Arsene Wenger and the January transfer window
|Listening to Arsene Wenger talk about the January transfer window one comes away with the distinct impression that he loathes it. He also loathes talking about potential transfers as well and would rather prefer to believe that his squad is on the verge of playing great football. To have to bring someone in is like admitting that your preparations over the summer were inadequate, unless you’re buying to replace someone injured. What makes it all the more galling is that everyone in August told him the squad was inadequate, that he needed a defensive midfielder.
Knowing Wenger, I’m sure he will buy just one or two players (not counting any young future star he can get his hands on). The only way he’ll buy more players is if someone leaves, otherwise he’ll only make minor adjustments to his squad. If I could hazard a guess I would say he will buy that defensive holding midfielder and that he might buy a winger.
The latest blow is the injury to Fabregas. At this point we don’t know how severe the injury is, but behind Cesc the cupboard is pretty bare. Replacing Cesc there’s Denilson … probably, Nasri … maybe, Diaby … hopefully not. I cannot see him buying a midfield playmaker (despite rumours about Arshavin), but if the injury will keep Cesc out for months he might reach into his wallet. As for the other central midfield position, one good performance against Liverpool (minus Mascherano) by Song doesn’t erase concerns about the position against other gritty teams. Even he can see that Denilson, Song, and Diaby cannot do the job on a consistent basis. Diaby is not defensive at all (Wenger admitted as much in a recent interview), Denilson is not physical enough, and Song is not quick enough and his passing lacks the sharpness that the Gunners need. I don’t know who he’ll purchase but he needs to be better than the three we have.
As for a winger, Nasri is out half the time (even Wenger pointed that out), Walcott is out till March, the same for Rosicky, and Eboue has recently lost his confidence. I’m sure he’d like to get Traore back from Portsmouth as Adams doesn’t play him as often as Redknapp did. Failing that he might look to get someone else who can give the team a shot in the arm and get wide on either side of the field.
As for other purchases, he won’t make them unless someone leaves. He won’t buy another central defender unless Gallas leaves. Even should Gallas depart I’m not sure he’ll buy a world class defender to replace him. I suspect he’d just slot Toure into the position and buy someone on the cheap who can step in if there is an injury. If Bendtner leaves he might make a more significant purchase, someone like Gervinho, Gomis, or Santa Cruz who has some size. If Eboue leaves he’d need to definitely buy a winger and maybe even a right back, which is why I think he’ll stay to the end of the year.
It was three seasons ago that he made his biggest recent splash in the transfer market when he bought Diaby, Adebayor, and Walcott. Things were not going well for the Gunners back then, but things are even worse this season. He definitely needs to make some changes but I’m fearful of the team playing really well for the next three weeks and Wenger changing his mind about dipping his toes into the transfer market. The other fear I have is that he is so loathe to spend large sums that he ends up getting nobody because they’re all overpriced. We’re at the point of the season where financial prudence now could cost us added revenue down the road, because if we don’t finish in the top four we stand to lose much more money than several players might cost. I hope he moves fast in the New Year as well because waiting till the end of January doesn’t mean you’ll get a bargain. That strategy failed in August and will fail again in January. Most of all I hope he moves quickly so I can relax, rather than fret about the situation for a full month.
Hopefully he doesn’t go for Alonso, i like him but judging from yesterday Denilson is 10 times the player and will be a big player for us. Let’s be honest if Arsene buys a DM then Song will just be centre back cover if Gallas left so in his mind we wouldn’t be losing a player. Who do you think are possible, realistic targets Gooner Chris?
Why do Arsenal supporters do this each window, last summer at least 214 players were linked to Arsenal, I don’t think anyone came.
Wenger doesn’t like the January transfer window, shows no inclination of going to buy
someone.
What we need is for all the team to step upto the plate and start to perform with Passion, vigour and skill that we know you have.
lets buy Lorik Cana
if your writing a blog u should be able to take critism? Is Denilson not our most consistant player this season? if not who would u say was?
for me he’s looking better with every game he plays
1. Alex from Chelsea
2. Parker from West Ham
3. Santa Cruz from Bburn.
We could get this lot for 30m and it would make us world beaters. Think about how much better we’d be with these 3 players. They all want to leave thier current clubs, All would be willing to come to Arsenal and none would be over priced. 2 of them are elligible for champs league this season.
