Welcome to the Press Conference Thread!! The place to discuss each and every Pre- and Post-Match Press Conference. Beginning with todays, 1st February, the day after the Transfer Window closed with Arsenal having signed new LB Nacho: Wenger on Gibbs: 'It will be four to six weeks [out]'...but...'can easily go to 8 weeks.' Wenger on Monreal: 'Our scouts have followed him for a while and we had a blow with the Gibbs injury...He can play as a left winger too and he can adapt very quickly' Wenger on Santos: 'He is the type of player who gets sharper from competition. Yes [some criticism he gets is unfair]' Wenger: 'I believe Gibbs will be out for the Champions League. I [cannot] play Monreal. Santos could have a key role' Wenger on transfers: 'We were close to one more signature. It didn't happen because of the desires of the clubs not to sell' (That's not close then is it Mr Wenger!! You offered a fee, they said no!!) TEAM NEWS: 'Monreal is available for the weekend game. Arteta could be back in the squad. Coquelin is out, Vermaelen is a doubt, Diaby is in the squad'
I believe we should play to our advantages, and that is our attack. We aren't by nature a defensive team so putting Vermaelen as LB would be less point than Santos. At least with Santos he can do something special going forward. We are at home again Bayern so we should give their defenders HELL!
I wonder who the player was that we where trying to get... I'm thinking it has got to be Villa. And i think we will get him in the summer.
Is that "the bid failed because it was late" or "the bid, which happened to be late, failed for other reasons"?
How could a signing be close if the club did not want to sell ??? I understant "close" if the club failed to agree terms or a fee, but Arsene said it was not about the money. Clubs simply did not want to sell... But It was close.. "We offered 6 ml for Villa half an hour before deadliine. But they did not want to sell. Oh, it was so close..." I do not think Wenger takes pressers seriouly. Why should we?
Suspect we might have missed our chance with Villa, if he has a decent end to the season either city or Chelsea will surely be in for him?
I think our top priority this summer is signing a top striker. Cavani should be our main target, even if he cost 40 million, he's worth it. If City or Chelsea offer stupid money then it obviously can't be helped but we should at least try. Maybe he would prefer Arsenal? Having a world class player up front would ease the pressure on the rest of the team. A striker who gets half a chance and buries it is a priceless commodity and would elevate us to a new level. No more 'making do' and hoping for the best. We needn't blow all our assets but we shouldn't be afraid to spend big if it's a huge talent.
No need for a striker imo. I think we will go for a GK and DM, poss another utility defender too, but it will depend on who we can shift out of the door first.
We need another striker IMO, Giroud is good but not a one chance-one goal kind of player. We lost one of those last summer, we haven't replaced him, a match winner.
Have to agree with COYG to be honest, another striker would be a luxury, but ultimately we've got Giroud, Podolski, Walcott and Gervinho who can play there. I think a defensive midfielder / defender is a priority and that's Wenger's thinking too as he was close to signing Capoue.
TEAM NEWS: Vermaelen is out, Koscielny has a test today. Gibbs out, Ramsey and Coquelin available Wenger on Wilshere: "You are special because of your qualities, and his commitment and desire is part of his quality." Wenger on replacing Liam Brady: "We are starting the process now. We will choose the best possible person. It is very important." Wenger on the top four: "It is possible there will be another twist, and that is what I believe. We still have to make up ground."
Never a truer word uttered from Arsene. The most unpredictable top 4 chase ever. Will this be the future of the premiership? I think it will.
