TRANSFER UPDATE: Gervinho, Cahill, Clichy, Cesc, Samir Nasri

     Hi all,
     I know I said in the last post that a fee was agreed for Gervinho, but football papers can be a real bitch. L'Equipe has spoiled my last post to say that the talks between Arsenal and Lille have stalled once again, with the fee to be the problem. Apparently Arsenal are willing to pay eight million plus four million in add-ons, but all Lille want is ten million, with no add-ons.
     Also, there were reports that Gervinho was at London Colney for a medical yesterday, but that wasn't true, if you've even heard that!

     Now, based on the idea that Gervinho has been signed, it seems that Arsene has abandoned (but not completely) the prospect of Chris Samba, and Arsenal now plan on making Bolton's Gary Cahill their main transfer target.
     Personally, Cahill and Vermaelen in the back would be fantastic. I want to say they would be a brick wall, and the two together should be, but whether or not we defend well is down to the coaching. At least that's the problem at Arsenal.

     More news on Clichy and the French media is reporting that Clichy's transfer to Manchester City is done, but they also say that Gervinho is in North London for a medical, contradicting L'Equipe reports. This Gervinho business is very confusing...I don't know what to make of it!

     Here are some interesting stats from @Orbinho, that would lead many to believe Clichy is far better than Enrique.


Clichy v Enrique - 

• Shots 11-11
• Goals 0-0 
• Assists 1-1
• Chances created 21-30
• Pass% 80%-77%
• Cross % 17%-23%
• Tackles 111-61
• Duels won 58%-50% 
• Aerial Duels won 51%-32%
• Blocks 8-9 
• Clearances 150-61
• Interceptions 105-58

     The Swedish press have a funny little story that Cesc will be announced as a Barca player tomorrow. Fairly quick, no? My response: meh.

     Also, a trusted source of @DarrenArsenal1 has said that there is a player at London Colney having a medical. Who the player is is unknown, but hopefully we can find out soon.

     And lastly, some news on Nasri, and its circulating a lot, which would lead me to believe its true. Apparently Manchester City is ready to offer 20+ million for the Frenchman, and 180,000 a week. That's too much for both Arsenal and Nasri. Goodbye, Sami.

Cheers.

Gervinho Signing Near Completed

He's gonna have to do something with that hair.

     It looks like (as the title explains) Gervinho is nearly an Arsenal player. It is no longer a matter of if, but when he officially signs. I know it's been said numerous times that Gervinho was on the verge of signing for us, but then nothing happened for a week.
     Rumor is that Arsenal were in talks with Lille two weeks ago and they reached an agreement, but the talks (momentarily) broke down so that Lille could find a replacement first in Dimitri Payet.
     Now that Lille has found a replacement, apparently talks are nearly finished, and the fee would be for around 12 million. Not a bad price, when you look at his stats for Ligue 1's Champions:

34 Games
14 Goals
10 Assists

     Not only that, last night Gervinho won the "Ivory Coast Footballer of the Year" award. He received a staggering 25 out of 25 votes from sport writers, and 7,045 of 12,738 from an online fan poll. We can only hope he will win it again next season!


     Overall I'm happy and content with the signing, and once it's official i'll have a review of the player up. Do you think Gervinho is a good signing for Arsenal? Leave a comment below.
     Have a good Wednesday.

Sick of Barca & Our Next Captain?

     Alright then.
     I'm sick of this drama over Cesc. I'm tired of the papers having a go at him, saying he wasn't playing with all his heart in our matches, while it was clear he was giving a hell of a lot more than other members of the squad, that aren't wanted by the world's best team. I'm sick of Xavi, Pique, Puyol, and others clamoring for Cesc to join them. I'm sick of the lack of class that Barcelona possesses.

     Days before the UEFA Champions League final, Arsenal was kind enough to offer London Colney to the Catalan club, perhaps as a subliminal "peace treaty" per se. 

     Instead, Pique and Puyol had the audacity to do this.

Cunts.

     Quite frankly, I don't think I'm over reacting, or being too protective of Cesc. They have been extremely rude and disrespectful. For being such an outstanding club on the pitch (without the diving and conning of the referee), it's a shame that they're such an ugly club off the pitch and upstairs as well.

     Therefore, despite the fact that Cesc is one of the best midfielders in the world, and has the potential to be the best int he world, I think its time we let him go. He wants to leave the club; he had to be convinced to stay last season, and I'm sure Wenger told him we would win silverware in the past season, and we didn't. He deserves to win silverware.

     One thing I fail to understand is the outrage of Arsenal fans of selling Cesc to Barca. Cesc's price tag is 45 million pounds - so if Barcelona pays the fee, and Cesc is willing to leave, it's fair. It's how football works. I know some will feel the injustice of losing him to Barcelona because of the way they conduct themselves, but when you're a player, a manager, an agent, or a president, football is a business. We are fans - for us its a lifestyle, not a business.

     But - some better news. Sport.es has come out with an intriguing story. The translation isn't the best, but basically it says that Madrid plans on making a 50 million pound bid for Cesc. I don't mind Real, I just hate Barca, and I'd love Cesc to go to Madrid, if they are willing to pay the fee, which apparently they are, give him to Madrid. But then it would be up to Cesc and whether or not he'd want to go to Barca - that's a different story.

Should he be wearing that armband?

     So with the apparent departure of Cesc, a new captain will be needed. And to be honest, I fail to see why Cesc should be our captain either way. At Arsenal, our biggest problem has been our mentality, not our defense. If you look back to the beginning of the year, our defense wasn't that bad at all. It was once our heads dropped after the Carling Cup that killed our season. if you haven't seen this yet, here is our run of form in the league after the Carling Cup final: DDDWDDLWLLD. At that point in time, when things aren't going so well, players need to look up to another player, to instill confidence and reassurance. But we didn't have that type of personality, and we weren't able to pick up our form.
     Also, captains are supposed to set an example for other players. For the past year, their has been so much speculation of Cesc's future, with the fact that such a great player isn't winning trophies. Now look at our squad: Nasri, Clichy, Bendtner, and Denilson are all looking to leave the club. 

