Arsenal have always not been big spenders in any transfer window, always opting for purchasing players at the age of 15 and 16 for £400,000, rather than spending £25 – £30 million on proven talent, and hoping they become the next big thing. Fabregas is one of the rare occasions where it has actually worked. When Arsenal has been linked to players who have proved themselves at high levels and play for a smaller teams (which happens a lot), we never seem to win the signature of the player, fas was the case with Hazard, and now seemingly Hulk.
This transfer window may be different. The purchase of Podolski before the window and Giroud early on for a total of around £23 million represents more players than had been expected – but is that a good thing?
We have continuously been linked with M’Vila, for months before the Euros. Arsenal fans have differing opinions of him. We are now being linked with Spanish international Santi Cazorla.
M’Vila is a defensive midfielder, like Song, who was voted our second best player last season. What you may not know, is Arteta, our fourth best player of the season, was a trainee for Barcelona, and they planned for him to replace Josep “Pep” Guardiola, as a centre defensive midfielder. It was only at Everton, that he was made to play in a attacking role. At Arsenal, he has gone back into that defensive role with Song, which I love to see, and then he can attack when he wants, as well as going into defensive when needed. That’s two defensive players. Wilshere is also due to return early next season, who we have missed, who plays as a box to box midfielder, who is started in a defensive midfield position. So M’Vila would be our fourth defensive midfield player, and like the other three, he would expect first team football.
I have seen M’Vila in a few matches and he is an obvious talent, but he is a player with a poor temperament He was fined by the French FA for his strop after being subbed in the Euro’s, and he reminds me of players who think they are better than they actually are, Bendtner for example. Would Wenger be able to control a player with his attitude? I think the mixture between Arteta and Song’s attacking and defending talent is good, and better than if M’Vila was in the mix.
Then we come to Santiago Cazorla, a talented winger, but again, there is the same problem of already having players in that position. Walcott firstly, if we extend his contract. He’s a player who seems to under preform continuously, we see him start and many think ‘if he doesn’t play well we need to sell him’ and then he plays well for a game or two. Frustrating!
We already have the amazingly talented Oxlade-Chamberlain. Fans beg Wenger to start with him, even Rvp was moaning when he was subbed against Man United.
In addition there is Podolski, a goal machine for Germany. We can’t say whether or not he will be any good, I believe he will. Add to those the young and inexperienced Ryo Miyaichi, who impressed when on loan at Bolton, as did Wilshere. I think he will be the next best thing personally, and hopefully he will. Do a mixture of experience and youth there, and again, all of them want first team and Cazorla would as well.
So both of these players will want first team football. One has attitude problem, and both would be trouble if they weren’t played every week.
But again, both have a lot of talent. Would you like one of them or both at Arsenal?
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
I like this Miles, thank you.
Off to youtube Cazorla, and will try hard to find clips of him in a more central role. If I succeed, it’ll be a big tick from me.
boih would be nice but i’d be delighted with just cozorla
Hi Micky, Cazorla can take a free kick…..
cheers, Miles.
I’m not sure we always buy 15 or 16 year olds for £400,000, but it certainly happens more regularly than us spending £25 or £35 million on proven talent. 🙂
I honestly think we didn’t stand a chance of signing Hazard, when he (and his agent) were pimping his arse around Europe to the highest bidder. As for Hulk, didn’t he have an £85 million pound release clause?
Perhaps M’Vila’s boat has sailed unless, of course, we are playing a waiting game since there seems to be no other interested parties.
I like the sound of Cazorla, especially if he is versatile enough to play in an attacking midfield position.
Casorla is predminantly an offensive midfielder that has been used on a wing. If we go for him it would be to replace Fabregas inmo. not Walcott. Wilshire seem to be another season away to full fitness unfortunately. I agree on M’Villa though and you forgot we have brilliant Coquelin and Frimpong when fit.
And he can score from distance ….
Central, deep or wide. Two footed and strong. Not a heck of a lot to dislike. Tick.
Out of the 2, I’d take Cazorla over M’Vila every time
we’re not bringing carzola in as a wide player and i don’t know when the bloggers and media will get that…ie, theo has little to nothing to do with his signing. he can play anywhere across the front line and there are a number of obvious reasons why he hasn’t played a central midfield role for spain, yet he still has 45 caps, so we’re getting experience as well (27 really isn’t that old, arteta’s contract break’s our usual policy). if we didn’t bring him in can you name a player with a better price, situation or ability to fit into our offense? he’s got pace, technique and is in some ways a balance between cesc and nasri; the creativity alone makes the deal well worthwhile.
as for m’vila, again, why are you complaining? the temperament is a red flag and understandable so, however, to say that we don’t need another defensive midfielder is extremely naive . the players we’ve been linked with and will eventually buy along with the inevitable injuries will help clear this up for you. he is 21, which has a lot to do with the attitude problems and already made his respect for wenger known. it’s not that i’m desperate to sign him but i do think he is well worth the money and would make us a much stronger team at the core. again, for around 15m he’d be money well spent.
interested what attacking and defensive mid’s you’d take over these two, keeping a realistic budget in mind…
I would prefer santi with his wealth of esperience he will deliver compear to theo cos he has gotten his chance so far but always play as an inesperience player.
i’d take both. it would mean we can avoid burn out and injury problems affecting the team too much.
Both of them is ok
I really think both players are good players and if we can have both of them in arsenal i believe are not going to be title contender alone but title winners,arsenal just need to spend big time on quality players like this two players been compared and its not a big deal if we have enough players at the bench and arsene wenger should always think injuries could occur at any time and if such should happen once he looked at his bench he has no reason to be afraid,so i think arsenal should buy those two players and even buy more cos we arsenal fans are tired of going trophieless every season. I remain a goner for life
cazorla played in central role last season with Malaga almost the whole season.
he is similar to david silva way of play when central role..
non-stop movements with full of energy
Oh go on then. Paella AND Croissant for me 🙂
Nirannrerin,
“Both of them is ok”
I love your understated tone 🙂
In arsenal we nid lyk 2 talented player dat can feel de cap of Aaron ramsy.
Hi Miles 🙂
Thanks for a interesting post about the dilemma of trusting and developing the players that we have got, or somehow get the money to spend on ready-made, experienced players.
