I really rate Di Maria, he's a great player on the counter. Real pace and trickery. Plus he can play LW/RW and AMF. Would be a good signing. [video=youtube;jOgHV9hQJco]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOgHV9hQJco[/video]
Let's face it, any Real Madrid player could walk into our squad and displace any first-teamer with ease and raising our level significantly. Di Maria would be a great buy as would the other "available" players. Many a player has come to Real and "failed" and then left. They really don't care about nurturing. You're expected to come in and play great. Forget hitting the ground running, they want you to start flying.
I really hope we can pull this deal off. We might not get to sign a marquee striker this window but if we can get Di Maria, plus sure up our defensive midfield positons with Cabaye and Flamini, then this will still have been a decent window.
Yeah Di Maria would certainly add some much needed quality. I can see him making a big impact. His versatility would also allow more tactical changes with our front line. Flamini on a free is good business but also negates the need for Cabaye. I would rather we went after a Striker or a athletic powerful midfielder like Bender/Kondogbia. I would also love Ozil or Gundogan however unlikley. One big name might help bring in a few more.
I agree. We are currently one injury away from having to play either Walcott or Sanogo up front! I think Michu would be a decent realistic signing. He makes clever runs and doesn't need many chances to find the back of the net.
The only time the management bring new faces in is when we've sold players or are dangerously low due to injuries. It's like that Arshavin situation again, when we were desperate and needed a striker in. No future planning or preparation for the new season. That's why i would end the transfer window a week or two before the start of the season to stop this foolishness from happening. Adding players while a couple of weeks into the season makes no sense!
To confirm Pod injury news from BBC: Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski could be out of action for up to 10 weeks with a hamstring injury suffered in the midweek Champions League play-off win over Fenerbahce, manager Arsene Wenger confirms. "His hamstring is much more damaged than we thought at the start," Wenger says. "It is very disappointing and we have paid a very heavy price for that win. We have to be patient now."
There are reports in France that we have made a £10 million bid for a 22 year old nobody from St. Etienne. His name is Joshua Guilavogui. Jesus Christ, if this is true then Wenger is totally off his rocker.
What would make this a transfer window come to an ideal end. GK - Casillas/ Guita (?) CB - Papadoupolus/Rami/Williams (only realistic one) MF - Flamini in already one more - A DM type - Fellani/Bender(either)/Kondogbia WF - Di Maria AM - Ozil/Gundagon/Eriksen ST - Rooney/Suarez/Benzema/Cardoza/Michu (only realistic one) What i think will happen Gk - None CB - Williams MF - Prob Cabaye AM - None WF - Di Maria (only marquee signing i put any hope on - even then a long shot) ST - None If latter scenario happens I fear we will be 3-4 players short on the squad. We got rid of so many players I am genuinely shocked we haven't brought more in.
Well yeah I agree a CF should be a priority but at least Di Maria is a 'forward'. Also I would'nt be suprised if Wenger plans to play him down the middle. Hopefully we will see Di Maria and a CF though.
With podolski out we can expect santi to be played on the wing and the only 3 CM "fit" are Rosicky, Rambo and Jack and if one of them was to get injured then we are totally fooked with Arteta and Ox out long term. The only other options are Ryo who is nowhere near ready for PL matches, Gibbs on the wing , Frimpong or throwing Zelalem in which i dont think Wenger has the minerals for anymore. In other words one or two moreinjuries we are even more screwed.
Very risky indeed. In the Fene game on Wednesday, Wilshere took a few hard tackles and it looked like he would be off at one point. We really can't afford to lose Cazorla to the wings when we have no cover for the midfield.
Flamini and Cabaye comming would sure up the centre of the park. Then we still need Di Maria for our WF positions (where we are dangerously low) and preferably a striker still.