In the hubbub of the last couple of days of the transfer window one comment from Arsène Wenger seems to have been largely overlooked.
Le Boss was pretty laid back in the final 48 hours, leaving the undignified scrambling to the likes of Totteringham and Liverpool.
“I am relaxed,” he said. “We have enough players, that is for sure, but you want always to improve your squad… We bought Cazorla, Podolski and Giroud so you cannot say we have not bought but, when you listen to people, you always have to buy more.”
And though many supporters were disappointed not to get at least one more high profile arrival, it’s fair to say that this year’s business seemed much more planned than last August’s trolley dash.
But in the middle of the above quotes, and rather overshadowed by people’s reaction to the fact that there were no new arrivals, Arsène said this:
“We have resources available so if it is not happening now it will happen in December.”
Note the use of the words “will happen.” Not “might happen”.
I’m sure the cynical will suggest that it’s just another example of the manager throwing a bone to desperate supporters eager to spend £25m on whichever foreign player the newspapers tell us is essential to our season.
But I noted his words at the time because it sounded to me like a deal was being put in place for a particular player – and that if it did not happen this summer it would happen in the winter transfer window.
Who could it be?
Yann M’Vila has a contract up to 2015 – but could still be a possibility I suppose, particularly with Song having left for pastures Nou.
However I suspect that if Arsène has lined up someone to boost us during mid season, it is more likely to be an attacking player – either a wide man or more back-up in the centre of attack. Perhaps, very specifically, a replacement for Theo Walcott.
Many of you AA regulars are much better informed than me about the merits of players plying their trade elsewhere in Europe. Who do you think Arsène has in his sights?
And who, arriving in December, would really get you excited about our prospects for marching on to glory?
Let’s put one restriction on the guessing game: it’s fair to assume that even if we have £50m of spare cash we won’t be spending it all on one player – it’s just not the way Arsenal operate. So let’s say that any players under consideration should be available for under £20m.
Over to you.
By the way, if anyone wants to have a moan about a transfer related Post coming so soon after we finally got shot of all the summer window hysteria, then you think of something to write about during this Godawful interlull. Send your submissions using the “Be Our Guest” tab at the top of the page.
RockyLives
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
I only came here to have a moan about a transfer related Post coming so soon after we finally got shot of all the summer window hysteria.
Its ridiculous….
…and disappointing !!
David Bentley’s Russian loan ends in Jan….could it be him..??Lol
Spud Superstar !!!
Alan Dzagoev..??
mario goetze!!!…i think we can get him for less than 20mil…can play on the wings and centrally…a playmaker with an eye for goal, good injury record to be a wenger player 😀 …and german players are relatively cheap…
Thierry?????
Sorry you think its ridiculous FIL,
The comment made by AW was intriguing and worthy of examination … thanks to Rocky for giving us something to discuss in this interminable International lull – the alternative was to have no post at all, that would have been more disappointing. We cannot please all the people all the time.
I actually thought the same thing when the transfer window closed. I thought back to his words at the press conference and it seemed as if he had someone in mind.
We have to remember that Arsene Wenger does not go out shopping purely because he wants a position filled. He has a short list of players who have been scouted for a long while (perhaps a few exceptions of gambles that did not work)
If he cannot get the players he wants he will wait whilst a manager like Mark Hughes will just look at the next player available on the transfer list.
Wenger’s building is usually very careful, very well thought out. The reason why he hasn’t finished his building is because teams keep taking our fricking bricks.
I would be very surprised if a long term target was not heading our way in January but we shall see because it is not just down to the manager. The player has to want to come, the selling club will have to agree to sell and only in our price range. That is not including the players wages so there is plenty of scope for a deal to fall down as have many in the past.
I just hope we can now keep the players we have and build upon what looks like very decent foundations.
love the hypotheticals Rocky. Will have to have a lie down and think.
@ Timimatic
No way he’d be valued at 20 million, he’d command a similar fee to that of Hazard. 35 million more likely
Rasp. Could it just be that FIL is SSG in disguise. You know that SS has schizophrenic tendencies 🙂
RL. I bet Peaches swimming pool that we do not buy in Jan unless we get a spate of injuries.
Don’t worry Rasp, I think S̶h̶a̶r̶k̶e̶y̶ FIL was taking the mick….
Re Rocky’s post, it’s always a bit dangerous to read Wenger’s words too closely. I’m not one of those who thinks he lies, he’s actually more straightforward than 95% of other managers. But it is still a reading the tealeaves exercise.
However, if we were to get back into the guessing game, I’d say Yanga-Mbiwa. Would love us to sign Goetze one day, but (a) he’d be mega expensive and (b) I’m sure he intends going to Spain when he leaves Dortmund.
I think you are right in regards to the Walcott situation. I think it’ll be his replacement if he doesn’t re-sign. With walcott leaving in the winter window
That special player is Fabregas.mark my words.
Goetze is Germanys wonderkid and just signed a new deal last season. When he goes we will be out bid by the funny money teams. Dont think Cesc is going to get on with the new boss at Barcelona maybe get him back.