I reckon, as said many times on AA this summer, we’ll play 4-5-1 next season, and what we really could do with is an experienced midfielder who can score between 12-18 PL goals per season. On the other hand, we might see the goals come from a variety of midfielders, sharing the load between them.
I don’t know much about Cazorla, but he will be 28 in a few months and scores about 1 in 4 games. I would be surprised if Arsenal are willing to pay more than 12-13m for him, and he appears to be more expensive than that.
I would much rather see both Diaby and Wilshere play at least 70% of our games next season, but that might not happen either.
I agree Cazorla will hopefully be used as a central attacking midfielder. Rather than worrying about Theo’s place (and I really don’t think the club are that bothered about Theo either) it would be players like Ramsey and Rosicky who would probably lose out.
Morning TotAl, there are quite a few supporters (and some claiming to be in the know) who are casting doubt over Jack’s future. At his age it should be possible to come back from this type of injury but only time will tell and another new but related injury could be too much.
Scout report from whoscored.com on Santiago Cazorla (all round midfielder):
Santiago Cazorla, 27yrs, 1.68m
La Liga: 38games, 9 goals, 5 assists, Shot/game=2.3, Pass Success%=85%, MoM=10, Avg rating=7.6
{He excelled in all positions played}
Positions played:
AMR/RW, 10 games, 5 goals, 3 assists, Avg rating=7.83
AML/LW, 9 games, 3 goals, Avg rating=7.3
DMC, 7 games, 1 assist, Avg rating=7.33
MR/RM, 7 games, 1 assist, Avg rating=7.75
AMC, 3 games, 1 goal, Avg rating=7.98
MC/CM, 2 games, Avg rating=7.68
Defensive stats:
Total tackles=82, Total interceptions=99, Total fouls=20, Total clearances=11, Total dribbled by other players=20, Total shots blocked=6
Offensive stats:
Total shots=89, Total key passes=84, Total dribbles=49, Total fouled=86, Total Dispossessed=92, Total turnovers=57
Passing stats:
Accurate/Total passes=1891/2224, Accurate/Total crosses=62/211, Accurate/Total longballs=281/350, Accurate/Total throughballs=12/25
(Cazorla’s character strengths:)
Passing(Very Strong), Long shots(Very Strong), Crossing(Strong), Through balls(Strong), Dribbling(Strong), Direct free kicks(Strong), Taking set-pieces(Strong), Key passes(Strong), Holding on to the ball(Strong), Defensive contribution(Strong)
(Cazorla’s character weaknesses:)
Aerial duels(Weak), Finishing(Weak), Tackling(Weak)
(Cazorla’s playing style:)
Likes to play long balls, Likes to do layoffs, Likes to shoot from distance, Likes to play the ball into air, Gets fouled often
Overall, he is one of the main reasons that Malaga got 4th last season in La Liga & qualified for CL this season.
Song & Arteta are certainties for 2 slots in midfield (if we are still using a 3-men midfield), which leaves the last midfield slot -> The attacking midfielder/playmaker position.
Rosicky is recuperating, as is Wilshere; Ramsey would finish duties with the GB team ending August & might need rest; AoC could play there occasionally if not on the wings.
We could play with a Shadow/Second striker further forward just behind the main striker instead but that would be another story if the team strategy/formation is tweaked.
Therefore, a choice b/w either M’Vila or Cazorla, I would choose the latter.
Cazorla will play thru the center not the wings. He could hit the ball very well with both feet. He will be a great signing and even help us win something. I watched yesterdays game and i think we have youngsters like Coq, Frimp and Aneke who can play the holding role and we therefore do not need M’vila.
i want the two players,onlike when many of the players are out because of ingury,al least we have them,just like last season when ateta,wilsher,diabi,sometime they need rest.pls go 4 the two players
Gunners wil stand devided wil fall dis season by d grace of god
Im sure that any of the above would help our cause BUT when are we going to read about the super new defender coming in. Even with the great Bouldie taking charge of affairs it cannot suddenly make good players into great..And after the past 6 years of wofefull defending that has cost us trophies, you would have thought that was our priority. Meantime Manure, Chelski and City are snapping up the real young talent .
Well, having enough resources (players) it shouldn’t be the problem but how to manage them (players) it matter most. Thus, a prudent manager needs to provide for “dried points” (periods of unavoidable injuries).
Morning all, always good to see more young blood pepping up the authors list on AA; it makes an old fart like me feel honoured to have been one of the original authors here, so thank you Miles.
For me, we need Cazorla more than M’Vila. I very much doubt we will get both and in my mind we are lacking in the creativity department and need back up there more than at DM. I’m sure with the Arsenal injury curse and the number of fixtures we have one, or even both of these, will not have occasion to be benched for very long.
Won’t Song/Chamakh be off to the ACN this season anyway, thus further depleting our first team choices ?
Aftre several years of analysing the club’s PR regarding buying players, I would say that we are definitely in the process of trying to sign Cazorla (echoes of Reyes except for the age difference), on the other hand I’d be astonished if we sign M’Vila.
Pillocks like KAYODE have being praying for an AFC downfall for years, will have to suffer again thankfully. He sounds like a Spud to me!
Hi G’Pete, I think you are misreading Kayoude’s pidgin English. He is saying that we should all stand together as gunners and by the grace of god we will be successful. Our African bloggers always add a colourful tone to the discussion,but are invariably positive in their support.
On yesterday’s game.
I really, really enjoyed our first half. The first 15-25 minutes we were full of intent, and if taken into account the rustiness of the players, the heat and the inferior pitch, it could not have been much better at this stage of the season.
The Malaysians were well organised and very fit and energetic (as expected) but it was only because of our rustiness that we did not win this game with a bigger margin.
Chamakh was good. He played his role with verve and had lost of energy, and was one of the fittest Gunners on the pitch. He worked his socks off and linked up well, if and when midfielders made themselves available to be linked up with. He had a decent shot on target from a slightly difficult angle and he set up Santos for what should have been 1-0. He also came close with a header from one of many Arteta corners. Other than that he did not get much direct service during the game.
Diaby looked great and played very well for 25 minutes or so. He oozes quality and composure and if he could stay fit for a while, what a difference ithat would make.
