just wondering, why did he not play in Southampton's win against Leeds? was he injured or was it due to this deal being imminent? I assume the latter, as we apparently re-opened negotiations over the weekend.
He got injured in a pre season friendly against West Brom a week or so back, wasnt fit enough for the game whether he was at Arsenal signing on or not.
Let's see if Wenger can ruin him like he did with Walcott Your manager is a real chump , buys another winger when everybody can see you need a goalie a couple of defenders a holding midfielder and a decent striker......
Dear Gunners - thank you for making our season and its only just started!!! £12M, rising to £15M and you didn't even buy our best player! Hope you manage to buy that central defender and the goalkeeper, not to mention replacements for both C.Fab and Nasri.
What is Arsene doing? We need a defender quickly and Chamberlain can wait Hope we keep hold of Cesc and Nasri and sign at least one defender Just realised we payed more for Alex than we did for Gervinho
As a Saints season ticket holder, I am saddened to see A O-C go as he is a terrific talent. I would have like to have seen one more year out of him at St. Mary's and feel just as robbed as were were several years ago when Arsenal snapped up Theo Walcott. Without doubt, he is one of the most exciting prospect in the English game at the moment but, as pointed out, not at all what Arsenal need at the moment. In my opinion, I find it strange that Chamberlain seemed so intent on going to Arsenal. For several seasons, this London club have been "also rans." Back in the late 1990's, Wenger has assembled a squad that clearly pointed the way that football would be played for the next decade. (There is an interesting chapter about Wenger and his approach to statistics, etc in the thought-provocing book "Why England lose.") However, I think many other teams like Man City, Spurs and Liverpool have now caught up and the emergence of Chelsea under Abramovic has meant that Arsenal aren't even the best team in London. Watching Man Utd on TV over the weekend only served to emphasise the extent of the gulf that has now opened up between them and Arsenal. I would be really surprised if Arsenal finish in the top 5 this season. They are a team on the slide and Wnger is far from the shrewd and perceptive manager he was in the days of Thierry Henri. Chamberlain was sensible to have avoided the likes of Chelsea and Man City who have poor records with young, British players. However, if he wanted to REALLY develop his career Man Utd would have been the better option . Even Liverpool under Dalglish would have been a far better choice than Arsenal. All in all, sorry to see a talented player leave but the money received is totally out of proportion with the player's worth and potential. As has been implied, this makes you wonder whether Wenger has lost the plot. As seriously bad mistake by the Arsenal management and demonstrative as to why the domestic cups will be your only realistic chance of silverware this season. Wenger must be the laughing stock of London!!
In 4 years time and after a few decent performances in the premier league and champions league this kid will be worth double what you paid for him. You can then sell him before he gets really good. Arsenal - The middle step in the ladder to success
To be honest I think you paid over the odds for Chamberlain. There is no doubt he will do a job for you in a couple of years and he is two footed. You all know Wegers policy of buying young and then as he calls it bringing them on. I just hope the lad doesn't end up as a journeyman like his old man!!
£12m up front for a 17 year old that's only ever played in League 1.? It's Christmas come early for us Saints.! I'm not sure how he's going to help Arsenal unless Wenger see's defensive potential in Oxo. You've got yourself a decent player with pace and lot's of potential but he's not the answer you were looking for..
It's 12 mil upfront rising to 15 depending on appearances, oh and a 40% sell on clause. Thanks very much
Just want to add me 5 eggs worth. I think you've bought an excellent player who isn't worth the money, at present. But he will be, in a season or two, and more, providing Arsene doesn't stall his development, like he did with Theo Walcott. Some fan said Wenger was a top negotiator. I hope that was said in irony, because he has certainly come up against his nemesis in Nicola Cortese, our Chief Exec. My understanding of the transfer is that your club paid £12M up front, with £3M add ons and a 40% sell-on fee. From where I'm standing, that's a good deal for us, and we've got a ready made replacement in Steve De Ridder. Plus we've kept our best player, who I'm keeping to myself. Fellow Saints fans will know immediately who I'm referring to, though. Good luck in the Premiership.
As a saints fan I think its a tad expensive but he is a much better player than walcott, he played mainly in the youth taem as an attacking midfielder and has a good brain- unlike walcott who often just runs into problems. On the bright side- I think you will be very entertaining to watch, but very infuriating. I see alot more 4-4 games like newcastle on the horion
Yeah, shh, we don't want them finding out about Danny Seaborne. Especially as they apparently need defenders.
He looks the business to me Not too concerned by £7m £8m up front either. It's about time we spent some money.
AOC is a central midfielder - well, he can play anywhere across the midfield. He will be starting for you next season, he's got Wilshere's footballing brain (or one similar to) but with more technical ability and scoring prowess, and is stronger than Ramsey. We've got a better deal at moment, but I think you'll see rewards in your investment in 16 months time
