lol I agree jeffvip. We do think along those lines because even though it is very frustrating at times, we kind of appreciate the fact that Arsenal do want to be & stay in a good financial position (especially in this economical climate). Also, when we do dip, it helps us not to drop leagues…for all we know, in a few years, one of the other members of the big for will be in a relegation fight…sounds ludicrous now but it has happened to sides in the past! We may not have over the top glory this year but it could be a whole lot worse i guess.

Wenger theory influence us too… lol. Arsenal fans is different compare to other clubs fan bcos we need to think about saving too… This is interesting… I never see fans from the other FC wanna get a cheaper player like what Arsenal fans usually do. No doubt, I admit I’m also one of the many Arsenal’s fans hit hard by Wenger Money Saving Theory.

< ![CDATA[I think players like Ramsey, Denilson, Nasri etc will be world class, we've got to stick with them and let them flourish.

I don't want Arshavin. I'd rather have had SWP or Krankjar and half the price!]]>

< ![CDATA[Yeah...i remember mentioneing K.Toure in the DM role some weeks ago...and like a lot of y'all, think it is worth a go. I do think that even though there has been some drama in the dressing room, he should get a chance there. It will show that AW still has confidence in him; and that would give him a confidence boost. If he feels wanted by AW it can do only good for us because Kolo plays with his heart and gives his all every single time. He's the last member of the invinsibles, so he knows how to win and his experience will be invaluable. And I do think that he has a decent passing game. I'd imagine he won't be that match fit at the mo but even if it isn't all 90 mins, i'd give it a go. I don't think Arsene tried it in pre-season but after the stuff that has been happening behind the scenes, it would be good for everyone. Oh yeah...and even tho having a great shot isn't a primary attribute of a DM, Kolo has a good low shot. Just don't get the feeling Arsene will go down this avenue...but i'd want to see it if no DM comes in during the window.

As for that gossip with Barca...i hope not...i don't think it is true...hopefully the same goes for Diaby. Eboue is the only player i'm not overly bothered about to be honest. Once we replace him. And that Arshavin deal seems to be imminent regardless of the difference in valuation. We've got to keep this squad together no matter what...players like Kolo are leaders...warriors... and actually over 25 yrs of age! I hope Arsene can do it.]]>

I see the question of overpriced english players has appeared again. What about the price of Lennon and Robinson? £1m each for players who were not exactly rubbish? Its very easy to say British players are over priced but you are talking about the highlighted few such as Bent which nobody can understand but if you look at their policy at the time you would get it. What surprises me is that people somehow manage to adopt and tow the Arsenal line on pricing. Tell me, are Arsenal doing so well that we can dictate the pricing policy for the world to follow? I don’t think so in fact it could be said that our penny pinching ways have seen us drop dramatically from grace. The other point is that revenue has upped hugely from year to year n the EPL and this reflects in the pricing it seems that only Arsenal fans and the board do not seem to have managed to grasp this. How long can Arsenal fans continue to live in the past or more importantly accept a board that lives in the past.I would have thought it was obvious that when you are buying players within the wealthiest league in the world they are going to cost more money. The clubs have expectations and want to get the best return. It happens believe it or not that the majority of English players play in England, the EPL is the most expensive and wealthiest league therefore this reflects in the players cost. Values are relative to the club and league they are in. So if Arshavin costs £20m then he is completely over priced but even at £15m he is to. I doubt relatively he is worth any more than £10m so should we sign him will people be saying he is overpriced? The whole English player price thing to me is an ill thought out bandwagon that quite simply allows teams or boards like Arsenal’s to get away with more profiteering.

< ![CDATA[outgoing gossip:

Barca are planning to bid 45m for Cesc and RVP and Inter have added Diaby to their list of targets.

Not sure how likely this is but I wouldn't put it past Barca as it's a regular occurance with Cesc]]>

< ![CDATA[apologies for a couple of mistakes:

While Arshavin maybe not be very small, he is more compact than Modric who looks quite slight in frame.

should be "While Arshavin maybe not be very tall*, he is more compact than Modric who looks quite slight in frame."