Gibbs looked as ready for the new season as Chamakh. Very fit and focussed and I reckon he will come good this season.
Coquelin as DM is a work in progress – let’s leave it at that after the first game.
Arteta was, understandably, very rusty, and so was Jenkinson.
Santos had a great start and looked fitter than usual, but still struggled with fitness at times. I expect a lot of him this season.
Other than that, I liked what I saw of Mannone. He started off a bit nervous, but he got better and I liked the way he shouted at the players around him and the way he showed his unhappiness about the lack of defensive cover he was getting from our midfielders, which resulted in a few shots on target and one that cost us dearly. He should be a decent nr3 GK, but I don’t think he is ready yet for the nr2 position.
The rest did ok. I still have to watch the 2nd half again, so wont make any comments on the players who came on after half time.
Morning all. Good piece Miles. A while back I got carried away on the bandwagon of having to get a DM because everyone else seemed to think so. The more I have sat back and thought about it the more I feel we should stick as we are in the DM department. Your analysis above re. Song, Arteta and Wilshere for me is spot on. Add in Coquelin and Frimpong and I am not sure what another DM could bring us, and IMO would just leave us overloaded in this area. The above 5 players, as you mention Miles, also give us different blends of DM capabilities with some who are more box to box and some who are more pure ball winners.
I like the look of Cazorla. If RVP was staying with us this year I would like to have seen AW drop him in behind Giroud in the number 10 Bergkamp role where I still think he would get plenty of goals. Many would like to see Llorente or Lewandowski which I can understand as you look at their goal stats and see a like for like replacement for RVP. They seem to be more typical number 9’s where for me RVP is more a natural number 10 who has the attributes to be able to play as a number 9. I would argue that in Giroud and Podolski we have players who can lead the line and know how to hit the back of the net. Podolski is adaptable and would likely play deeper, and not be a regular starter leading the line, but he can do it if required. If we got another typical number 9 I feel we could end up overloaded in this area and look unbalanced in our forward line.
If RVP goes I feel we are crying out for a crafty playmaker to play centrally behind say Giroud. A player that can create things and score you 15-20 a season as well. I have heard mixed reviews on Cazorla with some feeling he is overated while others saying he is largely responsible for pushing Malaga into the champions league and it is only the depth of competition at international level for Spain that has kept him under the radar. He is down as an attacking winger / midfielder but for me and the little I have seen of him, (you tube admittedly), his movement and style remind me a bit of Zola. I would look to play him centrally and If he is anywhere near Zola’s level his acquisition can only be a good thing. I feel Cazorla would be a replacement for RVP and not Walcott. What it would give us is a blend of experienced and young players who can play through the middle or from wide positions and IMO we would have a very balanced and formidable forward line.
On a last note Rasp, you mentioned about doing a piece on the site. I would be delighted if it is still an option and I have a couple of ideas. I must warn though that my computer based skills are a bit limited, and being a headline blog virgin I would need a bit of help. I will get in touch via the sites e-mail to see if it is still feasible.
Why would you call Giroud “The G Spot”, that is so (insert homophobic word here).
I would sign Cazola if Walcott leaves. M’Villa is an average player in my opinion.
Peaches, do you still need the match report?
I prefer the two, Arsenal spent more than £55m to buy eight players last season,if arsenal can atleast spend £50m on giroud,podolski, m’villa and cazorla league and champions league trophies are quanranteed.Moreso Song is too proud and dependable,let M’villa challenge his place.
Total,
On behalf of those who missed the game, I thank you.
One question: what were the pre-match nibbles like?
Hi Rasper, for Arsenal and England, let’s hope Wilshere will come good. I am sure he is a fighter and will do everything possible to get through this. I read somewhere yesterday, he should be back at the end of August…
Hi E9, it was supposed to be humourous – the ‘spot’ for Giroud in the side bar … nothing else. It is definitely not homophobic. How do you survive at games if you are so easily offended?
Hi Rob, we could publish a match report at midday today if you have something.
Cazorla and m’villa all of them are good and we need arsenal squrd to be strunger
Rasp,
pidgin not pigeon. 🙂
How can G-spot be homophobic?
Chas,
I’ve been sitting here wondering the same thing 🙂
After all, it’s obvious he tickles the ladies’ fancy.
😆 chas … in Africa, they spell it ‘pigeon’ due to their pidgin English
Chas, Shame you’re not coming tomorrow. The sun shineth for sure over Cardiff.
I think is good to have both players,Arsenal is a team that will participate in four Tournaments(Champion League,Carling Cup,FA Cup&the Premier League).If we have as much players,fatigue will not be a problem for us.
Concerning the players,a good coach should know how he will convince his players who is not playing regularly and if he does his assignment well,no player will complain even while on bench.
Nothing compared to your favourite kebabs Micky! 🙂
It was quite funny how most of the fans would celebrate all of the goals, whether scored by Malaysia-11 or Arsenal. It was simply a win-win sort of game for them! 🙂
At least 90% of the crowd wore an Arsenal shirt and their enthusiasm was without limit.
Has Arsene lost weight? If anybody still thinks he stays at Arsenal to collect his £6m cheques every year, look again.
If we are getting a MR by Rob this afternoon, I won’t make any more comments on the game till later. 🙂
I will to see both of them at ARSENAL first eleven next season.
It is, Micky. 😦
Perhaps a little more notice next time. 🙂
I really hope you have a brilliant family day/night out.
Hasn’t Rob got an exam today?
Hi TA, I thought AW looked a bit ropey at the game. He was wearing his specs again (he hasn’t done that for years in favour of contacts) and did seem painfully thin. It’s likely the excessive heat took its toll, but we do want the boss looking strong and confident in the dugout this season, not worried and nervy as has been the case in recent years.
Steve Bould cut a contrasting figure sitting next to Arsene – he’s a tough bugger!
Well done, Miles, a very good Post. 🙂
TA and GoonerB, after some interesting earlier comments along come two juggernaut comments and both made a great deal of sense.
Well, errrrrr ………. except for TA saying that Cham was good. 🙂
Damn, this is awkward, how can I be at such loggerheads with my very good and respected friend?
I said yesterday, immediately after the game, that Cham tried hard, (worked his socks off) but even so, he was woeful when it came to anticipating a pass, or when laying off the ball or just not getting stuck in.
