From the Fiver's Rumor Mill section, which gets it right about 5 percent of the time. And even they admit this is a weak rumor: By the way, if this is true, I think we should sell him. I'm going to write more about this after the season's over, but in a nutshell, next year's when we really need to start giving the younger players a chance.
Let me break it down for you.... Revolution.....born and raised in New England Celtic.....paternal grandfather born in Co. Wexford to Celtic fans and moved to U.S. @ age 10ish Valencia.....maternal grandfather born just outside the city, married an American (my grandmother), team passed down through him Köln....some idiot talked me into liking them for fun My grandparents passed on their soccer traditions to their own children who have in turn passed it on to me which has caused a mixture in who I support which causes multiple teams. But I guess that's what happens over here. I support all four of my teams, traveled thousands of miles and made multiple trips across the Atlantic to see them all play despite still being only in my teens. And that is my explanation. But actually I was talking about Valencia. And then again I'm not sure I'd want him for any, Köln could probably use him though.
Am I really hearing this? We're not even a full year removed from RP7's POTY award, and there's talk of shipping him out? This is madness. It's not like we're talking about Overmars or Petit, two players who clearly had one foot out the door for much of the 2000 season. No, Super Rob is firmly entrenched at Arsenal, and has pledged himself to the club many times. Perhaps he's not quite back to where he was prior to his knee injury, but he's still capable of magical play, and IMO is an integral part of the side. I can see GVB16 or RP15 leaving this summer, and definitely Kanu, but not Super Bob. Signed, An Unabashed Robert Pires fan. P.S. To steal a line from Deadheads, "Bobby fans are people too."
Mike, if it makes you feel better, I'll also advocate that we sell Sylvain Wiltord in the off-season, and you know how I feel about him.
Hey arsenalfan, I am wholeheartedly with you. The thing is Bobby has been a great player in the midfield he just set the bar so high last year. Plus the report says they want him, I want a million dollars!
With the club running into money troubles, over the new stadium, do you think there could be a wholesale sell off come June? I would also like to add Lauren to the out list. Anyone got any ideas for a new right back and central defender?
Marty, you dont like Lauren at right back? I think it was a genius move by AW to put a talented midfielder in that role going forward... sure, he has some lapses tracking back but his on the ball skills and dribbling make him a vital asset to the backline IMO.. anyways, i think if we lost pires next season would be more damaging than wot you lot are sayin... he is a bigtime player who is remember coming back from injury.. lets not knee-jerk... plenty of time in this race boys!!~ P
I agree with P about Lauren. I think he does a good enough job back there. I think if they're gonna sell anyone, Kanu (obviously), and maybe Gio, although it might not be a good idea to get rid of a guy who can play mid or d. I would add Toure to the list, but he's young and will hopefully improve next year, and Wiltord if they can sign Kapo from Auxerre or some other striker who is ready to jump straight into the first team. Hey, look what I just found: http://www.planetfootball.com/article.asp?id=143443&cpid=23&title=Makaay+will+walk+out+on+Depor I wouldn't mind seeing Makaay in the red and white at all. What about the rest of you?
Arsenal is successful - therefore no reason to have a fire sale. We'll be in the Champions League and get extra TV money for that. Not too mention all the merchandise revenue from being a top team. Teams that have fire sales do poorly. Nothing would destroy Arsenal and perhaps break their record of never being relegated than selling off a bunch of players. Look a Leeds - while they were never as good as Arsenal, their selling has left them in dire straights and perhaps the Nationwide next season! I laugh when the Arsenal board talks about cutting the wage bill and still maintaining their status. While I can understand not splashing out millions for new signings, dumping players that have an effect on the wage bill (i.e. Vieira, Pires, Henry, etc...) would see Arsenal drop to the middle of the pack. Arsenal are a big club and like it or not the Board will have to get used to paying Big Club wages or they'll go back to being a mediocre side.
Take it easy, you "Jackbooted Right Stomping Moderator." The fact is that, sooner or later, the club will need to get younger. Our starting wingers are all closer to 30 than 20, and they're probably older than that in "soccer years" because of various injuries that have taken their toll. The time to take risks and re-make the team for the future is after two successful seasons, when there's no need to panic and when you're selling from a position of strength. Leeds sold because they spent a bunch of money, didn't win anything, and their outcome exceeded their income. Pretty simple. I also agree about selling Lauren, and suggest that Moritz Volz is ready for his closeup, with Luzhny and Toure there to back him up in case he can't handle it. Anyway, my initial suggestion about Pires was meant to be a bit controversial and to get people talking. I do honestly think we'll be surprised by one or more off-season transactions, but I doubt it'll be Pires. This is just one person's vision for the Silly Season, that's all.
