Mikhitaryan left out of ManU's squad this morning.
Aubameyang rumours continue to grow, as do the Malcom ones.
If we get two of these guys in, and Sanchez/Walcott out, then that's a pretty good result.
Key of course is re-signing Ozil, which has gone quiet the last few days after some very promising news last week doing the rounds. Also Wilshere's signature please.
City apparently out of the race for Sanchez, but now Chelsea in with a last minute attempt to hijack.
I'd prefer to go with ManU and the swap deal for Mikhitaryan.
Or even better, get on the blower to PSG and ask to swap for Draxler!
Just get him the fudge out of our club.
Three for me, and two for them.
I'd like the impossible scenario where he goes to Chel$ea, but we still get Mikhitaryan :)
That would lessen the loss of Ozil.
Aubameyang and Mikhitaryan both seem like slightly flakey players to me - not very reliable.
a.haak
https://arseblog.com/2018/01/arsenal-gentlemans-we...
"And then we turn to… what would you call them? Shoes? Slippers? Satan’s hellboots?"
Hilarious write up about Bellerin's appearances at London Fashion Week - something to make you laugh for a change.
As much as Aubameyang, Malcom, and maybe Mihkimouse could be useful from an attacking position they aren't really going to help us solidify the team and help us dominate the midfield again are they? Surely we should be signing a ball playing midfield enforcer who can cover the back 4 (we've been saying this since Viera). Otherwise we're actually not that badly balanced.
The problem as I see it is how do you build a team around our best players in Ozil and Lacazette to enable them to be at their best? We know Ozil can create and Lacazette can finish, they just need the right players around them, but TBH I don't even know which formation best suits them, and I'm confident Wenger doesn't either.
As much as Aubameyang, Malcom, and maybe Mihkimouse could be useful from an attacking position they aren't really going to help us solidify the team and help us dominate the midfield again are they? Surely we should be signing a ball playing midfield enforcer who can cover the back 4 (we've been saying this since Viera). Otherwise we're actually not that badly balanced.
The problem as I see it is how do you build a team around our best players in Ozil and Lacazette to enable them to be at their best? We know Ozil can create and Lacazette can finish, they just need the right players around them, but TBH I don't even know which formation best suits them, and I'm confident Wenger doesn't either.
I think we need both as we are short on quality across the park at the moment. And while these reinforcements wont solve all of our issues, they are a good place to start.
Aubameyang and Mikhitaryan both seem like slightly flakey players to me - not very reliable.
So I can book in us signing them both then. ?
E's Flat Ah's Flat Too
At the start of the season our best 5 players were in order
1. Ozil
2. Santi
3. Sanchez
4. Ox
5. Jack
Interestingly none of these are defenders or Goal Keeper or even "defensive minded type" players.
1 and 5 seem to be in contract limbo
2 is perma injured
3 and 4 appear to have been sold to direct rivals
I realise I am on the other side of the world but this appears to be a shocking state of administrative neglect.
E's Flat Ah's Flat Too
Aubameyang and Mikhitaryan both seem like slightly flakey players to me - not very reliable.
From who seems to be available, who would be better do you think?
I can understand the fear, particularly with Mikhitaryan's struggles at ManU, but I think they are both pretty high quality signings, particularly for us. Both would come with bigger reputations than Lacazette.
Aubameyang and Mikhitaryan both seem like slightly flakey players to me - not very reliable.
From who seems to be available, who would be better do you think?
I can understand the fear, particularly with Mikhitaryan's struggles at ManU, but I think they are both pretty high quality signings, particularly for us. Both would come with bigger reputations than Lacazette.
I don't think there will be many better options in January, so I think both are unlikely. I don't know a whole lot about Malcolm.
The thing is, we've had a long time to prepare for Sanchez leaving and now we've left it to the last minute as per usual and are struggling.
a.haak
Thinking about post Sanchez and getting the most out of Ozil and Lacazette I'd like to see us try the following:
Laca Ozil
JW10
Kolasinac Xhaka Ramsey Bellerin
Monreal Koscielny Mustafi
Cech
Basically, give Ozil and Laca free range up top with a solid midfield 3 behind them who can make runs and control the midfield. If you get any of the Auba, Henrik, Martial, Malcom type names being bandied about then you re-think formation, possibly revert to 4-3-3 with Ozil as a false 9.
the story ... continues this morning. Mikhi is still mulling the move over, but it sounds like we have agreed for cash+player deal with manu
And there are reports that Auba is in London for a medical...
and most important piece of news today, it is Lord Bendtners birthday
Walcott nearly gone to Everton. Can't say i'm disappointed. 12 years of unfufilled potential.
Three for me, and two for them.
At the start of the season our best 5 players were in order
1. Ozil
2. Santi
3. Sanchez
4. Ox
5. Jack
Interestingly none of these are defenders or Goal Keeper or even "defensive minded type" players.
