Arsenal LB post Cashley

[WhiteShadow]

In the midst of all the talk that is going on about selling Cole, and at this point it seems better than even that he will not be starting the season with us, I havent heard much talk about where Arsenal is going with his position.
I'm sure initially we will be going with Flamini, especially since it still looks like 2-3 months away for Gael. But I'm still not sure if AW sees his and our long term future with Flamini there so at some point he has to either put his money on Flamini and Gael, who i dont think is seasoned enough yet, or else go for a new LB and its hard to see Wenger going after a major new signing at this point. So where do you guys think we would go if we grant Cashley his wish and boot him.

[Gunners11]

Flamini until Clichy is healthy. Clichy may not be experienced but he's shown that he has the talent to get the job done. I think he'll get the chance to show if he can do the job in the future when he comes back from injury. I hope that he comes back and proves himself. I've always rated him since I saw him play against Chelsea at the Bridge a few years ago.

[WhiteShadow]

That certainly is going to be the debate for AW, do you put someone in front of Clichey, I definitly rate him very highly so I hope he can seize the opportunity. The situation at LB is so different than at RB, where we have 3 guys who are ready to start.

[phishy]

1)traore or
2)lauren or
3)flamini.

[TheImposter]

Clichy if he stays healthy (that is, after he gets healthy in the first place) will be adequate to begin with, and I think get better with time. Hell, the way this club works, it wouldn't surprise me if AW was already figuring Traore into his first team plans.

I'm really beginning to get the feeling that he believes so strongly in his young talent that he's willing to go through whatever seasoning period it takes to see them come good, even if the club's results aren't as good for a bit. Arseblogger had a column on that idea today, though I think it was somewhat tongue in cheek -- I think it may be reality.

[Rick B]

You are all wrong. Hoyte will start as left back with Traore his back up. Hoyte has played all 3 games so far there and will also play against Alkmaar Im reliably informed. Flamini has been playing in midfield, so obviously Arsene would play him at left back to give him practice if thats where he was going to be playing in competitive games.

[phishy]

You are all wrong. Hoyte will start as left back with Traore his back up. Hoyte has played all 3 games so far there and will also play against Alkmaar Im reliably informed. Flamini has been playing in midfield, so obviously Arsene would play him at left back to give him practice if thats where he was going to be playing in competitive games.
shoot, forgot bout hoyte.
traore, then hoyte! ;)

[Milkman]

I think it's funny that our fullbacks will be named Lauren and Gael.

I hope Gael makes it back to full health because he could be special.

[Rick B]

shoot, forgot bout hoyte.
traore, then hoyte! ;)

:rolleyes: Just have to be different don't ya James.....:D

[thepundit]

well if they really want to fork 30 million to us i think we should just buy Gallas!

[Dooglas]

Gallas? the one who forgot he was playing for chelsea, and didnt show up for training at all?

[i404]

Gallas? the one who forgot he was playing for chelsea, and didnt show up for training at all?

that's about the dumbest statement of the week.

[KevTheGooner]

I hope Hoyte can step in. I think we'll need Flamini's cover in the midfield with Diaby still recovering

[asfoolasiam]

well if they really want to fork 30 million to us i think we should just buy Gallas!I agree. And based on this article in the Guardian, so does Wenger: http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1835363,00.html

"Chelsea's anger at Gallas has reached a peak because they suspect that Arsenal may have tried to destabilise the player. The Gunners have requested that the World Cup finalist be included in any negotiations to take Cole to Stamford Bridge, which Chelsea have resisted."

[Dooglas]

i dont want a guy who doesnt respect agreements. he gets paid enough that he should be there. and i dont think wenger would want a player like that either.

[asfoolasiam]

i dont want a guy who doesnt respect agreements. he gets paid enough that he should be there. and i dont think wenger would want a player like that either.I see where you're coming from and I respect your opinion. That said, I don't think the issue here is that Gallas is a player who shirks his agreements. I think the issue is that here's a player, who's 28, who's paid his dues, who's one of the best CBs in the world. And yet, he's looking at riding the pine for another season as backup either for The Traitor at LB or Terry/Carvalho at CB. And for someone with Gallas' experience, class, and ambition, I think his "WTF?!?" reaction is completely understandable.

I don't think it speaks to the character of the man. And I think that, were he getting first team football at Arsenal (which I believe is a virtual certainty), especially in his preferred position -- and playing in an entirely francophone defense of Clichy/Flamini-Gallas-Toure/Senderos-Eboue/Lauren, with a French coach taboot -- he'd be a happy, "respectful" camper.

[Dooglas]

i hear that, but is it known why he didnt show up?

im just curious.

[n4100]

I agree. And based on this article in the Guardian, so does Wenger: http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1835363,00.html

"Chelsea's anger at Gallas has reached a peak because they suspect that Arsenal may have tried to destabilise the player. The Gunners have requested that the World Cup finalist be included in any negotiations to take Cole to Stamford Bridge, which Chelsea have resisted."
Ok, if Hernan Crespo gets extra time, and he was knocked out in the Quarters, why in god's name can't a guy who went to the final get an extra week or so? Sure, he's probably unhappy with his situation concerning where he plays on the pitch, but I'd be bitter if a guy that went out a week before I did got an extra week off, especially considering he had one while Gallas was still beating Portugal and losing to Italy.

[Dooglas]

apparently because crespo is 3 years older. I understand why hes upset now. i was ignorant in my claims.

[impalemeplz]

imagine if we got gallas. we might actually start scoring off set pieces again. :o