     I'm not saying Cesc is the sole reason for this, but it could be. If you look around, you struggle to find a club that has so many players wanting to leave. 

     This also puts the club in a tough position. While Arsenal does want to offload players, the combination of offloading the unwanted players and the players who want to leave would leave us with a lack of depth. 

Arsene needs to sort the situation out quickly, so that he can see which players should be brought in for the bench (we already have a sufficient starting XI), which players will be put out on loan, etc.

Will we see him in an Arsenal shirt in 2012-2013?

     A quick update of the Clichy situation, and Wenger said: "We have started talks with Gael Clichy and want him to stay.”
     To be honest, I doubt this will happen. It seems as if Clichy isn't sick of the club or wants a higher wage, I think he simply wants a change. A new challenge. Hence I doubt we will see Clichy again next season. 


     Another update on the Bendtner situation, and as I and many others said before, Nicklas's father said that the club received offers from clubs, such as Borussia Dortmund. Funnily enough (I find it humorous) Dortmund has come out to say that it has no interest in Bendtner and didn't make a bid. Not the best situation for the Dane now, after he has said he does not wish to play in Portugal or Italy. It seems more and more likely that he'll just go out on loan. We'll have to wait and see what happens with him.


      The Denilson situation seems to be the same as last time - a move to Shaktar with Willian included in a player swap and cash as well bla bla bla. Who cares. I want him out, but a sum of cash and a decent prospect like Willian wouldn't go amiss. 


     Lastly, Nasri. It does seem as if he will stay, news coming from various sources that he has seen that Arsene is being active in the transfer market and that there will be change. The problem is, if he doesn''t sign a new contract next year, he's a free agent and we get nothing for the youngster we bought from Marseille for 12.5 million. Lovely. Also to reassure you, a birthday cake was made for him, and look!

He's wearing an Arsenal shirt on the cake!!!

__________________________________________________________________________________

     Now then, on to the main problem at hand - next season's captain.

     I've picked four of the most likely candidates to get the armband. But this isn't necessarily who will get it, because Gallas caught many by surprise. 

     The player's have been numbered in a certain order; an order in which I would like to see them be captain, from greatest to least. 

He wears the armband for Belgium - should he wear it for Arsenal?

1. Vermaelen - You just need to look at the Verminator to understand why I've chosen him. He's a rock in the back. Not only can he lead by example, he is a shouter too, and by being captain he can really help sort out the defense. He's easily the best center back we have at the club, and his absence this past season really showed. I find he is very similar to Vidic - they're both fantastic defenders, strong, and true leaders. For Arsene not to pick Vermaelen could be a big mistake.
2. Sagna - Easily the best right back in the Premier League last season. His crossing improved from last year, his runs were better timed, and his tackling was near perfect. The only consistent defender we had. It's clear that Sagna loves Arsenal, and wants to win a trophy with this club. Whether or not he'd be a shouter is another thing - he seems to be fairly shy. Either way, I think he'd do well in the role, giving his 110%, and leading by example. If it wasn't for the astounding form of Jack this past season, I feel Sagna would be our player of the year. Not five months, consistently, For the entire year. 
3. Wilshere - On that note I present to you Jack Wilshere. Just 19, and I along with others are considering him to possibly become the next captain of Arsenal. At only nineteen, you've got to be pretty damn good to achieve something like that. There's no doubting how much he loves the club; he once tweeted: "People asking if im going city? I dont kiss the Arsenal badge then leave <3 this club in my heart!". We know that Jack gives his all every match, and sometimes too much with his tackles! The saddest moment was when Jack cried after the Carling Cup. It just shows how much Arsenal means to him. This is something we need at club - someone who cares about the football and the club more than their paycheck. There is no doubt Jack will become the captain of this club some day, but he is still a little bit too young I feel. That's why he's my third pick. 
4. van Persie - Some of you may be surprised that van Persie is this low on my list. I love him, but I don't think he's quite what he need in a captain. He's not a shouter, and when he has been captain, I haven't seen him "leading" the squad at all. He's a player that would lead by example, like Cesc. Cesc is great, but not the kind of captain we need at Arsenal, like van Persie. Not only that, let's not forget how often van Persie gets injured. We don't need a captain that will sit for months on the sideline.

     While this is what I think would be best for us,  I doubt this is how Arsene would pick his captain. In my opinion, van Persie is the most likely to get the armband, then Vermaelen, then Wilshere, then Sagna. And I'd hate to see it happen, because RvP isn't the type of captain we need at this club, no matter how many goals he scores.

     That's that for now. Be sure to check back, bla bla bla, and leave comments. And for those of you that have asked, you DO NOT need to have a Google account or sign in to anything to comment. You can simply choose the option of Anonymous.
     Cheers, enjoy your Tuesday.

TRANSFER UPDATE: Juan Mata, Cesc Fabregas, Craig Gordon

     Good evening everyone.

     Some encouraging news for Arsenal fans: it is heavily rumored that Arsenal has made an 18 million pound bid for Juan Mata. 

     Mata plays for Valencia in La Liga, and recently won the Under-21 EURO Championship with Spain, as the top goalscorer in the competition. 

Stats:

Nationality: Spain

Age: 23

Club: Valencia

Price: Bid was 18 million, asking price unknown.

Height: 170 cm

Preferred foot: Right

Position: Attacking midfielder, left winger, could also play as a striker.

     Mata is a very clever, creative player. He can cut defenses open with his perfectly weighted balls, and also has the ability to score goals. He's an exciting player, and would really fir the mold at Arsenal. He is extremely intelligent, and plays the short, quick passing game with the Spanish national team. 

