January could be a really important time for the team. Robin & Theo - both on fantastic form this season - are yet to commit their future to the club. I really think that to tie these two down in the summer, there needs to be a couple of high-quality additions in January to ensure that the momentum doesn't fall off during Jan / Feb, and stave off the usual end of season collapse. Showing ambition and having quality throughout the team AND the bench could be the difference between Robin & Theo staying or wanting to move on, buying in the summer may already be too late. This is a big moment for Arsenal, and could really shape the next few years of the club.
I am completely relaxed about the committment of these two. Both have endured tough times over the years and Arsenal have stuck by them and whilst they'd be hot property in the market I am convinced they'll both commit long term. I don't buy that we need additions in January, 9 new players joined the club in the Summer and with Jack and Sagna set to return (TV now fit) we have a host of options - don't forget Joel Campbell who scored a belter against Spain a couple of weeks ago. I think the time has come to accept that Chamakh has issues and will never be the player AW thought he would, so if we're looking to offload him them bring in a replacement striker, otherwise I don't think anyone needs to come
My thoughts exactly Further, if Chamakh is offloaded, a new striker can be brought in. Joel Campbell is looking good, but that doesn't mean a new striker can't come in since Park is only in for another 18 months before National Service. Chamakh, Bendy and Park look to be leaving in the next 18months, so a newbie will be required. Any of the young strikers looking like they might help out in the next year or so?
Each to their own - pse bookmark this thread and re-post when both sign. David Villa I thought was the perfect buy for us (to replace Chamakh) but he's just broken his leg and done for the season !
I think we have more of a chance getting Theo to commit his future to Arsenal than RVP... I think the curse of the Arsenal captain will strike again in the summer, Viera, Henry, Fab and soon to be RVP, (all players who left whilst they were captain). I know people who know RVP say he is not motivated by money, what about medals/honours? What realistic chance does he have of winning anything with us? The best we hope for every season is a top 4 finish, and a good showing in the cups. He is entering the twilight of his career, a man of his stature deserves to win more than the solitary FA Cup. I see players who are not fit to lace his boots (particularly manure players) with 4 championship medals.... No disrespect to Darren Fletcher, saw the write-up on him yesterday and could not believe he has 4 epl titles to his name, and our RVP has none... I think as Fans we are selfish in thinking our club should be the last bus-stop for our great players. Henry left, won the Spanish League and Champions League with Barcelona, we also welcome him back with open arms. I will not begrudge RVP at all, if at the end of the season he decides to leave. Walcott is a different kettle of fish entirely.....
RVP is driven by the Wenger factor and one of the reasons AW is so important to the clubs future. It was Wenger who jumped on a plane and helped resolve his rape arrest a few years ago and it was Wenger who stood by the player throughout his many injuries - I too know people who know him and they say the same, money is not an issue, respect and loyalty are far bigger factors to RVP which is commendable in this industry. I am absolutely convinced both RVP and Theo will sign long term extensions
I guess he must remain eternally grateful to Wenger because he got him out of his rape charges! So if he decides to leave in the summer, that would be disrepectful?? So Fab, Viera and Henry were disrepectful/disloyal? I am sorry I don't follow your argument.....
Wenger develops a bond with his players, a bond very few other managers achieve. AW didn't get RVP off his rape charges, he is not and has never been a rapist, he was held for two weeks in a police cell on the strength of a claim by a vindictive woman who afterwards admitted she made the whole thing up, RVP was only around 20 at the time and needed the support of trusted people during and after his ordeal, I think AW played a big part in helping RVP deal with the media frenzy on his release and helping him cope with the abuse he took from fans, and also help rekindle his confidence to make him the player he is today. This same bond would IMO have helped RVP through the various injuries he's had. I'm sure a similar bond existed with Henry, Cesc and Viera, I don't believe any of them have been disloyal and not sure why you would suggest I think they are. Just my view of course
Grizzly what are you talking about ?? Most managers create bonds with their players, loads of players who move amicably speak fondly of their managers. Which managers do you know have chosen not to stand by injured players ? You are talking like what Wenger has done is some remarkable act. It is standard bruv !!! you don't invest in a player, to see him get injured and ignore him !!
@theHotHead.... Precisely my observation! If RVP decides to stay beyond his current deal, I doubt if it will be down to ANY of Grizzly's reason. It will be because it is right for him...
I take the view that if RVP stays (and I'm convinced he will) and as you say he takes that decision because it's right for him, it will only be right on the basis of what exists and what's been created at the club, for which AW has ultimate responsibility. I accept many managers create bonds with players but so many are booted so quickly that bond has not had time to develop in the way many have at Arsenal - RVP has been with us for 8 years, there are very few managers in football that survive that long. I may be overplaying it, you may be underplaying it, but I maintain that AW will have an significant influence over RVPs final decision and the respect that exists between them both will play a part