Of course as it was the first pre-season game, a rotten pitch and the heat was enervating we have every reason to be careful not to be too critical, but to say Chamakh was good …………….. sorry TA, I just cannot agree.
I really feel for the guy. He is trying but he just has not got what it takes to be an Arsenal player. 🙂
Anyone else here realise Rosicky is out for 6-8 weeks after an op on his achilles ?
So, who was saying a lot of players would get annoyed at being benched ?
Yes Rasp, Bould looks very healthy at the moment. Wenger looks so much more European with the glasses, but his skinniness is a bit of a worry. Get him in a suit as soon as possible.
I am so pleased that Chas and Micky were also puzzled by the ‘G spot’ complaint earlier.
For one worrying moment I thought I had not just been looking in the wrong place, but also with the wrong sex!! Phew!!!!
Hi RA 🙂
Let’s see what Rob has to say about the match and Chamakh’s performance, and we can discuss it later. 🙂
Total,
Its all so confusing with those Europeans all looking alike 🙂
That’s a deal, TA. 🙂
You sound like you are getting back to your chirpy self, again.
Sod RVP is what I say —- we move on. 🙂
Of course, if Cham leaves I can see we will have to treat you sensitively, and if Theo also leaves — I will have to be extra nice to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙂
We definitely need a midfielder. rosicky is out for 2 months and Wilshire may take a year to get back to his best.
From everything I’ve read we had more or less signed Mvila but Arsenal pulled out.
Here’s a little photo for you, TA.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35115236@N03/6887282079/sizes/l/in/photostream/
I think Wenger looks well
Hi RA, after a day at the beach I am as chirpy as ever! 🙂
I am looking at Chamakh from a third striker perspective in our 4-5-1 formation. If Girou (Richie 🙂 ) and the Pod are not able to play and Chamakh can perform as he did yesterday, I reckon he is a good player to have in our squad.
Wow, Chas, great picture!! Those two probably hold some of the best football DNA in the world. 🙂
And a little photo of Brave Sir Robin running away.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35115236@N03/5999282410/in/photostream/lightbox/
we need the two tallented guys in our team but don’t forget we still at least two defenders to make the team complete.
We need to sign santi cazorla and m villa we need more experience player so that will can win trophies next season bcos no body will know among player dat he is going to get injured
they would be great buys! M’Vila was more needed a few years ago i thought when we had 0 cover for song now frimpong and coquelin decent back up tho wld still like him. As for Cazorla he would be a super buy and completely replace Nasri. Cazorla very experienced, will like our passing game, 2 footed, great free kicks (with right foot to add to podolski with left we can finally punish those savage teams that keep chopping us down knowing we will never score from a free kick – arteta did get a great one but RVP in last 4 years has been shocking at free kicks – score around 2 from 60 attempts with 90% into wall or miles over…)
Ha ha ha, I was trying to make a soft homophobic joke but obviously it was misunderstood. I’m no comedian
Nope, still none the wiser.
So it’s official, Wenger wants to bring in at least 2 more players, as per his quote on Arse.com : “We will add Wilshere to the squad as soon as possible. But we are not at the end of it [transfers] – we will still bring players in.”
Could it be Miles’ 2 candidates ?
Miles thanks for the post, very interesting read, for me Carzola is more needed, especially with injuries to Rosicky, Wilshere and expected Diaby, at the start of the season, combined with lack of options assuming Arshavin is offski.
As for M’Villa he is 21 and whilst a full international I think it would muddy the waters and we would be better off using the budget to secure Theo’s services. We have Coquelin, Frimpong, Yennaris and now Aneke all looking to get that spot, whilst Eisfield remains a good prospect in the attacking third I think he is further away than the current defensive/box to box midfield counterparts.
My worry is too many players in a squad leads to unhappy players. I’m happy with new quality transfers in as long as we transfer some out. I probably sound like an old duffer now (even tho what I’m about too say applies to the invincibles and is not that long ago) I miss the days were you pretty much had the same team week in week out.
Reblogged this on Football News Center.
Nice post, Miles, thanks. If there is any truth to the suggestions that M’Vila has a poor temperament (and watching his demeanour when he was subbed during the Euros suggested there might be), I hope he doesn’t join us. I’m sick and tired of seeing dickheads like Nasri, Gallas and Adebayor (to name a few) besmirch the shirt, much better to have less glamorous but more honest players like Arteta.
As for Cazorla, I can’t say I know him well enough to judge, but a midfielder who gets 45 caps for Spain is not to be sniffed at. If Arshavin goes, we’ll likely need an AM, so I’m all for recruiting someone of quality in that area.
Re Chary’s point on 2013 African Nations at 10.27am, the current position for us is as follows:
* Qualifiers have reached the final phase, with two-legged ties to be played in Sept and Oct;
* The Arsenal players involved are Song (Cameroon v Cape Verde); Gervinho (Ivory Coast v Senegal); Chamakh (Morocco v Mozambique); and (if he is still playing for Ghana) Frimpong (Ghana v Malawi).
* So the only African player we can really hope won’t have to go off on ACN duty later in the season is Gervinho, but even that’s unlikely, Ivory Coast will be favourites. The rest of them should qualify without much drama. So, we have to assume we’ll be without Song, Gervinho etc.
* The ACN proper takes place in South Africa from 19 January to 10 February. Our games in that period (including two weeks before and a week following it) are: Man City H, Chelsea A, Liverpool H, Stoke H, Sunderland A, FA Cup 3rd round, League Cup Semi Final (both legs) and first CL knock-out game.
So all in all, a bit of a bleeding disaster this season – but at least our City and Chelsea should lose some players too.
Carzola and M’vila would be great additions. Walcott is inconsistent and we need someone who can perform.
Ah, thanks for clearing that up 26 – I’d completely forgotten about Geronimo’s absence.
Perhaps Wenger is hoping by then Coquelin and/or Frimmers will have stepped up to the plate in the DM slot ?
