[30stone]

Originally Posted by alc09

I suppose it depends alot on if Fabregas stays, I think he will to be honest.

Keep players fit and you have a good shot, I don't think Man United are very strong really. You were unlucky with injuries last year, Van Persie missing a few months was a huge blow.

Yeah we cant keep using excuses our players need to toughen up a bit too.

They thought vermaelen had a possible broken leg (he didnt but was hurt and still played) was playing with injury for about 3 weeks apparently, thats the kinda drive and grit we need.

Fabregas will stay one more season i think.. but we shall see, i think we will have a good chance.

[30stone]

Thierry Henry urges Cesc Fŕbregas to snub Barcelona and stay with Arsenal
The biggest transfer saga of the summer took another twist on Saturday when Thierry Henry urged former Arsenal colleague Cesc Fŕbregas to resist the charms of Barcelona and remain at the Emirates.

[alc09]

Be interesting to see how Chamakh does, I guess he will be above Eduardo in the pecking order who I don't really rate.

Chelsea will win it again I think, but the standard is really slipping compared to La Liga.

[Locke.]

Utd have got to keep Vidic, I like playing against him.

Torres usually has an easy game.

[30stone]

Originally Posted by alc09

Be interesting to see how Chamakh does, I guess he will be above Eduardo in the pecking order who I don't really rate.

Chelsea will win it again I think, but the standard is really slipping compared to La Liga.

Well its good, we struggled last season with not having someone who can score with their head, occasionally we cant pass through teams (usually when fabregas was injured) so we had no plan b.. chamakh scores 8/10 goals with his head so it will be good i think.

[Novo]

Loďc Rémy

Another Ngog

[30stone]

With an average of 1 goal every 2 games, last season for a team that finished mid table isnt bad.

He will be better than n gog and voronin.

[30stone]

With an average of 1 goal every 2 games, last season for a team that finished mid table isnt bad.

He will be better than n gog and voronin.

[bbfan1991]

Fulham's next manager will be Martin Jol by the sounds of it.

Maicon might be leaving Inter Milan for Real Madrid.

[30stone]

Francais Jeffers is possibly moving to blackpool lol..





Young Arsenal midfielder Tom Cruise proved to be the hero for the England Under 19’s after grabbing his country’s crucial third goal in the narrow 3-2 victory against Austria yesterday.

Noel Blake’s side looked to be on course for a comfortable win in their European Championship opener when West Ham’s Frank Nouble’s brace gave the Three Lions a 2-0 first half lead.

However, David Alaba brought the Austrians back into the game with a dipping free-kick seven minutes after the interval, before Cruise restored England’s two-goal lead after Steven Caulker had headed down John Bostock’s corner.

But the game’s outstanding player Alaba then set up Gernot Trauner for Austria’s second in the 73rd minute and it proved to be a nervous finish for Blake’s men.

Blake said: “I thought one or two of our players didn’t recognise the strength of the Austrians. I just felt one or two took a bit of a liberty.

“Sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition. We knew they were a good side otherwise they wouldn’t be here but sometimes you just need that wake-up call. I expressed that in a forthright manner.”

Blake added: “But tournament football is about winning the first game. I am disappointed with the goals we conceded and the way they were conceded.

“But we have scored three goals and we didn’t lose the first game so we can look forward now.

“We passed the ball well at times. We countered well at times, and we closed them down well at times.”

Meanwhile, Austria coach Andreas Heraf felt his side were unlucky. “We were the better team,” he said. “The way we played was the better way.”

[30stone]

Barcelona chase showdown talks over Cesc Fabregas... but Pep Guardiola fears the deal will never happen

Barcelona are expected to make one final bid to land Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal - but Pep Guardiola fears the deal may never happen.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger called for the pursuit to stop at the weekend - but the appeal has fallen on deaf ears in Catalonia, with Barca coach Guardiola reiterating that he wanted Fabregas at the Nou Camp.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz0u7p2D3nw


In that it says that pep wants to make fabregas a holding midfielder! - What?? he plays the best in an attacking role!

