Schneiderlin I can understand - a deep-lying tough tackler - but indeed, why go for Grenier if Cesc is available? Not that Arsenal actually necessarily are of course.
Indeed. If this happens we can assume either 1. The Club is NOT looking to compete.(or just doesn't believe it can) No financial risks will be taking in order to pursue trophies. In other words decent is 'good enough'. 2. Wenger is truly not the manager he once was. The French league is not churning out the same level of talent as it did 10-20 years ago yet it still remains our staple source for new players. This team doesn't need ALOT but is does need an extra injection of quality. More of the same - won't cut it. I know its early to be jumping to conclusions but for me this Window is telling. We have a good squad and a decent transfer budget .. If he can't compete next Season he's no longer the right man for Arsenal.
A gamble, but could as you say be a genius signing, and I agree that of all the managers out there right now, Wenger has as much chance as anyone of nurturing Balotelli's talents. I agree also with the Remy part, great as another option, but way short of the required talent to be relying on as the main man for a title attempt.
Would you guys take Reina, you could probably get him for 6-8mil and Wenger has been an admirer in the past? Would give you another five years or so and give Szczesny much needed competition?
De Jong apparently available. One year left on his contract so he'll be cheap. Proven winner, PL experience, defensive midfielder, 29 so has 3 years left, better than Arteta. Thoughts?
I don't think Wenger would go near him. He may be tougher than Arteta but Miki is the better player and that's more important to Wenger. Besides, if we need pure thuggishness we can bring on Flamini to break things up!
He's not the quickest but then neither is Arteta. He always seems to be good at breaking up play and is very physical. City never seemed too bothered at letting him go which always makes me suspicious and I'll always judge him for his kung fu kick in the World Cup final! Don't get me wrong he'd be a useful squad player but I see him as on par with Flamini so wouldn't really see the point.
I have to admit. I always rated De Jong. He's over aggressive at times (as was Vieira/Keane) but for me he's an excellent holding player. More of a natural defender than Arteta.
He did yes and City didn't seem to try to keep him on. Might not mean much but I remember thinking why? Yeah but would you need him and Flamini? They're both very similar and Wenger already prefers Arteta to Flamini as it is.
Apparently Vela's buyback clause doesn't activate until July 1st so Arsenal can't confirm his purchase until then, but they are allegedly planning to bring him back.
Everyone seems to be in agreement that we can not only buy Vela to help support Giroud. Who else would be everyones preference? Me personally, I would have liked to have gotten Remy as he offers pace and Mario Manzoukic as he is similar player to Giroud (alot quicker) and therefore we could rotrate the big men up front of like in the FA Cup last year, play them both when required. We would be able to pick them both up for around the £30million mark which in my opinion would be some very good business.
No idea on the striker front as I don't watch enough European football to know. Would appreciate some opinions tho. Vela probably isn't the answer, tho I can't wait to see some of his delightful chips back in the Prem
Balotelli. He's a mad genius, a powerhouse and can win games on his own. If anyone can tame him, it's Wenger.
