Arsenal Thread

[Nitey]

Welcome Santi! So good to have him here. Havent been this excited by a signing in a long time

I agree that we'll offload a few players before the end of the window, and rightly so. Whilst it would be nice to know his number so I can order my shirt, I think it's wise to just wait a bit as number 11 (Vela) and 9 (Park) are bound to be free soon. If RvP leaves Poldi will get 10 and I reckon Santi will go for 11. I hope so anyway, because that number 9 shirt is a curse . I would be surprised if Walcott leaves btw

Even if we don't bring in Sahin for the year I think it's been a good summer for AFC. The squad has built what seems like a strong bond throughout last season and to get 3 good/great players in one window to add to that is going to be fantastic! First team is looking really solid now and at last we have options. God, I remember every game last season praying that RvP would do the business (which he always did) and avoid injury cos we'd be doomed without his goals considering Chamakh would have played up top. I believe we have the squad, and we will get the goals - a lot is going to hinge on our pressing game and defensive work

Anyone see his photoshoot video? Arteta casually rollin' through. I love that man

[DINAMO788]

Does no one remember that Santos wears the #11?

The #13 shirt is open (which I think is a great number).

The only real area I think we need to work on is RB cover for Sagna. Even maybe take on a seaspn loan term, Jenkinson isnt ready to play against top level teams. He also has a very poor relationship with Walcott on the winger and we get exposed defensively down the right. Also, I would like more cover for CB. I think the most deflating thing looking at our wonderful team is remembering that we signed Mertesacker for a long term deal. Everything else looks perfect though.

[Nitey]

Oh shit, yeah I forgot Santos took Vela's number !

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Cesc Fàbregas Soler ‏@cesc4official
I'm so happy to hear that my mate Santi Cazorla is finally a gooner. Top guy, special player. A great signing! Come onnn!

[Shibby]

According to Marca, we're trying to beat you to the Sahin deal. Saying that we're the only ones willing to agree to some special clause Madrid want in the deal. Still expecting you to get him on loan.

[Nitey]

That special clause Pool are agreeing to is most likely the no buy out clause at the end of the loan spell. Madrid signed him on a 6 year deal, so you'd imagine he is a big part of their future plans and therefore don't want him leaving permanently. I don't think Wenger would agree to have Sahin here if there's no buy out clause.

Personally, I would still have him here as we wait for Jack to regain fitness and form, but from Arsene's point of view he'd rather give game time and experience to his own younger players than doing a favour for Madrid and Mourinho by keeping him for only a year with no other options

If terms are equal between the interested clubs, I'd expect him to end up here

[Shibby]

That special clause Pool are agreeing to is most likely the no buy out clause at the end of the loan spell. Madrid signed him on a 6 year deal, so you'd imagine he is a big part of their future plans and therefore don't want him leaving permanently. I don't think Wenger would agree to have Sahin here if there's no buy out clause.

Personally, I would still have him here as we wait for Jack to regain fitness and form, but from Arsene's point of view he'd rather give game time and experience to his own younger players than doing a favour for Madrid and Mourinho by keeping him for only a year with no other options

If terms are equal between the interested clubs, I'd expect him to end up here

There's been some talk of a permanent deal with a buy-back clause too.

One positive for us is that Mourinho has worked with Rodgers before and has a lot of respect for his coaching abilities, and may put more trust in him helping Sahin grow. And that is in no way meant to disrespect Wenger, just looking at it from a personal experience angle.

[The Boy From School]

Welcome, Santi.

I'm interested in what kind of line up we're going to field this season.

Say no to Sahin.

[Nitey]

Forgot about Rodgers' and Mourinho's relationship, that's a good point. If the terms are equal then it'll be down to where the player thinks he'll get the most game time and if he wants the possibility of featuring in the CL. I still believe that if there is no buy out clause then he won't be at Arsenal

[Nitey]

Graham Hunter: "Cazorla has chosen Arsenal above a host of other clubs - including Real Madrid. He made it clear, it was Arsenal for him."

Spanish football expert Graham Hunter is glowing in his description Arsenal's new signing Santi Cazorla claiming he can be a Premier League great like Eric Cantona, Gianfranco Zola or Paolo Di Canio.

I usually respect Hunter's insight.

[Cyn]

He's an absolute midget isn't he, looks like a child. Arteta isn't even tall

I'd like to see him wearing 11 as well, just another case of the club's bizarre approach to shirt numbers.

[elite gamer]

Since Sahin can play left back maybe Wenger wants him there? o_O

[Nitey]

http://player.arsenal.com/player/234...al-in-training


<3

Wish they'd do more of these training videos. Love seeing the players just chill and show off skill . Maybe they do for subscribers to Arsenal player? not sure myself. Should probably become a member

[Firefox]

I don't even live in London and I'm a member. They posted a Santos vs. Song penalty shootout a day or two ago.

[Nitey]

Yeah that penalty shootout was funny! Saw it on youtube lol, Santos seems a decent PK taker

[DINAMO788]

Gervinho is a talented player but sometimes hes SOOO EFFING STUPID!! He makes Walcott look like a genius. Arshavin looked bright at times.

[The Boy From School]

Is Song gonna sign with Barca?

[The Boy From School]

[Cyn]

Some very encouraging signs in the game today. Cologne are pretty shit nowadays but I think we put them to the sword well enough. It seems the lack of pre-season games hasn't had too much of an effect, which is good since that was the last one lol

Podolski and Giroud both showed exactly what they'll bring to the side, lethal finishing and a proper target man. Cazorla has been here a week and it might as well be 5 years! He ran the whole show and was practically wearing slippers and smoking a pipe. He's a class above. Gervinho showed again some really good stuff which was an achievement since the other players who came on at half time looked like they couldn't be fucked. He did have one of those moments where you wonder how he didn't get a shot on target, but easily cancelled out by a quality goal.