IMHO I think both of these players would do exactly what Arsene often says is his aim, to strengthen the squad. However I do have a couple of caveats. Frimpong is IMO a talent, so if we buy a young M’Villa what do we do with Frimpong? Moreover I think Coquelin is a massive talent so why are we looking for a defensive Mid when we already have? Also along with M’Villa’s cost come his wages so are we not best to stick instead of twist? We have a great DM in song, Arteta isn’t neccesarily a DM, he has all the expirence to play there and he acts a bit like Gilberto in that he is a bit like an invisable wall.
Arteta is crusial always in the right place to pick up or intercept. He has the vision to play through balls but his main skill is the way he keeps the ball moving. He is the only player we have that could fit into Barca’s mid, without too much trouble (He wouldn’t look out of place playing the short passing triangles with Xavi Ineiesta and Busquets). Its his presence as a barrier in midfield that we miss so much that when he doesn’t play, we can’t win without him. That barrier gives our defence more time.
So what would M’Villa bring to us that we don’t have? I say that depends on if Diaby plays and stays fit. A fit Diaby is probably the best box to box mid there is. Thats a hugh statement I know especially as we haven’t seen Diaby at his best for an age. The only way I can answer that is to say that currently IMHO Yaya Toure is the man in the prem in that position. I saw Yaya play in an Arsenal shirt for us against Barnet back in the day and I also saw Diaby play, and when fully fit playing at the top of their game I have to say I’d have picked Diaby. (I think Arsene saw it that way too because he could’ve kept Yaya if he wanted to) Now if we had Yaya would we be calling for others considering the wealth of talent we have coming back? Considering that many expect Santos to move into mid if Gibbs continues to play uninjuied, where would M’Villa & Carzorla fit in?
Song, Jack, Arteta, Rosicky,
Ox, Coq, Frimpong, Ryo
Rambo, Diaby, Santos? Eilsfield?
I mean I know we have suffered massively with Injuries but do we really need a 4th midfield to go along with the 3 we already have?
Can we afford that many wages considering the FFPR’s?
Hi Richie these are my thoughts on those you list for M/F –
Song – off in to ACN, so away for a while and then add in recovery time afterwards too.
Jack – not playing till September at the earliest, will take time for his fitness/sharpness to return.
Arteta – absolutely crucial he does not get injured and is a gauranteed starter so is at risk of burn out.
Rosicky – confirmed out for up to 8 weeks and considering his injury record could be longer.
Ox – to be weaned into the side and certainly won’t be a regular.
Coq – like the Ox he is not a regular and will probably start in the Cup games after being integrated into the first team. We mustn’t play teams with too little experience, a midfield of Coq-Ox-Rambo would be far too callow.
Frimmers/Ryo – both far too raw and will probably be loaned out again this season.
Diaby – one word “injury-prone”
Santos – he’s a full back primarily.
Eisfeld – too early for him to feature in the first team.
I was of the opinion we need a DM because I don’t think Frimpong is ready, and probably needs a year on loan, and I see Coquelin as more an Arteta type player than a Song type. Song will go to the ACN. Wilshere is probably going to take some time to settle in even after he gets back. Arteta is 30+ and is probably not going to be able to play every game, and if he gets injured while Song is away, we’ll be stuffed.
But, with RVP’s (imminent) departure, I think we need an AM/Winger more, and Cazorla seems to fit the bill perfectly. He’s even played at DM for Malaga apparently. He’s versatile, creative, and as I recall, quick. With RVP gone, we’ll have Giroud/Podolski up front. Podolski/Gerv out left, and Wilshere/Diaby/Ramsey/Rosicky/Ox to play in the no9 slot. On the face of it, there are too many there already. But 2 of them, are going to start the season injured and Ramsey is away with Team GB.
If we sign Cazorla, we’ll have-
Song, Arteta, Frimpong, Coquelin, Wilshere, Ramsey, Rosicky, Diaby, Cazorla, Ox, to play in 3 midfield spots. In a 55 game season, that means 165 starting slots, with something like 60-100 sub spots. so lets say 230 games. which for 10 players listed, averages 23 games (both starts and subs)
Ox and Cazorla can and probably will also be needed to play wide. With Gervinho (ACN) and Podolski on the left, and Theo on the right, that means, 110 starts, (plus maybe 40 sub slots?) between 5 of them, which is around 22-30 games per player.
We should be very happy if the likes of Wilshere and Diaby can give us 25 games each. Rosicky is getting on and probably cant play 90 mins every match. Coquelin and Frimpong should be relied upon less at this stage. And as I said, Ox and Cazorla will also play out wide. So, I don;t think signing Cazorla (who is also the right age in the sense that he’s between the ages of Arteta/Rosicky, and Ramsey/Jack etc.) will represent there being too many players. Cazorla is exactly the sort of player we need.
M’Vila..Would be nice, but if only one of them can be bought, I’d hope and think it would be Cazorla. Please, for once let the rumour mill be true.
Kaka also seems to be available. But signing him on a 3-4 year deal, at obviously high wages, seems less appealing than signing Cazorla would be, I think. So, I’d still favour Cazorla.
Off-topic:
New squad numbers released:
http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/squad-numbers
(Changes)
1 Wojciech Szczesny
12 Olivier Giroud
22 Francis Coquelin
35 Kyle Bartley
TBC Lukas Podolski
(The rest of the squad remains unchanged)
Good post . 🙂
I think Cazorla will be signed based on certain facts: WIlshere won’t be rushed till October, you can’t bet anything on Diaby remaining fit, Rosicky out for 2 months and Ramsey having no preseason training with the team . Eisfeld and Aneke are good, but not definite starters yet and not too much of pressure can be put on young Oxlade.
Hence , the signing of Cazorla looks favourable from all aspects: 1. a player at his peak (a bit like the Arshavin signing) 2. enough time for the youngsters to develop their talents and more importantly fitness 3. set piece specialist 4. versatile (ambidextrous and can play anywhere in the attacking third) .
Have no idea where Mvila will fit in if signed, probably Wenger will have a close look at Coquelin during the preseason and then decide whether he’s good enough to deputize Song. Coquelin possibly has a higher ceiling and room for improvement than Mvila, had more interceptions/tackles per attempts than him last season, but obviously Mvila isthe more experienced one. So if Wenger decides to put responsibility on Coquelin’s shoulders he might not sign Mvila and instead keep Lansbury and Bartley as squad players(both can play the box to box or CDM). Also ,Frimpong will be ready by October.
