LU Arsenal Brigade II

[andrew057]

At first I laughed at the Mata rumours, but I'm beginning to slowly become more optimistic after numerous reports stating that he has or will be travelling to London this weekend.

He'd be an absolute steal at the reported 15m, but would most likely be the end of Arshavin's tenure at Arsenal.

Apparently his family and representatives flew into London yesterday.

Theres talk of deals for around 15mil for Arshavin, at 30 years old and the performances he put in last season, Im more than happy for him to leave.

 

[boxhead]

I saw this on Wikipedia and thought you guys had signed him already, then I read it carefully and laughed to myself.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Manuel_Mata

Arsenal
He will be joining arsenal July 30th 2011, in an interview with Marca he said "I am very happy to be joining a club like Arsenal that plays good football and I have heard a lot of good things about this club from my friend Fabregas". In the same interview he said "Fabregas was defintley staying at Arsenal.

:lol:

Good luck to you and us, he'll be a phenomenal signing either way.

 

[CC_Eagle]

Apparently his family and representatives flew into London yesterday.

Theres talk of deals for around 15mil for Arshavin, at 30 years old and the performances he put in last season, Im more than happy for him to leave.

Trying to control the activity in my pants as all the UK media are reporting a figure of 15-17m up front has been agreed, plus add ons.

Just one example :

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2019966/Juan-Mata-Arsenal-deal-nears-17-5m.html

Trusted French football journo, Phillipe Auclair has also stated that Mata will be an Arsenal player by the weekend, and likely to be unveiled at the Emirates Cup. Could be continental journo rubbish, but the guy was first to report the Gervinho and Clichy transfers, as well as Nasri running his contract down.


Mata on the left, Gervinho on the right, RVP rotating with Chamakh in the middle.

*fapfapfapfapfapfapfap*

 

[andrew057]

Good stuff. Looks like Wenger has upped his bid for Jagielka as well. Maybe just maybe a transfer window to get the fans excited?

 

[CC_Eagle]

Personally, I'd prefer Samba or Cahill. Samba is a human version of The Incredible Hulk and I rate Cahill higher.

But, I'd be happy with any of the three!

Lots of reports linking Bendtner to Porto in a 9m move, and Arsene giving Barcelona a deadline of August 5th to make an appropriate bid. This could be a nice fortnight for us gooners :

* Mata
* A new CB.
* Denilson out on loan.
* Bendtner gone.
* Almunia 'frozen out' or sold.



*

 

[andrew057]

It would be like Christmas has come early.

 

[whall15]

I was sceptical that Juan Mata would be going to Arsenal, but Phillipe Auclair is very credible so good luck to yous.

 

[Twizzle]

According to a Spanish TVC reporter, Spurs have put in a €25mill bid for Mata.

Personally, I dont believe it.

 

[boxhead]

According to a Spanish TVC reporter, Spurs have put in a €25mill bid for Mata.

Personally, I dont believe it.

IMO the figure is too high for two reasons; one, if we have that sort of money, why would we spend it on a player who plays in a position that we are strong in - which is why Afellay makes more sense; that sort of money should go to a striker. Secondly, I didn't even think we had that sort of money to spend, unless we have more money than we thought?

Well the Guardian is reporting the same thing; Mata can only be sold if his release clause of 21million Euros/pounds (don't know which one) is met before August 1. So if Arsenal don't put in an official bid that matches that or exceeds it, then Valenca may very well give Spurs first go at negotiating with Mata. I'm hopeful, but again, I think Afellay would be much cheaper and allow us to spend more in other important areas.

 

[CC_Eagle]

25m for a player who wouldn't get a start ahead of Bale?

I'm with Boxhead on this one.

I'm never one to be a believer of skepticism, but as Whall15 said, Aurier is a very reliable and credible source. I'd listen to him before any newspaper.

 

[Twizzle]

I agree, makes no sense but then again its the media.

The only thing I can think of is that we play to play him on the right. VDV is a left footer and he plays on the right.

 

[andrew057]

I would only expect Mata if Fabregas left.

Not sure Mata would want to go to no Champions League football and not sure how Tottenham are funding this play with no Champs League.

Either way it puts a lot of pressure on Wenger and I like that.

 

[Twizzle]

You guys havent qualified yet

 

[andrew057]

You guys havent qualified yet

Yet > Can't.

 

[Twizzle]

thats true but the club will generally want to sell to whom ever the highest bidder is, just look at the bindippers they cant even offer Europa

 

[Stonecutter]

So many rumours but still only Gervinho and Jenkinson are our only signings. If the emirates cup has shown anything, it's that we need alot more then our current squad to win trophies this season.

 

[CC_Eagle]

Haven't seen the NY game yet, will watch the replay at 2:30.

From all reports it's sounds like much of the same. Plenty of possession, lacking in the final third and defensive calamities - two own goals in three games.

 

[Stonecutter]

Haven't seen the NY game yet, will watch the replay at 2:30.

From all reports it's sounds like much of the same. Plenty of possession, lacking in the final third and defensive calamities - two own goals in three games.

All i know is that every recap i have read talks about continual defensive and goalkeeping collapses. It's gutrenching reading for gunners fans.

 

[CC_Eagle]

In all reality, it was a pre-season friendly played like a pre-season friendly.

NY parked the bus in a way that would impress Tony Pulis. Poor Thierry could have taken a nap and nobody would have noticed.

We were very, very unlucky not to have scored more. Gervinho (who was sensational) had a 1 v 1 chance swatted away and Ramsey skied a shot after being right in front. Both can be attributed to lack of match sharpness though.

The O.G was nearly entirely Eboue's fault. Who completely misread the run and the player. Bartley was simply doing what any CB should do - try to clear a cross.

Rosicky was my standout. Dominated the midfield and was everywhere, full of energy and trying his heart out. Some of his touches and passes were of the Rosicky of old. Very promising signs.

Ramsey too was impressive. I'm predicting big things from him this season.

Chezzy was fine. He made a few decent saves. Including one from a Henry FK. Defensively, overall we were fine. Kos and Vermaelen looked comfortable and very competent together. Although then again, NY rarely threatened.

As I said, I'm not too worried. People who over-analyse pre-season friendlies are the same types of people who take political polls seriously.

 

[andrew057]

I think Woj will be one of the best keepers in the league this season and the potential to be the best in the coming years, so not really concerned at GK.

A CB is a must though, if Wenger doesnt sign a quality player this transfer window hes really lost it.