I agree, particularly when ManUre appears poised to make some sweeping changes in the offseason. As much as I love guys like Bergkamp and Pires, they have not had very solid seasons. It's time to bring in some new blood at some of these positions and work to build for the future, so that Arsenal maintains their position as one of the top clubs in England and gets the chance to compete in Europe year after year. That's for after the season, by the way, as you really need the experience at this point of the stretch run.
You are quite correct and Wenger needs to look at introducing some of these "promising" youth players. But I see this as a supplement to what the team already has because these guys are already on the payroll. Re-making the team should never consist of dumping half of the first team and hiring brand new players. Unless your team is as poor as Sp*rs and can't get any worse. Getting rid of too many starters will break any consistency in the side. Better to introduce two new players per season to allow them to integrate into the system. You are actually willing to trust a complete rookie (who I don't think has a single Premiership game minute) the vital position of right back? Look at how wonderful Toure has done in defense this season. Not a knock against Toure, who will grow into a good player after a couple seasons, but Kolo has shown on more than one occassion that he is a rookie and not up to speed with the Premiership. Better that he can gain his feet playing as a substitute and occasional starter than as permanent fixture for good or ill. Isn't this always the case. Unless one of us is Wenger in disguise then we can only speculate on the actions in the off season.
To suggest Pires has been a disappointment this year is harsh at best and ridiculous at worst. Pires made a remarkably quick recovery from a devastating knee injury that a decade ago might've kept him out of the team until NEXT August, returns in October with little time to train and reach full fitness and still scores TEN(or even eleven)goals the next 20 matches before hitting the wall and he should go? That is simply unreal. It is a shame he came back so soon as he has lost his stride again at a most inopportune time to be fair-although he had a great goal against ManUre disallowed(and strangely enough, I'm still not sure why since there was NO foul on Henry I could see)-but this attitude that it is time for him to go is just amazing. I hope the club isn't reading this board...
Just to clarify my position on Robert Pea-ray. I was joking with my earlier comment. Talk of selling him is just plain crazy, selling a reigning player of the year is just nuts. I know he hasn't come close to his form from last season and maybe he never will (I have to admit I doubt it very much) but he's still more than good enough to start on the left. Now yes I agree with others that we desperatly need to bring some of the youngsters in, now. Or rather the start of next season but I think you follow me. The right wing is the best place to do it but not right back. We've got two solid defenders whom we can count upon to play every game in which they aren't crippled, Cole and Campbell but other than that Cygan is crap and Keown isn't getting any younger and each year he seems to miss a few more games through injury. I say sell Jeffers and let Graham Barret start deputising up front. Naturally Kanu should go as well. Get rid of Luhzny he's what 34 now? And Igors to boot. Let Jermaine Pennent start bombing up and down the right wing, naturally this won't please our old stalwart Ray Parlour but he'll still get his fare share of games between suspensions, injuries and rest for regulars. So that's two and most likely three youngsters (Taylor will be #1 next season count on it) that will get a lot of time. Somebody write to Arsene Wenger and enlighten him. -- Still believin'!!
Taylor should not be #1 next season! Next season will be the time to see if experience will enable him to step up to the plate and at this point I'm not convinced he can. His position play is poor, he has a tendancy to dive or set himself too early and he looks ropey on crosses. Nerves and experience may be a big part of these short comings, but my guts tell me that he will not develop into the real deal?
In the back, I'd like to see Volz come through and challenge Lauren. A central defender needs to be brought in. I'm thinking someone from the usual rumour lists--Terry, Mexes, Gallas, Chivu. We're lucky to have Campbell and Cole, no question about it. Don't forget Aliadiere up front. I'm going to keep saying that. Since Jermaine Pennant is busy getting thrashed in another thread, I won't address HIM at the moment. In fantasy world, where you get to turn Arsenal into your very own Real Madrid, I've always wished we could get Christian Vieri. He's not a fox in the box who weaves into channels. He' more like a caveman in the box; he uses strength to battle defenders and makes goals look easy. Now, it looks like Arsene might be signing a mystery kid who models his game after Vieri. http://www.planetfootball.com/article.asp?id=143620&cpid=8&title=Arsenal+set+to+sign+striker"/>
Okay time to be honest concerning Stuart Taylor. I feel the same way as marty. Big Stu's just never filled me with confidence. Which is why I'd love it if the Paul Robinson rumours were true. Now that guy is a keeper. Sorry bad joke.