I wish Wenger could see this
Hopefully he won’t get someone like Wilshire who could be wc material by 2010. How can he be epl class let alone world class if he doesn’t play regularly?
He has a history of signing young players with potential and loaning them out.
The point is the first team is crying for reinforcements and don’t be surprised if AW doesn’t buy anyone.
He still believes in the team.
Well the holiday period is a good time to put his theory to the test.
Btw the epl is no more easy for the big boys but has become very competitive.
Don’t be surprised the gunners fail to clinch the cl spot at the end of the season. What then?
Another season will have gone to waste. The warning signs are there except AW not heeding it.
Let’s hope he is right.
Just wanna add I don’t think we desperately need a striker but Someone big like Santa Cruz would put Ade under pressure and make him fight for his place a bit more. I feel He needs that kind of kick up the arse cos he looks lazy at times.
where does your injury list come from? its utterly insane how long some of your players are out for.
i would go and get muamba or huddlestone. both great young defensive midfielders. you probably wouldnt get huddlestone, but i get the feeling muamba would go back to you. you also need another winger to sit in walcotts place for the time being- get armand traore back, shift nasri to the right. that would sort it.
of course, that wont happen since us fans know little of the process of managers. ah well.
You just underlines that you just want to see big money spent.
Unless I was dreaming, last season, Wenger acquired Sagna, Eduardo, Diarra and Fabianski. In 2006 he got Gallas, Denilson, Rosicky.
So what do you mean 3 years ago was the last time Wenger splashed?
Is it that buying quality players without breaking the bank is not acceptable transfer activity?
If all of our players were fit we would have a world class team, minus a suitable CM partner for Cesc. I would loan out Denilson and bring in an experienced CM who probably only has a few years left in him. This way Denilson could develop into the player that he is supposed to be and we might win something along the way. Providing everyone was fit my starting XI would be
Almunia
Sagna Gallas Djourou Clichy
Rosicky Fabregas ????? Nasri
Van Persie Adebayor
With Walcott and Eduardo also playing big parts in the team.
I honestly believe we are 1 decent player away from being world beaters. Aslong as everyone could stay fit !
The team is decent but it needs someone who craves that extra tackle and a consistent finisher.You just cant believe in the powderpuff stuff of Ade,Van Persie and Bendtner.And Arsenal must be the most injured team in the world Eduardo,Rosicky,Fab and Walcott are out long term and we have several walking wounded.
Sell bendtner, eboue and diaby!
Sign Parker, bellemy and Micah richards (gooner).
Would make the spine of our team a lot stronger, add experience and also add a nasty streak!!
Then in summer we must sign a world class keeper
hope AW sees this. if he doesn’t bring in a single player in January, I’ll stop watching football for good.
How does this team look for next season.
It maybe a long shot but i think its possible.
Hennesy
Sagna M Richards Toure Clichy
Wallcott Fabregas Parker Nasri
Van Persie
Cruz
Subs:
Almunia, Djourou, Bellemy, Vela, Wilshere, Ramsey, Ashley Young, Silvestre.
For me, sell ade and use the funds to get that squad.
We Need Shay Given
Micah Richards
Yaya Toure
Arjen Robben/Ashley Young
Danish Gooner, Real Madrid are probably the most injured team with Diarra, Van Nistelrooy and Ruben De La Red out long term (3 great players as well that would all get into our team pretty easily).
And Deano, that’s a pretty poor team. Richards is overrated, Toure’s not that good anymore, Clichy seems less and less convincing every game, and Adebayor is a better player than Santa Cruz. Oh and Denilson’s better than Scott Parker, and certainly will be by the start of next season. Oh and Adebayor’s not gonna pay for all of those players.
Why are there so many fans thinking we can get the likes of Robben and Yaya Toure? Not happening (especially not Robben, how naive are you?), oh and why would Ashley Young come to us when he’s doing so well at Villa? And why would City sell Richards?
Fabregas Dad, its a better team than what we have at moment!
Scott Parker loves a tackle, covers every inch of ground.
Richards is better than what we have and would improve at Arsenal.
Adebayor is a lazy twat who to me, doesnt look interested.
Money wise, sell bendtner, adebayor, Gallas and denilson and you have half the cash at least!!
Then, SPEND SOME MONEY WENGER ON THE REST!!
Given
Sagna Toure Richards Clichy
Walcott Fab Yaya A.Young
Van Persie
Adebayor
City would have to sell Richards if he wanted to go.