I think is a very top player like wenger said and his gonna be a good guy i think is isco from malaga
Got money on jesus navas or mario goatze but wouldnt suprise me if a deal has been struck to bring back fabregas
The return of Captain Fabulous…The combination of Fab4-Art8-Jack10-SCazorla19 should be an envy of the league
Excellent idea the ROCK.
Like you, I wondered about his statement at the end of the window. My take is he will buy some one to replace Jack if he does not make a full recovery. This injury has dragged on far too long and my fears are that it will restrict him making a full recovery and to enable him to get back to the standard he was prior to this unfortunate set back.
As to the player/players he has in mind I cannot imagine, it’s normally some one out of the blue, an unknown.
I’m not too impressed with this M,Vila guy everybody keeps raving about. I have watched him a few times and in my opinion we have a better prospect in Le Coq, he doesn’t look that special to me.
cesc back and a striker (i would love Falcao to join) and we are sorted.
Chas, thanks for the fantastic Remi Gaillard video this morning (previous post). 🙂
If I was a multi-millionaire I would build a giant foot-golf course with all sorts of challenges for foot-golfers to get the ball in the hole.
@ Rocky Lives
Good post, thanks.
“Song having left for pastures Nou”
Throwing a bone to desperate Arsenal Arsenal followers eager for witty quips? (yellow smiley face)
“Who do you think Arsène has in his sights?”
I told you all a day or so ago, but only one person responded.
Mario Gotze (our marquee signing) is available, I believe, in the Summer. That’s Theo’s replacement.
With the Ox already stepping up, and Gervinho able (?) to switch wings, and Podolski wide left, and Rosicky… even if Theo leaves in January we have adequate cover ’til the summer.
Wenger has stated before he doesn’t like dealing in the January window. Never say “never” but I doubt that he will.
As regards M’Vila, still a possibility I think. The reason Wenger has held back from a summer purchase of a ‘proper’ DM if because he feels (or hopes) Diaby, alongside Arteta, may be the answer for the DM situation. If at the end the season (or January) Wenger’s not totally convinced, he may buy M’Vila (or A.N.Other) then.
He’s in wait-and-see mode.
interesting comment from coquelin, stating he wants to be playing regulary in the next 6 months if not he will leave.
He’s a good young player with alot of talent, wouldn’t like to see him leave as he could be key in games when we play attack minded teams and need someone like him to be defensive.
However if he is issuing ultimatum’s now how what does that mean in the future? demands for better contracts, barca dna?
interesting siutuation.
I was prepared to be underwhelmed but that is quite interesting, we all know how carefully he chooses his words and the generally guarded nature of his comments so to say something’will happen’ is a pretty big statement, or he mis-spoke which happens to the best of us. I wouldn’t want to say which but if there’s no news on a contract for Theo in the next month or so I’d tend towards something happening in January.
As to who it could be, if he’s a semi-replacement for Theo then we’d be looking at someone with a bit of pace but more of a playmaker, taking into account Wengers comments about the makeup of our front 3. Or alternatively more of a straight replacement, someone kinda like Mirallas who we were looking at.
Gotze is a big star but he seems like a smart fella so maybe he could see more merit in coming here than some, if we could scrape together the enormous amount it would take (maybe there was money held back in the Summer for a January splurge?). Someone else mentioned Dzagoev, who fits the profile from what little I know too.
Then again, if Arshavin gets fit and firing again…
The player we probably after is Isco from malaga,the player we should buy is Dries Mertens from psv,amazing stats for a wide man goals and assists a top striker would be proud of and prob available for under 15 mil,tbh him and isco would be a nice double
Agreed ‘a’…thats not a good sign. Its wholly understandablethough. You see someone like M’VIla touted around for £14-16m, and in your own mind he is no better than you…only diff is that MV gets to show what he can do week in and week out.
It’d be a crying shame to lose Le Coq.
Ps. Are you the ‘A’ that I think you might be…??
JULIAN DRAXLER!!!!!
or
Lewis Holtby
Patrick Herrmann (21 yrs,Wing, AM. Borussia Mönchengladbach. 6 goals, 9 assists from 22 games. Described as the next Rues for his team
André Schürrle (21 yrs, 6 assists, 7 goals for Bayern Leven in first season) 17 games for Germany and scored 7 goals
We let 5 strikers go this summer past and brought in 2, I think Arsenal and Liverpool were trying to sign the same striker near the end of transfer window and ruined it on each other. Said player whoever it is, is probably more inclined to join Arsenal which is why Arsenal seem happy with the transfer window while Liverpool admit loaning Carrol to west ham was a mistake.
Wenger doesn’t usually buy in January except when that’s the window the talent he wants/needs is available. He signed Adebayor,Diaby and Walcott in the same January, he also signed Arshavin in January.
There is the possibility of Walcott leaving and a replacement being brought in, just want to point out Lewis Holtby is out of contract next summer and has spoken of his admiration for Arsenal, but more so Everton.
be rest assured the player is fernando lloriente of Atletico bilbao. the noise was made about him and he is in his last contract year. Wenger is planning a coup like that of podoski.
Some of u will think this is off mark, but just wait and see
Hi Rocky, great idea for a post. 🙂
Until this summer, Wenger – as we all know, a fervent proponent of total football – has never been without a Dutchman since he started with us. Surely, he was looking at sorting this hiatus out before the closing of the TW, but something must have got in the way.
