01 Jan 2020 11:17:55
Hi Eds Happy New Year to you and all posters and readers. Are we serious about signing Upamecano ( would be exciting him and Saliba next season ) and are Leipzig ready to sell him, or as has been alluded to do we need to sell before we buy COYG Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - There has been interest before and if the decks can be cleared a bit there is no reason to think there may not be again. RBL say they have not had any approach at this time (well, as of last Saturday). Regardless, he is available and they have a replacement lined up.
Gabiel Magalhaes would be a cheaper and far better option.}
01 Jan 2020 11:51:48
Thanks Ed02 are we looking at Magalhaes? Pepe could put in a good word COYG.
{Ed002's Note - Gabiel Magalhaes (CB) could be added as Arsenal await Saliba. Lille have no intention of selling in January unless they are offered way over the odds and have already rejected a $25M offer from Juventus. He is however having a good season.}
01 Jan 2020 12:14:38
Let’s hope we are in for either or at least similar! Can’t believe Arteta is third manager who can’t see the blindingly obvious . Thanks for info COYG.
01 Jan 2020 13:03:44
I think and hope Artetta can transform this current squad into producing much much better performances and results during the final 18 games of the season and create a far more positive environment for any new players to come into during the summer.
I genuinely believe Artetta walked in already knowing exactly where our problems begin and end and what he needs to do to change them and it's on the training field where the answer is rather than the transfer market in my opinion.
{Ed047's Note - I’m certain Arteta knows exactly where we have been failing which is why it’s been clear he has been tightening us up defensively as a whole unit.
We have to let some go to bring some in and I believe the club are looking at doing that too.
01 Jan 2020 14:37:21
I'm not fussed if we buy or not or even who we buy or who we sell as long as we finally look like a team that is capable of both restricting the opposition to minimal scoring opportunies each game while creating plenty of chances ourselves once again in the majority of games Ed047 mate.
If Auba goes he goes and if Xhaka stays he stays for me it's all about Mikel and what he can get out of and produce with whatever players he has available to him.
A pundit (can't remember which one) said recently that " Arsenal need a squad of player who feel honoured to wear The Arsenal shirt again, not those who feel they are doing the club a favour by wearing it for them "
I think that's the perfect platform for Mikel to work from.
{Ed047's Note - to be honest I’m not fussed but think there will definitely be movement in January which I also think will make us stronger again.
01 Jan 2020 15:25:56
62 I think Arteta does know where the problems are and will be interesting to see if he buys or improves. I thought Mustafi did well against Chelsea apart from the goal, but it is the `apart from the goal` which is the problem. However it was an improved performance from him and doubly so because he hasn`t played much. Maybe Arteta sees an improvement in him and feels he can get much more over time or as I think we need to purchase a quality CB to partner Saliba next season. Interesting to see which way we go COYG.
01 Jan 2020 17:56:30
If we do buy it would be nice to see make some good signings without Sven as both before and after his time at Arsenal virtually every signing without him has proved poor Ed mate, wow how nuts were we to drive Sven away?
I agree Sussex mate their was improvement from Mustafi v Chelsea and hopefully their will be with Xhaka and others too.
I've been a huge critic of both Xhaka and Mustafi but if Artetta can turn them round I'd be very happy to eat any humble pie they serve me.
{Ed047's Note - having got him to the club it was pretty unbelievable when they then let him go.
Agree with Mustafi looking better but I don’t think Xhaka has it in him to make anyone eat humble pie.
01 Jan 2020 17:27:19
Lol Ed002 the fact that your saying that the guy from Lille is the better option and arsenal never make smart decisions, I think it’s fair to say we will probably buy Upamecano! Arsenal always make dumb decisions. And Ed the price Lille rejected for their player seems quite cheap considering the usual price of players today, unless I’m being naive.
02 Jan 2020 00:30:20
I loved Xhaka's performance today and think I will be happy with any decision on his future provided it's in line with Arteta's vision.
Mustafi on the other hand, I don't think there's any saving him. The only question is how big a loss we are prepared to accept. Personally I would write off the whole 35m and just send him out on loan. He is unsalvageable.
02 Jan 2020 11:50:47
Upamecano is the real thing. Strong, solid, positive and a definite leader. He reads the game very well and is an integral part of why RB Leipzig are top in the German Bundesliga. He's also young. A big upgrade on what we have and I believe he could adapt quickly and easily to the Premiership. That's where it often goes wrong with bringing in players from foreign leagues. I also think that's where it went wrong with Emery - he didn't understand the English game, didn't speak enough English so couldn't communicate. Arteta does both - plus he bleeds Arsenal red and had 3 and a half years studying under Pep. Yesterday was a watershed moment for Arsenal.
02 Jan 2020 20:02:12
Get ready for humble 🥧 Ed - I’m warming it for you 😂.
{Ed047's Note - good because I’m thinking I’ll be eating it! 🤣
02 Jan 2020 20:46:45
I may have a few portions to eat myself! Hopefully it’s low fat.
{Ed047's Note - 😂 after what I’ve eaten over Christmas it needs to be but it’ll be great if we have too!
02 Jan 2020 23:51:45
Amazing what 1 win can do.
{Ed047's Note - to be fair gola you were garbage against us until Leno gifted you that goal.
That and all that crap about the fat lad changing the game after he brought on that pile of pants Jorginho on, that was laughable.
You’re as far off winning anything as everyone else mate.