1 and 5 seem to be in contract limbo
2 is perma injured
3 and 4 appear to have been sold to direct rivals
I realise I am on the other side of the world but this appears to be a shocking state of administrative neglect.
This statement would be true if we were selling them to Burnley or Leicester :(
So Aubameyang sounds basically done.
The Sanchez deal apparently is sorted, but hinges on Mikhitaryan agreeing to join us. No guarantee there, as he has 2.5 years to run at ManU and we're probably offering him less. At nearly 29 this is his big career payday now, so it's a big decision for him.
Malcom rumours have subsided, I feel that one may not be happening.
Walcott sounds like it's definitely on, 20m to Everton.
Giroud's injury means I doubt he'll go this month now, will probably leave at the end of the season.
And we're still not linked with a half decent midfielder.
Always liked Walcott and he was a good player for us at times but never really for long enough spells. Provided some good moments and scored in 2 Cup finals. Seemed a likeable guy but knee injuries ruined him. The run against Liverpool should have been remembered as one of the most iconic moments in modern Arsenal history but for it being taken away from us. Good signing for a club like Everton and hope he does well. Will no doubt score against us next time we play them. He was our only remaining player signed when I was still a teenager!
One of only 18 players to score 100 goals for Arsenal, and most of them from the wing.
So Aubameyang sounds basically done.
The Sanchez deal apparently is sorted, but hinges on Mikhitaryan agreeing to join us. No guarantee there, as he has 2.5 years to run at ManU and we're probably offering him less. At nearly 29 this is his big career payday now, so it's a big decision for him.
Malcom rumours have subsided, I feel that one may not be happening.
Walcott sounds like it's definitely on, 20m to Everton.
Giroud's injury means I doubt he'll go this month now, will probably leave at the end of the season.
Where does Aubameyang fit in at Arsenal? Since 15/16 he has played every game except for 4 as the central striker, and you just bought one of those. I can't see Arsenal playing two strikers any time soon, so one will be on the wing?
Surely Mkhitaryan fits in much better to Arsenal's style and ethos. Its just bad timing from his point of view, that when Sanchez has become available, he is well out of form and doesn't look like making his way back in.
As someone else pointed out, you have sold Ox, Coquelin, Gabriel and Gibbs this season, with only Kolasinac and Lacazette coming in. Surely those players / positions need to be sorted first before splashing on another striker and a winger?
So Aubameyang sounds basically done.
The Sanchez deal apparently is sorted, but hinges on Mikhitaryan agreeing to join us. No guarantee there, as he has 2.5 years to run at ManU and we're probably offering him less. At nearly 29 this is his big career payday now, so it's a big decision for him.
Malcom rumours have subsided, I feel that one may not be happening.
Walcott sounds like it's definitely on, 20m to Everton.
Giroud's injury means I doubt he'll go this month now, will probably leave at the end of the season.
Where does Aubameyang fit in at Arsenal? Since 15/16 he has played every game except for 4 as the central striker, and you just bought one of those. I can't see Arsenal playing two strikers any time soon, so one will be on the wing?
Surely Mkhitaryan fits in much better to Arsenal's style and ethos. Its just bad timing from his point of view, that when Sanchez has become available, he is well out of form and doesn't look like making his way back in.
As someone else pointed out, you have sold Ox, Coquelin, Gabriel and Gibbs this season, with only Kolasinac and Lacazette coming in. Surely those players / positions need to be sorted first before splashing on another striker and a winger?
I have to agree. Aubameyang smacks as a signing to get fans back on side, but not a signing that would actually improve the team.
We should be looking for a midfielder to partner Wilshere.
a.haak
Sold a CB in late August, sold a CM this window, looking at shipping out two wingers. Who do we sign? Another striker. Great.
Three for me, and two for them.
Having watched Wenger for over 20 years he will absolutely stick one of them out on the wing because it's what he has always done. Anyway since we still need to agree a fee with Dortmund it's a long way from happening.
Sold a CB in late August, sold a CM this window, looking at shipping out two wingers. Who do we sign? Another striker. Great. Thats Wenger
As someone else pointed out, you have sold Ox, Coquelin, Gabriel and Gibbs this season, with only Kolasinac and Lacazette coming in. Surely those players / positions need to be sorted first before splashing on another striker and a winger?
Gabriel was sold because we have Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal, Mertesacker, Chambers and Holding. Mertesacker will retire at the end of the year, but we bought a 20yo CB just last week. So we've got 7 senior CBs currently on the books, one too many at least, Gabriel never needed replacing by any stretch of the imagination.
The Ox had no place in our team, he was only able to get starts at wingback. He wasn't productive enough in the forward line, and Wilshere came back from loan and pushed him down one more spot in the midfield pecking order. Looks like the Liverpool move was good for him now that they've sold Coutinho, so win win really.