Eisfeld will probably deputize for Santi and play in the cup games. Given the case RVP leaves, we might still then need a striker(possibly a young one with potential) to deputize for Giroud as Afobe might be sent on loan and Chamakh and Bendtner’s future lies elsewhere.
I think you will find that Cazorla played left wing back for Villa Real which means he must have defensive capabilities as well.
Hi All, It’s definitely a pleasure to be back after a bit of a silence. Really missed the blog feeling, though always keeping abreast of the headlines here.
As to the issue on ground, I’ll really like for us to sign any player fingers as ‘great player’, but however, I’ll also like to see the development of players like Aneke and Eisfield to prosper in the Attacking midfield role. These are players that have the Arsenal blood in them, thus will understand what is meant by the word “Loyalty”
However, to repeat, Carzola will be a great player.
Thanks for a great debate starter Miles – and welcome to the list of authors (aka Roll of Shame) 🙂
Arsene, when he spoke the other day, was pretty clear about not intending to buy a defensive or box-to-box midfielder, so I don’t see any way that M’Vila will be joining us.
However, for all the reasons that others have pointed out (Wilshere injury, Rosicky injury, ACN etc) we definitely need a “playmaker” type of player in the attacking MF position. If he can play wide or deep if necessary, so much the better.
From what I’ve seen of Cazorla on YouTube (I know, I know, but it does give some indication) he would be an amazing signing. He has the skills to play the AM role, but also looks as if he’s comfortable as a deep-lying midfielder. So, if Arteta has another period out injured, he could sit back alongside Song, with Wilshere, Rosicky or Diaby in front.
My bad, “…any player Wenger fingers as ‘great player’,…
Reading the comments today, I am worried about the crushing disappointment for many of you if the Cazorla rumour does not have any legs to it. 😦
The comments today and the building expectation reminds me so much of this time last year, when Mata was being toted as the big deal replacement for Cesc/Nasri or, at least, as the token marquee signing designed as a panacea to keep angry Gooners happy.
The high temperatures and humid conditions here in the UK, today, feel like a storm is imminent, and I hope the same is not true for Arsenal fans if the Cazorla episode does not pan out.
Who said my nickname is Cassandra, (a male) soothsayer from Greek mythology ? 🙂
Interesting to read between the lines of the announcement of the 2012/13 squad numbers.
Podolski has not been given a number and he would be the obvious choice for number 10.
Either Arsenal accepting the Robin will fly the nest or just being cautious?
Redders, trust you to rain on our parade ! 😦
Afternoon all,
I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want M’Vila anymore.
If we do sign a defensive midfielder, then I’d go for an older more experienced type. Oh, and I hope he has a foul temper, horrendous bodily hygiene, anger management issues and a far worse attitude than M’Vila. Someone altogether far more unpleasant.
Micky
Cant you be a bit more specific, that is a discription of one of many AAers on here !. I`m glad you said, “he”, that narrows It down a bit !. 🙂
Post for Tomorrow.. Mr. Did It bags Baby Kangaroo Barton.
Micky,
I don’t think that Keown is available.
Fine debut Miles.
To be honest, Santi who ?, I thought it was a high performance drink !. So he must be somewhere behind Iniesta, Xavi, Alonso,Cesc,Silva, Mata ,Navas,Busquettes, somewhere between me and a Cretian Goat herder.
If we ain`t going to buy a ” Super Quality” player, then buy none, lets use what we`ve got, because I`m pissed off with the Chavs and their prudence, buying crap like Mata,Marin,Hazard and looks like Oscar. It`s magnificent how their managing FFP.
GLIC
You are right, Santi Cazola is in terms of national squad selection is behind the players that you mention but those very same players are the best in the world.
The Spaniards that come just behind in the pecking order like Cazorla are still better than any of the English midfielders available for our national selection — with the exception of Wilshere, of course.
This point is just one of the reasons that so many of us are excited about his possible signiture.
OK LB
If we buy, I`ll back him 100%.
Curious, where would Jack be in the Spanish pecking order ? Obvious above me, the Cretian goat herder and Coke Cazorla.
I`d put him as Xavi`s replacement.
The fact that Cazorla (sounds more like a brand of vegetable oil to me Glic) has got 45 caps for Spain despite being a contemporary of Xavi, Iniesta, Alonso, Biscuits, Fabregas and Silva must indicate that he’s a pretty decent player.
Honestly Rocky, until a couple of days ago, I`d never heard of him !. 😳
Being a world renowned scout of ” Super Quality “, this one must have crept below the ” glicdar “, that wall must have took longer to build than I thought !.
@Charlybds66 I understand your thinking but mine is this, we have a mixture of midfielders in the squad, some too young for a full season, yes, some returning from injury, yes, some as yet unproven in the prem, yes, some off to play for their country’s at a bloody inconvenient time, yes I agree but with all we have we surely must have enough to cope, where if one leaves for 2 weeks someone can fill in for the time they are away. I don’t think many would need to recover from two weeks in the sun. Although I remember Ade Buymeforloads needed time to recover from the trauma’s of having his tour bus shot up, lets hope that was a one off. Well I don’t really care if the team he’s playing for now has their bus shot up out in the bog but generally I’m sure you know what I mean. 🙂
richie
I always think that the squad looks big enough to cope with most eventualities – but then you get situations like we had last year when Arteta got injured towards the end of the season and we didn’t seem to have anyone who could adequately replace him.
Hi all,
Thank you for your comments, I think that looking at them, I have done well on my debut!
I did see one that mentioned the African cup of nations, and that my have a hand to play in Wengers decision on whether or not he will purchase M’Vila, but the Song or Arteta would have to be removed from the squad, which they don’t deserve to be. although with the recent news of Rosicky’s two month absence now, Arteta could be pushed forward, but would it work with Song and M’Vila?
Miles
You have indeed done well Miles – more than 6,000 people have read your Post.
I hope it’s the first of many.
It will be the first of many, its just if they get published!
Congratulations on your maiden post Miles.
I can’t get my head round this alleged deal for Cazorla. Players not being payed, the club threatened with relegation after achieving CL football for the first time in their history. Apparently IVA (VAT) is overdue,yet the owners are constructing a 400 million euro new [port in Malaga, which I have seen.