A few negatives too though. Against as I say a poor side, we still looked defensively suspect for much of the game. Coquelin isn't ready to play a significant part in the team yet (may never be) and I don't like Chamberlain in central midfield. He's already shown he is absolutely dynamite on the right wing, I don't get why Wenger isn't playing him there. Also as I said above, the players who came on at half time didn't look interested at all, especially Song and RVP, which is pretty disappointing. I don't care if they want to move, they could at least show some respect when representing the club

[Nitey]

Caught the game on ESPN earlier today. I'm pleased with the condition of the players right now. I thought the lack of pre-season games and no emirates cup, as well as all the travelling, may have been detrimental to the overall fitness - but we look pretty sharp and a lot of the players on the same wave length at the moment.

What stuck out for me the most was how many options we have at the minute, with or without RvP. Very refreshing to see. Hate to repeat myself but there is still dross in the squad that needs to be let loose but other than that we're good. Cover for RB would be nice but I think Yennaris can do a good job till the might Bacary returns. Hopefully it IS Yennaris and not Jenkinson that lines up vs. Sunderland

Thought Ox and Coq did pretty well Cyn. Ox in particular looked like he was linking up brilliantly with Santi, who btw, looks SO so accomplished and settled in that AM role. Like he has been here for years - exactly the way Arteta settled into our first team last year

Giroud looks like a handfull! I'm really impressed with that signing - he has al the attributes to become a huge player for the club. Looks hungry and up for it, and willing to show his worth. He;s tall and built and looks like he's always looking for goal, has a good first touch and can play with his back to goal and brings others in. He's the complete opposite of Chamakh

We all know what Poldi can bring to the table and he showed glimpses of it today. I liked seeing him drop back when he did, take the ball, and feed others in. I didn't think he'd be into doing that but shows how dynamic of a player he can be when needed. Looked accomplished

Anyway it was against a weak Cologne team so can't draw too many conclusions except the team is looking sharp, which is the main thing. RvP and Song looked a bit short.

Santi is off to Puerto Rico with Spain for a friendly on Tuesday (ffs), so I'm guessing he may not start against Sunderland on Saturday. Hopefully Arteta walks off his niggle, or whatever he had.

Go Gunners!

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Santi vs. Cologne

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I love this picture

We have so many good looking players lol. Arteta got some more competition . No homo xD

[Firefox]

I agree with everything Cyn and Nitey said.. fantastic match reports. Cazorla is a sensational player, the difference in our quality going forward with him and without him in midfield was night and day!

Podolski and Giroud were fantastic in their build up play and creating opportunities in the box!

Robin might stay looking at the new Wenger interview. But it's Cryptic Wenger so perhaps this means that he is leaving.. Interesting tidbit was when Wenger stated that we haven't signed a replacement for Robin. We can't pretend that we have and Wenger isn't pretending either.

http://news.arseblog.com/2012/08/wen...ep-van-persie/

[Cyn]

I hope he means that and everything it represents. It sounds like more Wenger spiel

Cos if we want to challenge, we have to actually replace RVP if he is sold. With a top quality player. If we can do that - or just keep RVP (unlikely) then we will be extremely well stocked in midfield and attacking positions. Easily on par with Man U and only bettered by City. However, our defence will let us down. Both tactically and depth wise. We really, really need a right back!

[Nitey]

Cryptic Wenger is the best Wenger

End of July: Santi Cazorla? I don't know who he is..
August: Santi is a fantastic player that will add a lot to our squad..

:

[Firefox]

What does everyone think if the saga? For me letting him leave on a few is a huge statement and a good one.

Besides if Vieira is a legend to anyone here... Van Persie can also become one if he wins a trophy for us. (Vieira's numerous statements about the club in the early 2000's which were far worse than Van Persie's ) Vieira was phenomenal but his attitude blotches his legendary status and puts him a bit below the likes of Bergkamp and Henry. If Van Persie stays.. he'll have said much less worse things than Vieira did and it won't be a huge issue when we look back on his career.

BUT Van Persie should not keep the armband. It's time for Vermaelen to get it.

I still want Van Persie to stay and will support him as long as he's in an Arsenal shirt.

[DINAMO788]

I think the fans booing him are morons. No rational Arsenal fan wants to see the best player leave. If you listen to what all the players said about him last year, they all love him. He's a good locker room personality and a good lead. One who leads on the pitch by example. You cant just replace a player of his quality. So I want him to stay. Look at Rooney, the fans still love him and he's still a driving force behind united.
That said, Armband to Vermaelen (simply because I dont see who else it would go to).

In case you haven't heard, Ryo is gonna be playing for the Latics for the upcoming year. I hope he gets some good development.

[Cyn]

My take on it is it's funny how so many Man U fans think he's halfway through their door. We aint selling to them unless they offer us stupid money, which we could then go and reinvest wisely. They won't give us that kinda money, so it's over, he's not going there, case closed. I still reckon he'll end up at City. Seems very unlikely he will stay with us and dead certain he won't sign a new deal. Wenger sounded resigned to losing him either now or next year in his post match interview

The problem with TV5 being captain is if he plays like he did last season, he can't be a nailed on starter. And the captain has to be the first name on the team sheet. He needs to up his game on the pitch as well as taking on the responsibility of captain.