The Transfer Thread

[Acid]

Re: The Transfer Thread

I called this like 2-3 weeks ago.

I'm stoked for next season.

[calcutta]

Re: The Transfer Thread

And it looks like Carlos Vela will finally join him, after he was granted a work permit to play in England.

[Acid]

Re: The Transfer Thread

And it looks like Carlos Vela will finally join him, after he was granted a work permit to play in England.

I can't wait to see Vela tear it up at the Emirates.

Dude is sick, I'll probably see him play live at the Mexico/Argentina game.

[calcutta]

Re: The Transfer Thread

Aussie keeper Mark Schwarzer opts to stay in England despite interest from a few European giants, signing for Fulham.

[calcutta]

Re: The Transfer Thread

Looks like La Viola are already preparing for their first Champions League campaign since 99/00 (not all are finalised yet...)

IN
Andrea Barzagli (Palermo, £7m)
Felipe Melo (Almeria, £12m)
Juan Vargas (Catania, ?)

OUT
Tomas Ujfalusi (Atletico Madrid, free)
Fabio Liverani (Palermo, free)

And they've been linked with Milan striker Alberto Gilardino.

Meanwhile, Barca eye Eto'o for Chivu swap!

[P2K]

Re: The Transfer Thread

And they've been linked with Milan striker Alberto Gilardino.

Take him. Please.

[sportsdude]

Re: The Transfer Thread

I can't wait to see Vela tear it up at the Emirates.

I'm sure he'll have a great view from the bench.

[sportsdude]

Re: The Transfer Thread

Meanwhile, Barca eye Eto'o for Chivu swap!

No way Inter does that deal, especially when they know they could just sign Eto'o and keep Chivu anyway. Barca ****ed up when they said Eto'o had no future with the club, and now they're basically trying to get something for nothing.

edit: Looks like it's Real Madrid and and Inter battling for the services of Hleb. I hope Inter wins.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11860_3591350,00.html

[Acid]

Re: The Transfer Thread

I'm sure he'll have a great view from the bench.

I honestly think he could start on the wing for us next season.

He's way more talented than Walcott, and he played the entire season at Osasuna and dominated Real Madrid.

Kid's a stud.

[sportsdude]

Re: The Transfer Thread

I honestly think he could start on the wing for us next season.

He's way more talented than Walcott, and he played the entire season at Osasuna and dominated Real Madrid.

Kid's a stud.

Vela's talented no doubt about it but playing but the EPL and La Liga are different. If I were Wenger, I'd play Walcott above Vela, slowly working Vela in while he learned the system and adjusted to life in the EPL.

Vela's so young if you throw him in there and he doesn't perform, it could break him.

[rsnomar05]

Re: The Transfer Thread

I honestly think he could start on the wing for us next season.

He's way more talented than Walcott, and he played the entire season at Osasuna and dominated Real Madrid.

Kid's a stud.

He is a stud, though I honestly don't think Arsenal can go wrong with either one. The problem with Walcott is that he tends to make poor decisions around the box. He'll make one or two brilliant moves to get into scoring position, and then it will be as if he says to himself, "Crap, I didn't think I'd make it this far....what the hell do I do now?" And the result will be a feeble cross or shot that's not challenging anyone. On the flip side, he's capable of runs like in the Champions League against Liverpool that can frustrate fans because they wonder "why can't he do this more often?" In other words, he's still inconsistent and streaky, and I think if Vela shows more consistency in training and pre-season he'll be put in ahead of Walcott.

On the Nasri signing, it's an absolute steal. I just wish Hleb would stay, as then we might have the best midfield in the Premiership.

[Qb]

Re: The Transfer Thread

If there is one thing all Arsenal fans should have learned by now it is that winning silverware is all about depth. You can't realistically expect to contend for two or three trophies without several capable backups who probably should see more PT. That's why the Diarra situation was a real kick in the balls and why people like Gilberto griping about losing their spot bugs the hell out of me.

Having Walcott and Vela coming on for an injection of pace late in games and getting the odd start when an injury strikes sound like great options to have. But I don't think that they're viable consistent starting options right now for a team that hopes to contend in EPL, FA Cup and Champions League (we all know Wenger doesn't care about the Carling Cup). But with all those games crammed into a busy schedule, they will get their chances to prove me wrong.

Oh and more on topic, I too think the Nasri deal looks awfully shrewd...

[billmatic]

Re: The Transfer Thread

No way Inter does that deal, especially when they know they could just sign Eto'o and keep Chivu anyway. Barca ****ed up when they said Eto'o had no future with the club, and now they're basically trying to get something for nothing.

edit: Looks like it's Real Madrid and and Inter battling for the services of Hleb. I hope Inter wins.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,195...591350,00.html

Chivu already refused to sign for Barca last year when Roma reached an agreement with them, I doubt he wants to go there now. I can't see Inter getting rid of him either.

As far as Hleb goes, I honestly don't know if I want him if they're going to have to get in a bidding war with Real. Hell, they might as well wait for Real to sign Diego, Quaresma, Hleb whoever, and then sign whoever's left for half the price.

But really, I just don't want them to sign freaking Lampard.

[rsnomar05]

Re: The Transfer Thread

If there is one thing all Arsenal fans should have learned by now it is that winning silverware is all about depth. You can't realistically expect to contend for two or three trophies without several capable backups who probably should see more PT. That's why the Diarra situation was a real kick in the balls and why people like Gilberto griping about losing their spot bugs the hell out of me.

Having Walcott and Vela coming on for an injection of pace late in games and getting the odd start when an injury strikes sound like great options to have. But I don't think that they're viable consistent starting options right now for a team that hopes to contend in EPL, FA Cup and Champions League (we all know Wenger doesn't care about the Carling Cup). But with all those games crammed into a busy schedule, they will get their chances to prove me wrong.

Oh and more on topic, I too think the Nasri deal looks awfully shrewd...

They may not look like starters (though I think they both can start), with Hleb and Flamini leaving, what else are they going to do?

[Qb]

Re: The Transfer Thread

They may not look like starters (though I think they both can start), with Hleb and Flamini leaving, what else are they going to do?

Starting XI

RVP --- Adebayor

Rosicky --- ??? --- Fabregas --- Nasri

Clichy --- Gallas --- Toure --- Sagna

Almunia


Bench

Eduardo/Bendtner
Walcott/Vela
Diaby/Song/Denilson
Eboue
GK

Obviously this assumes the health of guys like RVP and Rosicky, which is anything but a given. This would leave Vela and Walcott in roles where they could be more successful, namely as speedy wing-oriented attacking options off of the bench or the occasional spot start. I think both guys can be good (maybe very good or even great) players, but they're not ready to be just yet.

The real problem is finding a dogfighter for the center of midfield to pair with Cesc. I'd also like to see them pursue a keeper to replace Lehmann. Fabianski may be good in time, but he's very young and short on experience which is not a good combination for a team with title aspirations. If I had my druthers (no idea what that means but I love the expression), Wenger would sign another attacking player, a defensive minded CM, an experienced defender and maybe a GK, all with the aim of providing depth for a team that will play 60+ games next year...