Kevin Strootman (PSV) or Adam Maher (AZ) would fit the bill at Arsenal, but in all seriousness, I have not got a clue who Arsene could be after.
If Cesc would return to Arsenal for good this winter, I will get a dog and name it after him. Won’t happen though; simply to good to be true!
If there ι̥
Ƨ̷̜̩̌̋
going 2 b any high profile signing A̶̲̥̅♏ puting ma money on Jesus Navas or bibao contrAct rebel Llorente
Total: Kyle Ebecilio is a Rotterdammer!
Thanks again for the post Rocky, the ‘pastures nou’ line is a classic 😛
I think AW’s comment may have been more to do with the possible departure of AA or even Walcott if he hasn’t signed by December rather than another player of first team quality arriving..
There is also the quandary of Fabianski, neither he or Mannone will be satisfied with anything less than 2nd choice GK it seems so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Fab2 leave.
Hi 26, that is true, but at the moment he is a mere prospect and I am not sure whether he will make it to the top. Loved your Kafka DM line yesterday – a clever diversion!
Lol…get a dog and call it Cesc.
A homesick puppy…??
Haha Sharkey 🙂
The return of the prodigal puppy!
19 years of age, played 63 professional games for AZ already: scored 14 and 12 assists – I give you Adam Maher, the total attacking midfielder:
I said yesterday that I thought Walcott would be going in Jan and that if he did AW would promote from within most likely in the form of Gnabry. Although young he looks physically like he is already fully developed and has great pace and technique which will only continue to improve.
Even without Walcott I look at our options for attacking wide players who either currently play there or can play there and feel we already have good numbers. Think of Podolski, the Ox, Gervinho, Cazorla and Santos from the first team set up and then add from the youth players Gnabry, Ryo and Yennaris, then we seem well stocked. If anything I think we need another goal-scorer so I would be more inclined to agree with those above in hoping it is someone like Llorente or Falcao. Both very pricey though and maybe not the price bracket AW would look at. I also like the player Reus, who though currently looks like an attacking wide player or number 10 (which would counter my argument above), I feel is one of those players that could become a proper striker in a similar pathway to what happened with a particular traitorous Dutchman.
Despite that my gut feeling is that if we are going well that Walcott will leave with no direct transfer in but as mentioned a promotion from within. If any of you have seen Gnabry you may not feel quite so worried. He possibly already brings what Walcott does to the table but will get even better over the next 3-4 seasons. Still for me another striker not another attacking midfielder that scores some goals.
Aren’t there any players with PL experience we would like? Trouble is which top striker is going to happy not playing every week?
Pod & OG are automatic starters which leaves one place upfront. ATM we have Gerv, Theo and O-C vying for one place. Then there is Chamakh as understudy for the striker.
I just do not see us buying a front man – even if Theo goes (and I hope he doesn’t)
Wenger is talking abt no otther person but playeers coming back from injury & few going out by winter. Aalso dat theo walcortt wil sign by winter else instead of 10 minutees walk to emirate he wil hav 45 mins train to nearest town. Trust weengeer he knows wat he is saying, lol. But I wish he culd get m’villa to bolster defensive. Midfield options & propaply move theo to 8. Am sure we are out priced wiit Goetze fee & Wenger doesn’t like winter sales. I prefer Wenger gets a 2, 4 & 9. Let Squillaci & Djoouro leavve pls
Aren’t we being a bit too optimistic with Mario Goetze? I mean, there’s no way the board would spend at least 25M for him. And I hope if we DO bring in a player in January, it’s not another replacement again for another first team player aka walcott.
It might even be a loan signing. Maybe Fabregas. But I think its going to be more of a young player, a attacking mid or a striker. I am hoping for Isco (Malaga) or Llorente. It might even be a signing where the player may not join until the summer. The replacement may be for Arshavin or Rosicky. Recent comments from Sagna; I would go for Micah Richards 🙂
Isco from Malaga seems pretty likely, Wenger has always loved to get a good bargain and where else to get a better bargain that from a club in an unstable financial situation?
What we need now in my opinion is a goal poacher. Giroud is not to me the man to take us to the promise land. Am confortable with the spine except of course the marksman position,if we can get in someone in form of Falcao,I will confidently hit my chest and say the league will be ours to loose. Then of course allow Walcott move on and replace him with Jesus Navas.
Walcott must be kept all costs, just lunacy if he lets him go, he will get better and better
Thanks Rocky. Dont think we need anybody. If everything goes to plan then by january our new players should have settled in, our younger lads have gained more experience, and hopefuly players returning from injury come back fit.
We have enough to chalange for the title. But if things dont go as planned then January should be the time to assess who and what we need.
Fernando Llorente. Poldi and OG will have enough time till Jan to get goals in, then, January unleashes the tiger : ) The second part of the season from Jan will be very crucial. We need all the fiery goals we can get.
MR. WENGER IF YOU WANT TO TAKE THE PREMIER LEAGUE YOU SIMPLY HAVE TO ADD ONE PLAYER. STEVAN JOVETIC OF FIORENTINA.