     While Arsenal is interested in snapping up this young talent, so is Liverpool and Manchester City. They could both offer more than us, and this may be the main difference between signing him or losing him to either of those clubs. However, Mata has said he likes Arsenal's style of play. But take that with a pinch of salt.

      Signing Mata would be a fantastic move for Arsenal, both on and off the pitch. Off the pitch, he would bring more supporters to our matches, and enhance Arsenal's global brand, perhaps bringing in more and better sponsorships - an area that Arsenal is poor in.

     On the field, it would be a real battle for places. Assuming Cesc and Nasri stay, we would have five players capable of playing in the Trequartista role - Cesc, Nasri, Wilshere, Ramsey, and Mata.

Goodbye?

     In my opinion, you can scratch Nasri off that list; he doesn't offer enough penetration. He's fantastic at keeping possession without a doubt, but you don't need me to tell you the lack of penetration we've had in our later games of the season when it was desperately needed. 

     I also believe Wilshere can be scratched off that list, along with Ramsey. As an early prediction, I feel Wilshere will have a poor season after the amount of games he played last season, and will share the holding midfield role with Ramsey, along side Song.

     Mata would be fantastic for us, and it seems to be a real preparation for life after Cesc, after "someone" in Arsenal has said when asked about Barca improving their offer of 30 million:

“Possibly yes, and if it’s enough then I expect we’ll have to sell.”

     I honestly believe this comment is real, there is a lot of talk going around about Cesc leaving for a fee around 35 million. So much for "not wanting to hurt Arsenal". I'm on the verge of tears.

     In other news,  @DarrenArsenal1 (A very reliable source) tweeted (said) this earlier:

     "#Arsenal have been talking to Sunderland over transfer of CraigGordon as GK competition.. Discussions very advanced"

     This would be a good move for Arsenal in my opinion, to sit on the bench as a number two, or even number three for Arsenal. The rumored fee is around one million pounds.

     That's all for today, I'll have updates regarding all three of these players as news come along. 

     Cheers.

Arsenal's Defensive Midfield Crisis - Why Center Backs Can't Play in Midfield

   
     Based on Arsenal's past voyages in the transfer market, you'd have to say that Arsene Wenger has really stepped out of his "comfort zone" this summer. We've already made one signing in Carl Jenkinson (not so illustrious, but it's a start) and we're heavily linked with other players such as Gervinho, Alvarez, Cahill, Heitinga, and Samba.
     When you look at those players, you've got two wingers* and three center backs. This is good, because we all know how much Arsenal needs a physical, no-nonsense center back for those Britannia matches. It's also nice to see some wingers being signed; Arshavin will probably leave next summer making way for Alvarez, and Gervinho could mean a move for Walcott. Could he finally be put up front as a central striker? We'll have to wait and see.
*I think they'll both be played as wingers.

We need two of him!

     So while we're doing well in the transfer market, at this point in time, I'm not completely convinced. Arsenal season after season has been hit with injuries. And quite frankly, we lack depth in certain positions to have a sense of security when a starter gets injured, or simply needs rest.
     I'm talking about the defensive midfield role. These were our options last season:

• Song
• Wilshere
• Denilson
• Diaby

     I have absolutely no complaints with Song. Last season was his best for the club, but he just can't play every game. Wilshere also had a fantastic season, obviously. I suspect that he will remain a defensive midfielder for the next season, with Cesc still at the club, stopping Wilshere from moving up into that position. But he too played more minutes than the majority of the squad. 

     You then have Denilson. He was shit last season, let's not be nice. But no need to address him; he's gone this summer. 

     And then Diaby. Ever since his horrid injury against Sunderland a couple seasons back, he hasn't been the same. Not only that, he struggles to find fitness because of his constant injuries, and for me, he is just too slow on the ball to make the cut in midfield. 

     So you can scratch Denilson off the list, and Diaby will miss the beginning of next season because of surgery so you're left with Song and Wilshere for our Champions League Qualifiers, Carling Cup, and the league itself. I don't say the FA Cup because Diaby should be fit by then.

     Hence, we MUST purchase a defensive midfielder this summer. MUST. I know many of you want to see one of our center backs step up to that role, but that's a bad idea.

     Simply because a center back can make tackles and is a strong physical prescence, does not mean they can play in midfield. With all due respect to center backs, your mind needs to be much quicker when playing in midfield.
     I myself am a "Cesc" type player, but can also play on the wing. When I play on the wing, it is much easier because you have a panoramic view of the game, like a center back. As a winger, if you receive the ball, you only have to worry about an opposing player pressuring you from one side, not all around like a center midfielder. It's a very similar case with a center back.

JET is known for his ability to play in numerous positions

     As a central midfielder, it's en entirely different story. Once you receive the ball, you have to worry about a player pressuring you from ALL angles. Therefore, you're not allowed much time on the ball at all. 

As a center midfielder, your touch must be top notch, your mind must be quick, and you have to have very good awareness. None of our center backs have "enough" of these qualities to make the cut in a midfield like Arsenal's.

     I've heard calls for Djourou to play in the defensive midfield position, as Djourou is our only center back to have played in midfield. Either way, I think that would be a nightmare. His feet are slow, he has little awareness even as a defender, and his mind is slow. It would be a disaster.
     Koscielny would be a better fit for the position, but it would be a rough change for him. Like I said, it's hard to deal with the pressure coming on to you from all angles versus just one (in most cases). You need to have eyes on the side of your head, and eyes on the back of your head. Perhaps if Koscielny could do this then he could play there...
     Even if Koscielny could play there, I'm confident he will have a brilliant season. Last season was his first in the Premier League, and despite his gaff in the Carling Cup Final, I thought he was one of our top performers all season.  

Thiago Silva - a brick wall

     Another example of why center backs shouldn't play in midfield is AC Milan's Thiago Silva. I regard him as one of the best center backs in the game perhaps right behind Vidic. He has fantastic awareness, his feet are fairly quick, and he's a very smart player. 

