peachesenregalia wrote:There's talk now of Liverpool looking at Jay Rodriguez. I kinda hope that's not true. He's a decent wee player, but if we're gonna buy another attacking player, I'd prefer it be a bigger name. Lacazette is still coming up too, so that's a possibility.

There's now rumor that we're looking into Vermaalen. I think i'd be happy enough with that, actually, would give us plenty of good CB cover.

Really need to concentrate on a left-back though.

Gate, it has been a decent window for Arsenal so far, but I'm just not sure they've done enough to push past 4th place. Sanchez is a really nice addition, but we've yet to see how he handles the Premier League. I personally think Arsenal are still a year or so away from pushing for the title, and if I'm honest, I'm not sure Wenger can get them there anymore.

I Think Tottenham has a step forward concerning Rodriguez:

https://twitter.com/bbcsport_david/stat ... 1385564161

peachesenregalia wrote:Apparently Remy failed his medical. Fair enough. This should pave the way to bring in someone like Reus. Borini to stay in this case?

QPR's complaining about this. They're saying Remy didn't really fail a physical and Liverpool are just saying that to back out of the deal or drive down the price.

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014 ... -possible/

SeatownJay wrote:

peachesenregalia wrote:Apparently Remy failed his medical. Fair enough. This should pave the way to bring in someone like Reus. Borini to stay in this case?

QPR's complaining about this. They're saying Remy didn't really fail a physical and Liverpool are just saying that to back out of the deal or drive down the price.

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014 ... -possible/

That really doesn't make any sense to be honest. Something went down.

I'd like Remy too. Hopefully we can still get him (maybe at less than 5 years if he truly failed the medical)

EDIT: starting to surface now that Remy's contractual requests were far more than initially expected and that is the reason for not finalizing. Noone at Liverpool said anything of a failed medical. QPR just latching on to media rumors. No idea whats going on to be honest. Strange either way

Chance they can get this sorted. I hope so. having him on the team solves alot of issues. Either that or they need to go an get Lacazette (or someone besides Borini).

Gatehawk wrote:

Uncle Si wrote:

Gatehawk wrote:Arsenal have now added Chambers to their transfer spree. Not sure on the fee as it seems to be either 12m or 16m depending on who you talk to. It'd bring their spending to about 57m which would be 57m more than this time last summer. I've started to use the term "renaissance" to describe Arsenal's summer cause it's almost like the team has completely changed their approach to the transfers this summer. You could probably ask any Arsenal fan right now and we'd tell you that our confidence for the season is growing with each day.

Isnt it just 3 players: Chambers, Debuchy and Sanchez? Havent all of the top teams added atleast that? Doesnt Arsenal typically add 2-3 players per window? I get the optimism behind Sanchez, but is that a "spree"?

United has added 3?, Liverpool like 6, Chelsea 4, I guess City hasnt added anything, but they're league champs.

Anyways, its certainly been a smart window for Arsenal.

Arsenal signed Colombian keeper David Ospina yesterday

Didnt realize you added a back up keeper. Good keeper to fair

Truly a renaissance then..

Uncle Si wrote:

Gatehawk wrote:Arsenal signed Colombian keeper David Ospina yesterday

Didnt realize you added a back up keeper. Good keeper to fair

Truly a renaissance then..

Ospina is no doubt gonna challenge Szczesny for #1, and I've seen that Szczesny picks up his game when there's a challenge in front of him.

Gatehawk wrote:

Uncle Si wrote:

Gatehawk wrote:Arsenal signed Colombian keeper David Ospina yesterday

Didnt realize you added a back up keeper. Good keeper to fair

Truly a renaissance then..

Ospina is no doubt gonna challenge Szczesny for #1, and I've seen that Szczesny picks up his game when there's a challenge in front of him.

He is way better than Szczesny.

SeatownJay wrote:

peachesenregalia wrote:Apparently Remy failed his medical. Fair enough. This should pave the way to bring in someone like Reus. Borini to stay in this case?

QPR's complaining about this. They're saying Remy didn't really fail a physical and Liverpool are just saying that to back out of the deal or drive down the price.

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014 ... -possible/

As I said that's not the first time he missed a medical!

