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

[Qb]

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

Looks like it although the loss won't be as bad if Rosicky is a) healthy and b) can play close to his old self.

I like Tomas as much as anyone, but a) not likely and b) see A. Wenger can't possibly count on him at this point. Maybe this will move him to add another body, if he isn't working on it already...

[rsnomar05]

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

Guess we won't be winning the title.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1200875/Former-Arsenal-boss-George-Graham-insists-Gunners-chance-winning-league-title.html?ITO=1490

Of course a former boss sacked for illegally accepting heaps of cash from an agent is going to be the most unbiased source for Arsenal predictions.

[~LiverpoolRed~]

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

I wouldn't at all be surprised to see Wenger go after Becks. He trained with you lads last year.

[rsnomar05]

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

I like Tomas as much as anyone, but a) not likely and b) see A. Wenger can't possibly count on him at this point. Maybe this will move him to add another body, if he isn't working on it already...

Well, Arseblog would have you believe Chamakh is on his way. But unfortunately he's a striker, and Arsenal need a midfielder. Personally, I wouldn't be upset if Arsene didn't bring in another striker because I think RVP and Eduardo will do just fine, and Bendtner looked better and better last year. Not to mention Vela and Walcott and Arsenal have some nice depth at striker, IMO. But with Rosicky's injury problems at midfield, Arsenal can't go into next year with the midfield the way it is. Once injury and we're back to the Eboue and Diaby saga.

[Perceptor]

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

I like Tomas as much as anyone, but a) not likely and b) see A. Wenger can't possibly count on him at this point. Maybe this will move him to add another body, if he isn't working on it already...

I completely agree with you. I was basing the opinion on what Wenger will likely say...

I agree - we don't need a striker though. RVP, Vela, Bendtner, and Eduardo will step up IMHO. I hope we get another winger.

The interesting thing I would say to keep an eye on is Real Madrid. They will have to get rid of players as a result of their summer spending. I wouldn't be surprised if Wenger was waiting for the right time to pounce. Guys like Sneijder, Robben, VDV, Drenthe are likely going to be up for sale....

[ZM Punk]

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

I wouldn't at all be surprised to see Wenger go after Becks. He trained with you lads last year.

I hope your being sarcastic.

[texaz41]

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

it would just be really nice to be fully fit as a squad for once. it seems like just as we're fine, someone goes down. when they get back to being fit, then we lose someone else. so damn frustrating...ugh!

[Qb]

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

It looks like Kolo Toure will be joining Adebayor at the Eastlands, as several sources are reporting an agreement for a fee of £14M. The sentimental part of me hates to see him go, especially to a team with the potential to challenge Arsenal for a CL spot (although my gut says City won't this year). But the logical side of me sees a player on the decline, although it may not be a precipitous one, as Kolo always relied on his pace & power to cover mistakes and he appears to have lost some of both. This may fall into the 'better a year early than a year too late' category...

[Krebstar]

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

It looks like Kolo Toure will be joining Adebayor at the Eastlands, as several sources are reporting an agreement for a fee of £14M. The sentimental part of me hates to see him go, especially to a team with the potential to challenge Arsenal for a CL spot (although my gut says City won't this year). But the logical side of me sees a player on the decline, although it may not be a precipitous one, as Kolo always relied on his pace & power to cover mistakes and he appears to have lost some of both. This may fall into the 'better a year early than a year too late' category...

I'm completely alright with this, as long as Wenger signs a few more players. If he does not, I'm going to put my head into a wall.

[Perceptor]

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

This is a good move IMO. Cash in while we can. I hated to see Kolo go, but he wasn't the same last season and at 28, he's not getting any younger. Wenger has already hinted at signing some players so let's see what he has in the pipeline.

Vermaelen will help and is Nordveit going on loan again? I hope with the cash Wenger got, he will use it to strengthen the squad

[ZM Punk]

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

I hate this move.

I was alright with giving them Ade. As they were already going to be strong up front regardless. But to strengthen them in an area that they're in need of is just bad business, imo.

If they add Toure and Lescott, then that will make them a legit challenger for a CL spot. Most likely coming at our expense.

[Acid]

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

I'm going to miss Toure. The last of our Invincibles.

However, I think it's a good business move, Toure hasn't been the same ever since he got malaria and I think Gallas is the better defender right now (he showed way more determination after the armband moved to Cesc). I doubt Arsene will buy anymore and if he does it'll be one player. He's already said he wants to pay off our stadium debt and that means we'll have to sell each year and only buy sporadically. I'd love to go out and get Hangeland and Huntelaar, but I don't see it happening.

I'm not too optimistic about this season, hopefully I'm wrong though.

[~LiverpoolRed~]

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

Always liked Toure. Good servant to your club. 14, 15, 16 million, whatever the rumoured figure is, is good business I feel. His heart just wasn't with Arsenal anymore. He did put a transfer request in during the January transfer window which was obviously turned down. Vermaelen will slot in with Gallas and Djourou is always improving. Song can play ther as well. Just need to ditch Silvestre and Senderos. 34 more days until the trnafser window closes so I'm sure Arsene will bring in a few more players.

[Perceptor]

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

I agree. It's not as bleak as it seems. He wasn't getting on with Gallas and with all the dressing room rumors that popped up last season, it might just be a case of addition by subtraction. Still, it was only 2 years ago Peter Hill-Wood said Arsene had a 60 million kitty. Whatever happened to that??? With 40 million in cash Arsene use it to get some more youngsters

[southernbelle]

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

He wasn't getting on with Gallas and with all the dressing room rumors that popped up last season,

i think this is critical... i don't want to point all the back line woes at toure, but its well known he and gallas did not get on. and frankly, gallas form last last year and his work rate speaks for itself. we need a back line that gets on together... toure's constant line "i am a professional" did not really translate to onfield chemistry.