Arsenal must decide if they really want to win, says Cesc Fábregas

[Scott]

Arsenal's policy will pay off sooner rather than later, I think. I'd rather it didn't, but their debt incurred in the Emirates Stadium build has almost been paid off completely now, if it hasn't already; I know it was almost done with recently.

I have, admittedly, been one to mock Arsenal's barren spell in the past, but it seems a lot has been made of Arsenal's 'failings' recently to detract from their own club. Personally, as United fans, I'd be more worried about how they are going to compete financially in the future with Arsenal unless this debt of yours gets cleared up quickly.

When The Debts get too big for the glazers to handle, We shall be saved by a random Billionaire, as you see, we have created this thing called a "brand" which makes us a commercial giant and can stand toe to toe with nay company, football or not in the world. When this billionaire clears our debts, our brand will make us so powerful, with FFP, no-one will be able to compete with Manchester United, and we shall blow everyone out of the water. So Utd fans worried, not in the slightest. We know our club is safe and as much as you or anyone else might protest, deep down you know we shall be fine and dandy.

 

[*Jones*]

When The Debts get too big for the glazers to handle, We shall be saved by a random Billionaire, as you see, we have created this thing called a "brand" which makes us a commercial giant and can stand toe to toe with nay company, football or not in the world. When this billionaire clears our debts, our brand will make us so powerful, with FFP, no-one will be able to compete with Manchester United, and we shall blow everyone out of the water. So Utd fans worried, not in the slightest. We know our club is safe and as much as you or anyone else might protest, deep down you know we shall be fine and dandy.

Madrid, Barca, Liverpool might argue with you about nobody being able to challenge you.

 

[sunilvk7]

Madrid, Barca, Liverpool might argue with you about nobody being able to challenge you.

Madrid, Barca will for sure.

 

[curtis290]

I agree that Szczesny* has been promising, but he didn't play a full season of matches, or even a half season. So assuming we allowed the transfer window to pass us by without making a GK purchase and his inexperience causes poor performances (Probably won't happen, but knowing our luck with Goalkeepers, a feasible occurence), then we'd have the issue of needing a Goalkeeper. Although now with Szczesny looking good I wouldn't put this as our top necessity, but if the opportunity allowed for us to buy Manuel Neuer or Hugo Lloris for example, I'd like the club to make the signing.

Lloris and Neuer would be nice but they'd cost like 30 million, which isn't a good investment considering how promising Szczesny has been, and it would give Arsenal 5 keepers including Lehmann. I don't think it's money well-spent.

Ramsey, Wilshere and Song I agree with. Diaby had a decent stint a while back but seems to have gone back to his old, poor performing self IMO. Denilson I have no time for, I personally think he's garbage. Therefore I think we do need a quality player in this area, though who we should go for I can't say. I know nothing of player's availability.

I've always thought Diaby was a good player with good potential. He has the right tools he just makes bad decisions sometimes, but I think he'll get better with age. Denilson isn't so good but I think people rip on him too much, I think he's a good back-up. The problem is though, of course, if Arsenal went out and bought another DM that would stunt the development of Wilshere and Ramsey and Eastmond, and it would give them too many DM's. More importantly though, who would they buy? I can't think of a single DM Arsenal could afford/would want to have in their lineup. Definitely Vieira a few years ago but that's not a possibility. If you can suggest someone, please do, but I keep hearing about this steely DM who is a great leader that sounds like Vieira and is affordable but I don't know who he is.

RVP, as you've stated, gets injured too often. Bendtner and Chamakh are not of similar quality to him, nor will Vela be next season, though I do have high hopes for the latter. Another class striker would be a good signing, finishing our chances is one of Arsenal's biggest issues, especially when Van Persie is out.

I agree with this part, but I think Wenger doesn't want another striker because he doesn't want to interfere with Bendtner or Vela's development. I do agree though, that since RVP is injured so often, they should go out and get another technically gifted finisher. Because None of their other three strikers are starting quality yet. That being said, who should they buy? I can't think of a skilled finisher that they could afford. It wouldn't be a good investment considering Vela and Bendtner are coming up (and Vela will be that RVP replacement next season I think).

