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

[rsnomar05]

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

I'd rather keep Eboue than Diaby.

Eboue's bounced back and I wish him well. I've started to like him just because of how the fans treated him in booing him as he got subbed.

See, I sympathize with him and thought the booing was classless, but his performances are usually terrible when he's on the wing, and since we're not using him as a right back, any chance to transfer him I would take.

[ZM Punk]

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

I'd rather keep Eboue than Diaby.

No question. As bad as Eboue is, he is still more effective than Diaby. I don't know if Diaby could crack the starting XI for West Brom.

[RoyceDa59]

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

No question. As bad as Eboue is, he is still more effective than Diaby. I don't know if Diaby could crack the starting XI for West Brom.

Ha, thats so low ...I don't think Diaby is that bad but I do agree with eventually selling Eboue, not now but later. Since Rosicky and Walcott are not healthy we really need him, plus him being a backup doesn't really hurt us too much, especially since he can fill in for Sagna when he isn't healthy you know.

[ZM Punk]

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

Arsenal should have just own goaled themselves today, because by watching them play it was obvious that they weren't in the least bit interested in the FA Cup. Atleast if they did that they would've avoided having to wear themselves out playing a replay. I thought Nasri and Gibbs were the only two out there that seemed to have played with any kind of eagerness.

Personally I would just like them to concentrate on breaking the top 4 in England this year. And judging by the teams performance, they're thinking the same thing.

Anything new on the Arshavin front?

[Qb]

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

Anything new on the Arshavin front?

Having trouble loading a few sites, so I'm down to www.Football365.com and I can't vouch for authenticy... like any of these rumors can be authenticated:

CLOCK TICKING ON ARSHAVIN DEAL
Posted 26/01/09 10:14

Arsenal are reported to have achieved a breakthrough in their attempt to sign Andrei Arshavin from Zenit St Petersburg as the clock clicks down on their Monday night deadline to seal the proposed transfer.

The Gunners are understood to have told the Russian club that they would withdraw their interest in the forward if a deal was not agreed before midnight tonight.

According to reports from Russia, the Zenit board are to meet later today to discuss a new offer from Arsenal for the 27-year-old after talks continued throughout the weekend. The Daily Mail also claims that a 'breakthrough has been reached with the Russians indicating that the two sides were much closer on their valuation' but it remains unknown whether Arsenal have increased their bid or Zenit have lowered their asking fee.

[rsnomar05]

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

Real Madrid Presedential Candidate Floretino Perez thinks he's getting both Wenger and Fabregas.

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/overseas/spain/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/09/01/25/SOCCER_Arsenal_Hill-Wood.html&TEAMHD=spain

[ZM Punk]

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

With elections coming up at Madrid this Summer following the resignation of Calderon. You will be seeing a lot of nominees making promises similar to that involving players being brought to Madrid.

[rsnomar05]

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

Arsenal have finally agreed to terms with Zenit for Arshavin! Now it's up to Arshavin to agree to personal terms. I was unsure whether this would get done, but now I'm optimistic. If Zenit lessened their demands, I'm sure they'll also lessen them with not making Arshavin make up the difference. At least I hope.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jan/26/andrei-arshavin-arsenal-zenit-st-petersburg

[Qb]

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

Arsenal have finally agreed to terms with Zenit for Arshavin!

Maybe not... from Wenger's press conference today I assume:

Arsene Wenger declared the on-going Andrei Arshavin transfer saga was "of little interest" as he focuses on getting the best out of his current Arsenal squad ahead of the Barclays Premier League trip to Everton.

While Wenger remains keen on signing the Russia international, suggestions from Zenit St Petersburg that a deal is imminent were rebuffed by the Gunners boss.

The Russians, whose domestic campaign is now completed, appear to have softened their stance over the original £20million fee demanded for the 27-year-old playmaker.

However, Arsenal remain resolute in their offer of £12million plus add-ons and, as yet, no further improved bid has been tabled - despite what Zenit may claim, as a club statement last night suggested personal terms with the player were now the only obstacle to overcome.

Wenger, though, insists all the talk and speculation is irrelevant as he looks to keep his side's momentum running after eight unbeaten Premier League games and climb back into the top four - and the title race.