@ Adrian, 11.25am
Wenger’s record would always suggest he (almost) certainly won’t lay out 25m. However, if he were to replace Walcott (price 12m) with Goetze, then we’ll need to stump up 13m for the deal. The sale in January, but purchase probably summer.
The player is young, so has sell-on value to recoup some, if not all, of the lay-out, if sold at 27-28 years old.
Improbable perhaps; impossible no.
How about Rooney, would he benefit from some AW TLC. Now that would get one or two on here going :-). Thanks for an interesting take on the wonder of Arsene ! Rocky. For me the reintroduction of Fab. To play in a Spanish plus Jack midfield
would be an experiment worth watching.
Nasir, Oathy and other newcomers. Welcome to AA your comments are valuable.
Hashim. I would love to see Micah Richards at Arsenal and he is a Gooner. Not as good as Bacary but if he leaves, MR is a superb replacement
DD. Now that is a player …… Rooney to AFC, what a thought!!
We are forgetting Rosicky who IMO is well worth a first team slot but how will he fit into this team?
@ Big Daddy
I like your call on richards. Gets injured a fair amount but I love his power and speed. It’s only fair Man City lob one our way for once! But will he be willing to be understudy to Jenks? haha
er, he didn’t say which Christmas
charming 🙂
i’d love to see seydou doumbia coming our way. another striking option, someone who can also play out wide on both sides, strong with both legs. also, if he doesn’t make the starting lineup, he has got real joker-qualities, scoring most of his goals in second half and making alot out of little chances.
i don’t think we can get someone like götze or falcao, they’re way out of our price range, just accept it, this way you won’t have to feel betrayed when it doesn’t happen.
i would go 4 Osvaldo any tym the Roma guy azn he is a good finisher something that we are lacking at the moment fellow gooners wat do u dnk abt that…..
@oz gunner i think we gan get gim for 20mil…another shrewd piece of business from the famous economist. ;)…he cant claim the same price with hazard who was named ligue1 player of the year for two years consequtively…goetze still has potential been hampered by injury…with goetze facing competition from marco reus i think we can do some business…
We despretly need an attacker
Jesus Navas. He’s in the final year of his contract, a Spain International and has been listed in the Primera Liga top 15 players for 3 seasons.
In the long run it’s no good shopping (wishing and hoping) at Harrod’s if we can only afford Marks and Spencer.
Rasp,
AA are showing Dejan Iliev as a new signing, I’ve also seen talk of this on the Internet, but I can find no reference to him being signed on Arsenal.com.
Have we signed him or not?
To the avid Arsenal fan, we all know that if Wenger will buy a high profile player in Jan, there’s definitely a high possibility of a high profile departure.
Now, the reality is if Arsenal is in a very good position come Jan, the high profile departure may be Walcott, particularly if he has not been part of the mix till then. However, even if there is no departure, the possible areas of signing will only be where in any case a particular position in the team becomes decimated due to injury.
If the above doesn’t happen, then Wenger will only buy an attacking player. I think the following will now decide the player he buys
1. The contract situation of the player
2. The economic situation of the club al a Malga as regards Carzola
3. The immediately adaptability of the Player to the Arsenal style of play
Under the above factors and not forgetting special quality tag on the player, we might be seeing someone like
1. Fernando Llorente or
2. Affelay or
3. A Player from United as part of the deal on RVP
Hi GN5, I thought we signed Iliev on the30th August. I cannot explain why its not on arse.com but maybe because he’ll be way down the list in the GK pecking order or maybe he’s intended as a replacement for Fab2 and his position has not been clarified.
The reports are that Iliev has the potential to be a very good keeper
“pastures Nou” Good but groanworthy. I say no one. Get the fringe players more involved like Yennaris et al.
We named a squad of 23 players for 2012/13 which is 2 short of the maximum allowed, but as we only named 7 home grown our maximum squad could only be 24.
We only named 23 for one simple reason – they were the only players on our books that were eligible in the home grown and over 21 categories.
So if we do not either loan out or sell some of our existing over 21’s then we will only be allowed to add one more player to our squad in January.
The most likely names to go would be Arshavin, Chamakh and Squillaci. I guess another way for us to make room would be to buy out their contracts – but the is not the Arsenal way of doing things.
rooney. Please no
arsen wenger need to get a prolific striker i think he should go for wayne rooney lol
I’m hoping for Schweinstiger myself. Now that would leave us with the best midfield options in England.
[…] the original article here: Wenger Planning A December Surprise? ← Bacary Sagna tells it as it is | Premier League have a crack at FFP | Wenger praises […]
Ok rooney is a horrible individual who you would keep your daughter away from, indeed, even your grandma but he has to be respected on a couple of fronts
Firstly, its a well know fact that men who go bald in there early 20’s make the best lovers. Dont try and argue with me on this one, the evidence is undeniable. Secondly, and more important, the fact that he has undergone a hair restoration procedure shows a man who has a strong enough charachter to handle both the ridicule and attention that comes from said procedure
Now compare Rooney with Chamack. Chamack is a namby pampy because he covers his recceding with a bucket of gel. Rooney is fighter on the pitch. and you know why hes a fighter?, because hes had a hair transplant thats why.
i say buy Rooney imediately.
