Interesting that Joss. I think he's a bargain for £7m, less so for £10m. Think he'd do well under a decent defensive coach like Clarke and in a settled back four. Might just be leverage for the Enrique deal still. Who were you expecting to be in for him last summer?
Chamberlain offer materialised just as Arsenal began to be linked to Dann. Think that people are getting their negotiating positions lined up again so they don't end up in bidding wars. Can't see us doing anything more than stirring the pot there so you lot pay more for Chamberlain. Think our new owners are fully versed in the dark side of sports transfers. Part of me likes it, part of me doesn't.
He's decent defensively to be fair - He's had zero support from Arshavin, though and he obviously needs to improve his consistency. He's excellent in tight spaces and one-one-one but he certainly lacks concentration at times and has made some costly errors. Decent in the air as well, although not great.
I think Inter or Barca? I'm not sure - just going by what I've heard which was that we expected a bid and didn't get one. Wenger wants to put faith in Gibbs and/or Traore (the latter I'm really not sure about - he's more of a winger at the moment) which is risky considering Gibbs' misfortune with injuries etc.
I think forcing the price up to £10M is exactly what you're saying, really. Making sure our rivals (if you are any more) have to pay top whack for players. We couldn't get any more than £10M - especially since his contract is running out.
Apparently the stumbling block for Arsenal in the Chamberlain deal is Southampton's insistence on a 40% sell-on fee clause, which is ridiculous but Chamberlain wants to move on, and we're not especially likely to give them that much, realistically. Annoying, though as we keep stalling in negotiations for everyone.
Lille want £15M for Gervinho, we're willing to pay £12M. :-|
this summer market is going to be one of the most competitive in a considerable while. Its ugly business, but its a case of "by any means necessary", and when you have less leverage like Liverpool, its almost a necessity. will be happy when its all over mind
This. Last summer before FFP isn't it? So big spending now and then shut up shop - at least for all the big spenders.. Hopefully our finances will mean we can continue to spend when others can't so much! MUHAHAHAHUAHUAHAUHA