We are supposed to be a big club. Chelsea always get there man, amn utd always get there man. Why cant we???
Villa might be doing well now but they get a few injuries and there actual squad is crap!! We finish above them and im sure we could tempt young!!
Mr Arsenal
I like Yaya but havnt seen a great deal of him.
Do you think he is mobile enough???
we should buy inler from udinesse,for much neede steel in midfield.arshavin from zenit st petersburg,for a new attacking dimension.and what would really be nice would be a commanding central defender,who would be a threat at both sides of the field,possibly hangeland from fulham.total cost arond 27-30 million.
Deano,
Micah Richards? You might be stuck in 2 years ago. That one’s been long debunked by his woeful performances.
“I’m fearful of the team playing really well for the next three weeks”. What a CRAZY statement. Can you believe you wrote it?
The current team is short of a FEW world class players. So, to the side that played yesterday, let’s add some.
1. Walcott, England’s new wonder boy
2. Eduardo, Croatia’s talisman
3. Rosicky, Czechia god
4. Toure, Cote D’Ivoire’s linchpin
5. Vela, Mexico’s great hope
6. Ramsey, Wales future captain
Have you forgotten that all of these players will be available in the next three months. Once you’ve bought your cartload of wannabees, will they even get in the team? Are you going to foot their wage bill. Who’s going to pick Santa Cruz ahead of Ade, Robin, Eduardo. Not me. Who’s Parker?
I think AW will buy a couple of players, but I’m with him, not high priced second rate Englshmen who won’t hack a place in the first team.
Yaya Would give our squad a major boost especially Kolo. We could get ashley young if we give them bendtner and money probably 15 mil, Richards would improve under gallas/ Kolo. He is gna b the best english defender over the next few years. Another player we should have a serious look at is YOUNG DANIEL STURRIDGE this kid is class,(the next ian wright) he will get the goals against the likes of fulham stoke wba etc.
Bergkamps the man –
Scott Parkers the guy who got man of the match against chelsea. The guy who runs his guts out, hits loads of tackles and has passion.
As for Ade, id pick anyone ahead of him right now. he dont look interested!!!
Micah Richards could be the best centre half in premier league with the right guideance
We have just been linked with wantaway Elano.
That sounds an awesome rumour even tho he’s out of favour at Man City he sure has some ability.
We really need an attacking option down the wings with out nasri or walcott were so flat and poor attacking. Ribery, Gera, Robino, Wright- Philips, Even that Winger for Cluj would be good. I think were missing it causing us to lose victories and draw on occasions such as Middlesborough and Liverpool.
Anyone else have the same opinion?
we need alonso or yaya tour upsan and a robben
We definately don’t need a striker. RVP has porven has quality as has Ade even if not on top from atm. We all know about eduardo and weve seen what vela can do. bendtner can still playa part + we have walcott who may be ready for the switch. So what we need is top quality winger and combatative midfielde as everyone knows.
The dm part should’t be too hard, were spolit for choice.
But can anyone name me a top quality winger, under 20 million, who suits are style.
there arent many wingers around atm not at top clubs.
asley young seems the only option but seems unlikely……….
???
def agree an out and out winger would be great for us.
Would not get in theos way either as wenger wants to move him up front eventually!!
Dario Srna. Okay he is cup tied but maybe £10 mill next season.
Ibrahim Afellay from PSV can play winger
in my opinion some arsenal fans might disgree arsenal are defending alot better and are looking alot more solid,song is good when he put sthe effort but i see him as a dm more centrel defender, if you at likes diaby,fab,delinson,ramsy all of are central players, there is we only realy have nasri that is healthy and maybe vela he could and eboue
i know its hard to believe when a superb player got injury,but to change for his position it is not easy to make,in my opinion wenger must buy a player that can be player maker like fabregas, i think ribery have this talent ,i’m sure that he is the right choice ,
I think we should buy the players we need not tevez or that moody russian – a natural winger – one that could play either side – a defensive midfield player – a centre back! i dont know what you guys think but to finish the liverpool game with a midfield of Diaby Denilson Song and Eboue is a disgrace – we really need to buy – Denilson we end up being a good player but the others should be no where near the Arsenal first team – and where does Diaby play why cant he defend/tackle – seems to get the ball try a trick and then loose it – so much for pat’s replacement!