Try and keep Gallas until the summer and if we has had enough, replace him too with revenue for qualifying for the CL! (fingers crossed on that one!!!)

should be "Try and keep Gallas until the summer and if he* has had enough, replace him too with revenue for qualifying for the CL! (fingers crossed on that one!!!)"]]>

< ![CDATA[I think the confusion surrounding what Arshavin's agent has said isn't actually that confusing. He said that he isn't in discussions with Arsenal, he has also said something along the lines of "When I get the call from Zenit saying a deal has been done, I will come over and talk about personal negotiations". So basically, when his agent says
"There is no news, no negotiations yet. I represent the player and I can assure you I would know if something had been discussed"
I think he is relating to a personal agreement for the player. I think negotiations are still continuing between the two clubs for the price of him and then the agent will get involved.

On a broader note, should we sign him, I believe he will be a decent aqusition. Time and time again we hear foreign players moaning about the weather etc, well...he's Russian, so that won't be a problem! Your point about his slight frame and comparison with Modric was a little unfair. While Arshavin maybe not be very small, he is more compact than Modric who looks quite slight in frame. His build reminds me of Nasri, and from what I have seen so far, he has been more than capable of dealing with the physical nature of the league. Moreover, when we question whether we need him...yes, I believe so. There is a obvious lack of creativity missing from midfield and although Nasri and RvP are doing well to create chances, we are missing the penetration of Walcott and Rosicky...and Hleb!

However, £20 million for a player soon to be 28 does sound a little steep...especially when he has only played in one league. Yes he has a great Euro 2008, but how many players have had good tournaments, been signed on the basis of that and then failed to deal with the Premier League week in, week out? A figure closer to 12-15 million would sound more reasonable to me.

Many people believe we need a defensive midfielder. A real powerhouse to control the centre of the park. However, as the season has progressed I believe that Denilson, Song or Diaby can fit that role quite well. Flamini never set the world alight in his first few seasons and look at his impact last year?! Therefore, whilst those guys improve in that position, I think it is imperitive to buy a new CB. I really like Gallas as a player, and when at his best, he is definately our best CB. Djourou has impressed me recently but he hasn't faced enough quality opposition for me. Continuing the CB discussion, Kolo hasn't been the same player since his malaria infection in the summer. He has always been clumsy and has given away many silly free-kicks and penaltys (CL semi?? we can moan about it all we want...but if that was Theo being knocked over, we would have cried for a penalty). Therefore, if Kolo wants to stay, then great, he is good back up. But if he is desperate to go, get an inflated price out of Man City and use it to buy someone else. Try and keep Gallas until the summer and if we has had enough, replace him too with revenue for qualifying for the CL! (fingers crossed on that one!!!)

Well...thats a brief summary of my thoughts for the Jan window. I read this article every day but usually don't comment because I know I find it stop after i get going and most people won't bother reading it all. However, if you;ve got this far, feel free to raise any issues and I might start doing a weekly comment....in response to Dev's great articles!]]>

< ![CDATA[I think we could afford to sign one 27 year old to bring a bit of experience and quality to the squad. God knows we have enough talented youth and potential resale value already.

The news is probably a bit hyped up, but its good to see that we are looking at the player seriously after the summer excitment has died down. I think we all know Wenger will not pay £20m for anyone, but if he could knock them down to £12m then I think it would be a decent buy.

I agree that a DMF seems to be a more urgent need. You can't play football in the modern day without one and if you want to win top trophies you need a good one.

If we sign Arshavin he would have to compete for a place against Walcott, Rosicky, Nasri, Cesc, Diaby and Eboue when they are all fit. Then their is the doubt about whether he could adapt quickly or even at all, although I'm fairly confident he would prove his doubters wrong.

If we signed Alonso, Barry or Aquillani they could probably walk straight into the first team after showing marginally more class than Song. I'm not saying any of these players would necessarily be a good signing but a mid-twenties international level DMF for less than £10m would add some great value to the team.

Oh, and I can't beleive we are hearing that Toure might leave. I personally have always rated him and would have had him as captain over Gallas after Henry left. If he leaves and Silvestre continues to be old and mediocre then we have to sign a long term replacement soon (just like we didn't after Veira, Henry and Flamini).]]>

< ![CDATA[Toure is way off the league for a DMF position. I would rather play Song than any member of the team in our DMF position.

From what I ve seen in the team, no one can better song. As for Arshavin, I think his worth being in the team. People talk about his age , but it doesnt really matter. I belief he can adapt to the league if Nasiri can.
That guy is dam too good.]]>