[Novo]

European champions Inter Milan are considering a move for Everton's South African midfielder Steven Pienaar.

Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk are closing in on a Ł6m deal for Arsenal's Croatian striker Eduardo.

Newcastle have entered the race to sign former England defender Sol Campbell, who is a free agent after leaving Arsenal at the end of last season.

Chelsea and Real Madrid were given fresh hope in their pursuit of Mesut Ozil after Werder Bremen conceded they may have to sell their talented forward rather than lose him on a free transfer next summer.

Striker Marlon Harewood - a free agent following his release by Aston Villa - is considering accepting a two-year contract to join Dubai club Al Ahli, who are managed by former Leeds boss David O'Leary.

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway is ready make his first major signing for the Premier League newcomers with a club record Ł1m deal for Derby striker Rob Hulse.

Rangers manager Walter Smith has confirmed he wants at least two new signings before the start of the new season.

The Gers boss has seen his SPL-winning squad dismantled during the close season with the likes of Kris Boyd, Kevin Thomson, Nacho Novo and DaMarcus Beasley all departing.

[Novo]

European champions Inter Milan are considering a move for Everton's South African midfielder Steven Pienaar.

Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk are closing in on a Ł6m deal for Arsenal's Croatian striker Eduardo.

Newcastle have entered the race to sign former England defender Sol Campbell, who is a free agent after leaving Arsenal at the end of last season.

Chelsea and Real Madrid were given fresh hope in their pursuit of Mesut Ozil after Werder Bremen conceded they may have to sell their talented forward rather than lose him on a free transfer next summer.

Striker Marlon Harewood - a free agent following his release by Aston Villa - is considering accepting a two-year contract to join Dubai club Al Ahli, who are managed by former Leeds boss David O'Leary.

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway is ready make his first major signing for the Premier League newcomers with a club record Ł1m deal for Derby striker Rob Hulse.

Rangers manager Walter Smith has confirmed he wants at least two new signings before the start of the new season.

The Gers boss has seen his SPL-winning squad dismantled during the close season with the likes of Kris Boyd, Kevin Thomson, Nacho Novo and DaMarcus Beasley all departing.

[30stone]

There were a lot of upset Everton supporters a couple of weeks ago when we reported that Arsenal were keen to sign Phil Jagielka, but the story - and the Gunners - just won't go away, and now it seems Arsene Wenger is prepared to increase his offer.

Over the weekend it was rumoured the Gunners had been knocked back with an initial bid of Ł14m, but today the Daily Star report Arsenal could go as high as Ł18 million for the England international.


Shakhtar Donetsk are closing on a Ł6million deal for Arsenal’s Eduardo.
The Brazil-born Croatia striker has also attracted the attention of Aston Villa and Besiktas, but Shakhtar have the advantage of offering Champions League football and would pay the 27-year-old Ł50,000 a week.
Eduardo was pulled out of the pre-season friendly win at Barnet at the last minute on Saturday and is falling down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium. - Kinda dissapointing really

[30stone]

Cesc Fabregas' Arsenal to Barcelona transfer 'is dead', says Pep Guardiola
Barcelona's hopes of signing Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas this summer appear to be dwindling - to the extent that boss Pep Guardiola has admitted the transfer probably won't happen.


Fabregas has been linked with a move to the Spanish champions throughout the summer, having cast doubt on his future in north London prior to the World Cup.

Guardiola has admitted he is keen to sign the midfielder despite Arsenal's reluctance to sell.

But he has told a press conference in Spain that the deal looks dead in the water - especially as Barcelona's spending power looks set to be limited for the rest of the transfer window following revelations of a loan that was required to pay the players last month.

"We want him, but if Arsenal don't want to negotiate he won't come," the coach admitted.

"I think bringing in Cesc will cost a lot."

Talk escalated over Barcelona's attempts to sign the player - which included a failed bid of Ł29million and Fabregas being pictured in a Barca shirt at the Spain World Cup victory celebrations - his departure looked all but certain.

