The Sound & the Fury.... Hey, It's a Summer Transfer Thread...

So, is Podolski the beginning or the end of our transfer activity?

Player I've liked the most at the Euros (you know, from a hoping we could get him standpoint), is the Czech Republic's Theodor Gebre Selassie, their attacking right back.

But, there's not much on him, and since youtube compilations are such fun, here's one of Podolski to get us in the mood...

I see us bringing in at least one more player. And if van Persie goes, at least two.

I'm actually quite torn on van Persie. All my heart wants him to stay -- he's one of my favorite players of all time. But there's a little voice in my head that says it might be a smart idea to sell him.

bbc's david ornstein and the telegraph's jeremy wilson are reporting that the giroud deal should be announced this week. paperwork being done apparently.

all his goals and assists from last season:
http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/arsenal-target-olivier-girouds-25-goals-11-assists-20112012-video/

The Giroud Deal is very much in the cards. Girard (Montpellier's Manager) statement on RMC pretty much confirmed that it is going to happen.
Still believe that 1 or 2 more players will join this Summer. Likely, a DMF (M'Vila, Capoue or Biglia) and an utility defender.

This is on the BBC - so it has to be true!

Arsenal set to sign Olivier Giroud for £12m from MontpellierBy David Ornstein
BBC Sport

Arsenal are close to completing a deal to sign Montpellier striker and France international Olivier Giroud for £12m.

The Gunners are expected to confirm the 25-year-old's arrival this week.

Manager Arsene Wenger intends to play him alongside fellow new signing Lukas Podolski and Dutch striker Robin van Persie in a front three.

The 6ft 3ins forward, who was an unused substitute in France's 1-1 Euro 2012 draw with England, scored 21 goals in his club's run to the Ligue 1 title.

Giroud is one of only two recognised strikers in the French squad, alongside Karim Benzema. He has six caps for his country and one goal.

Earlier this week, Montpellier manager Rene Girard told French radio station RMC that Wenger was leading a chase of top clubs for the striker.

"Arsenal are very interested and Giroud wants to play in England, if Arsene agrees with the president, he will sign for them," he said.

Despite speculation about the future of Van Persie, who is out of contract next summer, it is understood Arsenal want to sign Giroud to play alongside him, rather than as a replacement.

Giroud would be a positive signing. I don't much pay attention to transfer rumors, and until his name on the dotted line I won't get over-excited, but this is a good deal for what funds Arsenal spends on transfers. I don't think he's a world class signing, but he should help keep competitive until 2014....

It's up on Giroud's Wikipedia page that he's completing a move for £12 million.

Oh, well then it's got to be true.

I know, right? I just figured I'd throw it out there. It's interesting that it notes just a cash deal. Last week we were hearing cash and Chamakh.

Send them Chamakh + 3million more

Gazidis:

I expect Messi

Bendtner just scored for Denmark. Let's hope that will increase his transfer value!

I picture the formation as being more fluid than that; Song and/or one of the wingers (wingback?) would cover for the 'marauding' CB when he gets forward... essentially it makes Vermaelen an attacking option - that's pretty ********ing sweet. In other words, it's a plan B that we can use any time.

http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/footba...up-as-andrei-arshavins-replacement-at-arsenal

Someone on twitter made the joke earlier that we gave up a record amount of goals last season, so we've gone out and signed two new strikers. Funny, but I am nervous about the FBs. I have no faith in Gibbs and Santos to stay healthy/fit. Sanga? He's injured, and you never know how smooth recoveries will go. Question marks on both sides. And CB? How is Mert? Are we selling Dj?

Well Bendtner certainly helped his resale value today.

I don't want any player based on their Euro play. Those types of players are fool's gold.

I really wish I could find all the posts from Euro 2008 with who went on saying Arshavin was great.

In fairness, Andrei did almost single-handedly get us a CL spot in just a half-season. Anything we paid for him, in my mind, has been made up just by that.

It's just unfortunate that he's been mostly shit since then

Don't forget the Barcelona match.

Yeah, I was one of them. But his game vs the Dutch was one of the best games I've seen a player have.

I'm not saying he didn't have a good Euro 2008, but everyone jumped on the bandwagon saying Arsenal needed to sign him like he was Messi.

I doubt this happens, but would be thrilled if it did. Dzagoev is a helluva player, I've liked him for a while now.

Talk of his contract expiring may be inaccurate. According to a CSKA fan that posted yesterday, may outlets are reporting the length of his contract based on the same website, which is not up to date.

Does no one think that AA won't be telling him how miserable it was for him in North London? One good thing about this is that AA has been playing great and may warrant a decent transfer fee (but I don't think we'll get it all back).