this Summer, as I believe we'll be bringing some in from transfers for Bendtner and possibly Clichy. Also, if I get my wish, Denilson.

I'm torn with the possibility of Clichy leaving, as he's been great later in this year. He doesn't seem to be getting beat and his crossing has improved. Still not as good as Sagna, but last year he would loft each cross into the air instead of driving them in. I just hope Gibbs is ready. Clichy's speed is also fantastic, as when he does get beat, he recovers as well as anyone. I think we'll be alright without him, though and if we can use money we get for him to fix a position we need to, then I'm all for it.

If he doesn't sign a new contract before the Summer I think Arsene will have no choice but to sell him. Can't afford to run the risk of letting him walk on a free.

[Perceptor]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

As much as I like Clichy, if he doesn't sign an extension, he has to sell him. He'd get quite a bit of coin for him anyway. Besides, Gibbs is the future left-back and sooner or later, he'll want more games - that is if he can get over his rash of injuries the last couple of seasons.

Apparently, last summer, Wenger made a "big bid" for Reina according to soccernet. 23 million was what he offered allegedly. I hope he's prepared to spend more this summer to get a real keeper.

[Other Guy]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Apparently, last summer, Wenger made a "big bid" for Reina according to soccernet. 23 million was what he offered allegedly. I hope he's prepared to spend more this summer to get a real keeper.

Just saw that too...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/898181/bob-wilson-reveals-arsenal-bid-for-liverpool-goalkeeper-pepe-reina?cc=5901

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

As much as I like Clichy, if he doesn't sign an extension, he has to sell him. He'd get quite a bit of coin for him anyway. Besides, Gibbs is the future left-back and sooner or later, he'll want more games - that is if he can get over his rash of injuries the last couple of seasons.

Apparently, last summer, Wenger made a "big bid" for Reina according to soccernet. 23 million was what he offered allegedly. I hope he's prepared to spend more this summer to get a real keeper.

Just saw that too...

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...-reina?cc=5901

If it's true, then it shows why the way Arsenal choose to do business can sometimes make it appear that Arsene isn't even bothering to improve the team. We just keep it all out of the news. That makes me feel a LITTLE better about this Summer, as it shows Arsene is prepared to spend money.

I think that is a huge story, if true.

[misterbroom12]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

I agree. I had heard rumors earlier this season that we may make a move for Reina this summer which I liked. Hearing that Wenger made one last summer as well (if true) makes me feel better about our situation and that he knows it is a position we need to fix. I'm also glad that Wenger and Arsenal don't make transfers a month-long weekday soap opera when they don't get their way. We contact only Liverpool, make an offer for a player, have it rejected and move on. No going to the media with our intentions, no trying to put pressure on the club, no players talking on international duty and recruiting, just business.

[rsnomar05]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

I agree. I had heard rumors earlier this season that we may make a move for Reina this summer which I liked. Hearing that Wenger made one last summer as well (if true) makes me feel better about our situation and that he knows it is a position we need to fix. I'm also glad that Wenger and Arsenal don't make transfers a month-long weekday soap opera when they don't get their way. We contact only Liverpool, make an offer for a player, have it rejected and move on. No going to the media with our intentions, no trying to put pressure on the club, no players talking on international duty and recruiting, just business.

Exactly. Makes Barca's player tapping look all the more worse. There is a right way and a wrong way to conduct yourselves, and Arsenal does things the right way.

[Perceptor]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Exactly. Makes Barca's player tapping look all the more worse. There is a right way and a wrong way to conduct yourselves, and Arsenal does things the right way.

Agreed and if we can get Reina this summer, I would be over the moon. He's a solid keeper and if we also get a defender, we'll be laughing next season.

[Krebstar]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

I love RVP.

"I still strongly believe in my club's philosophy," Van Persie said. "A club like Manchester City change their philosophy every year and Chelsea spent about €80m this season ... two clubs who had a big mouth before the season, thinking that Arsenal wouldn't play a role in the title race but we are still ahead of them. And just by playing our own game, through our own philosophy."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/mar/25/arsenal-robin-van-persie

[jesmith29]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

Agreed and if we can get Reina this summer, I would be over the moon. He's a solid keeper and if we also get a defender, we'll be laughing next season.

I find it really hard to believe that Liverpool would want to let Reina go, or even that Reina would want to leave. Especially with the turn around that has happened since King Kenny has taken charge. IMO.

[~LiverpoolRed~]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

I find it really hard to believe that Liverpool would want to let Reina go, or even that Reina would want to leave. Especially with the turn around that has happened since King Kenny has taken charge. IMO.

I agree. And even if we did consider selling him to Arsenal they would be looking at a hefty price tag.

[Perceptor]

Re: ***The Official Arsenal "Gunners" Thread***

I find it really hard to believe that Liverpool would want to let Reina go, or even that Reina would want to leave. Especially with the turn around that has happened since King Kenny has taken charge. IMO.

While I do agree with you, I would counter by saying that Reina might force the issue for a move for CL football. I know he's stated that he loves Liverpool, but you just never know. I never thought Torres would bolt mid-season, but he did. Reina is 28 years old - he's already had one year out of the CL and 2 might be too much for him. Food for thought eh?