As everyone is convinced that Jovetic is our main target, i thought i'd take it upon myself to watch the Pescara v Fiorentina game. He's been pretty good, he scored a nice finish, but Adem Ljajic is running the show. Just got his 3rd for a hattrick
My priorities would be a GK, Right Back (if Sagna goes), back up CB (if TV leaves) a back up striker and a Holding/Box to box midfielder. To be completely honest, I don't really think we need a first team striker as much as everyone says, I think Giroud will be a lot better next year, Podolski has been playing through an injury by all accounts, and we've just signed Sanogo. As a striker I'd love it if we signed Lukaku/Benteke, but what with Sanogo coming in I doubt it, and Jovetic hasn't really impressed me so much, again Benteke has better stats (although Jovetic has gone off the boil recently, maybe because of speculation?). Of all the strikers that we've been linked to the one that appeals the most is rooney, but that's not going to happen, wouldn't be too suprised if we bought Villa though, he's a short term measure who Sanogo could learn a lot from, will almost definitely give us a quality outlet, and would be a good alternative to Giroud if he doesn't work out next season. Still, my dream signing would be Tevez (attitude issues aside) I think Cesar is a bit too flappy, hes always had concentration issues, even when he was the best in the world, think the reason he's looked so good for QPR is that he's always busy, put him at Arsenal where the shots aren't so common and I don't think he'll work out, but he would be a decent back up in any case. Mignolet/Adler would still be my preferred signings for that position though. Would love it if we signed the polish RB (cbf looking up spelling) to replace Sagna (if he goes), but I doubt Dortmund would accept so many different changes, don't think Liechtensteiner is good enough defensively for us. Anyway, I love Jenko whenever he plays, and I'm sure we've got someone lined up if Sagna leaves. Think we're covered at CB with Koscielny, Mertesacker, TV and Miquel (in that order), if Vermaelen goes he'd need to be replaced by another pacey cb (Miquel and Mertesacker are sloooow), the only one I know is Nkoulou (admittedly from FIFA) From what I've heard, Fellaini wants to move down south, the North is a bit erm....grim for him, and I would take him in a heartbeat. Failing that, one of the Bender's would be good (probably would have a better chance of gettting Lars), or capoue/matuidi. Gonalons hasn't really impressed me when I've seen him, he seems like a younger arteta which isn't really what we need right now, I think Ramsey can take over that position in the future. In terms of transfers out; Squillaci, Arshavin and Fabianski all have their contracts expiring at the end of this season, which frees up around 180k a week from what I've seen. Sagna and Denilson will be sold to PSG and Sao Paolo respectively I think, with Chamakh probably going to Bordeaux for a tiny transfer fee, Coquelin appears to be gone, and we might see the back of Park and Gervinho too. I think we'll be stuck with Bendtner for another year, who could be a decent back up if he gets his head sorted out (we can only hope). If we do sell Gervinho, I imagine we'll buy a winger on the cheap as well.
Fiorentina failed to make the CL, so if we are indeed interested in Jovetic, then this summer would be the perfect time to make a move for him.
What do people think of us re-signing Vela? Apparently we put a buy back option in when we sold him and can get him for peanuts. He's had a good season at Sociedad and has played all along the front line. Could be a decent option as a LW.
No - I just dont think he suits this league.Good technical skills, great finisher but obviously doesnt enjoy the more physical game. I also think with Walcott, Podoslki, OXO, Gervinho and Gnabry coming through we hsve more than enough wide players.
Totally agree - he was one of the lightweight generation that never quite cut it. I'm hearing David Villa could be back on....
Love the kid so would absolutely take him back, hell I would happily get shot of Gerv and replace him with Vela. Biased but what the hell.
Why are we signing him? I'd never heard of him until a few days ago, and he's a bloody Ligue 2 player.
And there's alot of talk about Higuaine on Twitter. Could be Wenger is making enquiries for all his potential 'targets' already. Would be happy with either to be honest.
Because he's a quality young player. Same reason we signed Vieira, Anelka, Fabregas, Toure, Clichy etc.. cant imagine you had head of those either.
There's a difference. They came from good sides, with good reputations. This kid plays in Ligue 2, and barely scores any goals, not great for a striker. He's going to be ****.
Auxerre have a fantastic youth set-up, they have a great reputation. We signed both Sagna and Diaby from them. They've also produced - Boumsong, Djibril Cisse, Mexes, Mo Sissoko, Kaboul and some guy named Eric Cantona.
No - when they are STILL 24-25 and playing for a poor side then you have to worry (Hello..Giroud) At 20 years old, its all about the potential. Wenger thinks the talanet/ability is there.
He was once a great player. Strangly, after he caught malaria he was never the same though.(lost that explosive pace he used to have) He is still a good player though. Good with the ball at his feet. He's best suited to playing alongside a more conservative CB.