Well given our recent struggles what direction, if any, do you think AW will take come January? I have heard the rumors regarding a defensive player and goalie. Any thoughts on who we would like to bring in?
Toldo - Cassillas - in goal????? I would like any ideas on a replacement for Cygan. I can't think of one. I would loved to seen Davids in the middle of the field. What we lack is a physical strenght in the middle of the pitch. Yellow cards are not a bad thing and with Henry getting our first in Cl last game shows me there is a lack of physical challenges.
I've seen the Toldo rumors...feels more like something coming from Toldo's agent to stir the pot than anything else. I think having Cygan isn't terrible - he has improved over the last two seasons. Still, not the most secure back-up you could have in central defense. I've seen/heard the Ledley King rumors, and I think he would be an excellent target. He'll be expensive, but we need the defensive cover and he's got a lot going for him (England international, big/strong/good in the air, EPL experience, young). I couldn't disagree more on the Davids suggestion. For one, he's totally outside of what Arsene looks for (too old, likely overpriced, etc.). He's also in terrible shape and hasn't performed at a consistently high level in a while. He was a great player, but I don't see him recovering from his decline any time soon.
I was looking more for this past summer as a replacement for PV4 if he were going to leave. I am looking to bring sombody in who likes to lay a body on somebody and the first name that comes to mind in the center of the field is Davids. King would be a nice addition.
We should wait to get him on a Free transfer . For defence I would like somemone like Yugo (wrong Spelling and Im not going to try spelling his last name) from Middlesborough.. Or Matteo Ferarri From Roma. -N1
I have it from a pretty strong and reliable source that David Beckham is definately coming to Highbury. Apparently DB wanted to come direct from Man. Ure. but apparently the money was too much at that time. There is a fair chance that it could happen during the January transfer window. No mention of anybody going the other way, and certainly not PV4 after the commotion during the summer, (although on the past couple of performances did we make the right decision? "Of course we did!"). However FL8 has always been in the frame for such a move, and he too is a little off from at present. With the youngsters lining up and waiting in the wings, who knows?
I think Beckham would be the wrong move. His presence would throw then entire team out of whack. We need a strong defense, not someone who just runs around and takes free kicks.
I disagree. We need a good crosser on the right and at the moment unfortunatly Freddy is not up to it..... At the moment Beckham is at madrid, but I know 100% that Tony Adams (Victoria's dad, not our former player) who lives in Cheshunt, has put Brooklyns name forward for Haileybury College in Hertford, my former school.........
I am worried about the media circus that follows him around and that it may be a distraction to the rest of the team. On the other hand, thinking about it more, his high profile may make the team more more appealing to other transfer targets (defenders, goalies, etc.) as well.
I think Beckham would be a good pick up both on and off the field. He can cross the ball from the right about as good as anyone, his free kicks are superb, and he is a fairly reliable player. Off the field Arsenal would get a ton of exposure around the world with him. This might just bring Arsenal to the forefront of International Football. He would definately bring in a ton of money, which in the long run can only help. Heck, Arsene might even bring em over here for once.
As much as I was convinced that this was going to happen last summer, I now don't believe that this will happen what so ever whilst Arsene is the manager.
.....but do we really rely on a crossing game? I didn't think Freddie threw in crosses because that's not really how Arsenal plays football. Plus, who would be on the receiving end? Henry seems to be getting better at it but he's certainly not a classic "target" forward. Would van Persie possible fit this bill? I have nothing against Beckham. I think he's a good player, hustles, etc...I just don't really see the need for him at Arsenal.