I feel I must apologise for the previous spelling mistakes I was a bit angry whilst writting = and another player who should be no where near the team is bendtner! dont get me wrong I love Wenger and he should have a job for life – and i love our style of play BUT everyone knew at the start of the year that we needed someone with some balls that could make a tackle yet he didnt buy anyone – and what with sick note on the left we are really lacking quality wingers – we really miss Theo and I dont even think he should be first choice – he will be amazing but lets get thing straight he had a couple of good games but he is far from consistent – The likes of Ramsey Wilshire Vela,fran I am all up for bringing through but lets get rid of the likes of Eboue/Song?diaby who should be no where near our first team!
bobby
i agree that arsenal realy miss a natural winger y realy but disagree about wilcatt is most defnetly a first player the miiss his ability go go past players and hi shere dealy pace and he i sthe only that has that cand of expect maybe clichy or vela.diaby has not been given chance to play in his prefered position he is always put on the wing,as far eboue goes before got injured he was playing very well but he is realy just right back,but needs to gut the diving out, song needs to up his effort level because at times he looks as if he just does not care but he puts the effort like he did against liverpool,wigan and chelsea he is very solid and protects the defence well but in truth i see him as central defender
You Arsenal fans you are dreaming
you know better than every body that Wenger knows what he is doing. Everybody know that Arsenal is Wenger own business. The board and Wenger don’t care about fans like at big club like Manu, Chelsea, Liverpool and others. What a shame for Wenger and all the board .
Some good ideas and some bad ideas (my opinion only), I don’t think Wenger will buy. If however he does just for once I’d like to read the prefix ‘experienced’ as the tabloids do with anyone over 25. As a lifelong fan it’s great having a young team and I’m sure they will come good but 3 years without a trophy has been hard to swallow, 4 years would be inexcusable from such a great manager.
Just an insight in the potential Arshavin Transfer. Gazprom the owners of Zenit St Petersberg wh
were thought of as pretty stable, with lots of dosh, however anyone following the finace world have been taking a caning in the stock market with the Russian Stock market losing heavily since the month of August put that with the drop in Oil prices, the Energy company aint the power (excuse the pun)they used to be. Therefore I expect to see the 24 mill they wanted for the Russian playmaker to drop
Therefore i am going to go out on a limb, Arsenal will sign Arshavin in Jan
Wenger did say “No, no and no” when asked about Tevez, Arshavin and Vela going out on loan.
If wenger wants a winger then he should go for: (dont think we need any)
Corzola : villareal
Striker: Rossi : Villareal,
Villa : Valencia
Some players i think we should go for, but dont think we would get any of them:
Corzola : Villareal
Villa : Valencia
Rossi : Villareal (but man U have first right on any transfer.)
Aqulani : Roma
Hennesey : Wolves
Veloso : (sporting)(i think)
(Ashley Youngs brother) – cant remember his 1st name but have seen him play a few times in reserve football, and will be some player. (although we have wiltshire, ramsey, merida who all play in simular positions)
Also
Cheilini – juventus
Metzelder-?
Breno?
arsenal need michael turner from hull who is having a great season and can only get better. robert green from whu who we should be able to get quite cheap. yaya toure from barcelona although will need a big transfer fee and high wages to tempt plus roque sant cruz to get the goals in and around the box. if not turner from hull then possibly hangeland fom fulham. both competent defenders who are also good from set plays in the opposition box. sell eboue, gallas and song. keep the rest of the squad as all youngsters that are showing signs of developement. only question mark then would be over the fitness of the rest and adebayor’s commitment to the club.
Arsene or Arsenal don’t have splash like 100m change the whole team at all. We only need to bring in some ecperience/established player & of course replace some individual in order to compete in BPL or Europe this season & of course prepare them for next season onwards. Definately we need to bring in 1 defending midfield(a must)- Flamini, as this player is aready made & ideal partner for our skipper., 1 center back(a must & replacement)- Gallas is way out of his best & already past it. Its a time to replace him with English centerback, i would like to see Woodgate or Richards to partner Toure in the heart of our defence, 1 winger(replacement) – To replace injury prone Rosicky, Ireally wanted to see Ben Arfa or Quaresma in that position as both can play either side of the wing. This player can switch play with Nasri & 1 striker( replacement)- Adebayor & Bendtner need to go as one is not fit to be in our team & the other one’s heart is not here anymore. For godsake, i just & really wants King Henry back to the Emirates & rule BPL & Europe once again. He can show the boys on how to put the ball into the net & of course can be our quality, quality striker’s coach in future, without doubt. We should keep Ebue as a back rightback. Bring back Sanderos & traore to back our defence line as well. The rest we have to keep.