Nog wrote:

SeatownJay wrote:

peachesenregalia wrote:Apparently Remy failed his medical. Fair enough. This should pave the way to bring in someone like Reus. Borini to stay in this case?

QPR's complaining about this. They're saying Remy didn't really fail a physical and Liverpool are just saying that to back out of the deal or drive down the price.

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014 ... -possible/

As I said that's not the first time he missed a medical!

Yeah, but Liverpool isnt saying he failed the medical. Journos are...

Suggestions are now there was a contractual (salary) issue between Remy and Liverpool (as in he asked for double the wages).

Who knows. Like him as a player. Heard he was better than Sturridge

Nog wrote:

Gatehawk wrote:

Uncle Si wrote:

Gatehawk wrote:Arsenal signed Colombian keeper David Ospina yesterday

Didnt realize you added a back up keeper. Good keeper to fair

Truly a renaissance then..

Ospina is no doubt gonna challenge Szczesny for #1, and I've seen that Szczesny picks up his game when there's a challenge in front of him.

He is way better than Szczesny.

uhhh... i dont know. you know youre French league footballers as well as Wenger I think. but still...

Eitehr way. Arsenal surely arent waiting for Szczesny to not be good this year

Uncle Si wrote:

Nog wrote:

SeatownJay wrote:

peachesenregalia wrote:Apparently Remy failed his medical. Fair enough. This should pave the way to bring in someone like Reus. Borini to stay in this case?

QPR's complaining about this. They're saying Remy didn't really fail a physical and Liverpool are just saying that to back out of the deal or drive down the price.

http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2014 ... -possible/

As I said that's not the first time he missed a medical!

Yeah, but Liverpool isnt saying he failed the medical. Journos are...

Suggestions are now there was a contractual (salary) issue between Remy and Liverpool (as in he asked for double the wages).

Who knows. Like him as a player. Heard he was better than Sturridge

Ok. We'll see then. But personally, I don't think Rémy can afford to refuse any contracts from Liverpool. He is 27 and Liverpool represents the chance of his life.

Uncle Si wrote:uhhh... i dont know. you know youre French league footballers as well as Wenger I think. but still...

Eitehr way. Arsenal surely arent waiting for Szczesny to not be good this year

Honestly, there are 3 keepers I was fond of in the french league last year: Ruffier (St-Etienne keeper), Sirigu (PSG keeper), and Ospina (Nissa keeper). I have no doubts there are better than Szczesny.

edit: I forgot to mention Enyeama and Ochoa.

What is going on with Saints....Mass exodus happening.

Youth coaches are phenomenal....but seems like no club loyalty at all? Shocking number leaving this window.

Origi official now. Back to Lille on loan.

Smurf wrote:What is going on with Saints....Mass exodus happening.

Youth coaches are phenomenal....but seems like no club loyalty at all? Shocking number leaving this window.

I think they over reached financially getting to the Premier league and have been told to cash in. There's more complicated issues at play that someone on here may know moreof (ownership passed down via will and now may be looking to asset strip?) but I think the Saints organization opened the door for the players, not the players kicking it down. If they can stay up this season, with the money they've amassed, they will be financially sound for ages. It seems thats the plan.

Clyne has to be the next to go (and is a better right back than Chambers, who just went to Arsenal for around 16mil) would love him at Liverpool, instant upgrade over Johnson.. heard Schneiderlin was told no (atleast to Spurs, maybe a better offer coming in?) Rodriguez as well, but isnt he still injured?

Uncle Si wrote:I think they over reached financially getting to the Premier league and have been told to cash in. There's more complicated issues at play that someone on here may know moreof (ownership passed down via will and now may be looking to asset strip?) but I think the Saints organization opened the door for the players, not the players kicking it down. If they can stay up this season, with the money they've amassed, they will be financially sound for ages. It seems thats the plan.

Clyne has to be the next to go (and is a better right back than Chambers, who just went to Arsenal for around 16mil) would love him at Liverpool, instant upgrade over Johnson.. heard Schneiderlin was told no (atleast to Spurs, maybe a better offer coming in?) Rodriguez as well, but isnt he still injured?

I've read the Saints claim 27M for Schneiderlin which the Spurs cannot afford. Anyway, with all the money they got, they might be able to build a new stadium.

Btw, if any of premiership teams are interested, please buy Valbuena. I hope we would get rid of this scam.