About Becks and his game. You don't have to be a genious in the air to score from his crosses because they are very accurate. His passing is underrated, he can bounce the ball around just as good as the next guy, but what he brings to the counter attack few people, notably Pirlo and Ronaldinho, few people can offer. That is the long ball over the top of the defence that is consistently perfectly placed for attackers to run onto. He would also considerably change the complexion of your team in terms of toughness. He never goes down, never stops fighting and is hard tackler. An upgrade in those respects to Ljunberg and he could even stand in as Vieira's partner when u have injury or form problems. I would hate to see him on your team... he plays a different style of ball, but he can adapt and he would be a good weapon. Also, I would have to hate him and although its en vogue to do so for some ManU fans, I have always admired his skill as a player.
Becks wont be coming because real wont let him go. The income figures of real were released a coupl of months ago and the income jumped when becks signed for real. The president said he would sell the stadium before he sells becks. He is the most valuable player at real ($ not talent!)
There are even Real Beckham jerseys here in Corpus Christi, TX of all places. He brings in too many $'s to let go.
Let me offer a different perspective. Becks has: - absolutely no left foot - is softer than a comfortable pillow - can't defend - is not a leader - can't dribble - hardly ever makes good runs Of course, you are right that he is one of the best free kick/cross specialists in the world, which translates well to the english game. But he's only as popular as he is because he appeals to women, and thanks to clever marketing, Asia. He would not be an upgrade over Ljungberg at all. Freddie may not cross the ball like he does, but he makes darting runs into the box and plays a faster style than Becks can handle. He fits Arsenal's system far better than Becks. I mean look at it this way. Please name two, or even one, player on Arsenal right now that's above average at headers? Exactly. So please no Becks. He's great for marketing but a damn liability in so many facets of the game that Arsenal would do best to stay away and let him wallow on the bench in Madrid.
When he was playing on the Right Wing He made good Runs into the Box. Remember that Game vs Us and The Real Madrid Game at Old Trafford. -N1
Yes, but notice the qualification of "hardly" makes good runs. He only runs in games that are important. Otherwise he sets up a picnic on the right side of the pitch and stays there the whole game.
He does it in other games as well (when at united) but I only mentioned those games because they were "important". He only does that For England. Id like to see Beckham and Ljungberg Fighting it out for a Spot on the Right wing. -N1
I like Becks, but I don't love the idea of him coming to Arsenal. He's certainly skilled, and his crossing/long ball game could be useful at times. Plus, his marketing clout would bring money to the club, no doubt. That said, I think there are other concerns. He lacks pace and close technique - two things that feel like a necessity in this Arsenal squad. He's also getting older, and I feel like the dollars necessary to bring him to Highbury might be better spent on a Wright-Phillips or Lesley King, or both. I'd also like to see Pennant get a run on the right. I realize he's injured at the moment, but I'd like to see how he performs this season once he gets a few games (sure to happen as Freddie will certainly pick up a knock within the next few months).
Becks is world class, but I don't think he will be a good idea. We'd have to change our game drastically. Right now I think what we need are world class attacking midfielders. Pires has lost it imo and freddy is not imposing enough. Clarence Seedorf is on his last year at AC. And even better Kaka in on two years. I think with some might...we could pounce for those two in the summer. They have both been quoted to have said they'd love to play in england (cs) and arsenal (kaka).
just about disagree with nearly all those points... not a leader???? soft?? never makes good runs?? huh? okay.. ill agree to disagree
When you think what signing Inamoto did for the club in the far East as far as sales went, plus the new Emirates Stadium, I think the financial aspect of pushing the club further won't be harmed. Let alone taking into account his playing abililty compared against that of Inamoto. Obviously we don't have a direct "heading" striker to get on the end of crosses, or the "fox in the box" for the ground balls, but it's still another quality player coming to the club. Let's wait and see!
I think the English perspective about Beckham differs greatly from the non-english perspective, or at least from those who don't live in countries outside of England that are dominated by English football marketing (Canada, U.S., Caribbean and most of Asia). Beckham has become such a marketing tool that people who dont know football or who rarely see him play call him the best player in the world. I can think of 50 guys I'd rather have on my team... or 5000 if we're talking penalty shootout But yes, lets just agree to disagree