     There was a time in Milan's season when they were very short on midfielders. Therefore, Massimiliano Allegri put T. Silva in the defensive midfield role. While Silva didn't do terrible, it was clear that he wasn't used to that position. You could tell that Silva slowed the pace of the game down. 

     Basically what I am trying to say is, it is very, very hard for a center back to move into midfield, and I'd fear a move for any of our center backs to play there. Especially for a team like Arsenal, where the midfielders must be extremely intelligent and quick thinking. 

     So we now look at our options in this transfer window. A player that is attracting some attention and is willing to leave his club for Champions League Football is Fellaini. He was bought by David Moyes three years ago for 15 million, and I suspect Everton would want much more than that for the Afro-man.
Fellaini is a big, physical presence. He is a decent passer of the ball, and personally I wouldn't mind him being a bench player. A player to close out those one-nil games with Song. You may even remember the match against Everton at the Emirates (fantastic match full of perseverance) where in the first half, Fellaini absolutely dominated the game.
     Just two problems I see with him: the interest that City and Madrid (yes, Madrid!) have in him. They could offer him much more than us. And also, he isn't exactly the most technically gifted player. We need that in our midfield, to play with the likes of Cesc, Wilshere, and Ramsey.

Future team mates?  

     Other than Fellaini, I don't see many options. The player would have to be a smart technical player, and a good passer of the ball. Sandro is a good player, but he's from Spuds. Damnet.
     It's hard for me to pick out any likely options that would fit Wenger's price range, and also have the physical and technical qualities we need in a defensive midfielder. Either way, I'm sure Arsene is aware that we need a defensive midfielder, and has some player up his sleeve that we've never heard of from France that'll work wonders for us.

     If any of you lot have ideas for a defensive midfielder for us, leave a comment below. Keep your responses realistic! Cheers.

TRANSFER UPDATE: Ricardo Alvarez - An Arsenal Player Already?

     Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening everyone.

     At the beginning of the transfer market, one of the first names Arsenal was linked with was Ricardo Alvarez.

     Alvarez is a highly rated player in Argentina, which has led to a huge chase for the midfielder, by clubs such as Malaga, Roma, Inter Milan, Schalke, and Sevilla. 

     As I said previously, Arsenal was interested in Alvarez up to a month ago, and talks began. In fact, Arsene Wenger even flew out to South America, rumors saying that the trip was not for holiday but for negotiations. However, Velez wanted 11 million for their star, which seemed to be too much for Arsene's liking.  

     That is when talks seemed to die down. In the past few weeks, talks grew over Hazard and Gervinho, but now with the signing of Gervinho seemingly near it's completion, talks for Alvarez are up and running once again. Why, I'm not so sure.

     Arsene has been watching Alvarez for around three years now. Arsene was notified of the Argentinian by Arsenal's Brazil based scout Sandro Orlandelli.

     To be honest, I haven't heard much of "Ricky" Alvarez as he is called, but if Arsene is willing to pay 11 million and fly out to South America for the midfielder must mean he has bundles of talent. In Arsene we trust!

     It's interesting that Arsenal is being linked with yet another winger/attacking midfielder. We look to be on the verge of signing Gervinho, so with Gervinho and Alvarez, our attacking options would look like this:

1. Vela
2. Van Persie
3. Chamakh
4. Walcott
5. Gervinho
6. Arshavin 
7. Alvarez 
8. Nasri

     That is a very large amount of players for three spots, if we stick with our 4-2-3-1 formation. 

     However, Gervinho, Vela, and Alvarez can all play up top with a striking partner. Henceforth, does this mean a switch to 4-4-2 in the upcoming season? It's hard to say. But with Cesc, Wilshere, and Ramsey able to fit into the attacking midfield role, it's hard to see Alvarez getting into that spot.

     It's all guessing games right now regarding where he would play for us. The fact is, Alvarez is heavily linked with us, and we look to be leading the chase. 

Stats:

Nationality: Argentinian

Age: 23

Club: Velez Sarsfield

Price: Approximately 11 million pounds

Height: 1.88 m

Weight: 73 kg

Preferred foot: Left

Position: Attacking midfielder*

*Can also play as a second striker, or anywhere across the midfield.

     Regarding his style of play, he is a skill player, who has good balance. From watching the video above, he reminds me of Neymar in a way, the way he strikes the ball and gets past players. 

     He also seems like a player not afraid to shoot. Something Arsenal is desperate for. 

     My only complaints with him (although I have only seen a short clip) is that he seems a very one-footed player, and he needs to bulk up for the Premier League. I'm making it sound like we've already signed him! Well, as a matter of fact...

     The latest reports/rumors regarding the transfer is that Palermo are now in the chase for Alvarez as well. However, Palermo president said this on Italian Radio Kiss Kiss:

"We did have a concrete bid for Alvarez and had him in our grasp back in January. Unfortunately, we didn't complete the move in time, so we lost him to Arsenal. At this moment he has already signed for the Gunners."

     It is very difficult to analyze this. You almost find it hard to believe, that Arsenal has already signed him. The deals with Chris Samba and Gervinho were known to many as "nearly completed", but anything regarding Alvarez has been hidden.
     This could be because a lot of the rumors I hear are from European based people - not South American's.

Maurizio Zamparini - quite the looker

     But, this is Palermo's president that has said we have signed Alvarez, and not some tricky agent, or some random, sketchy website. I don't want to say no to this, but it just seems too good to believe.
     I'll have more on the issue as I hear more. Be sure to leave your comments and check back as well.


__________________________________________________________________________________


     On the poll I put up, 44% of you said that Cesc must stay at Arsenal. 33% of you said that you would only sell Cesc if we could get more than 50 million for him. 11% said only for 40+, and just 5% said we could  sell him if Nasri stays. Another 5% selected "yes no matter what, but I was stupid enough to put up the same choice twice. My apologies.

