2012 Summer Transfers

I don't think we can buy Hazard, Podolski and M'vila. Podolski is already in the bag, for 10m. M'vila will cost around 20m and Hazard around 30m, so it is really one of them not both.

Unless we sell about 7 players, get 25m from them, add 20m from us and buy both (very unlikely I know)

Unlikely but it should be done. We've got Bendtner, Chamakh, Vela, Denilson, and maybe others who we need to sell. Surely we could get 20m for the 4 of them? Losing them plus Squillaci, Almunia and others off the wage bill will create some space there as well.

I mean it won't happen, but it bloody well should.

Maybe mathematically (ala Wenger) it could be done, but I doubt we'll see 8-10 players leave our squad (vela, bendtner, chamakh/park, almunia, fabianski, squillaci, denilson, arshavin)

I still want to be optimistic and say we'll do it.

When you sell 8 players you're also expected to replace them with similar numbers. Selling so many players to sign one big name would be a folly given our history with injuries.

That is right but if you think about it, all these players except arshavin haven't played at all this season, and arshavin has been replaced by Podolski. Miquel to replace squillaci, Sorensen/jasskelainen for fabianski and we already have a better squad.

ralph avedikian wrote:That is right but if you think about it, all these players except arshavin haven't played at all this season, and arshavin has been replaced by Podolski. Miquel to replace squillaci, Sorensen/jasskelainen for fabianski and we already have a better squad.

Very true. How many appearances have Chamakh, Squillaci and Park had for Arsenal this season? I doubt whether they have 10 starts combined. If we were to move on the players on loan that we don't really need as well, like Denilson, Arshavin, Bendtner and Vela, we'll be in a very good position to add quality players to the squad that actually contribute.

That's not to mention Benayoun, who I doubt we'll be keeping next season, much as I like him.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1034944/spurs-target-jan-vertonghen-open-to-arsenal-move?cc=5901

Vertonghen confirms arsenal are one of the clubs he would like to move to. Not sure where he would fit in the team with kos, tv and meet in the middle and gibbs and santos on the left. Would be great cover for injuries, but I doubt next year will be a repeat of this one.

Not that we have been linked with, but Luuk De Jong looks like a very classy player.

Another player we used to be linked with alot and is now languishing at Barcelona - Ibrahim Affelay. He could a great addition to the squad.

Arsene Wenger is looking to bolster his midfield and provide adequate cover after the loss of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

M’Vila has been linked with a host of top clubs in Spain and Italy, but it seems likely that Arsenal will be the ones to sign him.

Rennes coach Frederic Antonetti said: “The logic is that he will be sold in the summer. This is a player who can play for any of the eight big European clubs.

“I spoke with him and he is totally committed to Rennes. He wants to help the club do well and leave with his head held high.”

Arsenal have attempted to buy him before, but the French didn’t want to let him go until after the EURO 2012 championship, looking to cash in more on his services.

http://www.soccerplay.net/rennes-invite-arsenal-to-bid-for-mvila/20301

Would be surprised if we signed M'Vila - can only see that happening if we allow Song to leave.

Meshaal wrote:Not that we have been linked with, but Luuk De Jong looks like a very classy player.

Another player we used to be linked with alot and is now languishing at Barcelona - Ibrahim Affelay. He could a great addition to the squad.

Regarding Luuk De Jong, I don't think Wenger will be in the market for a 21 year old. We have a glut of youngsters waiting for the chance to get a run in the senior side and see whether they are up to it.

Regarding Affelay, it is the kind of recycled player (like Henry, Viera, VDV) that some on here have been calling for. Could be a top class player at a cheap price (comparatively). However, again, he would 'kill' the likes of Miyachi, Oxlade-Chamberlain if he came in, especially if we sign Podolski.

I've never felt that Afellay was particularly better than what we already had.

Zaid Derweesh wrote:I've never felt that Afellay was particularly better than what we already had.

Back then we had Fabregas and Nasri =)

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1037182/ajax's-jan-vertonghen-admits-arsenal-interest?cc=5901

I don't have an opinion about this. There was some talk on here a few days ago regarding him coming in and us having too many CBs. If we do get him, it can open the door for Djourou to leave, or we'll just have a lot of CBs.

Dan Hakim wrote:http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1037182/ajax's-jan-vertonghen-admits-arsenal-interest?cc=5901

I don't have an opinion about this. There was some talk on here a few days ago regarding him coming in and us having too many CBs. If we do get him, it can open the door for Djourou to leave, or we'll just have a lot of CBs.

He would obviously be better than Djourou, but Djourou just signed a new contract, and we sure as hell aren't spending 10mil on a 4th choice CB.

As much as I would like to see him play here, I just don't see this transfer happening. Unless Wenger intends to loan out Coquelin and put him as Backup CB / Backup DM to alternate with Song as well.

Real possibility Villarreal get relegated. If so, anyone suspect a cheeky bid for Rossi? Highly unlikely, but wow what a signing that could be.