Uncle Si wrote:

Smurf wrote:What is going on with Saints....Mass exodus happening.

Youth coaches are phenomenal....but seems like no club loyalty at all? Shocking number leaving this window.

I think they over reached financially getting to the Premier league and have been told to cash in. There's more complicated issues at play that someone on here may know moreof (ownership passed down via will and now may be looking to asset strip?) but I think the Saints organization opened the door for the players, not the players kicking it down. If they can stay up this season, with the money they've amassed, they will be financially sound for ages. It seems thats the plan.

Clyne has to be the next to go (and is a better right back than Chambers, who just went to Arsenal for around 16mil) would love him at Liverpool, instant upgrade over Johnson.. heard Schneiderlin was told no (atleast to Spurs, maybe a better offer coming in?) Rodriguez as well, but isnt he still injured?

What's interesting to me is that Southampton have done well financially on every one of these deals so far. If the goal is to sell off assets, they've done remarkably well so far. And maybe it's not out and out asset stripping; these players have all played well enough to attract the attention of rich clubs regardless of whether they've been put up for sale or not.

It's a real shame, though. Has to be tough to be a fan down there. They've seen some very exciting players leave before they really got started (Bale, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain come to mind) and now they have a legitimately pretty good team stripped almost bare. It's hypocrtical to moralize, I know, as I'm excited to have Pochettino at Spurs, and would be happy if they can add Schneiderlein, Rodriguez or both and I'm sure you're excited about Shaw, Smurf, and the Liverpool additions, likewise. But still, sucks to be them, and it's probably ulitmately bad for the league too, assuming they can't get back to being as good for a while.

Seems like Lukaku is on the verge of a permanent move to Everton. Quite frankly it's stupid business by Chelsea cause he was clearly a better striker than anyone Chelsea had last season, Chelsea never seemed to want him but for whatever reason decided to keep him on their wage bill. It's actually ironic that some people said he was the replacement for Drogba when he left, only now it seems Drogba is gonna replace Lukaku now.

Gatehawk wrote:Seems like Lukaku is on the verge of a permanent move to Everton. Quite frankly it's stupid business by Chelsea cause he was clearly a better striker than anyone Chelsea had last season, Chelsea never seemed to want him but for whatever reason decided to keep him on their wage bill. It's actually ironic that some people said he was the replacement for Drogba when he left, only now it seems Drogba is gonna replace Lukaku now.

they dont rate him Gate. No idea why either. Something between him and JoMo though. As soon as they bought Costa you knew Lukaku was on his way out.

Something there with Lukaku. He's a talent, no doubt. But the Belgian coach started favoring Origi above him, and now ofcourse Mourinho. Its not as if he doesnt fit Chelsea's attacking style. he was great for Martinez in a more possession oriented side.
Where's a Chelsea fan when you need one?

Uncle Si wrote:

Gatehawk wrote:Seems like Lukaku is on the verge of a permanent move to Everton. Quite frankly it's stupid business by Chelsea cause he was clearly a better striker than anyone Chelsea had last season, Chelsea never seemed to want him but for whatever reason decided to keep him on their wage bill. It's actually ironic that some people said he was the replacement for Drogba when he left, only now it seems Drogba is gonna replace Lukaku now.

they dont rate him Gate. No idea why either. Something between him and JoMo though. As soon as they bought Costa you knew Lukaku was on his way out.

Something there with Lukaku. He's a talent, no doubt. But the Belgian coach started favoring Origi above him, and now ofcourse Mourinho. Its not as if he doesnt fit Chelsea's attacking style. he was great for Martinez in a more possession oriented side.
Where's a Chelsea fan when you need one?

They are busy trying to keep John Terry away from their wives.

Not really all that important, but just found out that the Premier League will start using the vanishing spray that was used during the World Cup this season.

Uncle Si wrote:

Gatehawk wrote:Seems like Lukaku is on the verge of a permanent move to Everton. Quite frankly it's stupid business by Chelsea cause he was clearly a better striker than anyone Chelsea had last season, Chelsea never seemed to want him but for whatever reason decided to keep him on their wage bill. It's actually ironic that some people said he was the replacement for Drogba when he left, only now it seems Drogba is gonna replace Lukaku now.

they dont rate him Gate. No idea why either. Something between him and JoMo though. As soon as they bought Costa you knew Lukaku was on his way out.