My dream Arsenal Team :
Manager : Sir Arsene Wenger.
Asst. Manager : Patt Rice.
Skipper : Febregas.
Asst. Skipper : Toure.
Arsenal 11: (4-4-2)
1.Almunia.
3.Sagna.
5.Toure.
26.Woodgate or Richards.
22.Clichy.
7.Ben Arfa or Quaresma.
13.Flamini.
4.Febregas.
8.Nasri.
9.Eduardo.
14.Henry.
Super Subs :
21.Fabianski.
27.Ebue.
20.Djourou.
6.Sanderos.
18.Silvestre or 30.Traore.
16.Ramsey.
2.Diaby or 17.Song.
15.Denilson or 19.Wilshere.
12.Vela.
10.Walcott.
11.Robin.
That’s all we need to compete accordingly in BPL or Europe, baby. Bring it on !!!
Cheers 🙂
what if Wenger doesn’t bring in 1 player? what’ll you do?
in my opinion, we need a winger, a dm, 1 cb. and if possible, an attacking midfielder – Arshavin.
we need to have a bigger squad so that players will fight for their place.
dream on, im seeing all these names like Villa, Ben Arfa, Metzelder.
STOP KIDDING YOURSELFS.
we will buy a 15 year old french boy who still gets a lift to school.
Wenger will disappoint us all once again.
Hello Guys! I hope the talking going on here comes from people with a passion for football (or atleast Arsenal playing style). If not then Shut your stomachs, and stop writing crap comments here, messing up a good blog.
The Real_Gunners ‘s Ideal (January 05) Team:
=======
————–Almunia—————
–Sagna—New1—Djouru—Clichy–
–Walcott–Cesc(c)–New2–Rosicky–
——-Eduardo—Adebayor——-
=======
Subs
—-
Fabianski (GK)
Kolo Toure
Danilson
Nasri
Van Persie
Carlos Vela
Jay Simpson
Wilshire
======
Sale the following:
—-
Bendtner (not good enough)
Eboue (not good enough)
Song (not good enough)
Gallas (not happy)
====
New1 = Hangerland(fulham) or Micar Richards (Man City) or
New2 = Esien (Chelsea) or Inler (Udinese) or Yaya Toure (Barca)
===
Please (Any good samaritan)pass this on to the old man Arsene Wenger) so he can have a look.
I am starting an Arsenal Blog too guys (http://www.real-gunners.blogspot.com)..please support me by visiting, we socialize.
we need Upsan/Cheilini/ Cruz/ A Robben and Alonso now!!!!
Those who say we need a striker are fucking idiots. RvP has 8 goals in the Prem (3rd best in the league), Ade has 7, as well as many assists. With that crap non-creative midfield they can’t do more. We need a fast winger to speed our boring game up, and a tough-tackler midfielder to let us own the middle of the pitch again.
arshavin would be a great signing for us he looks born to play for arsenal creates and scores goals and plays on either wing ,denilson not good enough on a consistant basis to be a first team player same goes for song and diaby ,need experienced quality someone like van bommel or alonso cause now fabregas is out we are in trouble ,arsene needs to make a couple of big signings now to give whole club a lift , go on arsene show us that you do know and save our season and my sanity
A lot of you have no ambition we see our club going down hill and instead of seeing the problem 4 what it is we make excuses. It all started after the unbeaten year when AW start o destroy the team letting the experience people go in exchange for so called youth he has not replace the players like FLAMINY PIRES VIERA HENRY GILBERTO with proven quality what we do is buy cheap and HOPE the kids will become good all at once WILL NOT HAPPEN.
If he likes youth why he is not trying for BENZIMA, or others of that PRICE and QUALITY he does not like youth he is CHEAP
and MU will always satistfy their fans more because their manager does what is best for the team winning trophies and that is the sole purpose of a club
AW has lost the plot.
Can,t u lot read financial reports it,s not Wenger wont spend Wenger can,t spend I buy 40000 commodore not cause i like them better than Porsche Wenger has had no money to spend Arsenal must trade with money earned millionaire owners while not taking out wont put in with the building of the stadium and the development project plus inflated prices of billionaire owners he can,t compete so the only way is find them young & bring them through
we need lennon