I agree with someone of what you said but all we've come up with is that maybe Arsenal needs a DM, and they possibly need a back-up striker. I don't think they'll need a keeper next year with the 3 they have right now, nor is getting one a realistic possibility. Anyway, I don't think they really need to go out and spend. They're so close to a PL title they can smell it, if it weren't for injuries to players like Vermaelen they would have won it.

RVP is a fantastic player, but the fact that he has never completed a full season in england is a fairly damning indictment of his fitness. And when so much of Arsenals trophy rests on him, quality is needed as cover. Agree about denilson, like a worse version of carrick

For me lack of command and control is apparent and has been for a long time, the fact that Wenger brought back Campbell once and now Lehmann, shows he acknowledges that. but we will see what happens come this summer

Who would you suggest they buy?

 

[CJACKO11]

Lloris and Neuer would be nice but they'd cost like 30 million, which isn't a good investment considering how promising Szczesny has been, and it would give Arsenal 5 keepers including Lehmann. I don't think it's money well-spent.

Neuer's contract runs out in summer 2012 so no way would he cost 30million. He also has International and Champions League expirience so paying what i would think to be near 15million for him would be an absolute steal. Plus he is German and they are born with a winning mentality.

 

[ajt09]

Neuer's contract runs out in summer 2012 so no way would he cost 30million. He also has International and Champions League expirience so paying what i would think to be near 15million for him would be an absolute steal. Plus he is German and they are born with a winning mentality.

Somehow don't think he'll be going to Arsenal though-Bayern Munich more likely

Schalke respect Neuer decision | Football News | Sky Sports

 

[curtis290]

Neuer's contract runs out in summer 2012 so no way would he cost 30million. He also has International and Champions League expirience so paying what i would think to be near 15million for him would be an absolute steal. Plus he is German and they are born with a winning mentality.

Even still, it would be a 15-20 million poorly spent with Szczesny in the ranks. If they're going to drop that kind of money it should be on an LB to replace Clichy if he leaves, or maybe a good finisher to be VP's back-up.

 

[CJACKO11]

Even still, it would be a 15-20 million poorly spent with Szczesny in the ranks. If they're going to drop that kind of money it should be on an LB to replace Clichy if he leaves, or maybe a good finisher to be VP's back-up.

How would it be poorly spent? Arsenal need to win things now not in 2-3-4 years time, that has been the plan for the last 6-7years and that has not worked. Szcznneysyyy (sp) has the potential to be a good keeper, Neuer is already a good keeper. If i had a choice i know who i would pick.

---------- Post added at 05:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:42 PM ----------

Somehow don't think he'll be going to Arsenal though-Bayern Munich more likely

Schalke respect Neuer decision | Football News | Sky Sports

It is proberly the more likely deal but who knows. Until its signed seeled and deliverd (to use a Stevie Wonder song) then anything can happen. I can see him rocking up at Utd still.

 

[ajt09]

If Arsenal wanted an excellent LB for the squad, wouldn't be surprised if they tried to pry away the one and only Leighton Baines. Would be ideal for them. Dead ball specialist, and would lessen somewhat the pressure on the centre backs. Not that I'm biased or anything.

 

[*Jones*]

Madrid, Barca will for sure.

You do realise Liverpool has one of the biggest fan bases around the world? With only United, Barca & Madrid with bigger?

& Scott's post was based on speculation that a Billionaire will come in and wipe the debt...

 

[Redrup]

Lloris and Neuer would be nice but they'd cost like 30 million, which isn't a good investment considering how promising Szczesny has been, and it would give Arsenal 5 keepers including Lehmann. I don't think it's money well-spent.

When talking about buying a keeper for the club, I certainly didn't mean keeping Almunia and Lehmann in our ranks. So really we'd just have 3, though Fabianski would most likely leave being relegated to third choice.