Something there with Lukaku. He's a talent, no doubt. But the Belgian coach started favoring Origi above him, and now ofcourse Mourinho. Its not as if he doesnt fit Chelsea's attacking style. he was great for Martinez in a more possession oriented side.
Where's a Chelsea fan when you need one?

I'm not a Chelsea fan, but I can tell you why. He is overrated!!!

Nog wrote:

Uncle Si wrote:

Gatehawk wrote:Seems like Lukaku is on the verge of a permanent move to Everton. Quite frankly it's stupid business by Chelsea cause he was clearly a better striker than anyone Chelsea had last season, Chelsea never seemed to want him but for whatever reason decided to keep him on their wage bill. It's actually ironic that some people said he was the replacement for Drogba when he left, only now it seems Drogba is gonna replace Lukaku now.

they dont rate him Gate. No idea why either. Something between him and JoMo though. As soon as they bought Costa you knew Lukaku was on his way out.

Something there with Lukaku. He's a talent, no doubt. But the Belgian coach started favoring Origi above him, and now ofcourse Mourinho. Its not as if he doesnt fit Chelsea's attacking style. he was great for Martinez in a more possession oriented side.
Where's a Chelsea fan when you need one?

I'm not a Chelsea fan, but I can tell you why. He is overrated!!!

44 league goals by 21. More than Ronaldo, Messi, Bale, Rooney, Suarez, Falcao.


Kids got talent. Loads of it. Natural goal scorer.


any issues he has are in his head.

Raheem Sterling....

That is all

Smurf wrote:44 league goals by 21. More than Ronaldo, Messi, Bale, Rooney, Suarez, Falcao.


Kids got talent. Loads of it. Natural goal scorer.


any issues he has are in his head.

And I maintain he is overrated. Stats don't reveal a player skill especially in soccer.

I make my assessment of a player whenever the level becomes superior. In the national team, Lukaku is a ghost. Never done anything! He reached a point until Wilmots benched him.

Nog wrote:

Smurf wrote:44 league goals by 21. More than Ronaldo, Messi, Bale, Rooney, Suarez, Falcao.


Kids got talent. Loads of it. Natural goal scorer.


any issues he has are in his head.

And I maintain he is overrated. Stats don't reveal a player skill especially in soccer.

I make my assessment of a player whenever the level becomes superior. In the national team, Lukaku is a ghost. Never done anything! He reached a point until Wilmots benched him.

Think you're both right to be honest.

Lukaku is a very good talent with a strong goal scoring record. (I think THAT stat is particularly revealing, to be fair to Smurf).

That said, he's a bit overrated. (except at Chelsea and Belgium, which I think speaks volumes). But some of this (alot even) maybe down to his coaching. Mourinho has never been one known for this striker development. If anything, he's been bailed out by the individual greatness of the players he's inherited up there. Last year it cost him a title (in my opinion). The national teams are the national teams. I dont put alot of faith in them as barometers of a player's overall value. Its too hyper of an environment, with barely any time to be flexible and far too much pressure involved in each game. Have to get it right, or loosely close, in each game. Coaches tend to go blind in those arenas. In no way do I think Origi is better than Lukaku for example (although he may have a higher ceiling, of which i'm excited for)

He's got the right coach in Martinez though. Watching him linking up out wide effectively in his 433 showed the potential Lukaku has.

This will be a big year for him. Officially a player now, and not a loanee, and now trusted with Everton's success. I think he (and they) will come good.

peachesenregalia wrote:http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11669/9402593/transfer-news-liverpool-look-to-sign-javi-manquillo-and-alberto-moreno

Yeeeooooo! Good news. Moreno is top-drawer, IMO. Manquillo is more of a prospect, but looks very good. This will certainly address the need for full backs.

After this, it's time to get a marquee striker/attacking player. Reus would be great. Benzema's name has also been kicked about. If we sell, Lucas, Borini, Assaidi and Agger, we should net at least 35-40 mil for them. I say we take that and go hard in the paint after Reus, although from what I'm reading, we're interested in Lavezzi. Would have preferred him 4 years ago, but oh well.

