Agreed. Especially since Arsenal really need a nose-to-the-grindstone type player that Dempsey is. I saw none of that grit that Arsenal needed when they got their Arsenal handed to them by ManU.
Godddd I hope so. Dempsey would be a great signing for Arsenal. He's a significant upgrade from both Rosicky and Arshavin, great on set pieces, and could slot in for Van Persie when he inevitably gets injured. I've wanted this signing for two years.
This is a really good sign for Dempsey, I don't think Fulham has the cash for both so this might mean that he's on his way baby!!!!!!!!!!
While I would be happy for him and the notion in general of a Yank at a high profile club, the pessimist in me is worried. Given the general mood of Arsenal supporters with the departure of Cesc and Nasri, I would be worried that the pressure on Dempsey would be unfairly intense and the possibility of him being seen as a scape goat on which to project frustrations would high. Cesc and Nasri he is not, despite his many accomplishments and his abilities.
Fair point, but I would hope that the fans would see the difference. Not like Torres coming in for $50M(?) and scoring 1 goal in umpteen games. Clint will be a lot cheaper and while very good, will not come with the same hype. This would be very good for Clint - assuming that Arsenal actually becomes Arsenal of old. The one other caveat is that he doesn't get caught (as he has in the past) with having to validate himself with a new manager. That all said, his back may be spasming with the thought of all the money he's going to be bringing to the bank.
Id be shocked if Dempsey went to Arsenal, this is the typical rumor that will come out just to raise a players transfer fee. Clint will probably go to Italy
I'd say it is a money-making move for Clint if it happens. Regardless of where he ends up, he'll probably be making a decent amount more than he does at Fulham right now. Also, if it is Arsenal, they have plenty of money to spend and still have good players around who are somewhat underutilized. They may not be elite right now, but if they spend a little for the "right now", they will be right back up there.
Hard to say too much at the beginning of the season. Hull City were near the top of the table in Mid-October 2009, for example. Even still, Fulham have been pretty shite this year as well.
van Persie will surely be injured soon enough (as will Arshavin and probably most of the rest of the team), and if not, there will certainly be more stupid red cards. I doubt that he'd struggle to find time.
Not excited about this possible move for one main reason....Arsenal's medical/fitness staff. I like Arsenal but that team's got something on em...them boys can't stay healthy. I understand that injuries happen but it seems like they take it to a new level. Edit: I see AEK mentioned the injury angle also but from a diff perspective.
This is probably due to the fact that they like to buy 5'7" 140-pound players who play a possession game in a non-possession league.
JK played for Werner at Monaco. I wonder if he wont have the managers ear for other US prospects down the road.
Damn good point. When Arsenal was at their very best several years back now, they had a good mixture of big and strong guys who happened to be technical mixed in with the little guys. Bergkamp, Henry, Viera, etc. To say nothing of the guys on the back line. As the last several years have gone on they're just as technical if not more so, but they've been getting smaller and smaller. And the Prem's a fast, physical league. Hence... injuries. Dempsey is rather in that mold of a big and tough guy who's technical.
Arsenal needs Clint Dempsey more than Clint needs the Gunners. They'd probably have to overpay to get him. It's such a mess right now at the Emirates.
World Football Daily has been pumping that idea this week. This whole thing is all on the PHYSIOS!! A bit of a stretch really...