     Personally, I'd really like him to stay, but if we could get 50 million for him that is an offer we cannot refuse. 40 million is a different story. It would still double or transfer budget, but what would be the repercussions of losing Cesc?
     Either way, I'm confident we will hold onto him.

TRANSFER UPDATE: Bendtner, Vela, Samba, and Enrique

Alright then. Sorry for the lack of posts, but I've been a little bit busy.

     First off, let's start with Nicklas Bendtner. He has been linked with multiple clubs, but it now seems that Borussia Dortmund are leading the chase It is rumored that Dortumnd will make an eleven million pound bid for Nick, IF Lucas Barrios is sold. Eleven million sounds good for him, so let's hope the bid can go through.          That's not to say I don't want him to stay, but he's already set on going, sadly.

     Regarding Carlos Vela, his agent Eduardo Hernandez has come out and said this:

     “I’ve had eight conversations with Arsenal, the most recent was last Friday, and Carlos is an Arsenal player, he’ll stay at Arsenal and is not for sale”. 

     This is very interesting... It seems that Vela has no place in our starting XI, and isn't exactly a winger. That would lead me to believe Wenger either wants to make Vela into a winger, or he plans on playing two up front. Either way, with the arrival of Gervinho, and with van Persie, Arshavin, Chamakh, Walcott, and maybe Nasri to compete with, I'm not sure how he will break in. Perhaps Arsene wants to send him out on loan again? I'm not sure. But I'd rather just ship him out. A few late, cheeky goals over a keeper in a thrashing of a poor team aside, he hasn't done much for us.

     With the growing speculation of Clichy leaving us and heading out, it seems Arsene has started his search for a replacement, with Newcastle's Jose Enrique heavily linked.
     Manager Alan Pardew said this regarding the speculation:

     "I’m still hopeful that Enrique, who was a big player for us last year, stays at the club and we can entice him to stay. We are still working on that. We’re not confident we can keep him, but we’re not scared of losing him."

     This looks good, and I completely welcome a move like this. Enrique has shown he can compete in the Premier League, he's a good crosser and passer, and he'd be a good swap for Clichy. The only thing I'm not so sure about is the defensive side of Enrique's game. As if anyone wasn't aware, we need a solid defense!

     More news on Samba, and the latest is this quote from him:

     "I know there are discussions with some clubs. For four-and-a-half years I have been at Blackburn and fought against relegation. If a good opportunity presents itself, I want to take it. I hope the club will understand if I want to make the step up and not prevent a deal.”

     Meanwhile, Blackburn's boss Steve Kean said this:

     "I said earlier this year you are always going to have interest in your good players. It means they’re playing well and you’re playing well as a team. We don’t have to sell him [Samba]. He signed a five-year contract in the last window. He’s one of the players we would like keep. We’re going to try and hold on to all our good players.” 

     I'm starting to get a little bit worried to be honest. I heard a week ago that only the wage deal had to be settled, but this would lead us in the opposite direction. But this is football, and anything can happen.


     That's that for today, I just wanted to make this post short and chock full of fact. Tomorrow I'll have some more updates, and a problem I've found with Arsenal in the transfer market this summer.... Stay tuned.

Arsenal's First Two Signings of the Summer*, Cesc and Narsi update

I've now heard some more news, and it's very encouraging.

     First, our captain. We all know he loves Barcelona, and that one day he will play there, but it is in our best interest to hold onto him. There have been rumors of another Barcelona bid this summer, but perhaps they can now be completely squashed.
     After Wenger's comments stating that Cesc would stay at Arsenal, Cesc himself has now come out to reinstall faith in the fans:

     "I’m very happy, I’m an Arsenal player now, and that’s it. Wenger knows what I want and he’s the boss, he decides.

     I won’t step forward and say I want to join Barça. After 8 years at Arsenal, I won’t harm the club. That’s not my way of being."

     This could be a little misleading - Cesc says Wenger knows what he wants, but what does Cesc want exactly? According to Wenger, Cesc is an Arsenal player and will be for a long time, so that would lead me to believe Cesc would depart in a couple seasons. But lets just focus on this upcoming season.
     Also, Cesc said he won't harm the club, and by leaving, he would be harming the club.

     In news regarding Nasri - his agent Alain Migliacciohas come out and said:

     “I want to clarify that there has been no break with the Gunners over the contract’s renewal and we should meet again soon with Arsene Wenger." 

      Very good to hear, and I do think we will be able to keep hold of him this season.

     Regarding Samba, TheGoonBlog.com says that the Samba deal is done, and that all that is left to be sorted is the wage deal. I really wanted Samba at Arsenal, and it seems like we've got him.
     However, this may mean we won't go for Cahill, but instead a defender who is, for lack of a better word, not as good as Cahill. We'll see.

     The Gervinho situation is similar. The deal is close to finishing apparently, just some finalizing must be done. A fee around 12 million, for a still young winger who's stats are better than Hazard's. I'm not sure when the signings will be announced by Arsenal, but I suspect by the end of next week.

     There will be more details on the Samba and Gervinho stories tomorrow, and a little bit on Bendtner as well.
     Cheers.

Ivan Gazidis - Open Question and Answer With the AST - Summary

    

     On Monday, our own CEO Ivan Gazidis held a Q&A with the Arsenal Supporters Trust at the Emirates. The meeting took quite a while, but there were some very good questions asked, and answered.
I've decided to shorten the meeting, and give you the key points.
     It is also important to remember that what I wrote below is not the exact words from the meeting; it is a very close translation that I did in order to shorten everything and deliver the key points. However, some of the words below are direct translations.
     If you instead wish to view the meeting in it's entirety, Part 1 is here and Part 2 is here.

Gazidis started with an introduction, and made a few points.

Despite the dissapointing season, we need to step back and take in some achievements the club has made:

• The beautiful stadium
• Our style of play
• Arsenal's financial stability. "The ability to stand on our own two feet, to be able to say we don't owe our success to an outside party."
• Our work in the community.