Manquillo may be more than just a prospect. Just reading up on him the last few weeks he seems pretty highly touted. Nog thought he was next in line for the RB position with Spain. Either way, he has to be better than the moving corpse that is Glen Johnson.

I think Bony and Kono are back on the radar. Really wouldnt be too upset with those two to be honest.

peachesenregalia wrote:

Uncle Si wrote:

peachesenregalia wrote:http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11669/9402593/transfer-news-liverpool-look-to-sign-javi-manquillo-and-alberto-moreno

Yeeeooooo! Good news. Moreno is top-drawer, IMO. Manquillo is more of a prospect, but looks very good. This will certainly address the need for full backs.

After this, it's time to get a marquee striker/attacking player. Reus would be great. Benzema's name has also been kicked about. If we sell, Lucas, Borini, Assaidi and Agger, we should net at least 35-40 mil for them. I say we take that and go hard in the paint after Reus, although from what I'm reading, we're interested in Lavezzi. Would have preferred him 4 years ago, but oh well.

Manquillo may be more than just a prospect. Just reading up on him the last few weeks he seems pretty highly touted. Nog thought he was next in line for the RB position with Spain. Either way, he has to be better than the moving corpse that is Glen Johnson.

I think Bony and Kono are back on the radar. Really wouldnt be too upset with those two to be honest.

I'm rethinking my position on Bony. He's a pure Center-forward, and Rodgers prefers versatility. No to Kono. I'm annoyed that we didn't get him in January, but honestly, we have Markovic and Sterling to man the wings when needed. Lacazette would be a quality signing I reckon. Bony would be a great addition, but his price tag and the fact that he's a one-trick pony may put Rodgers off.

Remy was certainly the better option. But Bony atleast gives us support for Sturridge, and if/when he's on with Studge BR can move to the 4 diamond 2.

Marko and Sterling cannot be our only winger options. While I love Ibe getting a shot, and Coutinho and Lallana can play there, Kono (or Shaqiri!) can certainly be useful. I see Marko needing some time before he hits full stride.

This is why losing out on Sanchez was such a tough blow (f--ing Arsenal!!!). he can support a main striker, play the 10 or come out wide

Valbuena just transfer to Dynamo Moscou

Arsenal can't win their own trophy? Kinda funny...how did Alexis look Gate?

Manquillo might not to Liverpool! Something is up with this transfer.

I always take great pleasure in Arsene Wenger's moaning, but this time I think he has an interesting point. Wenger is questioning the details of the Lampard to NY/City deal and the influence of financial fair play on it. I'm inclined to agree with him; I can't think of any reason why New York would want to buy a player like Lampard, only to loan him out, without City offering incentives, financial or otherwise.

I don't like the loan system - I think football would be a lot better if there were NFL style roster cut-downs and a maximum squad size in order to share the wealth and improve competition at the top - and if it's going to be used as a way to side step financial fair play then questions need to be asked, and Wenger is right to do so.

peachesenregalia wrote:

Hawkspur wrote:I always take great pleasure in Arsene Wenger's moaning, but this time I think he has an interesting point. Wenger is questioning the details of the Lampard to NY/City deal and the influence of financial fair play on it. I'm inclined to agree with him; I can't think of any reason why New York would want to buy a player like Lampard, only to loan him out, without City offering incentives, financial or otherwise.

I don't like the loan system - I think football would be a lot better if there were NFL style roster cut-downs and a maximum squad size in order to share the wealth and improve competition at the top - and if it's going to be used as a way to side step financial fair play then questions need to be asked, and Wenger is right to do so.

Yeah, I agree. Basically, the big teams can have a farm system in the US, use those US teams to stash high-profile players which then get 'loaned' back to the parent team, thereby skirting the FFP rules. It's dumb.

I have no issues with making the MLS a "farm" system. I guess a better way to put this is: I am encouraged by the interest, both financial and in players, Euro clubs are willing to invest in US soccer clubs and academies. However, it cannot be used to usurp FFP. If they are going to allow a Euro team to purchase an MLS one (which really should be the illegal part) than the two teams rosters need to be viewed as one. Meaning that if you own NYFC, than its roster counts as yours, not as some foreign based club you can transfer players to then "loan" back.