Candidate for Arsene’s “Special Quality” player requirement in winter transfer window 12/13:
– preferably with =< 1 year contract remaining
– transfer fee less than £20million and player is willing to make a move
– preferably not playing for any champions league teams this season, so we could register player in the knockout stages
– preferably the club has some ongoing work relationship with the player's agent/agency (this is as important as signing the player himself)
– preferably the new player has no lengthy international commitments in the 2nd half of the season, (i.e. players involved in AFCON 2013 are out, world-cup qualifiers are still ok)
There is one player I have in mind that qualifies for the above 5 conditions (I shall not name this attacking player here for reasons better served). Coincidentally, his current club will be having a long winter break before its league resumes in the 2nd half & this is also their 1st season with a change in league schedule.
Afternoon all, interesting take on Wengers remarks about December there Mr Rockster, but I tend to take the view it’s merely trying to quell the disquiet caused by not addressing the perceived RB/Striker/DM deficiency in the squad.
So, like others above, I’m expecting no one in and potentially for Theo to be off.
BTW did anyone see that an ex Orc academy player(released this May) has been sentenced to life for murdering his girlfriend ?
There must be something about playing for the Orcs that makes you barbaric.
Rocky,
I absolutely love your last paragraph.
I always, always, get at least one “what the ‘uking hell was that all about” response to my posts, but you could write about potty training and get none 🙂
Don’t wanna stray off topic here, but something has caught my attention recently. It seems to me that we’re moving the ball slower during the 3 games that we have played already, and it seems to be a trend that has started approximately around the start of last season. Is it just me, or do any of you guys notice that too? The players seem to be taking an extra touch or two than they normally would take too. Of course, ultimately its always the results that matter, but our football seem to be less fluid or free flowing as of late.
As for who, well, let’s see how we are doing on the injury side of things. Of course I’m worried about the fragility at the heart of our midfield with Diaby and Jack. If all is well and good there, I’m happy to jettison my DM nag and go for…..a…dunno really. Can’t see that we need anyone in particular, unless, of course, there’s an outski lurking.
Off again, sadly. Later lads.
@ TMHT
hahahahahaha! sign him up, he’s the toughest character of the lot!
Lets see where we are at in Decemeber … if all’s good on the injury front, then Arsene might bring ina real bit of extra quality in attack. However, if injuries have become an issue ( fingers crossed that they are not ), then he’ll reinforce where we need one would suspect ?
Nice one, Rocky.
It would be a surprise if we signed someone in December. 🙂
We can add two in January, 1 homegrown, one not.
How about Rooney and Goetze?
Hang on Goetze is u21.
Rooney, Cesc and Goetze.
Sorted.
El Mundo say it’s between us and Barca for Llorente (Bosman) for the January Window. Over the years AW has always had 3 strikers. The deadwood he shifted out the door are going to cover a large part of the fees alone. Would he get a regular game at Barca? maybe he is saving up for the greasy winker lol
Has any one mentioned Nani yet? Ok, hes a horrible git and hasnt got the redeeming quality of having had a Hair Transplant, but hes a damn fine player.
GOONERFROM52:
you heard it here first old cashley himself – ASHLEY COLE
That through me
I looked up at a comment and thought I can’t remember writing that.
And then realised, I didn’t.
Back to London, Lee?
I listened to a very good interview with Rooney today, it was hillarious. They asked all sorts of questions, but the best one was ‘how do you feel when you get called fat? Are you fat?’ Wayne could not stop laughting 🙂 I actually like him, he’s all right
Peaches – as promised Wayne Rooney spoofed
and my favourite SWP
This is a quintessential Wenger stoking the fan base , but in fact he is just as likely to add a new player as sell a key player. Arsenal are a big club, no doubt, but with a small club mind set. Selling of Song is proof of that , because no matter how you justify his move to Barca , at the end of the day you sold your two best players two years running. Diaby
Chuks Aneke has gone out on a one month loan to Crewe.
I like these mystery posts, a kind of ” Who done it ?”, a ” Who will it be ? “. I think it will all hinge on the Walcott and Injuries at the time factor.
Must admit Total, I like the look of that Adam Maher, but, I bet a few others do as well !.
I listened to Wayneka Rooney today, but couldn`t understand a word of the Cat Scouse Funt, I shall relisten tomorrow with a Scouse to English dictionary !.
Hello everyone.
Busy day today, so I haven’t been able to get on until now.
AW’s “December” comment stuck in mind when he made it and I had been meaning to write something about it.
I knew a lot of good potential names would be thrown up in the discussion by all you knowledgable people. Several were players about whom I know very little.
One huge difference with last year is that this time most of the suggestions are for attacking midfielders or strikers, with the odd mention of a DM.
Last year in the run-up to the end of the summer transfer window we were obsessed with CBs – we were going to get Cahill, or Jagielka or Samba etc.
It just shows how much more confident we have all become in the defence that no-one has mentioned a CB today.
with little happening on the pitch, this is interesting to think about,ROCKY..i also noticed Arsenes wording—–.if theres anything to it, i do hope its something up front
johnnie
If we’re going well at the Christmas point, an extra bit of star quality for the second half of the season could be just what the doctor ordered.
The Llorente talk is interesting – with his contract situation etc.
Not that I’ve seen much of him. Is he any good?