     Gazidis said that while he is our CEO, he does not treat his job as just "a job". He explained how he is emotionally invested in the club, and that it was also hard for him to watch the closing matches of the season, like us. Saying this showed that he understands the emotions we feel, and that he would understand some of our demands.
     Gazidis then went on to say that there will be a turnover of players in the close season. Some players leaving, some new players coming in. He suspects, as Arsene said, that it will be a busy summer for Arsenal.
  
     He also said that the club is a social and cultural institution. To be the best that it can be, and to deliver excellence, it must also be a good and sustainable business.

     Because of Arsenal's sustainable model, as of now Arsenal is well behind in revenue streams compared to our top competitors: Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Manchester United. However, this must be done in a responsible, sustainable way.

     Regarding spending: It is critical our spending is as efficeint as possible. In the end, the objective is to put out the best team we can on the field.

     Against our background of balance, the season ticket price increase can be justified, along with other things. Since moving to the stadium, there have only been two increases in six years. Gazidis says we've been very restrained and balanced in our ticket price increase, and that the board could've made the ticket price higher.
     Gazidis also justifies the ticket increase when put in context to what we are trying to achieve on the field.
Utilities in the stadium in the last two years have gone up 100%, electric has gone up a third, and other costs are going up dramatically.
     At some point or another, inflation increase would have to happen.

Some more points that Gazidis made:

• Our ticketing approach must be more sophisticated. We are devoting many resources to this difficult task.
• Arsenal is trying to invest in commercial revenue vs. ticket revenue. Touring internationally will help do so.
• Ultiamte aim is pride not profit. Arsenal pride. Trophies need to be won for pride
• Kroenke owns 66.6%, Usmanov about 30%, and AST about 3%
• The board is confident in Stan. Stan believes in Arsenal's self sustaining model. He loves Arsenal. Also, h plans on remaining in background and wont look for publicity via Arsenal.
• We need to stick together and not fall victim to the public attention to our failings. These failings are bloated, cant divide Arsenal.

Question 1:
     Who is responsible for the contracts of our players, ie Mr. Nasri and Mr. Clichy? How has it gotten to the situation where they can wish to leave and we can only sell them for a cheap price? Or they could simply leave as free agents next season?


Answer: 
     I'd rather not talk about individual players, the media can blow what I say up into something it's not.

As a club, we need to reach a balance of what we are prepared to spend, and how much we think a player can give us. This decision made by the technical staff and Mr. Wenger.

Response: 
     He didn't exactly answer the question. He basically said that there has been a disagreement with the players on how much the club thinks they're worth and how much they think they're worth. But it is completely understandable why he couldn't talk about the individual players.



Question 2:
     You spoke about familiar disappointments at the end of the season, do you see yourself removing the manager, and what would that situation look like to you?

Answer:
     We support Arsene 100%, I support Arsene 100%. There is no plan for removing Arsene.

Response: 
     You couldn't really expect much else from him. But good to hear all the same. 



Question 3:
     Ivan, you joined the club two and a half years ago, how would you compare the level of football at the club then to how it is now?

Answer: 
     I think we have moved ahead, but others have moved ahead as well. I don't think we have moved ahead enough though.

Response:
     He's right. We are better, but not good enough.

  

Question 4: 
     Many neutrals have said that we haven't done very good business in the last four transfer windows. I have two propositions: To take the manager out of the financial side of purchasing players, and if that is too much to ask, bring someone in to help Arsene, like David Dein.

Answer: 
     That plan doesn't seem to make much sense to me. You need to discuss with the manager the worth of a player, ie how much the club should be willing to spend in order to sign a player.
     Regarding David Dein, I do not know what type of role he would play of the club and as of now I am not aware of any plans to bring David back.

Response: 
     Well I agree it would be naive to take Arsene out of the equation, but I do encourage the idea of bringing someone back to help persuade Wenger into splashing the cash.



Question 5: 
     Speaking of removing the manager from the element of the financial part of signing players, its the market that sets the price of a player, it isn't up to Arsene. What happens is we reject to sign an overpriced player, and then another club goes and buys him which would set the price.

Answer: 
     We spend the money we generate. We plan in a sophisticated way how to sign our players, we have a financial model. It's not just the transfer fee, but it's also a plan to sustain their wage bill throughout their time at the club, without putting a strain on the relationship with the fans from a financial standpoint.

Response: 
     Spot on, to an extent. You can't go by what Liverpool says. If you did, Cesc would be worth 90 million. For Henderson (19 million) to be worth more than Gervinho (12 million) is just bonkers. But we do need to be a little more loose with our spending. 



Question 6: 
     Peter Hill-Wood said "Remember who you are, what you are, and who you represent" Diaby wears a chicken on a basketball shirt, and the players rarely come to applaud the away fans. Fans are still frustrated at the lack of respect from the players.

Answer:
     It's not an Arsenal only issue. It's across the game. More disconnect between players and fans. We need to do a better job, so our fans feel like a bigger part of the club. This meeting is a way of doing so. We will move to address it (lack of respect towards fans and club). We need to do better.

Response:
      Absolutely. Diaby can fuck himself per se, he should really know better. Jack Wilshere and Benik Afobe are the ones that seem to really know what being an Arsenal player means.



Question 7: 
     How can a Silver membership rise from 26 pounds to 39 pounds? That is a 50% increase in one year, and it is contradictory to your point that you want to encourage young fans to come to the games.


Answer: 
     Silver is for longest serving, most loyal fans. That level gives priority to tickets. However, there was too much of a balance between silver and red membership. The red membership prices and silver membership prices were too close, nearly indistinguishable. That gave silver membership less importance. Either way, our silver membership is still below its commercial value. And to encourage youngsters we proceeded to keep the Junior Gunners ticket prices flat.

Response: 
     I don't really have a response to be honest.



Question 8:
     Safe standing areas. Will Arsenal consider this? It could help reduce ticket prices, and help with the atmosphere at the stadium.