Coquelin was barely playing, he had Xhaka, Elneny, Ramsey and Wilshere all in front of him, and lets face it, he's just not good enough, that stellar 6 month period a couple of years ago aside. With Iwobi capable in midfield and Willock coming through, we've probably got just enough there, but could probably take a look at it in the off season.
At left back, Gibbs was sold, Kolasinac was bought in as a direct replacement, and Maitland-Niles has now emerged from the youth team. Still got Monreal as well. Definitely no one required there.
So for me, we don't need to replace any of them at all. If we do buy any midfielders or defenders, then we will need to sell further players to accommodate them.
The forward line is where we've needed improvement, we haven't been scoring nearly enough. And with Sanchez and Walcott going, we are lacking in personnel now too. We definitely need at least one forward.
Also, despite the riches at our disposal 2/3 seasons ago, I feel goalkeeper is fast becoming a priority. Cech is declining and Ospina doesn't command the box at the set piece well enough for english football. Did we insert a buy back clause in Szczesny's contract??? I'd love to know what happened there. After the smoking in the dressing room incident, Wenger basically cut him loose, and that was that. He was loaned, then sold, and his performances at Roma were never taken into account during that decision-making. Can only assume it was 100% down to attitude. Very sad though, I loved him.
We have conceded 30 goals in 23 league games. Anyone who says the defence is fine needs shooting.
Three for me, and two for them.
I don't have a problem flicking a midfielder on if we bring another one in - if Elneny left for a world class DM I would not be bothered as he's made f*ck all impact since joining. Agree with you on Cech, although I don't think replacing him in January has the impact that a new DM and Sanchez level replacement could happen.
Leon Goretzka at Shalke is almost out of contract and eyeing up a move to the Prem or Bayern. Maybe that's a good opportunity to make a move and have a crack, by all accounts he's brilliant and can only get better. Or we go back to our buddies at Monaco and go after Fabinho.
We have conceded 30 goals in 23 league games. Anyone who says the defence is fine needs shooting.
My response was centred around numbers, rather than the quality of performances. Definitely agree that performances this season haven't been good enough.
Koscielny has probably been our worst centre back this season in terms of errors, despite usually being our best. That's nothing to do with the number of centre backs, but at the same time, I wouldn't sell him because of it either.
It's interesting when you think of players with years of quality left you can build a squad around and you've got people like Mustafi, Kolasinac, Bellerin, Ramsey, JW10, Ozil, Lacazette. That's got to be the core of who you build your future around, and I'm not sure I'm seeing much more out of Koscielny to be honest, he seems to be fading quickly which is a shame.
I'm looking forward to the morning i wake up and open up BBC Sport to find out Sanchez has actually left for good. Completely sick of hearing his name now.
Three for me, and two for them.
Walcott has gone to Everton, good fee for him as well. Over 20mil. wish him luck
Walcott has gone to Everton, good fee for him as well. Over 20mil. wish him luck
Always had a soft spot for the guy, thought he scored some blinders in his time. AJC was spot on with this Champions League Semi-Final run and set up as a cracking moment, f*cking Gerard.
Agree with most of these, although I swore he banged in a free kick at one point that was pretty handy too?
I'm looking forward to the morning i wake up and open up BBC Sport to find out Sanchez has actually left for good. Completely sick of hearing his name now.
Yea I'm on board with this. Some reports this morning that apparently the rest of our squad want him gone, sick of him in the dressing room.
If Mikhitaryan doesn't want to come then up the fee and sell him to them anyway.
Sounds like Aubameyang is the replacement, and is coming.
Good piece on Aubameyang by Sarah Winterburn (excellent writer imo);
Does sound like it's waiting on him to decide and it's difficult to blame him. Why would he want to leave Man United for a sinking ship? The hold up is probably his agent scrambling to drum up some other offers.
Does sound like it's waiting on him to decide and it's difficult to blame him. Why would he want to leave Man United for a sinking ship? The hold up is probably his agent scrambling to drum up some other offers.
I think he's perfectly reasonable to turn us down, even if you put the "sinking ship" part aside. He's nearly 29, this would be his last long contract, therefore his last big pay day. And we're surely asking him to take a paycut, SURELY. There's no way we should be paying him more or even the same as he's getting there, considering he's not proven at all in the EPL, after 1.5 seasons. I've read he's still got 2.5 years to run at ManU, so he can easily play hardball here, perhaps get them to pay him out something. I mean christ, they're apparently about to commit to paying Sanchez nearly 500k per week until he's 34 years old! Despite Mourinho's whinging they've obviously got buckets of cash to throw around.
The deal for Sanchez at United is absolutely mental. What I can't fathom is how any club can afford that through FPP? The vibe I get about the Mihikitaryn thing is that it's United off loading a player rather than Arsenal getting a target they wanted. If we were to get Martial it would be a different story where we'd be likely to match or improve their money situation.
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