"It is not true a fee has been agreed. We are not close to concluding any transfer; Arshavin or anybody else. At the moment it is all quiet," Wenger said.

"For me, it is of little interest. I can understand that when the transfer window is open, it makes headlines.

"I like quality football, and for me that is more important than having one more player here."

Wenger added: "Time is getting short and at the moment I am more focused to win the game on Wednesday.

"We know we are in front of a big game and the most important thing is to focus on that.

"For me, it is not a distraction because what is important is the team continues to focus on the championship, the FA Cup and the Champions League."

Nevertheless, Arsenal remain hopeful a deal can be concluded before the transfer window closes in six days' time.

"I am only responsible for the statements we make, but I cannot be responsible for the statements that other clubs make," said Wenger.

"Zenit look to have different voices coming out of the club and I am not sure if it always the official voice. I believe what I see and what I hear directly."

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Manchester City's England defender Micah Richards.

However, Wenger today maintained: "I like the player, but I have not gone for him, no."

The Gunners boss believes such continued speculation has taken the attention away somewhat from his team's improvement in recent weeks.

Arsenal head to Goodison Park three points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, yet only two wins away from overtaking leaders Manchester United, who do still hold a game in hand.

"I feel it has overshadowed things, yes, but let's be quiet, focused and continue on," said Wenger, whose side must face Cardiff again in a fourth-round replay next week at Emirates Stadium following Sunday's goalless draw in Wales.

"We are in a strong position in the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup - so let's take advantage of that and let people talk.

"Our job is to focus on what we want to achieve.

"We got fair criticism this year, but we have overcome that and we are now hungrier than ever.

"It is a good opportunity to show that."

[rsnomar05]

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

Maybe not... from Wenger's press conference today I assume:

I would love to have Micah Richards, especially since it would mean less Gallas.

And as for the Arshavin thing, I guess reading reports of the deal's progress will accomplish nothing, as the reports flip/flop by the day. I bet tomorrow we will get reports saying a deal is imminent followed by reports saying the sides are nowhere close, followed by reports saying the deal is off, followed by reports saying the deal has been done, followed by...you get the point. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen, and it's time I stop hanging onto every report.

[Qb]

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

I bet tomorrow we will get reports saying a deal is imminent followed by reports saying the sides are nowhere close, followed by reports saying the deal is off, followed by reports saying the deal has been done, followed by...

Sounds about right... at least we only have another week or so.

[ZM Punk]

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

I would love to have Micah Richards, especially since it would mean less Gallas.

And as for the Arshavin thing, I guess reading reports of the deal's progress will accomplish nothing, as the reports flip/flop by the day. I bet tomorrow we will get reports saying a deal is imminent followed by reports saying the sides are nowhere close, followed by reports saying the deal is off, followed by reports saying the deal has been done, followed by...you get the point. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen, and it's time I stop hanging onto every report.

Have you seen Micah Richards this year?

The dude has been complete an utter rubbish.

[Qb]

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

Not sure if anyone caught one of the several stories about Bolton supposedly going after Miguel Veloso for 12M. If you don't know of him, he's a 22 year-old DM from Portugal who plays for Sporting Lisbon (he was on their Euro squad but barely played I think). He's been linked with Arsenal & Manchester United in the past year or so, as well as some other big-time European clubs.

Seeing as how the Arshavin deal may very well not happen, I'd love to see them go after Veloso if for no other reason than...



a euro-mullet that has to be worth AT LEAST 12M...

[RoyceDa59]

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

Have you seen Micah Richards this year?

The dude has been complete an utter rubbish.

I agree, I think Micah is good but think he is way too erratic even though he is fast and powerful , I know he is young and has time to grow but I don't think it will happen at Man City.

But I would like to see Arsenal go after Veloso and get Arshavin, if that happened I would be so pleased. Than, all I would have to look forward to is them pick a Central Defender in the summer.

[rsnomar05]

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

Have you seen Micah Richards this year?

The dude has been complete an utter rubbish.

He hasn't played well, but he's young and has a ton of potential. And I still think he'd be better than Gallas.