I like Podolski. Don't think he's exceptional or anything but I wouldn't want to see him leave unless we've actually added some of the aforementioned quality to our forward line.
Got on the plane to see we were 0-0 at halftime. Just got off the plane to see we won convincingly and are going for Benzema and Di Maria. As well as Cabaye and a cb. Good ****ing flight. All though even if they get Bale will they really sell their last recognised striker.
Karim Benzema & Angel Di Maria: Arsenal target Real Madrid pair http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23790314 Looks like the BBC have picked up on this and put it as a main news article. Could there be something in this? We will have to wait and see. These two would make the marquee signings we were hoping but it still leaves the issue of a DM.
I'm far more inclined to believe it has substance with it being on the BBC Website. This is much better news
It also makes it likely that a Di Maria would be coming to us as Bale would take his place and Real will need to recoup the estimated £100m fee. Not sure if they could afford to let go of Bennie after they've lost Higuain, unless they hope to bid for the Count?
Taking my Arsenal hat off and speaking as a neutral, just imagine if Arsenal strengthens with 3 quality signings and so do Spurs. We would have 5 very strong teams competing at the same time. It would make the Premiership the most exciting it's ever been!
Like I said at the START of this thread: "Wenger has chased Benzema for years. I think he is the player we are most lijkley to spend £30+Million on." Stylistically he fits our team well, He is quick strong and aggressive. Would be a great signing. Real need to sign another forward before they will be willing to let him go though.
Now that's more like it The BBC article also states that Wenger is trying to sign a keeper and defensive player too Come on Arsene, get it done.
He's also quoted saying... "The transfer market really starts now, a lot of activity will happen between now and 2 September. We have 12 days. A lot will happen. It starts now." I thought it was 1st July But two top players that would give you a massive boost after the shenanigans of the last few weeks. I can't help but think that Madrid may use the sale of these two to help fund their (supposed) bid for Bale, and I'm sure your negotiators will cop this and try to drive down the transfer price.
I'm going to be honest and admit I've said Benzema is not the type of player we need. The fact that amounts close to Suarez are being mentioned are pretty puzzling too, he's just not the same caliber for me. I guess many clubs are trying to get him, or David Ornstein just made up the "up to 40M" based on what we were willing to spend for Suarez. Di Maria however would improve our team from day 1, and feel it would be a great buy. Benzema just strikes me completely uninterested when things aren't going their way, he just strolls around not looking for the ball. Has always seemed a confidence player to me, and those haven't really worked out well at us in the past.
The transfer window has always been at it's busiest in the last few days, that's when the exciting deals get done. If we can land these two, it will be a massive boost to our squad. If we can get a defensive player too, then I think there will be a sea change of attitude towards Wenger on here. I'm pretty sure the Bale deal has already been agreed in principle, there's no way spurs would be spending ninety million in this window otherwise. Also the idea that Real will sell Di Maria to us suggests that Bale will definitely replace him. However, more than these two deals being used to fund the Bale transfer, I would suggest as has been mentioned, that this could be freeing up the cash to try and sign Suarez.
Indeed, if Wenger gets you guys a solid top 4 and a cup this season, there'll be a lot of people here needing to go on a diet for the amount of humble pie to be consumed.
We've had the quality to get a solid top 4 and a cup forever now. Not winning cups has had more to do with not employing tactics once in a while to win games against inferior sides. Players were just a small part of it. Our ambition should be higher than that, and the club have admitted the financial excuses for it not being higher are not there anymore.
Well it's a bit unfair that we only get 10 days to do our transfer business, The other teams have had over two months.
I think the number one priority should be a DM! I love the talk about Benzema, Suarez, etc but a proper def MD will allow our midfielders (Ramsey, Wilshere, Ros etc) to worry less about over-compensating in their defending and that would lead to a stronger attack. Splash the cash on the DM Wenger!