Hi Rocky, to be honest i dont read to much into what Arsene says. He does tend to tell a few porkies but all in a good cause. To give you an example ive just had my teeth done and was walking around with a set of falsies for a few days that made look remarkably like a drunk Ken Dodd.Been rather paraniod i kept asking people what they thought of the nashers and received sympathetic lies. The other day i was in my local bakery and the girl behind the counter was giving me the spill how they looked nice but at the same time averting her eyes.In the mirror however i could see another two girls trying desperatly to control there laughter and giving what i must say was a very good Ken Dodd impersonation. So my friend, the moral of my Kafkaesque story is that its sometise better not to know the truth. hahahaha
Hi Rock a Billy, 🙂
Another great Post to let the fantasist in all of us have a ‘wouldn’t it be great if ……….’ moment!
I don’t want to tempt fate but I honestly do not see that we need anyone.
Whatever AW was referring to, and IF he was referring to any such thing, it certainly was not a defender or GK.
Was it midfield? With Jack back in the near future as well as Rosicky and Ping Pong, I cannot see any such possibility.
Wilshire, Arteta, Cazorla?
Diaby, Ramsey, PingPong?
Le Coq, Oxo, Podolski?
Santos, Arshavin, Walcott?
Maybe Eisfeld to come in too?
OK, I know there could be a quibble about whether or not one or other of the above could play ‘up front’, but I think it is a powerful indicator of the quality of our midfield.
What about the strikers then?
Well there is Gervinho and Giroud, and you could ‘pinch’ a couple from the 13 man midfield I have shown above, Walnut and the Ox, perhaps?
Anyway, with those numbers and such quality, why would anyone be dissatisfied? beats me. 🙂
Asene wenger will eventualy at last find it defficult to be one of the 4th tops in english premiership this season.
James,
Why?
New Translant, new `scope, new teeth……………………………..” The Six Million Drachma Man ” ! 😆
Hi Glico, 🙂
Leave my Adonis alone — or were you talking about Rocky! 🙂
GLiC
Six million drachma – that’s about £1.75 isn’t it? 🙂
Rocker,
The Drachma is defunct, so he is saying either you or Terrydactyl is worthless.
I wouldn’t stand for it if I were you. Here, let me hold your coat!! 🙂
Hi Redders and Rocky 🙂
Correct Rocky 🙂
Mrs glic is calling, it`s din dins, best go before the knuckle dusters come out !. 🙂
Sorry Redders… all my “bits” are old.
Redders, GLiC
The thing about Terry is that he really has lost his marbles.
That’s what all that Graeco-British argy barrgy regarding the Elgin Marbles is all about.
Terry’s surname is Elgin* and they’re his marbles.
Explains a lot.
*his ancestors, on arriving on these shores, shortened it to Elgin from the original Elginopolopopolous.
Talking of worth/value, I was engaged in debate with 3 of my friends last night, about an unimportant subject when I said the square of 49 was 2,401.
No big deal? Well you would be right, but it was done by mental arithmetic and not by a calculator.
They beat me up (well until I squashed them 🙂 ) and said I was either a bloody cheat or a great show off, and when I showed them how to do it themselves they still would not believe me.
Look, every accountant on here knows how to do it.
To get the square of 49;
First step: = (49-25) = 24 (You now know half of the above answer! 🙂
Second step: Then you go; (50-49) = 01 and square the answer. [01 squared is still 01].
Then you have the answer.
The square of 49 = 2401
You can do it in your head instantly. I’m not kidding – give it a go. 🙂
Redders, I think you’re being mischievous.
Elginopolopolus!!
I knew his sister, marbelopolopolus — some chick! 🙂
Redders
Don’t mention the sister. I believe she ran off with that horrible little creep Staphylococcus.
Rockman, if you are doubting my superbo teaching technique I will just have to squash you too, when we meet!! 🙂
Try another one.
What is the square of 46?
Step one: (46 – 25) = 21; remember? you are halfway there.
Step 2: (50 – 46) = 4; then square the 4 = 16
Put the two answers together and you get 2116.
Calculators out and 46 * 46 = 2116
But you now know how ‘clever’ accountants do it! 🙂
[OK, I have been doing this sort of thing automatically since I was a kid] You see, I am not ‘clever’ after all! 🙂
I’m not sure, Rock, wasn’t that Terry’s cousin, Staphylococcup? 🙂
I am hear you know? hahahaha
Anyway, Rock my Sock, my fantastico comment @6:33 seems to have stifled all the fantasy wish lists! Sorry. 🙂
It was Rocky and the Glicster. I was just an innocent stirrer! 🙂
No, no…………I meant innocent bystander – obviously!
I would challenge the Rock to a duel if I was you Terrydactyl. 🙂
Now you are ear/hear/here Terrytowel, you can bear me out on how easy math is when you know the ‘short cuts’. 🙂
How about multiplying 340 * 99 in your head?
Calculators ready? 340 * 99 = 33,660
So, what is the easy way?
First step: Multiply 340 by 100. (just add two noughts to 340) = 34,000
Second step: Subtract the 340 from the answer in step 1.
(34,000 – 340) = 33,660. See it is really that easy.
Now you can do that in your heads, and not use calculators, and probably beat the calculator as well!!