Answer:
     I find this attractive. In some cases it could be costly because it wasn't built with the stadium. However, I will look into it more.

Response: 
     I'm glad this was brought up, and I hope this can be done this summer. It would really enhance the atmosphere in the stadium in my opinion. 



Question 9:
     At home games during the winter, you can't see reserve team. The matches are behind closed doors. It isn't that bad in winter time.

Answer:
     During the winter, the technical staff has felt the facilities aren't good enough to promote good player development. I'll look at it again, but I don't want to raise any expectations.

Response: 
     If it's not safe for people to watch the games, it is understandable for the games to be held behind closed doors. However, the facilities should perhaps be improved so this problem won't happen again this winter.



Question 10:
     Does Mr, Kroenke plan on taking out share dividends in order to pay off his debt from his purchases?

Answer: 
     Mr. Kroenke has made no specific commitments which is understandable from owners.However, he hasn't done so with his past sports businesses,  and he hasn't done this at Arsenal in the past, so no reason to believe he would do so.

Response: 
     It's understandable that Mr. Kroenke wouldn't make any commitments, god forbid something happened elsewhere with another one of his sports teams. None the less, I don't think we have anything to worry about.

You cant say no to those shades and that mustache.

Question 11: 
     95% of the club is owned by two investors. If self sustainability is where the fans are asked to put more and more in, is this the way we're gonna go forever?

Answer: 
     I hope not. Arsenal will plan on getting more commercial revenue.

Response:
     I hope not? Definitely not. Once our commercial contracts run out in 2014, ie Nike, they must be renewed but for a bigger wage. Like what Nasri is doing with us. United's sponsorship deal with Nike gives them 20 million a year, while for us, only five million. This has to change.



Question 12:
     Some statements by the club are transparent. The attendance announced at every game is not true. Also, it seems the waiting list can't be too long what with the inflationary rise.

Answer: 
     It's sold tickets that is said over the loud speaker, and that is the industry standard all around the world.
To fix the empty seats, better ticket exchange is needed, which we will look into.
We do have an extremely long waiting list.

Response: 
    Not much to say on this, but Gazidis is right- more must be done to help with better ticket exchange. Empty seats for a match that fans want to attend isn't right.



Question 13:
     What have we done regarding commercial activity, with hospitals, schools, public services? And what about data about the fan base?

Answer:
     We have a good commercial team. We are starting to see some green roots. I'm proud of our community work. We are involved in a broad range of community service.
     Arsenal just finished a huge research in fan base.We now understand very well how a fan views the club from age to age.

Response:
     I personally always knew that Arsenal was very good in the community. Commercially is a different story. We need to do better. Going to Asia will help though.



Question 14: 
     My father wrote me a letter... I'm 70 years old and I've been a supporter for many, many years. I've never seen a team with a worse worth ethic. We beat Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United, which shows the team can win- when they want.

Answer:
     That is something we need to acknowledge. Perhaps not about heart and desire necessarily. There have been moments where things went badly wrong. I'm not sure it's all about heart and desire. Also experience is needed.
  
Response:
     SPOT ON MATE. Alex Song has said that sometimes in the 'routine' games, the team thinks that by simply showing up they can win. Obviously, this is not the case.



Question 15:
     Does our transfer budget of a reported 40 million cover only the transfer fee or the salary too? And have we used all the money we have or half, etc?And when a player is loaned, who pays for his wages?

Answer:
     Our transfer budget is not segregated, and it's complicated. We look at money as money, basically. We haven't used all of our money. We spend when we need to spend. And the club that takes a loanee usually pays the players wages, however there are also individual negotiations that can occur.

Response:
     Thought this question was a little daft. To think that after making the signings we did in the past few seasons, our transfer budget could be anywhere near halfway gone, is absurd in my opinion.



Question 16:
     Who is Arsene Wenger accountable to?

Answer:
     Ultimately, the fans. They can make it unsustainable for Arsene to stay. I still think Arsene has the support from the majority of the fans.

Response: 
     Good question, and from Le Grove. Many expected Gazidis to say Wenger is accountable to the board, but if the fans get too upset with Arsene then the board will be forced to act.



Question 17:
     At Arsenal, I don't want to see our players become world class and then get poached by bigger clubs.

Answer:
     Our spending levels are far better than our competitors. That doesn't mean we're better though. But we are a role model for efficient spending.

Response:
     The question was fantastic. The answer, no. He didn't answer the question. Why? I'm not so sure. Perhaps he misunderstood the question, but I doubt it.
     The only way for this poaching from bigger clubs to stop happening is if we start winning trophies. So simple, yet we can't seem to grasp it.



Question 18: 
     We have trouble with defending set pieces, I'd like to see a change of a defensive coach.


Answer: 
     I don't think Arsene is as stubborn as people perceive. We are contained about our decisions and views. I cannot talk too much because the media will blow it up.


Response: 
     There is no doubt we need a better defensive coach. Our set pieces are shit. I suggest bringing in a former forward, to help with our defending of set pieces.




Question 19: 
     Does Stan Kroenke plan on continuing an open dialogue with the AST.


Answer:
      He supported fan share and AST and remains a supporter.

Response: 
     Uhm... Good. Yes. Good.


Question 20:
     I know you back the manager, but Arsene Wenger can't last forever so is there currently a plan for Wenger's departure?

Answer: 
     There would be media attention on what I said, so I cant really speak about plans after Arsene.

Response:
     I don't see why there would be a plan for Arsene to leave as of yet. He can still last a couple more years.



Question 21: 
     Tony Adams is currently in Azerbaijan. Someone like him could help us with our defensive problems. Carl Jenkinson just came from Charlton, a young player, but as of right now it seems that there is no one at the club that can really help him learn his trade.

Answer:
     Again, this is a question I can't delve into too much detail with because of the media. We know our failings this season, and we will try to address them.

Response: 
     Similar to the other question regarding defensive coaching. Someone needs to be brought in.