My immediate concerns are that Jack will be out until the end of the year, Rosicky is out for at least 8 weeks (make that months 😉 ) We don’t have a back up keeper which is a priority as surely Fabianski will move as he needs regular football.Benyahoun has also gone.Sagna will be out for a while, and I have said it a million times we need a solid defence that works as a unit.Our opening 6 games are not a walk in the park
Bendtner is definitely off, no more news at the moment 😉
Miles,
If Peaches or Rasp do not publish more of your excellent work, then before the next time I meet them pre-match, I’ll do many press ups, put on my heavy kicking boots, and then be very cross with them indeed. Like…no snogs for either.
Hi Kelsey,
Hope all good with you.
Like you, I cannot fathom what the squillionnaires at Malaga are up to. Most odd.
On transfers, I still feel we are absolutely desperate for a goalscoring/making midfielder.
Hi Kelsey and Micky,
Your right Kelsey, it is a mess, and they seem to want to sell their three best players, but if Cazorla is their best, wouldn’t they sell the two that aren’t as good to ensure your best player?
And thank you Micky, as I do enjoy writing, especially about Arsenal!
Miles
Hi Micky.
Sorry I am not on as often as I would like but I read whenever I can
.What’s happened to the spanish kid on our books, is it Miguel or have i got the name wrong,IMO a good prospect.
I agree about the goalscoring/making midfielder.
Cazorla cost Malaga more than twice as much as any other player they have ever bought and 4 times as much as every other member of the squad
Kelsey,
At 27, Cazorla would seem to me to be the perfect age to add a little maturity to the team.
Things to cook. Nite all.
I agee micky, but he was strongly linked with Spurs last month if and when Modric goes, according to the media over here, and that amounted to nothing .
I just can’t see us buying him, but hope I am wrong
With the possibility of Cazorla adding to the squad I start seriously think that Wenger want to switch to 4-4-2. Then Walcott has to move forward with either Giroud or Podolski. But it also can be that Cazorla would be used in the center as a box-to-box or AM replacing either arteta or rosicky. Cazorla is proven class player, any day I would choose him over M’Villa although he is also big talent. But I don’t think he would squeeze into our midfield. We just have Song as a DM.
Ramazan,
Arteta is going nowhere, he is Arsenal’s Unsung hero of last year end of. His and Arteta’s partnership was a priceless asset to Arsenal last year. The only way Cazorla could fit into Arsenal is it Walcott left. We need two DM, and Arteta is the main one.
Miles
guys, you have to stop mentioning Frimpong– i love him, amazing upside potential… but such a raw, immature talent, he’s nowhere near ready to play for arsenal, a challenging team cant afford his mistakes, penalties… he needs AT LEAST a year on loan, to mature, get experience, and prove fitness…this means,—- i want mvila,… because coquelin will be helping at RB, dont forget… we have injuries already, players with injury histories, and we CANT rush jack back. Cazorla would be better than Mata and with Mvila would be a dream for us. we would be better and have much better depth…going for the title if it were to happen
johnnie,
M’Vila has a history of trouble making, and he is only young, he reminds me of Anelka sometime, and he would cause conflict in the dressing room if he wasn’t picked week in week out, even if he didn’t deserve it. Song and Arteta’s partnership is too good right now to risk on some young hot shot who has the bendtner syndrome, thinking he is much better than he actually is.
With regards to Frimpong, I agree, he need to have first team experience, and learn not to be an idiot on twitter
Miles
hey miles, thanks for responding.. we definitely have to worry about mvilas attitude, but i would trust Arsene could make it work…if not him, i’d be open to someone else of quality.. i do worry about our depth with injuries already, sagna, jack, rosicky. but from what i’ve read, mvila has a very high upside potential and technical ability.. Arsenal scouts and Arsene seem to love his quality.. anyway, nice post Miles
Miles,
I never put two and two together before but now I get it
“Bendtner Syndrom” = a lot of BS.
Thanks Johnnie,
Yes, his attitude is defiantly a potential problem. We have never had a player with proper attitude problems, Anelka left before he could become a real problem, so we don’t know how Wenger would ‘tame’ him. One million percent he would cause a fuss if he didn’t start, and he wouldn’t if he joined at the start, because he hasn’t proved himself. He would have to take his chances when he got them to try and force his way into the first team.
With out injury problems, the team could be
Scz
Sagna Kos Verm Santos/Gibbs
M’Vila Song
Arteta
Pod Giroud Ox
Maybe Cazorla in there if we buy him, and RVP leaving. Giroud is tall so we immediately think he has to go in the centre of attack, but he isn’t like Chamakh, he can go on the wing and cut in if RVP stays and gets drawn downfield like he does, I can remember him now being in the half way line against Newcastle when Verm scores, he lost it and Song put Walcott in. Maybe it could be a good thing if he leaves, give Giroud a chance to shine, he may block that, like Drogba stopped Torres playing.
Miles
What do you mean GunnerN5?
Bendtner syndrome – thinking your better than you actually are.
Yes, thinking bs about yourself, but good bs that is, in Bendtner’s eyes, everything he does is good, if it isn’t, it is someone else’s fault. He thinks he is good enough for Barca, but he is worth the championship!
Miles
Thanks for the post Miles. I would take both players but like johnnie, My Villon is the boy for me. He oozes finesse and class and is sure to satisfy. I dont know were these rumours about bad attitude come from, i certainly have never heard any complaints about his performance.
The reality is that the squad needs refreshing. We all know that there are certain players that Arsene no longer wants so its only logical that replacements are required.
We have a large pool of players and theres lots of quality there. The odd signing or two could be the difference. I hope in the next few weeks things go to plan, because if they do ime convinced we will go and win the title.
Miles, what I was saying is the he is full of B*** S***
@GN5 forget the “bull” he’s full of Sh*t!!!
P.S. Miles speaking as one who’s just opened his account at AA great debut!!
Thanks Richie!