I have a feeling this issue will be dealt with swiftly and justly, like all of what FIFA does.

oh wait, is Suarez involved? no? ok, then absolutely nothing will happen and it will continue to fester, leaving the MLS as an open pool for trashy clubs to piss in.

Nog wrote:Manquillo might not to Liverpool! Something is up with this transfer.

knock it off....

(honestly, dont. Id take you and I've never met you, over Glen Johnson at right back. I cannot handle the disappointment of some player I've never seen play nor even heard of NOT joining Liverpool and helping push Johnson out the door, such is my disdain for his play this past year)

peachesenregalia wrote:RIght Liverpool. Get stuck into this shower of $h!t.

Started brightly enough. Thought Sterling earned a second pen and should've scored early in the second...

Then...oh that defense. Thankfully 3 of the 4 starting back line aren't in yet.

peachesenregalia wrote:

Nog wrote:Manquillo might not to Liverpool! Something is up with this transfer.

Source?Last I'd heard he passed his medical and was set to be announced either today or tomorrow, with Moreno following shortly after. Have you read something different?

Read that from a french report... Might be wrong!

Quick question I just want your guys opinion on. Do Arsenal really and truly need a center forward? Campbell and Sanogo were impressive against Benfica and made it appear that it isn't that pressing a matter, Giroud didn't have a good game against Monaco, but even he admitted that he didn't feel 100% ready. Arsene has also hinted at the possibility of using Sanchez as a striker at times this season and even Walcott has shown his worth at times up front.

So really I suppose the question is, should Arsenal place a major priority on a striker or should they wait just a few weeks and see what happens with what they have at the moment?

RE: Lampard.


Yall are forgetting that MLS is single entity. Frank Lampard is a player signed by MLS with his rights distributed by the league to NYCFC.

MLS has final say in just about everything related to player movement.

Loan of lampard out of MLS serves the purpose of not being on the hook for his wages for a period of time in which he cannot play for the league as his team doesn't exist. Same thing happening to Villa and other NYCFC players.

I think 3 or 4 players of NYCFC have already been loaned.

Gatehawk wrote:Quick question I just want your guys opinion on. Do Arsenal really and truly need a center forward? Campbell and Sanogo were impressive against Benfica and made it appear that it isn't that pressing a matter, Giroud didn't have a good game against Monaco, but even he admitted that he didn't feel 100% ready. Arsene has also hinted at the possibility of using Sanchez as a striker at times this season and even Walcott has shown his worth at times up front.

So really I suppose the question is, should Arsenal place a major priority on a striker or should they wait just a few weeks and see what happens with what they have at the moment?

Yes.

433 with Walcott or Sanchez up front would be miserable.....even with a false 9. Neither are messi. They aren't barca. It won't work.

They need another reliable striker. Not just Giroud and two unknowns.

Smurf wrote:RE: Lampard.


Yall are forgetting that MLS is single entity. Frank Lampard is a player signed by MLS with his rights distributed by the league to NYCFC.

MLS has final say in just about everything related to player movement.

Loan of lampard out of MLS serves the purpose of not being on the hook for his wages for a period of time in which he cannot play for the league as his team doesn't exist. Same thing happening to Villa and other NYCFC players.

I think 3 or 4 players of NYCFC have already been loaned.

I think you're being a bit naive here Smurf

While the MLS may have the final say in any player movements, its quite obvious they are flexible when bringing big names to the league and wedging them into certain markets. Now with a money investor like City entrenched in the league, its fair to say the MLS will have a hard time saying no to any of its requests.

Again, I dont see it as a major issue, yet, but it can begin to turn off fans of places like Portland when the league is constantly favoring to certain clubs.

The Lampard move simply reflects a notion that the MLS is willing to work behind the scenes for the benefit of one its bigger ownership groups for the benefit of all, except of course the international ruling body of the biggest sport in the world.

In truth, owners should not be allowed to own more than one club. If they do, the two clubs should either be counted as one for the purposes of FFP or not be able to do business together. I am all for having City (I'd love Liverpool to invest in the Revolution for example) invested in the league. It will be great to see players go both ways. But in terms of FFP (which the MLS is not a factor in) the NYCFC roster should be counted as reserves, not a separate identity. therefore Lampards move would not have been a "loan" but simply a call up. It accomplishes the same purpose for both clubs without skirting financial regulations.