However, in recent days comments attributed to Fabregas - who is currently on holiday in Formentera with Spain team-mate and Barca defender Gerard Pique - have suggested he is paving the way to stay with the Gunners next season.

Following the pictures of him wearing the Catalan club's shirt, he pleaded forgiveness from the Arsenal fans and said he would dedicate his World Cup winners medal to manager Arsene Wenger and the north London club's coaching staff.

[30stone]

Arsenal could target Giovinco rather than the expensive Ozil
The Gunners might train their sights to more feasible purchase and avoid the inevitable bidding war for the German star.


It seems it's now decision time for Joe Cole as both Liverpool and Tottenham have put in place what are apparently agreeable deals for the England midfielder.

Cole's future home has been one of the most talked about rumours since Chelsea showed the England midfielder the door earlier in the summer.

Moves abroad and in England have been discussed - at one stage Real Madrid were said to be interested - but it now appears it's a straight battle between a quick dash across London or a new home in the north west.

It seems that both clubs are offering Cole a package around the Ł90,000-a-week mark, according to reports in a number of national papers including The Sun, The Guardian and The Daily Mail.

Cole would be working under an English manager at either club, but whether his prior knowledge of Harry Redknapp, and the prospect of instant Champions League football, makes Tottenham his preference ahead of joining Roy Hodgson at Liverpool remains to be seen.

[30stone]

Arsenal could target Giovinco rather than the expensive Ozil
The Gunners might train their sights to more feasible purchase and avoid the inevitable bidding war for the German star.


It seems it's now decision time for Joe Cole as both Liverpool and Tottenham have put in place what are apparently agreeable deals for the England midfielder.

Cole's future home has been one of the most talked about rumours since Chelsea showed the England midfielder the door earlier in the summer.

Moves abroad and in England have been discussed - at one stage Real Madrid were said to be interested - but it now appears it's a straight battle between a quick dash across London or a new home in the north west.

It seems that both clubs are offering Cole a package around the Ł90,000-a-week mark, according to reports in a number of national papers including The Sun, The Guardian and The Daily Mail.

Cole would be working under an English manager at either club, but whether his prior knowledge of Harry Redknapp, and the prospect of instant Champions League football, makes Tottenham his preference ahead of joining Roy Hodgson at Liverpool remains to be seen.

[30stone]

Arsenal Transfers: The Top Five Replacements for William Gallas

Phil Jagielka

Wenger has been reported to make a Ł 14m bid for the Everton man, which has been rejected. So, comes again a new fresh Ł 16m bid to land Jagielka for the Gunners.

Phil has been impressive in his performances in Everton with solid tackling ability and even scoring at times, and has a recovered from a serious knee injury and Wenger sees him as a good solution to steady his defense.

Aged at 27, the homegrown 2008-09 player of the season for Everton, has been known to play even at midfield early in his career and his versatility can be a boon to the Gunners. It is time that will say what works out between David Moyes and Arsene Wenger.


Gary Cahill

The Bolton centre back has already drawn attention in Wenger's list since last year, but the price tag demanded by Bolton is pretty heavy around a Ł 20m which resulted in a halt in negotiations.

However, Gary Cahill is a young and growing defender with good physical ability, superb tackling skills, good in air with 6'2" height and also able to score the odd goal when needed. That makes the subject again to be discussed and brought on the table.



Bolton's poster boy has been regarded as the future England international and it is clear that Arsenal manager has to place a bid of the range of Ł 15m to land the defender. Plus, he is of the homegrown criteria and has the experience of a tough premier league season, which makes him a good fit in defense of Arsenal.


Serdar Tasci

The young German international has impressed eyes with his strong tackling ability and positioning sense, and also displays a great control over the ball in his feet. He is a rising star and so is regarded by the German coach Joachim Low who has repeatedly singled him out as an outstanding youngster.



Aged at 23, he will be a perfect choice for Wenger to develop and will also come in the range of Ł 15m. He is regarded as the prototype modern central defender and can open up the play from the tightest situations with pinpoint passing and clearing ability.