Question 22:
     There is an outstanding debt to be payed off for the stadium, which would be allowed under the UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations. Could the two billionaire shareholders help pay off that debt?

Answer:
     The debt is sustainable over the long term and as a business man it does not make any sense to do that.

Response: 
     I agree with Gazidis, I think it's better to slowly pay off the debt of the stadium.



Question 23:
     Have you (Arsenal) talked to anyone in the transfer market?

Answer:
     Yes, many people.

Response: 
     Signs of intent. Good.



Question 24: 
     Are we closer to signing anyone?

Answer:
     I can't answer that one. It's gonna be an active summer. Arsene and I expect to be busy. I feel positive about our prospects next year.

     Later in the question, Gazidis mentioned how the overseas tour to China is good as it will relieve the dependency on the stadium, and that it will help expand Arsenal commercially.

Response:
     Gazidis said exactly what you would expect him to say. Nothing for the media to pounce on, and obviously he would feel positive about our signings.



      All in all, I think Gazidis conducted the Q&A very well. He mostly gave us what we wanted to hear, and gave us all he could it seems.
 
     That's that. Feel free to leave your thoughts below. I'll have another post up soon in regard to summer transfer updates.

Transfer News - Keisuke Honda, Roger Johnson, Scott Dann, Denilson

KEISUKE HONDA

After his World Cup goal against Cameroon.

     While transfer rumors can keep you up all night with wild fantasies of a front three of Hazard, RvP, and Ronaldo, most of the time the rumors are simply made up to get some attention for the evil-rumor-starter. For example, this Keisuke Honda rumor.

     After Arsene Wenger's comments made regarding Nasri and Cesc, it seems he is more than confident Fabregas and Nasri will remain Arsenal players for at least one more season. While I think Nasri should give up his aspirations to play in the middle and turn into a winger, when Cesc is out Arsene usually puts Nasri there.
     So with Nasri, Cesc, Wilshere, and Ramsey all capable of playing in that role, I highly doubt Wenger would bring the Japanese international in. It would just be unnecessary, and our money would be better off spent on a striker or a holding midfielder, or a defender.

     I've looked into this rumor quite a bit, and it lacks backbone. Arsene once said that when Honda is on the ball "the magic starts". That's about as far as the rumor goes. All The Mirror can say is that Honda wants to leave CSKA Moskow and that Honda had been linked with Arsenal in the past.

Don't get your hopes up.

Stats: 
(Russian Premier League, 2011/2012 season)
Games: 7
Goals: 3
Assists: 0



ROGER JOHNSON

     There seems to be slightly more concrete behind this rumor. Paul Smith, Johnson's manager, spoke on TalkSport and said this:

     "Without breaching any confidences I've had a call from Birmingham to declare that they would have to let him go, and at 28 years old and having played every game in the Premier League for two seasons running he is in demand for sure. It's just a matter of who he goes to I think." 

     Other than that, all that can be heard as of now is that Arsenal is "interested" and "linked". I'm not a big fan of Johnson, but perhaps his attitude is something this Arsenal team could use. You may remember when we played them in the Carling Cup Final, Johnson was slightly injured but played through the pain. We need someone with a pair of balls. Also, Brum need money since their relegation (haha) so perhaps Arsenal could get a decent second string center back for cheap.

Stats: 
(Premier League)

Games: 38
Goals: 2
Assists: 1



SCOTT DANN 

     Scott Dan is the better center back of the Brum pairing, and as a result would cost more, apparently 15 million. (Yeah right). At 6' 5" he could help with our set piece defending, but by no means would I want him as a starter. A good fourth choice center back if you ask me. 

     Like Johnson and Honda, all the evidence is that we are being linked with the player. I still think Samba and Cahill are the priorities for Wenger, and Heitinga could still be a back up for Wenger like last summer.

     I'd like him on the team for the same reasons of Johnson: his mentality and physicality, but only if neither Samba or Cahill can be signed.

Stats: 
(Premier League) 
Games: 20
Goals: 2
Assists: 1



DENILSON

No no no, you're a "winner", right Denilson?
Credit: Srseblog

 

     The latest I've heard on our Brazilian starlet (sarcasm) is that we could make a swap with Shaktar Donetsk for their young midfielder Willian plus four million. The only real problem with this rumor is that it's from The Sun.


     If this rumor is true, Arsene should pounce on this bargain. While Willian still has some work to do before he could try and break into our first team, he has the potential. Denilson wants out, and Shaktar and Ukraine sound like something that could work for him.

     Denilson has also been linked with Sevilla for eight million pounds. If true, what on earth is wrong with Sevilla? Eight million? They're bonkers, luckily for us. And a great move for Denilson if it's true. The only thing that would lead me to believe the Sevilla rumor is a fake is that I haven't heard much of the rumor since.

Stats: 
(Premier League) 
Games: 16
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
 


SUMMARY

     Honda is a world class player that I would like to see more of, but with Nasri, Cesc, Wilshere, and Ramsey, he would either take chances away from the young lads, or it would be hard for him to break into the first team.
     FINAL DECISION: Don't sign him.

     I don't like Johnson or Dann very much, but they're two decent, no nonsense, center-backs. They can give us leadership and a better attitude to the "routine" matches, since, being at a club like Birmingham (no offense), every match is a very important one in order to stay up.
     Brum needs to get money, and these two players are some of their top assets. Lets try and take advantage of this.
     FINAL DECISION: Get one of them, depending on the other center backs we sign beforehand. 

     Denilson... Sevilla are willing to pay eight million? Shaktar will give us four million and Willian?
FINAL DECISION: I don't care, just get him off our hands!


     In other news, Ivan Gazidis had an open Q&A today, the first under the new ownership of Stan Kroenke. Tomorrow, I'll publish the meeting and my thoughts. Make sure you check back, because some very good questions were asked an answered.

     That's about it for today, make sure you comment and leave your thoughts.
     I leave you with this lovely video: