We also made a big push for Suarez by all accounts. Had Liverpool not been so so committed to keeping him, we might well have pulled it off. IIRC he wanted to come and was agitating for the move until it became clear that it wasn't a possibility. Wasn't last year supposed to mark the start of a new period when we'd finally have more cash available to spend because of our new commercial deals? Ozil was a good start. Let's see what round two brings. I'm taking a wait-and-see approach instead of whining and crying. It's fookin' June 12th FFS. At least wait until late July to start the pity party.
Except that we didn't complete the deal. We haven't shown the ability to actually execute these deals, which is why passing up an easy transfer like Fabregas is so perplexing. Fabregas went for less than Fellaini did. Think about that. Some of you guys were advocating signing Fellaini last year for 25, saying that's what top talent cost. It's not a pity party, it's frustration and exasperation. I'm willing to wait and see, but I think most of us will quite rightly be furious if we haven't done anything by the time the season starts.
I'm not surprised by Fabregas moving to Chelsea. At 27 this is going to be the last big contract of his career and he need to make that money. After all, he's got that gold digging girlfriend to support, and the house he bought her (from her husband) is only a few minutes from Stamford Bridge. Arsenal was never going to pay him 200k a week to sit on the bench, so go where the money is.
Can you make papier mache trophies out of the money you have in the bank? Can you put them next to the fourth place trophy?
Fvck him. It's not the move that angers me, its all the BS he spouts about "once a gunner always a gunner", and how much he loves the club. When you continually say things like that, you cross a line. It's no longer just your job. To me, his move to Barca was 100% emotional. He pushed for it like a child who wants an ice cream. He was swept up in the emotion of their WC win and was swayed by all his buddies at Barca. Consider this: if he had stayed then, he could be going back to Barca now. We might have won something in that time, and he would have left a legend (even with no trophies imo). He'd be poised to be the lynchpin of Barca's midfield with Xavi in decline, and could end his career as an Arsenal & Barca legend. As it stands Arsenal fans won't like him, Barca fans (and apparently the club judging from that statement) have never liked him, and he'll just be yet another mercenary to play for Chelsea. Once he leaves there in a couple years he'll fade from their memories as well. He's picked up a few trophies (and plenty of cash) along the way, but to me the guy hasn't made the best career decisions on a sporting level.
We hadn't spent a penny until the final moments of the transfer window, and had failed to address our biggest needs all summer. There was no plan. No one gives a shit about signing players by June 12th. People are concerned that when our transfer strategy consists of haphazardly grabbing out at whatever is cheap, we let a great deal go. Asking people to have faith that Wenger has some grand transfer plan is foolish, when the opposite has been true for a long time.
Eh, I don't hate Cesc. I'm a bit disappointed to see him in Chelsea blue, but that's football these days. He clearly wanted to come back to Arsenal but we didn't want to have him -- so he takes a job where he can. It all sounds a bit like an after school special where a kid ditches all his friends for a new group of friends, only to find out that they're all douches. Then he wants to get back in his original group of friends, but they've all moved on.
Except it it a pity party. Sometimes players don't want to come or the clubs don't want to release the player regardless - like pool. So you move on. Fabergas is not a critical position -clearly they are going to use the money to strengthen elsewhere. I dont know why everyone thinks Arsenal can or will throw money around like only 5-7other clubs mostly financed by OIL money do?- get it through your heads We cannot compete against PSG/City clubs when it comes to players.
Where are you seeing that? Arsenal gets 50% of any profit Barca makes on the sale. At the rumored sale price Barca is making zero profit.
This is not my point. My point is this: 1. We haven't shown the ability to execute transfers for top players, the kinds of players that you need to actually win major trophies. 2. This was a case of a top player actually wanting to come to Arsenal, even if he did play a position that we have some (but not a lot of) depth in. 3. There's a good chance we sign a couple of scrubs in Remy and Schneiderlin. Now, if it turns out that we actually do execute deals that improve the squad and address weaknesses (players like Martinez or Bender or Draxler or Griezmann), that's a different scenario. But our past track record suggests that that's unlikely.
At the rate we're denouncing our former players, only the most loyal and dedicated of Arsenal players will be candidates for statues in front of the Emirates some day. Only those who truly believed Arsenal was the single club in Europe worthy of their talents. Only those one-in-a-million players who never wavered on their loyalty to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger. Gooners of the world, I give you Abu Diaby.
There is plenty of room between what the oil clubs spend and what Arsenal spends. I just want Arsenal to spend what it has and not insult everyone by arguing money in the bank is something football clubs should be proud of.
haha. Cesc probably watched the episode of Saved by the Bell the Miss Bliss years that covered this issue, except Lisa, Screetch and the gang take Zack back.
1. Ozil 2. OR he plays in a position that Arsenal does not have a need. 3. See point one - you dont know that - You mean when the club was hampered by stadium debt and low commercial deals that track record? now financial things are changing and again see point one.
This used to be my argument. But it is a futile argument. When it comes to the transfer market, Arsene Wenger is who he is. He isn't changing. I've learned to accept that and it helps me sleep better at night.
I meant, why is it a conclusion they will strengthen elsewhere. History shows us that a small part will be used to buy cheap deals.
Thi is where you and me disagree Mebe. If we end up with Remy, Schenderlein, Aurier and a Di Maria, Pedro or Griezman…I would be jumping of joy! Why? Coz these fours players (or similar) are what we need, as far as role and positions. Not a prima donna who bombed at Barfa and expected to come back like a savior. By the way, I have been following Schenderlein and Griezmann and I strongly believe these two can quickly become top players. I would take a chance on them any day over Cesc, since they would totally fill our requirements and more.