I've always thought Diaby was a good player with good potential. He has the right tools he just makes bad decisions sometimes, but I think he'll get better with age. Denilson isn't so good but I think people rip on him too much, I think he's a good back-up. The problem is though, of course, if Arsenal went out and bought another DM that would stunt the development of Wilshere and Ramsey and Eastmond, and it would give them too many DM's. More importantly though, who would they buy? I can't think of a single DM Arsenal could afford/would want to have in their lineup. Definitely Vieira a few years ago but that's not a possibility. If you can suggest someone, please do, but I keep hearing about this steely DM who is a great leader that sounds like Vieira and is affordable but I don't know who he is.

I also thought Diaby was a player brimming with potential, that was coming on three years ago now. I just think he's not going to get much better than he already is which - unfortunately - is not good enough. About a new defence-minded midfielder instead of Denilson, I'm not entirely sure. Arturo Vidal maybe? He's a good player, versatile and has experience in a physical league with Bayer Leverkusen.

You do realise Liverpool has one of the biggest fan bases around the world? With only United, Barca & Madrid with bigger?

& Scott's post was based on speculation that a Billionaire will come in and wipe the debt...

That wasn't speculation, Scott knows everything that happens about Manchester United past, present and future.

 

[Quasit]

If Arsenal wanted an excellent LB for the squad, wouldn't be surprised if they tried to pry away the one and only Leighton Baines. Would be ideal for them. Dead ball specialist, and would lessen somewhat the pressure on the centre backs. Not that I'm biased or anything.

I agree. Would be ideal signing to replace Clichy. Also we could send Gibbs on loan to Everton for season to sweeten the deal. We have Botelho and Traore coming back so they'll can fight for the nr2 spot.

And about the goalkeeper cant see Neuer or Lloris happening. Steekelenburg on other hand could be the player we need.

 

[ajt09]

I agree. Would be ideal signing to replace Clichy. Also we could send Gibbs on loan to Everton for season to sweeten the deal. We have Botelho and Traore coming back so they'll can fight for the nr2 spot.

Well from what I've been able to read about it so far, Arsenal are lining up a £10 million bid for Baines if Clichy does leave.

 

[curtis290]

How would it be poorly spent? Arsenal need to win things now not in 2-3-4 years time, that has been the plan for the last 6-7years and that has not worked. Szcznneysyyy (sp) has the potential to be a good keeper, Neuer is already a good keeper. If i had a choice i know who i would pick.

---------- Post added at 05:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:42 PM ----------



It is proberly the more likely deal but who knows. Until its signed seeled and deliverd (to use a Stevie Wonder song) then anything can happen. I can see him rocking up at Utd still.

But every decision Wenger makes for the club he thinks about the long-term consequences. Dropping all of that money on a short-term fix for keeper while they have a very promising young keeper (who has proven he is good enough to be Arsenal's number one) would be a bad idea. Especially when they could spend that money on something else.

If Arsenal wanted an excellent LB for the squad, wouldn't be surprised if they tried to pry away the one and only Leighton Baines. Would be ideal for them. Dead ball specialist, and would lessen somewhat the pressure on the centre backs. Not that I'm biased or anything.

Probably would be a good idea, I've heard great things though I don't watch that much Prem so I haven't seen him play much.

When talking about buying a keeper for the club, I certainly didn't mean keeping Almunia and Lehmann in our ranks. So really we'd just have 3, though Fabianski would most likely leave being relegated to third choice.

Well if Neuer isn't coming than there won't be an affordable solution, and whatever money would be spent on a keeper should be spent elsewhere (perhaps on a striker). Szczesny is fine.

I also thought Diaby was a player brimming with potential, that was coming on three years ago now. I just think he's not going to get much better than he already is which - unfortunately - is not good enough. About a new defence-minded midfielder instead of Denilson, I'm not entirely sure. Arturo Vidal maybe? He's a good player, versatile and has experience in a physical league with Bayer Leverkusen.

Vidal sounds good, I know him from FM but have only seen him play a couple times IRL. But how much would he cost? Even if they can't bring in a DM, they have Wilshere and Diaby as starters, who are fine, and Denilson, Ramsey, Eastmond, etc. as backups. Not great, but hey, look at ManU. They have Carrick and Anderson as CM's, and I prefer Diaby to both of them.