Smurf wrote:

Gatehawk wrote:Quick question I just want your guys opinion on. Do Arsenal really and truly need a center forward? Campbell and Sanogo were impressive against Benfica and made it appear that it isn't that pressing a matter, Giroud didn't have a good game against Monaco, but even he admitted that he didn't feel 100% ready. Arsene has also hinted at the possibility of using Sanchez as a striker at times this season and even Walcott has shown his worth at times up front.

So really I suppose the question is, should Arsenal place a major priority on a striker or should they wait just a few weeks and see what happens with what they have at the moment?

Yes.

433 with Walcott or Sanchez up front would be miserable.....even with a false 9. Neither are messi. They aren't barca. It won't work.

They need another reliable striker. Not just Giroud and two unknowns.

Yeah Gate, i'm afraid Smurf nailed this one, which is odd as he rarely knows what he's talking about.

A second striker is your biggest need, as Giroud will need a direct sub. Walcott and Sanchez just dont offer that, (Sanchez will get run off the ball playing between the centerbacks and Walcott doesnt have the strength up top to play their consistently). and I wouldnt hold my breath for Campbell and Sanogo to make significant impacts in the PL (Benfica played with one starter from last season in that match). Both are great 3rd striker options. Campbell may be a decent second striker, but its a leap of faith.

I was surprised Arsenal didnt go for Remy and I'm wondering if they still might. If not him, I feel a player like him is what Arsenal need. If they get it, they will be challenging for the top 2 spots.

Uncle Si wrote:

Smurf wrote:RE: Lampard.


Yall are forgetting that MLS is single entity. Frank Lampard is a player signed by MLS with his rights distributed by the league to NYCFC.

MLS has final say in just about everything related to player movement.

Loan of lampard out of MLS serves the purpose of not being on the hook for his wages for a period of time in which he cannot play for the league as his team doesn't exist. Same thing happening to Villa and other NYCFC players.

I think 3 or 4 players of NYCFC have already been loaned.

I think you're being a bit naive here Smurf

While the MLS may have the final say in any player movements, its quite obvious they are flexible when bringing big names to the league and wedging them into certain markets. Now with a money investor like City entrenched in the league, its fair to say the MLS will have a hard time saying no to any of its requests.

Again, I dont see it as a major issue, yet, but it can begin to turn off fans of places like Portland when the league is constantly favoring to certain clubs.

The Lampard move simply reflects a notion that the MLS is willing to work behind the scenes for the benefit of one its bigger ownership groups for the benefit of all, except of course the international ruling body of the biggest sport in the world.

In truth, owners should not be allowed to own more than one club. If they do, the two clubs should either be counted as one for the purposes of FFP or not be able to do business together. I am all for having City (I'd love Liverpool to invest in the Revolution for example) invested in the league. It will be great to see players go both ways. But in terms of FFP (which the MLS is not a factor in) the NYCFC roster should be counted as reserves, not a separate identity. therefore Lampards move would not have been a "loan" but simply a call up. It accomplishes the same purpose for both clubs without skirting financial regulations.

I was being intentionally naive because that's how its going to look to FIFA if anyone was to investigate further. Single entity protects City doing this to skirt FFA issued. Their investigations are notoriously crap.

City don't own the player. That's all FIFA will need to know. Or care to know.

Is it $h!t? Yes.
But so is just about everything about FIFA.

Uncle Si wrote:

Smurf wrote:

Gatehawk wrote:Quick question I just want your guys opinion on. Do Arsenal really and truly need a center forward? Campbell and Sanogo were impressive against Benfica and made it appear that it isn't that pressing a matter, Giroud didn't have a good game against Monaco, but even he admitted that he didn't feel 100% ready. Arsene has also hinted at the possibility of using Sanchez as a striker at times this season and even Walcott has shown his worth at times up front.

So really I suppose the question is, should Arsenal place a major priority on a striker or should they wait just a few weeks and see what happens with what they have at the moment?

Yes.

433 with Walcott or Sanchez up front would be miserable.....even with a false 9. Neither are messi. They aren't barca. It won't work.

They need another reliable striker. Not just Giroud and two unknowns.

Yeah Gate, i'm afraid Smurf nailed this one, which is odd as he rarely knows what he's talking about.