You are all now officially enlisted as accountants!! 🙂
Nite, nite, fellow mathematicians! 🙂
hahaha not a good idea about a duel Redders.With the state of my teeth one left hook from Rocky and i would be scrambling on the floor picking them all up. I suppose i could always smile at him, probably scare him to death. hahaha
Yeah, ive always used the second technique but the root square one is new to me so thanks for that.
Sorry to report, van Persie has just scored for the Netherlands.
Here’s one we can celebrate.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhmOUo1yq6c
Manc twat scores. Who cares? Only the devil who bought his soul. 🙂
So Redders, to do the squares thingy you subtract 25 from the original number e.g.
Square of 76 =
76 – 25 = 51
Then 50 – 76… oh…? now what do I do?
Chas, you’re right, of course, I’m obviously just not over it….
Great one for Diaby, and the Ox has an assist tonight as well. He’s playing well.
At least BSR is playing, which means more chance of him getting crocked.
Rock3r,
Just for you! 🙂
The square of 76; (76 * 76) = 5,776. This is the answer, so how do we get there? 🙂
OK,
First step: square each digit (7 * 7) = 49; (6 * 6) = 36; show them together, 4936.
Second step: multiply the two digits; (7 * 6) = 42
Third step: Double the answer in step 2, above. (42 * 2) = 84 and add a zero; = 840
Fourth step: Add the answer in step 3 to the sum in the First step.
4936 + 840; (4936 + 840) = 5776. Eureka, you’ve done it.
You might have noticed this is a modification to my earlier lesson, but works just as well!!
All that we are doing is using basic multiplication and addition, and you can very easily do this in your head just as fast as on a calculator. 🙂 You will soon be a professor of math.
I used to do a little voluntary math lessons. All the kids loved this style and soon became better than me!! 🙂
Any further questions refer to my accomplice Terrynutkins!! 🙂
26, you’re right, of course, I’m not over his outright betrayal either, though I pretend otherwise.
That 3rd goal he scored v Soton; I can’t remember him scoring a near post flick header for us in 7 odd years.
It’s as if he’s trying to prove he’s not a complete and utter banned word……even though he knows 100% he is.
Take away the number you first thought of……………….
Chas,
You speak for me too.
It is so odd watching BSR and realising he plays for the Mancs now. Yeuk!
ha ha ha 🙂 I was right to watch the Dutch game. RvP just stopped Robben from scoring 🙂 Beat the keeper and turkish defender to it and headed the ball away 🙂 Classic 🙂
Has he dislocated his ego yet?
Rocky, from what ive seen and heard (llorente) he would be very close to giroud in style and quality, i would prefer a slightly different profile to mix it up, but i’d be thrilled to have him as a competent striker play in all the busy times, competetions, and in case of injuries.. to be honest, im not sure why Giroud seems to be a little less fit than many players so far..
No Chas, both legs ok 😦 But I am praying
Giroud is on this at 3:34.
He’s a big unit, johnnie. I don’t think he’s unfit.
Evonne,
The more you want it the less likely it is to happen.
We all need to be sending him positive vibes.
That’s how that bitch karma works. 🙂
ha ha ha, he just sent the ball away fron the net ha ha ha
Ok, monster, I will try, but I’ll be working against the grain
Thanks Redders – you have completely convinced me……
….that I should stick to poetry 🙂
Chas
I think you’ve hit on something there, regarding karma.
Play up, Sir Robin! Play up!
You Turkish fellows – leave him alone! No touchy-touchy!
(Has he had his leg snapped yet?)
Hahaha,
he was was not in the least bit scared,
to be mashed into a pulp,
or to have his eyes gouged out,
and his elbows broken,
to have his kneecaps split,
…..
all right, all right Chas, that’s bit much even for me 🙂
No broken legs, but except for that lucky header he was shite
Redarse
I’m no accountant, but just about dull enough to find this interesting (no offence). I’d have done the 49 square in a slightly different but equally quick way. As one away from the nice and easily multiplied 50 I’d Start there. Take ya 50, drop the zeros a sec, 5 x 5 = 25, bring ya zeros back = 2500. Now minus 50 as its 49 we’re squaring, not 50. So we introduced 50 too many, and then minus 49, for same reason as above = 2401.
Err… Ok, now I’ve typed it, maybe not as quick. Works tho
Rocky – I’m sorry I stopped saying ‘thank you’ for your posts, sheer laziness on my part, sorry. I always read and enjoy them, just sometimes forget my manners. Today, the last bit made me ROLF, that’s exactly what I was thinking – great, here we go again, speculations 🙂
Have you any good films to recommend? Was it a Canadian film festival?
good night all
Wenga av bin encouragin early his days buh am sick of em nw
HERE WE GO AGAIN.WAIT SOMETHING BIG IS GOING TO HAPPEN IN DECEMBER ACCORDING TO WENGER.STOP BUILDING YOUR CASTLE.NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE.
Hey all,
Not read all the posts, but did anyone mention Jesus Navas? Was rumours of him towards end of the window and I think he would fit the bill of an Arsene signing. If he’s dealing with his issues (anxiety when away from his home town) as has been suggested, then he could be a straight replacement for Theo.