And Terry, three players were charged by the french fa, M’Vila was one of them for not shaking one of the coaches hand when he was subbed off for a more attacking player. This shows that he will want to play, and will cause problems when he isn’t picked. Obviously he is young and wants to prove himself at a higher level, and is fitter than more older players, for example Diaby,
Wenger has promised more players, but he said to depends on how many level. I would get rid of Djourou, Sqillaci, Diaby, Denilson and Bendtner. All of those sells would have to amount to around twenty million, meaning we could buy both Cazorla and M’Vila. I just hope that if they are bought, that players like the Ox would still get chances to play, and they wouldn’t force their way into the first eleven otherwise they would cause a scene.
We have to remember Jack is returning soon, so then were would have too many midfielders, as Rosicky will return soon, so we would have Song, Rosicky, Arteta, M’Vila, Jack, maybe Diaby as Wenger loves him, and the Ox, as Wenger likes him playing in the centre, so the wingers could be Podolski and Cazorla, as Walcott is annoying everyone now, only scoring 26 goals in 6 years in the Premier League. Hopefully Pod will score more!
Miles
Excellent dayboo Miles !
Tough question to answer. You’re so right to highlight the impact on some of our current players as the downside of any new signings.
Seeing Coquelin sidelined for M’Vila would be hard to take, like wise Santa Clorza* vs The Ox.
Having said that, its surely better to have good players fighting to get on rather than a bench full of players you really don;t want to see take to the field unless its an absolute emergency.
* Yep, I’ve just called a taxi for meself !!
Cristiane and Marta for Brasil’s women. Marta has been top class for quite some timeside. Fantastic.
Sharkeysuresghost,
I know that it would be good to have proven talent signed for once, but then they would ruin all of the young players chances of getting into the first team, the Ox would be up against Walcott, Gervinho, Cazorla, maybe too much competition, and players like Arteta, who was incredible for us last season, may be forced out the team.
The only time having more players than needed is when they are injured, which always happens at arsenal, or the African Cup of nations, which was a problem, until Henry returned, which I wouldn’t mind! He is still proving his talent the old man. Great news about him returning as a coach.
Miles
@Miles: “We have never had a player with proper attitude problems”? Errr, really?
William Gallas, the only captain ever to protest a colleague’s error* with a post-match sit in. (*Actually, replays showed that the penalty that day was wrongly awarded against Clichy, but Gallas’s ludicrously self-indulgent “protest” managed to rival the maiming of our striker, and both overshadowed a great performance from Walcott.)
Or Nasri and Gallas having their stupid feud about seats on a bus.
Or Cashley meeting with Maureen.
Or Hleb going for ice cream with the Milanese.
Or Adebayor headbutting Bendtner at WHL?
Or Adebayor saying at a press conference that he was staying with the club, only to say minutes later that he was excited about chances to leave.
Or our captain openly slagging off the manager’s plans for a team in progress as a means to engineer a move.
We’ve had oodles of attitude-oozing players. And that’s without thinking about the booze-gambling-and-drugs traditions that developed under George Graham.
But I do agree with pretty much everything else you say….
Ok Chas has responded to this on twitter but hasn’t shared.
Now I know Spuds said he had a back problem, well the word “back” was definitely used in the procedure
Maybe the money really isn’t in it anymore
26M,
We’ve had oodles of attitude-oozing players. And that’s without thinking about the booze-gambling-and-drugs traditions that developed under George Graham.
…………………………………………………………………………………….
Booze and gambling was a “footballing way of life way”, way before GG, and not just at Arsenal it was prevalent in local leagues all the way to the International teams. We can be critical of GG for many things but in this instance he was simply guilty of not breaking up a traditionional part of football..
Morning Chas, GiE and Evonne 🙂
Come out to play, the sun has its hat on already
GiE,
Very interesting on Utd. Has their share price plateau’d I wonder?
Thing with buying into Utd is that, yes its a great cash cow, but as an investor you may think shares cannot increase in value too much more. City have proved a far cheaper vehicle for a billionnaire to buy success than taking over one of the established big boys.
Video time Chas!
Apparently Cesc was bitten in a very painful place and had to have the poison sucked out.
It’s misty up here in the Midlands.
Lovely day in Devon. Off to Cardiff in 30mins and its always sunny when Brazil are in town 🙂
Have a great trip.
Here’s a tune to get into your head with Brave Sir Robin in mind.
As Sharkey was saying last night, it should be fantastic if the Brazilan ladies were anything to go by last night.
I wonder if Brazilian ladies prefer a landing strip?
Bet some of the Brazilian Boys do as well 🙂
On that note, have a great day all. Bye.
I think the booze culture within Arsenal changed with the arrival of Wenger. I am not suggesting it is all down to him, just as much should be credited to the influx of the foreign players, many of which thought of themselves as athletes and acted as such. The mainly English Arsenal realised that if they wanted to survive they would have to change — and they did.
Morning
Why are we calling RvP ‘Brave’ ? Sarcy?
OMG, how embarassing is this??
http://gossip.ladyarse.com/2012/07/cesc-fabregas-pleasured-in-public-with-picture/
Every time I read “Brave Sir Robin” it really makes me laugh, I think it was chas who first thought of it. (Good sense of humour)
It’s an old picture.
She is actually bitting.
I want to go back to Spain. I want to go back to Spain.
The bitch.
Evonne,
see 7:55
LB,
It was from twitter.
He’s a Rat, dirty little Rat. I can see GM wishing him a broken leg or two and I am not far behind the wishing well
Good goal from Steph Houghton; was she the Man of the Match ?
Chas – sorry, I didn’t see that. But I knew you’d like that 🙂 Monster
I hope that the arrival of Santi can persuade Walcott to stay at the club, by bringing another winger to the club we could finally look to complete the transition of Walcott to centre-forward, a position he has sought for years. So this signin could potentially be another way of giving the gooners another option upfront when van the man leaves
Walcott at CF…not for me.
Apologies for not expanding on my point, but I took a vow some time ago to no longer discuss Walcott or his pros and cons. It got pretty tiresome changing my mind about him every 3-4 days.
Enigma !
My current background
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35115236@N03/6295770313/sizes/l/in/photostream/
Morning all….
…. New post ……
I’m hoping everyone will temper their responses to today’s post in an adult manner
We need them cos all these u have discused, i didnt see the jersy number of injury that comes when we least expected. love that any way
Great weblog here! Also your website loads up very
fast! What host are you using? Can I get your associate hyperlink
in your host? I desire my web site loaded up as quickly as
yours lol