If Arsenal gets rid of Clichy they need an LB from somewhere. Other than that I wouldn't be disappointed if there were no reinforcements. I think the current Arsenal squad is talented enough for the title (most definitely if Vermaelen were playing), the problems now are only psychological. The monkey on their back is killing the, which is why that CC loss turned out to be a crushing blow. The players just don't believe, and the pressure and speculation is getting to them. But if they're healthy next season they're talented enough for the title, and if they do it with this squad, without spending on transfers, it will be a truly remarkable achievement. Much more than some guy spending tens of millions, building a super-star squad and winning a trophy playing ugly football.

 

[Mike.]

Lloris and Neuer would be nice but they'd cost like 30 million, which isn't a good investment considering how promising Szczesny has been, and it would give Arsenal 5 keepers including Lehmann. I don't think it's money well-spent.



I've always thought Diaby was a good player with good potential. He has the right tools he just makes bad decisions sometimes, but I think he'll get better with age. Denilson isn't so good but I think people rip on him too much, I think he's a good back-up. The problem is though, of course, if Arsenal went out and bought another DM that would stunt the development of Wilshere and Ramsey and Eastmond, and it would give them too many DM's. More importantly though, who would they buy? I can't think of a single DM Arsenal could afford/would want to have in their lineup. Definitely Vieira a few years ago but that's not a possibility. If you can suggest someone, please do, but I keep hearing about this steely DM who is a great leader that sounds like Vieira and is affordable but I don't know who he is.



I agree with this part, but I think Wenger doesn't want another striker because he doesn't want to interfere with Bendtner or Vela's development. I do agree though, that since RVP is injured so often, they should go out and get another technically gifted finisher. Because None of their other three strikers are starting quality yet. That being said, who should they buy? I can't think of a skilled finisher that they could afford. It wouldn't be a good investment considering Vela and Bendtner are coming up (and Vela will be that RVP replacement next season I think).

I agree with someone of what you said but all we've come up with is that maybe Arsenal needs a DM, and they possibly need a back-up striker. I don't think they'll need a keeper next year with the 3 they have right now, nor is getting one a realistic possibility. Anyway, I don't think they really need to go out and spend. They're so close to a PL title they can smell it, if it weren't for injuries to players like Vermaelen they would have won it.



Who would you suggest they buy?

For which position? command and control i would have brought Samba, alongside TV, Johan and Kos you have 2 quality commandind centrebacks backed up by two young and talented ones; but guess they missed the boat on that

You talk about injuries, well guess what every side has them, United have had 2 defensive crises this season, liverpool have had it, chelsea have etc

Up front, I would be pushing for Rossi or Lavezzi, particularly the latter

They need a left back you'd only have to look at Baines

 

[ajt09]

For which position? command and control i would have brought Samba, alongside TV, Johan and Kos you have 2 quality commandind centrebacks backed up by two young and talented ones; but guess they missed the boat on that

You talk about injuries, well guess what every side has them, United have had 2 defensive crises this season, liverpool have had it, chelsea have etc

Up front, I would be pushing for Rossi or Lavezzi, particularly the latter

They need a left back you'd only have to look at Baines

Mike stop trying to be Baines agent and get him a new club-we need him! lol. Wish I kept me mouth shut now lol

 

[sunilvk7]

Well from what I've been able to read about it so far, Arsenal are lining up a £10 million bid for Baines if Clichy does leave.

10 Million can get Baines's left boot?

 

[Mike.]

Mike stop trying to be Baines agent and get him a new club-we need him! lol. Wish I kept me mouth shut now lol

dont blame me, blame him for being the best left back in the league this season

 

[ajt09]

dont blame me, blame him for being the best left back in the league this season

Yep. Player has a great season, kiss him goodbye for next season (in some cases anyway). Catch 22 i suppose. Just wish he'd be allowed to play more for England sometimes

 

[Mike.]

Yep. Player has a great season, kiss him goodbye for next season (in some cases anyway). Catch 22 i suppose. Just wish he'd be allowed to play more for England sometimes

If it wasnt for the fact we have such a fine defender in Cole ahead of him that position would be his in a heartbeat, but he has enough to push cole out if cole falls out of form