A second striker is your biggest need, as Giroud will need a direct sub. Walcott and Sanchez just dont offer that, (Sanchez will get run off the ball playing between the centerbacks and Walcott doesnt have the strength up top to play their consistently). and I wouldnt hold my breath for Campbell and Sanogo to make significant impacts in the PL (Benfica played with one starter from last season in that match). Both are great 3rd striker options. Campbell may be a decent second striker, but its a leap of faith.

I was surprised Arsenal didnt go for Remy and I'm wondering if they still might. If not him, I feel a player like him is what Arsenal need. If they get it, they will be challenging for the top 2 spots.

Holy $h!t I was right!

Count it!

1-0 to the smurf.

You're up early

Reina to Bayern Munich...

Uncle Si wrote:You're up early

Reina to Bayern Munich...

Stupid work...had to be there at 4am today...it was hell.

4 am???? That's rough!!!!!

Anyway, QPR shows some interests for Morgan Amalfitano. He is a decent player if only if he plays for a collective team IMO

peachesenregalia wrote:Amalfitano has talent. 'Arry can probably get the best out of him, might be a good move for all involved there.

Manquillo was made official today. Great signing, low risk/high reward, IMO. Moreno deal apparently imminent, too. All that leaves then is a top-drawer striker to be brought in and we should be all set. Papers have Falcao going to City. Maybe a move for Dzeko? I dunno. Wouldn't mind Balotelli, even though Rodgers said he's not on our radar. Lacazette would be good, but will he be 20 goals a season good? Still a lot of questions to be asked here, I think.

We are going to need two in my estimation. I dont see us going in for a Cavani type player because there's nothing in the way we play that supports Sturridge and another "striker". A player like Remy was perfect, and perhaps Lacazette.. decent quality backup that plays a similar way.

To really complete the window though we need another winger, one who can score. We can see that with Sterling out wide and Coutinho underneath Sturridge we are are quite dangerous. But the ball dies on the other side of the field. Henderson and Lallana can play out there, but I'd be happy for a Shaqiri/Kono type player.

Those two "types" would cost the same as Cavani/Lavezzi and deepen the team significantly.

How does United replace Webb? big big loss for them

peachesenregalia wrote:
LOL, Saw that about Webb. United lost their best player.

I kind of agree about needing a winger, and Shaquiri would be decent, but I still feel we need a quality goalscorer. Reus would be a good get, and I think Lacazette could start for us. Sterling has his eye on the no. 10 position this season, but I think his value is on the wing. Ibe looks really really good, he may sneak in on that opposite flank this season some. Personally, I like Coutinho in the 10 role, but his finishing is still a ways off. Lallana will add a thing or two, and don't forget about Markovic, we haven't really seen him in action yet, he may be the player you're looking for.

I agree about Markovic... I just dont want our attack to run out of options as it did last year when Aspas and Moses were it off the bench. Rodgers has done an exceptional job of improving the squad everywhere except in the massive gap Suarez left. Given the improvements on defense, we dont need to fill his 30 goals, but we do need a player who can both spell Sturridge late on, fill in for him when he's hurt, and another who can add quality around the #9.

For me I'd take a flyer on a striker and winger...just to be sure.

but its not my money...

I actually shed a tear reading about Webb retiring this morning....

Anywho...more Yedlin rumors. Apparently Spurs have entered the race and are now the Favorites.

Smurf wrote:I actually shed a tear reading about Webb retiring this morning....

Anywho...more Yedlin rumors. Apparently Spurs have entered the race and are now the Favorites.

Wonder when his statue goes up at OT...

Official Yedlin rumour...he's not going to Liverpool

So recent rumours are now: no Yedlin (Manquillo) and two of Reus, Kono and...(wait for it) Falcoa

Sure...works for me.

Uncle Si wrote::1:

Smurf wrote:I actually shed a tear reading about Webb retiring this morning....

Anywho...more Yedlin rumors. Apparently Spurs have entered the race and are now the Favorites.

Wonder when his statue goes up at OT...

Official Yedlin rumour...he's not going to Liverpool

So recent rumours are now: no Yedlin (Manquillo) and two of Reus, Kono and...(wait for it) Falcoa

Sure...works for me.

Reports coming out earlier today that stated he is perfectly OK staying Seattle if the right situation doesn't present itself.