Meshaal wrote:

Zaid Derweesh wrote:I've never felt that Afellay was particularly better than what we already had.

Back then we had Fabregas and Nasri =)

Haha, true.


On Rossi, he's a bit of a good player, isn't he?

Isn't Rossi coming off a major injury?

Rossi is good. Very disappointed when he chose to play for Italy over the US. Could have taken us to a whole new level.

Hugo Rodallega is available on a free in the summer , surely he would be a better option off the bench than Chamakh or Park ?

Really interesting piece on Ligue 1's 10 'most wanted' players, most of whom have been linked with us at 1 time or another.

http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/spiro-blog-ligue-1-s-most-wanted.htm


SPIRO BLOG: Ligue 1's most wanted
Ligue 1 > Spiro Blog
22/03/2012

By M. Spiro

France's top flight is renowned as one of Europe's most fertile breeding grounds, attracting perpetual interest from the wealthiest clubs. Matthew Spiro looks at the current crop drawing envious glances from abroad.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini have been among the more high-profile foreigners to visit Ligue 1 grounds in recent weeks. Other clubs send slightly less recognisable representatives to run the rule over the many talents on display. Every summer, we sadly lose two or three of the best players to foreign leagues. Yet French clubs remain the best in the business when it comes to training young players, and as a result there is never a shortage of quality.

This season is no exception.

1. Eden Hazard, 21, Lille attacking midfielder

Ligue 1's Young Player of the Year for two seasons running, the Belgian playmaker won the senior prize last term after inspiring Les Dogues to the league and cup double with seven goals and ten assists. Although Hazard has not been quite so dazzling this term, his stats have improved - he already has 12 goals and nine assists - and his coach Rudi Garcia says he has become a more rounded, mature player.

Strengths: His greatest asset is his ability to do everything at speed. Whether dribbling, passing or finishing, he does not give his opponents time to react.
Weakness: Still tends to drift out of games from time to time.
Best position: Won the double playing left wing but exerts more influence in the central attacking midfield role.
Valuation: Lille have set his price at €40m
Who (reportedly) wants him? PSG, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Internazionale
Where's he most likely to go? Manchester City

>> PLAYER PROFILE



2 Yann M'Vila, 21, Rennes midfielder

A key element in Laurent Blanc's France team, M'Vila plays the midfield holding role with the intelligence of Claude Makelele and the grace of Patrick Vieira. The Rennes youth product reads the play brilliantly and generally distributes the ball in a clean, unfussy and useful way. Although his form has dipped in recent months - possibly due to the fact he has played 100 league games in little more than two-and-a-half seasons - M'Vila will be a serious target for many of Europe's leading clubs this summer.

Strengths: Maturity on the pitch, ability to read the game, passing.
Weakness: Sometimes tries to do too much with Rennes.
Valuation: €25m (or even more if he impresses at EURO 2012)
Who (reportedly) wants him? Real Madrid, Internazionale, Arsenal, Manchester City
Where's he most likely to go? Real Madrid

>> PLAYER PROFILE



3. Hugo Lloris, 25, Lyon goalkeeper

World-class goalkeepers are a rare commodity but the France captain is showing again this season he belongs in that category. The former Nice custodian has already played more than 200 top-flight games but is still waiting to win his first trophy. Unlucky to have joined Lyon at the end of their period of domination, Lloris would love to win one or both of the domestic cups in the next two months before, maybe, trying his luck abroad. OL need to qualify for the Champions League - then convince him to stay.

Strengths: Wonderful reflexes and ability to dominate his penalty area. Calm. Assured.
Weaknesses: Size. He is only 6'1" and has a relatively slender build.
Valuation: €22m
Who (reportedly) wants him? Manchester United, Tottenham
Where's he most likely to go? Nowhere

>> PLAYER PROFILE



4. Loïc Rémy, 25, Marseille striker

Didier Drogba says if a striker can succeed at Marseille he can succeed anywhere. That bodes well for Rémy who has scored 25 goals in 54 league games for OM and is widely recognised as the club's best, most important player. He has reached double figures for Ligue 1 goals in each of the last four campaigns, but has taken his game to a new level this term. Will want to play Champions League football next season - something crisis-hit Marseille might struggle to offer.

Strengths: Runs with the speed and grace of a young Thierry Henry; if Rémy gets a yard on a defender he will not be caught. The timing of his headers is also exceptional.
Weakness: Is learning to make the right runs at the right moments but can still improve.
Best position: Likely to play right wing for France this summer, he is at his most dangerous in the centre forward position.
Valuation: €20m
Who (reportedly) wants him? Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool
Where's he most likely to go? Tottenham

>> PLAYER PROFILE



5. Olivier Giroud, 25, Montpellier striker

Ligue 1's 17-goal top scorer is a leading contender for Player of the Year. The strong, burly centre forward has led Montpellier's attack with a devastating combination of power, intelligence and skill. One season does not make a career, but suggestions he will become 'the next André-Pierre Gignac' are unfair. Giroud's rise from Ligue 2 journeyman to France international has been steady and he his continuing to improve.

