The Sisoko move would be a good one. I think we are missing one piece of the puzzle and that is a big midfielder presence of a Yaya mould.
I don't understand the fuss on Sissoko. I think his size is clouding a lot of people's judgments. He's more of an offensive force like Yaya is. He plays on the wings sometimes. If we are to continue with our style of play, what we need is a seating MF. Morgan Schneiderlin or William Cavarlho are ideal for this role. We already have Ramsey and Santi who can run around and drive with the ball. We need a disciplined ball winner, who wins the ball and gives it, and protects the back four. Busquets (I don't really want him) does this for Barca. A Sissoko or a Yaya Toure will leave us exposed at the back. Even Yaya has the likes of Fernandinho and Fernando to clean up behind him. Except you guys are looking to replace Ramsey?
Meh, Newcastle are a selling club so if the price is right you could get him if you wanted him. He's an experienced EPL player and a decent one but I think I'd prefer someone more defensively minded, be it Grosskreutz or whoever. That's nothing against Sissoko who I think is a good player and could benefit the team but I'd rather get our squad balance a little better. Plus, German players are awesome! *not a guarantee...
I think this is very true - I think the reason Wenger likes Arteta is that he sits, allows an easy pass from the defence to 1. relieve pressure and 2. start attacks from the back, his good distribution also allows a quick transition from defence to attack. Though he hasn't got the mobility, physicality or good tackling that is needed to properly protect the defence. In essence a more physical, fitter version is needed who will just sit in front of the back 4. Otherwise I've always liked the idea of 2 hard running box-to-box players in the middle (say Ramsey and one other) who share the attack and defence duties, with them interchanging so 1 is always sitting in front of the defence while the other presses and attacks - problem is Ramsey doesn't seem to have the defensive discipline to do this. (and you may get caught out if the understanding isn't spot on!)
I agree with this. I think for us to get the best out of Ramsey/Jack we need to have that holding MF. That allows Ramsey/Jack to play their natural game.They are only decent defensively. Especially against mid to lower table teams. Against top sides they will need to play with brakes on. I really hope the link with Schneiderlin is real and it happens. He is just what we need and will hit the ground running. Couldn't be more perfect.
Yes it'll be nice to get a true holding midfielder in - it'll anchor our midfield and as you say allows Ramsey/Jack/Santi the ability to play their natural game without getting exposed (or at least not overly exposed).
Apparently Schurrle is being put up for sale - worth a cheeky bid even though Mourinho would never sell to us...
He's a good player but TBH he would be in the same situation here as he was at Chelsea. Sanchez and Walcott are always going to start ahead of him.
True, true - I can't argue with anything any of you have said, just that I really like Schurrle and he's a very good player - though I suppose we now have pace and attacking threat from the flanks in Sanchez, Walcott and Oxo.
Not sure where to put this so put it here as it may affect transfers... On another forum some are saying that Arteta has been offered a 1 year extension to his contract. I'd like to know if it's at a reduced wage/squad status 1st, or just exactly the same as what he's on now, before I jump to conclusions. But initially I'm disappointed that we aren't going to put all our trust in some new signings in that position (and potentially Coq). However I can see the reasoning for it - in that he's Captain, is very experienced and has a lot of influence on the squad, he's a skillful passer, with good vision who can help our younger players (like Coq, Belik, Zelam) and will give us stability and strength in depth. As long as we sign a proper DM/Holding Midfielder/DLP of course
I have a feeling he will be with us long after his playing career. I can see him having a coaching role.
I see him in the same vein as AOC. Talented and capable of brilliant moments but far too inconsistant. I'd rather focus on Chamberlain and others we have personally.
He's definitely an intelligent player, and seems to be a good guy/gets along with people - so if true then he's got a decent chance of making a good coach...
Re Arteta, I'm glad. If the choice is having him play or Flamini I know who I'd rather is on the pitch. Pre injury/Coquelin emergence we looked a far better side when he played. IMO anyway.
I think so, or at least that's what was rumoured - though I'm pretty sure that Arsenals wage structure works on seniority, so as you become more important to the team (getting more gametime) then your pay increases, so I assume your wage would decrease as (like Arteta) your expected to play less
So apparently Joel Campbell signed a new long term deal before going on loan to Villareal. That's a brillinat piece of business by the club!