HERTS
STOP SHOUTING
Haha Slim
You’re seriously suggesting another homesick Spaniard?
RL,
Like I said, he’s an Arsene type signing! 🙂
On a serious note though he is a cracking little player.
Can I make a suggestion for this blog? Is there any way there could be a button to take us to the bottom of the comments/page? I mainly use my iPhone to check what’s going on and It’s a nightmare to keep having to scroll down to the bottom of the page (espescially when there hundreds) to see the latest comments.
Slim
I thought he was great in the Euros – but when I read about his (anxiety when not on home turf) I thought – “Typical! We’re bound to buy him.” 🙂
A bottom button (ooer misses) is a good idea – but way beyond my pay grade 🙂
Anyway, in the spirit of GM I’m sitting on the back deck with a cognac and a cigar. Very sweet.
@ Slim
good idea, when reading it at work I struggle with that too.
@ RA
God, i wake up early in the morning to read the comments and you’ve done my head in with maths haha.
“The good Christian should beware of accountants and all those who make empty prophecies. The danger already exists that accountants have made a covenant with the devil to darken the spirit and confine man in the bonds of Hell”
I am so stupid its been staring me in the face all along !
It must be TH14. If I am not mistaken he has nearly finnished with NYRB’s?
A DNA
That would not surprise me.
If u ask me,am of d view nothing is happening except God intervention cos we are team for d economists bcuz we alwys value £ more dan d phenomenal talent we’re supposed 2 go for.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBDrcCNpK2I
Ahoy Sailors
Saturday. No football. No Raddy, but, the sun shines hard today, so could be worse.
Watched a bit of England, but wow, is its hard to get excited about that lot. Ox looked like Ox. He has such a great attitude.
Giueseppe Rossi, due back from injury in November. Will leave Villareal after last years relegation, now within Arsenal’s transfer budget. Subject to fitness, I’d say this is a strong possibility.
Ahoy,
How about some surfing?
Smithy,
I think it’s 26 who really rates Rossi.
Chas,
Indeed it is a beach day today. Sadly I can’t upload pics, but I have a brilliant photo of Oscar surfing. I’ll be wetsuit and flippers for a deep sea swim under the cliffs. Nice.
It’ll certainly clear the cobwebs after days of trying to flog acorns to rodents!!
Morning all, you have to laugh at Arsenal fans sometimes….I’ve seen a few worrying tweeters suggesting that Diaby will be next to leave, and concerned that his contract expires in a couple of years, and of course the club should tie him down now.
Last season he couldn’t have been packed off soon enough according to most, and also his contract was too long for an injury prone midfielder more interested in his car than the training pitch.
As for any activity at Christmas as suggested by Rockys splendid post, we will see. But we already have the replacement for Theo in Ox, even on the international scene it’s clear he offers more.
For me the Cesc situation is most worrying, allegedly we have first dibs on buy back, but if it’s not working out for him this season would anyone think of taking him on loan come January? If either City or ManUre come in for him I think we have to make a strong bid. I don’t think either club would suit him but I do think ManUre need him more than anyone else, and if we have the finance we should do the deal. Although this would probably mean the end for Ramsey at THOF.
Micky – Denmark v Czech Rep at 7:15pm, could be good
GiE – re Diaby. That’s exactly what I thought when I saw him playing better than ever at Anfield. The last year effect
GiE,
The thought of Fabgregas providing the ammo for Persie at Utd really is quite horrible.
Didn’t see the game last night, how was the Ox?
Best player on the pitch by a country mile 🙂
Evonne think it’s just “the fit effect”.
Micky re Cesc/vP that would indeed be horrible. Can only hope that Cescs tweet re feeling sick at the sight of RvP in ManUre tablecloth was meant and he wouldn’t do it to us too.
I actually feel a little sorry for Cesc, courted by “his mates” in the Barca/Spain squads only to get there and realise he wasn’t first choice or actually needed.
Another thought occurred to me on Song. He stressed that he didn’t want to leave, but one has to wonder why he didn’t stay then, he had no reason to leave, yes we accepted an offer but like anyone with three years left he could have said “no I’m staying”.
OMG….Cazorla’s contract expires in 4 years, must get him to sign a new one as in 3 years we will have to sell.
OMGOMG….. Artetas and BFGs contract expire in 3 years, must get them to sign a new one.
OMGOMGOMG ……. Szczesny’s expires in 2 years….must get him to sign a new one!
Oh No …..Chamakh is signed til 2014 it’s way to long a contract to offer.
The above comment was brought to you with the letter I….for Irony.
He simply means Wilshere will be back!
Morning All
Lovely day here which means a long coast side cycle. Great but would much prefer be watching some football.
Cesc to anywhere in the PL is a horrible thought. I think he will get more games with the brilliant Xavi getting close to his pension.
GIE. We will never know the true story about Song. Perhaps AW stopped thinking he was good enough for our MF.
Morning all
It’s Saturday, it’s a gorgeous day in London and the Emirates would be glistening in the late summer sunshine but there’s no football 🙂
There is a New Post though ……….
Tell d arsenal fan which player u what 2 buy in January that will make u happy
Llorente enters into the final 6 months of his contract and can negotiate with any club he wants