Strengths: His aerial prowess, physicality and a surprisingly cultured left foot.
Weakness: He's not the quickest
Valuation: €18m (Montpellier president Louis Nicollin has dismissed reports he has a €10m buyout clause - and even if he did, competition for his signature would drive the price up).
Who (reportedly) wants him? Arsenal, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Napoli, Bayern Munich, Marseille, Valencia, Malaga, Villarreal
Where's he most likely to go? Arsenal

>> PLAYER PROFILE



6. Younes Belhanda, 22, Montpellier midfielder

Nicollin says the Moroccan international is better than Hazard and has "two Ben Arfas and three Nasris in each leg". He is exaggerating. But not that much. Belhanda combines Nasri's ability to jink in to space and drive the team forward with Ben Arfa's technical prowess and is enjoying his first consistent season at the top level.

Strengths: Vision and passing
Weakness: Does not always choose the right option but has made giant strides this season.
Best position: As a number 10 behind the striker
Valuation: €18m
Who (reportedly) wants him? Internazionale, Arsenal, PSG, Lyon, Marseille, Borussia Dortmund
Where's he most likely to go? PSG

>> PLAYER PROFILE



7. André Ayew, 22, Marseille winger

It says much about the Ghanaian's dedication that he turned down the chance to have a shoulder operation earlier this year in order to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations and then help Marseille's quest for silverware. His shoulder pops out on a regular basis and needs to be painfully jerked back in place, yet Ayew just grits his teeth and gets on with it. Thanks to his father (Abedi Pelé) and brother (Jordan), André has a strong attachment to Marseille - the fans must hope that is enough.

Strengths: His attitude is superb, his work rate exemplary. Ayew is athletic and has the ability to score important goals, often with headers.
Weakness: He has a powerful left foot but his shooting can let him down. \
Best position: On the left of a midfield three, driving forward. But often used on the wing.
Valuation: €16m
Who (reportedly) wants him? Internazionale, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sunderland, Anzhi
Makhachkala
Where's he most likely to go? Nowhere

>> PLAYER PROFILE



8. Marvin Martin, 24, Sochaux midfielder

Sochaux's recent resurgence has coincided with an upturn in Martin's form. Like his club, the France midfielder has not had an easy season. He has been criticised for failing to exert enough influence. Yet the technically assured Martin, who contributed 17 assists last season as Sochaux finished fifth, raises his game when surrounded by better players. His sparkling performances with Les Bleus have shown that.

Strengths: Ability to pass quickly. Balance. Vision. Dead-ball delivery. Unselfish attitude.
Weakness: Not especially strong in the tackle
Best position: Central playmaker behind two forwards. He has also played well for France as part of a three-man midfield.
Valuation: €14m
Who (reportedly) wants him? Arsenal, Marseille, Bordeaux, Fiorentina
Where's he most likely to go? Marseille

>> PLAYER PROFILE



9. Mathieu Debuchy, 26, Lille right-back

Some people are surprised to hear that Europe's top clubs are eyeing the tenacious full back. I'm only surprised Debuchy was not targeted sooner. He was brilliant in Lille's double season, providing energy, thrust and bags of determination on the right flank. The Lille youth product, who has played more than 200 league games, also shone on his full international debut against Germany last month, setting up both France's goals.

Strengths: His tireless engine, link-up play going forward and superb crossing
Weakness: Occasionally gets caught out of position
Valuation: €10m
Who (reportedly) wants him? Bayern Munich, Valencia, Manchester United
Where's he most likely to go? Valencia

>> PLAYER PROFILE



10. Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, 22, Montpellier centre-back

Despite his young age, the athletic defender from the Central African Republic has already played 160 league games and is club captain. Phenomenal in a one-on-one situation, strikers never get the better of the pacy and highly competitive stopper. Montpellier will be hoping the possibility of leading the club in to the Champions League next season will be enough to keep him on board.

Strengths: Strong in the air. Fierce in the tackle. Anticipates well.
Weakness: Still prone to lapses in concentration
Valuation: €8m
Who (reportedly) wants him? Lyon, Newcastle, Arsenal, Bayern Munich
Where's he most likely to go? Newcastle

Arsene was ahead of the trend picking players from Ligue 1. Clairefontaine is an impressive production line. There are so many french players around the top leagues in Europe.

It's funny how Arsenal are linked to 8 out of those 10. Maybe Wenger looks more to Germany now for some reason.

Jonathan Prendergast wrote:Arsene was ahead of the trend picking players from Ligue 1. Clairefontaine is an impressive production line. There are so many french players around the top leagues in Europe.

It's funny how Arsenal are linked to 8 out of those 10. Maybe Wenger looks more to Germany now for some reason.

probably because their national side and their younger (21's etc) sides are much better right now....

Marvin Martin will be a good addition. He's been really good this season, and he's in Sochaux so probably will leave the club for a bigger one.