Currently playing for Stuttgart, he seems to have been gifted with winning glory when on his first year he lifted the Bundesliga trophy with Stuttgart, so can he bring the same fortune and blessings to Arsenal? It will be worth watching.



Neven Subotic

Often called as the new Vidic from Serbia, this young man has caught eyes of elite bosses all over the world. He is a prized asset for his club Borussia Dortmund, and it will take a sum of around Ł 15m to Ł 20m to land him for the Gunners.

Compared with Fernando Hierro and lauded as one of the finest defenders of the German Bundesliga, he is known for his safe and cultured defending that adds strength to the team's centre back. He is only at 20, and thus has a plenty of time to grow and establish as the finest in the game.



He also knows where the goal is, which is indeed a rare and cherished trait for a defender, thus scoring 13 goals in three seasons for his club. So Serbia is full of talents, ain't it?



Joris Mathijsen

Aged at 30, he may not be of the criteria that fills up Wenger's list of young talents, but he was an integral part of the team Holland that conceded only two goals in road to the World Cup.

The Hamburg defender has showed his excellence to end up the defensive problems of Hamburg, and moreover he is not exactly the attacking defender type which makes him an interesting choice. Arsene Wenger's squad surely needs a defender who can stay back and guard the fort.



He may come up with a price tag nearing Ł 15m after his world cup performance, and is in a contract with Hamburg until 2012.

[MissKittyFantastico]

Wenger can feck off, he's not getting Jags

[GiRTh]

Liverpool have signed Joe Cole

Sky Sports

[Big Brother Fan]

Meh, instead of spending most of his time in a hospital in London, he'll spending his time in a Liverpool one.

[Locke.]

King Joe Cole will be getting us 4th place back

[alc09]

Originally Posted by 30stone

Francais Jeffers is possibly moving to blackpool lol..





Young Arsenal midfielder Tom Cruise proved to be the hero for the England Under 19’s after grabbing his country’s crucial third goal in the narrow 3-2 victory against Austria yesterday.

Noel Blake’s side looked to be on course for a comfortable win in their European Championship opener when West Ham’s Frank Nouble’s brace gave the Three Lions a 2-0 first half lead.

However, David Alaba brought the Austrians back into the game with a dipping free-kick seven minutes after the interval, before Cruise restored England’s two-goal lead after Steven Caulker had headed down John Bostock’s corner.

But the game’s outstanding player Alaba then set up Gernot Trauner for Austria’s second in the 73rd minute and it proved to be a nervous finish for Blake’s men.

Blake said: “I thought one or two of our players didn’t recognise the strength of the Austrians. I just felt one or two took a bit of a liberty.

“Sometimes you have to give credit to the opposition. We knew they were a good side otherwise they wouldn’t be here but sometimes you just need that wake-up call. I expressed that in a forthright manner.”

Blake added: “But tournament football is about winning the first game. I am disappointed with the goals we conceded and the way they were conceded.

“But we have scored three goals and we didn’t lose the first game so we can look forward now.

“We passed the ball well at times. We countered well at times, and we closed them down well at times.”

Meanwhile, Austria coach Andreas Heraf felt his side were unlucky. “We were the better team,” he said. “The way we played was the better way.”

Shocking player.

[Locke.]

We apparently already have around 15 million to spend.

Insua is going to Fiorentina for around 5 mil.
Riera will be leaving for about 3-5 million probably. (He's worth more imo but it'll do)
And I still think Mascherano will leave to Inter for 25 mil.

So there's just over 30 mil plus the 15 we've already got, if the board let us spend that on transfers and don't steal it from Roy to pay off our debts, then I think he can get a pretty decent squad together.

[30stone]

You need a left back you havent got one over the age of 20 do you??


Have to admit im dissapointed that Arsene didnt sign cole!
Joe cole stated he wanted to stay in london because of his family and wanted champions league football, if we put in a proper offer he would have taken it straight away..


And LOOLLLL!!!

Joey Barton: Im as good as any midfielder!