Arsenal Transfer Rumours And General Chat

Probably more a case of annoyed about it. I know one particular long-time Arsenal attendee who has this pet hate. I kinda agree with him to be honest, who gives a sh1t where you're from. If you want to bring a flag, bring an Arsenal one.

I was in France for the weekend so I missed all the action - just saw Aliadiere started and Baptista didn't even make the bench, so it looks like he'll be going back to Real. I hear Freddie got injured and Theo got both assists, so looks like he'll be getting a deserved run in the team now.

I thought I'd revive this thread as the January window is fast approaching!

Wenger (and Dein) have said they won't be buying but that means nothing really.

There have been regular rumours about Wenger wanting a left-back as we're short there, and we've been linked to Bale and Baines recently. Bale I could see being of interest to Wenger, but not Baines - that strikes me as paper talk. However Bale is very young himself (and pricey) and I feel we need a bit more experience there. I'd like someone with a bit of power who can also play CB, someone like Eric Abidal - I know Lyon weren't willing to sell in the summer, but I do recall their president indicating they might soften their stance later.

The other position we've been linked to regularly is on the wing, with Puerta and Navas of Sevilla being linked recently, as well as others like Ribery. I don't know much about Puerta, but from what I hear Navas is a special needs child (Reyes times 1000), so I'll be very surprised if Wenger goes for him. He's also a right sider and we're well stocked on the right. We need a left footer.

Other than that we've been linked to every goalkeeper under the sun (Gordon, Amelia, Waidenfeller, Boruc, Hildebrande and others), and a few youngsters. We were also linked a Turkish CB a few days ago.

I'd like a left winger and a left back/centreback please.

I don't think another striker is needed at the moment, considering Baptista is still settling in. If he doesn't work out bring in another in the summer, but he should at least get a crack of the whip. Adebayor and Van Persie are both in good form, and Henry should be back soon. The kids on loan are doing well enough to suggest that at least one of them will be in contention next season too.

I forgot to mention that Akinfeev, the Russian national team keeper, was linked recently too, and he came out in the press saying a move to Arsenal would be of interest to him. He's looked very impressive whenever I've seen him, and he's only 20. Himself, Boruc, Hildebrande, Amelia and Gordon all look to be good keepers and in the right age bracket to replace Lehmann (or be temporary understudy).

Just looking at the fixture list and the next 2 games are a big chance for Arsenal to break away from the other teams chasing 3rd place. Sheffield United away are up next, but Warnock was saying he might rest players AND they have apparently been struck down with a virus, so Arsenal should really win this. After that it is Charlton at home, which Arsenal should win too.

Meanwhile Liverpool, Bolton, Portsmouth and Spurs are playing eachother in the next 2 games, so some of them are gauranteed to drop points.

Bolton play Pompey at home, then Liverpool away.
Spurs play Liverpool at home, then Pompey away.

Yeah I just saw that myself, **** it. Fabregas and Aliadiere are also sick but are travelling anyway.

Seems that Arsenal want to keep him but aren't that pushed about it. Quality player but I imagine he'd be more suited to Serie A or La Liga. He's very slight.

Looks like Arsenal's injury crisis may finally be coming to an end, touch wood. Lauren, Diaby and Gallas are all back in training, which is fantastic news. All powerful, battling players. Baptista and Eboue are fit again, while Adebayor, Ljungberg and Walcott should all be back soon.

Could be out of both cups by then unfortunately, but their returns should boost the league and CL campaigns. Hopefully the squad will stay relatively injury free for the second half the season.